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Environmental Consequences <br />Evaluation Methods <br />Ten KOP locations in the vicinity of the project area, as shown on Figure 3, were established to <br />evaluate the potential effects from the Proposed Action on the local viewsheds. These locations <br />all represent high sensitivity areas in the vicinity of the project. As part of the visual impact <br />assessment study, view shed analyzes were completed in association with each KOP to <br />determine areas where the proposed project may be visible. View shed analysis modeling does <br />not account for vegetation and its screening effects, but does give a general perspective on <br />locations that may have views of the Proposed Action. <br />In addition to the view shed analysis, visual contrast ratings based on field observations were <br />completed for each KOP location. Visual contrast ratings are used as a guide to identify the level <br />of contrast that could be created between a Proposed Action and the existing landscape. <br />Evaluation Results <br />Table 7 summarizes the locations and general information related to each KOP identified for the <br />project area, identifies existing VRM conditions, and briefly describes anticipated effects related <br />to the Proposed Action. The locations of all 10 KOPs are shown on Figure 3. Based upon the <br />modeling, six KOP locations (KOPs 1,2,3,4.2,4.3, 4.5) and adjacent areas would have some view <br />of activities associated with the analysis area. <br />The majority of the proposed gravel pit expansion may be partially or fully screened by <br />vegetation or topography at short distances from the site and along the Sale Barn trail. <br />Expansions to the length of the existing pit berm would be expected to occur as part of the <br />Proposed Action, although the height of the berm should not increase. These modifications <br />would result in horizontal and sloping lines, forms, and colors, similar to currently modified <br />character of the area as observed at KOP sites 4.3 and 4.5. Vegetative removal in the analysis <br />area would be slightly visible from KOPs 1, 2, and 3, but should not attract significant attention <br />or dominate the landscape in these locations. <br />The pit expansion as currently planned is proposed to occur within 100 feet of KOP 4.2 on the <br />Sale Barn Trail. This activity is expected to attract significant attention from trail users and <br />contrast sharply with current conditions at this site. VRM Class III objectives are not expected to <br />be met at this location or the immediate vicinity without implementation of mitigation as <br />described below <br />In summary, the overall level of visual impact to the existing environment would be relatively <br />minimal and is expected to meet VRM Class objectives throughout the majority of the project <br />area, with the exception of the area around KOP 4.2. The visual changes created by the Proposed <br />Action at this location would be most evident to recreational trail users in the Grandview Ridge <br />area, due to their proximity to the project and concern for maintaining the natural scenic <br />environment. From nearby residential communities and major travel roads, the visual contrasts <br />from the Proposed Action would be perceived as incremental and minimal, compared to existing <br />conditions. <br />Grandview Gravel Pit Expansion Environmental Assessment 38