Table Mountain Wind Proposal

Table Mountain Wind ProposalJean Field Office

Project InformationProponent: Table Mountain Wind Co., LLCProject Specifics: ROW grant to use BLM administered lands for construction, operation and maintenance of wind turbine field and ancillary facilities including a substation, distribution lines, access roads, and meteorological towers. Project Authorization Term: 25-year term ROW which can be renewed indefinitely. The EIS analyzes 25-year term.Project Area

Original Proposal250 Wind Turbines across Wilson Pass, Shenandoah Peak, and Table MountainTransmission LinesAccess RoadSubstation

Revised Proposal88 Wind Turbines on Table Mountain onlyFewer associated transmission linesOne access road to plateauSubstation

Proponent ProposalVRM Classes for the Area

Key Observation PointHighway SR-161 between I-15 and Sandy Valley Road is the main roadway to be influenced by the proposal.

Field of View from a Moving Observation Point Based on SpeedKey Observation Point: Beginning

Key Observation Point: Middle

Key Observation Point: End

Key Observation Point Video

Visual Contrast RatingThe current proposal with suggested mitigations can meet the objectives of VRM Class III.The current proposal with suggested mitigations does not appear to meet the objectives of VRM Class II.If the project area is amended to VRM Class III or IV it appears the objectives of either VRM class can be reasonably reached.Design StrategiesRelocate SubstationOption #1:Topographically shielded placementAdjacent powerline can still be utilizedPlace powerlines coming down the plateau slopes in drainage features to shield visibilityUnderground powerlinesOption #2:Top of plateau recessed from ridgeline viewFollow access and existing powerline ROWs for transmission. New powerline construction limited to plateau area where they are not visible from KOPUnderground powerlines

Design StrategiesChange Wind Turbine color to light grey to diminish visibilityColor all ancillary facilities and power poles to blend with surroundingsRidgeline Turbine PlacementRecess from ridgeUse smaller turbines in ridgeline rowReduce number of turbines in ridgeline rowEliminate turbines ridgeline rowUtilize interim reclamation practices for disturbances and minimize access road after initial construction

Proponent ProposalDesign Strategy Result

SummaryDesign strategies would meet VRM Class II and Class III objectivesVRM Class III Area: Proposed project does not dominate the view of the casual observer from the Key Observation PointVRM Class II Area: Proposed project may be seen but will not attract attention of the casual observer from the Key Observation Point