Pre-Filed Testimony and Exhibits of David Raphael - Vermont Public ...

Aesthetic Assessment of the Proposed Beaver Wood Biomoss Facility
2. The Quechee Analysis
experiences is dependent upon the ...
provision
of aesthetically pleasing landscapes
and the degree to which the environment has been altered by human activity” (p. 94).
It continues to identify some areas with scenic quality such as the Clarendon Gorge
State Forest, as well as scenic roads including Vermont Route 30. However, the Plan
does not identify the Project site as a scenic resource, nor does it contain specific
provisions that would preclude development on the site due to its scenic quality.
Moreover, there are no guidelines or standards specific to the aesthetics of energy
generation other than to “Work with towns to find the most suitable locations for
wind power production or other commercial scale power generation” (p. 132).
This is an important consideration, since the Town of Fair Haven has loosely
identified scenic views in its Town Plan, which do not include the Project site:
Two major features dominate Fair Havens landscape: the foothills of (lie Green
Mountains and the Poultney River Valley. Much of Fair Havens rural character and
appeal results from the scenic vistas that can he observed in many parts of the town and
include an interplay of villages, nioun tains, forested hills, unbroken ridge lines, farms,
fields, rivers, streams, ponds and wood lands. Fair Haven is also fortunate to have many
tree-lined streets in its village and along its outlying roads. Trees provide shade, beauty
and habitat; can serve as food sources, and reduce air and noise pollution. They also can
increase property values as much as 10%. Species in Fair Haven include the stately sugar
maple (p. 41).
Policies to protect scenic views include:
Identify, protect and preseroe important natural and historic features of the Vermont
landscape, including significant natural and fragile areas; outstanding water resources,
including lakes, rivers, aquifers, shorelines; wetland; outstanding land resources
including significant scenic roads, views; and the quality of air, and encourage and
strengthen agriculture and forest indus tries...” (p. 46)
However, there are no other specifically identified scenic areas, nor are there any
clearly defined criteria, standards, or guidelines to implement these broad goals, or
that limit or strictly prohibit industrial development. Moreover, the Town Zoning
has identified this area as an Industrial District, the purpose of which is “To al]ow for
light and heavy industry such as slate or stone works, machine shops, textile
manufacture, laundry and dry cleaning plants or similar operations as described in
the Table of Uses. These areas are separated from residential and natural areas to
minimize use conflicts” (p. 13).
In conclusion, the applicable Regional and Town plans do not contain “clear, written
community standards intended to preserve the aesthetics or scenic beauty of the
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