Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.14. Aesthetics
flood protection. The proposed levees along Highway 37 and Reclamation Road
would be approximately 12 feet high, and the visual intrusion resulting from their
construction is expected to be high. These levees would not, however,
significantly alter the existing character of the site in that they would not
represent a more urban development. The levees, though prominent, would be
consistent with the rural and agricultural character of the site and surrounding
area, and would support vegetation consistent with their rural surroundings.
As previously noted, motorists are the primary viewers of the Project site and
roadway travelers generally have fleeting views, tending to focus on roadway
conditions and not on surrounding scenery. Although motorists on Reclamation
Road would have a slightly higher sensitivity to changes in the visual character
of the project site than motorists on Highway 37 or Lakeville Highway, the
restoration activities under the Full-Tidal Alternative are not expected to
substantially depart from the existing visual character of the site. This impact is
considered less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Impact AE-4: Permanent Obstruction of Existing Public
Views of the Project Site
Proposed Project
The existing public views of the Project site in the project vicinity include
roadway views of the agricultural fields, hunt club facilities, and utility
infrastructure south of the SMART rail line.
The new levee built parallel to the SMART rail line would extend approximately
8 feet above the existing SMART railroad grade in places (the rail line elevation
varies from 0-12 feet above sea level). Due to its height, the new levee would
obstruct portions of existing views from Reclamation Road, Highway 37, and
Lakeville Highway. Unobstructed views would be available from the proposed
Bay Trail alignment on the levee, and from the optional uplands spur trail, if
built.
The users of Reclamation Road are limited in number. The dominant views of
the foreground agricultural fields will be maintained with the project. Thus, the
blockage of the long-range views is not considered a significant impact,
particularly in light of the trails included in the project which will provide
unobstructed public viewing opportunities (of which there are none on the site at
present).
Similarly, the views of motorists or bicyclists along Lakeville Highway and
Highway 37 are dominated by the agricultural fields along the roadways
themselves with the adjacent hill topography of Cougar Mountain, the Marin
hills, and across San Pablo Bay, the East Bay hills. Given the existing railroad
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.14-9
April 2012