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Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

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California Department of Fish and Game<br />

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<br />

Section 3.14. Aesthetics<br />

levee, the views across the southern part of the project are already blocked at<br />

grade. Overall given the mobile character of views along these roadways and the<br />

preservation of the dominant features, the new levee will not be a noticeable<br />

change in aesthetic appreciation of roadway travel and is thus less than<br />

significant.<br />

Conclusion: Less Than Significant.<br />

Full-Tidal Alternative<br />

This alternative would result in the creation of similar structures described for the<br />

Project, with the exception of the levee design and the omission of the wetland<br />

priority area berm north of the rail line. The Full-Tidal Alternative would restore<br />

the area south of Highway 37 to tidal wetlands, and would not require the berm.<br />

Levee design would differ in that it would be widened to accommodate the rail<br />

line and Bay Trail on top, and additional levee would be constructed along<br />

Highway 37 and Reclamation Road for flood control purposes.<br />

Due to similarities in design and location, the permanent obstruction of views<br />

associated with the rail line levee would have similar significant and unavoidable<br />

impacts as described for the Project.<br />

In addition, theThe new levees located along Highway 37 and Reclamation Road<br />

would extend approximately 12 feet above the existing road grade and would<br />

further obstruct views into the tidal area from these roadways. If built, these<br />

levees would contribute further to a significant impact on existing views.<br />

The primary determinant of change in views is the height of the new levees,<br />

which are designed to protect the adjacent roadways and rail line from tidal flows<br />

introduced into the site. Since levee height is designed for flood protection,<br />

lowering the levees is not considered feasible. This impact is therefore<br />

considered significant and unavoidable.<br />

Conclusion: Significant and Unavoidable.<br />

Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration<br />

Project Final <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong><br />

Report/<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong> <strong>Statement</strong><br />

3.14-10<br />

April 2012

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