Condit Dam Removal Condit Dam Removal - Access Washington

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Condit Dam Hydroelectric Project Final Supplemental EIS 4.10 AESTHETICS AND SCENIC RESOURCES This section evaluates Aesthetics and Scenic Resources that could be affected as a result of the proposed action. Recreational impacts and mitigation measures were addressed in previous FERC documents and are not addressed in this section. Other discussions related to aesthetics and scenic resources are included in Land Use/Critical Areas (Section 4.9) and Aquatic Resources (Section 4.3). A previous document entitled Condit Hydroelectric Project Visual Analysis (PacifiCorp 1991), prepared in conjunction with the FERC NEPA environmental process, is used as a reference for the analysis in this document. The previous documents followed the USFS Visual Management System, Existing Visual Conditions (EVC) evaluation procedure. This method is used in this document. 4.10.1 Affected Environment For the proposed action, the affected area analyzed is the area from Northwestern Lake (reservoir), extending about 1.8 miles from the dam to approximately the Northwestern Lake Road bridge. Other aesthetic and scenic resources in the vicinity include the Lower White Salmon National Wild and Scenic River area upstream of the reservoir and the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, which extends over virtually the entire proposed action area. The EVC evaluation procedure involves a comparison of the natural appearing landscape with degrees of differences in landscape alteration. Landscapes are classified into six types (Table 4.10-1). Table 4.10-1 Existing Visual Condition Types Type I Areas in which only ecological change has taken place except for trails needed for access. They appear to be untouched by human activities. Type II Areas in which changes in the landscape are not visually evident to the average person unless pointed out. They are normally not noticed. Type III Areas in which changes in the landscape are noticed by the average forest visitor, but they do not attract attention. The natural appearance of the landscape still remains dominant. They appear to be minor disturbances. Type IV Areas in which changes in the landscape are easily noticed by the average forest visitor and may attract some attention. Type V Areas in which changes in the landscape are strong and are obvious to the average forest visitor. These changes stand out as a dominating impression of the landscape. They appear to be major disturbances. Type VI Areas in which changes in the landscape are in glaring contrast to the natural appearance. Almost all forest visitors would be displeased with the effect. They appear to be drastic disturbances. Source: USFS 1980 The 2002 Final SEIS evaluated key areas along the reservoir. These areas included the Condit Dam and Forebay Boat Ramp, the Reservoir Shoreline, and Northwestern Lake Park (Figures 4.10-1 through 4.10-10 show the general areas). Condit Dam/Forebay Boat Ramp The dam is visible from the forebay boat ramp area, which is about 500 feet north of the dam. Public access is currently available to the dam via Powerhouse Road. Public access to the 4.10-1
Condit Dam Hydroelectric Project Final Supplemental EIS boat ramp, a small turnaround, and a parking area is off of Powerhouse Road. Views in all directions around the dam are predominantly natural and were classified as Type IV. An EVC rating of III was assigned to the boat ramp area because of the presence of the dam and a nearby residence. The boat launch itself received a rating of Type IV because of the naturally-appearing portions of the lake. Figures 4.10-1 through 4.10-3 show the area around the dam. Reservoir Shoreline The reservoir shoreline is visible from a number of residences and viewpoints along both sides. Approximately 35 percent of the reservoir shoreline contains seasonal residences, including private residences and cabins leased from PacifiCorp. Most of the reservoir shoreline was classified as Type 1 and II except near the areas of residential development, which were classified as Type IV and V. Figures 4.10-4 through 4.10-7 were taken in the Ellis Road vicinity (east side of reservoir) and from the opposite (west) side. Northwestern Park/Northwestern Lake Bridge Northwestern Park is situated just south of the Northwestern Lake Bridge. It is maintained by PacifiCorp although kiosk information also is provided by USFS. The park, which generally blends into the landscape and is rustic in appearance, has restrooms, a changing facility for water-related activities, wooden tables, a picnic area, a boat launch and deck, and other park amenities. From the bridge or lake surface the park was classified as a combination of Type III and IV. Figures 4.10-8 through 4.10-10 were taken from the bridge. 4.10.2 Impacts Pre-Dam Removal, Dam Breaching and Removal, and Post-Removal Management The Proposed Action would change the visual character and the EVC types for the reservoir area from the dam to the Northwestern Lake bridge. The dam would no longer be in place and the White Salmon River would generally return to its former stream canyon channel that existed prior to dam construction as a free flowing stream. The reservoir views would be lost and replaced by views of a stream corridor. Because the White Salmon River downstream from the dam is in a deep canyon and not as visible as the reservoir, short-term aesthetic and scenic resources impacts to the area below the dam would be minimal. Condit Dam/Forebay Boat Ramp The area around the dam and the boat ramp would resemble a stream corridor over time. However, initially, the area currently impounded in the reservoir would not be vegetated and some sediments would remain along the former reservoir and along the stream until they are eventually washed downstream as part of a free-flowing stream. The time frame could range from a few months for sediment settling and dispersal to a year or more until vegetation is reestablished. Dam removal would result in impacts to views along the canyon slopes but would be less noticeable here than other areas along the reservoir. The current Forebay Boat 4.10-2
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Condit Dam Removal Final SEPA Suppl
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March 23, 2007 Dear interested part
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Contents Public Meetings Response P
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Contents Individuals Individuals A-
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