Black Nubble Wind Farm Section 6 Visual Impact Assessment Prepared by Terrence J. DeWan & Associates Landscape Architects Yarmouth, Maine Black Nubble Wind Farm Page 6-i Section 6. Visual Impact Assessment Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 1 2.0 DATA COLLECTION........................................................................................... 6 3.0 PROJECT STUDY AREA ..................................................................................... 8 3.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 8 3.2 Regional Description........................................................................................ 10 3.3 Landscape within Fifteen Miles of the Project ................................................. 13 3.3.1 Landform................................................................................................... 15 3.3.2 Water Bodies............................................................................................. 16 3.3.3 Vegetation................................................................................................. 19 3.3.4 Cultural Features....................................................................................... 19 4.0 SCENIC RESOURCES WITHIN THE VIEWSHED.......................................... 21 4.1 Visible from Scenic Resources / DEP Field Evaluation Checklist................... 21 4.2 Closest Distance to Similar Activity................................................................. 39 4.3 Closest Distance to Public Facility Intended for a Similar Use........................ 39 4.4 Seasonal Visibility............................................................................................ 39 4.5 Use of Resources by the Public ........................................................................ 40 5.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................41 5.1 Wind Turbines .................................................................................................. 41 5.2 Project Lighting ................................................................................................ 43 5.3 Summit Roadways ............................................................................................ 43 5.4 Access Roads.................................................................................................... 44 5.5 Electrical Collection System............................................................................. 44 5.6 34.5 kV Collection Line.................................................................................... 45 5.7 Substation.......................................................................................................... 45 5.8 115 kV Transmission Line................................................................................ 45 5.9 Meterorological Towers.................................................................................... 46 5.10 Laydown Areas................................................................................................. 47 5.11 Maintenance Facility......................................................................................... 47 5.12 Crane Pads and Crane Assembly Areas............................................................ 47 6.0 VISUALIZATIONS ............................................................................................. 48 6.1 Visualizations.................................................................................................... 48 6.2 3D Model Methodology.................................................................................... 50 6.3 Cross Sections................................................................................................... 52 Black Nubble Wind Farm Page 6-ii Section 6. Visual Impact Assessment 7.0 AFFECTED POPULATION / USER EXPECTATIONS .................................... 53 7.1 Introduction....................................................................................................... 51 7.2 1994 Intercept Surveys ..................................................................................... 55 7.2.1 Hikers........................................................................................................ 55 7.2.2 Hunters...................................................................................................... 56 7.2.3 Local Residents......................................................................................... 56 7.2.4 Skiers......................................................................................................... 57 7.2.5 Snowmobilers ........................................................................................... 57 7.3 2003/2004 Hiker Surveys ................................................................................. 58 7.3.1 Overview................................................................................................... 59 7.3.2 Hikers Survey............................................................................................59 7.3.3 Visualizations............................................................................................ 60 7.3.4 Respondent Characteristics....................................................................... 60 7.3.5 Assessment of Visual Impact.................................................................... 61 7.4 Searsburg Community Acceptance Study ........................................................ 63 8.0 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................... 65 8.1 Summary of Impacts......................................................................................... 65 8.2 Assessment........................................................................................................ 73 8.3 Compliance with LURC Section 10.25 Scenic Character Standards ............... 77 8.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 82 9.0 MITIGATION STRATEGIES..............................................................................84 9.1 Wind Turbines .................................................................................................. 84 9.1.1 Site Selection and Planning ...................................................................... 84 9.1.2 Design ....................................................................................................... 85 9.1.3 Construction.............................................................................................. 85 9.2 Access Road Network....................................................................................... 86 9.3 34.5 kVCollection Line..................................................................................... 90 9.4 Substation.......................................................................................................... 90 9.5 115 kV Transmission Line................................................................................ 90 9.6 Maintenance Facility......................................................................................... 91 9.7 Management and Maintenance ......................................................................... 91 9.8 Public Contact and Education........................................................................... 92 9.9 Black Nubble Only Alternative ........................................................................ 92 10.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 95 Black Nubble Wind Farm Page 6-iii Section 6. Visual Impact Assessment List of Figures Figure 6-1 Natural Regions of Maine............................................................................ 12 Figure 6-2 Study Area ................................................................................................... 14 Figure 6-3 MDEP Visual Evaluation Field Survey Checklist....................................... 24 Figure 6-4 Representative Cross Section for Summit Roads on the East Side of Black Nubble .......................................................................... 89 List of Tables Table 6-1 Comparison of Visual Characteristics ........................................................... 2 Table 6-2 Lakes and Ponds within the Study Area...................................................... 17 Table 6-3 Recreational Users....................................................................................... 54 Table 6-4 Summary of Visual Impacts ........................................................................ 66 List of Appendices Appendix A – Characteristic Viewpoint Maps Map 6-1 Study Area Map and Key Map 6-2 Characteristic Viewpoints from Lakes, Ponds, and Roads Map 6-3 Characteristic Viewpoints from Lakes, Ponds, and Roads Map 6-4 Characteristic Viewpoints from Lakes, Ponds, and Roads Map 6-5 Hiking Trails East and North of BNWF Map 6-6 Hiking Trails West and South of BNWF Map 6-7 Views from the Appalachian Trail Map 6-8 Views from the Appalachian Trail Map 6-9 Views from the Appalachian Trail Black Nubble Wind Farm Page 6-iv Section 6. Visual Impact Assessment Appendix B – Visualizations Visualization 6-1 View from Bald Mountain Visualization 6-2 View below AT on North Summit of Crocker