Table 6 - 3 in Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 100 MW Solar PV Plant by Navoi in Uzbekistan

Table 6-3. Project Landscape Character Areas LCADescriptionLCA 01 Zarafshan RiverLike much of this region the LCA has been disturbed by human influences. The main features of this LCT are the main river valley, irrigation canals, built development, roads and bridges however much of this infrastructure has been in a state of decay for some years. There is little in the way of vertical features within this LCA other that overhead lines and pylons. Residential properties tend to be single storey with a small amount extending the two stories. There are a number of important archaeological sites however these have often been damaged by more recent construction. For example, constructing overhead lines and pylons on the wall of a former fortress. Overall the landscape value of LCA 01 is considered to be low.LCA 02 Semi Arid PlainsThis LCA contains relatively commonplace steppe landscape features. The backdrop to this LCT is the city of Navoi to the east and this has a considerable influence on the scenic quality. The detracting influence of industrial developments including an electricity substation, widespread pylons and overhead lines result in an overall landscape value which is considered to be low. The landscape quality improves considerably to the south of the hills to the south of the project area however the hills create a natural barrier limiting the extent of LCA 02.LCA 03 Uzumzor and Agricultural FarmlandsThis LCA is largely a transition between LCA 02 and the more industrial LCA 04. The LCA is characterised by medium sized agricultural fields and irrigation channels associated with the residential edge of Uzumzor and surrounding villages. Views towards the industrial facilities including Navoi Cement Plant (26km east south east) and Navoiyskiy Elektro-Khimicheskiy Zavod (22km east south east) and overhead lines crossing this LCA significantly reduces the scenic quality of this LCA. As such the landscape value in this LCA is low.LCA 04 Navoi and EnvironsThis LCA incudes the main settlement of Navoi but more importantly the industrial developments surrounding the city. This includes a coal fired power station (28km east south east), visible flaring (>30km east south east) and Navoi Cement Plant emitting yellow/brown smoke from the main stack (26km east south east). In addition, there are significant amounts of pylons, overhead lines and pipelines visible above ground. The setting is almost completely industrial and as a result the landscape value is low.