I-10 Twin Peaks Traffic Interchange, Environmental Assessment

Affected Environment and Environmental Impacts October 2005
segments of the project area within the Arizona Department of Transportation’s
right-of-way to determine the invasive species present within the segment, treat
these species prior to construction in accordance with the Section’s invasive
species management plan, and continue any necessary treatments following
construction completion.
The contractor would clean all earth-moving and hauling equipment prior to its
entering the construction site to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Additional invasive species mitigation, if needed, would be developed during final
design using the invasive species survey. All disturbed soils would be seeded
using native species to help prevent the reestablishment of invasive species.
Conclusion
As a result of the implemented mitigation measures, the preferred alternative
would not assist in the spread of invasive species.
Visual Resources
The complete results of the visual resource investigations are presented in the
document Interstate 10 Traffic Interchange at Twin Peaks/Linda Vista Visual
Impact Analysis Report, dated February 5, 2004. Readers are referred to this report
for the detailed findings; however, the results are summarized below.
In a roadway improvement project, visual resources are considered from two
perspectives: 1) the view from the roadway to motorists; and, 2) the view of the
roadway to the surrounding community. Visual resources and effects to these
resources are defined by identifying key views and considering community goals
and preferences.
Community goals and preferences are established in planning documents that
address protection of visual resources. Two Town of Marana planning documents,
the Town of Marana General Plan Update (November 2002) and the Park, Trail,
and Open-Space System Master Plan (July 2000), address visual resources. The
General Plan provides overall direction for future growth and development. While
the General Plan does not dictate parcel-level land use decisions, it integrates land
use, resource conservation, transportation, economic development, and public
facilities and services into a comprehensive and coordinated strategy. Although the
General Plan expresses clear goals of protection of significant scenic value
viewsheds, no specific policies or strategies to address transportation facilities are
included. Marana’s Park Plan was developed to accomplish several goals, one of
which was to protect significant natural open space areas. The Park Plan describes
open space areas like the Tortolita Mountains, Saguaro National Park (SNP), and
unique biological communities such as the Santa Cruz River riparian area and the
Tortolita Fan Ironwood Forest as important visual resources valued by the
community.
Interstate 10 Traffic Interchange at
Twin Peaks/Linda Vista
4-41
Project No.: NH-010-D (AIW)
TRACS No.: 10 PM 236 H5838 01D