Recreation

Regulations at the federal and local levels focus on maintaining the area’s recreational value, particularly since the project lies on Inyo National Forest land.

Construction will occur in non-winter seasons close to designated trails and unpaved roads used for recreational activities. Therefore, there will be an increase in the use of roads and trails that are also used for activities such as walking, running, and biking, thereby affecting the recreational experience.

Part of the forest in the project sites will be lost as some trees and vegetation must be removed, creating negative visual impacts for recreational users.

Because the power plant will be located in an area available to camping, this activity will be reduced.

There may be conflict between recreation users and operational vehicles, since these people will be constrained by the presence of project pipelines.

After decommissioning, recreational users will experience a beneficial impact compared to when the plant is operating because the sites would be restored to an undeveloped state and become available again for recreational use.

Cumulative impacts

An increase in residents, workers, visitors, and tourists in Mammoth Lakes due to increased development will put pressure on recreational facilities, although it is expected that sufficient recreational opportunities can accommodate the needs of the increased population.

The forested character of the project sites will be slightly altered due to vegetation removal.

Mitigation

Informational materials regarding the project construction schedules and safety will be posted at nearby recreation sites and campgrounds, access points, and the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.

Pipelines will be monitored for evidence of use by off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and to assess vegetation and replanting if necessary.

Dust control and emissions control measures will be implemented to reduce short-term air quality and noise effects.

Efforts will be made to colour the power plant and wells so they blend into the environment.

Pipelines will be implemented away from recreational areas and roads.

In locations where the pipeline is visible, landscaping will help hide the pipeline from recreational users.

Residual impacts

None mentioned.

The mitigation measures address the visual impacts that the proposed action will have on recreational users. However, there are no adequate measures that mitigate conflict between construction operations and recreational users. Although these operations will be communicated to the public, actions should be taken further to reduce project traffic in areas shared with recreational users.