HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140525.tiff SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL
REVIEW (USR) APPLICATION
FOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT USE DATE RECEIVED:
RECEIPT # /AMOUNT # /$ CASE # ASSIGNED:
APPLICATION RECEIVED BY PLANNER ASSIGNED:
Parcel Number - - - -
(12 digit number - found on Tax I.D. information, obtainable at the Weld County Assessor's Office, or www.co.weld.co.us)
Legal Description See Application Package , Section , Township North, Range West
Zone District: A , Total Acreage: 103 , Flood Plain: No , Geological Hazard: No ,
Airport Overlay District: No
FEE OWNER(S) OF THE PROPERTY:
Name: N/A
Work Phone # Home Phone # Email
Address:
Address:
City/State/Zip Code
Name:
Work Phone # Home Phone # Email
Address:
Address:
City/State/Zip Code
Name:
Work Phone # Home Phone # Email
Address:
Address:
City/State/Zip Code
APPLICANT OR AUTHORIZED AGENT (See Below: Authorization must accompany applications signed by Authorized Agent)
Name: Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc.
Work Phone # 303-254-3720 Home Phone # Email skoler@tristategt.org
Address: 1100 W. 116th Ave
Address:
City/State/Zip Code Westminster, CO 80233-0695
PROPOSED USE:
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line and Substations
I (We) hereby depose and state under penalties of perjury that all statements, proposals, and/or plans submitted
with or contained within the application are true and correct to the best of my (our)knowledge. Signatures of all
fee owners of property must sign this application. If an Authorized Agent signs, a letter of authorization from all
fee owners must be included with the application. If a corporation is the fee owner, notarized evidence must be
included indicating that the si natory has to legal authority to sign for the corporation.0.4.4._ r 0 Ai n/Irv/ 1
Sig re: Owner or Authorized Agent* to Signature: Owner or Authorized Agent Date
* Joel K. Bladow, as Senior Vice President, Transmission, signing in said capacity for and on behalf of Tri-State Generation and
Transmission Association, Inc.
Keota - Redtail 115 -kV
Transmission Line Project
Use by Special Review and
1041 Application Packet ,
Weld County , Colorado
November 2013
Submitted to: Weld County Planning and Zoning
Department of Planning Services
1555 N . 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Submitted by: TRI - STATE
44- Generation and Transmission
• Association, Inc.
.A\ Touchstone Energy'Cxperative
1100 W 116th Ave.
Westminster, CO 80234
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
CONTENTS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (SATISFIES 21 -3-330.C.1 .A—G) 1
Introduction 1
Who is Tri-State? 1
Project Description 1
Purpose and Need 2
Alternatives to the Proposed Project 2
Transmission System Alternatives 2
Transmission Line Routing Alternatives 3
Public Outreach 7
USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW APPLICATION CHAPTER 23, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 4 OF
THE WELD COUNTY CODE 9
23-2-240. Design Standards. 9
23-4-830. Standards for Telecommunication Antenna Towers. 12
23-2-250. Operation Standards. 20
23-2-260. Application Requirements 21
23-4-840. Supplemental Use by Special Review Permit application requirements for
Telecommunication Antenna Towers. 42
AREAS AND ACTIVITIES OF STATE INTEREST-APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 47
21 -3-330 Application Submittal Requirements 47
21 -3-330.A—Application Requirements for a Major Facility of a Public Utility 47
21 -3-330. B-Submittal Requirements 47
21 -3-330.B. 1 —Map Requirements 47
21 -3-330.B.2—Title Information 48
21 -3-330. B.3—Application Submittal Requirements 52
21 -3-330. B.5—Other Information 52
21 -3-330.B.6—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site
Selection and Construction 62
21 -3-330.B.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from
Construction of the Electric Transmission Line (satisfies 21 -3-330.C.2.a) 64
21 -3-330.B.8—Long-Term Effects upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development 73
21 -3-330.B.9—Mitigation of Adverse Impacts and Maximization of Positive Impacts 73
21 -3-330.B. 10—Non-Structural Alternatives 73
21 -3-330.B. 11 -Structural Alternatives 74
21 -3-330. B. 12—Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives 74
21 -3-330. B. 13—Design Alternatives: Access, Landscaping, and Architecture 74
21 -3-330.B. 14—New or Upgraded Services 75
21 -3-330. B. 15—Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and
Noise Impacts 75
21 -3-330.B. 16-Surface and Subsurface Drainage 83
REFERENCES 85
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
TABLES
Table 1 : Alternative Summary Table 7
Table 2: Transmission Line Characteristics 27
Table 3: Surface Property Owners 48
Table 4: Real Property Owners 49
Table 5: Project Schedule 56
Table 6: Common Sources of Magnetic Fields 57
Table 7: Opportunities and Constraints Criteria 63
Table 8: Typical Construction Personnel and Equipment—Transmission
Line 65
Table 9: Weight of Construction Vehicles 66
Table 10: Threatened or Endangered Species in Weld County 68
Table 11 : Soil Shrink/Swell Classes 76
Table 12: Soil Erodibility Classes 76
FIGURES
Figure 1 : Study Area and Alternatives 5
Figure 2 : Plot Plan 31
Figure 3: Typical Structure Type 35
Figure 4: Vicinity Map 37
Figure 5: Land Cover 43
Figure 6: Existing Land Use 53
Figure 7: Water Resources 69
Figure 8: Soil Shrink/Swell Potential 77
Figure 9: Soil Erodibility 79
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Tri-State Position Statement on EMF Health Effects
Appendix B : Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects
Appendix C: NRCS Soils Report
Appendix D : USR Questionnaire
Appendix E: Communication Tower Report
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
A Agricultural (Zone District)
APLIC Avian Power Line Interaction Committee
APP Avian Protection Plan
BP British Wind Energy
CCALT Colorado Cattleman's Agricultural Land Trust
CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CNHP Colorado Natural Heritage Program
CPW Colorado Parks and Wildlife (formerly DOW)
CR County Road
EMF electromagnetic fields
EPM Environmental Protection Measures
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
kV kilovolt
MPE maximum permissible exposure
mG milligauss
Morgan County REA Morgan County Rural Electric Association
MW Megawatts
MVA Megavolte ampere
NESC National Electrical Safety Code
Noble Noble Energy
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRHP National Register of Historic Places
P. M . Prime Meridian
PM10 particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter
Project Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
R Range
ROW Right-of-way
S Section
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
T Township
Tri-State Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
USFWS U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USR Use by Special Review
Whiting Whiting Petroleum
iii
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (SATISFIES 21 -3-330 .C. 1 .A-G)
INTRODUCTION
This document is being submitted by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc.
(Tri-State) to request review of the proposed Keota-Redtail 115-kilovolt (kV) Transmission
Line Project under the provisions of the Weld County 1041 process. This submittal includes
the purpose and need and description of the proposed Project, which is situated on privately
owned property in Weld County.
Who is Tri-State?
Tri-State is a wholesale electric power supplier owned by the 44 electric cooperatives that it
serves. Tri-State generates and transports electricity to its member systems throughout a
200,000-square-mile service territory across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and
Wyoming . Tri-State was founded in 1952
The Cooperative Difference and today supplies power for
Electric cooperatives are private, not-for-profit utilities approximately 1 .4 million consumers in the
owned and governed by the members they serve. four states. Tri-State serves its member
Electric cooperatives bridge the vast expanse of rural systems through a combination of owned
America to energize residences, farms, ranches, base load, intermediate, and peaking
businesses, and communities that have organized power plants that use coal and natural gas
cooperatively and accept the responsibility for as their primary fuels, supplemented by
delivering safe, affordable, and reliable power. purchased power, federal hydroelectricity
allocations, and renewable energy.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Tri-State is proposing to construct a new 345/115-kV substation , called the Keota Substation,
to establish a new delivery point for two of its Member Systems, High West Energy and
Morgan County Rural Electric Association (REA). The Keota Substation will be located in
rural Weld County, south of Grover, Colorado, and will connect to Missouri Basin Power
Producer's (MBPP) existing 345-kV transmission line that brings power from the Laramie
River Station in Wyoming to the Story Substation in Morgan County, Colorado. The project
will also include a new single-circuit 115-kV transmission line that will run from the new Keota
Substation to a new 115/69/34.5-kV substation located approximately 24.7 miles northeast of
the Keota substation , and referred to as the Redtail Substation. The Redtail Substation is
primarily intended to serve a new gas processing plant owned by Whiting Petroleum
(Whiting), called the Redtail Gas Plant. High West Energy will construct a distribution line
(< 115-kv, and as defined in Section 23. 1 .90 of Weld County Code) from the Redtail
substation to Whiting's gas plant, not included as part of this Project, and a use allowed by
right in the Agricultural Zone District. Similarly, a distribution substation for Morgan County
REA will be constructed either on the proposed Keota substation property or on an adjacent
parcel to the southeast, owned by Noble Energy (Noble), where an oil and gas processing
facility is currently under construction .
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The substation and transmission line construction would begin in 2014 and the facilities are
expected to be in-service by early 2015. The proposed transmission line will be
approximately 24.7 miles in length and located entirely on private and state lands. The new
transmission line will be primarily H-frame construction using wood structures. Five poles
coming out of the Keota substation would be steel , and double-circuit, if the Morgan County
REA distribution substation is located on the Noble site.
The project will also include construction and operation of a 260-foot communication tower,
located at the Keota substation . The communication tower will provide remote power system
control at the Keota and Redtail substations through high speed digital communications
between Tri-State's operation centers in Westminster and Frederick, Colorado and the
regional communication hub located in Brush , Colorado.
PURPOSE AND NEED
Tri-State is the wholesale provider of electrical energy to its Member Systems, High West
Energy and Morgan County REA, who provide retail electrical service to their customers in
northeastern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska . Both Member Systems received formal
requests to serve developing oil and gas loads in their service territories, and both are
obligated to provide this service. The sole purpose of the proposed facilities is to serve High
West Energy and Morgan County REA customers.
Whiting is currently constructing a gas processing plant located near County Roads (CR) 127
and 116, and received approval from the Weld County Board of County Commissioners on
August 6, 2013 for the Redtail Gas Plant (USR13-0016). The facility is proposed to be in-
service by December, 2013, and will be electrically powered by the proposed Project in early
2015. Natural gas fired turbine generators will be used in the interim .
The Project is also being proposed to serve an oil and gas processing facility being
constructed by Noble, adjacent to the new Keota substation. The Noble facility was approved
by the Weld County Commissioners on July 10, 2013 (USR13-0013). The Noble facility will
use natural gas fired turbine generators until the proposed transmission line is energized in
early 2015.
The communication tower located at the Keota substation is needed to: provide voice
communications for the safety of the personnel working at the substations; provide revenue
metering ; remotely communicate with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
equipment and transmission line relay protection equipment; and comply with the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) mandated security systems for a bulk power
substation .
ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT
Transmission System Alternatives
Two electrical system alternatives were evaluated to address the need for the Project.
2
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Alternative A: No Action
Taking no action would result in no power delivery to our Members and their customers. The
No Action Alternative does not meet the need of the Project.
Alternative B: New Substation and 115-kV Transmission Line Connection
This alternative would involve the construction of approximately 24.7 miles of 115-kV
transmission line between a new 345/115-kV Keota substation and the Redtail substation.
Alternative B would provide the necessary power to supply oil and gas facilities in the area,
as requested by Member customers.
The preferred system alternative is Alternative B. Alternative B meets the Project's purpose
and need and provides a cost-effective, secure, and reliable source of power for Tri-State's
Members, High West Energy and Morgan County REA, and their customers.
Transmission Line Routing Alternatives
The process used to identify alternative locations for the 115-kV transmission line began with
delineating the Study Area (Figure 1 ). The general location for the substation sites and the
transmission line were initially identified based on the location of the oil and gas facilities,
interconnection considerations, and existing infrastructure. The locations of these features
heavily influenced the area of consideration for the transmission line and substations. An
opportunities and constraints analysis was completed for the Study Area to help determine
potential routes for the Project. Four potential routes from the proposed Keota substation to
the Redtail substation were created based on an opportunity and constraints analysis that
included , but was not limited to, the following criteria:
• Shortest length between the Keota substation and the Redtail substation
• Avoidance of the Pawnee National Grasslands
• Avoidance of undisturbed and environmentally sensitive areas
• Existing linear corridors
• Property lines
• Buffers surrounding the Cedar Creek wind farm turbines
• Buffers surrounding existing oil and gas wells
• Buffers surrounding residences
• Buffer zones surrounding military infrastructure
A detailed description of the opportunity and constraints analysis is provided in Section 21 -3-
330. B.6, and a summary of the alternatives is provided in Table 1 .
Alternative 1 :
Under all action alternatives, the Keota substation would be located adjacent to MBPP's
existing 345-kV Laramie River to Story transmission line approximately one mile south of
CR 106 on CR 89. Under Alternative 1 , the transmission line would then head north along the
3
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
existing 230-kV Cedar Creek-Keenesburg transmission line and follow the route to the north
and east until diverting south to the Redtail substation one mile west of CR 127.
Alternative 1 consolidates the disturbance with the existing transmission line. Less than one
mile of transmission line would be constructed outside an existing corridor, and no new
landowners (that weren't impacted by the Cedar Creek lines) would be impacted. The line
would be placed within 500 feet of two residences, and would cross four parcels (4 miles)
currently encumbered by conservation easements held by the Colorado Cattleman's
Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT). Alternative 1 is the longest alternative at 26.7 miles.
Alternative 2:
Under Alternative 2, the transmission line would follow the existing Cedar Creek-Keenesburg
line north and east out of the new Keota substation, but would divert from the existing line
approximately 2.4 miles south of where the existing line turns due east. The line would then
follow parcel boundaries for 2. 15 miles where it would turn to the northeast to cross the Chalk
Bluffs. It would then run north for approximately 0.6 mile before turning due east to CR 382.
The line would then follow CRs 382 and 118 to the Redtail substation.
Alternative 2 is the shortest with 22.5 miles of transmission line and avoids three parcels (2
miles) of land held in conservation easements, compared to Alternative 1 . However, it creates
14.5 miles of disturbance outside the existing corridor (and crosses 18 new parcels), and
comes within 500 feet of three residences. Additionally, it creates a new disturbance corridor
across the Chalk Bluffs, approximately 2.3 miles south of the existing crossing .
Alternative 3:
Alternative 3 follows the existing Cedar Creek-Keenesburg transmission line, except where it
cuts through the wind farm at the Cedar Creek substation and then re-connects with the
existing line near CR 382. The transmission line would follow parcel boundaries along the
diversion as much as possible, but would be located approximately 600-800 feet north of the
parcel boundaries for approximately 2.8 miles to avoid wind turbines.
Alternative 3 would include 25.3 miles of transmission line and would impact nine parcels in
conservation easements (5.9 miles). This alternative would create 5.2 miles of new
disturbance outside the existing corridor, but would not come within 500 feet of residences.
Alternative 4:
Alternative 4 occurs entirely outside of the existing Cedar Creek-Keenseburg transmission
line corridor. It follows the parcel boundaries east out of the Keota substation for
approximately one mile where it turns due north for one mile then back east for seven miles
to the approximate alignment of the extension of WCR 105. It then turns north for 1 .25 miles,
then east for approximately seven miles to the east side of WCR 119. It then turns north for
one mile to the north side of WCR 110. It then turns east and north along property boundaries
for approximately 4 miles, then runs north for another 3 miles and terminates at the Redtail
substation site.
4
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♦ 1 p��1 ti�lfl) UN1 1f1/ Planning Commission Certification
,� v �"' •- ` i- This is to certify that the Weld County Planning Commission has certified and does hereby
`T h 1 7 mN % '{ iL ' `� J Ik recommend to the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado, for its confirmation,
S . . - ( - 1. v - • ,44.14. fi . _ t.-
•„ approval and adoption of this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review as
• S u (:� -. � ,, _4' shown and described thereon this day of , 2012.
�. Keota U��l ° IV/ � . .
I 44,P 5 —' • ¢ .i ) ! ^. Chair, Weld County Planning Commission
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♦♦ Noble <k 1 1 Board of County Commissioners Certification
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. I F t 1 _� This is to certify that the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado does hereby
9 , ,. ` .! t , confirm and adopt this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review and
,�` ' t• " • �- , Development Standards as shown and described hereon this day of , 2012.iiii• - •, ` . •
•, _ I-'s 4 • "'�
4 Chair, Board of County Commissioners
, E T ATTEST:
•• S. I. ;S .1- ' I. Weld County Clerk to the Board
•
., �, -� ., BY: Dated:
�` 't ' 1 ':L , I Deputy Clerk to the Board
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♦♦ y � 1/4 I Property Owner's Certification
- - /„ + II See affdavitin Appendix Dofapplication Sources
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2
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Alternative 4 would include 24.7 miles of transmission line. It would cross 30 parcels, none of
which have previously been impacted by a transmission line, but many of which are currently
under oil and gas development. There would be no disturbance to any parcels currently held
in conservation easements by the CCALT under Alternative 4. Additionally, the line would not
come within 0.5 mile of any residences. Alternative 4 would not cross the Chalk Bluffs and
would be located approximately two miles to the south of the bluffs at its nearest location.
Alternative 4 was selected as the preferred alternative after the following land use and natural
resource features were taken into account:
• Avoidance of the Chalk Bluffs
• Landowner input
• Line distance
• Conservation easements
• Existing disturbance (oil and gas)
Table 1 : Alternative Summary Table
Criteria Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4
Length (miles) 26.7 22.5 25.3 24.7
Homes within 500 feet 2 3 0 0
Miles of new disturbance 0.8 14.5 5.2 24.7
(outside corridor)
Miles of line across 4.0 2.8 5.9 0
conservation easements
Number of parcels crossed 5 4 9 0
in conservation easements
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Tri-State mailed a letter to all landowners along the four proposed routes explaining the
Project and the purpose that it would serve. The letter identified the purpose and location of
the proposed project, and requested permission to assess their properties. Recipients were
provided with contact information and were invited to call Tri-State with comments or
questions about the Project. Tri-State followed up with direct contact by phone or in person
with the owner of each potentially affected property. Several owners of parcels that would be
crossed by Alternative 1 requested that Tri-State select another route that was not across
their land and/or not across Chalk Bluffs. In addition, several of the parcels crossed by
Alternatives 1 , 2 and 3 are encumbered by conservation easements held by CCALT. CCALT
strongly opposed any route across its conservation easements. Tri-State also consulted with
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for the Project, which is described in greater detail in
Section 21 -3-330. B.7, who also preferred a route that did not cross the Chalk Bluffs. Tri-State
did not receive any formal comment letters, or other negative feedback from landowners
along the Preferred Alternative.
7
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
As the preferred route was identified , Tri-State staff reached out individually to the
landowners whose property would be impacted by that route. Tri-State continues to work with
those landowners to minimize and mitigate impacts to their properties. A second letter was
mailed to all landowners previously contacted , informing them of the selection of a preferred
route and the two alternatives, and again requested input.
8
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW APPLICATION CHAPTER 23, ARTICLE II,
DIVISION 4 OF THE WELD COUNTY CODE
23-2-240 . DESIGN STANDARDS.
A. An applicant for a Use by Special Review shall demonstrate compliance with the following
design standards in the application and shall continue to meet these standards if approved
for DEVELOPMENT.
1 . Adequate water service in terms of quality, quantity and dependability is available to the
site to serve the USES permitted.
Not applicable. The use being permitted is a 115-kV single-circuit transmission line
and substations.
2. Adequate sewer service is available to the site to serve the USES permitted.
Not applicable. The use being permitted is a 115-kV single-circuit transmission line.
There will be no sewer service at either of the substation sites.
3. If soil conditions on the site are such that they present moderate or severe limitations to
the construction of STRUCTURES or facilities proposed for the site, the applicant has
demonstrated how much limitations can and will be mitigated.
The majority of the soils along the transmission right-of-way and the Keota and
Redtail substations have low shrink/swell potential. The majority of the soils are not
limited for structures. In order to identify and mitigate any concerns associated with
the soils at the substation sites, Tri-State performed a geotechnical soils study. The
soils study has identified the structural characteristics of the soil and provided
recommendations for construction of foundations within the soils. Mat foundations
and drilled piers would be used to support structures and equipment within the
substations. Appendix C includes a soil report prepared by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS). See Section 21 -3-330. B . 15—Hydrologic,
Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts.
4. Adequate fire protection measures are available on the site for the STRUCTURES and
facilities permitted.
The proposed transmission line is designed with overhead ground wires and
grounded towers to protect the system from becoming damaged by lightning . See
Section 21 -3-330. B.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures for additional fire
protection measures.
5. USES shall comply with the following stormwater management standards:
a. Stormwater retention facilities shall be provided on site, which are designed to
retain the stormwater runoff from the fully developed site from a one-hundred-year
storm or as otherwise required by the Department of Public Works. In the case of a
LIVESTOCK CONFINEMENT OPERATION (L.C.O.), wastewater collection,
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
conveyance and retention facilities shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the Confined Animal Feeding Operation Control Regulations (5
CCR 1002-19).
A range of measures to ensure that the Project does not impact water quality,
among other things, is listed in Appendix B, and prior to construction , a Storm
Water Permit for Construction Activities would be acquired from the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment, if required . The Storm Water
Management Plan prepared as part of the Storm Water Permit would likely
include the use of sediment control measures, covering of exposed soils, and
other established Best Management Practices (BMP) that will control runoff. See
Sections 21 -3-330. B. 12—Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control
Alternatives, Air Pollution Impact and Control , and 21 -3-330.B. 16-Surface and
Subsurface Drainage.
b. The drainage facilities shall be designed to release the retained water at a quantity
and rate not to exceed the quantity and rate of a five-year storm falling on the
UNDEVELOPED site.
Construction of the Project would not create runoff in excess of previous site
levels and would not adversely affect drainage. There would be no alteration in
the pattern or intensity of surface drainage as a result of construction or
operation of the transmission line. Drainage from the Keota substation would be
directed towards a proposed detention pond located to the southeast of the
facilities on the substation property. Drainage from the Redtail substation would
also be directed towards a proposed pond located on the east side of the
property. The ponds at both substations will drain to historic drainageways by
way of proposed outlet structures. The outlet structures will release flows at a
rate equal to the 5-year historic flowrate.
6. All parking and vehicle storage shall be provided on the site; parking shall not be
permitted within any public right-of-way. An adequate parking area shall be provided to
meet the parking needs of employees, company vehicles, visitors and customers.
Right-of-way agreements include 100-foot easements purchased from landowners
along the transmission alignment. Only a small portion of the transmission line right-
of-way would be disturbed for structure installation and vehicle access. See
Section 21 -3-330. B.2.b—Access to the Project Area.
During construction , all vehicles would be parked at the staging areas on the Keota
and Redtail substation properties, and no parking areas would be constructed. See
Section 21 -3-330. B.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from
Construction of the Electric Transmission Line.
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7. The USE shall comply with all the SETBACK and OFFSET requirements of the zone
district.
This Project is located within the A (Agricultural) Zone District. The minimum setback
is 20 feet, and the minimum offset is 3 feet, or 1 foot for each 3 feet of building height,
as defined in Section 23-3-50 of the Weld County Code. The minimum setback
required for telecommunication antenna towers in the Agricultural zone is 100
percent of the tower height. This Project complies with the setback and offset
requirements.
8. The access shall be located and designed to be safe; ingress and egress shall not
present a safety hazard to the traveling public or to the vehicle accessing the property.
For USES generating high traffic volumes and large number of large, slow-accelerating
vehicles, acceleration and deceleration lanes may be required to mitigate a potential
traffic hazard.
No adverse effects on county roads are anticipated . Access roads would be created
off County roads 89 and 118 for the Keota and Redtail substations, respectively. Tri-
State has submitted Access Road Permit applications (AP13-00358, AP13-00372)
and will comply with all County design standards.
All mobile construction equipment would be certified to operate on Interstate
highways. There may be short periods of time when traffic would be halted on County
Roads 89 and 118 to allow construction vehicles to enter and exit the construction
area. No improvements to roads in Weld County would be required . See Section 21 -
3-330. B.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of
the Electric Transmission Line.
9. New accesses to public rights-of-way shall be constructed using the following as
minimum standards:
a. Size of drainage structure—twelve (12) inches in diameter.
b. Length of drainage structure—twenty (20) feet.
c. Depth of cover over pipe—twelve (12) inches.
d. Width of access—fifteen (15) feet.
e. Maximum grade of access—fifteen percent (15%).
f. Flare radius—twenty (20) feet.
g. Depth of surfacing—four (4) inches.
Standards exceeding these minimums may be required depending on the type and
volume of vehicles generated by the type of USE proposed.
Access roads would be created off County roads 89 and 118 for the Keota and
Redtail substations, respectively. Access roads would be 25 feet-wide with a
minimum inside flare radius of 50 feet. The roads would be designed with a 6 inch
section of modified Class 5 road base. Tri-State has submitted Access Road Permit
applications and will comply with all County design standards.
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10. Buffering or SCREENING of the proposed USE from ADJACENT properties may be
required in order to make the determination that the proposed USE is compatible with
the surrounding uses. Buffering or SCREENING may be accomplished through a
combination of berming, landscaping and fencing.
Not applicable. The proposed Project is a linear transmission line facility and the
substations are located in rural areas where adjacent properties are used exclusively
for agriculture.
11 . Uses by Special Review in the A (Agricultural) Zone District shall be located on the least
prime soils on the property in question unless the applicant can demonstrate why such
a location would be impractical or infeasible.
Numerous soil types along the transmission line are designated as Prime Farmlands
or Farmlands of Statewide Importance. However, placement of the transmission line
support structures would not preclude the use of farmland under the suspended
transmission line. Approximately 58 acres of Farmland of Statewide Importance and
27 acres of Prime Farmland, if irrigated would be permanently removed from
agricultural uses for the substation sites. However, only a small portion of that would
be disturbed for the Project. The facilities proposed for the Keota substation occur
primarily on soils that are not considered Prime Farmlands. Nearly all of the soils in
the vicinity of the Redtail substation are considered Farmland of Statewide
Importance and cannot be avoided . The See Section 21 -3-330.B. 15—Hydrologic,
Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts.
B. If the Special Review Permit for a MAJOR FACILITY OF A PUBLIC UTILITY OR PUBLIC
AGENCY is approved, the Planning Commission shall arrange for the Department of
Planning Services to record the appropriate Facilities Plan, Utility Line or Selected Route
Map with the County Clerk and Recorder. (Weld County Codification Ordinance 2000-1 )
Noted .
23-4-830 . STANDARDS FOR TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA
TOWERS.
A. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS are allowed as a use by right, accessory uses,
or as a Use by Special Review Permit, per the height guidelines below. The height of a
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER is defined as the distance from the finished
grade at the TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER base to the highest point of the
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER. Overall TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA
TOWER HEIGHT includes the base pad, mounting structures and panel antennas, but
excludes lightning rods and whip antennas.
Zoning Permit for
Use by Right or Accessory TELECOMMUNICATIONS Use by Special Review
Use ANTENNA TOWER Permit approval required
Up to 35 feet in height > 35 feet up to 70 feet in Greater than 70 feet in height
height
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The proposed tower will be 260 feet in height, and is therefore included as part of the Use
by Special Review Permit application .
B. Radial Spacing. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS over thirty-five (35) feet high
must be located at least one thousand (1 ,000) feet from other TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWERS over thirty-five (35) feet high that are capable of supporting
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES. Closer spacing between TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWERS may be granted through the Use by Special Review process. This radial
spacing requirement does not apply to facilities located at designated antenna farms.
The proposed tower will be located within the Keota substation site, approximately 1070
feet from CR 89 and at least 1000 feet from the nearest telecommunication tower located
at the Noble facility.
C. In addition to meeting the Use by Special Review standards set forth in Article II, Division 5
of this Chapter, the applicant shall submit documentation addressing the following
standards:
1 . Existing or approved TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS cannot accommodate
the telecommunications equipment planned for the proposed TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWER.
Tri-State evaluated existing towers in Weld County for possible collocation or as
intermediate repeater sites to lower the required Keota tower height, which is
described further in Appendix E. These sites were identified using data provided by
Weld County, and using the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Registration System database. Only
one site, owned by Noble (USR-13-0013), was found to be close enough to be
considered in lieu of a new tower. Three additional sites were identified and
evaluated as possible intermediate repeater sites.
Noble was contacted about possible colocation at their site approximately 1900 feet
from the proposed Keota tower. It was determined that their tower, as designed and
permitted , would not be able to support Tri-State's antenna requirements. Only the
bottom 40 feet of the 70-foot tower is available for Tri-State's equipment and other
structures and general topography would interfere with radio signals at this level (see
Appendix E).
The three sites considered for repeater sites (USR-974, USR-1750, and CUP-42)
were dismissed because they would decrease system reliability and would not
eliminate the need for a tower at Keota. The use of additional radio paths would
require additional FCC transmit frequency pairs to be available in an area that is
already very congested .
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Therefore, it was determined that there are no nearby communication towers that
could defer the construction of a new 260-foot tower to serve the Keota substation .
The structure proposed would allow Tri-State to meet Federal requirements for relay
protection of a critical substation by providing geographically diverse paths to Point of
Rocks and Weldona (Exhibit A—Appendix E). The reduction in system reliability by
using intermediate repeater sites does not outweigh the slight reduction in the height
of the proposed tower.
2. The TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall not constitute a hazard to aircraft.
Tri-State submitted a Notice of Proposed Construction with the FAA (Form 7460-1 )
and received a "Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation" (Appendix E).
3. The TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall be placed on the property to
contain on site all ice-fall or debris from TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER
failure.
The proposed tower will be located approximately 275 feet from the nearest property
line, which is adequate to contain on site all ice-fall or debris from the tower.
4. The proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall be designed and provide
for CO-LOCATION. The Board of County Commissioners may revoke permits or other
administrative approvals if conditions for approval of a TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWER include CO-LOCATION, but:
a. The TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER owner is not willing to provide
space for other carriers at a fair market rate when it would not impair the structural
integrity of the TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER or cause interference.
b. The TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER owner modifies the structure in a
way to make CO-LOCATION impractical or impossible.
c. If approval is revoked, the facility must be removed at the owner's expense.
Tri-State agrees to make the proposed tower available for collocation with such
entities as government agencies, public safety operations, utilities, and some
non-profit organizations that are determined to be capable of meeting Tri-State's
security requirements. We do not collocate with "for profit" entities in the majority
of cases, but will review all applications for collocation on a non-discriminatory
basis.
Any tower space that is not in use or reserved for future use by Tri-State will be
available for collocation . Acceptable collocators can occupy the unused portion of
the tower as long as space is available and the use is within the tower's structural
limits. Tri-State currently has sharing agreements with Western Area Power
Administration , Basin Electric, Xcel Energy, the State of Colorado and others to
use tower and building spaces at our sites.
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
5. The TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall have the least practicable adverse
visual impact on the environment.
The tower will be located within the new Keota substation site and adjacent to
existing development including a 345-kV transmission line, a 230-kV transmission
line, and an oil and gas facility. The tower will maintain a galvanized finish to best
reflect the ambient lighting conditions during daylight hours. The tower will not
visually impact this environment.
6. The proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall not emit radiation that
will adversely affect human health.
Tri-State calculated the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits for the
proposed Keota communication tower (Appendix E), and determined that near-field
exposure (approximately 33 feet from the base of the tower) on the ground was a
fraction (0.00002 mW/cm2) of the FCC limits (FCC 1997) for the general population
( 1 mW/cm2). Far-field exposure (2601 feet from the base of the tower) was nearly
zero (0.00000 mW/cm2).
7. The proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall be the minimum height
needed to accommodate the TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA.
The minimum height needed for clearance of both the near-path obstructions
(adjacent transmission structures and the 20-foot obstruction clearance criteria), and
the mid-path terrain obstructions located approximately 5.45 miles from the Keota
substation, is 260 feet. The basic structure height needed to clear the existing 345-kV
line and structures is 130 feet. A space diversity antenna will require an additional 30
feet of separation, making the structure 160 feet, plus an additional 10 feet for mobile
radio and a lightning rod . The remaining 90 feet is required to clear the topographical
features in the area.
8. The proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall comply with all
applicable federal and State regulations.
The proposed tower will comply with FAA regulations, 14 CFR Part 77—Safe,
Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace, and FCC regulations-47
CFR Part 17.4—Antenna Structure Registration . There are no applicable state
regulations in Colorado.
9. The design of the proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall insure
structural integrity.
The tower will be designed to current ANSI TIA-222-G-2005 tower design structures
to insure structural integrity, among other things.
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
10. The proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall have adequate
measures to discourage unauthorized climbing and to insure the security thereof.
The tower will be located within the fenced and locked Keota substation site with
adequate security to discourage unauthorized access. No part of the substation will
be open to, or accessibly by, the general public.
11 . All reasonably possible sites for the TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER have
been considered, and the proposed site is the most appropriate, available site from a
land use perspective.
The tower will be located within the footprint of the proposed Keota substation . This
location is the most suitable to avoid additional disturbance to nearby areas from
construction of the tower and/or cable from the tower to the substation. The site
currently includes an existing 345-kV and 230-kV transmission line, and will be
adjacent to an oil and gas processing facility.
12. The proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER shall not adversely impact
wildlife.
Tri-State has consulted with CPW for the Project. Impacts to mammals from the
tower would be minimal given the existing land use in the area and the proposed
fencing around the substation . Disturbance to mammals would primarily include
avoidance of the area during the temporary construction activities.
Impacts to birds from communication towers are primarily related to steady-burning
strobe lights and guy wires (Gehring and Kerlinger 2007a, 2007b), neither of which is
required by the FAA at the Keota site. Tower heights lower than 400 feet are not
typically associated with bird fatalities (Kemper 1996). Additionally, the tower has
been sited to avoid habitats where birds congregate such as wetlands and ponds,
and migratory pathways.
13. A Decommissioning Plan. Adequate financial assurance to cover the decommissioning
of the facility may be required as a condition of approval of the Decommissioning Plan.
The tower is able to be fully decommissioned when no longer needed to provide
communication services. All equipment shelters and cabinets are fully removable and
foundations are shallow slabs easily demolished and recycled . The tower structure
would likely be deconstructed, then sold or reused elsewhere. The land immediately
surrounding the tower could be returned to agricultural use following
decommissioning, provided it is concurrent with the decommissioning of the
substation, as the tower is located within the fenced substation property.
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
D. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER and Equipment Setbacks.
1 . TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS, ATTACHED and other appurtenances may
encroach up to two (2) feet into the minimum building setbacks in the underlying zoning
district but must not extend over property lines.
Not applicable.
2. Minimum setbacks for TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS, CONCEALED are the same
as the minimum building setbacks in the underlying zoning district.
Not applicable.
3. Minimum setbacks for TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS are as follows:
a. From property lines of properties in the A, C, I and PUD (with Commercial or
Industrial uses) zones: one-hundred percent (100%) of the TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWER HEIGHT but not less than minimum building setbacks in the
underlying zone district.
The proposed 260-foot tower will be setback a minimum of 275 feet from the
nearest property line.
4. Guy wires and equipment buildings and cabinets. No part of the TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWER system, including any guy wire anchors, shall extend closer than
thirty (30) feet to the property boundary.
No guy wires will be required and no part of the tower system will extend closer than
30 feet to the property boundary.
E. Equipment Design.
1 . A TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA, ATTACHED on a roof may extend up to fifteen (15)
feet over the height of the building or structure and may exceed the underlying zoning
district height limitation. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS, ATTACHED mounted on a
building or structure wall must be as flush to the wall as technically possible, and must
not project above the top of the wall, and must be located, painted and/or screened to
be architecturally and visually compatible with the building it is attached to.
Not applicable.
2. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS should be painted or coated in earth-tone
colors that blend, to the extent possible, with the surrounding building and natural
environment, unless State or federal regulations require specific colors.
The tower will maintain a galvanized finish to best reflect the ambient lighting
conditions during daylight hours and to coincide with the galvanized finish on the
existing transmission structures.
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
3. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS must not be artificially lighted unless
required by the FAA or other State or federal agency. Security lighting on the site may
be mounted up to twenty (20) feet high and must be directed toward the ground to
reduce light pollution, prevent offsite light spillage and avoid illuminating the
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER.
Tri-State received a "Determination of No Hazard" from the FAA (Appendix E). The
exact type of lighting that will be required by the FAA has yet to be determined , but it
is expected to consist of pulsing white strobes during daytime hours and a red
beacon at night, as requested by Tri-State to minimize impacts to the nearest
resident (located > 1 mile from the tower) and to birds. No security lighting will be
installed for the tower. Lighting will be provided only for maintenance activities.
4. Equipment buildings must be compatible with the architectural style of the surrounding
building environment with consideration given to exterior materials, roof form, scale,
mass, color, texture and character. Equipment buildings must be constructed with
materials that are equal to or better than the materials of the principal use. Equipment
cabinets must be located, painted and/or screened to be architecturally and visually
compatible with the surrounding building and natural environment.
The equipment building will be 11 '6 x36' FibreBond Concrete with aggregate exterior
commonly used for housing communication equipment, and will be compatible with
surrounding building environment including the substation and the oil and gas facility.
5. The maximum permissible noise level shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise
levels allowed in the underlying zone district as delineated in Section 14-9-30 of this
Code. Equipment must not generate noise that can be heard beyond the site. However,
this does not apply to generators used in emergency situations where the regular power
supply for a facility is temporarily interrupted. It also does not apply to air conditioners
or noise made during regular maintenance and upkeep of the facility and site.
The Project would be constructed and maintained in accordance with Colorado
Revised Statutes 25-12-101 et seq. (Noise Abatement) and Article IX, Section 14-9-
10 et seq. of the Weld County Code. See Section 21 -3-330. B. 15—Hydrologic,
Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts.
F. Base or Accessory Site Design.
1 . Screening and landscaping appropriate to the context of the site and in harmony with
the character of the surrounding environment is required when any part of the facility is
visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent properties.
No screening is proposed , as the tower would be located adjacent to two
transmission lines, a substation, and an oil and gas facility. No landscaping is
proposed , as the site is not irrigated.
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
2. Existing vegetation and grades on the site should be improved or preserved to the
extent possible.
Only the minimum amount of soils and vegetation necessary for the safe and reliable
construction and operation of the tower will be disturbed .
3. Signage at the site is limited to nonilluminated warning and equipment identification
signs. This does not apply to concealed antennas incorporated into freestanding signs.
No signage is proposed for the facility.
4. TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA FACILITIES, except those in the C and I zones, must
not include manned offices, long-term vehicle storage or other outdoor storage, or
other uses not needed to send, receive or relay transmissions.
Noted .
G. Abandonment.
If the Use by Special Review has not commenced within three (3) years from the date of
approval, or is discontinued for a period of three (3) consecutive years, it shall be presumed
inactive or abandoned. The COUNTY shall initiate an administrative hearing to consider whether
to grant an extension of time to commence the use or revoke the use. If the use is revoked, it
shall be necessary to follow the procedures and requirements of this Division in order to
reestablish any subsequent Use by Right or Use by Special Review. Upon the determination that
the use has been abandoned, the facility owner has ninety (90) days to re-use the facility or
transfer the facility to another owner who will re-use it. Evidence of such shall be provided, in
writing, to the Department of Planning Services.
1 . Removal of abandoned TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS shall be addressed
in all lease agreements and shall specifically address the duties and obligations of the
lessee and its assigns as well as the property owner regarding the removal of
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS deemed by the County to be abandoned.
Not applicable.
2. The applicant or owner shall submit an Improvements Agreement agreeing to remove
the improvements as shown in the application, plans, plat and other supporting
documents. The agreement shall be made in conformance with the County policy on
collateral for improvements. The agreement shall be approved by the Board of County
Commissioners prior to commencement of operations, as applicable. (Weld County
Code Ordinance 2010-6).
Noted .
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
23-2-250 . OPERATION STANDARDS.
An applicant for a Special Review Permit shall demonstrate conformance with the following
operation standards in the Special Review Permit application to the extent that the standards
affect location, layout and design of the Use by Special Review prior to construction and
operation. Once operational, the operation of the USES permitted shall conform to these
standards.
A. The operation of the USES shall comply with the noise standards enumerated in Section 25-
12-101 , C.R.S.
The Project would be constructed and maintained in accordance with Colorado Revised
Statutes 25-12-101 et seq. (Noise Abatement) and Article IX, Section 14-9-10 et seq . of
the Weld County Code. See Section 21 -3-330. B. 15—Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic,
Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts.
B. The operation of the USES shall comply with the air quality regulations promulgated by the
Colorado Air Quality Control Commission.
Construction of the Project is not expected to contribute to the air quality status in the
area. There would be no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation
and maintenance of the proposed transmission line and substations. See Section 21 -3-
330.B. 12—Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives, Air Pollution Impact
and Control.
C. The operation of the USES shall comply with the water quality regulations promulgated by
the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission.
There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with the regular operation or
maintenance of the transmission line and substations. See Section 21 -3-330. B. 12—Air
and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives, Air Pollution Impact and Control.
D. The USES shall comply with the following lighting standards:
1 . Sources of light, including light from high-temperature processes such as combustion
or welding, shall be shielded so that light rays will not shine directly onto ADJACENT
properties where such would cause a nuisance or interfere with the USE on the
ADJACENT properties; and
No lighting would be required for transmission line structures. Lighting will be
installed throughout the substation yards and mounted on the building exteriors.
However, lights are generally only on in emergency situations when maintenance is
required during low light conditions. Substation lighting would not cause a nuisance
with agricultural uses on adjacent properties. Lighting for the tower is described in
Section 23-4-830, E.3 above.
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Weld County USR and 1041 Application
2. Neither direct nor reflected light from any light source may create a traffic hazard to
operators of motor vehicles on PUBLIC or private STREETS and no colored lights may
be used which may be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.
No lighting would be required for transmission line structures. Lighting will be
installed throughout the substation yards and mounted on the building exteriors.
However, lights are generally only on in emergency situations when maintenance is
required during low light conditions. Substation lighting would not cause a traffic
hazard on county roads and no colored lights would be used . Lighting for the tower is
described in Section 23-4-830, E .3 above.
E. The USES shall not emit heat so as to raise the temperature of the air more than five
degrees (5°) Fahrenheit at or beyond the LOT line.
The proposed transmission line and substations would not raise the temperature of the
air more than five (50) degrees Fahrenheit at or beyond the lot line. See Section 21 -3-
3303.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures.
F. Property shall be maintained in such a manner that grasses and weeds are not permitted to
grow taller than twelve (12) inches. In no event shall the property owner allow the growth of
NOXIOUS WEEDS.
Tri-State's Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects (Appendix B)
contains a description of revegetation and noxious weed control .
G. Any off-site and on-site improvements agreement shall be made in conformance with the
County policy on collateral for improvements. (Weld County Codification Ordinance 2000-1 ;
Weld County Code Ordinance 2007-1 )
Not applicable.
23-2-260 . APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
A. The purpose of the application is to give the petitioner an opportunity to demonstrate
through written and graphic information how the proposal complies with the standards of
this Chapter. The following supporting documents shall be submitted as a part of the
application except for those items determined by the Director of Planning Services, in
writing, or the Board of County Commissioners, on the record, to be unnecessary to a
decision on the application:
1 . A statement which explains that the proposal is consistent with Chapter 22 of this Code
and any other applicable code provision or ordinance in effect.
The Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan, has been reviewed and
the proposed project is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan ,
including Land Use, Environmental Resources, and Natural Resources. See Section
21 -3-330. B.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction
of the Electric Transmission Line.
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2. A statement which explains that the proposal is consistent with the intent of the district
in which the USE is located.
The Project area is located within the Agricultural Zone District. Major facilities of
public utilities are uses that are allowed by special review within the Agricultural Zone
District. See Section 21 -3-330. B.5.a—Present Use and Zoning .
3. A statement which explains that the USES which would be permitted will be compatible
with the existing surrounding land USES.
Land to the north , east, and west of the Project area is part of unincorporated Weld
County and is zoned agricultural. The Cedar Creek Wind Farm is located north of the
proposed transmission line route and two oil and gas facilities are located near each
of the substations. There is an existing 245-kV transmission line going between the
proposed Keota substation and the wind farm. The remainder of the area is largely
used for agricultural purposes and oil and gas development. This Project would be
compatible with the existing surrounding land uses. See Section 21 -3-330.B.5.m—
Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcel.
4. A statement which explains that the USES which would be permitted will be compatible
with the future DEVELOPMENT of the surrounding area as permitted by the existing
zone and with future DEVELOPMENT as projected by Chapter 22 of this Code and any
other applicable code provision or ordinances in effect, or the adopted MASTER PLANS
of affected municipalities.
This use is consistent with the future development of the surrounding area as
permitted by the existing zoning and as projected by Chapter 22 of this Code. See
Section 21 -3-330.B.5.a—Present Use and Zoning .
5. A statement which explains that the application complies with Article V of this Chapter
if the proposal is located within any Overlay District Area identified by maps officially
adopted by the COUNTY.
Not applicable. The Project area is not within an Overlay District Area, as defined in
Article V.
6. A statement which explains that if the USE is proposed to be located in the A
(Agricultural) Zone District, the applicant has demonstrated a diligent effort has been
made to conserve prime agricultural land in the locational decision for the proposed
USE.
Numerous soil types along the transmission line are designated as Prime Farmlands
or Farmlands of Statewide Importance. However, placement of the wood pole
transmission line support structures would not preclude the use of farmland under the
suspended transmission line. Approximately 58 acres of Farmland of Statewide
Importance and 27 acres of Prime Farmland , if irrigated would be permanently
removed from agricultural uses for the substations. However, only a small portion of
that would be disturbed for the Project. The facilities proposed for the Keota
22
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
substation occur primarily on soils that are not considered Prime Farmlands. Nearly
all of the soils in the vicinity of the Redtail substation are considered Farmland of
Statewide Importance and cannot be avoided . The See Section 21 -3-330. B. 15—
Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts.
7. A statement which explains that there is adequate provision for the protection of the
health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the NEIGHBORHOOD and the COUNTY.
All Tri-State electric facilities are designed, constructed, operated , and maintained to
meet or exceed all applicable standards of design and performance set forth in the
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC 2012). Health and safety concerns associated
with the Project, therefore, would be limited largely to electromagnetic fields (EMF)
from the transmission line. EMF was modeled for the project as a function of
predicted magnetic field levels, based on typical and peak loads, from the proposed
transmission line, and is described in Section 21 -3-330. B.5.g—Hazards and
Emergency Procedures.
B. The following general information shall be submitted:
1 . Name, address and telephone number of the applicants.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association , Inc.
Attention: Selina Koler
Address: 1100 West 116th Ave. , Westminster, CO 80234
Phone Number: 303-254-3720
2. Name and address of the fee owners of the property proposed for the Use by Special
Review if different from above.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
1100 West 116th Ave. , Westminster, CO 80234
3. Legal description of the property under consideration.
These legal descriptions are approximate and will be replaced by the final legal
descriptions following completion of land survey work for the Project. They are also
subject to change within the same ownership based on engineering design .
Keota The south half of the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township (T) 9 North,
Substation Range (R) 61 West, of the 6th Prime Meridian (P. M . ), Weld County, Colorado
Redtail The south 950 feet of the east 950 feet of the west half of Section 8, T1 ON ,
Substation R58 West, of the 6th P.M . , Weld County, Colorado
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 9 North , Range 61 West of the
6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The South 300 feet of Section 16
23
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The West 300 feet of Section 15
The North 300 feet of Sections 13, 14 and 15
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 9 North , Range 60 West of the
6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The North 300 feet of Sections 15, 16, 17 and 18
The East 300 feet of Section 10
The East 300 feet of the South 2000 feet of Section 3
The North 300 feet of the South 2000 feet of Sections 1 and 2
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 9 North , Range 59 West of the
6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The North 1000 feet of the South 1000 feet of Section 6
The North 300 feet of the South 1320 feet of Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5
The West 300 feet of the North 4260 feet of Section 1
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the South 300
Line Easement feet and the East 300 feet of Section 36, Township 10North , Range 59 West
of the 6th PM in Weld County, Colorado
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 10 North, Range 58 West of
the 6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The South 300 feet of the North 1620 feet of Section 31
The West 300 feet of the North 1620 feet of Section 32
The West 300 feet of Sections 17, 20 and 29
4. Total acreage of the parcel under consideration.
The surface area for the newly constructed transmission line structures and
substations on private land would total approximately 103 acres.
5. Existing land USE of the parcel under consideration.
The Project would take place on private land. Land uses near the Project area
include agricultural production , electric transmission , oil and gas production and
storage, wind farms, as well as residential uses.
6. Existing land USES of all properties ADJACENT to said parcel.
Land to the north , south , east, and west of the Project area is part of unincorporated
Weld County and is zoned agricultural. The parcels that would be crossed by the line
include agricultural property and oil and gas development. There are no residences
that occur on parcels adjacent to the transmission line and none within 0.5 mile of the
line. No residences occur on parcels adjacent to the substation , but one residence is
24
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
within one mile of the Keota substation. There are multiple oil and gas wells and an
existing transmission line on the properties as well.
7. Present zone and overlay zones, if appropriate.
The current zoning in the Project area is agricultural. The Project site is not situated
within the boundaries of a 100-year or 500-year floodplain (Federal Emergency
Management Agency 1997). Tri-State has submitted an application with FAA and
received a "Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation" (Appendix E).
8. Signatures of the applicant and fee owners or their authorized legal agent.
See USR Application Form .
9. A certified list of the names, addresses and the corresponding Parcel Identification
Numbers assigned by the County Assessor of the owners of property (the surface
estate) within five hundred (500) feet of the property subject to the application. The
source of such list shall be the records of the County Assessor, or an ownership update
from a title or abstract company or attorney derived from such records, or from the
records of the County Clerk and Recorder. If the list was assembled from the records of
the County Assessor, the applicant shall certify that such list was assembled within
thirty (30) days of the application submission date.
See Section 21 -3-330. B.2.a-Surface Property Owners.
10. The written certification required by Section 24-65.5-103.3, C.R.S., if applicable. Such
certification may be submitted on the date of the initial public hearing referred to in
Section 24-65.5-103(1 ), C.R.S.
To date, no written certification is applicable.
11 . The applicant shall provide the Department of Planning Services with a certificate from
the County Treasurer showing no delinquent taxes for the parcel area.
Not applicable.
12. Proposed LANDSCAPE plans.
A formal landscape plan is not provided , as no landscaping would be done along the
transmission line or at the substations. Areas disturbed during construction of the
Project would be reseeded in coordination with the landowners and their current land
use.
25
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
13. The applicant shall submit to the Department of Planning Services a copy of an
agreement with the mineral owners associated with the subject property. Such
agreement shall stipulate that the oil and gas activities on the subject property have
been adequately incorporated into the design of the site, OR shall provide written
evidence that an adequate attempt has been made to mitigate the concerns of the
mineral owners on the subject property.
Not applicable. The Mineral Interests requirement is not applicable to electric
transmission line projects per Section 21 -3-330. B.2.d and 24-65.5-201 , Colorado
Revised Statutes.
14. The applicant shall submit signed copy of the notice of inquiry form demonstrating that
the IGA municipality does not wish to annex if required by the IGA.
Not applicable.
15. A proposed plan for installation of desired signs following the standards set forth in
Chapter 23, Article IV, Division 2.
No new signage is planned.
16. A certificate of conveyance form provided by the Department of Planning Services and
completed by a Title Insurance or Abstract Company.
Not applicable. Tri-State will not acquire fee title to the properties over which the
proposed transmission line crosses. Tri-State will acquire easement interests in
support of the transmission line.
C. A detailed description of the proposed operation and USE shall be supplied. Details for the
following items, when applicable, are required:
1 . Type of USE for which the application is being made.
The proposed use (Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project) is a 24.7-mile-
long single-circuit 115-kV transmission line that would connect the new Keota
substation to the new Redtail substation (see Figure 4). The surface area for the
newly constructed transmission line structures and substations would total
approximately 103 acres (80 acres for Keota substation , 20 acres for Redtail
substation, and between 2 and 3 acres for structure locations along the transmission
line).
2. Proximity of the proposed USE to residential STRUCTURES.
There are five residences within one mile of the proposed transmission line. There
are no residences within 0.5 mile of the line. There is one residence located
approximately one mile north of the Keota substation . There are no residences within
two miles of the Redtail substation . See Section 21 -3-330. B.5.m—Existing Land
Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcel.
26
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
3. The number of shifts to be worked and the maximum number of employees.
One 10-hour shift per day would be worked during construction ; the site would be
monitored remotely during operation . The maximum number of construction workers
at any one time would be approximately 30. See Section 21 -3-330. B.7—Natural and
Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of the Electric
Transmission Line and Substations.
4. The maximum number of users, patrons, members, buyers or other visitors that the use
by special review facility is designed to accommodate at any one (1 ) time.
Not applicable.
5. Types and maximum numbers of animals to be concentrated on the site at any one (1 )
time.
Not applicable. There would be no animals on the site as part of this Project.
6. Types and numbers of operating and processing equipment to be utilized.
The new 24.7-mile transmission line would consist of approximately 124-198
structures (Table 2). The structures would be H-frame wood structures spaced
approximately 700-1 ,000 feet apart (Figure 3). The transmission line would have
three conductors and three phase wires, an overhead optical ground wire for internal
Tri-State communications, and one shield wire. Transmission poles would be direct
embedded in soil, except at changes in direction of the line. At these locations, the
poles would be three-pole embedded wood poles with guys and anchors.
Table 2: Transmission Line Characteristics
Characteristic Value
Voltage 115-kV
Total Length 24.7 miles
Right-of-Way Width 100 feet
Span Between Structures: Typical Range 700-1 ,000 feet
Number of Structures per Mile: With Typical 5 to 8
Range
Height of Structures: Typical 70 feet above ground
Height of Structures: Typical Range 47.5-97 feet above ground
Minimum Ground Clearance Beneath 28 feet
Conductor
Minimum Ground Clearance Beneath 24 feet
Conductor Over Roads
Circuit Configuration Horizontal "delta"
Conductor Type and Size (circular mils) 795 kcmil, 1 . 1 '` diameter, 26/7, ACSR,
"Drake"
Shieldwire Types and Size (inches) 48 fiber optical ground wire, approximately
0.54 inch in diameter; 3/8-inch 7-strand
galvanized steel
27
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
7. Type, number and USES of the proposed STRUCTURES to be erected.
Approximately 124-198 wood H-frame transmission line structures would be used to
transmit electricity over the 115-kV transmission line. See the Project Description for
additional information .
8. Type, size, weight and frequency of vehicular traffic and access routes that will be
utilized.
See Section 21 -3-330. B.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from
Construction of the Electric Transmission Line.
9. Domestic sewage facilities.
Not applicable.
10. Size of stockpile, storage or waste areas to be utilized.
Enclosed containment would be provided for all trash . All construction waste,
including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other
potentially hazardous materials would be removed from the site and transported to a
disposal facility authorized to accept such materials. There would be no significant
amount of hazardous materials stored in the Project area. See
Section 21 -3-330. B.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures.
11 . Method and time schedule of removal or disposal of debris, JUNK and other wastes
associated with the proposed USE.
Enclosed containment would be provided for all trash . All construction waste,
including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other
potentially hazardous materials would be removed from the site and transported to a
disposal facility authorized to accept such materials. See Section 21 -3-330. B .5.g—
Hazards and Emergency Procedures.
12. A time table showing the periods of time required for the construction of the operation.
Construction is proposed to begin in June 2014 and the facilities in-service by the first
quarter of 2015. See Section 21 -3-330.B.5.f—Projected Development Schedule.
13. Proposed LANDSCAPE plans.
A formal landscape plan is not provided , as no landscaping would be done along the
transmission line or at the substation sites. Areas disturbed during construction of the
Project would be reseeded in coordination with the landowners and their current land
use.
14. Reclamation procedures to be employed as stages of the operation are phased out or
upon cessation of the Use by Special Review activity.
Tri-State's Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects, included as
Appendix B, addresses site reclamation of disturbed areas.
28
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
15. A statement delineating the need for the proposed USE.
As described in the Purpose and Need section , Tri-State's Member cooperatives,
High West Energy and Morgan County REA are required to deliver electrical power to
oil and gas facilities in the area in order for them to operate.
16. A description of the proposed fire protection measures.
As discussed in Section 21 -3-330. B.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures, the
conductors are supported by insulators mounted on grounded poles to prevent arcing
(which could start a fire). Tri-State prohibits storage of flammables, construction of
flammable structures, and other activities that have the potential to cause or provide
fuel for fires on its easements and rights-of-way. There are no explosive substances
associated with the proposed transmission line or substations. All Tri-State electric
facilities are designed , constructed, operated , and maintained to meet or exceed all
applicable standards of design and performance set forth in the National Electrical
Safety Code. The proposed line is designed with overhead ground wires and
grounded towers to keep the system from becoming damaged by lightning .
17. Such additional information as may be required by the Department of Planning
Services, the Planning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners in order to
determine that the application meets the requirements of this Chapter and the policies
of Chapter 22 of this Code.
Noted .
D. Special Review Permit Plan Map.
1 . The map shall be delineated on reproducible material approved by the Department of
Planning Services.
Noted .
2. The dimensions of the map shall be thirty-six (36) inches wide by twenty-four (24)
inches high.
Noted . See Plot Plans (Figure 2a and 2b) and Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
3. The Special Review Permit Plan Map shall include certificates for the property owner's
signature, the Planning Commission, the Board of County Commissioners and the Clerk
to the Board. The required content of the certificates is available from the Department of
Planning Services.
Noted . See Plot Plans (Figure 2a and 2b) and Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
4. Vicinity Map. A vicinity map shall be drawn on the Use by Special Review Permit Plan
Map.
a. The scale of the vicinity map shall be one (1 ) inch equals two thousand (2,000) feet
or at another suitable scale if approved by the Department of Planning Services.
29
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The scale of the vicinity map is 1 inch = 1 mile. See Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
b. The vicinity map shall delineate all of the required information within a one-half ('/2)
mile radius of the property proposed for the Use by Special Review.
c. The following information shall be shown on the vicinity map:
1 ) Section, Township and range.
Noted. See Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
2) Scale and north arrow.
Noted. See Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
3) Outline of the perimeter of the parcel proposed for the Use by Special Review.
Noted. See Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
30
Tri- State Generation and
Transmission Association , Inc .
Keota-Redtail 115kV Transmission Line Project
Figure 2A - Plot Plan Keota Sub
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\ \ ) 1 x Planning Commission Certification s@ttl6SEil1
I je I I M / •\ \ , iO This is to certify that the Weld County Planning Commission has certified and does hereby Vd i
/ ` \ \ ` - . • _� . , O \ \ I Ifs recommend to the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado, for its confirmation,
I ` i I / / / 4 \ I . 1 " approval and adoption of this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review as
I �' / , •
a , \` I r shown and described thereon this day of _ , 2012.
J l 111711 from Properly Boundary r
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- „ / !, W \ Board of County Commissioners Certification
I. `1 / • " ` J / I '� ' . — ^ +- I This is to certify tat the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado does hereby
Ie ` , t �, !"' ! Ypr / + -' , / ' \ \ .♦ 1 confirm and adopt this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review and
V . , \ \ } } • 4 I / , i r Ir
1 I I Development Standards as shown and described hereon this day of , 2012.
) \ , •- % t A le
' . • r y �"� 1 r '� + r — r J1 Chair, Board of County Commissioners
I / \ ` . , ♦1 X. S.-.4. .� \ OUtf�'Ovv : " . I ATTEST
Y '/ r — rr • ‘ \-
- " " ^ . \ \ 1 \ \ • .• � + ~'+ / \ Naas ` 1 . Weld County Clerk to the Board
-.. .i.i \ r
\ \ \ . \ \ 1I � ` r . . . . . . . . . . . - — ^ \ + \t 1 II BY: Dated:
• t I / �, /1,•:.qn ` r + + \ Ir \ \ 1/ Iii Deputy Clerk to the Board Sources
1 S / + r '"" Tri-State Generation and Transmission
• \ \ -\ \. ; \\ } \ t E .,S?� S' F Property Owner's Certification
\ ' ^..O�Qy,�O -- • See affidavit in Appendix D of application y
gWeld County
' ~�, NOTE : This layout is subject to change and final plans USDA - NRCS
r will be submitted once designs are final in conjunction with USGS
• �� application for building permits. ESRI
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Tri- State Generation and
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Keota-Redtail 115kV Transmission Line Project
Figure 2B - Plot Plan Redtail Sub
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• /' / I ' .0 I / / I no - — ` — Potential Future Sub Site Buildout
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, / / t �/ � �` :I I - ` III / I ' l Bushman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes;
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I - - / / t° - , ft. / / - - / ' II /1 /' /' // I- - ^ - - / Farmland of Statewide Importance
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- - - - - - / / - - ` ♦ - ' ♦ / ' / / / / t 1- / ^ I
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- I I / - - / I I / . Planning Commission Certification
— S. / - - / / I / I This is to certify that the Weld County Planning Commission has certified and does hereby
` - ! / - - - — .1°
I / 1 / - recommend to the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado, for its confirmation,
e\ ` ` - �- / / �` - - / / e I I / approval and adoption of this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review as
` — / - - / : - - . ... — _ - 1 / 1 I I shown and described thereon this of , 2012.
I / I I
I / /
•\ — , ` — - ` j�- / / r / I /I I Chair, Weld County Planning Commission
t♦ ♦ ` _ - / I I / / � - - � I ' / / I / I
— — — • .- / \ / / I I / ♦ ` I I / / I / Board of County Commissioners Certification
Ha •
\ - \ I / — — I / / This is to certify that the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado does hereby
` \ , I // — — ' 1 / / / I / confirm and adapt this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review and
/ / / / I I Development Standards as shown and described hereon this day of , 2012.
L _ _
t t _ - I I / O I'• / ' i / I
♦ ` ` % _ _ , - / r. I 1 4¢. . / I I Chair, Board of County Commissioners
/ \ / , ♦ I/ I I °�y - / 1 I / I I ATTEST: Sources
` �- \ - ' ` - • . t _ _ — - / rip' ' I I ' / / / I I - Weld County Clerk to the Board
/ ' ' , . I /
♦ ♦ / / I .- - - - - - - _ / / I I I Tri-State Generation and Transmission
♦ ♦ \ - - - ' — � � • - - / ri / I I / I / I I BY: Dated: USDA - NRCS
� ` -. t I I / / I / / / I / - Deputy clerk to the Board USGS
I ♦ ` - R=50 ' I I / ' / / 1 Property Owner's Certification ESRI
•` — I n -ff .`
L� t'f'"It, 7 I I I / 1 1 I See affidavit in Appendix 0 of application
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/ / I Property boundaries are an estimate and are
♦ -I / 1 I / / I I I I - NOTE : This layout is subject to change and final plans not to be used for assements or surveying.
t I - _ _ _ / I I I / / I t — — will be submitted once designs are final in conjunction with They are for display purposes only.
County Road 118 ♦ ' •— ` / ' — I I I I / / i application for building permits.
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co ♦ ♦ • I ♦ .- -. I I I / / / / - I 1100 West 116th Avenue Author: yianmor
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
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\ � 4 ii 17 IS 1' '14 Planning Commission Certification
\ 16 13 13 I This is to certify that the Weld County Planning Commission has certified and does hereby
\ ` 6. - I recommend to the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado, for its confirmation,
\ . I4 13 IS II 'I7
♦ \ • 17 10 15 15 - Itlo Creels
I D 1 :l \ \ approval and adoption of this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review as
•13 ln- 15 1 14 � .
` 1 B 11111 \ IM / l shown and described thereon this day of 2012.
•.• 617
�� R - I __ - _--__- S I
� \ , , - a — CR104 --- _ —
Chair, Weld County Planning Commission
\ , 3 Board of County Commissioners Certification
IP
ilb dr _ ? p,1 1 n ?ll 21 - This is to certify that the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado does hereby
all_ ,l .10 20 2 1 ?3 confirm and adopt this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review and
- ♦ 2 o? ? I Development Standards as shown and described hereon this day of , 2012.
I 23
I7 . \ .
p ,0 .' . . I NI
I Chair, Board of County Commissioners
V
t . \ ATTEST:
'i1: t •
\ \ \ Weltl County Clerk [o the Board
i.� III i
13
\ \ \ �� BY: Dated:
,, a \ % 2S ?5 10 �° 2 I Deputy Clerk to the Board
"' '0 ?7 b Sources
,. `9O ?7 .o -6 25 3D .l
?n , 30 ?n Property Owner's Certification
-' '?7 , '-° ' 20c u I See affidavit in Appendix D of application Tri-State Generation and Transmission
30 •
S CIDN ` 11117 USDA - NRCS
,, ,. I II NOTE : This layout is subject to change and final plans USGS
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, 01 05 n5 n4 OSRevised:
Date
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X
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
4) The general classifications and distribution of soils over the parcel under
consideration. Soil classification names and agricultural capability
classifications must be noted in the legend.
Noted. See Vicinity Map (Figure 4), and Plot Plans (Figures 2a and 2b).
5) Locations and names of all roads, irrigation ditches and water features.
Noted . See Vicinity Map (Figure 4).
6) Location of all residences within a one-half-mile radius, existing and proposed
accesses to the property proposed for the Use by Special Review, any abutting
subdivision outlines and names, and the boundaries of any ADJACENT
municipality.
No residences within 0.5-mile radius; no abutting subdivisions; and no
adjacent municipalities. See Plot Plats (Figures 2a and 2b) for access.
7) Any other relevant information within a one-half-mile distance of the perimeter
property proposed for the Use by Special Review as may be reasonably
required by the COUNTY to meet the intent and purpose of this Chapter.5. Plot
Plan. A plot plan of the Use by Special Review area shall be drawn on the
Special Review Permit Plan Map.
a. The scale of the plot plan shall be one inch (1 ") equals one hundred feet
(100 ) or at another suitable scale if approved by the Department of
Planning Services.
In order to show adjacent property owners, the scale of the Plot Plan is
1 " =200'. See Plot Plans (Figures 2 and 2b).
b. The plot plan shall outline the Boundaries of the parcel being considered
for the Use by Special Review.
Noted . See Plot Plans (Figure 2a and 2b).
c. The plot plan shall include the location and identification of all of the
following items which exist within a two-hundred-foot radius of the
boundaries of the Use by Special Review area, as well as within the area
itself; it shall also include the proposed features and STRUCTURES of the
Use by Special Review:
1 ) All public rights-of-way of record (including names).
2) All existing and proposed STRUCTURES.
3) All utility easements or rights-of-way for telephone, gas, electric, water
and sewer lines.
N/A
4) Irrigation ditches.
N/A
39
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
5) Adjacent property lines and respective owners' names (may be shown
on vicinity map instead).
6) All hydrographic features including streams, rivers, ponds and
reservoirs (including names).
N/A
7) Topography at two-foot contour intervals or at intervals as determined
necessary by the Department of Planning Services.
8) Location of areas of moderate or severe soil limitations as defined by
the Natural Resources Conservation Service or by a soil survey and
study prepared by a soils engineer or scientist for the USES and
associated STRUCTURES proposed for the parcel.
A portion of the soils within the Keota substation are limited for
dwellings and small commercial buildings; however, these soils are
considered to be limited by the NRCS due to slope.
9) Location and design of stormwater management devices or
STRUCTURES.
10) Complete traffic circulation and parking plan showing locations and
sizes.
11 ) Location, amount, size and type of any proposed LANDSCAPE
material, including fencing, walls, berms or other SCREENING.
N/A
12) Location of any flood hazard, GEOLOGIC HAZARD or mineral resource
areas.
N/A
13) The location of any sign requiring zoning approval. Distances from
property lines shall be indicated.
N/A
14) Such additional information as may be reasonably required by the
Department of Planning Services, the Planning Commission or the
Board of County Commissioners in order to determine that the
application meets the requirements of this Chapter, the policies of
Chapter 22 of this Code and any other applicable code provision or
ordinance in effect.
All relevant requirements noted . See Plot Plan (Figure 2).
E. Supporting Documents. The following supporting documents shall be submitted as part of
the application:
40
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
1 . Where an authorized legal agent signs the application for the fee owners, a letter
granting power of attorney to the agent from the owners must be provided.
Not applicable.
2. Proof that a water supply will be available which is adequate in terms of quantity,
quality and dependability (e.g., a well permit or letter from a water district).
Not applicable.
3. Copy of the deed or legal instrument by which the applicant obtained an interest in the
property under consideration.
Easements would be secured prior to construction .
4. A noise report, unless waived by the Department of Planning Services, documenting the
methods to be utilized to meet the applicable noise standard.
Not applicable.
5. A soil report of the site prepared by the Natural Resource Conservation Service or by a
soils engineer or scientist. In those instances when the soil report indicates the
existence of moderate or severe soil limitations for the USES proposed, the applicant
shall detail the methods to be employed to mitigate the limitations.
The majority of the soils in the have low shrink/swell potential . However, there are
some areas with moderate shrink/swell potential at the Keota substation and along
the transmission line. Excluding a portion of the soils at the Keota substation (limited
due to slope), the majority of the soils are not limited for structures. However, in order
to identify and mitigate any concerns associated with the soils at the substation sites,
Tri-State performed a geotechnical soils study. The soils study identified the
structural characteristics of the soil and provided recommendations for construction
of foundations. Mat foundations and drilled piers would be used to support structures
and equipment. Appendix C includes a soil report prepared by the NRCS .
6. If applicable, an Improvements Agreement executed by the applicant. This agreement
shall be in accordance with the County policy and documents for collateral for
improvements.
Not applicable.
7. For a RESIDENTIAL THERAPEUTIC CENTER, submittal of a report demonstrating the
need for the facility; data about the background, experience and financial capacity of
the proposed operator; applicable licenses; and analysis of the impact of the facility to
the area and any other information relevant to evaluating the compatibility of the
proposed facility. The County may waive or modify these requirements, particularly if
there is a risk of harm to the future occupants (e.g., case of a domestic violence
shelter).
Not applicable.
41
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
23-4-840 . SUPPLEMENTAL USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA
TOWERS.
A. Application Contents. In addition to requirements outlined in Article II, Divisions 3 through 5
of this Chapter, applications for administrative or Use by Special Review approval of
proposed TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES, and additions or modifications to existing
facilities, must include the following:
1 . A Site Plan showing the location and legal description of the site; on-site land uses and
zoning; adjacent roadways; parking and access; areas of vegetation and landscaping to
be added, retained, replaced or removed; setbacks from property lines; and the
location of the TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY, including all related
improvements, buildings and equipment.
2. A vicinity map showing adjacent properties, general land uses, zoning and roadways:
a. Within one hundred (100) feet of a proposed attached antenna site.
b. Within a distance of one (1 ) mile of a proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS,
CONCEALED, temporary TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER or micro-cell
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER site.
c. Within a distance of one (1 ) mile of a proposed TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA
TOWER site.
The entire Project area is in the Agriculture Zone. General land uses adjacent to
the Keota substation , where the tower will be located is shown on Figure 5.
3. Elevation drawings of the proposed TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY showing all
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNAS, TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS,
structures, equipment buildings and cabinets, fencing, screening, landscaping, lighting
and other improvements related to the facility, showing specific materials, placement
and colors.
See Appendix E.
4. Photo-realistic renderings (photosyms) of the site after construction, demonstrating the
true impact of the TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY on the surrounding visual
environment. The Department of Planning Services may request photo-realistic
renderings of the site from specific vantage points. This requirement does not apply to
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES permitted under the administrative review process
unless the Department of Planning Services requests such information.
See Appendix E.
42
• .1 N. ti : \ f • r It - - - - - - - - ai
- 7 ) r
• ' ' = y Tri- State Generation and
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els "••• ow Transmission Association , Inc .
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° '; lw Tri-State Generation and Transmission Date Revised: 10/23/2013
1
% IS f v."-uc{ j ` fir; 1100 West 116th Avenue Author: yianmar
1' szt ' Westminster, CO 80234
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Zone 13N
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
5. A report describing the TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY and the technical, economic
(if deemed necessary by the Department of Planning Services) and other reasons for its
design and location; the need for the TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY and its role in
the network; and the capacity of the structure, including the number and type of
antennas it can accommodate.
See Appendix E.
6. The FAA response to the Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration (FAA Form
7460-1 or equivalent), if the facility is located near an airport or a flight path.
Tri-State submitted its Notice of Proposed Construction to the FAA and received a
"Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation" (Appendix E).
7. An agreement detailing responsibility for landscaping, screening, site maintenance and
the replacement of dead plant material.
Not applicable. No landscaping or screening is proposed , as the tower is located in
rural areas where adjacent properties are used exclusively for agriculture.
8. A schedule for the installation of landscaping and screening, if applicable.
Not applicable. No landscaping or screening is proposed , as the tower is located in
rural areas where adjacent properties are used exclusively for agriculture.
9. A letter of intent to allow CO-LOCATION on the TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA
TOWER.
See Appendix E.
10. A letter of intent or lease agreement statement which addresses removal of the facility
at the expense of the TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY and/or property owner if it is
deemed abandoned. The applicant or owner may also be required to submit an
Improvements Agreement agreeing to remove the improvements as shown in the
application, plans, plat and other supporting documents. The agreement shall be made
in conformance with the County policy regarding collateral for improvements and shall
be approved by the Board of County Commissioners prior to commencement of
operations, as applicable. The Department of Planning Services may request additional
copies of any submittal item for review by other agencies.
See Appendix E.
11 . A map indicating the service area/radius of the proposed TELECOMMUNICATION
ANTENNA TOWER in addition to the service area/radius of other existing
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWERS within ten (10) miles of the proposed
TELECOMMUNICATION ANTENNA TOWER location.
See Appendix E — Exhibit A.
45
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
B. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY Inventory. The first application for a proposed
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY by a provider must include a detailed inventory of all the
provider's existing and approved TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES within the County, all
incorporated areas within the County, and one (1 ) mile beyond the County border, including
Wyoming. (Weld County Code Ordinance 2010-6).
See Appendix E - Exhibit A.
46
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
AREAS AND ACTIVITIES OF STATE INTEREST-APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS
21 -3-330 APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
21-3-330.A—Application Requirements for a Major Facility of a Public
Utility
These submittal requirements apply to this application for a development permit for a major
facility of a public utility: a 24.7-mile 115-kV single-circuit transmission line and two
substations.
21 -3-330 . B-SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
21-3-330.B. 1—Map Requirements
21 -3-330. B. 1 .a—Name and Acreage of Proposed Use
The proposed use (Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project) is a 24.7-mile-long
single-circuit 115-kV transmission line that would connect the new Keota substation to the
new Redtail substation (see Figure 4). The surface area for the newly constructed
transmission line structures and substations would total approximately 103 acres (80 acres
for Keota substation , 20 acres for Redtail substation, and between 2 and 3 acres for structure
locations along the transmission line).
21 -3-330. B. 1 .b, d—Map Requirements
All map requirements, including scale as approved by Weld County, have been met.
21 -3-330. B. 1 .c—Applicants and Consultants
Applicant: Engineers:
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Civil Engineer, Transmission Line
Attention : Selina Koler ESC Engineering
Address: 1100 W. 116th Ave. Address: 3540 JFK Parkway
Westminster, CO 80234 Fort Collins, CO 80525
Phone Number: 303-254-3720 Attention: George Ojdrovich
Phone Number: 970-879-7718
Surveyor:
Michael McCullough
Westwood Professional Services
Phone Number: (913) 890-4802
47
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
21-3-330.B. 2—Title Information
21 -3-330. B.2.a-Surface Property Owners
The names and addresses of all owners of surface property within 500 feet of the centerline
of the proposed corridor are shown below in Table 3.
Table 3: Surface Property Owners
Owner Name Address Owner Name Address
Quarter Circle Attn: Chris Hansen Lydia Dunbar Trust Attn: Linda Manichanh
Lazy H Ranch, 4000 CR 74E 2573 54th Ave.
Inc. Livermore, CO 80536 Greeley, CO 80634
Lone Pine Attn: Carl Hansen Scott D. Breuwet, c/o Mary Jane Stibolt
Livestock, Inc. 4568 CR 74 Carol M. Stibolt and Revocable Trust
Livermore CO 80536 Mary Jane Stibolt 2056 Jersey Ridge Rd No.22
Davenport, IA 52803
Circle Ranches, Attn: Mr. S. Edward Hansen Clinton Neil Bashor 41455 WCR 106
Inc. 4554 County Road 74E Briggsdale, CO 80611
Livermore, CO 80536
State of 1313 Sherman Street Mike D Shull and 53004 WCR 100
Colorado Room 621 Peggy J Shull Grover, CO 80729
Denver, CO 80203
Mariana and 53228 CR 106 United States of 2850 Youngfield Street
Robert Rohn Grover CO 80729 America Lakewood, CO 80215
Daniel P. 150 N. Montclair Melody L. Hynes and 2735 S. 49th Ave.
Dietzler Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Merrily L. Setlak Omaha, NE 68106
TIMBRO Ranch Attn: Ron Timmerman Slash V LLC 23 Alles Acres
& Cattle Co LLC Timmerman Feeding Corp. Greeley, CO 80631
4700 W. 60th Avenue
Arvada, CO 80003
Noel and 938 Logan Ct Debra J. Walker and 45536 WCR 135
Joanne Pace Loveland, CO 80538 Lendyl J . Walker New Raymer, CO 80742
Cindy I . 609 Artesian Road Mildred E. Nelson c/o David Reed
Johnston Cheyenne WY 82007 8016 High Dr.
Leawood KS 66206
Nelson Ranches 58900 CR 382 Bar-Y-Bar Ranch, Inc. 13415 CR 88
Inc. Grover, CO 80729 Pierce, CO 80650
21 -3-330. B.2.b—Access to the Project Area
Right-of-way agreements include 100-foot easements purchased from landowners along the
transmission alignment. Tri-State would acquire easements for the transmission line prior to
construction .
Only a small portion of the transmission line right-of-way would be disturbed for structure
installation and vehicle access. The majority of the proposed right-of-way can be accessed
from existing county roads (see Figure 4) and via cross-country travel . Where construction of
new roads is required to gain access to sites where the poles would be erected , Tri-State will
design the roads to minimize impacts to resources while allowing access by construction and
48
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
maintenance vehicles. The location of proposed new roads will be provided to the County
with the final plat.
Access roads would be created off of the County road 89 and 118 right-of-ways for the Keota
and Redtail substation , respectively. Tri-State has submitted Access Road Permit
applications (AP13-00358, AP13-00372) and will comply with all County design standards.
21 -3-330. B.2.c—Real Property Interests
The names and addresses of all owners of surface property or holders of interest of property
that would be physically disturbed or crossed by the Project were obtained from the
Weld County Assessor's Office and are presented below in Table 4:
Table 4: Real Property Owners
Assessor's
Owner Parcel No.
Quarter Circle Lazy H Ranch, Inc. 046516000002
Attn: Chris Hansen
4000 CR 74E
Livermore, CO 80536
Quarter Circle Lazy H Ranch, Inc. 046515000010
Attn: Chris Hansen
4000 CR 74E
Livermore, CO 80536
Lone Pine Livestock, Inc. 046514000001
Attn: Carl Hansen
4568 CR 74
Livermore CO 80536
Lone Pine Livestock, Inc. 046513000008
Attn: Carl Hansen
4568 CR 74
Livermore CO 80536
Lone Pine Livestock, Inc. 046513000007
Attn: Carl Hansen
4568 CR 74
Livermore CO 80536
Lone Pine Livestock, Inc. 046718000012
Attn: Carl Hansen
4568 CR 74
Livermore CO 80536
Circle Ranches, Inc. 046718000009
c/o Mr. S. Edward Hansen
4554 County Road 74E
Livermore, CO 80536
Burlington Northern Railroad, Co 46718000013
Property Tax Department / Real Property
P.O. Box 961089
Fort Worth, TX 76161 -0089
49
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 4: Real Property Owners
Assessor's
Owner Parcel No.
Paul Nelson Dairy Farm LLC 046717000005
Attn: Paul L. Nelson, Manager
9000 CR 52
Milliken, CO 80543
State of Colorado 046716000001
1313 Sherman Street
Room 621
Denver, CO 80203
Mariana Rohn 46715000007
53228 CR 106
Grover CO 80729
Daniel P. Dietzler 046710000005
150 N. Montclair
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Mariana Rohn 046703000006
53228 CR 106
Grover CO 80729
Robert Rohn 046702000001
53228 CR 106
Grover CO 80729
Mariana and Robed Rohn 046701000006
53228 CR 106
Grover CO 80729
Mariana and Robed Rohn 046906000002
53228 CR 106
Grover CO 80729
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 46906000001
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
Mariana and Robert Rohn 046906000003
53228 CR 106
Grover CO 80729
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 046905000007
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
50
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 4: Real Property Owners
Assessor's
Owner Parcel No.
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 046904000002
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 46902000010
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 046903000006
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 046902000001
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
TIMBRO Ranch & Cattle Co LLC 046901000009
Attn: Ron Timmerman
Timmerman Feeding Corp.
4700 W. 60th Avenue, Suite 400
Arvada, CO 80003
also:
PO Box 367
Springfield NE 68059
State of Colorado 028736000005
1313 Sherman Street
Room 621
Denver, CO 80203
Nelson Ranches Inc. 028531000003
58900 CR 382
Grover, CO 80729
Cindy I . Johnston 028531000005
609 Artesian Road
Cheyenne WY 82007
Cindy I . Johnston 028532000007
609 Artesian Road
51
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 4: Real Property Owners
Assessor's
Owner Parcel No.
Cheyenne WY 82007
Nelson Ranches Inc. 028532000009
58900 CR 382
Grover, CO 80729
Nelson Ranches Inc. 028529200001
58900 CR 382
Grover, CO 80729
Nelson Ranches Inc. 028520100001
58900 CR 382
Grover, CO 80729
Nelson Ranches Inc. 028517100001
58900 CR 382
Grover, CO 80729
21 -3-330. B.2.d—Mineral Interests
The Mineral Interests requirement is not applicable to electric transmission line projects per
Section 21 -3-330. B .2.d and 24-65.5-201 , Colorado Revised Statutes.
21-3-330.B.3—Application Submittal Requirements
21 -3-330. B.3.a—c—Map Requirements
Figure 4, the vicinity map, will be provided to Weld County in a reproducible format. This map
includes a vicinity view of the Keota substation , the new transmission line, and the Redtail
substation on one sheet at a scale of 1 = 1 mile. The permit map is consistent with the
requirements of Section 21 -3-330. B.3 and the relevant subsections thereof.
21 -3-330. B.3.d—Vicinity Map
The vicinity map is provided in Figure 4.
21 -3-330. B.4—Plot Plan
Plot plans are shown in Figures 2a and 2b at scales of 1 : 125 and 1 : 100, respectively.
21-3-330.B.5—Other Information
21 -3-330. B.5.a—Present Use and Zoning
The Project area is zoned agricultural . This zoning is intended to provide areas for the
conduct of agricultural activities and activities related to agriculture and agricultural
production without interference of other incompatible land uses. Land use in the Project
vicinity is primarily agricultural, and energy development (wind farms and oil and gas
facilities). Land cover in the Project area is primarily grassland and herbaceous vegetation
(Figure 5). Existing land use is presented in Figure 6.
52
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Tri- State Generation and
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Keota-Redtail 115kV Transmission Line Project
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2
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
21 -3-330. B.5.b—d—Map Extent
Figure 4 illustrates all existing transmission lines of 115-kV or greater within two miles of the
Project site.
21 -3-330. B.5.e—Type of Facility
The Project would involve construction of approximately 24.7 miles of new 115-kV
transmission line between the new Keota substation and the new Redtail substation. High
West Energy would construct the distribution line to Whiting's Redtail Gas Plant, which was
approved by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners on August 6, 2013 (USR13-
0016). Morgan County REA would construct the distribution line to the Noble facility, if the
distribution substation is built on the proposed Keota property. Construction of a substation
on the Noble property was approved by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners on
July 10, 3013 (USR13-0013). Both distribution lines (< 115-kV) are considered a use allowed
by right in the Agricultural Zone District, and not included in this permit application. The new
transmission line would be a single-circuit, 115-kV line constructed primarily on H-frame
wooden structures within a 100 foot right-of-way. If the Morgan County REA distribution
substation is constructed on the Noble property, approximately five poles would be steel and
double-circuit. The transmission line would consist of approximately 124-198 structures, with
three conductors and three phase wires, a shield wire, and an optical ground wire for internal
Tri-State communications.
The project will also include a new 345/115-kV Keota Substation and a new 115/69/34.5-kV
Redtail substation located on lands purchased by Tri-State for the Project. The Keota
substation will include a 345-kV three breaker ring bus, a 345-115-kV 135/180/225 MVA
transformer, and a four breaker 115-kV bus. Both the 345-kV and the 115-kV buses will be
designed to be expandable to a breaker and a half, and potential future build-out is shown on
Figure 2A. The Redtail substation will include a three breaker 115-kV ring bus, a 115-69-kV
30/40/50 MVA transformer, and a 115-34.5kV 30/40/50 MVA transformer. The 115-kV bus
will be designed to be expandable to a breaker and a half, as shown on Figure 2B . Site
preparation at both substations will include grading , fencing , grounding, and construction
foundations.
The project will also include a 260-foot communication tower, located at the Keota substation .
The communication tower will include four antennas located at 180/150 feet above ground
level (agl) and 240/210 agl, a mobile radio antenna, and a lightning rod . The communication
building adjacent to the tower will include a standby emergency generator system and HVAC
sized to maintain 77 degrees.
55
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
21 -3-330. B.5.f—Projected Development Schedule
A project schedule is presented in Table 5.
Table 5: Project Schedule
Milestone Date
Easement Acquisition April—July 2014
Weld County Permit Granted March 2014
Order Materials Fall 2013
Construction Begins June 2014
In Service January—February 2015
21 -3-330. B.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures
The purpose of the proposed transmission facilities is to conduct electricity. The greatest
danger from a transmission line is direct contact with electrical conductors. Accordingly,
extreme caution must be exercised when operating vehicles and equipment near the Project.
The conductors are supported by insulators mounted on grounded poles to prevent arcing
(which could start a fire). Tri-State prohibits storage of flammables, construction of flammable
structures, and other activities that have the potential to cause or provide fuel for fires on its
easements and rights-of-way. There are no explosive substances associated with the
proposed transmission line or substations. All Tri-State electric facilities are designed ,
constructed , operated, and maintained to meet or exceed all applicable standards of design
and performance set forth in the NESC (NESC 2012).
Post-construction , the proposed transmission line and substations would be unmanned and
controlled remotely by Tri-State. Transmission line poles and conductors occasionally may be
hit by lightning; therefore, the area near towers and other tall objects (e.g . , trees) should be
avoided during thunderstorms. The proposed line is designed with overhead ground wires
and grounded towers to protect the system from becoming damaged by lightning.
Health and safety concerns associated with the Project, therefore, would be limited largely to
EMF from the transmission line and substations. Electric fields are caused by voltage on an
object, such as the voltage on conductors connected to an energized substation . Magnetic
fields are produced when an electrical current flows through a conductor. EMF extends
outward from transmission line conductors and decreases rapidly with distance from the
transmission line. The concept of prudent avoidance was considered in the siting and
proposed construction , and operation of this facility.
The expected levels of EMF for the proposed 115-kV single-circuit transmission line will be at
or below 150 mG, as required by the PUC (Rules 3206(e) and (f)). These levels are similar to
magnetic fields generated by common household appliances, power tools, and office
equipment (Table 6).
56
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 6: Common Sources of Magnetic Fields
Sources of Magnetic Fields (mG)*
Distance from source Distance from source
6" 1 ' 2' 4' 6" 1 ' 2' 4'
Office Sources Workshop Sources
AIR CLEANERS BATTERY CHARGERS
Lowest 110 20 3 - Lowest 3 2 - -
Median 180 35 5 1 Median 30 3 — —
Highest 250 50 8 2 Highest 50 4 - -
COPY MACHINES DRILLS
Lowest 4 2 1 - Lowest 100 20 3 -
Median 90 20 7 1 Median 150 30 4 -
Highest 200 40 13 4 Highest 200 40 6 -
FAX MACHINES POWER SAWS
Lowest 4 - - - Lowest 50 9 1 -
Median 6 - - - Median 200 40 5 -
Highest 9 2 — — Highest 1000 300 40 4
FLUORESCENT LIGHTS ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVERS (while charging)
Lowest 20 - - - Lowest - - - -
Median 40 6 2 - Median - - - -
Highest 100 30 8 4 Highest - - - -
ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENERS
Lowest 20 8 5 - Distance from source
Median 200 70 20 2 1 ' 2' 4'
Highest 300 90 30 30 Living/Family Room Sources
VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS (see page 48) CEILING FANS
(PCs with color monitors)** Lowest - - -
Lowest 7 2 1 - Median 3 - -
Median 14 5 2 - Highest 50 6 1
Highest 20 6 3 - WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS
Lowest - - -
Bathroom Sources
HAIR DRYERS Median 3 1 -
Highest 20 6 4
Lowest 1 - - - COLOR TELEVISIONS**
Median 300 1 -
Highest 700 70 10 1 Lowest - - -
Median 7 2 -
ELECTRIC SHAVERS Highest 20 8 4
Lowest 4 - - -
Median 100 20 - -
Highest 600 100 10 1
57
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 6: Common Sources of Magnetic Fields, continued
Sources of Magnetic Fields (mG)* 7
Distance from source Distance from source
6" 1 ' 2' 4' 6" 1 ' 2' 4'
Kitchen Sources Kitchen Sources
BLENDERS ELECTRIC OVENS
Lowest 30 5 — — Lowest 4 1 — —
Median 70 10 2 — Median 9 4 — —
Highest 100 20 3 — Highest 20 5 1 —
CAN OPENERS ELECTRIC RANGES
Lowest 500 40 3 - Lowest 20 - - -
Median 600 150 20 2 Median 30 8 2 -
Highest 1500 300 30 4 Highest 200 30 9 6
COFFEE MAKERS REFRIGERATORS
Lowest 4 - - - Lowest - - - -
Median 7 - - - Median 2 2 1 -
Highest 10 1 - - Highest 40 20 10 10
DISHWASHERS TOASTERS
Lowest 10 6 2 - Lowest 5 - - -
Median 20 10 4 - Median 10 3 - -
Highest 100 30 7 1 Highest 20 7 - -
FOOD PROCESSORS
Lowest 20 5 - - Bedroom Sources
Median 30 6 2 —
Highest 130 20 3 _ DIGITAL CLOCK****
GARBAGE DISPOSALS Lowest - - -
Median 1 - -
Lowest 60 8 1 - High 8 2 1
Median 80 10 2 -
Highest 100 20 3 - ANALOG CLOCKS
MICROWAVE OVENS*** (conventional clockface)****
Lowest 100 1 1 - Lowest 1 - -
Median 200 4 10 2 Median 15 2 -
Highest 300 200 30 20 Highest 30 5 3
MIXERS BABY MONITOR (unit nearest child)
Lowest 30 5 - - Lowest 4 - - -
Median 100 10 1 - Median 6 1 - -
Highest 600 100 10 - Highest 15 2 - -
58
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 6: Common Sources of Magnetic Fields, continued
Sources of Magnetic Fields (mG)* 7
Distance from source Distance from source
6" 1 ' 2' 4' 6" 1 ' 2' 4'
Kitchen Sources Kitchen Sources
BLENDERS ELECTRIC OVENS
Lowest 30 5 — — Lowest 4 1 — —
Median 70 10 2 — Median 9 4 — —
Highest 100 20 3 — Highest 20 5 1 —
CAN OPENERS ELECTRIC RANGES
Lowest 500 40 3 - Lowest 20 - - -
Median 600 150 20 2 Median 30 8 2 -
Highest 1500 300 30 4 Highest 200 30 9 6
COFFEE MAKERS REFRIGERATORS
Lowest 4 - - - Lowest - - - -
Median 7 - - - Median 2 2 1 -
Highest 10 1 - - Highest 40 20 10 10
DISHWASHERS TOASTERS
Lowest 10 6 2 - Lowest 5 - - -
Median 20 10 4 - Median 10 3 - -
Highest 100 30 7 1 Highest 20 7 - -
FOOD PROCESSORS
Lowest 20 5 - - Bedroom Sources
Median 30 6 2 —
Highest 130 20 3 _ DIGITAL CLOCK****
GARBAGE DISPOSALS Lowest - - -
Median 1 - -
Lowest 60 8 1 - High 8 2 1
Median 80 10 2 -
Highest 100 20 3 - ANALOG CLOCKS
MICROWAVE OVENS*** (conventional clockface)****
Lowest 100 1 1 - Lowest 1 - -
Median 200 4 10 2 Median 15 2 -
Highest 300 200 30 20 Highest 30 5 3
MIXERS BABY MONITOR (unit nearest child)
Lowest 30 5 - - Lowest 4 - - -
Median 100 10 1 - Median 6 1 - -
Highest 600 100 10 - Highest 15 2 - -
58
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 6: Common Sources of Magnetic Fields, continued
Sources of Magnetic Fields (mG)*
Distance from source Distance from source
6" 1 ' 2' 4' 6" 1 ' 2' 4'
Laundry/Utility Sources Laundry/Utility Sources
ELECTRIC CLOTHES DRYERS PORTABLE HEATERS
Lowest 2 -- - - LONA est 5 1 - -
Median 3 2 - - Median 100 20 4 —
Highest 10 3 - - Highest 150 40 8 1
WASHING MACHINES VACUUM CLEANERS
Lowest 4 1 - - Lowest 100 20 4 -
Median 20 7 1 — Median 300 60 10 1
Highest 100 30 6 — Highest 700 200 50 10
IRONS SEWING MACHINES
Lowest 6 1 - - Home sewing machines can produce magnetic fields
Median 8 1 - - of 12 mG at chest level and 5 mG at head level.
Highest 20 3 — — Magnetic fields as high as 35 mG at chest level and
215 mG at knee level have been measured from
industrial sewing machine models (Sobel, 1994).
Source: EMF In Your Environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1992.
* Dash (—) means that the magnetic field at this distance from the operating appliance could not be distinguished
from background measurements taken before the appliance had been turned on.
** Some appliances produce both 60-Hz and higher frequency fields. For example, televisions and computer screens
produce fields at 10,000-30,000 Hz ( 10-30 kHz) as well as 60-Hz fields.
*** Microwave ovens produce 60-Hz fields of several hundred milligauss, but they also create microwave energy
inside the appliance that is at a much higher frequency (about 2.45 billion hertz). We are shielded from the higher
frequency fields but not from the 60-Hz fields.
**** Most digital clocks have low magnetic fields. In some analog clocks, however, higher magnetic fields are produced
by the motor that drives the hands. In the above table, the clocks are electrically powered using alternating current,
as are all the appliances described in these tables.
Source: National Institutes of Health 2002
59
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission requires public utilities to weigh potential health
effects and the cost of mitigating those effects by using alignments that "limit exposures [of
electric and magnetic fields] to areas of concentrated population and group facilities such as
schools and hospitals" (4 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR]. 723-3-18(i)(2)) "or by burying
transmission lines." This Project maintains suitable distances from such areas.
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to better understand whether there is a
possibility that EMF causes disease. The consensus of scientists familiar with these studies
is that no significant risk to humans from long-term exposure to EMF has been established .
Tri-State remains sensitive to the EMF issue and responds promptly and accurately to
inquiries with currently available information . As corporate policy, Tri-State has adopted
programs to ensure that its electric facilities are designed , constructed , and operated to
minimize, to the extent prudent and practicable, the level of EMF that is created . Tri-State's
position statement on EMF health effects is included as Appendix A.
Environmental Hazards
Enclosed containment would be provided for all trash. All construction waste, including trash
and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other potentially hazardous
materials would be removed from the site and transported to a disposal facility authorized to
accept such materials. There would be no significant amount of hazardous materials stored in
the Project area.
Construction , operation , and maintenance activities would comply with all applicable federal,
state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances. The only
hazardous chemicals expected to be used on site are those found in diesel fuel, gasoline,
coolant (ethylene glycol), and lubricants in machinery. Hazardous materials would not be
drained onto the ground or into streams or drainage areas. In its contract with the
construction contractor, Tri-State would specify that it will hold a required pre-construction
meeting with the contractor to ensure all applicable laws and Tri-State's procedures would be
followed . Tri-State's Project Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects are
attached as Appendix B.
Although the transmission line would be inspected annually, emergencies may occur. If there
were an issue, appropriate field crews and engineering personnel would be notified by
telephone or radio and they would undertake the required procedures to correct the problem
and restore facilities to normal operations.
21 -3-330. B.5.h—Name, Address, and Telephone of Applicant
Tri-State Generation and Transmission , Inc.
Attention : Selina Koler
Address: 1100 West 116th Ave. , Westminster, CO 80234
Phone Number: 303-254-3720
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
21 -3-330. B5. i—Name and Address of the Fee Owners of the Property
The fee owners are as listed in section 21 -3-330. B.5.h of this application.
21 -3-330. B.5.j—Legal Description of the Property under Consideration
Keota The south half of the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township (T) 9 North,
Substation Range (R) 61 West, of the 6th Prime Meridian (P. M . ), Weld County, Colorado
Redtail The south 950 feet of the east 950 feet of the west half of Section 8, T10N ,
Substation R58 West, of the 6th P.M . , Weld County, Colorado
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 9 North , Range 61 West of the
6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The South 300 feet of Section 16
The West 300 feet of Section 15
The North 300 feet of Sections 13, 14 and 15
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 9 North, Range 60 West of the
6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The North 300 feet of Sections 15, 16, 17 and 18
The East 300 feet of Section 10
The East 300 feet of the South 2000 feet of Section 3
The North 300 feet of the South 2000 feet of Sections 1 and 2
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 9 North , Range 59 West of the
6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The North 1000 feet of the South 1000 feet of Section 6
The North 300 feet of the South 1320 feet of Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5
The West 300 feet of the North 4260 feet of Section 1
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the South 300
Line Easement feet and the East 300 feet of Section 36, Township 10North, Range 59 West
of the 6th PM in Weld County, Colorado
Transmission An easement 100 feet in width within the approximate limits of the identified
Line Easement portions of the following sections in Township 10 North, Range 58 West of
the 6th PM in Weld County, Colorado:
The South 300 feet of the North 1620 feet of Section 31
The West 300 feet of the North 1620 feet of Section 32
The West 300 feet of Sections 17, 20 and 29
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
These legal descriptions are approximate and will be replaced by the final legal descriptions
following completion of land survey work for the Project. They are also subject to change
within the same ownership based on engineering design.
21 -3-330. B.5.k—Total Acreage of the Parcel , Right-of-Way or Corridor under Consideration
The surface area for the newly constructed transmission line structures and substations on
private land would total approximately 103 acres.
21 -3-330. B.5.I—Existing Land Use
The Project would take place on private land . Land uses near the Project area include
agricultural production, electric transmission , oil and gas production and storage, wind farms,
as well as residential uses.
21 -3-330. B.5.m—Existing Land Uses of All Properties Ad;acent to Parcel
Land to the north , south , east, and west of the Project area is part of unincorporated Weld
County and is zoned agricultural . The parcels that would be crossed by the line include
agricultural property and oil and gas development. There are no residences that occur on
parcels adjacent to the transmission line and none within 0.5 mile of the line. No residences
occur on parcels adjacent to the substation , but one residence is within one mile of the Keota
substation . There are multiple oil and gas wells and an existing transmission line on the
properties as well.
21 -3-330. B.5.n—Present Zone and Overlay Zones
The current zoning in the Project area is agricultural. The Project site is not situated within the
boundaries of a 100-year or 500-year floodplain (Federal Emergency Management Agency
1997). Tri-State has submitted an application with FAA and received a "Determination of No
Hazard to Air Navigation" (Appendix E).
21 -3-330. B.5.o- Signatures of the Applicant and Fee Owners or Their Authorized Legal
Agent
See USR Application Form .
21-3-330.B. 6—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints
Affecting Site Selection and Construction
An opportunities and constraints analysis was performed for the Project study area. The
opportunities and constraints criteria are provided in Table 7.
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Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 7: Opportunities and Constraints Criteria
Criteria Opportunity Avoid (if feasible) Exclude
Existing Utility and Transportation Corridors
Existing transmission Parallel to existing Transmission lines Distribution lines of any
lines (69-kV and transmission line corridor with short spans of voltages or overhead
above) less 400 feet telephone lines; parallel
to lines in areas that
have small parcels and
where ROW will utilize
too much of the parcel
Roads (interstate, Within 0.25 mile Overhang of lines Structures within road
state, county) over ROW or ROW; exclude highway
blowout of conductor interchanges
over ROW
Pipelines Major pipeline corridors, Pipelines crossing Using any portion of the
especially where no cultivated property at pipeline ROW for the
cultivation activities occur a diagonal transmission line
and the land features are
open or have sparse
habitation
Land Use
Agriculture Rangeland or cropland, Prime farmland, Pivot or other mechanical
where compatible farmland of irrigation footprint;
statewide crossing cultivated lands
importance at a diagonal
Wind turbines Within 300 feet of
structure
Oil/gas wells Within 150 feet of
required setback
Occupied residences Within 500 feet Within ROW
Military infrastructure Within 1/2 mile of facilities
Water and Natural & Cultural Resources
Wetlands Within boundary
Surface waters Using existing corridors Within 0. 125 mile of Within 100 feet of
where they cross surface perennial streams perennial streams and
waters and lakes lakes
Habitat for sensitive, Within known Within critical habitat for
threatened, or occupied habitat threatened or
endangered species endangered species
Engineering Concerns
Access Use available roads, or Water crossings; if Development of access
cross-country access with possible, using that leads to major
minimal new access railroad ROW for cutting, filling, culvert
development; multiple access installation, etc. (more of
existing access points; an issue in mountainous
ability to travel along terrain)
ROW
63
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 7: Opportunities and Constraints Criteria
Criteria Opportunity Avoid (if feasible) Exclude
Parallel lines Lines having longer Lines with short Lines of 69-kV or lower
average spans of 600 spans of less than
feet or greater 400 feet
Crossings Multiple highway or
interstate crossings;
multiple crossing of
existing transmission
lines
CFR=Code of Federal Regulations
FAA=Federal Aviation Administration
FCC=Federal Communications Commission
ROW=right-of-way
The opportunities and constraints analysis yielded four possible alternative routes for the
transmission line. The four alternatives were then compared based on the following:
• Number of residences within 100 and 500 feet
• Number of oil and gas wells within 150 feet
• Number of wind turbines within 300 feet
• Number of parcels crossed
• Length of transmission line
• Miles of new disturbance
• Miles of line that does not follow parcel boundaries
• Number of drainage crossings
• Miles of line across conservation easements
• Acres of disturbance to Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance
• Distance from military infrastructure
Based on the comparative analysis and stakeholder (CCALT, landowners, and CPW) input,
the preferred route was selected . The preferred route minimizes impacts to natural resources
and current land use.
21-3-330.B. 7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from
Construction of the Electric Transmission Line (satisfies 21-3-330. C.2.a)
Land Use
Land use along the proposed transmission line route would be minimally impacted and would
continue to include agriculture and oil and gas activities. Agricultural productivity would be
minimally impacted as a result of the Project.
The Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan , has been reviewed and the
proposed transmission line is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan , including
land use, environmental resources, and natural resources.
64
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The proposed transmission line would be located in an area that is zoned agricultural .
Although the transmission line is not an agricultural use, it is a land use commonly located in
agricultural areas and does not conflict with the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan .
Careful site planning would be developed with only a localized loss of agricultural land
quality. Ground disturbance generally would be limited to an area of approximately
625 square feet around each pole (25 feet x 25 feet). The long-term presence of the existing
230-kV and 345-kV transmission lines and continued agricultural uses in the area provide an
example of the complementary nature of the two uses.
Transportation Impacts (satisfies 21 -3-330.C.2.g)
Approximately 30 construction workers would be employed during the course of the
approximately 8-month construction period . The maximum number of construction workers at
any one time would be approximately 30. Table 8 lists the personnel and equipment for each
phase of construction . Table 9 lists the weight of construction vehicles.
The Project would generate infrequent trips to the transmission line and substations during
operation ; the line would be inspected annually and occasionally for maintenance.
No adverse effects on county roads are anticipated . Tri-State would work with the Weld
County Public Works Department to determine the appropriate access to the construction
area. All mobile construction equipment would be certified to operate on Interstate highways.
There may be short periods of time when traffic would be halted on CRs 89 and 118 to allow
construction vehicles to enter and exit the construction area. No improvements to Weld
County roads would be required.
Table 8: Typical Construction Personnel and Equipment—Transmission Line
Duration of
Activity Number of Persons Equipment Construction
Foundations 6 1 pressure digger 1 -2 weeks
2-3 concrete trucks
2-3 pickup trucks
1 tractor/trailer
1 material truck
1 backhoe 420
Structure Assembly 8 1 bucket truck 14 weeks
and Erection 1 boom truck
1 front-end loader
3 pickup trucks
4 tractor/trailers
Wire Installation 12 1 flatbed truck 12 weeks
2 pickup trucks
1 drum puller/tensioner
Cleanup 4 1 bobcat 2 weeks
3-4 pickups
Total 30 N/A 30 weeks
65
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 9: Weight of Construction Vehicles
Type of Vehicle Weight (Ibs)
Pickup Truck 7,000
Bucket Truck 60,000
Boom Truck 47,000
Pressure Digger 33,000
Front-end Loader 43,000
Backhoe 420 15,000
Concrete Truck (with 10 cubic yard load) 66,000
Tractor Trailer 80,000
Bobcat 4,200
Material Truck 7,000
Drum Puller/Tensioner 4,500 empty / 20,600 with reel
Socioeconomic Impacts ;satisfies 21 -3-330.C.2.g and 21 -3-330.C.3.a,
The community nearest to the Project area is the town of Grover located approximately 9
miles north of the Keota substation. According to the U .S . Census Bureau (2010), the
population of Grover was approximately 137. Larger nearby cities include Greeley (35 miles
to the southwest) and Cheyenne (36 miles to the northwest). It is anticipated that the Project
would have a negligible impact to the community of Grover, as there are no gas stations,
restaurants, or hotels. The project may have a small beneficial impact to the local economy of
Greeley and other small communities located between the Project area and metropolitan
areas such as Cheyenne and Denver. Construction contractors, regardless of origin , would
likely spend some money in Cheyenne or Greeley for fuel, food , or other supplies. During the
construction period, the local economy may see a small influx of dollars and a small increase
in sales tax revenue. The footprints of the proposed structures would be the only land
removed from current use. Land between the transmission structures would remain available
for farming , grazing , or other operations that do not interfere with safe and reliable operation
of the transmission line.
The Project area is located within District 1 of the Weld County Sheriffs Department and is
within the jurisdiction of the Pawnee Fire Protection District. Public roads are maintained by
the Weld County Department of Public Works. The nearest hospital is the Northern Colorado
Medical Center, located in Greeley. None of these services is expected to be affected , unless
emergency situations occur.
There are no adverse socioeconomic impacts associated with the Project. The Project would
not cause any residents or businesses to be displaced . The Project would generate additional
tax revenue for Weld County. This Project is not inconsistent with the Economic Development
Goals and Policies described in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan (Weld County 2008).
66
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Discussion of Impacts on Additional Resources Including Significant Environmentally
Sensitive Factors ;satisfies 21 -3-330.C.2c and 21 -3-330.C.2e)
Vegetation Including Marshlands and Wetlands
The vicinity of the Project site is characterized by agricultural uses, primarily farming and
ranching . The surrounding vegetation communities can be characterized as disturbed
grassland. Permanent removal of vegetation would occur at structure sites. Construction
would occur primarily in an area that has been previously disturbed, and impacts to native
vegetation communities are expected to be minimal. Most access would be overland in
nature or along existing roads, and minimal vegetation would be disturbed from roads.
The preferred alternative transmission line route would cross three named-drainages, Wild
Horse Creek, Igo Creek, and North Pawnee Creek. The drainages would likely be spanned
by the transmission line so no impacts would occur. Neither wetlands nor wetland vegetation
was observed in association with the drainages. Additionally, no drainages or wetlands occur
at either of the substation sites. Figure 7 presents a map of water resources within two miles
of the Project site. If it is later determined that the drainages cannot be spanned and
temporary impacts to wetlands would occur, Tri-State would notify the Army Corps of
Engineers and construction would be authorized under a Nationwide Permit.
Impacts to vegetation are expected to be minimal and impacts to wetlands and water
resources are not expected to result from the Project.
Wildlife and Critical Wildlife Habitat
The native grassland and agriculture areas surrounding the transmission line are likely to
support a variety of common wildlife such as pronghorn , coyote, fox, skunk, rabbits, and
various birds. There is no designated critical wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the project. The
area also supports habitat for various state-listed species, discussed in detail below.
Tri-State is conducting an assessment of the area to identify suitable habitat, particularly for
special status species. Additional surveys will be conducted in the spring , prior to
construction , in areas identified as suitable habitat for state-listed species and for migratory
birds. CPW recommended species-specific surveys for Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse leks,
Mountain Plover, and Western Burrowing Owls (if prairie dog towns are found). If any nests
for migratory birds or any state-listed species are found , appropriate construction timing
limitations will be enforced, as feasible, according to CPW recommendations. Where timing
limitations or setback cannot be applied due to timing constraints, other alternative mitigation
measures would be considered and vetted with CPW.
Project impacts to wildlife are expected to be minimal and limited to temporary disturbance
from construction activities. The selection of the Preferred Alternative helped to eliminate
potential disturbance to sensitive species found around the Chalk Bluffs.
To preclude avian electrocutions and minimize collision risk, Tri-State would incorporate
Avian Protection Plan (APP) standards developed by the Avian Power Line Interaction
Committee (APLIC 2006) and the APP guidelines (APLIC and U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service
67
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
[USFWS] 2005) to protect birds on power lines, as well as NESC-specified electric conductor
clearances.
Special Status Species
Federally threatened or endangered species that occur in Weld County are listed in Table 10.
Table 10: Threatened or Endangered Species in Weld County
Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status State Status
Birds
Mexican Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis lucida Threatened Threatened
Least Tern Sternula antillarum Endangered Endangered
Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Threatened Threatened
Whooping Crane Grus americana Endangered Endangered
Western Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Threatened
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Special Concern
Plains Sharp-tailed Tympanuchus Endangered
Grouse phasianellus jamesii
Mammals
Black-footed Ferret Mustela nigripes Endangered Endangered
Preble's Meadow Zapus hudsonius preblei Threatened Threatened
Jumping Mouse
Plants
Colorado Butterfly Plant Gaura neomexicana spp. Threatened
coloradensis
Ute Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes diluvialis Threatened
orchid
Source: USFWS 2013
The USFWS list of federally threatened or endangered species includes six wildlife species
and two plant species in Weld County: the Mexican Spotted Owl, Least Tern , Piping Plover,
Whooping Crane, black-footed ferret, Preble's meadow jumping mouse, Colorado butterfly
plant, and Ute ladies'-tresses orchid.
The Mexican Spotted Owl is known to occur in the southwestern U .S. with the main
populations inhabiting Arizona and New Mexico. The Mexican Spotted Owl prefers canyon
habitat consisting of mixed-conifer, pine-oak, and riparian forest. This habitat is not present in
the Project area. Therefore, Mexican Spotted Owls are unlikely to be impacted by the Project.
The Least Tern and Piping Plover are typically found near water. Terns are fish eaters and
prefer to nest on sandy or pebbly beaches around lakes and reservoirs, or on sandbars
consisting of sandy soils in river channels. Piping Plovers feed on a variety of beach-dwelling
invertebrates and nest on sandy lakeshore beaches, sandbars within riverbeds, or even
sandy wetland pastures. Given the lack of water and the intense agricultural land use, these
two species are not expected to occur in the Project area.
68
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2
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
The Whooping Crane is a rare North American bird with the largest population migrating
between the Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge and the Wood Buffalo National Park. This
population uses the Central Flyway to migrate across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska,
South Dakota, North Dakota, and eastern Montana. Whooping cranes are listed by the
USFWS for Weld County as a potentially impacted species due the potential depletion of the
Platte River Basin. The USFWS considers projects with less than 0. 1 acre-foot per year of
depletion to be de minimis exceptions for water-related activities in the Platte River Basin .
The proposed Project may use water for dust abatement activities during construction ;
however, water use will be below the de minimis threshold for depletion . No impacts to
Whooping cranes are anticipated for this Project.
The black-footed ferret is the rarest mammal in North America ; there are no surviving wild ,
unmanaged populations. This animal is an obligate predator of prairie dogs and , as a general
rule, cannot survive in the absence of large prairie dog colonies. There are two populations of
black-footed ferrets in Colorado (both re-introduced): one west of Rangely near the Utah
border, and one southeast of Dinosaur National Monument (Colorado Parks and Wildlife
[CPW] 2011 ). Re-introduced ferrets in Wyoming are located in Shirley Basin , between
Medicine Bow and Casper (Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2011 ). A prairie dog colony
was observed in only one location along the proposed right-of-way during initial
reconnaissance, and fall habitat assessments are expected to confirm these results. Impacts
to the black-footed ferret are not expected from the Project.
The Preble's meadow jumping mouse is a federally threatened species in Colorado. This
species inhabits riparian areas and adjacent uplands. Preferred riparian habitat includes
mixed vegetation types where dense herbaceous or woody vegetation occurs near the
ground level and where available open water exists during their active season . Presence of
this species along the proposed route is highly unlikely. There is no suitable habitat or
designated critical habitat for Preble's meadow jumping mouse in or near the Project site;
therefore, no impacts to the species are expected.
The Ute ladies'-tresses orchid and Colorado butterfly plant are federally threatened plant
species associated with floodplains and wet meadows. The Project site does not support
suitable habitat, therefore, the Project would not impact these species.
Although the Golden Eagle is not a federally listed species under the Endangered Species
Act, it has federal protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Golden Eagles are found throughout the continuous U .S. and
Alaska, and occupy a very wide range of habitat. For nesting , they most frequently use cliffs
but will also nest in trees. There is some limited breeding in northeast Colorado, and Golden
Eagles have been confirmed in the vicinity of the project. Pre-construction surveys would be
conducted to identify any active nests and appropriate timing restrictions would be
implemented to avoid impacts to the Golden Eagle.
71
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
In addition to federally listed species, state-listed species that could occur in or near the
Project area include Mountain Plover, Western Burrowing Owl, Swift Fox, Plains Sharp-tailed
Grouse, and Ferruginous Hawk.
The project area is considered overall range for swift fox, which is a state-species of special
concern . As with other terrestrial mammal species in the area, impacts to swift fox are
expected to be minimal and primarily consist of temporary disturbance from construction
activities. Swift fox could be temporarily displaced during construction of the substations and
transmission line, but animals in the area are likely habituated to human activity due to the
wind farm , and agricultural and oil and gas activities.
The Mountain Plover is a state-species of special concern and occurs in the Project area.
More than half of the world's population nests in the state, including in the Pawnee National
Grasslands in Weld County. Mountain plovers inhabit prairie grasslands, arid plains and
fields. Nesting areas include grasslands grazed by prairie dogs and cattle, and overgrazed
tallgrass and fallow fields. Presence or absence surveys for Mountain Plovers will be
conducted prior to construction in areas identified as suitable habitat. If any nests are found ,
appropriate construction timing limitations will be implanted to avoid impacts to the Mountain
Plover.
The Western Burrowing Owl is a state-threatened species and could occur in the Project
area. In northeastern Colorado, burrowing owls are typically associated with prairie dog
colonies. Burrowing owls can excavate their own burrows, but they usually depend on
burrows that have been started by colonially burrowing mammals, especially ground squirrels
and prairie dogs. A prairie dog colony was observed in one location along the proposed right-
of-way during initial reconnaissance, and fall habitat assessments are expected to confirm
these results. If suitable habitat for Western burrowing owl is encountered, spring surveys
and mitigation measures will be implemented to avoid impacts to this species.
The Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse is listed as endangered in Colorado. The bird formerly nested
over much of the northern two-thirds of the eastern prairie, but the present population
consists of only a few hundred birds in Douglas County (CPW 2010). CPW regularly
conducts lek surveys in northeastern Colorado and has identified leks to the north of the
Project area along the existing Cedar Creek - Keenesburg transmission line. If suitable
habitat is identified during the fall habitat assessments, lek surveys will be conducted prior to
construction and appropriate construction timing limitations will be implemented to avoid
impacts to the Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse.
The Ferruginous Hawk is a state-species of special concern in Colorado, and occurs year-
round in the state. It is a common winter resident on the eastern plains in open grasslands
and shrub steppe communities. Ferruginous Hawks nest in flat, rolling or rugged terrain in
open areas, cliffs or rock outcrops, or isolated trees in grasslands. One historic Ferruginous
Hawk nest has been identified within the proposed transmission line corridor by CPW. Fall
72
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
and spring surveys will determine the status of the nest and if necessary, construction timing
will be implemented to avoid impacts to the nest.
Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance
Tri-State conducted a Class I archaeological database search of the Project area, as well as
a Class III pedestrian survey. Four prehistoric artifact scatters were located along the
proposed transmission line and are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP). These sites will be spanned and avoided by the Project. There are no areas
of geologic importance in the vicinity of the project.
Vested Water Rights
The Project would have no impacts on vested water rights. Construction water and water to
suppress dust during construction activities would be trucked into the site.
21-3-330.B.8—Long- Term Effects upon Physical and Socioeconomic
Development
The proposed Project would not have any adverse effects on physical or socioeconomic
development of the area.
21-3-330.8.9—Mitigation of Adverse Impacts and Maximization of
Positive Impacts
Efforts would be made so the contour of the land and natural drainage patterns along the
right-of-way are not disturbed . If land contours and drainage patterns are disturbed, efforts
would be made to restore any negative effects. Because Weld County has a semi-arid
climate, revegetation can be difficult. As a result, disturbances to land surrounding the
construction area would be minimized. All practical efforts would be made to re-establish
native vegetation in the disturbed area. Tri-State's Environmental Protection Measures for
Construction Projects, included as Appendix B, addresses site reclamation of disturbed
areas.
Tri-State would continue to coordinate with CPW to develop appropriate mitigation measures
that are compatible with Project goals and that would minimize impacts to wildlife along the
transmission line and at the substations.
21-3-330.B. 10—Non-Structural Alternatives
There are no non-structural alternatives that would accomplish the purpose and need for the
transmission line and overall Project. If the Project is not constructed , Tri-State and its
members would be required to seek other locations to construct adequate facilities to
accomplish the Project goals.
73
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
21-3-330.B. 11-Structural Alternatives
Three transmission routing alternatives were considered in addition to the preferred
alternative. These alternatives are discussed in more detail in the Alternatives to the
Proposed Project section .
21-3-330.B. 12—Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives
Air Pollution Impact and Control ,satisfies 21 -3-330.C.2 .d)
Construction would last approximately seven to eight months. Construction activities
associated with the proposed transmission line and substations would generate less than
significant amounts of particulate matter from soil disturbances and diesel-powered
equipment, and less than significant amounts of carbon monoxide and the precursor
pollutants to ozone formation from tailpipe emissions. Any air pollutants generated would be
widely dispersed across the Project area, short term in duration , and minimized by the small
scale of construction operations for the substations, and excavating foundations and placing
single pole transmission structures. Air pollutants also would be minimized through
implementation of dust suppression and proper vehicle maintenance. Therefore, Project
construction is not expected to contribute to the air quality status in the area. There would be
no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation and maintenance of the
proposed transmission line and substations. Once construction activities have been
completed , but before vegetation has been re-established, some minor amount of additional
dust could occur. The generation of dust would be monitored by Tri-State, and the
appropriate action would be taken to control the dust and ensure that potential wind erosion
is minimized .
Weld County is an attainment area for all measured pollutants, including particulate matter
smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10). No air emissions would result from operation
of the transmission line or substations.
Water Pollution Impacts and Control
There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with regular operation or
maintenance of the transmission line and substations. The Project would not create runoff in
excess of historic levels and would not adversely affect drainage. There would be no
alteration in the pattern or intensity of surface drainage as a result of construction or
operation of the transmission line and substations.
21-3-330.B. 13—Design Alternatives: Access, Landscaping, and
Architecture
Access to the Project construction area would primarily be provided by existing roads and the
100-foot-wide right-of-way along the transmission line. Where construction of new roads is
required to gain access to sites where the poles would be erected , Tri-State will design the
roads to minimize impacts to resources while allowing access by construction and
74
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
maintenance vehicles. The access roads would not require architectural or landscape
treatments.
21-3-330.8. 14—New or Upgraded Services
New or upgraded services are not applicable to, and not required for, this Project.
21-3-330.B. 15—Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic,
Visual, and Noise Impacts
Biotic and atmospheric impacts are described above.
Hydrologic
Construction and maintenance of the transmission line and substations would not measurably
impact surface water or groundwater quality. Additionally, there would be no long-term
impacts to surface water or groundwater hydrology as a result of construction or operation of
the Project. The preferred alternative crosses three named drainages. The drainages would
likely be spanned by the transmission line and would not be impacted by the Project
(Figure 7).The Project would not impact hydrologic flow of either surface water or
groundwater, nor would it affect groundwater recharge.
Minimal water would be used during Project construction . Water for construction purposes,
including concrete foundations and dust control, would be brought in from off-site sources by
a construction water provider. The source of the construction water would be from either a
private well owned by the construction water company or from a municipality. No existing
water rights would be impacted , and there would be no long-term use of water. If water is
needed for revegetation around transmission structures or temporary access roads, the
construction water provider would supply the water.
No water would be required for the operation of the transmission line or substations.
Geologic
Construction and operation of the electric transmission line and substations would not alter
the geology of the Project area. The topography of the Project area is relatively flat; slopes
generally range from 0 to 9 percent across the area.
Pedologic
Appendix C includes a complete list of the soil map units that occur in the Study Area.
Figure 8 shows the linear extensibility, or soil shrink/swell potential , in the Study Area.
Shrink/swell potential of a soil is based on the change in length of an unconfined clod as
moisture content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. The classes of shrink/swell
potential are shown in Table 11 . The majority of the soils in the Study Area have low
shrink/swell potential.
75
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Table 11 : Soil Shrink/Swell Classes
Class Value
Low 0-3%
Moderate 3-6%
High 6-9%
Very high > 9%
Figure 9a shows the soil erodibility based on factor K within the Project area. The factor K is
a measurement of the soil's susceptibility to sheet and rill erosion by water; it is calculated as
a function of an average diameter of the soil particles. Factor K is one of six factors used in
the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation to predict annual rate of soil loss in tons per acre
per year. Factor K values range from 0.02 to 0.69, with higher values indicating higher losses.
For the purpose of this report, soil K factors would be classified based on Table 12.
Table 12: Soil Erodibility Classes
Class Factor K Value
Low 0.05-0.2
Moderate 0.21-0.4
High > 0.4
According to the NRCS Soil Survey of the Northern Part of Weld County (Appendix C), the
majority of the soils, including those found at the substations, are moderately erodible. Soil
erodibility by wind is shown on Figure 9b. No soils that are highly erodible by wind will be
impacted by the Project.
There are no data sources available that evaluate subsidence hazard in the Study Area.
However, there are no mines in the vicinity of the Study Area, which may increase the risk of
soil subsidence.
Numerous soil types along the transmission line are designated as Prime Farmlands or
Farmlands of Statewide Importance. However, placement of the wood pole transmission line
support structures would not preclude the use of farmland under the suspected transmission
line. Approximately 58 acres of Farmland of Statewide Importance and 27 acres of Prime
Farmland , if irrigated would be permanently removed from agricultural uses for the
substations. However, only a small portion of that would be disturbed for the Project. The
facilities proposed for the Keota substation occur primarily on soils that are not considered
Prime Farmlands. Nearly all of the soils in the vicinity of the Redtail substation are considered
Farmland of Statewide Importance and cannot be avoided.
The Project would not adversely affect any of the soil types within the Study Area.
Construction of the project would cause some localized soil compaction and increase the
potential for soil erosion. Long-term effects associated with soil erosion and compaction
would be minimized or negated though use of EPMs (Appendix B).
76
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2
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Noise
The Project would be constructed and maintained in accordance with Colorado Revised
Statutes 25-12-101 et seq. (Noise Abatement) and Article IX, Section 14-9-10 et seq . of the
Weld County Code.
Visual
The Project is not expected to significantly affect the aesthetics of the area. There is
extensive oil and gas development in the area, as well as the nearby wind farm. The Keota
substation is located adjacent to the 230-kV line and another 345-kV transmission line, as
well as an oil and gas facility. Given the existing disturbance in the area, visual aesthetics of
the area would be minimally impacted.
21-3-330.8. 16-Surface and Subsurface Drainage
Subsurface drainage would not be impacted by the proposed transmission line or
substations. The preferred alternative transmission line route would cross three named-
drainages, Wild Horse Creek, Igo Creek, and North Pawnee Creek. The drainages would
likely be spanned by the transmission line so there would be no direct impacts to water
quality associated with regular operation or maintenance of the transmission line or
substations. Project construction would not create runoff in excess of previous site levels and
would not adversely affect drainage. There would be no alteration in the pattern or intensity of
surface drainage as a result of construction or operation of the Project. A range of measures
ensuring the Project does not impact water quality is listed in Appendix B; prior to
construction , a Storm Water Permit for Construction Activities would be acquired from the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), if needed.
83
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
REFERENCES
APLIC (Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC). 2006. Suggested Practices for
Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006. Edison Electric
Institute/Raptor Research Foundation. Washington, D.C. 207 pp.
APLIC and USFWS (Avian Power Line Interaction Committee and U .S. Fish and Wildlife
Service). 2005. Avian Protection Plan (APP) Guidelines. April .
CPW (Colorado Parks and Wildlife). 2011 . Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)—Species
Profile. Available online:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/Mammals/Pages/Blackfo
otedFerret.aspx. Last updated November 30, 2011 .
. 2010. Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse ( Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesi)—Species
Profile. Available online:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Birds/Pages/SharptailGrouse.aspx.
Last updated July 16, 2010.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 1997. Evaluating Compliance with FCC
Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. OET
Bulletin 65. Edition 97-01 . August.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. 1997. Flood Insurance Rate Map, Weld County,
Colorado and Incorporated Areas, Panel 0802660995C.
Gehring, J . and P. Kerlinger. 2007a. Avian collisions at communication towers, I : The role of
tower height and guy wires. State of Michigan , March .
. 2007b. Avian collisions at communication towers, I : The role of Federal Aviation
Administration obstruction lighting systems. State of Michigan , March.
Kemper, C. A. 1996. A study of bird modality at a west central Wisconsin TV tower from
1957-1995. The Passenger Pigeon 58:219-235.
NAIP (Natural Agriculture Imagery Program). 2005. Base Map Data.
NESC (National Electrical Safety Code). 2012. 2012 National Electric Safety Code.
National Hydrography Dataset. 2006. Surface Water Data.
National Landcover Dataset. 2001 . Land Cover Data.
NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2013. Soils Data.
85
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2013. Custom Soil Resource Report for
Weld County Colorado, Southern Part. Accessed at: http://websoilsurvey.
nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx in September 2013.
National Institutes of Health. 2002. Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of
Electric Power. Questions and Answers. June.
U .S. Census Bureau. 2010. U .S. Census Bureau, 2010 Population Estimates. Accessed at:
http://www.census.gov/ in August, 2013.
U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Information , Planning, and Conservation System
(IPAC). Accessed at http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ in August, 2013.
Weld County. 2008. 2008 Weld County Comprehensive Plan. Adopted November 24, 2008.
Chapter 22 of the Weld County Code.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 2011 . Threatened, Endangered, and Nongame Bird
and Mammal Investigations, Annual Completion Report, Period Covered : 15 April
201 to 14 April 2011 . Available online: http://gf.state.wy.us/web2011 /Departments/
Wildlife/pdfs/JCR NONGAMEACR 20110001023.pdf. August.
86
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Appendix A:
Tri-State Position Statement on EMF Health Effects
jr, TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC.
HEADQUARTERS: P.O. BOX 33695 DENVER, COLORADO 80233-0695 303-452-6111
POSITION STATEMENT
Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) Health Effects
Lights, appliances, computers, power lines and any other devices that carry or use electricity produce
electric and magnetic fields (EMF). The Earth itself also creates natural EMF in varying amounts.
Therefore, we are all continuously exposed to EMF as a result of living in a society that so heavily relies on
the use of electricity as a source of energy.
In recent years, concerns have been raised that exposure to EMF might cause or contribute to adverse
health effects, including cancer. We at Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association are aware of
these concerns and we wish to express our position on EMF and our commitment to this matter.
Scientists agree that the answers to these concerns must come from well-conducted research studies.
During the last three decades several thousand studies aimed at a better understanding of this issue have
been conducted around the world. The consensus of scientists familiar with these studies is that no
significant risk to humans from long-term exposure to EMF has been established.
In addressing this issue, Congress in 1991 asked the National Academy of Sciences to review the
research literature on the effects from exposure to EMF and for the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (NIEHS)to conduct a scientific research program to evaluate the health risk to humans of
EMF. The National Academy of Sciences formed the Committee to Review the Research Activities
Completed Under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Committee issued their report in 1999 titled
"Research on Power-Frequency Fields Completed Under the Energy Policy Act of 1992." In the report
they state " the committee recommends that no further special research program focused on possible
health effects of power-frequency magnetic fields be funded."
The NIEHS in May 1999 prepared their report to Congress on the results of their sponsored research and
other research conducted to date around the world. In a letter accompanying this report, the NIEHS
Director concluded, "the scientific evidence suggesting that ELF-EMF exposures pose any health risk is
weak". He goes on to say "virtually all of the laboratory evidence in animals and humans and most of the
mechanistic work done in cells fail to support a causal relationship between exposure to ELF-EMF at
environmental levels and changes in biological function or disease status." While these scientific reviews
were conducted some time ago and EMF research has continued since then, the overall conclusions of
these newer studies remain about the same as before.
Tri-State recognizes its responsibility to provide wholesale electric service at the lowest possible cost in a
manner that is safe, reliable and environmentally sound. This responsibility includes carefully designing
and locating our facilities in strict accordance with the National Electric Safety Code and all applicable
federal, state and local regulations. Despite the lack of clear evidence from reliable studies of any adverse
effect EMF may have on human health, we will continue to construct and operate our facilities in a manner
that minimizes, to the extent prudent and practical, the amount of EMF that is created.
Since there are still unanswered questions and opposing theories, Tri-State agrees that limited research
should continue in a credible and objective manner even though the federal government has ceased
funding all such research studies. Accordingly, we will continue to be a sponsor of the EMF research
program of the Electric Power Research Institute, of which we are a member. We will continue to closely
monitor the results of these and other scientific studies as they are completed. Our commitment is to keep
our member systems, our employees and our electric consumers informed of the results of this research
and promptly and knowledgeably respond to all inquiries with accurate and current information.
9/11
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Appendix B:
Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
TOPIC
No. STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
General
G-1 The contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local environmental laws, orders,
and regulations. Prior to construction, all supervisory construction personnel will be
instructed on the protection of cultural and ecological resources.
G-2 Prior to construction, Tri-State shall discuss with the contractor areas of environmental
sensitivity within the Project area and, in particular, those areas where a monitor must be
present during construction.
Access Routes
AR-1 No construction activities will be performed during periods when the soil is too wet to
adequately support equipment and vehicles. If equipment or vehicles create ruts in excess
of 4-6 inches deep for a distance of 10 feet on native surface roads, the soil shall be
deemed too wet to adequately support construction equipment. If equipment or vehicles
create ruts in excess of 1 inch deep on graveled roads,the roads shall be deemed too wet
to support construction equipment.
AR-2 Only the minimum amount of soils and vegetation necessary for the maintenance of
access routes and the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line will be disturbed.
If excavation is necessary, topsoil will be conserved and reused as cover on disturbed
areas to facilitate re-growth of vegetation.Vegetation will be cleared from those areas
necessary to obtain adequate working width and turning radius space for maintenance
equipment and allow for the safe operation of the transmission line.
AR-3 Water bars on the access roads will be constructed as specified by Tri-State.Water bars
will be constructed to: 1)simulate the imaginary contour lines of the slope(ideally with a
grade of 1 to 2%); 2)drain away from the disturbed area; and 3) begin and end in
vegetation or rock,whenever possible. Tri-State to provide specification for water bar
construction.
Water turn-off bars or small terraces shall be installed across all temporary construction
access roads and trails on hillsides to prevent erosion and facilitate natural revegetation of
the trails.
Aesthetics
A-1 The contractor shall exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and shall conduct
construction operations so as to prevent any unnecessary destruction, scarring,or
defacing of the natural surroundings in the vicinity of the work. Except where clearing is
required for permanent works, approved temporary or permanent construction roads,
staging areas, or excavation operations, vegetation shall be preserved and protected from
damage by the contractor's construction operations and equipment.
A-2 The contractor shall minimize scarring,defacing, damage, or destruction of the natural
landscape resulting from construction operations.Any unnecessary or unauthorized
damage shall be repaired by the contractor to the satisfaction of Tri-State.
A-3 All construction materials, waste,and debris shall be removed from the project area in a
timely manner. Burning or burying of waste materials on the right-of-way or at the
construction site will not be allowed.All materials resulting from the contractor's clearing
operations shall be removed from the right-of-way.
A-4 Structures will be located and designed to conform with the terrain and with minimal visual
impacts whenever possible. Leveling and benching of the structure sites will be done to the
minimum necessary to allow structure assembly and erection.
Air Quality
AQ-1 The contractor shall utilize practicable methods and devices as are reasonably available to
control, prevent,and otherwise minimize atmospheric emissions or discharges of air
contaminants.
AQ-2 Possible construction-related dust disturbance shall be controlled by the periodic
application of water to all disturbed areas along the right-of-way and access roads.
B-1
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
TOPIC
No. STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
AQ-3 Vehicles and equipment showing excessive emission of exhaust gases due to poor engine
adjustments or other inefficient operating conditions shall not be operated until corrective
adjustments or repairs are made.
AQ-4 Post seeding mulch will be utilized during reclamation activities to help reduce wind erosion
and blowing dust. The mulch/stabilization will be performed as soon as possible after
completion of project activities to minimize potential fugitive dust generation as
revegetation occurs.
Biological Resources
BR-1 Vegetation shall be preserved and protected from damage by construction operations to
the maximum extent practicable. Removal of brush and trees will be limited to those
necessary for access and construction.There will be no clear cutting within the right-of-
way unless specifically approved in writing by Tri-State.
BR-2 Disturbed areas where vegetation has been removed by construction activities to the
extent that the potential for soil erosion is increased to a detrimental level will be subject to
seedbed preparation techniques, reseeded with an approved seed mixture, and mulched
(if necessary)during a recognized planting season. Mulching shall be applied only to those
areas where potential erosion would prohibit vegetation establishment and growth.
BR-3 The contractor shall not cross any wetland and riparian areas(of or relating to,or located
on, the banks of a river or stream), except at designated locations designated by Tri-State
BR-4 On completion of the work,all work areas,except any permanent access roads/trails, shall
be regraded, as required, so that all surfaces drain naturally, blend with the natural terrain,
and are left in a condition that will facilitate natural revegetation, provide for proper
drainage, and prevent erosion.
BR-5 All disturbed areas, except the access route running surfaces,will be reseeded with seed
mixes as specified by Tri-State.
BR-6 All construction materials and debris shall be removed from the project area.
BR-7 To preclude avian electrocutions and minimize collision risk, Tri-State will incorporate
Avian Protection Plan (APP)standards developed by the Avian Power Line Interaction
Committee(APLIC 2006)and the APP guidelines(APLIC and USFWS 2005)to protect
birds on power lines, and NESC-specified electric conductor clearances.
Cultural Resources
CR-1 Prior to construction, all supervisory construction personnel will be instructed on protection
of cultural resources with reference to relevant laws and penalties, and the need to cease
work in the location if cultural resource items are discovered.
CR-2 Should any previously unknown historic/prehistoric sites or artifacts be encountered during
construction,all land-altering activities at that location will be immediately suspended and
the discovery left intact until such time that Tri-State is notified and appropriate measures
taken to assure compliance the National Historic Preservation Act and enabling legislation.
Fire Prevention/Control
FP-1 Construction vehicles shall be equipped with government-approved spark arresters.
FP-2 The contractor shall maintain in all construction vehicles a current list of local emergency
response providers and methods of contact/communication.
B-2
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
TOPIC
No. STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
Hazardous Materials
HM-1 Tri-State shall comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations existing or hereafter
enacted or promulgated regarding toxic substances or hazardous materials. In any event,
Tri-State shall comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976,as amended (15
U.S.C.2601, et seq.)with regard to any toxic substances that are used, generated by, or
stored on the right-of-way or on facilities authorized under this right-of-way grant(See 40
CFR, Part 702-799 and especially, provisions on polychlorinated biphenyls, 40 CFR
761.1-761.193.).Additionally, any release of toxic substances(leaks, spills, etc.)in excess
of the reportable quantity established by 40 CFR, Part 117 shall be reported as required
by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980,
section 102b. A copy of any report required or requested by any federal agency or state
government as a result of a reportable release or spill of any toxic substance shall be
furnished to the authorized officer concurrent with the filing of the reports to the involved
federal agency or state government.
HM-2 No bulk fuel storage will occur within the public lands portion of the project right-of-way. All
fuel and fluid spills within this area will be handled in accordance with appropriate state
and federal spill reporting and response requirements. The contractor shall notify Tri-State
of any spills so appropriate notifications can be made to regulatory authorities.
HM-3 Any waste generated as a result of the proposed action will be properly disposed of in a
permitted facility. Solid waste generated during construction and periodic maintenance
periods will be minimal.All hazardous materials will be handled in accordance with
applicable local, state, and federal hazardous material statues and regulations.
Land Use
LU-1 All activities associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the
transmission line will take place within the authorized limits of the transmission line right-
of-way and access routes.Additional access routes or cross-country travel will not be
allowed outside of the authorized routes prior to review and approval by Tri-State.
LU-2 The contractor shall maintain all fences, brace panels,and gates during the construction
period.Any fence, brace panel,or gate damaged during construction will be repaired
immediately by the contractor to appropriate landowner or agency standards as
determined by the authorized officer.
LU-3 The contractor shall eliminate,at the earliest opportunity,all construction ruts that are
detrimental to agricultural operations and/or hazardous to movement of vehicles and
equipment. Such ruts shall be leveled,filled, and graded,or otherwise eliminated in an
approved manner. Damage to ditches,tile drains, culverts,terraces, local roads, and other
similar land use features shall be corrected as necessary by the contractor.The land and
facilities shall be restored as nearly as practicable to their original condition.
LU-4 Structure foundation holes will not be left open overnight and will be covered. Covers will
be secured in place and will be strong enough to prevent livestock,wildlife, or the public
from falling.
Noise
N-1 Construction vehicles and equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition
and shall be equipped with manufacturers'standard noise-control devices or better(e.g.
mufflers,engine enclosures).
B-3
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
TOPIC
No. STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
Noxious Weeds
NW-1 To minimize introduction of noxious weed seed sources to the project area,the following
measures will be performed.All heavy equipment utilized during construction will be
washed prior to departure from the equipment storage facility. Washing of equipment prior
to transport from one work site to another is not recommended, as on-site washing of
equipment increases the chance of weed seed dispersal by drainage of water off of the
site, across an area greater than the size of the work site. Equipment will have
accumulations of mud`knocked off instead.This method promotes containment of weed
seeds on the work site.All seed mixes and mulch used for reclamation activities will be
certified weed-free.
Soils and Geology
S-1 The contractor shall mitigate soils compacted by movement of construction vehicles and
equipment by 1)loosened and leveled harrowing or disking to approximate pre-
construction contours and 2)reseeding with certified weed-free grasses and mulched
(except in cultivated fields).The specific seed mix(s)and rate(s)of application will be
determined by Tri-State.
S-2 Movement of construction vehicles and equipment shall be limited to the right-of-way and
approved access routes.
S-3 Excavated material not used in the backfilling of poles shall be spread around each pole,
evenly spread on the access routes in the immediate vicinity of the pole structure, or
transported off site to a Tri-State-approved disposal location. Disturbed areas shall then be
regraded to approximate pre-construction contours and reseeded as specified in S-1.
S-4 Topsoil will be removed, stockpiled,and re-spread at temporarily disturbed areas not
needed for maintenance access.
Traffic
T-1 The contractor shall make all necessary provisions for conformance with federal, state, and
local traffic safety standards and shall conduct construction operations so as to offer the
least possible obstruction and inconvenience to public traffic.
Water Quality and Erosion
WQ-1 Construction activities shall be performed by methods that prevent entrance or accidental
spillage of solid matter, contaminants debris, and other objectionable pollutants and
wastes into flowing streams or dry water courses, lakes,and underground water sources.
Such pollutants and wastes include, but are not restricted to, refuse, garbage, cement,
concrete, sanitary waste, industrial waste, radioactive substances, oil and other petroleum
products, aggregate processing tailings, mineral salts,and thermal pollution.
WQ-2 Dewatering work for structure foundations or earthwork operations adjacent to, or
encroaching on, streams or water courses shall not be performed without prior approval by
Tri-State and appropriate state agencies. Water and eroded materials will be prevented
from entering the streams or watercourses by constructing intercepting ditches, bypass
channels, barriers, settling ponds,or other approved methods.
WQ-3 Borrow pits shall be so excavated that water will not collect and stand therein. Before
being abandoned,the sides of borrow pits shall be brought to stable slopes, with slope
intersections shaped to carry the natural contour of adjacent, undisturbed terrain into the
pit or borrow area, giving a natural appearance.Waste piles shall be shaped to provide a
natural appearance.
WQ-4 Excavated material or other construction materials shall not be stockpiled or deposited
near or on stream banks, lake shorelines, or other water course perimeters where they can
be washed away by high water or storm runoff or can in any way encroach upon the water
source itself.
B-4
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
TOPIC
No. STANDARD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES
WQ-5 Waste waters from construction operations shall not enter streams, water courses, or other
surface waters without use of such turbidity control methods as settling ponds,gravel-filter
entrapment dikes, approved flocculating processes that are not harmful to fish,
recirculation systems for washing of aggregates,or other approved methods.Any such
waste waters discharged into surface waters shall be essentially free of settleable material.
Settleable material is defined as that material that will settle from the water by gravity
during a 1-hour quiescent period.
WQ-6 A Storm Water Management Plan shall be developed, if required,to address all
construction and reconstruction activities.The plan shall conform with all U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and Best Management Practices requirements.
B-5
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
Appendix D:
USR Questionnaire
TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC.
1100 W. 116TH AVENUE • P.O. BOX 33695 • DENVER, COLORADO 80233 • 303-452-6111
November 25,2013
Kim Ogle
Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Ave
Greeley,CO 80631
RE: Response to 7-day Completeness Review for the Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Mr. Ogle:
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State)has reviewed comments submitted by
the Weld County Department of Public Works,Building Inspection, and Environmental Health and
Planning Services for the proposed Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project located in parts of
Township 9 North, Range 61 West;Township 9 North,Range 60 West;Township 9 North,Range 59
West; Township 10 North,Range 59 West;and Township 10 North,Range 58 West,Weld County. Tri-
State's responses,where required,are as follows:
Department of Public Works
• Site Plan—Overall alternative routes layout submitted. A site plan detailing the laydown areas
and public works site plan requirements will be required once a route is selected.
Tri-State provided site plans for the Keota and Redtail substations as Figures 2A and 2B. These
figures have been modified slightly to display additional requirements identified in the Pre-
Application meeting including: drainage flow arrows; turning radius; and tracking control points.
Site plans for the transmission line route will be provided following detailed engineering and with
the preliminary plat for County approval. Construction staging areas would be located on the
Keota and Redtail substation properties.
• Traffic Study—Traffic information provided, additional information regarding haul routes during
construction will be required once a route is selected.
Tri-State has modified the Vicinity Map(Figure 4)to include proposed County access roads that
are expected to be used during construction.
Department of Planning Services
• Please identibi each Section, Township and Range that the preferred route crosses.
The legal description of the property under consideration,including Township, Section, and
Range is provided in Section 21-3-33.B.5.j. A spreadsheet with this information has been
attached to this letter for ease of reference,and has also been provided on the attached CD in
Excel format.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER CRAIG STATION ESCALANTE STATION NUCLA STATION
P.O.BOX 1307 PO.BOX 577 P.O.BOX 698
A Touchstone Energy Cooperative CRAIG,CO 81626-1307 PREWITT,NM 87045 NUCLA,CO 81424-0698
970.824-4411 505-876-2271 970864-7316
• Section 23-2-26.B. Please provide the information required to complete the application.
Responses to Section 23-2-26.B.were provided in Section 21-3-330.B5 due to duplicative
information. However,the information has now been repeated in Section 23-3-26.B as requested
by the County. A revised version of the application is included on the attached CD,and in hard-
copy.
• It appears that there is not a transmission line between the Redtail substation and the Whiting Oil
and Gas Facility,please confirm. If no transmission line is proposed will an electrical line be
connecting this facility that is less than the 115-kV line? Will the line be described in the
narrative?
A description of the proposed distribution line from the Redtail substation to the Whiting facility
is described on page 1 under Project Description. High West Energy will construct a distribution
line(<115-kV)from the Redtail substation to Whiting's gas plant,not included as part of this
Project,and a use allowed by right in the Agricultural Zone District. Similarly, a distribution
substation for Morgan County REA will be constructed either on the proposed Keota substation
property or on an adjacent parcel to the southeast,owned by Noble Energy(Noble),where an oil
and gas processing facility is currently under construction and a substation was permitted. The
distribution line(<115-kV)would be constructed by Morgan County accordingly.
• Section 23-3-260.D.7.All mapping should be to a scale that is measurable. Drawings drawn at a
scale of one inch = 125 feet are not acceptable.
Tri-State has modified the scale of the figure(Figure 2A)to be one inch=200 feet. As discussed
with the County,the parcel and all requirements for the figure were not able to be shown at the
required one inch= 100 feet.
• For all mapping associated with the proposed application. Please provide separate file for each
map individually for inclusion in the case file and for use in presentations associated with the
application.
The attached CD includes individual Adobe PDF files for each figure in the application.
• Staff requests the application be submitted in a Word document format and also all spreadsheets
be submitted in an Excel format for all parcel related data. This will provide ease of adding all of
the parcel information into our case file database for processing and notification.
The attached CD includes a copy of the application in Word. As described above,an Excel file
has also been attached which includes a worksheet with the legal property descriptions including
Township,Range, Section,and parcel number.Additionally,a worksheet that includes the
surface owner names and address,and real property owners has also been provided in the Excel
file on the attached CD.
The 7-day completeness comments not specifically addressed above have been noted by Tri-State. If you
need any additional information please contact me at 303-254-3720 or by email at skoler@tristategt.org.
AN EOUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
A Touchstone Energy'Cooperative 14.1r
Sincerely,
AL()JaV.(.9h
Selina Koler
Senior Transmission Siting&Environmental Planner
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
Attachments: CD - Word version of document (revised), spreadsheet, and PDFs of figures
Legal description of properties under consideration,with T/R/S and parcel#
Vicinity Map—Figure 4 with County access roads
Plot Plan 2A—Scale of one inch= 150 feet, added Site Plan requirements
Plot Plan 2B -Added Site Plan requirements
1041 and USR Application Packet, hard-copy—with revisions
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
A Touchstone Energy'Cooperative
Keota—Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Permit Application
Site-Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review(USR) Questionnaire
1. Explain, in detail, the proposed use of the property.
The proposed use of the property is described in the following sections of the Weld
County 1041 Permit Application: Project Description, Introduction, Purpose and Need,
and Proposed Action Sections.
2. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code,
Chapter 22 of the Comprehensive Plan.
The Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan, has been reviewed and the
proposed substations and transmission line is consistent with the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan, including Land Use, Environmental Resources, and Natural
Resources.
The proposed transmission line and substations are located in an area that is located in
the Agriculture Zone. Although the transmission line is not an agricultural use, it is a land
use that is commonly located in agricultural areas and does not conflict with the goals
outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. Careful site planning can be developed with only a
localized loss of agricultural land quality. Ground disturbance for the transmission line is
generally limited to the area immediately around the base of each pole. The substations
would remove a limited amount of land from agricultural use, and agricultural practices
could continue on adjacent lands.
Impacts to environmental resources such as air, water, waste, noise, and public health
would be minimal and limited to the construction period (see Sections 21-3-330.B.5.g,
21-3-330.B.12, and 21-3-330.6.15). Mitigation practices described in Appendix B of this
Weld County 1041 Application would be implemented to minimize impacts to
environmental resources.
Natural resources such as sensitive wildlife areas, recreation areas, and mineral and
energy resources would not be impacted by the proposed Project. Efforts would be made
to avoid all sensitive wildlife areas; impacts to and proposed mitigation for sensitive
wildlife areas are described in the Wildlife and Critical Wildlife Habitat section and
Appendix B of this Weld County 1041 Application. No parks, open space or recreation
areas are located near the Project. A number of oil and gas wells and facilities occur in
the vicinity of the proposed transmission line and substations. Detailed design of the
transmission line will ensure that poles are located to avoid any impact on these facilities.
Appendix D—USR Questionnaire 1
Keota—Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Permit Application
3. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code,
Chapter 23 (Zoning) and the zone district in which it is located.
The proposed Project is located within the Agricultural Zone District. Major facilities of
public utilities may be constructed, operated, and maintained in the Agricultural Zone
District upon approval of a permit in accordance with the requirements and procedures
set forth in Article II, Division 4 of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code. Major facilities of
a public utility are also subject to the provisions of section 23-4-420. This section of the
code states that the applicant shall have the burden of proof to demonstrate that there is
a need for the facility within the proposed area of service; this is discussed in the Purpose
and Need section of this Weld County 1041 Application.
4. What types of uses surround the site (explain how the proposed use is consistent
and compatible with surrounding land uses).
Land to the north, south east, and west of the Project area is part of unincorporated Weld
County and is zoned agricultural. The parcels over which the line will cross include
irrigated and dry land farm ground, pasture land, and oil and gas development. There are
no houses located within 0.5 mile of the transmission line. There are multiple oil and gas
wells and facilities, and existing 230-kV and 345-kV transmission lines in the area as well.
5. Describe in detail, the following:
a. Number of people who will use the site
No people would use this site, other than those performing routine maintenance and
monitoring of the transmission line and substations.
b. Number of employees proposed to be employed at this site
Construction crews could have up to 30 people during construction. The Project
would generate infrequent trips to the transmission line and substations during
operations with the line being inspected annually and for occasional maintenance.
See Section 21-3-330.B.7 of the Weld County 1041 Application for additional
information.
c. Hours of operation
Not applicable.
d. Type and number of structures to be erected (built) on this site
The new transmission line would be single circuit, 115-kV line constructed on
primarily wooden H-frame structures within a 100 ft right-of-way. The transmission
2 Appendix D—USR Questionnaire
Keota—Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Permit Application
line would consist of approximately 124-198 structures, with three conductors, and an
optical ground wire for internal Tri-State communications. Total length of the
transmission line is approximately 24.7 miles.
e. Type and number of animals, if any, to be on this site
No animals would be on this site in association with the transmission line.
f. Kind of vehicles (type, size,weight) of vehicles that will access this site and
how often
Construction equipment and duration of construction is found in Table 8 in Section
21-3-330.6.7 of the Weld County 1041 Application.
g. Who will provide fire protection to the site
The proposed Project is located in the Pawnee Fire Protection District. All applicable
fire laws and regulations, as outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 31-16-
601, would be observed during the construction period. Tri-State would advise
construction personnel of their responsibilities under the applicable fire laws and
regulations, including taking practical measures to report and suppress fires.
h. Water source on the property(both domestic and irrigation)
Potable water for construction crews would be provided by a potable water supplier.
A constant domestic water supply will not be supplied for the site. Minimal quantities
of water for construction dust suppression would be brought in by a water truck on an
as-needed basis. There will be no permanent water supply at the proposed Project
site.
i. Sewage disposal system on the property (existing and proposed)
Sanitary portable toilets with a regular cleaning service would be provided for the
construction crew. There are no plans for a permanent sewage disposal system
associated with the proposed Project.
j. If storage or warehousing is proposed, what type of items will be stored
There would be temporary storage of construction materials at the proposed Project
site. Construction, operation, and maintenance activities would comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of
hazardous substances. The only hazardous chemicals anticipated to be used on site
are those found in diesel fuel, gasoline, coolant(ethylene glycol), and lubricants in
machinery. Hazardous materials would not be drained onto the ground or into
streams or drainage areas. In its contract with the construction contractor, Tri-State
Appendix D—USR Questionnaire 3
Keota—Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Permit Application
will specify that it will hold a required pre-construction meeting with the contractor to
ensure that all applicable laws and Tri-State's procedures will be followed. Tri-State's
Project Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects are attached as
Appendix B of the Weld County 1041 Application.
Enclosed containment would be provided for all trash. All construction waste,
including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other
potentially hazardous materials would be removed to a disposal facility authorized to
accept such materials.
6. Explain the proposed landscaping for the site. The landscaping shall be separately
submitted as a landscape plan map as part of the application submittal.
No landscaping would be performed in association with construction of the transmission
line or substations.
7. Explain any proposed reclamation procedures when termination of the Use by
Special Review activity occurs.
Tri-State will exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and will conduct its
construction operations so as to prevent any unnecessary destruction, scarring, or
defacing of the natural surroundings in the vicinity of the work. Mitigation practices
described in Appendix B of the Weld County 1041 Application shall be implemented to
minimize impacts to environmental resources. Except where clearing is required for
permanent works or excavation operations, all trees, native shrubbery, and vegetation
shall be preserved and protected from damage by the construction operations and
equipment.
On completion of the work, all work areas except existing access roads and substation
sites would be revegetated as soon as practical using a landowner approved seed
mixture. Alternatively, in areas where mutually agreed to by Tri-State and landowner, the
ground shall be scarified or left in a condition that would facilitate natural revegetation,
provide for proper drainage, and prevent erosion. Site-specific revegetation measures
would be developed after consultation with the landowner or land manager. All
destruction, scarring, damage, or defacing of the landscape resulting from the
contractor's operations shall be repaired by the contractor.
8. Explain how the stormwater drainage will be handled at the site.
A drainage report is not being required as part of the application materials. The project
would not create runoff in excess of previous levels and would not adversely affect
drainage. There would be no alteration in the pattern or intensity of surface drainage as a
result of construction and operation of the transmission line. Drainage from the Keota
substation would be directed towards a proposed detention pond located to the southeast
4 Appendix D—USR Questionnaire
Keota—Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Permit Application
of the facilities on the substation property. Drainage from the Redtail substation would
also be directed towards a proposed pond located on the east side of the property. The
ponds at both substations will drain to historic drainageways by way of proposed outlet
structures. The outlet structures will release flows at a rate equal to the 5-year historic
flowrate.
9. Explain how long it will take to construct this site and when construction and
landscaping is scheduled to begin.
Construction would begin in June, 2014 and be completed in late January/early February
2015. Reseeding would be completed as soon as practicable after construction.
10. Explain where storage and/or stockpile of wastes will occur on this site.
Materials would be temporarily stored on the Keota substation property during
construction, but there would be no stockpile of wastes on site.
Dumpsters would be provided for construction waste and would be emptied on a regular
or as-needed basis. There will be no permanent storage or waste stockpiles on site.
Appendix D—USR Questionnaire 5
A I B I C I D I E I F I G I Fl
1 Legal Description of Property Under Consideration
2 Project Feature Township Range I Section I Location I Parcel No. Parcel No. Parcel No.
3 Keota Substation 9 North 61 West 17 51/2 of S 1/2 _
4 Redtail Substation 10 North 58 West 8 South 950 feet of east 950 feet
5 Transmission Line 9 North 61 West 16 South 300 feet 46516000002
6 15 West 300 feet 46515000010
7 13 North 300 feet 46513000008 46513000007
8 14 North 300 feet 46514000001
9 15 North 300 feet 46515000010
10 9 North 60 West 15 North 300 feet 46715000007
11 16 North 300 feet 46716000001
12 17 North 300 feet 46717000005
13 18 North 300 feet 46718000012] 46718000009 46718000013
14 10 East 300 feet 46710000005
15 3 East 300 feet of the south 2000 feet 46703000006
16 1 North 300 feet of the south 2000 feet 46701000006
17 2 North 300 feet of the south 2000 feet _ 46702000001
18 9 North 59 West 6 North 1000 feet of the sourth 1000 feet 46906000002 46906000001 46906000003
19 2 North 300 feet of the south 1320 feet 46902000001 46902000010
20 3 North 300 feet of the south 1320 feet 46903000006
21 4 North 300 feet of the south 1320 feet 46904000002
22 5 North 300 feet of the south 1320 feet 46905000007
23 1 West 300 feet of the north 4260 feet 46901000009
24 10 North 59 West 36 South 300 feet and the east 300 feet 28736000005
25 10 North 58 West 31 South 300 feet of the north 1620 feet 28531000003 28531000005
26 32 West 300 feet of the north 1620 feet 28532000007 28532000009
27 17 West 300 feet 28517100001
28 20 West 300 feet 28520100001
29 29 West300feet 1 28529200001
30
Kim Ogle
HOLLAND &HART,.- , January 21, 2014
Page 2
on the Cedar Creek Keenesburg Transmission line during construction. We will
continue to review the impacts which such an outage may have on the operation of the
Cedar Creek II project, and request that the County require Tri-State to obtain Cedar
Creek Wind Energy, LLC and Cedar Creek II's approval of a plan for any such outage
before Tri-State commences construction at the Keota substation site. Any such plan
should address, at a minimum, the timing for any outage as well as the additional costs
and revenue losses that will be experienced by Cedar Creek II in connection with the
outage.
3. The plan for the proposed Keota substation also indicates that a portion of the existing
Laramie River/Story Transmission Line will be relocated to cross the Cedar Creek
Keenesburg Transmission Line in a different location. We would request that the
County's approval of Tri-State's USR include a condition that prior to the start of
construction they execute a crossing agreement with Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC
that will allow for the placement of the relocated transmission line at this new location.
4. Finally, we understand that the County has required Tri-State to process subdivision
exemption RECX13-0117 in order to create the 20 acre parcel on which the Redtail
substation will be located. We would request that this exemption not be recorded until
the County finally approves Tri-State's USR13-0054 and Cedar Creek II has consented
to the partial vacation of its USR 1723, so Cedar Creek II can confirm that the newly
created parcel and Tri-State's proposed facilities as approved by USR13-0054 will not
adversely affect the Cedar Creek II Wind project.
Thank you for the opportunity to review these materials and the additional information that you
have been able to provide us as we review Tri-State's proposal. If you should have any
questions with regard to our comments or the Cedar Creek II project,please don't hesitate to
contact us.
Sincerely,
ames B. Borgel
of Holland&Hart LLP
cc: Eric Stidman (via e-mail)
Michael Rigo (via e-mail)
Leann Vaughn(via e-mail)
6617653_I
January 30,2014
Weld County Board of County Commissioners
c/o Mr. Kim Ogle
Planning and Building Department
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80632
RE: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Keota-Redtail 115kV
Transmission Line Project
Dear Mr. Ogle,
Paul Nelson Dairy, LLC, now known as Paul Nelson Farms, LLC, is the owner of
Section 17, Township 9 North, Range 60 West of the 6th PM, Weld County Colorado.
Please be advised that we are willing to grant Tri-State Generation and Transmission
Association, Inc. a temporary right to use a 50-acre portion of our land in the South 1/2 of
the Southeast 1/4 of said Section 17 for construction staging, including material and
equipment storage and temporary operation of a concrete batch facility in connection
with the above project, under such terms as are acceptable to both parties.
Sincerely,
Paul Nelson Dairy, LLC.
James B. Borgel
HOLLAND &HART Phone(303)295-8245
Fax(303)295-8261
THE LAW OUT WES Te
JBBorgel@hollandhart.com
January 21, 2014
VIA E-MAIL AND U.S. MAIL
Kim Ogle
Planner
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 North 17th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
RE: USR13-0054 and RECX13-0117
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We are contacting you on behalf of the owners and operators of the Cedar Creek II Wind Project
to provide you with our comments on the referenced applications that have been submitted to
Weld County by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. ("Tri-State"). We very
much appreciate your assistance to date in providing us with information regarding Tri-State's
proposal, and will continue to monitor the proceedings to ensure that Tri-State's proposed project •
will not have any negative effects on our existing Cedar Creek II Wind project.
Based on our current understanding of the Tri-State proposal, we have several comments with
regard to their application:
1. We understand that an approximately 20 acre portion of Tri-State's proposed Use by
Special Review Permit on property owned by Nelson Ranches, Inc. overlaps a portion of
the Use by Special Review Permit 1723 that was granted by Weld County for the Cedar
Creek II Wind Project. According to Tri-State's application,this 20 acre site will be
used to develop the proposed Redtail substation. Under the County's policies,we
understand it will be necessary for the County to vacate that portion of the Cedar
Creek II Use by Special Review permit that covers such 20 acre parcel. Cedar Creek II
has reviewed the Tri-State application and does not believe that the partial vacation of
the Cedar Creek II USR with respect to this 20 acre parcel within the Nelson Ranches
property will invalidate or otherwise have any negative effect on the Cedar Creek II
project. However, we reserve the right to continue our review of the proceedings related
to Tri-State's application to ensure that this continues to be the case as the project
proceeds through the public hearing process. We request that if the County approves the
Tri-State application, that they include a condition which would require Cedar Creek II's
consent to the partial vacation of the Cedar Creek II Use by Special Review Permit prior
to recordation of Tri-State's Use by Special Review map.
2. We also understand that certain activities associated with the construction of the
proposed Keota substation as described in the Tri-State application will require an outage
Holland&Hart UP
Phone[303]295-8000 Fax[303]295-8261 www.hollandhart.com
555 17th Street Suite 3200 Denver,CO 80202 Mailing Address P.O.Box 8749 Denver,CO 80201-8749
Aspen Boulder Carson City Colorado Springs Denver Denver Tech Center Billings Boise Cheyenne Jackson Hole Las Vegas Reno Salt Lake City Santa Fe Washington.D.C.
TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC.
1100 W. 116TH AVENUE • P.O. BOX 33695 • DENVER, COLORADO 80233 • 303-452-6111
December 17,2013
Kim Ogle
Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Ave
Greeley,CO 80631
RE: Amendment to the Use by Special Review(USR)and 1041 Permit Application for the Keota-Redtail
115-kV Transmission Line Project
Mr. Ogle:
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State)is submitting this letter to amend the
application submitted on November 25,2013 for the Use by Special Review(USR)and 1041 Permit
Application for the Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project located in parts of Township 9
North,Range 61 West; Township 9 North,Range 60 West; Township 9 North,Range 59 West;Township
10 North, Range 59 West; and Township 10 North,Range 58 West,Weld County. Tri-State is proposing
the addition of another circuit to the proposed single-circuit 115-kV line.
As the County is aware,there is vast development potential for oil and gas in this region. This
development is very dynamic and changing sometimes on a daily basis. At this time,several different
companies are in the midst of exploration and have indicated sizeable potential electric loads in the area
beyond what is currently being considered. The proposed single-circuit 115-kV line would not be
adequate to support all of this potential development. Since these loads are so dynamic and have not been
firmed up completely as of this date, Tri-State believes it is in everyone's best interest to have the
flexibility in the USR and 1041 application to allow for implementation of a double-circuit. This would
position Tri-State to be able to better serve additional electrical loads in the area and would allow Tri-
State to respond to large development more quickly. It would also provide for future reliability needs and
operational flexibility under transmission contingencies, increasing the reliability to the loads in the area.
In addition to the changes to the Purpose and Need described above,the alterations related to a double-
circuit would include:
• Self-weathering, steel pole construction,rather than wooden H-frame(see attached Figure 3a).
Figure 3 in the original application included a typical wood H-frame structure.
• Disturbance from the project would be reduced from 103 acres to 100.5 acres, due to the smaller
footprint for the steel poles.
• Foundation setting would take approximately 16 weeks (compared to 1-2 weeks presented in
Table 8 in the original application)
• Changes to some of the transmission line characteristics,shown below in comparison to Table 2
in the original application.
LCharacteristic mi_ Single-Circuit Value Double-Circuit Value
Span Between Structures:Typical Range 700-1,000 feet 400-600 feet
Number of Structures per Mile:With Typical Range 5 to 8 9 to 12
Number of Total Structures 124-198 222-296
Height of Structures: Typical Range 47.5-97 feet above ground 60- 100 feet above
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER CRAIG STATION ESCALANTE STATION NUCLA STATION
P.O.BOX 1307 PO.BOX 577 P.O.BOX 698
A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ' CRAIG,CO 81626-1307 PREWITT,NM 87045 NUCLA,CO 81424-0698
970.824-4411 505-876-2271 970-864-7316
•
ry Characteristic Single-Circuit Value Double-Circuit Value
ground
Minimum Ground Clearance Beneath Conductor 28 feet No change
Minimum Ground Clearance Beneath Conductor 28 feet 28 feet
Over Roads
Circuit Configuration Horizontal "delta" Vertically stacked
phases,one circuit on
each side of pole
Conductor Type and Size(circular mils) 795 kcmil, 1.1 "diameter, No change
26/7,ACSR, "Drake"
Shieldwire Types and Size(inches) 48 fiber optical ground wire, No change
approximately 0.54 inch in
diameter; 3/8-inch 7-strand
galvanized steel
The following project features would not change with a double-circuit or hybrid line:
• ROW width (remains 100 feet)
• Property owners (no new landowners would be affected),and legal descriptions
• Transmission line voltage(would remain at 115-kV)
• Mileage(remains at approximately 24.7 miles)
• No additional staging areas(besides those proposed at the Keota and Redtail substations in the
original application)are expected to be required
• Effects to and access off of County roads (same as those described on page 11 and Figure 4 of the
original application)
• Expected levels of electromagnetic fields(would remain below 150mG, as required by the
Colorado Public Utilities Commission)
• Socioeconomic and environmental impacts (would not differ from those described in the original
application)
• Construction schedule(in-service still planned for January-February 2015)
If you have any questions regarding these potential changes, or need any additional information please
contact me at 303-254-3720 or by email at skoler@tristategt.org.
Sincerely,
lin6S-8h
Selina Koler
Senior Transmission Siting&Environmental Planner
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association,Inc.
Attachments: Figure 3a. Typical 115-kV Double Circuit Steel Structure
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
A Touchstone Energy'Cooperative
Keota-Redtail 115-kV Transmission Line Project
Weld County USR and 1041 Application
� 6 I
28' 10" 31'-1"
♦
Vanes with 5-2"
Terrain-
Approx
70'
Concrete Foundation
Source:ESC,2008 (Not to Scale)
Figure 3a: Typical 115-kV Double Circuit Steel Structure
From: noxhD(aa.corrl
To: Gray.Steve
Subject: Your power line
Date: Wednesday,October 30,2013 2:50:24 PM
Hello Steve,
I agree with alternative 1 as the proposed route. Your proposed route is not good.
Noel Pace
Colorado Cattlemen's
Agricultural Land Trust
August 26, 2013
H. Steven Gray
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
1100 W. 116th Ave.
Westminster, CO 80234
Sent via Email to: sgray@tristategt.org
RE: Proposed Keota-Redtail 115kV Electric Transmission Line and CCALT Held Conservation
Easements
Thank you for contacting the Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) in regards
to Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. 's (Tri-State's) plans to install the
proposed Keota-Redtail 115kV Electric Transmission Line across Weld County, Colorado. It is
CCALT's understanding that you will be seeking to acquire a new right-of-way to either parallel
the existing line or diverge slightly from the existing line to connect the Keota- Redtail stations.
Attachment 1 to this letter shows the three proposed routes you sent us. Attachment 2 shows
CCALT's Conservation Easements in this area. Please keep this map confidential and use it only
for the purposes of siting this transmission line. Attachment 3 shows the specifics of the
conservation easements which your proposal would affect.
CCALT values our partnerships with our landowners and wants to ensure our landowners are
comfortable with the information presented to Tri-State regarding their conserved property. For
that purpose, our affected landowners have been copied on this letter.
Conservation easements do not allow public utilities to cross them. It is a lot easier on everyone
to try to avoid conserved property in the first place. We urge you to reconsider your alignment of
the powerline to avoid any and all conservation easements CCALT or any other conservation
organization may have in the area. Though one of your proposed routes follow an existing line,
the existing line was put in place before many of the conservation easements existed. In addition,
the line through Lonesome Pines is not a permanent right-of-way and is subject to an expiration
date. From the attached map, it looks as if Tri-State could route their proposed line east of
Everitt, take a southerly route to avoid Lonesome Pines, and reconnect to the existing line and
miss Ehmke to the north. CCALT and the Ehmke's did work with Beyond Petroleum (BP) in
2009 to install part of the existing line shown on your map. However, where the line crossed
conserved lands, no powerpoles were placed. The right of way is only for an overhead wire. BP
also paid CCALT and the Ehmke's all costs described later in this letter.
If it can be shown that CCALT's conservation easements cannot be avoided, any powerline
right-of-way through conserved properties must be condemned. If the Tri-State makes the
decision that it cannot re-route the proposed powerline and that it will pursue condemnation of a
right-of-way through conserved lands, CCALT can settle in lieu of condemnation if certain
requirements are met. These requirements are outlined below.
1 . If you would like to proceed with the route through CCALT's conserved properties, an
upfront $ 1 ,000 review fee per affected property is required to allow CCALT staff to work on this
issue. As we are a nonprofit, it is standard for us to ask third parties for review fees up front
when they are requesting interpretations of our easements and polices. Once we receive this,
CCALT can initiate our review of the proposal, which could include a site visit as well as
discussions with the Board of Directors of CCALT as well as the affected landowners.
2. CCALT's next step would then be to work with the landowners and utility to come up with
the least impactful alternative for siting the powerline across those portions of the conserved
properties the powerline must cross.
3. The appraisal for the right-of-way must cover at least the full fair market value for the
portion of the properties being condemned (not the land's value as encumbered by a conservation
easement). This is because the easement value has not been extinguished and CCALT holds that
value in the public's trust. The full fair market value of the right-of-way will then accordingly be
split according to the termination proceeds listed out in the various conservation easements
between CCALT and the landowner.
4. Tri-State must also offset the damages done to the properties' conservation values, which are
not quantified in the real estate appraisal. This cost includes damages to the shortgrass prairie or
other specific ecosystem types. CCALT has to make sure that the damages done to the
properties' conservation values are offset enough to create at least a net neutral outcome.
Usually, the monetary value of the damages is invested back into a restoration project on the
affected property itself, to offset the damage. The type of restoration project is developed
between CCALT, the landowners and the utility company. If that is not feasible, we will ask that
the money be spent to do more conservation work in Colorado's shortgrass prairie landscape.
5. CCALT will ask that the utility to pay all of CCALT staff and legal costs associated with this
proposed pipeline, which we will diligently document.
6. CCALT will reserve the right to review the proposed right-of-way agreement to be sure
standard language is included regarding restoration of the right-of-way and weed control. We
must also be included as a signatory on the agreement, as we hold a real property interest.
In the end, if you can reroute to avoid conservation easement conserved property, it will be the
least costly for all of us. We look forward to speaking with you regarding your plans.
Sincerely,
Megan Knott
Director of Stewardship
CC:
Lonesome Pines Land & Cattle Co. LLC
50001 County Road 122
Grover, CO 80729
Otis, Coan & Peters, LLC
Dan Jones
1812 56th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80634
Phone: (970) 330-6700
djones@nocolegal.com
Ehmke Ranch LLLP
C/O: Mr. George Ehmke
53468 County Road 384
Grover, CO 80729-9401
Mr. John Ehmke
58519 County Road 107
Grover, CO 80729
Mr. Kenneth Everitt
45571 Weld County Rd 118
Grover, CO 80729-9509
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cc • \ Generation and Transmission Geographic
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,l �I __ _ � i Date Created: 8/7/2013 I I_J Wiles
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X '� It - nis mop includes confidential in Cognation ol'Tri-5tAre uttJ third parties. The GIS data mid mope may not be
-Al -O. {� • - 1 - , cIoseil in;u+y third p:my. The use agrees to keep this infbn+ation confide+nial and um disclose it to third parties.
" r •, ` o b I e Nallik. Ate' • i y,w have any questions reganing this plruc contu t the Tri-State legal Je@+nment.
g - • • '- t r .15 data and maps available to I'n•State Generation and Transmission Association employees are provided as
in Imend information to aid Tri-State transmission maintenance. No user ofTri-State's GIS data and maps may sell
p �. '' - .uy portion of the infornation provided therein. Tri-State stakes no wa+ra++tee regarding accuracy or completeness
Y - - _ ` _ \\ I the dam and maps. Users shall rely only upon proper field verification of Tri-State CIS dam.•/ s' ; - Regional Map
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Pro i,sed Powcrline Weld County
CCALT Held Conservation Easements The information contained in this panel file
US Forest Service Owned Lands I I I i I I I I I is not to lie construed or used as a "legal description".
parcel boundaries are believed to be accurate, but
accuracy is not c u ed.
State Owned Lands 0 I •,.) 6 Miles Aerial Imagery 2011
r-- MEM 8/26/2013.
CCALT ID Ranch Name Date Recorded Reception number
Deed of Conservation Easement for the Lonesome
CCALT # 137 Pines Ranch 12/13/2006 3443236
Amendment to Deed of Conservation Easement for
the Lonesome Pines Ranch 9/21/2007 3505824_
Deed of Conservation Easement for the John Ehmke
CCALT # 185 Ranch 11/20/2008 3590961
Deed of Conservation Easement for the Ehmke Ranch
CCALT # 186 LLLP 11/20/2008 3590960
Deed of Conservation Easement for the Everitt South
CCALT # 195 Ranch 12/24/2008 3596613
Amendment to Deed of Conservation Easement for
the Everitt South Ranch 7/16/2013 3948092
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