2021-05-03_REVISION - M1997054 (6)

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Chapter 3 Issues Analysis the overall visual impact. The proposed haul road would appear at the base of the proposed Sale Area but would be weakly visible. Once the proposed Sale Area has been reclaimed and the vegetation has established, the shape, contour, and contrast of the area compared to the surrounding natural landforms would be visible from KOP 5, but would unlikely attract attention. Visual impacts from KOP 2 would also be high. The proposed Sale Area would be in the immediate foreground from KOP 2 for those traveling east on Highway 50. However, impacts would not be visible until approximately Phase 3, because the hillside immediately to the north of KOP 2 would obstruct views to Phases 1 and 2. Visual impacts from KOP 2 would be reduced due to the implementation of concurrent reclamation. It is unlikely that the proposed haul road would be visible from KOP 2. Once the proposed Sale Area has been reclaimed and the vegetation has established, the shape, contour, and contrast of the Sale Area compared to the surrounding natural landforms would be visible from KOP 2, but would unlikely attract attention. Due to the “mine from behind” approach to the proposed Sale Area, the predominate hillsides between KOP 1 and the proposed Sale Area would block a majority of the views of the proposed Sale Area for those traveling west on Highway 50. Mining Phases 1 and 2 would not be visible for passing motorists, while Mining Phases 3 through 5 would only be slightly noticeable, due to the alterations of the ridgeline from this vantage point. It is unlikely that the proposed haul road would be visible from KOP 1. The changes in the ridgeline of the proposed Sale Area would be noticeable to those familiar with the area; motorists passing through would not be aware of the mining operation taking place on the backside of the ridge. Visual impacts from KOP 4 would be similar to those of KOP 1. The proposed Sale Area would be in the immediate foreground from KOP 4 for recreationists gathering at the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Parkdale site. Visitors here are likely to spend some time at this location, whether they are organizing gear and preparing to put their rafts or kayaks into the river, using the restroom facilities, or taking their rafts/kayaks out of the river. Similar to the vantage point from KOP 1, the mining impacts from KOP 4 would not be visible until approximately Phase 3. The hillsides immediately north of KOP 4 would obstruct views to Phases 1 and 2. It is unlikely that the proposed haul road would be visible from KOP 4. Once the proposed Sale Area has been reclaimed and vegetation has established, the shape, contour, and contrast of the Sale Area compared to the surrounding natural landforms would be visible from KOP 4, but would unlikely attract attention. Visual impacts from KOP 3 would be similar as those from KOP 1 and KOP 4. For those recreating in the Arkansas River, mining and reclamation activities would not be noticeable until Mining Phases 3 through 5. The ridgelines on Cactus Mountain would be altered during Mining Phases 3 through 5, resulting in minor to moderate impacts to visual resources. While the shape, contour, and topography of Cactus Mountain would be altered during the mining and reclamation phases, it is unlikely that these changes would attract attention from recreationists in the Arkansas River at KOP 3. Parkdale Quarry Expansion Project Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-65