Appendix C Visual Analysis Information C-1
Table C-1. Summary of Visual Resource Contrast Rating Analysis at Key Observation Points. VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After BLM-1 Dolores River Overlook 694309 4186550 82-178 Foreground/ Middle / Background 5 minutes or longer Walking, standing or picnicking at the overlook High (foreground/ middle/ background) Existing: A feature landscape highlighting the dramatic Dolores River Canyon. Foreground views consist of native vegetation; the main view of the river and the canyon rim lie in the middleground, and the distant San Juan Mountains are often visible in the background. Other than primitive development at the overlook, the landscape has not been substantially altered. Desired: Landscape values should be retained. Valued landscape character appears intact and unaltered, with minor deviation. Deviations may be present but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such Moderate. Helicopter and seismic equipment activity on the canyon rim would be visible to visitors in the middle-ground in the short term. Pedestrian receiver placement in the canyon bottom may be partially visible to visitors in the middle-ground in the short-term. No change. Following project completion, no changes would be visible. Not Consistent. Changes would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of High would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased, the SIO designation of High would be met. Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Moderate in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape a scale that they are not evident. Human activities should not be evident to the casual visitor. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After BLM-2 County Rd 15 696190 4180412 102-310 Foreground/ Middle / Background 3 minutes or less Car on Cty Rd 15 Low (immediate foreground within 800 feet of road) High (foreground beyond 800 feet/ middle/ background) Existing: Panoramic landscape views across BLM and private lands to background features visible on clear days. Native vegetation occurs on foreground BLM lands. Middle ground/ background private lands are primarily agricultural. The fore- and middleground landscape has been partially altered by CR 15 and CO 2 well pads and associated infrastructure. Moderate. Helicopter activity and seismic equipment would be visible in the middleground (High SIO area) in the short term. No change. No long-term changes are expected for the foreground / middleground/ background views. Not Consistent. Changes in the middleground/background during project activities would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of High would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased, the SIO designation of High would be met. Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Moderate in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation. Desired: Foreground landscape character appears moderately altered and may remain so in the long term. Middleground and background landscape values should be
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape retained. Valued landscape character appears intact and unaltered, with minor deviation. Deviations may be present but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such a scale that they are not evident. Human activities should not be evident to the casual visitor. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After FS-1 Glade Lake 706221 4183200 0-180 Foreground/ Middleground 1 minute or longer Car on Cty Rd S (FR 504) Low (immediate foreground along road ROW) Moderate (foreground/ middleground) Existing: View to the east of level parkland with small lake surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and stands of Gambel oak. CR S (FR 504) runs north and south past the lake. Landscape is slightly altered. Desired: Landscape views should be partially retained; human activities may be evident, but must remain subordinate to Moderate. Helicopter activity and seismic equipment would be visible to visitors in the foreground and middle ground in the short term. Seismic equipment may be temporarily visible during project activities in foreground and middleground. No change. Not Consistent. Changes in foreground/middleground views would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of Moderate would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased, the SIO designation of Moderate Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Moderate in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape the characteristic landscape. Noticeable deviations must be visually subordinate to the landscape being viewed, and borrow much of the natural form, line, color, texture, and pattern. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Following project completion, no changes would be visible. would be met. Impact Significance Before and After FS-2 Glade Creek 704045 4184956 50-130 Foreground/ Middleground 1 minute or longer Car on Cty Rd S (FR 504) or FR 509 Low (immediate foreground along road ROW) Moderate (foreground/ middleground) Existing: View to the east of a grassy, rolling valley and stream surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and stands of Gambel oak. Landscape has not been substantially altered. Desired: Landscape views should be partially retained; human activities may be evident, but must remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape. Noticeable deviations must be visually subordinate to the landscape being viewed, and borrow much of the natural Moderate. Helicopter activity and seismic equipment would be visible to visitors in the foreground and middle ground in the short term. Seismic equipment may be temporarily visible during project activities in foreground and middleground. No change. Following project completion, no changes would be visible. Not Consistent. Changes in the foreground/middleground would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of Moderate would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased, the SIO designation of Moderate would be met. Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Moderate in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape form, line, color, texture, and pattern. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After FS-3 Glade Guard Station 708547 4183600 330-60 Foreground/ Middleground 10 minutes or more Visitor to Guard Station Moderate (foreground to ¼ mile distant) High (middleground: ¼ mile to 5 miles distant) Existing: View from historic guard station to north of open, grassy parkland surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and stands of Gambel oak. CR 27 (FR 514) runs north and south. Landscape is slightly altered. Desired: Landscape values should be retained. Valued landscape character appears intact and unaltered, with very minor deviation. Moderate. Staging area is planned within view approximately 0.7 mile north and east of the guard station and would be visible to visitors in the short term. Helicopters, trailers, seismic equipment, and receivers may be temporarily visible during project activities in foreground and middleground. Not Consistent. Changes would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of High would not be met until project work and reclamation is completed. Staging area views would not be consistent with historic nature of the guard station. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased and Locate staging areas where they can be best screened by existing vegetation or topography from Glade Guard Station and CR 27 (FR 514). Limit visual disturbance by keeping staging areas to the minimum size necessary and within previously disturbed areas. Before: Moderate to high in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape Deviations may be present but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such a scale that they are not evident. Human activities should not be evident to the casual visitor. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Negligible change. Following project completion, location of reclaimed staging area may still be visible, depending on success of revegetation efforts. reclamation has occurred according to the design criteria, the SIO designation of High would be met. The reclaimed staging area would repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the existing landscape character at such scale that it is not evident. Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Impact Significance Before and After FS-4 Near Draw Reservoir 710506 4180500 40-130 Foreground/ Middleground 1 minute or longer Car on Cty Rd 27 (FR 514) Low (immediate foreground along road ROW) High (foreground/ middleground) Existing: View to the northeast of grassy, rolling, open meadows surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and stands of Gambel oak. Glade Mountain is visible to the north. Other than corrals and CR 27 (FR 514), which runs southeast past the KOP, landscape has not been substantially altered. Desired: Landscape values should be retained. Valued Moderate. Staging area is planned within view approximately 0.1 mile south and east of the KOP at the corral areas and would be visible to visitors in the short term. Helicopters, trailers, seismic equipment, and receivers may be temporarily visible during project activities in foreground and middleground. Not Consistent. Changes would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of High would not be met until project work is completed. Staging area views would not be consistent with open, rolling, natural meadow views. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased and Locate staging areas where they can be best screened by existing vegetation or topography from views from CR 27 (FR 514). Limit visual disturbance by keeping staging areas to the minimum size necessary, and within previously disturbed areas whenever possible. Before: High in the short term. After: Moderate in the short term, due to proximity of staging area to KOP. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape landscape character appears intact and unaltered, with very minor deviation. Deviations may be present but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such a scale that they are not evident. Human activities should not be evident to the casual visitor. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Negligible change. Following project completion, location of reclaimed staging area may still be visible, depending on success of revegetation efforts. reclamation has occurred, the SIO designation of High would be met. The reclaimed staging area would repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the existing landscape character of the corral areas at such scale that it is not evident. Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Impact Significance Before and After
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After FS-5 Narraguinnep Canyon overlook 711425 4178741 90-250 Foreground/ Middleground 1 to 10 minutes Car on Cty Rd 27 (FR 514) or parked at overlook Low (immediate foreground along road ROW) High (foreground/ middle) Existing: View to the east and southeast of the northern extent of Narraguinnep Canyon. Grassy, concave valley with stream drainage surrounded on valley slopes by ponderosa pine, aspen, and Gambel oak. Other than range fencing and CR 27, the landscape has not been substantially altered. Desired: Landscape values should be retained. Valued landscape character appears intact and unaltered, with very minor deviation. Deviations may be present but must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at such a scale that they are not evident. Human activities should not be evident to the casual visitor. Moderate. Helicopter activity and seismic equipment would be visible to visitors in the fore and middle ground in the short term. Seismic equipment may be temporarily visible during project activities in foreground and middleground. No change. Following project completion, no changes would be visible. Not Consistent. Changes would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of High would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. Once project activities have ceased, the SIO designation of High would be met. Rehabilitate any disturbed areas with native species revegetation. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Moderate in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After PRIV-1 U.S. Highway 491 688030 4178368 38-124 Foreground/ Middleground 30 seconds or less Car on U.S. Highway 491 (at 65 mph) Low (foreground/ middleground) Existing: View to the east from the southbound lane of U.S. Highway 491 across private lands (agricultural fields) in the foreground. Residences and associated outbuildings occur in the middleground. The natural landscape has been substantially altered by agricultural and residential features, as well as roads and utility lines. Desired: Landscape views may be moderately altered; human activities may begin to dominate the valued landscape character being viewed but borrow valued attributes such as size, shape, and pattern from outside the landscape being viewed would appear compatible or complimentary to the character within the view. Low. Helicopter activity and seismic equipment would be visible in the middle ground in the short term. Drill rig equipment and vibroseis truck tracks may be temporarily visible for several months in foreground and middleground. No change. No long-term changes are expected for the foreground / middleground/ background views. Not Consistent. Changes in foreground/ middleground views would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of Low would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. The SIO designation of Low would be met. Revegetate any disturbed areas of native vegetation with native species. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. Limit visual disturbance by keeping vibroseis truck routes to the minimum width necessary. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Low in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After PRIV-2 County Rd M 695844 4175484 214-38 Foreground/ Middleground 5 minutes or greater Resident at home on County Road M Low (foreground/ middleground) Existing: View to the west from Cty. Rd. M across private lands (agricultural fields) in the foreground and middle ground. Residences, associated outbuildings, and planted windbreaks are in the foreground. The landscape is panoramic, rolling, and the crop fields are broken up by naturally vegetated drainages. The natural landscape has been substantially altered by residential and agricultural features, roads, and utility lines. Desired: Landscape views may be moderately altered; human activities may begin to dominate the valued landscape character being viewed but borrow valued attributes such as size, shape, and pattern from outside the landscape being viewed would appear compatible or Moderate. View duration is typically longer at residences. Helicopter activity and seismic equipment would be visible in the middle ground in the short term. Drill rig equipment and vibroseis truck tracks may be temporarily visible for several months in foreground and middleground. No change. No long-term changes are expected for the foreground / middleground/ background views. Not Consistent. Changes in foreground/ middleground views would not be subordinate to the landscape character and the SIO designation of Low would not be met until project work is completed. Consistent. The SIO designation of Low would be met. Revegetate any disturbed areas of native vegetation with native species. Control fugitive dust emissions. Rake or scatter drill hole cuttings. Limit visual disturbance by keeping vibroseis truck routes to the minimum width necessary. No night lighting will be used at staging areas. Before: Moderate in the short term. After: Low in the short term. No effects anticipated in the long term with mitigation.
VIEWPOINT DESCRIPTION EXISTING VISUAL SETTING VISUAL CHANGE 1 IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE 2 Key Observation Point / Key Viewpoint Coordinates (UTM NAD 83, 12S) Easting Northing Bearing Distance Zone/ Duration of Visibility/ Observer Position Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level Existing and Desired Landscape complimentary to the view s character. Level of Change SIO Consistency Suggested Impact Significance Before and After 1 Short term = less than 5 years; Long term = greater than 5 years. 2 Visual contrast rating analysis considered proposed mitigation and applicant-committed protection measures in determining the effects.
Key Viewpoint Identification: BLM-1 at Dolores Canyon Overlook Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions KOP # BLM-1 Date/Time: 10/25/2011 at 1:40 pm Coordinates: NAD 83, 12S 694309E 4186550N Land Ownership: BLM Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: SIO (VRM Class) Currently Met At Location? Yes High (Retention) - equivalent to BLM Visual Resource Management (VRM) Class II Location and Reason for Analysis: This KOP is located at the main public overlook point for the Dolores River Canyon, at the end of the trail at the BLMdesignated Dolores Canyon Overlook area. The primary canyon view is to the southeast, looking upriver. The usual observer is typically a recreational visitor, with typical view duration of greater than 5 minutes. Visitors utilizing picnic facilities at the site would have a longer view duration. This location has the highest concentration of public use on the west side of the Dolores River Canyon. The KOP view is from the overlook point, looking east to south. The KOP is outside of the Project Area, but middleground views from the overlook will take in a portion of the Project Area. Existing Landscape/Character Description: Landscape type is a feature landscape, with the feature being the dramatic Dolores River Canyon. The canyon rim drops steeply into a deep canyon with colorful red and pink rock outcrops and peekaboo views of the river. Vegetation consists of native trees and shrubs. Foreground views consist of native vegetation; the main view of the river and the canyon rim lie in the middleground, and the distant San Juan Mountains are visible in the background on a clear day. The landscape has not been substantially altered. Observer Position: Walking, standing at the end of trail GPS Point Name: KOP BLM-1 at overlook, picnicking Period of Visibility: > 5 minutes Compass Bearing: 82 178 degrees. Main view up canyon is at 140 degrees. Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further EAST Project Area SOUTH KOP BLM-1 : View to southeast from the Dolores Canyon Overlook on BLM lands. The process of photo stitching to create the panoramic photo makes the far canyon rim appear rounded when in actuality it is nearly horizontal.
Form 8400-4 (September 1985) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT VISUAL CONTRAST RATING WORKSHEET Date: 10/25/2011, 1:40 pm District/Field Office: Tres Rios Resource Area: San Juan-San Miguel Activity (program): Seismic exploration surveys 1. Project Name: Kinder Morgan / Doe Canyon 3D Seismic Survey: Alternative B & Alternative C 2. Key Observation Point: BLM-1 at Dolores Canyon Overlook 3. VRM Class: Class II (SIO Rating: High [Retention]) FORM LINE COL OR TEX- TURE FORM LINE COLOR TEX- TURE 1. DEGREE OF CONTRAST ELEMENTS SECTION A. PROJECT INFORMATION 4. Location Township: 41N Range: 17W Section: Sect. 19 (NW4 NW4) 5. Location Sketch: SECTION B. CHARACTERISTIC LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION 1. LAND/WATER 2. VEGETATION 3. STRUCTURES Bold landform shapes created by linear, flat mesa Irregular, amorphous shrub vegetation form in None noted in view toward project from KOP. tops and steep, angular canyon slopes. foreground. Scattered rounded (pinon) and conical (ponderosa) tree forms. In background, amorphous but regular clumps of coniferous vegetation on canyon slopes and rim. Strong horizontal canyon rim. Angular slopes converging at canyon bottom. Linear, horizontal rock outcrops within the canyon. Tan soils, red rock canyon walls, beige or pinkish rock outcrops, grey foreground boulders. Texture is patchy and coarse in the immediate foreground with medium-coarse, blocky texture in background on the canyon slopes. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are not expected to impact land form. Irregular line of tree crowns on horizon. Irregular line of shrubs and trees in foreground. Diffuse edges between shrubs in foreground. Foreground tree line is jagged/angular. Dark green pinon and ponderosa trees, gray and brown shrubs in foreground. Dark green trees in background, fading to dark gray at distant horizon. Coarse, irregular, dense foreground shrub texture. Regular or continuous medium stipple tree cover on canyon walls and rim, fading to a finely stippled texture in distance. SECTION C. PROPOSED ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION None noted in view toward project from KOP. None noted in view toward project from KOP. None noted in view toward project from KOP. 1. LAND/WATER 2. VEGETATION 3. STRUCTURES Remains the same under the proposed action; use of heliportable drill rigs on public lands within the viewshed will not require removal of vegetation. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are not expected to impact land line. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are not expected to impact land color. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are not expected to impact land texture. LAND/WATER BODY (1) STRONG MODERATE Remains the same under the proposed action; use of heliportable drill rigs on public lands within the viewshed will not require removal of vegetation. Remains the same under the proposed action; use of heliportable drill rigs on public lands within the viewshed will not require removal of vegetation. Remain the same under the proposed action; use of heliportable drill rigs on public lands within the viewshed will not require removal of vegetation. SECTION D. CONTRAST RATING X SHORT TERM LONG TERM FEATURES VEGETATION STRUCTURES (2) (3) WEAK NONE STRONG FORM X X X LINE X X X COLOR X X X TEXTURE X X X MODERATE WEAK NONE STRONG MODERATE WEAK NONE Heliportable 10 tall drill rig and helicopter (blocky rectangular) forms may be seen for short periods above treeline. Pedestrian forms working along river. Min. viewing distance > 1.5 miles. Vertical long line (100 ) from helicopter, horizontal helicopter line, angular blocky drill rig may be seen for short periods above treeline. Vertical pedestrian forms along river. At minimum 1.5-mile viewing distance, drill rig, long line, and helicopter will appear dark grey for short periods. Some reflective glinting may occur during transport. Night lighting may be visible. Pedestrian clothing along river may be colorful. At minimum 1.5-mile viewing distance, equipment texture is expected to be smooth but contrasting against the sky for short periods. Pedestrian texture at river fine to moderate and similar to surrounding vegetation. 2. Does project design meet visual resource management objectives? Yes X No (Explain on reverse side) 3. Additional mitigating measures recommended X Yes No (Explain on reverse side) Evaluator s Name(s) Date Karin Freeman 10/25/2011
SECTION D. (Continued) Comments from Section D, Item 2: Landscape type is a feature landscape, with the feature being the dramatic Dolores River Canyon. Vegetation present is primarily native trees and shrubs. Primary casual observer is a public visitor to the overlook. Typical view duration is short-term (< 5 minutes), with slightly longer view duration if observer picnics at the overlook. Proposed project activities will occur 1.5 miles or more from the overlook. Proposed project activity requires helicopter transport of 10 -tall, heliportable drill rigs using a 100 long line. Use of the heliportable rigs removes the necessity to cut native vegetation for access roads or drill pads, but increases visibility of rig-transport activities between drilling points. Pedestrian activity would occur along river during placement and removal of seismic receivers. Receivers themselves would not be visible from overlook. All proposed activity would be temporal, and impacts to land, vegetation, and structures would be negligible or non-existent. Contrast between the proposed project activities / result of activities and the existing landscape features would be none to weak. Proposed activities for any of the Action Alternatives may not meet visual resource management objectives (VRM Class II) in the short-term (0 to 5 years), specifically during project activities. VRM Class II objectives dictate that activities must retain the existing character of the landscape, with a low amount of change. Activities may be visible but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Through the duration of each of the proposed Action Alternatives, helicopter and pedestrian activities may attract attention of the casual observer; however, both helicopter use and pedestrian activity in the canyon is temporary in nature and would occur in middleground and background views. Following completion of project activities, helicopter and pedestrian activities causing visual contrast would cease. VRM objectives would be met in the long-term (5+ years). Additional Mitigating Measures (See Section D, Item 3): Fugitive dust control is recommended to minimize visual contrast during proposed activity.
Key Viewpoint Identification: BLM-2 on County Road 15 Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions KOP # BLM-2 Date/Time: 10/25/2011 at 2:45 pm Coordinates: NAD 83, 12S 696190E 4180412N Land Ownership: BLM (background is Private) Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: Low (Modification) within buffer zone, 800 feet from each road edge, both sides equivalent to BLM VRM Class IV. SIO (VRM Class) Currently Met At Location? Within road buffer zone Yes Outside of road buffer zone - Yes High (Retention) outside of buffer zone - equivalent to BLM Visual Resource Management (VRM) Class II. Location and Reason for Analysis: KOP BLM-2 is located along County Road 15, 0.7 miles south of the junction with County Road J, adjacent to Kinder Morgan CO 2 well pad Doe Canyon 4. The county road carries local residential traffic, traffic related to management of the Kinder Morgan CO 2 facilities located along County Road M (other well pads and compressor stations), and visitors to BLM lands. This location was chosen for its expansive views across the proposed project area on both BLM and private lands. The KOP view is from the southbound lane of County Road 15, looking east to northwest across the project area. The KOP is located within the Project Area. Fore- and middleground views (to 5 miles) are all located within the Project Area. The typical observer at this location is a resident, recreational visitor, or CO 2 field worker. Existing Landscape/Character Description: Landscape type is panoramic, providing expansive views from County Road 15 across BLM and private lands to background features visible on clear days, such as Mesa Verde, Sleeping Ute Mountain, Cross Canyon in Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, and the Abajo Mountains in Utah. Gently rolling topography is broken by natural drainages, and the entire viewscape slopes to the southwest in the direction of the Four Corners area. Vegetation on federal lands is primarily Gambel oak, squaw apple, sagebrush, juniper, piñon and ponderosa pine. Private lands in the background views are primarily agricultural. The fore- and middleground landscape has been partially altered by the county road and CO 2 well pads (one is visible to the right of the road) and associated infrastructure such as piping and signage. Observer Position: southbound on County Road 15 GPS Point Name: KOP BLM-2 Period of Visibility: 30 seconds to 3 minutes Compass Bearing: 102 310 degrees. Center view down road is at 194 degrees. Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further EAST Mesa Verde SOUTH Sleeping Ute Mtn. Cross Canyon Abajo Mtns. WEST Well Pad KOP BLM-2 : View to south-southwest from County Road 15 across BLM lands (fore- and middleground) and private lands (background). The entire view is located within the Project Area, with the exception of background areas further than five miles out from the KOP.
Form 8400-4 (September 1985) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT VISUAL CONTRAST RATING WORKSHEET Date: 10/25/2011, 2:45 pm District/Field Office: Tres Rios Resource Area: San Juan-San Miguel Activity (program): Seismic exploration surveys 1. Project Name: Kinder Morgan / Doe Canyon 3D Seismic Survey: Alternative B & Alternative C SECTION A. PROJECT INFORMATION 4. Location Township: 40N 2. Key Observation Point: BLM-2 on County Road 15 Range: 17W 3. VRM Class: Class III (SIO Rating: Moderate [Partial Retention]) FORM LINE COLOR TEX- TURE FORM LINE COLOR TEX- TURE Gently rolling topography generally sloping to the southwest. Section: Sect. 6 (SW4 SW4) 5. Location Sketch: SECTION B. CHARACTERISTIC LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION 1. LAND/WATER 2. VEGETATION 3. STRUCTURES Irregular, amorphous clumps of shrub vegetation in foreground. Scattered rounded (pinon) and conical (ponderosa) tree forms in middle distance. In background, amorphous or geometric patches of agricultural fields. Horizontal lines of sloping grasslands/shrublands in the fore-, mid-, and background. Jagged, angular lines of far distant mountains in the far background. Tan or brown soils where exposed in fore- and mid-ground. Distant mountains are grey to light grey (with snow).vegetation defines most of color. Patchy and smooth in immediate foreground with uniform smooth texture in background on rolling hills and mountains. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are expected to impact land form. Vibroseis vehicle usage on private lands, where visible, is not expected to impact land form. Irregular, diffuse edges of shrubs in foreground. Jagged line of dark tree crowns on ridges in middle ground and background. Vertical individual trees. Angular, trapezoidal lines of agricultural fields in distance. Golden yellow grasses and grey, grey-green, and orange-brown shrubs in foreground. Dark green pinon and ponderosa trees scattered in middle ground. Tan, grey, and grey-green agricultural fields and trees in background. Fine grasses to moderately coarse, patchy shrubs in foreground. Scattered random medium-textured trees in middleground. Patchy but smooth distant agricultural fields. SECTION C. PROPOSED ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION Rectangular shapes of gravel-surfaced County Road 15, well pad access road, and well pad. Tubular pipe within well pad. Rectangular but small building structures in background. Straight and curved lines of gravel roads and well pad. Vertical, horizontal, and angular line of pipe within well pad. Vertical signage along road and at well pad. Generally horizontal lines of distant buildings and agricultural structures / equipment. Tan to grey gravel road and well pad surfaces. Pipe on well pad is silvery grey. Grey agricultural and residential structures in background. Fine, stippled texture on gravel road and well pad. Smooth textured pipe. Smooth buildings in background. 1. LAND/WATER 2. VEGETATION 3. STRUCTURES Removal of vegetation on public lands within viewshed not required for project activities. If crops on private lands are cut or plowed, would create temporary blocky, broken vegetation patches, but only in the background viewshed. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are expected to impact land form. Vibroseis vehicle usage on private lands, where visible, is not expected to impact land line. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are expected to impact land form. Vibroseis vehicle usage on private lands, where visible, is not expected to impact land color. Heliportable drill rig use and associated activities within viewshed are expected to impact land form. Vibroseis vehicle usage on private lands, where visible, is not expected to impact land texture. Removal of vegetation on public lands within viewshed not required for project activities. If crops on private lands are cut or plowed, would create parallel or slightly converging lines within fields but only in the background viewshed. Removal of vegetation on public lands within viewshed not required for project activities. If crops on private lands are cut or plowed, the abundance of existing soil color (tan, brown) patches would increase. Removal of vegetation on public lands within viewshed not required for project activities. If crops on private lands are cut or plowed, texture would remain smooth due to viewing distance. Heliportable 10 tall drill rig and helicopter (blocky rectangular) forms may be seen for short periods above treeline during rig transport/ relocation, esp. in foreground views. View distance could be < 220 feet, but temporary. Vibroseis vehicles/trucks on agric. lands in background views will be blocky/ rectangular and will resemble agric. equipment. Vertical long line (100 ), horizontal line of helicopter, angular blocky drill rig may be seen for short periods above treeline during rig transport/relocation. Vibroseis vehicle lines are expected to be similar to agric. equipment or bldgs. rectangular, low, and generally horizontal. Colors of helicopter, drill rig, and vibroseis vehicles are unknown. Some reflective glinting may occur during rig-transport activities. Night lighting at staging areas may be visible. Heliportable drill rig and helicopter texture expected to be medium to coarse depending on view distance. Tandem vibroseis vehicles expected to contribute a medium, ordered texture to the background landscape.
1. DEGREE OF CONTRAST ELEMENTS SECTION D. CONTRAST RATING X SHORT TERM LONG TERM FEATURES VEGETATION STRUCTURES (2) (3) LAND/WATER BODY (1) STRONG MODERATE WEAK NONE FORM X X X STRONG LINE X X X COLOR X X X TEXTURE X X X Comments from Section D, Item 2: MODERATE WEAK NONE STRONG MODERATE WEAK SECTION D. (Continued) NONE 2. Does project design meet visual resource management objectives? X Yes No (Explain on reverse side) 3. Additional mitigating measures recommended X Yes No (Explain on reverse side) Evaluator s Name(s) Date Karin Freeman 10/25/2011 Landscape type is panoramic, providing expansive views from County Road 15 across BLM and private lands to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, the Abajo Mountains in Utah, Sleeping Ute Mountain, and Mesa Verde. Vegetation on federal lands is primarily native trees and shrubs, and private lands are primarily agricultural. Primary casual observer is a local resident or public visitor traveling on County Road 15. Typical view duration is short-term (< 5 minutes). Proposed project activities will occur within 220 feet of the County Road and beyond. Proposed project activity requires helicopter transport of 10 -tall, heliportable drill rigs using a 100 long line on federal lands, and a series of 4-6 vibroseis vehicles to travel in tandem in a linear, orderly fashion across the private lands. Use of the heliportable rigs removes the necessity to cut native vegetation for access roads or drill pads, but increases visibility of rig-transport activities between drilling points. Proposed activities would be temporal, and impacts to land, vegetation, and structures would be negligible or nonexistent. Contrast between the proposed project activities / result of activities and the existing landscape features would be none to weak. Where visible, vibroseis vehicles would resemble in form and travel pattern the common use of agricultural tractors and harvesters in this localized region of agricultural lands. Proposed activities for any of the Action Alternatives may not meet visual resource management objectives (VRM Class III) in the short-term (0 to 5 years), specifically during project activities. VRM Class III objectives dictate that activities must partially retain the existing character of the landscape, with a moderate amount of change allowed. Activities may attract the attention of the casual observer, but should not dominate the view. Through the duration of each of the Proposed Action Alternatives, helicopter activities may dominate the view especially when activities are in the fore- and middleground; however, helicopter use is temporary in nature. Following completion of project activities, helicopter activities and vibroseis vehicles causing visual contrast would cease. VRM objectives would be met in the long-term (5+ years). Additional Mitigating Measures (See Section D, Item 3): Fugitive dust control is recommended to minimize visual contrast during proposed activity.
Key Viewpoint Identification: FS-1 Glade Creek Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions KOP # FS-1 Date/Time: July 15, 2009 Coordinates: NAD 83, 12 S 706221E 4183200N Land Ownership: USFS Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: SIO Currently Met At Location? Yes Low (Modification) Foreground to 500 feet Moderate (Partial Retention) Fore- and middleground to 5 miles Location and Reason for Analysis: Glade Lake lies in the north central portion of the project area, adjacent to CR S. It is a popular recreational area, including hunting, camping, ATV use. The KOP view is from the road looking from the northeast to the south at Glade Lake. Existing Landscape/Character Description: View to the east and south of level parkland meadows with small lake (about 100 x 100 feet) surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and Gambel oak copses. CR S runs north and south past the lake. Landscape is slightly altered due to grazing and range improvements (fencing). Observer Position: Vehicle on CR S GPS Point Name: FS-1 Period of Visibility: 1-3 minutes Compass Bearing: 0-180 degrees Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further FS-1: On FR 504 immediately adjacent to Glade Lake, looking north (L) to south (R).
Key Viewpoint Identification: FS-2 Glade Creek Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions KOP # FS-2 Date/Time: July 15, 2009 Coordinates: NAD 83, 12S 704045E 4184956N Land Ownership: USFS Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: SIO Currently Met At Location? Yes Low (Modification) Foreground to 500 feet. High (Retention) Fore- and middleground, 500 feet to 5 miles Location and Reason for Analysis: View from northeast to south from FR 504/509, looking east up Glade Creek and the open park (meadow) known locally as the Glade. This view was chosen as a KOP to represent views towards the proposed project area that travelers using the frontage road may observe. The Glade is a popular area for camping, ATV use, horseback riding, and hunting. Existing Landscape/Character Description: View to the east of a grassy, rolling valley and stream surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and Gambel oak copses. Landscape has not been substantially altered. Observer Position: Vehicle on FR 504/509 GPS Point Name: FS-2 Period of Visibility: 1-3 minutes Compass Bearing: 50-130 degrees Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further FS-2: From FR 504, view to east up Glade Creek and the Glade, northeast (L) to southeast (R).
Key Viewpoint Identification: FS-3 Glade Guard Station Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions KOP # FS-3 Date/Time: July 15, 2009 Conditions verified November 3, 2011 Coordinates: NAD 83, 12S 708547E 4183600N Land Ownership: USFS Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: SIO Currently Met At Location? Yes Moderate (Partial Retention) Foreground High (Retention) Background Location and Reason for Analysis: View from northwest to northeast from the yard of the guard station, looking generally north to Glade Creek and the open park (meadow) known locally as the Glade. This view was chosen as a KOP because the guard station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and significant modifications to its viewshed could potentially affect its listing. Existing Landscape/Character Description: View from historic guard station to the north of open, grassy meadow parkland surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and Gambel oak copses. CR 27 runs north and south approximately 0.5 mile to the east of the guard station. Landscape is slightly altered by the road, grazing and range improvements (e.g. fences). Observer Position: Standing in yard at guard station GPS Point Name: FS-3 Period of Visibility: 10 minutes or more Compass Bearing: 330 to 60 degrees Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen Foreground 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further FS-3: View to north from the Glade Guard Station.
Key Viewpoint Identification: FS-4 Near Draw Reservoir Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions KOP # FS-4 Date/Time: July 15, 2009 Conditions verified November 3, 2011 Coordinates: NAD 83, 12S 710506E 4180500N Land Ownership: USFS Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: SIO Currently Met At Location? Yes Low (Modification) Foreground to 500 feet High (Retention) Fore- and middleground 500 feet to 5 miles Location and Reason for Analysis: KOP 4 lies on CR 27 looking east/northeast towards the Glade Mountain area. This view was chosen as a KOP because it lies on the main access road (CR 27) through the project area and has expansive views of areas used extensively for recreation (hunting, ATV) and cattle grazing. Existing Landscape/Character Description: View to the northeast and east of grassy, rolling, open meadows surrounded by scattered ponderosa pine and Gambel oak copses. Glade Mountain is visible to the north/northeast. Other than corrals and CR 27, which runs to the southeast, landscape has not been substantially altered. Observer Position: Vehicle on CR 27 GPS Point Name: FS-4 Period of Visibility: 1-5 minutes or more Compass Bearing: 40 to 130 degrees Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further FS-4: From FR 514 close to Near Draw Reservoir, looking northeast northeast and east.
Kinder Morgan Doe Canyon Seismic Exploration Project Existing Visual Conditions Key Viewpoint Identification: FS-5 Narraguinnep Canyon Overlook KOP # FS-5 Date/Time: July 15, 2009 Conditions verified November 3, 2011 Coordinates: NAD 83, 12S 711425E 4178741N Land Ownership: USFS Existing Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) Level: SIO Currently Met At Location? Yes Low (Modification): Foreground to 500 feet High (Retention):Fore- and middleground 500 feet to 2 miles Location and Reason for Analysis: KOP 5 is located along the Narraguinnep Canyon RNA scenic overlook on CR 27 on the west side of upper Narraguinnep Canyon. This view was chosen as a KOP because it lies on the main access road (CR 27) through the project area and has expansive views of the specially-designated Narraguinnep Canyon RNA. Existing Landscape/Character Description: View is to the east and southeast of the northern extent of Narraguinnep Canyon. Grassy, concave valley with perennial stream drainage. Surrounded on valley slopes with ponderosa pine, aspen, and Gambel oak. Other than CR 27 and some range improvements (fencing), the view has not been significantly altered. Observer Position: Vehicle on CR 27 GPS Point Name: FS-5 Period of Visibility: 1-5 minutes or more Compass Bearing: 90 to 250 degrees Distance Zone(s) Visible from KOP: Check all that apply: Immediate Foreground Foreground Middleground Background Seldom Seen 0-300 Feet 300 Feet ¼ Mile ¼ Mile to 5 Miles 5 Miles 15 Miles 15 Miles or Further FS-5: From FR 514, Narraguinnep Canyon overlook, looking east (L) to southwest (R).