LANDSCAPE VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (GYPSUM QUARRIES) - CASE STUDY

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the landscape and visual impact generated by the expansion of a gypsum quarry in the commune of Căpușu Mare, Cluj County. The studied area was evaluated to determine the likely extent of landscape disruption and visual impact. The study was structured in two main stages and three phases. Visual impact was determined by assessing the degree of change resulting from the introduction of additional structures and terrain structuring works on the character and elements of the existing landscape. All possible perspectives were considered regarding the proposed development. Subsequently, the predicted impact and its mitigation were addressed. In the final stage, the residual impact that cannot be fully mitigated was considered. The results indicate that the implementation of the project will cause damage to the physical environment, and the in-situ landscape structure will be altered. Surrounding lands will experience indirect and insignificant changes, especially in terms of the bio-components of the physical environment, but the landscape will maintain its functional sustainability. The main impact on the landscape will occur at a local scale (in situ), affecting visual and aesthetic perception in the immediate vicinity and from points located at higher elevations within a radius of 500 m to 1000 m.

Keywords

• visual impact, landscape, quarries, disruption, change, character