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Home My WebLink About20101006 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.) • w + Legal Description* , Section ,Township North, Range West Flood Plain:n/a Zone District:Agricultural , Total Acreage:26,927 ,Overlay District:n/a Geological Hazard: n/a ,Airport Overlay District:No FEE OWNER(S) OF THE PROPERTY: Name:* Work Phone # Home Phone # Email Address: Address: City/State/Zip Code Name* BP Wind Energy by Work Phone # Home Phone # Address: Address: David Gonzalez, PE. 0 I City/State/Zip Code Director,Business Development- Name: Wind Power Work Phone # Home Phone # Direct 713354 2138 Address: BP Wind Energy NA Inc Cell 832 434 9338 700 Louisiana St.,33rd Floor Fax 713 354 2120 Address: Houston,Texas 77002 dated.gonzalez2®bp.com City/State/Zip Code USA APPLICANT OR AUTHORIZED AGENT (See Below: Authorization must accompany applications signed by Authorized Agent) Name:Cedar Creek II, LLC by:BP Wind Energy North America Inc, its sole member, Darrel Thorson,V.P. Work Phone # 713-354-2169 Home Phone # Email darrel.thorson@bp.com Address:700 Louisiana Street, 33rd Floor Address: City/State/Zip Code Houston, TX 77002 *Project land area is extensive and access is discussed in the application PROPOSED USE: Wind farm and associated facilities as described in the accompanying 1041 application. 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 .e 'ncluded with the application. If a corporation Is the fee owner, notarized evidence must be include 1 i 'i .ti g that the signatory has to gal uthority to sign for the corporation. ' 5 2i O Signature: Owner or Authorized Agent D to Signature: Owner or Authorized Agent Date 2010-1006 SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL • REVIEW (USR) QUESTIONNAIRE The following questions are to be answered and submitted as part of the USR application. If a question does not pertain to your use, please respond with "not applicable", with an explanation as to why the question is not applicable. 1. Explain, in detail,the proposed use of the property. 2. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code, Chapter 22 of the Comprehensive Plan. 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. 4. What type of uses surround the site (explain how the proposed use is consistent and compatible with surrounding land uses). 5. Describe, in detail, the following: a. Number of people who will use this site b. Number of employees proposed to be employed at this site c. Hours of operation d. Type and number of structures to be erected (built)on this site • e. Type and number of animals, if any, to be on this site f. Kind of vehicles (type, size, weight)that will access this site and how often g. Who will provide fire protection to the site h. Water source on the property (both domestic and irrigation) Sewage disposal system on the property (existing and proposed) j. If storage or warehousing is proposed,what type of items will be stored 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. 7. Explain any proposed reclamation procedures when termination of the Use by Special Review activity occurs. 8. Explain how the storm water drainage will be handled on the site. 9. Explain how long it will take to construct this site and when construction and landscaping is scheduled to begin. 10. Explain where storage and/or stockpile of wastes will occur on this site. • -7- SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (USR) MAP REQUIREMENTS VICINITY MAP REQUIREMENTS • x One inch equals two thousand feet scale (1" = 2000') or other scale approved by the Department of Planning Services Delineation of the following required information within a one-half mile radius of the property proposed for the Use by Special Review x Section, township, and range x Scale and north arrow x Outline of the perimeter of the parcel proposed for the Use by Special Review x 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) x Locations and names of all roads, irrigation ditches, and water features x Location of all residences within a one-half mile radius, existing and proposed accesses to the property, any abutting subdivision outlines and names, and the boundaries of any adjacent municipality PLOT PLAN REQUIREMENTS x One inch equals one hundred feet scale (1" = 100') or other scale approved by the Department of Planning Services x Outline of the boundaries of the parcel being considered for the Use by Special Review x Location and identification of all of the following items which exist within a two hundred foot radius of the perimeter of the property for the Use by Special Review x Public rights-of-way for telephone, gas, electric, water, and sewer lines x Existing and proposed structures x Utility easements or rights-of-way for telephone, gas, electric, water, and sewer lines x Adjacent property lines and respective owner's names (may be shown on vicinity map) x Irrigation ditches (including names) x All hydrographic features including streams, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs x Topography at two foot contour intervals or at intervals as determined necessary by Planning Services x Location of areas of moderate or severe soil limitations n/a Location and design of storm water management devices or structures n/a Complete traffic circulation, access and parking plan showing locations and sizes of features n/a Location, amount, size and type of any existing and proposed landscaping, fencing, walls, berms, or other screening x Location of any flood hazard, geologic hazard, or mineral resource areas X Plat Certificate Signature Blocks for 1) Property Owner(s), 2) Planning Commission and 3) Board of County Commissioners x Any other relevant information about the property as may be reasonably required by the County to meet the intent and purpose of the Weld County Code, Chapter 23 (Zoning) -8- WELD COUNTY ROAD ACCESS INFORMATION SHEET Weld County Department of Public Works • 111 H St PO Box 758 Greeley CO 80632 Phone: (970 )356-4000 x3750 Fax: (970) 304-6497 Road File#: Date: 5/14/0 9 RE# : Other Case#: 1. Applicant Name Cedar Creek II, LLC Phone (713) 354-2138 Address 700 Louisiana St . , 33rd Fl . City Houston State TX Zip 77002 2. Address or Location of Access site is 26 , 927 acres (see application) Section * Township * Range * Subdivision Block Lot Weld County Road #: 13 2/12 0 Side of Road * Distance from nearest intersection * 3. Is there an existing access(es)to the property? Yes * No #of Accesses * 4. Proposed Use: X Permanent 0 Residential/Agricultural X Industrial X Temporary 0 Subdivision 0 Commercial 0 Other *Project land area is extensive and access is discussed in the applicatio] .,.**.*....*..*....*******.**...****.***...*.***************...**..****..******************************.*********...**..******* 5. Site Sketch (General only, please see application and access map for furthi information) Legend for Access Description: AG = Agricultural CR 132 RES = Residential _I H O&G = Oil&Gas D.R. = Ditch Road (construction 0 = House• 0 = Shed traffic in) A = Proposed Access • = Existing Access SH 71 CR 120 (construction traffic out) ********************************.****** OFFICE USE ONLY: Road ADT Date Accidents Date Road ADT Date Accidents Date Drainage Requirement Culvert Size Length Special Conditions 0 Installation Authorized 0 Information Insufficient Reviewed By: Title: • -9- CERTIFICATE OF CONVEYANCES WELD COUNTY STATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES COUNTY OF WELD The TITLE INSURANCE or ABSTRACT COMPANY hereby certifies that it has made a careful search of its records, and finds the following conveyances affecting the real estate described herein since August 30, 1972, and the most recent deed recorded prior to August 30, 1972. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: CONVEYANCES (if none appear, so state): Reception No. Book Reception No. Book Reception No. Book Reception No. Book Reception No. Book Reception No. Book Reception No. Book Reception No. , Book The certificate is made for the use and benefit of the Department of Planning Services of Weld County, Colorado. This certificate is not to be constructed as an Abstract of Title nor an opinion of Title, nor a guarantee Title and the liability of COMPANY, is hereby limited to the fee paid for this Certificate. In Witness Whereof, COMPANY, has caused this certificate to be signed by its proper officer this day of , 20 , at Company: By: Authorized Signature -10- • SAMPLE PLAT CERTIFICATES PLANNING COMMISSION CERTIFICATION This is the certify that the Weld County Planning Commission has certified and does hereby recommend to the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Colorado, for its confirmation, approval and adoption this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review as shown and described thereon this day of , 20 Chair, Weld County Planning Commission BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CERTIFICATION This is to certify that the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County, Colorado, does hereby confirm and adopt • this Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review and Development Standards as shown and described hereon this day of , 20 Chair, Board of County Commissioners ATTEST: Weld County Clerk to the Board BY: Dated: Deputy Clerk to the Board PROPERTY OWNER'S CERTIFICATION The undersigned major property owner(s) do hereby agree to the Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Development Standards as described hereon this day of 20 Signature Signature • -11- FOR COMMERCIAL SITES, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BUSINESS EMERGENCY INFORMATION: Business Name: Phone: Address: City, ST, Zip: Business Owner: Phone: Home Address: City, ST, Zip: List three persons in the order to be called in the event of an emergency: NAME TITLE ADDRESS PHONE Business Hours: Days: Type of Alarm: P NoneP Burglarfl Holdupr Firer Silent-Audible Name and address of Alarm Company: Location of Safe: *******************************************************************_************._,.__********************************************* MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION: Number of entry/exit doors in this building: Location(s): Is alcohol stored in building? Location(s): Are drugs stored in building? Location(s): Are weapons stored in building? Location(s): The following programs are offered as a public service of the Weld County Sheriffs Office. Please indicate the programs of interest. Physical Security Check Crime Prevention Presentation UTILITY SHUT OFF LOCATIONS: Main Electrical: Gas Shut Off: Exterior Water Shutoff: Interior Water Shutoff: -12- IIAFFIDAVIT OF INTEREST OWNERS SURFACE ESTATE See Appendix C of the 1041 Application. Property Legal Description: 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.) (Include all lots being included in the application area, If additional space is required,attach an additional sheet) THE UNDERSIGNED, being first duly sworn, states that to the best of his or her knowledge the attached list is a true and accurate list of the names, addresses, and the corresponding Parcel Identification Number assigned by the Weld County Assessor of the owners' of property (the surface estate)within five hundred (500)feet of the property being considered. This list was compiled from the records of the Weld County Assessor, or a person qualified to do the task, and shall be current as of a date no more than thirty(30)days prior to the date the application is submitted • to the Department of Planning Services. By: Title: The foregoing instrument was subscribed and sworn to me this day of . WITNESS my hand and official seal. My Commission Expires: Notary Public • -13- Weld County Use By Special Review (USR) and Site Plan Review (SPR) PRELIMINARY Drainage Report Outline The following checklist is to be utilized as guidance, and may not be all inclusive. Other • concerns may arise during the USR application process. The USR Preliminary Drainage Report is stamped, signed, and dated by a registered P.E. licensed to practice in the State of Colorado. All submitted construction plan sheets are stamped, signed, and dated by a registered P.E. licensed to practice in the State of Colorado. I. General Location and Description A. Location 1. Township, Range, Section, 'h-Section. 2. Local streets within and adjacent to the development. 3 Major open channels, lakes, streams, irrigation and other water resource facilities within and adjacent to proposed project site. 4. Names of surrounding developments including jurisdiction(municipalities). B. Description of Property 1. Area in acres. 2. Ground cover and soil types. 3. Major open channels and ownership. 4. General project description. 5. Irrigation facilities and ownership information within 200 ft. of property. 6. Groundwater characteristics(where applicable). II. Drainage Basins and Sub-Basins A. Major Basin Description 1. Reference to Weld County Master Drainage Plan(s)where applicable. 2. Major basin drainage characteristics. 3. Identification of all FEMA-defined 100-year floodplains and floodways affecting the property. 4. On-site contours at minimum 2-ft vertical intervals. B. Sub-Basin Description 1. Historic drainage patterns on the subject property and adjacent properties. 2 Off-site drainage flow patterns and impacts on the subject property ( minimum 200 ft outside property boundary, or until no further off-site contributing flow area is encountered). III. Drainage Design Criteria A. Development Criteria Reference and Constraints 1 Discussion of previous drainage studies (i.e. project master plans)for the subject property that influence or are influenced by the proposed drainage design for the site. 2 Discussion of site constraints such as slopes, streets, utilities, existing structures, irrigation ditches, and th site plan impacts on the proposed drainage plan. Weld County Public Works Page 1 of 3 USR Prelim.Drainage Report Checklist Form Updated 02-06-2008 B. Hydrological Criteria • 1. Identify design rainfall (source of design storm depth information, NOM Atlas, UD&FCD maps, etc.). 2. Identify design storm recurrence intervals. 3. Identify runoff calculation method(s)and any computer models. 4. Identify detention discharge and storage calculation methods and computer models. C. Hydraulic Criteria 1. Identify conveyance capacities from County references and any computer models. 2. Identify conceptual detention outlet type. 3. Identify conceptual water quality outlet configuration. 4 Discussion and justification of criteria or calculation methods (for water quality, check dams, drop structures, rundowns, etc.)used that are not presented in Weld County CODE. IV. Drainage Facility Design A. General Concept 1. Discussion of concept and typical on-site drainage patterns. 2. Discussion of compliance with off-site runoff considerations and constraints. 3. Discussion of the content of all tables, charts, figures, or drawings in the report. 4. Discussion of anticipated hydraulic structures(channels, pipes, rundowns, etc.). B. Specific Details • 1. Discussion of maintenance access and aspects of the design. 2. Provide copies of Draft CDPHE, CAFO, DRMS,or State Engineer's permit applications where applicable. V. Conclusions A. Compliance with the Weld County CODE 1. Statement of whether or not the preliminary design will meet Weld County Code. B. Drainage concept 1. Effectiveness of drainage design to control damage from storm runoff. Influence of proposed development on any applicable Weld County Master Drainage Plan 2. recommendations. Identification of and intent to obtain written approval of affected irrigation company or other property 3. owner(s). Weld County may require that the applicant provide evidence that offsite impacted jurisdictions have been notified of the proposed plans. 4 Reference all criteria and technical resources utilized. VI. Appendices A. Hydrologic Computations 1. Land use assumptions regarding adjacent properties. 2. Initial and major storm runoff computations at specific design points. • 3. Historic and fully developed runoff computations at specific design points. 4. Computer model input and output. Weld County Public Works Page 2 of 3 USR Prelim.Drainage Report Checklist Form Updated 02-06-2008 B. Hydraulic Computations 1. Preliminary culvert sizing. 2. Preliminary storm inlet sizing. • 3. Preliminary swale or channel sizing. 4. Preliminary riprap or other revetment design. 5. Preliminary pond area/volume capacity and outlet sizing. 6. Any computer model input and output. Weld County Public Works Page 3 of 3 USR Prelim.Drainage Report Checklist Form Updated 02-06-2008 Weld County Use By Special Review (USR) and Site Plan Review (SPR) • FINAL Drainage Report Outline The following checklist is to be utilized as guidance, and may not be all inclusive. Other concerns may arise during the USR application process. The USR Final Drainage Report is stamped, signed, and dated by a registered P.E. licensed to practice in the State of Colorado. All submitted construction plan sheets are stamped, signed, and dated by a registered P.E. licensed to practice in the State of Colorado. I. Final Drainage Report inclusions 1. All preliminary report information is finalized. 2 Proposed location and sizing of all storm sewers, swales, open channels, culverts, cross-pans, and other appurtenances, including cross-sections of swales and open channels. 3 Routing and accumulation of flows at various critical points for minor and major storm runoff is calculated and documented. 4 Detention storage facilities and outlet works, including proposed 100-year water surface elevations and overflow facilities, are designed and supported with calculations. 5. Location of all existing and proposed utilities are identified. Routing of off-site drainage flows through the development (but not through detention outlet pipe) has been • 6. achieved. The minimum lowest opening elevations of residential and commercial buildings are above the 100-year 7. water surface in streets,channels,swales,or other drainage facilities. 8. Proposed on-site and off-site private and public drainage easements are identified. All proposed culverts are identified and profiled in construction drawings with slope, pipe size, material, g. invert elevations and stations, upstream 100-yr energy grade line (EGL 100), and hydraulic profile through the pipe are clearly indicated. Pipe hydraulics are supported with calculations. 10 The elevations of manhole and inlet inverts in relation to project datum are identified and profiled in construction drawings. 11. Proposed water surface elevations for street encroachments for the minor and major storm are identified in report and supported with calculations.. 12. Critical hydraulic structure dimensions are identified in report and on construction drawings. 13. Orifice plate sizes are calculated in the report and identified on construction drawings. 14. Detention pond volumes are calculated in the report and indicated on construction drawings. 15. All other critical hydraulic elevations are calculated and documented in the report. 16. Operations and Maintenance instructions for the proposed stormwater drainage facilities 17 Construction-phase erosion control calculations are provided and shown on the erosion control sheet in the construction drawings. • Permanent erosion and sediment control design calculations are provided and shown on the erosion 18. control sheet in the construction drawings. Weld County Public Works Page 1 of 1 USR Final Drainage Report Checklist Form Updated 02-06-2008 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Contents Section Page USR Checklist Project Overview 1 Introduction 1 Purpose and Need 5 Approach to Site Selection—Wind Energy Facility 6 Wind 6 Public Involvement 7 Economics 8 Environmental Considerations 8 Engineering 8 Data Acquisition 8 Acquisition of Land Rights 9 Route Selection—Transmission Line 9 • Route Evaluation 9 Selection of Cedar Creek II Transmission Line Route 10 Wind Energy Basics 11 Areas and Activities of State Interest—Application Requirements 11 21-3-330—Application Submittal Requirements 11 21-3-330.A—Applicability 11 21-3-330.B—Submittal Requirements 11 21-3-330.6.1—Map Requirements 11 21-3-330.B.1.a—Name and Acreage of Proposed Use 11 21-3-330.B.1.b.d—Map Requirements 11 21-3-330.B.1.c—Applicants and Consultants 13 21-3-330.B.2—Title Information 13 21-3-330.6.2.a-Surface Landowners 13 21-2-330.B.2.b—Access to the Proposed Site 14 21-3-330.B.2.c—Real Property Interests 14 21-3-330.B.2.d—Mineral Interests 14 21-3-330.B.3-Section 1041 Maps 14 21-3-330.B.3.a—d—Vicinity Map Requirements 14 21-3-330.B.4—Plot Plan 15 21-3-330.B.5—Other Information 15 21-3-330.6.5.a—Present Use and Zoning 15 • 21-3-330.6.5.b—Map Extent 16 xix Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 21-3-330.6.5.b—d—Existing Transmission Lines and Pipelines and Other Major • Facilities of a Public Utility 16 21-3-330.6.5.e—Type of Facility 16 21-3-330.6.5.f—Projected Development Schedule 30 21-3-330.6.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures 32 Hazards to Humans 32 Environmental Hazards 35 Emergency Procedures 36 Natural Hazards 37 21-3-330.6.5.h—i—Name, Address, and Telephone Number of the Applicants and Fee Owners 37 21-3-330.6.5j—Legal Description of the Property under Consideration 37 21-3-330.8.5.k—Total Acreage of the Parcel, Right-of-Way, or Corridor under Consideration 38 21-3-330.6.5.1—Existing Land Use 38 Wind Energy Facility 38 Transmission Line 39 21-3-330.B.5.m—Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcel 39 21-3-330.6.5.n—Present Zone and Overlay Zones 39 21-3-330.6.5.0—Signatures of the Applicant and Fee Owners or Their Authorized Legal Agent 40 21-3-330.6.6—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site 41Selection and Construction 40 Wind Energy Facility 40 Transmission Line 41 21-3-330.6.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of the Wind Energy Facility 42 Land Use 42 Transportation Impacts (21-3-330.C.2.g) 42 Wind Energy Facility 42 Transmission Line 46 Socioeconomic Environment 47 Wind Energy Facility 47 Transmission Line 48 21-3-330.C.2—Discussion of Impacts on Additional Resources Including Significant Environmentally Sensitive Factors 48 Vegetation Including Marshlands and Wetlands 48 Wind Energy Facility 48 Transmission Line 53 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat 54 Wind Energy Facility 54 Transmission Line 56 Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species 58 Wind Energy Facility 58 xx Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Transmission Line 60 Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance 61 Wind Energy Facility 61 Transmission Line 61 21-3-330.6.8—Long-Term Effects from the Project upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development 62 21-3-330.B.9 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts and Maximization of Positive Impacts 62 21-3-330.6.10—Non-Structural Alternatives 62 21-3-330.6.11—Structural Alternatives 63 Proposed Transmission Line Route 63 Alternative Transmission Line Routes 64 21-3-330.6.12—Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives 64 Air Pollution Impact and Control 64 Water Pollution Impact and Control 65 Wind Energy Facility 65 Transmission Line 66 21-3-330.6.13—Design Alternatives—Access, Landscaping, and Architecture 66 Wind Energy Facility 66 Transmission Line 66 21-3-330.6.14—New or Upgraded Services 66 21-3-330.6.15—Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and • Noise Impacts 67 Hydrologic 67 Wind Energy Facility 67 Transmission Line 67 Geologic 68 Pedologic 68 Wind Energy Facility 68 Transmission Line 78 Visual 82 Wind Energy Facility 82 Transmission Line 82 Noise 89 Wind Energy Facility 89 Wind Turbine Generator Sound Level 89 Transmission Line 91 21-3-330.6.16—Surface and Subsurface Drainage 92 21-3-330.C-Specific Submittal Requirements 92 References 93 • xxi Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Appendices • Appendix A: Contract Authorizing Connection with the Cedar Creek Wind Farm Substation Appendix B: Public Open House Materials Appendix C: Memoranda of Lease and Easements, Mineral Owners and Mineral Lessees and Affidavit of Surface Property Owners Appendix D: Lease Agreement Affidavit Appendix E: Utility Easement Companies Appendix F: Standard Construction Mitigation Practices Appendix G: Use by Special Review Questionnaire Appendix H: Record of Conversation with New Raymer Volunteer Fire Department Appendix I: Cedar Creek II Environmental and Resource Study Executive Summaries Exhibits Exhibit 1: NRCS Soils Reports Exhibit 2: Evidence of Adequate Water Supply Exhibit 3: Evidence of Adequate Sewage Disposal Exhibit 4: Preliminary Traffic Study Figures Figure 1: Project Location and Vicinity Map 3 Figure 2: Wind Facility Components 12 Figure 3: Plot Plan Showing Proposed Transmission Line Route 17 Figure 4: Land Use 19 Figure 5: Existing Utilities Map 21 Figure 6: Turbine Types 23 Figure 7: Turbine Spacing 24 Figure 8: Collection System Structures 25 Figure 9: Structure Drawings 28 xxii Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Figure 10: Modeled Electric Field-100 MW 34 Figure 11: Modeled Electric Field-300 MW 34 Figure 12: Construction Traffic Route Map 43 Figure 13: Water Resources Map 51 Figure 14: Soil Shrink/Swell Potential 69 Figure 15: Soil Erodibility 73 Figure 16: Communications Map 83 Figure 17: Looking Northwest from Colorado Highway 71 85 Figure 18: Looking Northeast from Pawnee Buttes Trailhead 87 Tables Table 1: Wind Energy Development Projects 2 Table 2: Wind Energy Development, Construction, and Operation Expertise in the U.S 2 • Table 3: Transmission Line Route Evaluation 10 Table 4: Structure Specifications 28 Table 5: Overview of Project Engineering and Construction Schedule by Phase 30 Table 6: Project Engineering and Construction Schedule—Transmission Line 31 Table 7: Typical Construction Personnel and Equipment—Transmission Line 32 Table 8: Typical Construction Traffic—Wind Farm 46 Table 9: Shrink/Swell Classes 68 Table 10: Soil Erodibility Classes 71 Table 11: Detailed Soil Map Units Occurring within Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Area 77 Table 12: Detailed Soil Map Units Occurring within Cedar Creek II Transmission Line Project Area 81 Table 13: Wind Turbine Generator Acoustic Test Results 89 Table 14: Comparative Sound Chart 90 Table 15: Typical Ambient Noise Levels 91 Table 16: Typical Construction Equipment Noise 92 • xxiii Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Acronyms and Abbreviations AAI All Appropriate Inquiries APEN Air Pollution Emission Notice APLIC Avian Power Line Interaction Committee BPWENA BP Wind Energy North America, Inc. CCR Colorado Code of Regulations CDOW Colorado Division of Wildlife CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment CFR Code of Federal Regulation CNHP Colorado Natural Heritage Program CO2 carbon dioxide CR County Road CRP Conservation Reserve Program CRS Colorado Revised Statues dBA decibels(A-weighted scale) DOD U.S. Department of Defense ELF-EMF extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields EMF Electric and magnetic fields ESA Environmental Site Assessment FAA Federal Aviation Administration • FSA Farm Service Agency kV kilovolt MW megawatt NDIS Natural Diversity Information Source NDIS Natural Diversity Information Source NOx nitrogen oxide NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service NWI National Wetlands Inventory NWP nationwide permit O&M operations and maintenance OAHP Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation PCN preconstruction notice PKo particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter Project Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project PSCo Public Service Company of Colorado REC recognized environmental conditions RMBO Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory SHPO State Historic Preservation Office • xxv Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line SO2 sulfur dioxide TNC The Nature Conservancy USACE U.S.Army Corps of Engineers USFS U.S. Forest Service USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service UWRAP Utility Wind Resource Assessment Program (Department of Energy) 41 xxvi Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Project Overview Introduction Cedar Creek II, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of BP Wind Energy North America Inc. (BPWENA). The applicant is Cedar Creek II, LLC. Specific references to BPWENA represent the parent company of Cedar Creek II, LLC. Cedar Creek II, LLC is proposing to construct, own, and operate the following Major Facilities of a Public Utility in Weld County: • A wind energy facility with a generating capacity up to 300 megawatts (MW), including wind turbines, foundations, meteorological towers, access roads, electricity gathering cables, automatic control systems, substation facilities, and operations and maintenance (O&M)facilities • A 230-kilovolt(kV) electric transmission line. The facilities described above are proposed as part of the overall Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project (the Project)and are located within Weld County, as shown in Figure 1. The proposed Project is located east/northeast of the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm and is bordered by County Road (CR) 138 to the north, CR 120 to the south, Sections 28 and 33 of T12N R56W to the east, and the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm boundary to the west. The proposed use will be compatible with the surrounding land uses and would be constructed either all at once or in up to three phases over the next 10 years as Colorado's need for renewable • energy grows. EDAWIAECOM has prepared this application for Cedar Creek II, LLC and is requesting a permit to conduct these Activities of State Interest. This application requests approval of the 300-MW wind energy facility and approval of the corridor necessary for construction and operation of the 230-kV transmission line. Weld County has agreed to allow Cedar Creek II, LLC to present 1,000-foot turbine corridors in the plot plan layout and throughout this application. Final turbine locations would be provided to Weld County prior to construction of each phase. Furthermore, Cedar Creek II, LLC requests the flexibility to construct up to a 300-MW facility either all at once or in up to three phases over the next 10 years. One permanent unguyed 80-meter meteorological tower will be erected as part of each phase. The proposed Project 230-kV transmission line would connect with the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm substation. This application requesting approval of a permit to conduct an Activity of State Interest is authorized by Title 24, Section 65.1-501 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS)and Title 21, Article 2-10 of the Weld County Land Use Code. The Activity of State Interest involves construction, operation, and maintenance of a Major Facility of a Public Utility as defined by Weld County Land Use Code 21-3-20. If built in up to three phases, the first phase of construction would generally be located in the western area of the Project boundary, the second would be located to the east of the first phase, and the third phase would be located in the eastern area of the Project boundary. Each phase • would include a substation, access roads, underground connection lines, an 80-meter 1 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line meteorological tower, and an overhead transmission line. Each phase would also include • construction facilities that would comprise a permanent O&M building, road improvements, and a temporary construction laydown area. The size of the Project(and subsequent) phases will be determined by the regional demand for renewable energy. For example, if the power is sold to a large regional utility to provide service to a large percentage of the entire load of Colorado, the Project could be built all at once. Conversely, if the power were sold to one of the smaller regional utilities, the Project could be built in phases of up to 100 MW. When BPWENA acquired Greenlight Energy, Inc. (in August 2006) and Orion Energy, Inc. (in December 2006), all of the employees affiliated with these two firms became part of the BPWENA's team. The wind energy development experience is listed in Table 1. Table 1: Wind Energy Development Projects Commercial Operation Capacity Project Name Date Location (MW) Elk River 2005 Butler County,KS 150 Red Canyon Wind Energy Center 2006 Garza/Borden Counties,TX 84 Uinta County Wind Farm 2003 Uinta County,WY 144 Green Mountain Wind Farm at Brazos 2003 Scurry County,TX 160 Waymart Wind Farm 2003 Wayne County, PA 65 Indian Mesa Wind Farm 2001 Pecos County,TX 83 Green Mountain Wind Farm 2000 Somerset County,PA 10 • Delaware Mountain Wind Farm 1999 Culberson County,TX 30(Initial Phase) By contrast to both Orion Energy, Inc. and Greenlight Energy, Inc., which were primarily development companies, BPWENA plans to be a long-term owner and operator of the wind projects it develops. Since its formation in early 2006, BPWENA has built up a substantial amount of experience developing, constructing, and operating the wind assets listed in Table 2. Table 2: Wind Energy Development,Construction,and Operation Expertise in the U.S. Project Size Status Location Ownership Structure Cedar Creek 300 MW Operational Weld County,CO Joint venture between BPWENA(34%) and Babcock&Brown(66%) Fowler Ridge 750 MW Phase I (400 MW)in Benton County,IN 50%joint venture with BPWENA and construction Dominion for 650 MW.BPWENA 100% owner of 100 MW. Sherbino Mesa 150 MW Operational Pecos County,TX 50%joint venture between BPWENA and NRG Energy Silver Star 60 MW Operational Eastland and Erath Joint venture between BPWENA(85%) Counties,TX and Clipper 05%) Edom Hills 20 MW Operational Riverside County,CA 100%BPWENA Flat Ridge 100 MW In Construction Barber County, KS 50 MW owned by BPWENA and 50 MW owned by Westar Energy • 2 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line In support of this 1041 Permit Application, the following appendices are included: • Appendix A: Contract Authorizing Connection with the Cedar Creek Wind Farm Substation • Appendix B: Public Open House Materials • Appendix C: Property Owners and Interest Holders • Appendix D: Lease Agreement Affidavit • Appendix E: Utility Easement Companies • Appendix F: Standard Construction Mitigation Practices • Appendix G: Use by Special Review Questionnaire • Appendix H: Record of Conversation with New Raymer Volunteer Fire Department • Appendix I: Cedar Creek II Environmental and Resource Study Executive Summaries Purpose and Need The Project is proposed to help supply the region's demand for additional renewable energy resources. Electrical demand continues to increase in Colorado, largely as a result of continued growth and development along the Front Range. Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo)'s 2007 Colorado Resource Plan includes plans for 800 MW of new wind generation by 2015 and an additional 1,000 MW of wind generation by 2020. Although PSCO's demand for renewable energy dominates regional demand, other utilities such as Tri-state Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., the Platte River Power Authority, the • Municipal Association of Nebraska, Colorado Springs Utilities, and the Colorado Electric Utility, located in Pueblo and owned by Black Hills Corporation, also contribute to the regional demand. This Project would help these regional utilities fulfill its energy needs. If the power is sold to one of the larger regional utilities, up to 300 MW may be built at one time because larger utilities serve the majority of the electrical load in Colorado. However, if the power is sold to one of the other smaller regional utilities, it is likely that the size of the Project would be up to 100 MW in size, and would constitute only one of three possible phases. The phased approach for construction of the proposed Project is consistent with the gradual increase in electrical demand that is associated with consistent economic growth in Colorado and utilities' plans to gradually add wind power to their portfolios of generating assets to meet increasing demand and state-mandated requirements. In 2004, Colorado voters passed Amendment 37, the Renewable Energy Requirement. This initiative requires that the state's largest utilities obtain a minimum of 3 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2007, 6 percent by 2011, and 10 percent by 2015. More recently in March of 2007, House Bill 1281 was passed in Colorado. This bill increased the renewable energy requirement in Colorado from 10 percent to 20 percent for PSCo and extended the deadline for compliance from 2015 to 2020. Furthermore, Senate Bill 100 expanded the renewable portfolio standard to include a 10 percent requirement for cooperative and municipally owned utilities serving more than 40,000 customers. Finally in November of 2007, Governor Bill Ritter issued the Colorado Climate Action Plan, which includes a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the utility sector by 20 percent by • 5 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 2020. These state requirements, coupled with federal tax incentives, have created a high demand for renewable energy throughout Colorado. Predictably, utility-scale wind farms are making a significant contribution to Colorado's renewable energy goals. The Project area is within an Economic Empowerment Zone. The following benefits of the Project would help provide economic stimulus to the local community: • Property tax payments will be made on an estimated $100 to$125 million per Project phase of turbines and infrastructure. The exact size of the investment will vary depending on the exact size of the Project and when the Project is constructed because the cost of turbines and other equipment, engineering, and construction costs will change over time. • An estimated 100 to 125 construction jobs will be created for each of the up to three proposed phases of the facility. If a 300-MW wind farm is built at one time, an estimated 200 jobs will be created. • An estimated 12 to 14 long-term, full-time operational jobs will be created when the facility becomes operational. • Option and royalty payments will be paid to the approximately 30 families with turbines on their land. • Option and easement payments will be paid to the approximate 10 landowners involved in the transmission line. • Increased demand for local materials and services will occur during both construction and commercial operations. Approach to Site Selection—Wind Energy Facility Wind The proposed wind energy facility site was selected based on several key development factors that include, but are not limited to, the wind resource in the area, environmental considerations for appropriateness, transmission characteristics, and economic considerations. Colorado is a leader in top wind regime in the United States, and Weld County particularly so. An assessment of wind speed was initiated on this site in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Energy's Utility Wind Resource Assessment Program (UWRAP)to evaluate potential sites in Colorado. Of the 10 sites evaluated, the proposed site had the highest average documented wind speed. In addition, the site is strategically located because the predominant winds coming from the northwest experience an increase in velocity as they encounter the hills that lie perpendicular to the winds. Six anemometers have been installed within the vicinity of the Project to further assess the local wind resource and ensure the site's suitability for a wind energy facility. Of these six, one anemometer was installed in 2002. The other five anemometers were installed in 2007 to further measure the wind resources in the area. From these data, Cedar Creek II, LLC believes that region around Cedar Creek II has one of the best wind resources in the state. • 6 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Public Involvement Public involvement during the development stage of the Project helps identify the concerns related to the Project and is one of the most important factors in the energy facility siting process. Input from jurisdictions, agencies, and landowners has become a major focus in siting new utility and generation facilities. To obtain the public's input, Cedar Creek II, LLC has conducted the following meetings: • Prior to starting the approval process, Cedar Creek II, LLC met with the County Commissioner and the State Representative who represent the area of Weld County where Cedar Creek II, LLC proposes to construct the Project and obtained their feedback and concerns regarding the proposed Project. • Cedar Creek II, LLC participated in a scoping meeting with the Weld County Planning Department, the Weld County Public Works Department, and the Weld County Health Department to identify the list of issues that Cedar Creek II, LLC should address in this 1041 Permit Application. • Cedar Creek II, LLC held an open house in New Raymer, Colorado, and invited more than 150 participants, including landowners within the Project Area, landowners who own land adjacent to the proposed Project Area, elected officials from nearby communities, county and state representatives, representatives from Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • (USFWS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Audubon Society. Furthermore, Cedar Creek II, LLC published notices in the local newspapers advertising this event. At this open house, all attendees were asked to fill out comment cards on their concerns. The written comments that were received focused primarily on project layout and schedule. (Appendix B provides a complete listing of materials provided at the public open house and written comments that were received.) • In addition to the public open house, follow-up meetings were held with the Public Works Departments in Weld County, Colorado, in Kimball County, Nebraska, and Laramie County, Wyoming, to discuss their concerns and obtain feed-back on any issues that arose during the construction of the first project. • Cedar Creek II, LLC has met with personnel from Francis E. Warren Air Force Base to site our turbines in locations that minimizes any impacts to the ongoing operations of military facilities that are located within the Project Area. Cedar Creek II, LLC has also held follow-up meetings with: • Emergency response personnel in New Raymer • Audubon Society • TNC • USFS • Joint meetings CDOW and USFWS (on eight occasions over the past two years) • 7 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Economics • Cedar Creek II, LLC has an obligation to both its shareholders and customers to operate in a financially responsible manner. This proposed Project provides the opportunity to commercialize one of the best wind resources in the state while allowing more efficient utilization of the existing transmission line. Furthermore, this Project would sell power to one of the regional utilities under a long-term power supply contract. Because the proposed Cedar Creek II wind farm would use the excess capacity on the existing transmission line that runs from the Cedar Creek Wind Farm to the Keenesburg Substation, the proposed wind energy facility is economically feasible and meets Project needs. Environmental Considerations During the siting process, Cedar Creek II, LLC evaluated a variety of environmental criteria that included a review of existing wildlife habitat information, sensitive vegetation communities, water resources, culturally sensitive areas, and other resource concerns. Environmental surveys for this Project have been conducted since 2006 and include two full years of avian use and raptor nest surveys, two seasons of bat acoustic monitoring, breeding bird surveys, sharp-tailed grouse lek surveys, habitat mapping, wetlands delineation and a cultural resources assessment. Summaries of separate studies prepared for the Cedar Creek II wind energy facility for avian and bat species, cultural resources, and site characterization are presented in Appendix I. Facilities are sited to minimize impacts to identified resources. If built in phases, environmental studies would be re-evaluated for each Project phase prior to . construction.Additional sensitive species surveys would be conducted as relevant to inform and refine siting before the final infrastructure layout is submitted to Weld County prior to construction. Engineering Cedar Creek II, LLC's meteorologists and engineers are responsible for identifying the location of each individual wind turbine along with the associated roads and power collection system and other associated facilities within the proposed wind energy facility. Cedar Creek II, LLC plans to hire a professional engineering and construction company to design the foundations, roads, and substation facilities to ensure that the Project is built safely within Project budget and schedule objectives. Engineering input is vital to ensure that construction and operation are reliable and safe, and that the facility can be effectively maintained. Engineering input is also important in minimizing adverse environmental effects, maintaining schedule, and meeting the Project budget. Data Acquisition The Project Area was analyzed based on environmental resource data (wildlife, avian, wetland, archaeological)collected during desktop analysis and site surveys to determine if any areas should be avoided due to potential impacts to valuable wildlife, avian, wetland, or archaeological resources. Geographic data were obtained from the following sources: 8 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • • U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service • U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey • U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service • U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency • Colorado Historical Society, Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation • Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife • Colorado Department of Transportation • Weld County Planning Department Acquisition of Land Rights Obtaining the necessary land rights for access, construction, operation, and maintenance of the wind energy facility is required when siting new facilities. The land rights associated with the Cedar Creek II wind energy facility are in the form of a Land Lease and Wind Easement Agreement; therefore, the fee ownership does not change. Cedar Creek II, LLC, has negotiated with owners of property within the boundary of the wind energy facility to acquire the land rights necessary for construction and operations of the wind energy facility. These land leases have been recorded in Weld County, Colorado. Route Selection—Transmission Line The process used to identify alternative locations for the 230-kV transmission line from the • proposed Project(Phase 1 substation)to the existing Cedar Creek substation began with delineating the Project Area. General locations for the wind energy generation site and the interconnection area were initially identified based on site requirements, engineering, and electric system planning needs. The locations of these associated Project features influenced the larger area of consideration for the 230-kV transmission line. It should be noted that the transmission line location within the Project Area—from the Phase 1 substation to the Phase 2 substation, and from the Phase 2 substation to the Phase 3 substation—was selected based on interconnection considerations, land acquisition considerations, avoidance of environmental resources, and avoidance of other facilities (military and utilities). Transmission line route alternatives were determined based on the following criteria: • Shortest length between the proposed Project(Phase 1 substation) and the existing Cedar Creek substation • Buffers surrounding the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm turbines • Buffers surrounding existing buildings and residences • Buffers surrounding military infrastructure Route Evaluation Route evaluation included approximately four general routes to connect the Phase I substation to the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm substation. These optional routes were presented at the public open house(see Appendix B). The routes followed section lines, • 9 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line property lines, and roads and cut diagonally as possible to provide potential options for • transmission line corridors. Table 3 lists the resources known to exist within the Project Area for the general transmission line route corridors. Table 3: Transmission Line Route Evaluation Feature Features that occur in Transmission Line Corridor Area Missile Route Crossing Potential to cross one such area Military Infrastructure No issues Buildings/Residences Distance to and potential visual impact to several buildings/residences Drainage Crossing Potential to cross one named drainage and numerous intermittent drainages Land Use Potential to cross state land Cedar Creek Wind Farm Turbine Must pass between three turbine array areas arrays Wildlife Crosses within 0.5 mile of Golden Eagle nests Transmission and Distribution No issues Lines,Gas Pipelines 100-Year Floodplains No issues Selection of Cedar Creek II Transmission Line Route Based on evaluation of site-specific criteria listed in Table 3, the proposed transmission line route for the Project was selected as shown in Figure 1. This route had minimal impacts to area buildings and residences as well as to the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm turbine arrays. The proposed route was also selected based on landowner input in conjunction with further siting analysis.A description of the proposed route is located within Section 21-3- 330.B.5.e, Type of Facility and alternative is included in Section 21-3-330.6.11, Structural Alternatives of this application. The proposed transmission line route as shown in Figure 1 is nearly complete. To date, all easements along the proposed route have not been acquired. Cedar Creek II, LLC requests the ability to slightly modify the proposed transmission line route based on final easement acquisition. Final route easements and specific engineering designs would be provided to Weld County prior to Project construction. 10 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line• Wind Energy Basics The basic components of any wind energy facility include the turbines, foundations, power collection system, and roads. Wind energy production includes the following five basic components, which are also shown in Figure 2: 1. Electrical Power Generation—Wind blowing against the turbine blades causes the blades to rotate, which in turn rotates electrical generators that produce electricity. 2. Energy Transfer—The generated electricity is fed through cables within the tower to a base panel at ground level inside the tower. The electricity is then fed to a pad-mounted transformer located adjacent to the tower that increases (steps up)the power to a higher voltage of 34.5 kV. 3. Collection System—The stepped-up power from the transformer is fed into an underground collection system. Power collection lines connect groups of wind turbines in the field to a substation. 4. Substation—At the substation, the voltage is increased to the same level as the utility grid so that it can be fed into the electrical transmission system. For the proposed Project, the voltage would be increased to 230 kV. 5. Utility Transmission— Electrical energy is sent through the transmission lines to utility distribution systems for delivery to customers. An approximate 14-mile-long transmission line would connect the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm to the existing Cedar Creek substation. • From there, the electricity produced would travel approximately 72 miles over the existing transmission line that is owned by Cedar Creek Wind Farm, LLC to the Keenesburg substation that is owned and operated by PSCo. Areas and Activities of State Interest—Application Requirements 21-3-330—Application Submittal Requirements 21-3-330.A—Applicability These application submittal requirements apply to this application for a development permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility, which is a wind energy facility that would produce up to 300 MW of power, and a single-circuit 230-kV transmission line. 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 is the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project that would produce up to 300 MW of power, including a corridor for a 230-kV transmission line. The proposed wind energy facility is approximately 26,927 acres. The transmission line includes a 150-foot right-of-way and is approximately 497 acres. 21-3-330.B.1.b.d—Map Requirements • All map requirements, including scale as approved by Weld County, have been met. 11 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 1 Generation : Wind Energy Spins the Wind Turbine s Rotors Creating Electnoty Transfer: .. Cable Transfers Electricity from Nacelle to Transformer 1 _ (see founddtloe&agtam for mote defy l p 1, _ a i - I I , i I Approximate astance Between Turbine Rows = Collection : et(10-15 least 3 000 deametters> i Underground Posner Collection System - ,, Connecting Groups of Turbines 1 i ti� ' t I ' Pw,rsountea. Sony Approximate Dtstenoe Transformer :L Y r Between Turb�iftes )11- r f ' 900 fl 3(OW blame** I i i — 0 Transmission : 1 0 Substation : l Electricity Flows Into Distribution System Power Flows Through Transmission - 77 Lines to Substation _s/ (inn can be overhead of.rnderyround) -- 7 I Figure 2 : Wind Facility Components I 12 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • 21-3-330.B.1.c—Applicants and Consultants Applicant: Consultants: Cedar Creek II, LLC LoneTree Energy&Associates, LLC Attention: David Gonzalez, P.E. Attention: Andrew J. Horvat 700 Louisiana St., 33rd Floor 950 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2000-A Houston, TX 77002 Denver, CO 80202 713-354-2138 303-233-8700 EDAWIAECOM Attention: Larry Keith 1809 Blake Street Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 303-595-4522 Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. Attention: Wallace P. Erickson 2003 Central Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001 307-634-1756 • TRC Engineers, LLC Attention: Jim Whitaker 7761 Shaffer Parkway, Suite 100 Littleton, CO 80127 303-395-4018 Aviation Systems Attention: Gary Allen 2510 West 237'"Street, Suite 210 Torrance, CA 90505 21-3-330.8.2—Title Information 21-3-330.B.2.a-Surface Landowners The names and addresses of all owners of surface property within 1,320 feet(0.25 mile)of the site boundary for the proposed wind energy facility are provided in Appendix C. The names and addresses of all owners of surface property within 500 feet of the centerline of the proposed transmission line corridor are provided in Appendix C. • 13 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 21-2-330.B.2.b—Access to the Proposed Site • Land leases and wind easement agreements have been negotiated with landowners within the site boundary of the proposed wind energy facility. An abbreviated version of this lease agreement has been recorded in Weld County. This abbreviated version of the lease agreements (called Memorandum of Lease)and copies are provided in Appendix D. Within the acquired rights-of-way for the transmission line corridor, access would occur primarily along existing roads or via overland access. New roads would be built only when necessary for construction or maintenance purposes. Existing county roads and state highways would be used to access the right-of-way whenever feasible. Cedar Creek II, LLC would acquire access easements from adjacent landowners if required. 21-3-330.B.2.c—Real Property Interests Right-of-way agreements for the transmission line corridor would include 150-foot easements purchased from landowners along the transmission alignment. A list of easement agreements acquired as of application submittal is included in Appendix D. Remaining agreements would be obtained once the Weld County permitting processes are complete. A preliminary list of utility companies in the area is included in Appendix E. 21-3-330.B.2.d—Mineral Interests The names and addresses of mineral interest holders with an interest in any real property to be physically disturbed or crossed by the proposed wind energy facility are included in Appendix C. If there are any parcels of property that have active mineral leases, Cedar Creek II, LLC would formalize Surface Use or Non-Interference Agreements with any company holding a mineral right lease prior to the wind energy facility construction, and would provide Memorandums of Understanding to Weld County prior to Project construction. This requirement is not applicable to electric transmission line projects per Section 21-3-330.B.2.d. 21-3-330.8.3-Section 1041 Maps 21-3-330.B.3.a-d—Vicinity Map Requirements The Section 1041 Permit Vicinity Map (see Figure 1) is included in this application in a reproducible format. This map includes a vicinity view of the proposed wind energy facility as shown on one sheet at 1:54,000 scale. The permit map is consistent with the requirements of Section 21-3-330.B.3 and the relevant subsections thereof. I 14 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • 21-3-330.8.4—Plot Plan Figure 3 provides a plot plan for the wind energy facility. The plot plan provides a representative layout of the proposed wind energy facility, showing the anticipated arrangement of 1,000-foot turbine corridors, electrical collection systems, and substations/facility areas. The underground collection system shown on Figure 3 is only intended to show the connection between the disconnected turbine corridor segments, not the entire collection system. Turbine corridors are generally arranged in a northeast- southwest orientation, perpendicular to the primary wind direction, which is from the northwest. Because wind resource assessment and engineering design of the wind energy facility is ongoing, this layout is subject to change, including the final number of wind turbine generators and the number and location of turbine strings, access roads, and collection systems. However, Cedar Creek II, LLC is committed to complying with all local, state, and federal requirements for protecting sensitive environmental areas (wetlands, nesting areas, etc.)and cultural/archaeological resources. Pursuant to an anticipated approval of this application, Cedar Creek II, LLC would complete design and layout of the wind energy facility prior to applying for building permits. Once the design and layout have been finalized, Cedar Creek II, LLC would submit a final site plan that shows the planned locations for all facilities as part its application for building permits. • A plot plan for the wind energy facility, including the proposed 230-kV transmission line is shown on Figure 3. 21-3-330.8.5—Other Information 21-3-330.B.5.a—Present Use and Zoning The entire proposed site for the wind energy facility is zoned Agricultural. This zoning classification is intended to provide areas for the conduct of agricultural activities and activities related to agriculture and agricultural production without the interference of other, incompatible land uses. There are no overlay zones applicable to the wind energy facility site. The area is used for dryland farming and grazing. Several portions of farmland in the Phase 1 Project Area have been entered into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA). The CRP lands would not be disturbed by the proposed transmission line corridors. The proposed wind turbine corridor/collector line would traverse CRP lands in Section 15, T11N R58W. In these areas, the groundcover is a planted mix of native prairie species. Other uses within the site include scattered residential properties, radio towers, and missile silos managed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Figure 4 summarizes land use within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. The entire transmission line corridor 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 the interference of other, incompatible land uses. Land use 15 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line and land cover is displayed on Figure 4. The CRP lands would not be disturbed by the • proposed transmission line corridors. The proposed wind turbine corridor/collector line would traverse CRP lands in Section 15, T11N, R58W. 21-3-330.B.5.b—Map Extent Figure 1 shows the area surrounding the proposed site, as called for in 21-3-330.B.5.b.i for proposed power plant facilities. 21-3-330.B.5.b-d—Existing Transmission Lines and Pipelines and Other Major Facilities of a Public Utility Figure 5 displays utility information gathered to date from utility companies with infrastructure in the area. Appendix E contains a preliminary list of all utility companies that potentially have easements within the overall Project Area. These companies would be contacted by phone and/or by letter prior to final design of the Project features. Figure 5 shows all existing pipelines with a minimum 10 inch diameter and transmission lines of 115 kV or greater for a distance of 2 miles beyond the Project transmission line alternatives that were studied. Data gathered to date show that there are no gas pipelines and one transmission line (115 kV and above)within the two-mile vicinity of the proposed transmission line. Other Major Facilities of a Public Utility within 5 miles of the proposed electric transmission line include the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm substation. 21-3-330.B.5.e—Type of Facility • Elements of the proposed wind energy facility include wind turbine generators and towers, access roads, foundations, underground and overhead electrical lines, substations, an O&M facility, and associated supporting infrastructure and facilities. There would be additional temporary facilities during construction, including concrete batch areas, staging and parking areas, and a construction office trailer complex. A separate application (or applications)for the concrete batch areas will be submitted to Weld County when final Project designs are available. The generating capacity of the proposed wind energy facility would be up to 300 MW. Up to 200 individual three-bladed wind turbine generators would be installed. The turbines would be mounted on 80-meter-high (262 feet)tubular steel towers with rotor diameters up to 305 feet. For clarification, once the blades are attached to the hub, the assembled equipment consisting of the hub or nose cone and blades is referred to as a rotor. When the wind blows and the rotor turns, the diameter of the circular area created by the outer edge of the spinning blades is referred to as the rotor diameter. The exact number and size of turbines would depend on the energy generation capacity of the selected wind turbines; however, the equipment layout has been designed for a combination of turbines with rotor diameters ranging from 77 meters (253 feet)to greater than 90 meters (295 feet). Turbine selection depends not only on manufacturers' availability but also economic considerations. 16 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line III Power generated from each phase of the proposed Project would be transported from a new substation as shown on Figure 1 to the Cedar Creek substation . The proposed Project connection from the Phase 1 substation to the existing Cedar Creek substation is a 230-kV transmission line approximately 14 miles in length. Wind turbine types that could potentially be used at the facility are shown in Figure 6. As mentioned above, a turbine arrangement that represents design concepts (i .e. , arrangement of turbine rows and ancillary site facilities) is shown in Figure 3. This arrangement distinguishes between turbine types and displays associated collection system and road infrastructure associated with a 300-MW build out. Areas in which additional turbines could be installed under the 300-MW scenario are also identified without associated infrastructure. Depending on the size, the wind turbine generator towers would be spaced at least 750 to 915 feet apart within rows and at least 3,000 feet between rows. Wind Turbine Types Power Output = 2.5 MW Power Output = 1 .5 MW Power Output = 25 MW Rotor Diameter = 305 ft Rotor Diameter = 253 ft Rotor Diameter = 295 ft Haub Height = 262 ft Huh Height = 262 ft Hub Height = 262 ft .7-305 ft - N R`-295 NX h 253 \ / / \ ill 1 r r , 1 " I T 4 - 1 1 / K. -- t‘., K. K. • I Clipper C93 GE 1 .5 SLE Nordex N90 Figure 6: Turbine Types Figure 7 illustrates typical turbine spacing configurations. A number of setback requirements have been developed and would be observed in final placement of wind turbine generator towers as indicated in Section 21 -3-330. B. 5.l . A 34.5-kV electrical collection system would gather the electricity from each wind turbine generator and route it to the Project substation for each phase. The majority of this collection system would be installed underground, typically along the rows of the wind turbine generators. Remaining portions would be installed aboveground , tying the rows of turbines together and forming a "backbone" of the electrical collection system . Figure 8 is an IIIillustration of a typical installation structure that would comprise the overhead collection 23 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Turbine Row Spacing I Approximately 10-15 Rotor Diameters Between Turbine Rows (At least 3,000 ft) 1 Turbine Spacing Approximately 3 Rotor Diameters Between Turbines (At least 915 ft) 10. Rotor diameter Is based on the Clipper C93 rotor diameter of 305 feet and ►s subfect to change based on the type of wind turbine Installed at the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Figure 7: Turbine Spacing system for the wind energy facility. The plot plan provided as Figure 3 shows a representation of the collection system layout. As the Project is built in phases, it would be necessary to connect the new phase to the previous phase electrically. As planned , each new phase would have a Project substation where the voltage is increased from 34.5 kV to 230 kV. From the Project substation, an above-ground 230-kV transmission line would be built that connects the proposed Project to the previous project. 24 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line• Single Circuit H-Frame (230kV) 40'-49' -► Single Grant Wood Pole 1 I (34.5kV) r i Y GO'-700' 50-75' 191-24'-10 • Figure 8: Collection System Structures As previously discussed and shown on Figure 1, Phase 1 of the Project would require the construction of a transmission line to the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm substation. Once Phase I of the proposed Project is connected to the existing Cedar Creek wind farm substation, the electricity from Phase I of the proposed Project would flow to the existing Cedar Creek substation and then continue on to the Keenesburg substation on the existing 72-mile transmission line that connects the Cedar Creek Wind Farm to the Keenesburg substation. Similarly,when Phase II of the proposed Project is built, a 230-kV transmission line would be built to connect the Phase II substation to the Phase I substation. From there the electricity would flow to Keenesburg over the existing transmission lines. Finally, when Phase III of the proposed Project is built, a 230-kV transmission line would be built to connect Phase III to Phase II so that the electricity can flow over the existing transmission line segments back to the Keenesburg substation. The electrical collection system would terminate at the substation. The Project substation would include breakers, switching and metering equipment, and a 34.5/230-kV step-up transformer,which would increase the voltage from the 34.5-kV collection system to the 230- kV interconnection transmission system. Up to three substations would be built within the wind energy facility (Figure 3), which • corresponds to a substation for each 100-MW phase (300 MW total). Each substation site 25 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line would require approximately 11 acres and would have an associated O&M building. A • detailed site plan for each substation would be provided prior to construction. In general, each substation would have graveled parking areas for up to six vehicles. To prevent access to high-voltage equipment, the substation built within the proposed site would be surrounded by chain-link fencing. A locked vehicle gate would be located at the entrances to the main facility and the substation. Key boxes would be provided for emergency personnel. The exact configuration for the substation to be built would be determined once the exact size of the Phase 1 Project (and subsequent phases) has been determined. The final layout and configuration of the substation would be submitted in a separate building permit application. An O&M building would be constructed adjacent to the substation. The O&M building would have approximately 10,000 square feet of enclosed space, including offices, spare parts storage, kitchen, restrooms, and a maintenance shop area. Potable water would either be obtained from an on-site well or obtained off site. Appropriate well permits would be obtained prior to construction, if needed. Wastewater from the building would be discharged to an on-site domestic septic tank and drain field. The septic system would be designed according to the Weld County Individual Sewage Disposal Regulations by a professional engineer registered in the state of Colorado and would be installed according to the Weld County Individual Sewage Disposal Regulations. The overall area of the O&M building and associated parking would be approximately 2 acres. There would also be a graveled outdoor parking area for up to 12 vehicles, a turnaround area for larger vehicles, outdoor downward lighting, and gated access with full- perimeter fencing in accordance with the Weld County Design Standards and Operation Standards (Weld County Code Sec. 23-2-240 and Sec. 23-2-250, respectively). Layout of the wind energy facility would minimize the need for new, permanent roads through the use of existing access roads and county roads wherever possible. New roads would not be accessible to the general public. Following completion of construction, use of the improved and new access roads on private lands would be limited to the landowner and to maintenance staff. The roads would be 16 feet wide and would have a compacted gravel surface. Roads would also have compacted shoulders 10 feet wide on each side (36-foot total width)to facilitate crane travel. Turning radii of between 90 to 135 feet would be installed, as needed, along county roads and newly constructed on-site roads to facilitate deliveries of wind turbine components. If areas of steeper grades are encountered, road designs would be implemented to keep grades below 10 percent and to prevent erosion. Compacted and/or graveled crane pads and erection areas would also be constructed at each wind turbine generator location. Following completion of construction, shoulders on roads, crane pads, and erection areas would be de-compacted and reseeded using a seed 26 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • mix approved by Weld County. Turning radii installed as described above would be removed, reduced to a normal 25-foot radius, de-compacted, and seeded. Of the total 26,927-acre site, it is anticipated that approximately 3 percent(749 acres)of the Project Area would be disrupted during construction and less than 0.5 percent of the area would be used (permanent disturbance of approximately 146 acres), during operation of the proposed wind energy facility. The proposed transmission line corridor would temporarily disturb approximately 502 acres during construction; permanent disturbance is estimated to be less than 1 acre (including access roads at an estimated road width of 15 feet). The output of the wind energy facility would be transmitted via a new 230-kV transmission line to the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm substation. Once the power from the proposed Project reaches the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm substation, the electricity from the proposed Project would be combined with the power output from the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm and the power would be transmitted 72 miles over the existing 230-kV transmission line to the transmission grid near Keenesburg, Colorado. The transmission line right-of-way would be 150 feet for construction and a permanent right- of-way of 100 feet. Cedar Creek II, LLC Wind Energy requests a permit for placement of the 150—foot transmission line right-of-way at locations that would be determined through final negotiations with landowners and further analysis of environmental resources. In locations • where the proposed transmission line is bounded by two section lines, an additional 300 feet would be included to allow for potential siting of the transmission line right-of-way on either side of the section line. A temporary 5-acre laydown area would be used to stage materials during construction. The laydown area would be located near an existing road; the exact location would be provided to Weld County prior to construction. Cedar Creek II, LLC plans to hire a professional engineering and construction company to design and construct the transmission line. Input from the engineers is vital to ensure that construction and operation is reliable and safe and that the line is able to be effectively maintained. Engineering input is also important in minimizing adverse environmental effects, maintaining the Project's schedule, and meeting the Project's budget. The transmission line structure specifications would be finalized prior to construction; however they would likely consist of H-frame and guyed three-pole structures as engineering needs dictate. The two-pole H-frame structure would be approximately 60 to 100 feet in height. The two poles of the metal H-frame structure would be 19 to 24 feet apart at the base and 40 to 48 feet in width at the top of the structure. At angles of greater than 5 degrees, or at other locations where engineering needs dictate, guyed three pole steel structures would be used. Guyed H-frame structures would be used at angles of less than 5 degrees. Structures would have a weathering steel (core-ten)finish. The pole spacing would vary from 600 to 1,200 feet depending on terrain, existing obstructions, and the type of pole utilized. Final design specifications would be provided to Weld County prior to the start of construction • (Table 4). Figure 9 illustrates both structure types. 27 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Table 4: • Structure Specifications Design Component' H-Frame Guyed Three-Pole Voltage 230 kV 230 kV Right-of-Way Width 150 feet 150 feet Average Span 600 to 800 feet 800 to 1,200 feet Average Height of Structures 60 to 100 feet 60 to 100 feet Average Number of Structures per Mile 7-9 5-7 Maximum Ground Clearance Beneath Conductor 27 feet 27 feet Maximum Height of Machinery that can be 14 feet 14 feet Operated Safely Under Line Circuit Configuration Horizontal Horizontal l-Frame Structure 3-Pal.Angb Structure [r / . eV-70W 7510V trarw rrar 1 These specifications are preliminary and the final transmission structures design will be based on engineering requirements. Figure 9: Structure Drawings Several temporary staging areas and parking facilities would be used for the wind farm and transmission line construction activities. The wind farm staging facilities include a construction trailer, sanitation facilities, and fencing for security and safety. A temporary 5-acre laydown area would be used for staging of materials during transmission line construction. Drinking water would be trucked in by the construction contractor in compliance with Section 30 of the Weld County Code. The Project would require a sequential . 28 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line• construction method. The location(s)of the staging area(s)would be determined upon agreement(s) between Cedar Creek II, LLC and the landowner(s)along the final electric transmission line alignment. These facilities would be removed and the site returned to preconstruction conditions after construction is completed. No permanent employees would be stationed at the transmission line. Preventive maintenance for the transmission line and substations would include routine ground patrols. The purpose of patrols is to detect equipment requiring maintenance, repair, or replacement. In addition to regular patrols, special patrols are conducted as needed, particularly after wind, ice, or severe lightning storms, when damage to conductors, insulators, and structures may occur. Whenever possible, ground patrols and subsequent repair activities are scheduled to minimize damage to crops or property. Maintenance may include repairing frayed or damaged conductors, inspection and repair of poles, replacing damaged and broken insulators, and tightening hardware and connections. Transmission lines are sometimes damaged by storms, floods, vandalism, or accidents and may require immediate repair. Emergency maintenance involves prompt movement of crews to repair damage and replace any equipment. If property damages result from repair activities, Cedar Creek II, LLC representatives would meet with the landowners to arrange for • property restoration or compensation. Temporary staging areas and parking facilities would be built for wind farm construction activities. Staging facilities, including a construction office trailer complex and sanitation facilities, as well as drinking water, would be provided by the construction contractor. Additionally, three to six 15-acre temporary laydown areas (see Figure 3)would be used for material deliveries and storage during the construction period. These facilities would be removed and the site would be returned to preconstruction conditions after construction is complete. A primary and secondary temporary construction facility, each including an office trailer complex, parking area, staging areas, and concrete batch plant are anticipated. A separate application (or applications)for the batch plant areas would be submitted to Weld County when the final Project design is determined. Both gravel and water would be required to support construction, including road construction, concrete production, dust control, and other construction activities. These commodities may be provided from either existing, permitted off-site sources or newly developed and/or permitted on-site sources. If on-site water supplies or gravel pits would be developed, Cedar Creek II, LLC would comply with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements regarding development and use of such on-site sources. However, it is expected that the sources of water and gravel to be used for the Project would be similar to those used for the Cedar existing Creek Wind Farm. For the existing Cedar Creek Project, gravel was obtained northeast of the Project boundary, and water was trucked-in from several sources in • 29 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Wyoming. Section 21-3-330.C.2.g provides a discussion of construction traffic routes and • transportation considerations. During operation of the wind energy facility, Cedar Creek II, LLC would have between 12 to 14 employees (e.g., site manager, operations manager, and operating technicians)on site who would be responsible for operating and monitoring the facility, including coordination of all scheduled maintenance as well as forced outages and equipment malfunctions. The operating plan would include a schedule of outages to facilitate routine inspections and maintenance on the wind turbine generators. Inspection and maintenance activities would involve inspecting wear and tear on components such as seals, bearings, and bushings; lubricating the mechanical systems; and evaluating control systems. The design life of the wind energy facility equipment (i.e., wind turbine generators, transformers, and substation) is a minimum of 20 years. However, if properly maintained, the life of the turbines can be extended beyond 20 years. To extend the life of the facility, wind energy equipment can often be re-powered and retrofitted with newer technology, such as newer, more efficient wind turbine generators. In the event that wind generation at the Project site is terminated at some point, the facility would be decommissioned. At such time, Cedar Creek II, LLC would decommission the facility by removing foundations to a depth of 4 feet below grade, removing re-saleable or salvageable material, and disposing of all unsalvageable material at an authorized site. The soil surface would be restored as close as practicable to its original condition. . 21-3-330.B.5.f—Projected Development Schedule Construction of each phase is expected to begin in the spring (around March or April) depending on specific equipment delivery schedules and last approximately eight months. Testing and commissioning of the wind farm is included within the eight-month construction period; however, the commissioning usually takes place at the end of the construction activities. Whether built all at once or in up to three phases, the wind energy facility would be operational in December of the same year. Table 5 presents an overview of the engineering and construction schedule. Table 5: Overview of Project Engineering and Construction Schedule by Phase Project Component' Anticipated Start Date Anticipated End Date Design Engineering January April Construction March October Commissioning September November Commercial Operations December Life of facility is 20+years I All activities should be completed within the same year(1 year timeframe for each Project phase) If it is constructed in up to three phases, the wind energy facility would employ approximately 100 to 125 people during the construction of each of the proposed phases. If a 300-MW wind farm is built in one phase, the Project would employ up to approximately 250 people. 30 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Construction would normally take place during one 10-to 12-hour shift per day during daylight hours and five or six work days per week. During deliveries of large equipment and loads of supplies to the site, or if delays during construction are experienced and the schedule needs to be maintained, work periods may extend to multiple shifts, nighttime work hours, and up to seven days per week to allow for such deliveries when normal traffic on roadways is less active. A temporary concrete batch plant would be necessary for construction of the wind farm. A separate permit application for the batch plant would be submitted to Weld County prior to construction of each of the Project phases. Although there would be many instances when the activities listed below would overlap and be conducted simultaneously rather than sequentially, the rough sequence of events for construction is summarized in the following list: 1. Construct the access roads and crane pads at each wind turbine generator location. 2. Prepare the site for the O&M building and substations. 3. Construct the wind turbine generator foundations. 4. Construct the substations. 5. Trench and install the energy collection system. 6. Assemble the wind turbine generators. 7. Commission the wind farm. 8. Complete any necessary restoration of the site. • The transmission line from the existing Cedar Creek substation to the proposed Project (Phase 1)would have to be completed, tested, and energized to provide a source of power for the automatic control system for the wind turbines. Accordingly, testing and commissioning of the turbines cannot begin until the construction of both the transmission line and substation are complete,which is expected to last approximately eight to nine months, and would be started in sufficient time so that testing of the turbines can begin on schedule. Table 6 presents an overview of the Project schedule for the transmission line. Table 6: Project Engineering and Construction Schedule—Transmission Line Project Component Anticipated Start Date Anticipated End Date Design Engineering January March Construction April July Commissioning August September Ready for Commercial Operations December December The transmission lines for Phase 2 and 3 of the Project would be constructed prior to the construction of these phases. The transmission line would employ approximately 4 to16 people during construction activities. Construction would generally take place during one 10-to 12-hour shift per day • 31 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line during daylight hours and five to six workdays per week. The peak number of workers at any • one time would be approximately 16. Table 7 provides a breakdown of personnel and equipment requirements by construction activity. Table 7: Typical Construction Personnel and Equipment—Transmission Line Number of Activity Personnel Equipment Date Length of Time Engineering,Geotechnical 4-6 Pickups February-May 12-14 weeks Studies,Surveying Right-of-way clearing, 4-6 Pickups;Bobcat or tractor-backhoe May/June 2-3 weeks gates and culvert installation Receiving/handling 6-8 Pickups;forklifts,boom trucks;pole July 4 weeks material delivery trucks; Hauling Structures 8 Pickups,forklifts;boom trucks;pole August 2-3 weeks delivery trucks;fifth wheel tractors Frame/excavate/set poles 10-12 Pickups;cranes;material handlers; September 4 weeks boom trucks Shieldwire and Conductor 16 Pickups;manlifts/boom trucks; October/November 5-6 weeks installation hydraulic tensioning machines;reel trailers;pullers;material handlers Right-of-way Cleanup and 12 Pickups;dump trucks;flatbed trucks; December 3 weeks Restoration rubber-tired seeding equipment;hand seeding equipment Once the necessary land use permits have been obtained, Cedar Creek II, LLC would submit an application to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment(CDPHE)for a Construction Activities Permit, a Construction Dewatering Permit, and a general Construction Permit. Cedar Creek II, LLC may also submit, if necessary, an application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE)for a Nationwide Permit 12. 21-3-330.B.5.g—Hazards and Emergency Procedures Hazards to Humans Wind Energy Facility Hazards to humans from wind energy facilities are minimal and are primarily associated with the electrical infrastructure such as overhead electric lines. The greatest hazard is direct contact with the conductors or transformers, irrespective of voltage. Physical contact between a grounded object and the high-voltage conductors is not necessary for electrical contact to be made, however; arcing can occur across an air gap. Extreme caution must be used when operating tall machinery and equipment. Given the rural nature of the proposed site, the hazards of fire, explosion, or other danger to the health, safety, and welfare of employees or the general public are minimal. Furthermore, none of the wind turbine generators or supporting facilities would be located in proximity to 32 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • any existing residence or county road, thereby further minimizing the incidence of danger to any individual. The bulk of the collection system would be installed underground to minimize the potential for human contact. For the portions of the collection system or transmission lines that are installed overhead, the potential for human contact would also be minimized due to the height that the line is suspended above the ground and the rural location on private land away from public roads. Furthermore, whether above ground or below ground, all transmission lines and collections systems would conform to applicable standards for design clearances and operations and maintenance. The substation would be fenced to prevent public access to this area. Safety signs would be posted around all high-voltage facilities and at underground cable crossings along roads in conformance with applicable state and federal regulations. Transmission Line Given the rural nature of the land comprising the area for the transmission line, the hazards of fire, explosion, or other danger to the health, safety, and welfare of employees or the general public are minimal. The greatest danger from a transmission line is direct electrical contact with conductors. Because the transmission line runs through an uninhabited section of the Weld County, far from any roads or homes on private land, and access to the transmission line is extremely limited, extreme caution must be exercised when operating vehicles and equipment for any purpose in close proximity to transmission lines. • Although, the proposed transmission line is designed with overhead ground wires and well- grounded poles to protect the system from lightning, the transmission line poles and conductors may occasionally be hit by lightning during a thunderstorm. The area near transmission line poles and other tall objects, such as trees, should therefore be avoided during thunderstorms. All the Project's electric facilities would be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to meet or exceed all applicable standards of design and performance commonly used in the industry. A perceived hazard associated with transmission lines, electric and magnetic fields (EMF), bears discussion. Considerable research and study has been done to investigate potential health effects of EMF from high-voltage transmission lines on living organisms. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to better understand whether there is a connection between EMF and certain adverse health effects. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences concluded in a 1999 report that"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 [Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields] at environmental levels and changes in biological function or disease status" (NIEHS 1999). Nonetheless, Cedar Creek II, LLC remains sensitive to the EMF issue and would promptly and accurately respond to inquiries with current available information. Figures 10 and 11 show expected levels of EMF for the proposed 230-kV single-circuit • transmission line. 33 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Magnetic Field Distribution for 100MW Phasell 60 50 I � t I E 30 —Ave Load —Full Load —ROW Left20 —Row Right 10 0 -250 -200 -150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150 200 250 Distance)Feet) Figure 10: Modeled Electric Field-100 MW Magnetic Field Distribution for 300MW Phasell 140 110 1'0 a E at au at —A.e Load 60 lull Ladd —RoW Ioft .�• —Row RrahI 20 -250 -200 -150 100 50 0 50 100 150 200 250 Disunce(Feet) Figure 11: Modeled Electric Field-300 MW 34 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • The Colorado Public Utilities Commission requires that public utilities 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 Colorado Code of Regulations [CCR] 723-3-18(i)(2))"or by burying transmission lines." (4 CCR 723-3-18(i)(5)). The proposed Project maintains suitable distances from such areas. Environmental Hazards Wind Energy Facility A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment(ESA)would be performed in general accordance with the consensus document known as American Society for Testing and Materials E1527- 05, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, 40 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 312 Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries(AAI)and ASTM Standard E2247-02 Phase 1 ESA Process for Forestland or Rural Property, which provide a guide for conducting environmental site assessments. The purpose of this ESA is to assist in developing information to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and constraints in connection with the proposed Project. There is no indication that there are any RECs or constraints that would preclude construction of the proposed wind energy facility. • Enclosed containers 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. There would be no significant amounts of hazardous materials stored at the wind energy facility site. Small quantities of lubricants used in the facility would be stored within the O&M building or within similar temporary construction facilities. No explosives would be used for excavation purposes. Construction and O&M 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 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, Cedar Creek II, LLC would specify that it would hold a required preconstruction meeting with the contractor to ensure that all applicable laws and Cedar Creek II, LLC's procedures would be followed. Standard construction mitigation practices are attached as Appendix F. Cedar Creek II, LLC would submit a waste handling plan to the Environmental Health Services Division of the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment for approval prior to beginning construction activities. The plan would include the following: • 35 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 1. A list of wastes that are expected to be generated on site, including expected volumes • and types of waste generated 2. A list of the type and volume of chemicals expected to be stored on site 3. The name of the waste handler and facility where any waste would be disposed (including the facility name, address, and phone number) Transmission Line 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. There would be no significant amounts of hazardous materials stored in the transmission line Project Area. Construction and O&M activities would comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances. The only hazardous chemicals anticipated 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 construction contract, Cedar Creek II, LLC would specify that it would hold a required preconstruction meeting with the contractor to ensure that all applicable laws and Cedar Creek II, LLC's procedures would be followed. Standard construction mitigation practices are attached as Appendix F. Emergency Procedures . Wind Energy Facility The wind farm would be managed and monitored by a staff of professional operators whose primary focus is to maximize the long-term value of the wind turbine assets. These operators are trained to respond to a variety of emergencies, including medical emergencies, fire, explosions, extreme weather or other events, that may endanger the health, safety, and welfare of employees or the general public. Cedar Creek II, LLC has already initiated consultation with the New Raymer volunteer fire department to discuss their concerns for a project within their response area. Cedar Creek II, LLC typically develops emergency response plans in conjunction with nearby hospitals. Because there is no fuel involved at a wind farm, the risk of fire is relatively low, so medical emergencies contribute the greatest risk within a wind farm. Typically, an area is developed within the wind farm site where it is safe for a medical helicopter to land. Operators are trained to quickly notify the life-flight crew and to transport the injured to this area and await emergency response crews. An emergency response plan would be developed for the construction and the operations phases of the Project. The plan would be written to include elements of the emergency response departments near the site, including how and when to communicate with the Weld County Sheriffs Office, the New Raymer volunteer fire department, the Weld County Paramedic Services, and the Weld County Office of Emergency Management. The plan would include the following information: • 36 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • 1. Types of Emergencies a. Medical—Examples: Worker injury, heart attack b. Hazardous Material Release—Examples: Chemical storage spill, ruptured hydraulic hose c. Catastrophic—Examples: Earthquake, tornado, or other high wind event d. Security—Threats to personnel or the facility 2. What to Do When an Emergency Occurs on Your Jobsite 3. Additional Steps to Follow For All Emergencies Listed Above 4. Emergencies Other Than Those Requiring Immediate Hospitalization 5. Security Threats The plan would contain forms for documenting incidents and provide instructions for how to maintain communications internally and externally during and after an emergency event. The access width requirements for emergency equipment(fire department)are a minimum of 20 feet. Cedar Creek II, LLC has confirmed with the New Raymer volunteer fire department that the width and weight capacity of the access road would be adequate for emergency purposes and has provided documentation in Appendix H. Transmission Line Regular patrols of the transmission line would occur. Appropriate field crews and engineering personnel are notified by telephone or radio if there is an issue and undertake the required • procedures to correct the problem and restore the facilities to normal operations. Natural Hazards No natural hazards exist in the area that would affect or be affected by the wind energy facility or the transmission line. The proposed site is neither located in a designated floodplain nor in an area of geologic hazard. 21-3-330.B.5.h-i—Name, Address, and Telephone Number of the Applicants and Fee Owners Applicant: Cedar Creek II, LLC 700 Louisiana Street, 33rd Floor Houston, TX 77002 See Appendix C for information regarding fee owners. 21-3-330.B.5 j—Legal Description of the Property under Consideration The legal descriptions of all properties within the boundary of the proposed Project are included in Appendices C and D. 37 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 21-3-330.B.5.k—Total Acreage of the Parcel, Right-of-Way, or Corridor • under Consideration Total acreage of the proposed site for the wind energy facility is approximately 26,927 acres. The acreage of the permanent footprint of the facility (e.g., roads, turbine foundations, substations, O&M building, etc.)for all three phases (300 MW)would be approximately 146 acres or less than 0.5 percent of the total site. Total acreage of the proposed permanent right-of-way for the electric transmission line is approximately 331 acres, and the total permanent disturbance of the transmission line poles and access roads is less than 1 acre. A survey of the alignment would be completed once all easements are secured. 21-3-330.B.5.I—Existing Land Use Wind Energy Facility The existing land use within the proposed site for the wind energy facility is agricultural, including a mix of dryland farming, grazing, and CRP land as shown in Figure 4. Residential buildings and outbuildings are scattered in low density throughout the proposed site along with missile silos, which are actively managed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). In designing and micro-siting the wind energy facility, Cedar Creek II, LLC would comply with the following setbacks regarding placement of the wind turbines to provide adequate buffers . to adjacent land uses. Towers shall be located at least: • 1,500 feet from occupied residences (excluding barns and other outbuildings), unless written permission for a shorter distance is received by the landowner • 460 feet from the edge of the site boundary for the wind energy facility • 460 feet from existing county roads (measured from road centerline) • 30 feet from section lines where roads are not developed (outside the county's 60-foot right-of-way) • 2,000 feet from missile silos (measured from center of missile silo plot)unless approved by Francis E. Warren Air Force Base • 100 feet from DOD missile silo communications cabling • 150 feet from the tip of the turbine blade to escarpment features where raptor nests have been identified • 1,320 to 2,640 feet(based on species)from raptor nests identified during 2007 and 2008 monitoring Land enrolled in the CRP program would maintain CRP status, with the exception of the permanent disturbance within the turbine tower and new access road footprints (see Figure 4), which would either comply with allowed exclusions to the CRP program or would be withdrawn from the program. 38 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Producing and abandoned oil and gas wells are shown on Figure 4. Only Phase III turbine corridors have the potential to impact identified wells. The final design of Phase III would ensure that no impacts to oil and gas wells would occur. Transmission Line The proposed route is located along existing section lines to minimize the impact on the landowner's land. The land is currently used for agricultural uses, as either farm or range land along the entire length of the proposed route (Figure 4). Illustrations of transmission structures are displayed in Figure 9. The proposed transmission line route would not traverse CRP land. 21-3-330.6.5.m--Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcel All properties adjacent to the proposed site for the wind energy facility are agricultural (grazing or dryland farming) land, CRP land, or are under the ownership of the state of Colorado or the federal government. Several parcels of land adjacent to the Project are owned by the Pawnee National Grasslands as shown in Figure 1. Land uses of properties adjacent to the transmission line right-of-way are displayed in Figure 4. In general adjacent land use consists of agricultural farming or grazing activities. • 21-3-330.B.5.n—Present Zone and Overlay Zones As mentioned above, the entire area is zoned Agricultural, and there are no overlay zones within the proposed area of the wind energy facility or the transmission line. Floodplains in the Project Area are designated Zone D (FEMA 2009). The Zone D designation is used for areas where there are possible but undetermined flood hazards. In areas designated as Zone D, no analysis of flood hazards has been conducted. There are no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)CFR Part 77 restrictions within the vicinity of the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Although the proposed Project is within a DOD area, the Project would not affect navigable airspace. Cedar Creek II, LLC would verify prior to construction that the proposed Project would have no impact to any private, commercial, or military airport by obtaining a "Determination of No Hazard"approval from the FAA. Cedar Creek II, LLC hired Aviation Systems, Inc. to identify whether there are any FAA issues related to this Project. Aviation Systems indicated that the proposed Project is located 13.29 nautical miles from the nearest airport(Kimball Muni/Robert E. Arraj Field), which is well beyond the minimum distance from a public, commercial, or military airport. Although Aviation Systems cautions that a portion of the western Project Area lies within a known military training area, it should be noted that this same training area lies over the adjacent Cedar Creek wind farm,where a Determination of No Hazard was successfully obtained. Cedar Creek II, LLC is confident that Cedar Creek II would be able to obtain a similar determination. • 39 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Floodplains in the transmission line area are designated Zone D (FEMA 2009). The Zone D • designation is used for areas where there are possible but undetermined flood hazards. In areas designated as Zone D, no analysis of flood hazards has been conducted. 21-3-330.6.5.o-Signatures of the Applicant and Fee Owners or Their Authorized Legal Agent Signatures of fee owners are not applicable because not all of the easement agreements have been obtained at this time. A list of easement agreements obtained to date is included as Appendix D. 21-3-330.8.6—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site Selection and Construction Wind Energy Facility Areas of sensitive natural environments, including riparian areas, water bodies, and areas of potentially suitable habitat for threatened and endangered species, are not prevalent on the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Two years of spring surveys were conducted to assess the presence of the sharp-tailed grouse, a Colorado species of concern, within the site. Over the course of the surveys, no sharp-tailed grouse or sharp-tailed grouse leks were identified within the Project Area. Summaries of separate studies prepared for the Cedar Creek II wind energy facility for avian and bat species, cultural resources, and site characterization are presented in Appendix I. Because collisions with turbine blades presents a risk to avian species and bats, avian and bat migratory corridors and concentration areas are avoided when siting wind energy facilities. The proposed site for the wind energy facility is not within a migratory flyway. Studies to evaluate the potential for avian and bat collisions at the wind energy facility have been ongoing since April 2006. Two full years of avian use surveys were completed in April 2009. Breeding bird surveys were conducted over the course of one year to assess use of the Project Area by passerines. Raptor nest surveys were conducted in 2007 by ground and again in 2008 by helicopter and ground search. Thirty-six active and inactive raptor nests were identified and facility infrastructure, including turbine corridors, were set back from the nests in accordance with recommendations offered by CDOW for permanent and seasonal construction set-backs. Bat acoustic monitoring was collected over the course of two fall seasons to capture migration activity; results showed relatively low bat use across the site compared with other sites being studied across the United States (Arnett et al. 2008, Gruver 2002, Johnson et al. 2003, Kunz et al. 2007). Consultation with CDOW and USFWS has been ongoing since 2006 through biannual meetings to share study protocols, results, and Project status and to facilitate the incorporation of appropriate mitigation measures into the wind energy facility design. Potential mitigation measures (Appendix F) may include (1)some preconstruction shifting of turbines, roads, or collection system components within the proposed 1,000 foot corridors as • 40 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • economically feasible; (2)construction timing constraints to avoid breeding seasons for certain species in some areas or for certain activities; (3)additional study of potential impacts and species reaction to presence of the wind energy facility; and (4) provision of on- or off- site mitigation areas. Prior to applying for building permit applications, final locations for facility components and final mitigation measures would be determined. Water bodies and wetland resources within the vicinity of the proposed site include intermittent drainages and ephemeral playa lakes.These occur in areas of low topography where surface run-off typically collects. These locations are not compatible with the desired locations for wind turbines,which are typically placed in areas of higher topography to capture the higher wind speed and density. Preliminary assessment and mapping of the playa lakes, wetland resources, and features that could be considered for designation as"waters of the U.S."was conducted in September 2008 within accessible areas of the proposed wind energy facility. The results of the wetland delineation effort, as well as potential permitting requirements, are further described in Section 21-3-330.C.2. All facilities associated with the Project would be sited to avoid or minimize impacts to these important resources. A complete assessment and mapping of these resources would be performed prior to final Project design and layout so that road or other Project feature locations may be moved to ensure the avoidance of playa lakes and wetlands and minimal impacts to waters of the U.S. Although the above criteria would likely impact micro-siting of wind energy facility features, • there are no natural constraints significant enough to preclude selection of the proposed site or to preclude construction of the proposed wind energy facility. Potential impacts to natural resources are discussed in more detail in the following section. There are no socioeconomic constraints associated with the proposed site. Transmission Line Based on evaluation of site-specific criteria listed in Table 3, the proposed transmission line route was selected as shown in Figure 1. The proposed route minimally impacted area buildings and residences as well as the existing Cedar Creek turbine arrays. In general, areas of sensitive natural environments, including riparian areas, water bodies, and areas of potentially suitable habitat for threatened and endangered species or species of state concern, would be avoided where possible. Two golden eagle nests have been identified within 0.5 mile of the proposed transmission line route. To minimize disturbance to the species, construction of this stretch of line would be timed to occur between June and November, outside of the golden eagle nesting season. There are no socioeconomic constraints associated with the Project. The final transmission line route would follow the proposed route as closely as possible but may be shifted based on the ability to acquire right-of-way easements from landowners. The final transmission line route and engineering details would be provided to Weld County prior to construction. The final transmission route would avoid and minimize impacts to environmental and community resources. • 41 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 21-3-330.8.7—Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from • Construction of the Wind Energy Facility Land Use Existing land uses would continue uninterrupted for the majority of the land within the site boundary for the wind energy facility. Permanent impacts anticipated at this time would include approximately 146 acres, approximately 20 percent of the area impacted by construction. These areas would include footprints of turbines, access roads, substations, the 230-kV transmission structures, and the electric collection system structures. Agricultural productivity would be minimally impacted as farming and grazing activities may continue up to the bases of the wind turbines. During construction, water for the concrete batch plant, dust control, and drinking water would be trucked to the construction site by the construction contractor. For the existing Cedar Creek Project, the construction contractor purchased water from landowners in Wyoming and trucked the water to the Project site. It is expected that the water source for the Proposed Project would probably be the same. Prior to the start of commercial operations, Cedar Creek II, LLC plans to obtain a permit from the Colorado Division of Water Resources to install a well for operations use. This volume of water use for the facility would be similar to the volume of a residence with water used for drinking, showering, toilets, etc. If on-site water is used, Cedar Creek II, LLC will comply with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements and water rights processes regarding development and use of such . on-site sources. Land use along the proposed transmission line route would be minimally impacted and would continue to include a mix of agricultural and residential uses. Minimal effects to agricultural productivity would occur as a result of the transmission line Project. Transportation Impacts (21-3-330.C.2.g) Wind Energy Facility Operation of the wind energy facility would not generate a significant number of long-term daily trips. However, during construction (if the Project is built in up to three phases) approximately 100 to 125 construction workers would be employed during the course of the 9-month construction period and would be traveling to the construction site each day. If all three phases are built at once, construction would require up to 250 workers. Furthermore, all of the materials for the Project would be transported to the site during construction by truck. These deliveries would consist of water, gravel, concrete supplies to on-site batch plants, turbine components, tower, and equipment deliveries. Construction routes and site access points are shown on Figure 12.All access to the wind energy facility would be from Weld County. Project personnel would work with the Weld County Engineer to review road use during the construction activities and to develop a maintenance program that would prevent the roads from dropping below agreed-upon quality levels. 42 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Following the issuance of the 1041 permit from Weld County, Cedar Creek II, LLC plans to negotiate a mutually acceptable Roads Maintenance Agreement with Weld County's Public Works Department to ensure roads are maintained and/or repaired to a condition similar to what existed prior to construction. Under the Weld County agreement, Cedar Creek II, LLC would maintain county roads within the Project Area at all times during construction. Prior to construction, Cedar Creek II, LLC would coordinate with Weld County, Colorado; Kimball County, Nebraska; and Cheyenne County, Wyoming to survey the county-owned roads so that the conditions of the county-owned roads leading to the Project site prior to construction can be established. During construction, so long as there continues to be heavy truck traffic to the Project site, Cedar Creek II, LLC would keep an inventory of road repair material on or near the Project site so that any road damage can be repaired more quickly. Furthermore, Cedar Creek II, LLC would use commercially reasonable efforts to limit heavy truck traffic within the Project site after a precipitation event. Approximately 12 to 14 full-time employees would be located on site during commercial operation of the wind energy facility. Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance would occur as needed. Scheduled maintenance would average approximately six to eight visits per turbine per year. No adverse impacts to county roads or improvements are expected during commercial operations. There would be no staging or parking of vehicles or equipment on maintained county roads. All such activities would make use of on-site locations and private rights-of-way. • The turning radiuses for the county roads within the Project site may need to be temporarily increased to allow equipment deliveries to safely enter and exit our proposed Project site and to minimize any traffic congestion issues for the public. The increase in the turning radii should not have any adverse affect on the local use of the roads. After construction is complete, Cedar Creek II, LLC would restore the roads/turning radii to their previous conditions. Access to county roads would be placed at locations that have adequate sight distance in both directions and not below the crest of a hill or where physical obstructions are present. The off-street parking and loading zones would be surfaced with gravel or the equivalent and would be graded to prevent drainage problems. Signs would be placed to make use of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (FHWA 2003)to appropriately place construction zone and construction crossing signs adjacent to county roads. Figure 12 shows the proposed construction haul routes by Project phase for the proposed wind farm. Each of the three proposed phases would include the estimate of construction vehicle trips provided in Table 8. • 45 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Table 8: . Typical Construction Traffic—Wind Farm Number of Round Trips Activity (approximate) Equipment Duration Hauling gravel,cement, 1,300 Heavy trucks and 4 months and aggregate semis Hauling water 630 Heavy trucks 7 months Hauling wind turbine 160 Semis and oversized 4 months components loads Hauling concrete 630 Concrete mixers 3 months Worker travel 900-1,400 Light duty trucks 10 months Month 4 of construction is expected to have the highest construction traffic with an estimated 4,120 round trips. An estimated total 24,140 round trips is expected over the entire eight- month construction period. Tracking pads would be used as necessary at all major construction locations where there is heavy traffic coming from the site onto a county road. The purpose of the tracking pads is to keep excessive mud and debris from leaving the site and being tracked on the county road. Utility/Right-of-Way Permit.A Weld County right-of-way permit is required for the use of or crossing of a Weld County right-of-way. The permit would be in place prior to any work being done within the right-of-way. Special Transport Permit.A Weld County Special Transport Permit for transporting the overweight or overwidth items using county roads or rights-of-way would be obtained prior to beginning work. Transmission Line The transmission line Project would not generate any daily trips during long-term operation if the line is operating as planned. There may be times when repairs or maintenance would be conducted that may require more frequent trips; however, the probability of this occurrence is expected to be very low. Regular patrols would be conducted. Approximately 30 construction workers would be employed during the course of the approximately eight-month construction period. The maximum number of construction workers at any one time would be approximately 30. No adverse effects on county roads are anticipated. Cedar Creek II, LLC would work with the Weld County Public Works Department to determine the appropriate construction method for each county road crossing. All mobile construction equipment would be certified to operate on Interstate highways. 46 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Socioeconomic Environment Wind Energy Facility There would be no adverse socioeconomic impacts associated with the wind energy facility. The full Project, including construction of the associated transmission line and switching station,would employ approximately 125 people during each of the up to three construction phases and approximately 12 to 14 direct full-time positions throughout the entire Project's operating life. The proposed wind energy facility would have no negative impact on regional unemployment rates. The wind energy facility is sited within an area established by the state of Colorado as an Economic Empowerment Zone, within which economic development is encouraged. If built in phases, the Project would represent an investment of approximately$100 to 125 million for each of the approximately 100-MW Project phases in Weld County and generate a long-term tax base for the county and commensurate property tax revenues. The Project would create additional revenue in the form of royalties for the 26 property owners with wind turbine generators located on their property. The nine property owners granting Cedar Creek II, LLC easement right for the Project's interconnection transmission line would also receive option and lump sum easement payments. In addition to the creation of jobs (both during construction and commercial operations) and • property taxes, the Project would create demand for local goods and services both during construction and commercial operations. Economic benefits to community businesses are relative to the amount of income spent in the local economy on goods and services by the larger temporary and smaller permanent workforce associated with the Project. The local economy is likely to experience an increase of dollars, as well as an increase in sales tax revenue directly resulting from the construction and operation of the Project. Because the proposed wind farm would produce electricity from the wind, the electricity that is produced is not subject to fluctuating fuel prices and is considered stable. Furthermore, the electricity that is produced does not consume any valuable water supplies, nor does it create any air or water pollutants. Finally, electricity is a form of energy that is not easily stored; the grid operator has the challenge of keeping the supply of electricity balanced with the demand for electricity throughout each day and throughout the year. To maintain this balance between the supply and demand for electricity, the grid operator actually reduces the output of fossil fuel generating facilities when the wind blows at a sufficient velocity to produce electricity to maintain the balance between supply and demand. As the fossil fuel generators are scaled back to accommodate the wind farm, the fuel and water consumption, wastewater effluents and air emissions from the fossil fuel plants are all reduced. Unlike oil and gas reservoirs, the supply of wind would not deplete or diminish over time. So in addition to the local economic benefits, the wind farm provides a huge environmental benefit to the region. The wind energy facility would generate a clean, affordable, efficient, and renewable energy • source for the region. 47 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Transmission Line • The transmission line Project would have a beneficial impact to the local economy. Numbers of construction contractors from the local area would be determined when a contractor is selected. Regardless of origin, it is likely that construction staff would spend money in the local area on fuel, food, and other supplies. During the construction period, the local economy may see an influx of dollars and an increase in sales tax revenue. Only land surrounding the base of the structures would be removed from agricultural operations. Land between structures would remain available to farming and ranching or other operations that do not interfere with safe and reliable operation of the transmission line. It is acknowledged that there is often a perceived threat to property values from construction of transmission lines. These concerns are highest when a project is being planned or installed. Once a transmission line is established, it is much less likely to be considered a threat to property values. Also, Cedar Creek II, LLC has tried to place the proposed transmission lines in areas that minimize any impact to local landowners. Finally, the landowners are being compensated for having a transmission line on their property. There are no adverse socioeconomic impacts associated with the transmission line Project. The transmission line Project would not cause any residents or businesses to be displaced. 21-3-330.O2—Discussion of Impacts on Additional Resources Including Significant Environmentally Sensitive Factors Vegetation Including Marshlands and Wetlands Wind Energy Facility The majority of disturbance to vegetation from construction activities would be temporary impacts to CRP or agricultural (grazed or dryland farmed) lands. Temporarily disturbed areas such as underground electric line trenches, temporary access roads, and construction areas along overhead transmission line structures would be reclaimed. These areas would be restored to their original condition by de-compaction where needed, re-grading, and replanting the area with a weed-free mix of species suitable to the area and approved by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS would be consulted regarding appropriate reclamation methods. Pursuant to Chapter 15, Article I and II of the Weld County Code, if noxious weeds exist on the property or become established as a result of the proposed Project, Cedar Creek II, LLC would be responsible for controlling the noxious weeds. Long-term disturbance to vegetation would occur within the approximately 146-acre footprint needed for the facility structures and O&M of the wind energy facility. Surveys designed in accordance with technical standards and procedures recommended in the 1987 USACE wetland delineation manual were conducted along 2,000-foot survey corridors that followed preliminary wind energy facility infrastructure locations (turbine corridor, roads, collection . 48 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • systems, O&M building, substation, etc.). Project infrastructure would be sited to avoid all riparian areas and wetland features. Based on field work performed between September 12 and 30, 2008, seven wetlands (see Figure 13)were delineated in the proposed Project Area. Two of these wetlands (Wetland 3 and Wetland 6) are likely to be jurisdictional. No permanent impacts are anticipated to these wetlands. Any temporary impacts to jurisdictional wetlands would be mitigated through the implementation of best management practices. This Project would probably require a USACE Nationwide Permit(NWP) 12 for utility line activities. This permit includes utility lines, utility line substations, and foundations for overhead utility line towers, poles, anchors, and access roads. The NWP 12 limits permanent impacts to 0.50 acre. Mitigation for the permanent impacts currently prioritizes the purchase of wetland mitigation bank credits. In some cases, a project may use other mitigation strategies, such as wetland creation,wetland restoration, and weed management. USACE requires that temporary impact areas in wetlands be returned to the original site contour following disturbance and that the areas be revegetated and monitored for successful recovery. A requirement of NWP 12 involves a preconstruction notification (PCN)for fill or dredge over 0.10 acre and for utility lines that run parallel to a stream bed within a jurisdictional area. The PCN would present the results of the delineation of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, and present an analysis of permanent and temporary impacts from the Project. USACE typically requires 30 days to review the PCN and write the permit. If the PCN generates questions from USACE, then an additional 45 days • may be required to respond to the comments, provide responses, and receive the nationwide permit. In rare cases, USAGE may require an Individual Permit. By Colorado statute, a state 401 water quality certification is not required for actions permitted under an NWP 12. No permanent impacts are anticipated to wetlands in the Project Area. Any temporary impacts to jurisdictional wetlands would be mitigated through the implementation of best management practices. It is likely that most impacts to wetlands would result from temporary improvements that would be made to Weld County roads around low-water crossings. Silt fencing would be used to prevent sedimentation into lands adjoining the outer limit of the Project footprint. Silt fencing should be keyed into site soils at the outer limit of the Project footprint along the entire Project corridor. The fencing should be regularly maintained by the construction contractor for the duration of the construction and restoration phase. Construction should be monitored to avoid temporary wetland impacts where possible, and to minimize them if avoidance is not possible. Steps to avoid and minimize impacts during and construction include topsoil segregation, immediate post-construction slope stabilization, ditch blocks, silt fencing, and equipment support matting. Immediate restoration of soils to preconstruction compaction and grades (original)along with the planting of sterile, annual grasses followed by native perennials would ensure the best restoration of these sensitive areas. Restoration activities would require that the temporarily disturbed wetland areas be returned to preconstruction contour and the areas revegetated with hydrophytes native to the Project Area. • 49 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line The South Platte River is considered the nearest traditional navigable water to the Project • Area. Wetland delineation field work identified nine stream channel features that may represent"waters of the U.S."These nine intermittent stream channels have confluences with streams connected to the South Platte River or Lodgepole Creek. Permanent and temporary impacts to "waters of the U.S." should be avoided by the Project where possible. Where avoidance is ultimately not possible, emphasis would be placed on minimizing impacts coupled with detailed mitigation planning. Figure 13 shows wetlands, waterways, and stream channel features in the Project Area indentified for accessible areas of the Project in September 2008. Additional surveys would be performed as necessary prior to final Project design and construction activities. No floodplains or floodways have been mapped in the Project Area. Flood hazard permits would be obtained as deemed necessary by Weld County. National Wetlands Inventory(NWI) mapping was reviewed to determine whether wetlands are indicated in the wind turbine corridor area. The data indicate the presence of several isolated wetlands in the wind turbine corridor area. Wetlands, "waters of the U.S.", and major drainages are not prevalent within the proposed wind turbine corridor/route and, where present, they would be spanned or otherwise avoided by the structures. No impacts to wetlands or"waters of the U.S." are expected. NWI wetlands within the turbine/collector line corridor are in the following areas: • T11N R56W S5 . • T12N R57W S36 • T11N R57W S3 • T11N R57W S5 • T11N R57W S19 • T11N R58W S11 • T11N R58W S12 Wetland delineation field work identified surveyed wetlands within the proposed wind turbine/collector line corridor in the following areas: • T11N R57W S3 • T11N R57W S6 • T11N R57W S19 • T11 N R58W S33 50 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Wetland delineation field work identified surveyed drainages within the wind turbine/collector line corridor in the following areas: • T11 N R57W S8 • T11N R57W S9 • T11N R57W S14 • T11N R57W S15 • T11N R57W S16 • T11N R57W S19 • T11N R58W S25 • T10N R58W S4 Transmission Line The majority of disturbance to vegetation from construction activities would include temporary impacts to short-and mid-grass prairie that is present within the southern portion of the area (Figure 4). In addition, minimal amounts of CRP or active agricultural lands would be impacted in the Phase I part of the Project Area as shown on Figure 4. Temporarily disturbed areas such as temporary access roads and equipment storage areas would be reclaimed. These areas would be restored to their original condition by de-compaction where needed, re-grading, and replanting the area with a weed-free mix of species suitable to the area and approved by NRCS. NRCS would be consulted regarding appropriate reclamation methods. • Long-term impacts to vegetation would be minimal, consisting of approximately 5 square feet of disturbance at the base of each structure leg. The transmission line would likely cross Two Mile Creek. This drainage is classified as intermittent. The transmission line would also cross numerous unnamed intermittent and ephemeral drainages. NWI mapping was reviewed to determine whether wetlands are indicated in the transmission line corridor area. The data indicate no presence of wetlands in the transmission line corridor area. Wetlands, "waters of the U.S.", and major drainages are not prevalent within the proposed transmission line corridor/route and, where present, they would be spanned or otherwise avoided by the 230-kV transmission line structures. No impacts to wetlands or "waters of the U.S."are expected. Playa lakes provide important habitat to waterfowl and other wildlife and would not be directly impacted by structure placement because they would be spanned. Where feasible, the transmission line would be located 0.25 mile or more away from playa lakes to minimize impacts to waterfowl and other wildlife attracted to these areas. No permanent impacts are anticipated to wetlands in the Project Area. Any temporary impacts to jurisdictional wetlands would be mitigated through the implementation of best management practices with consultation with USAGE as necessary. Restoration activities would require that the temporarily disturbed wetland areas be returned to preconstruction contours and the areas revegetated with hydrophytes native to the Project Area. • 53 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Wetland delineation field work identified numerous potential stream channel features, most of • which do not qualify as"waters of the U.S."The South Platte River is considered the nearest traditional navigable water to the Project Area. Nine intermittent stream channels that have confluences with streams connected to the South Platte River or Lodgepole Creek could be impacted according to the preliminary development areas and corridors. Additional wetland surveys would be conducted based on final engineering designs prior to construction. Permanent and temporary impacts to"waters of the U.S."would be avoided by the Project where possible. Where avoidance is ultimately not possible, emphasis would be placed on minimizing impacts coupled with detailed mitigation planning. Wetland delineation field work did not identify any surveyed wetlands within the proposed transmission line corridor. Wetland delineation field work identified surveyed drainages within the transmission line corridor in the following areas: • T11N R57W S8 • T11N R57W S9 • T11N R57W S14 • T11 N R57W S15 • T11N R58W S24 • T11N R58W S25 • T10N R58W S4 Figure 13 shows wetlands and stream channel features (based on the Wetland Delineation Survey), as well as mapped waterways in the Project Area. Flood hazard permits would also be obtained if necessary. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Wind Energy Facility The following is a summary of potential impacts to wildlife from construction and operation of the wind energy facility. In general, impacts to wildlife would include temporary disturbance from construction activities that would likely cause temporary avoidance of the area by many species. Long-term impacts would include some habitat loss at permanent facility components such as turbines and access roads. There is no designated critical wildlife habitat within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Consultation with USFWS and CDOW has been ongoing since 2006 to improve the understanding of wildlife issues within the proposed site. Coordination with these agencies would continue to develop the appropriate mitigation for Project impacts (Appendix F). Summaries of avian use and bat acoustical studies prepared for the Cedar Creek II wind energy facility are presented in Appendix I. Impacts to most mammals would be minimal given the existing land use in the area. Similar projects in similar environments have not shown significant impact to mammals. There have • 54 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • been some exceptions for bats. To date, bat monitoring studies of wind energy projects in North America offer the following statistics: • Migratory tree-roosting species (eastern red [Lasiurus borealis], hoary, and silver-haired bats)comprise almost 75 percent of reported bats killed. • The majority of fatalities occur during the post-breeding or fall migration season (roughly August and September). • The highest reported fatalities occur at wind facilities located along forested ridge tops in the eastern U.S. (Arnett et al. 2008, Gruver 2002, Johnson et al. 2003, Kunz et al. 2007). Acoustical monitoring for bats was conducted within the Proposed Cedar Creek II Project boundary between summer and fall 2007 and again during summer and fall 2008. The results of these sampling indicate that there is relatively low use of the Project Area by resident or migratory bats. The mean number of bat passes per detector night within the Project are is slightly lower than similar data collected at Buffalo Ridge, Minnesota and Foote Creek Rim, Wyoming, where bat collision mortality has been low. Impacts to bats are not expected to be significant. Other mammals likely to occur in the Project Area include mule deer, pronghorn, coyote, red fox, swift fox, eastern spotted skunk, striped skunk, American badger,jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, and various rodents. Impacts to mammal species within the proposed site for the wind energy facility are expected to be minimal and would primarily involve avoidance of the • Project Area during the temporary disturbances from construction activities. It is expected that most mammal species would eventually habituate to the wind energy facility. Habitat for sensitive reptile and amphibian species is limited within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Rattlesnakes have been observed to inhabit the rocky outcrop features located within the Project boundary, Suitable habitat would be identified for these species prior to construction and construction impacts would be minimized where possible. Impacts to these species groups are expected to be minimal. Birds may be impacted due to collision-related mortality. Studies on other wind energy projects in similar environments to the proposed site have not shown large numbers of avian fatalities. However, some of the first wind energy projects in California, primarily those involving older, more numerous and smaller wind turbine generators, have caused high numbers of avian fatalities from avian collisions. Impacts from collisions can be minimized by avoiding the following when siting wind energy facilities: bird migratory pathways; habitats where birds concentrate, such as wetlands or ponds; and areas or features that are known to attract raptors. The proposed site is not located within a migratory pathway, and there are very limited wetland and surface water features that might draw waterfowl or other species on a seasonal basis. There are some escarpments that run east to west within the Project Area, as well as the occasional tree or shelter belt which could provide suitable nesting habitat for raptors • such as red-tail hawk, ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, golden eagle, and Swainson's hawk. 55 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Set-backs have been applied to all raptor nests identified during 2007 and 2008 surveys to • minimize the impact of the proposed facility. Another season of raptor nest surveys would be conducted prior to construction to locate new nests and relocate previously identified nests. Setbacks to newly identified nests would be applied as feasible based on species. Where new setbacks cannot be applied due to economic or other constraints, alternative mitigation measures would be considered. These measures would be vetted with CDOW and USFWS. In addition to raptors, birds likely to occur within the vicinity of the facility include short-grass prairie species such as thrashers, thrushes, shrikes, prairie sharp-tailed grouse, vireos, warblers, wrens, grosbeaks, sparrows, towhees, blackbirds, larks, and buntings. Other wind energy projects in similar habitats to the proposed site have not exhibited high numbers of avian fatalities as has been associated with projects in California. Studies at the Ponnequin Wind Farm, located nearby in Weld County, and the Foote Creek Rim Wind Farm, located in Wyoming, have not yielded high counts of avian collisions (Gruver 2002, Pacificorp 2003, Good 2006). The settings of the Ponnequin and Foote Creek Rim facilities are similar to the proposed site. Furthermore, the risks of fatalities from wind energy facilities are minor when compared to other fatality risks to birds such as collisions with vehicles, buildings, and windows. In addition to the studies that have already been conducted, Cedar Creek II, LLC has committed to the following measures to mitigate for potential impacts to wildlife species: . • Additional raptor nest surveys will be conducted as feasible prior to construction to confirm locations and species nesting in the area. Construction timing constraints near known active nests will be implemented whenever feasible to avoid disturbance to nesting raptors. Additional consultation with USFWS will be initiated if it is determined that construction activities could potentially impact the productivity of a golden eagle nest. • A presence or absence survey will be conducted for mountain plovers within the proposed wind energy facility site prior to construction to facilitate avoidance of nesting plovers. • Monitoring of the facility will document fatalities to birds and bats as a result of collisions with turbine blades or other facility infrastructure. Two years of post-construction fatality surveys will be conducted within the facility site. These surveys may be conducted in non-consecutive years based on recommendations from wildlife biologists. Communications with the USFWS and CDOW will continue and collisions will be reported to the agencies. Summaries of the completed avian use and bat acoustical surveys are included in Appendix I. Transmission Line The following is a summary of potential impacts to wildlife from construction and operation of the 230-kV transmission line. In general, impacts to wildlife would include temporary 56 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line disturbance from construction activities that would likely cause temporary avoidance of the area by some species. Long-term impacts would include minimal habitat loss at structure bases. There is no designated critical wildlife habitat within the proposed transmission line corridor. Consultation with USFWS and CDOW has been ongoing since 2006 to improve the understanding of wildlife issues within the proposed Project Area. Coordination with these agencies would continue to develop the appropriate mitigation for Project impacts (Appendix F). Impacts to most mammals would be minimal due to the existing land use in the area. Mammals likely to occur within the proposed transmission line corridor include mule deer, pronghorn, coyote, red fox, swift fox, eastern spotted skunk, striped skunk, American badger, jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, and various rodents. Impacts to mammal species from construction and operation of the transmission line are expected to be minimal and would primarily result from temporary disturbance or displacement during construction activities. It is expected that most mammal species would habituate to the presence of the transmission line. Habitat for reptile and amphibian species is limited within the proposed transmission line corridor. Rattlesnakes have been observed to inhabit the rocky outcrop features located • within the Project boundary, Suitable habitat would be identified for these species prior to construction and construction impacts would be minimized where possible. Impacts to reptiles and amphibians are expected to be minimal. Golden eagle nests have been confirmed within the vicinity of the proposed transmission corridor. Impacts during operation are expected to be minimal; however, construction during the nesting season could adversely impact the success of the nest. To avoid this negative impact, construction of the line running nearest the nests would be timed to fall between June and November, outside of the golden eagle's nesting and fledging season. In addition to raptors, birds likely to occur within the area include short-grass prairie species such as thrashers, thrushes, shrikes, prairie sharp-tailed grouse, vireos, warblers,wrens, grosbeaks, sparrows, towhees, blackbirds, larks, and buntings. Waterfowl and other water or wading birds are likely to occur in the ephemeral playa lakes when these areas are wet. Such species include various species of ducks, snow and Canada geese, sandhill cranes, American white pelicans, great blue herons, American cormorants, curlews, plovers, and more. In some locations along the proposed transmission line route, there is an increased risk to birds by collision. The risk of collision is likely to be highest in locations where waterfowl or other water birds gather or between roosting and feeding sites. Raptors are not as likely to be at risk of collision with transmission lines as are less maneuverable birds that exhibit flocking behavior(APLIC 2006). • 51 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Construction of the transmission line would comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Section 703 of the MBTA clearly states that adverse impacts to migratory birds are to be avoided: "Unless and except as permitted by regulations... it shall be unlawful at any time, by any means, or in any manner, to ... take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture, or kill, possess... any migratory bird, any part, nest, or eggs of any such bird." Raptor nests will be identified prior to the start of construction activities and construction schedules will take into consideration species specific nesting periods. Coordination between Cedar Creek II, LLC and CDOW would ensure appropriate mitigation is developed and implemented. Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species Wind Energy Facility Personal communications with USFWS in February 2006 and September 2008 did not raise any issues related to federally listed species within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. USFWS did advise, however, that should the Project use water from the South Platte Basin, there was the potential to impact federally listed species downstream of the water use. The water supply for the Project would be identified prior to the start of construction and all appropriate consultations would be conducted. CDOW was contacted regarding species of state threatened or endangered status or other species of concern. Data previously provided by CDOW, the Natural Diversity Information Source Colorado Natural Heritage Program . (CNHP), and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO)for the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm were used to determine those species of concern that could potentially occur within the vicinity of the proposed facility. A summary of the site characterization study prepared for the Cedar Creek II wind energy facility is presented in Appendix I. Special status species that are known to occur or have the potential to occur within Weld County include the state threatened bald eagle(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)and the federally threatened Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis), neither of which are known to occur within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. CNHP data for the proposed site show occurrences of four species of special concern for the state (CDOW): the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), swift fox (Vulpes vulpes), black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), and the mountain plover(Charadrius montanus). The proposed site also contains suitable habitat for the state-threatened burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)and the state endangered prairie sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus). The bald eagle is not likely to visit the proposed site on a regular basis given the lack of concentrated prey sources and surface water. If bald eagles pass through the area for winter foraging or migration purposes, there could be a risk of collision with the turbine blades. There were no bald eagles observed visiting the Project Area during two years of avian use surveys. Risks of impacts to bald eagles from the wind energy facility are expected to be low. 58 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • The Ute ladies'-tresses orchid is associated with mesic habitats and prefers areas exposed to disturbances such as grazing or mowing. There is a lack of mesic habitat suitable for this species within the proposed site for the wind energy facility, and impacts to this species are not expected to occur. The proposed site is considered overall range for swift fox. 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 in the area. Swift fox would likely be displaced from the vicinity during construction, but the species is expected to habituate to the presence of the wind energy facility. Surveys for active swift fox dens in areas of suitable habitat would be conducted prior to construction, if construction is to occur in such areas during the denning season. Mountain plovers nest in short-grass prairies grazed by prairie dogs, bison, and cattle, and overgrazed tall-grass prairie and fallow fields. The proposed Project contains some areas of suitable mountain plover habitat, and the CNHP has records of mountain plover occurrences in the proposed site for the wind energy facility. The construction of the facility is likely to result in the temporary displacement of mountain plovers. Studies at the Foote Creek Rim Wind Farm in Wyoming showed that although plover numbers initially declined because of the construction activities, the birds increased nesting populations in the area each year since the completion of construction, and the birds reestablished nests in the direct vicinity of the • turbines (Pacificorp 2003). Collision with turbine blades does not appear to be a risk to mountain plovers because this species has a low flight pattern. Surveys for mountain plovers would be conducted prior to construction at the proposed facility site. Ferruginous hawks are known to nest within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Limiting construction within known nesting areas to outside of breeding season when feasible would minimize impacts to this species. Surveys for nesting ferruginous hawks and other raptors have been conducted.Additionally, supplementary raptor nest surveys would be conducted prior to construction. During the wetland field survey completed in September 2008, one active black-tailed prairie dog town was located within the Project Area. No prairie dogs were observed; however fresh scat was found at numerous burrows. Approximately 15 active and five inactive burrows were observed throughout the town. The entire town covered an area approximately 150 feet by 300 feet. In addition, three potential locations for prairie dog colonies were identified from aerial photography. Prairie dog colonies within the Project Area would be identified and avoided prior to final design and construction of the proposed Project. No impacts to this species related to construction or operation of the wind energy facility are expected. The burrowing owl is a ground-dwelling grassland species that is most often associated with prairie dog colonies, where they nest in the burrows. If construction is to occur during the nesting season (April through July), a preconstruction survey would be conducted in suitable habitat (active and/or abandoned prairie dog colony)within the proposed site for the wind • energy facility. 59 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Prairie sharp-tailed grouse are known to occur within the vicinity of the proposed Project site • for the wind energy facility. Surveys conducted in April of 2007 and 2008 identified no sharp tailed grouse or active sharp tailed grouse leks within the Project Area. The vast majority of the Project Area falls outside the sharp tailed grouse's historic range and does not include any identified production habitat. Transmission Line Data from CDOW, the Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS), CNHP, and RMBO were used to determine those species of concern that could potentially occur within the vicinity proposed transmission line corridor. Special status species that are known to occur or have the potential to occur within Weld County include the state-threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)and the federally threatened Ute ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis). CNHP data for the proposed area show occurrences of four species of special concern for the state (CDOW); the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), swift fox (Vulpes vulpes), black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), and mountain plover(Charadrius montanus). In addition, the proposed transmission line corridor may contain suitable nesting habitat for the state-threatened burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). The Ute ladies'-tresses orchid is associated sub-irrigated alluvial soils along streams, open wet meadows, and floodplains. These habitats are generally lacking within the proposed transmission line corridor. The proposed corridor is within overall range for swift fox. 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 in the area. Swift fox would likely be displaced from the vicinity during construction, but the species is expected to habituate to the presence of the transmission line. No long-term impacts to swift fox are expected. Mountain plovers nest in short grass prairies grazed by prairie dogs, bison, and cattle and in overgrazed tall grass and fallow fields. The proposed Project contains some areas of suitable mountain plover habitat, and CNHP has records of mountain plover occurrences within the northern portions of the proposed corridor. The construction of the transmission line is likely to result in temporary displacement of mountain plovers, but no long-term impacts are expected. Ferruginous hawks are not known to occur within the vicinity of the proposed transmission line corridor. An additional raptor nest survey would be conducted prior to construction to confirm nest locations. Black-tailed prairie dog colonies along the transmission line route would be mapped using existing CDOW data and aerial photography. Further assessment and mapping of prairie dog 60 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • colonies on the final alignment would occur, and colonies would be spanned when feasible. If not possible to span an entire colony, direct impact to individual burrows would be avoided. The burrowing owl is a ground-dwelling grassland species that is most often associated with prairie dog colonies, where they nest in burrows. If construction is to occur within 225 feet of a prairie dog colony during the nesting season (April through July), a preconstruction survey would be conducted in suitable habitat (abandoned prairie dog colonies)within the proposed transmission line corridor. Coordination with CDOW would ensure implementation of appropriate mitigation measures for this species. Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance Wind Energy Facility There are no unique areas of geologic importance within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Records of previously conducted archeological and resource investigations within the Project Area were found in a database search of the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), Colorado Historical Society online database on September 29, 2008(Appendix l). Four cultural resource sites within the current boundaries of the proposed Project Area were • previously recorded. None of these sites is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. A cultural resource survey would be conducted within the proposed Project infrastructure footprint prior to construction. If any significant artifacts are found during construction, Cedar Creek II, LLC will comply with all local, state, and federal requirements for protecting cultural/archaeological resources. No impacts are anticipated to cultural resources as a result of construction or operation of the proposed wind energy facility. Transmission Line There are no unique areas of geologic importance within the proposed site for the transmission line corridor area. Records of previously conducted archeological and resource investigations within the Project Area were found in a database search of the Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), Colorado Historical Society online database on December 16, 2008. The records search revealed four previously recorded cultural resources within the transmission line corridor area. Three of these sites are not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; one is unevaluated. If any significant artifacts are found during construction, Cedar Creek II, LLC will comply with all local, state, and federal requirements • for protecting cultural/archaeological resources. 61 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line No impacts are anticipated to cultural resources as a result of construction or operation of the • proposed transmission line. 21-3-330.B.8—Long-Term Effects from the Project upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development Future physical development of the proposed site would not likely be affected. The site is located within a sparsely populated, largely agricultural area. New Raymer, the nearest community, consists of 80 residents (2000 census). The site is unlikely to be in an area slated for intensive residential, commercial, or industrial development. There would be a long-term economic benefit to Weld County by introducing increased activity and spending dollars into the economy. O&M of the proposed wind energy facility would require approximately 12 to 14 full-time positions. Construction and O&M of the transmission line 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 All practical efforts would be made to restore any disturbed land to its original contour and to restore natural drainage patterns within the proposed site. Disturbance to land during . construction activities would be kept to minimal levels feasible because revegetation can be problematic in Weld County's semi-arid climate. All practical efforts would be made to re- establish native vegetation in the disturbed area. Cedar Creek II, LLC's standard construction mitigation practices (included in Appendix F) address site reclamation of disturbed areas and other mitigation practices. Cedar Creek II, LLC would continue coordination with CDOW to develop appropriate mitigation measures that are compatible with Project goals and that would minimize impacts to wildlife along the proposed transmission line corridor. Cedar Creek II, LLC has met with CDOW and USFWS several times since 2006 to discuss wildlife and vegetation issues pertaining to the proposed Project, including September 19, 2007 (in Fort Collins), September 15, 2008 (a Cedar Creek II site visit), and February 17, 2009, and April 28, 2009 (in Fort Collins). Cedar Creek II, LLC also met with USFS on July 24, 2008, to discuss the proposed Project. 21-3-330.8.10—Non-Structural Alternatives The alternative of not building the facility would fail to fulfill the Project's objective to provide adequate energy supplies to regional utilities. This area was selected for the proposed Project because of its superior wind resources and to provide an opportunity to more fully utilize the transmission infrastructure that was built for the original Cedar Creek Wind Farm. Moving the wind farm to another location would result in a higher cost of electricity due to moving from an area of high electrical production to an area of lower production, and a 62 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line different Project location may result in additional costs associated with construction of transmission infrastructure. Additionally, the Project landowners would lose the opportunity to collect long-term rental payments from the placement of turbines on their land, and Weld County might lose the opportunity to benefit from the jobs creation, additional property taxes, and increased demand for goods and services. In addition, other alternatives to meet the renewable energy mandate associated with Amendment 37 would be necessary. In practice, these alternatives would be problematic because other renewable resources in sufficient quantities and at an acceptable cost profile are largely non-existent, or they would entail construction of other similar large-scale wind energy facilities elsewhere in Colorado. There are no non-structural alternatives that would accomplish the purpose and need for the transmission line and overall Project. If the Project and the proposed transmission line are not built, Colorado utilities would be required to seek other projects to adequately increase their energy supplies to customers and to fulfill the renewable energy mandate associated with the passing of Amendment 37. This is not an acceptable alternative as the purpose and need of the Project would not be met and Weld County would lose all of the Project benefits. 21-3-330.8.11—Structural Alternatives The dependency of a wind energy facility upon consistent wind speeds and appropriate • topography determined the location of the facility.Alternative types of energy generation facilities such as coal or natural gas are not considered as renewable resources and would not meet the objective associated with Amendment 37. Cedar Creek II, LLC considered several alternatives in choosing the best route for the proposed transmission line, which is approximately 14 miles in length. Each preliminary alternative brought its own set of issues and concerns that had to be incorporated into the site selection process. The approach to site selection, therefore,was to consider all feasible alignments and ultimately select a proposed alignment that was economically sound and environmentally compatible with existing environmental conditions. The alignment also needed to be compatible with future Weld County land use plans and acceptable to the jurisdictions it crossed. Eliminated alternatives were removed from detailed analysis based on a combination of environmental and landowner concerns as well as financial and engineering reasons. In addition to the proposed transmission line route, alternative routes were presented for consideration at the public open house (see Appendix B). The proposed transmission line route is located entirely in Weld County as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Proposed Transmission Line Route The proposed transmission line route would include approximately 14 miles of new single- circuit 230-kV transmission line construction that would transmit power from the proposed • 63 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Project to the proposed interconnection site near Keenesburg via the existing Cedar Creek • Wind Farm substation. In general, the permanent transmission line right-of-way is 100 feet. In locations where the proposed transmission line is bounded by two section lines, an additional 300 feet is included to allow for potential siting of the transmission line right-of-way on either side of the section line. .The proposed transmission line would likely cross Two Mile Creek within the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm boundary. The transmission line would also cross numerous unnamed intermittent and ephemeral drainages. Based on evaluation of site-specific criteria listed in Table 3, the proposed transmission line route (see Figure 1) is the selected route for the Project. This route minimally impacted area buildings and residences and the existing Cedar Creek turbine arrays. In addition, this route was selected based on land acquisition issues and engineering and design goals. In general, areas of sensitive natural environments, including riparian areas, water bodies, and areas of potentially suitable habitat for threatened and endangered species or species of state concern, would be avoided where possible. Alternative Transmission Line Routes At least four transmission line route alternatives were evaluated based on features listed in Table 3. The proposed route (shown in Figure 1)was determined to have both minimal impacts on residences and natural resources as well as the greatest potential for land . acquisition. Four preliminary transmission line route alternatives were presented at the public open house held in November 2008. There was no opposition to any of the alternatives expressed via comment forms. 21-3-330.8.12—Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives Air Pollution Impact and Control During construction, fugitive dust may be generated during periods of dry weather in areas where soil has been disturbed during construction. Dust suppression would be performed by applying water to the disturbed area where necessary. After construction is completed, but before vegetation has been reestablished, some minor amount of additional dust could occur. The amount of additional dust would be monitored by Cedar Creek II, LLC, and appropriate action would be taken to control the dust and ensure that potential wind erosion is minimized. The Project Area is within an attainment area for all measured pollutants, including particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter(PM1o). The wind energy facility would generate electricity to be introduced into the purchasing utility's existing electric transmission system. No air emissions would result from operation of the facility. No long- term adverse air quality effects would occur. • 64 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Relative to fossil-fuel based energy generation facilities, air emissions from this facility represent a decrease of 425,000 tons of pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), or sulfur dioxide (SO2). If excessive heavy truck hauling or concrete or materials cause dust problems to the adjacent property owners, Cedar Creek II, LLC would provide an adequate dust suppressant (calcium chloride or magnesium chloride)for approximately 300 feet from any residence. As another alternative, roads may receive an application of fly ash to increase stability. Prior to initiating Project construction activities, Cedar Creek II, LLC would submit a Dust Control Plan to the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment for review and approval. Cedar Creek II, LLC would provide evidence of an Air Pollution Emission Notice (APEN)and Emissions Permit application from CDPHE's Air Pollution Control Division for the concrete batch plant to Weld County prior to the initiation of construction activities. In addition to the required permit for the concrete batch plant, Cedar Creek II, LLC would submit an APEN and Application for Construction Permit for land development activities. Based on the size of the Project Area, a Construction Permit and a 30-day public comment period would be required. Proposed fugitive dust control would be specified on the application • form. Dust control options for unpaved roadways, mud and dirt carry-out, and disturbed areas are described in "An Overview of Colorado Air Regulations for Land Development," a document that is available on the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division website (http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/downloadforms.html). Water Pollution Impact and Control Wind Energy Facility There are several intermittent drainages within the proposed site(Figure 13). The implementation of standard construction and erosion and sedimentation control practices would ensure the minimization of impacts to these drainages from increased turbidity, salinity, and sedimentation. These mitigation measures would include the use of one or more devices such as temporary berms, slope drains, diversion mounds, or sedimentation basins as appropriate. Measures would be implemented during construction to prevent spills of petroleum products or other pollutants that could impact surface water quality. There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with the regular operation or maintenance of the facility. The wind energy facility would not create runoff in excess of historic site levels and would not change existing topography or 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 facility. Erosion and discharge of pollutants from the proposed site would be minimized through • implementation of a Storm Water Management Plan designed to meet the requirements of 65 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line the (CDPHE Construction Storm Water Discharge Permit. This plan is in progress. It is a • design-level plan and would be prepared in consultation with the Weld County Engineer and the CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division. It would include the use of stormwater retention ponds, sedimentation control measures, covering of exposed soils, and other established best management practices as specified in the Stormwater Management Plan. Transmission Line There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with the regular operation or maintenance of the transmission line. The Project would not create runoff in excess of historic site levels and would not change existing topography or 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. 21-3-330.8.13—Design Alternatives—Access, Landscaping, and Architecture Wind Energy Facility Design alternatives for access, landscaping, and architecture are not applicable to the wind energy facility. Transmission Line Access to the transmission line Project would be provided by existing roads and 15-foot access roads within the 100-foot-wide permanent right-of-way along the transmission line. In some locations, new road construction may be required. Specific access through existing gates or through new locations would be agreed upon by Cedar Creek II, LLC and each property owner. The access points would not require architectural or landscape treatments beyond restoring any disturbed land to its preconstruction condition. 21-3-330.B.14—New or Upgraded Services Cedar Creek II, LLC anticipates that there would be minimal adverse impacts to the community and local infrastructure. Project personnel are committed to reviewing county road use and engineering plans with the County Engineer and repairing any damage caused by Cedar Creek II, LLC's contractors so that the county roads within the Project Area never degrade below an agreed upon quality level. Similarly, Cedar Creek II, LLC has already begun consultation with the New Raymer volunteer fire department and would continue to work cooperatively with local fire/rescue departments to ensure the adequacy of fire/rescue resources to serve the facility. Because Cedar Creek II, LLC would not be a major employer, no significant additional demands are expected to be placed on other community services such as the school district. • 66 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line 21-3-330.8.15—Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts Descriptions of atmospheric (air quality)and biotic impacts are described above in Sections 21-3-330.B.12 and 21-3-330.C.2, respectively. Hydrologic Wind Energy Facility Excess surface water that does not percolate into the area's sandy soil drains from the proposed site via ephemeral drainages as well as several named and unnamed intermittent drainages that flow only during snowmelt or precipitation events. The principal drainages in the Project Area are Spring Creek and Two Mile Creek, which flow intermittently southeast across the Project Area and join the South Platte River via intervening streams. A third intermittent drainage, Sidney Draw, drains the northern flank of the Project Area and forms a confluence with Lodgepole Creek near Sidney, Nebraska. Spring Creek, Two Mile Creek, Sidney Draw and some of their tributaries support discontinuous, patchy riparian and wetlands communities within the Project Area. Other drainages in the Project Area are unnamed. Ponds for livestock watering are located along some drainages within the proposed site. Several playas also occur throughout the proposed site, but many have been tilled. • Groundwater in the proposed site is contained in the High Plains aquifer underlying 174,000 square miles in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. The facility would not impact hydrologic flow of either surface or groundwater, nor would it affect groundwater recharge. Existing drainage patterns would be preserved. Permanent facilities would not be located in stream channels. If access roads cross stream channels, appropriately sized culverts would be installed to maintain channel flow and morphology. Water would be required to support construction, including road construction, concrete production, dust control, and other construction activities. Much like the construction of the existing Cedar Creek wind farm,water for construction would be purchased from a to-be- determined source in Nebraska or Wyoming and trucked onto the site by a licensed contractor. On-site water supplies would be developed for O&M facilities. Cedar Creek II, LLC would comply with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements regarding development and use of such on-site sources. Transmission Line There would be no long-term impacts to surface water or groundwater hydrology as a result of the construction or operation of the overhead electric transmission lines. All drainages and irrigation ditches crossed by the transmission line would be spanned, including Two Mile Creek. • 67 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line The Project would not impact hydrologic flow of either surface water or groundwater, nor • would it affect groundwater recharge. Existing drainage patterns would be preserved. Permanent facilities would not be located in stream channels. If access roads cross stream channels, appropriately sized culverts would be installed to maintain channel flow and morphology. Minimal water use would occur during construction and operation of the Project. Water for construction purposes, including concrete foundations and dust control, would be brought in from off-site sources. No existing water rights would be impacted, and there would be no long-term use of water during commercial operation of the transmission line. Geologic The major topographical feature in the area is the plateau upon which the proposed wind energy facility would be located. The construction and operation of the proposed wind energy facility would not alter the geology of the proposed site nor affect opportunities for mineral collection. The topography of the proposed site is relatively flat to rolling. The construction and operation of the electric transmission line would not alter the geology of the Project Area. The topography of the Project Area ranges from approximately 1,500 to over 1,600 feet in elevation in a few areas. Turbine corridors and other Project facilities would primarily be located along relatively flat expanses of highlands. Steep slopes and escarpments—characteristic of the southern-most wind farm Project Area—would be avoided. Pedologic Wind Energy Facility Figure 14 shows the soil shrink/swell potential in the Project Area. Shrink/swell potential of a soil is based on the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture content is increased from air-dry to field capacity. The classes of shrink/sell potential are shown in Table 9. Table 9: Shrink/Swell Classes Class Value Low <3% Moderate 3-6% High 6-9% Very high >9% The soils in the majority of the Project Area have low shrink/swell potential. Seven small areas in the middle of the Project Area have moderate shrink/swell potential. There are no soils inside the Project Area that have high or very high shrink/swell potential. 68 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Figure 15 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 and is calculated as a function of an average diameter of the soil particles. It 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 0.05 to 0.69, with higher values indicating higher losses. For the purpose of this report, soil K factors would be classified based on Table 10. Table 10: Soil Erodibility Classes Class 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 (provided to Weld County as part of the application materials)(NRCS 2009)the following six general soil map unit complexes are found within the proposed Project Area. Argiustolls—Rock Outcrop—Ustic Torriorthents The soils in this unit are rock outcroppings and shallow to deep, well to excessively drained, • nearly level to steep soils on escarpments and colluvial fans. Argiustolls soils are nearly level to sloping on moderately dissected to highly dissected shoulders and backslopes of colluvial fans. These soils are formed in calcareous loamy colluvium and are medium textured to moderately coarse textured throughout. Rock outcrop describes the sloping exposed areas of rock that form the vertical faces of escarpments and the shoulders and backslopes of colluvial fans. Ustic Torriorthents soils are gently sloping to steep. They occur on moderately dissected to highly dissected shoulders and backslopes of colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy colluvium and are medium textured to moderately course textured throughout. Erodibility: This soil series is not rated for erodibility by the NRCS. Shrink/Swell Potential: This soil series is not rated for shrink/swell potential by NRCS. Epping—Thedalund—Keota The soils in this unit are shallow to moderately deep, well drained, nearly level to undulating soils; on alluvial and colluvial fans. Epping soils are shallow and nearly level to sloping. They occur on moderately dissected to highly dissected foot slopes and toe slopes of alluvial and colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. • 71 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Thedalund soils are moderately deep and nearly level to sloping. They occur on slightly 411 dissected to moderately dissected foot slopes and toe slopes of alluvial and colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. Keota soils are moderately deep and nearly level to undulating. They occur on slightly dissected to moderately dissected foot slopes and toe slopes of alluvial and colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. Erodibility: Epping soils have high erodibility. Thedalund soils have moderate erodibility. Keota soils have moderate to high erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Epping soils have low shrink/swell potential. Thedalund soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Keota soils have low shrink/swell potential. Kim—Stoneham—Mitchell The soils in this unit are deep, well drained, nearly level to sloping soils on alluvial and colluvial fans. Kim soils are nearly level to gently undulating and occur on foot slopes and toe slopes of fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured 4111throughout. Stoneham soils are nearly level to gently undulating and are found on foot slopes and toe slopes of fans. They are formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Their surface layer is medium textured while the subsoil is moderately fine textured. Mitchell soils are nearly level to sloping and are found on foot and toe slopes of fans. They are formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. Erodibility: Kim soils have moderate erodibility. Stoneham soils have low erodibility. Mitchell soils have high erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Kim soils and Stoneham soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Mitchell soils have low shrink/swell potential. 72 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Ascalon—Peetz The soils in this unit are deep, well drained to excessively drained, nearly level to hilly soils on ridges of high plains. Ascalon soils are nearly level to rolling and are well drained. They occur on slightly dissected to highly dissected high plains, foot slopes and toe slopes of ridges. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Their surface layer is moderately coarse textured to medium textured while the subsoil is moderately fine textured. Peetz soils are undulating to hilly and are excessively drained. They occur on moderately dissected to highly dissected shoulders and backslopes of ridges. They formed in calcareous gravelly colluvium. Erodibility: Ascalon soils and Peetz soils have low erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Ascalon soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Peetz soils have low shrink swell potential. Ascalon—Bushman—Curabith The soils in this unit are deep, well drained, nearly level to hilly soils; on high plains and ridges. • Ascalon soils are nearly level to rolling and are well drained. They occur on slightly dissected to highly dissected high plains, foot slopes and toe slopes of ridges. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Their surface layer is moderately coarse textured to medium textured while the subsoil is moderately fine textured. Bushman soils are nearly level to rolling and are found on moderately dissected to highly dissected high plains. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and are moderately coarse textured throughout. Curabith soils are nearly level to hilly. They are deep and can be found on slightly dissected to highly dissected high plains and ridges. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium derived from sandstone and limestone. They are medium textured to moderately coarse textured throughout. Erodibility: Ascalon soils, Bushman soils, and Curabith soils have low erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Ascalon soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Bushman soils and Curabith soils have low shrink/swell potential. Rosebud—Curabith—Canyon The soils in this unit are shallow to deep, well drained, nearly level to hilly soils on high plains, • ridges, and breaks. 75 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Rosebud soils are nearly level to gently undulating and moderately deep on moderately dissected to highly dissected high plains. They formed in calcareous loamy residuum derived from sandstone. Their surface layer is moderately coarse to medium textured. Their subsoil is moderately fine textured and sandstone can be found at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. Curabith soils are nearly level to hilly. They are deep and can be found on slightly dissected to highly dissected high plains and ridges. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium derived from sandstone and limestone. They are medium textured to moderately coarse textured throughout. Canyon soils are gently sloping to sloping and are shallow on moderately dissected to highly dissected upland ridges and knolls. They are formed in partially consolidated, limy, loamy residuum derived from sandstone. They are medium textured throughout and sandstone can be found at a depth of 10 to 20 inches. Erodibility: Rosebud soils and Curabith soils have low erodibility. Canyon soils have moderate to high erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Rosebud soils, Curabith soils, and Canyon soils have low shrink/swell potential. The 43 detailed soil map units (that include specific slope categories)listed in Table 11 occur within the Project Area. It is likely that once Project feature locations are finalized, only a fraction of these would occur within their boundaries. The facility would not adversely affect any of these soil types. Construction of the facility would cause some localized soil compaction and increase the potential for soil erosion. Long- term effects associated with soil compaction and erosion would be minimized or negated through strict adherence to Cedar Creek II, LLC's standard construction mitigation practices (Appendix F)and the following mitigation procedures: • Movement of construction vehicles and equipment will be limited to the construction right- of-way, existing Weld County roads, and other access routes that may need to be negotiated with private landowners. • Following the completion of work, compacted soils will be loosened and graded by scarifying, harrowing, disking, or other approved methods. • All disturbed areas will be re-graded and, where appropriate, re-seeded to provide proper drainage, stabilize soils, and prevent erosion. • Construction-phase sediment and erosion-control measures will be implemented where appropriate. 76 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Table 11: Detailed Soil Map Units Occurring within Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Area Unit Slope(%) Altvan fine sandy loam 0 to 6 Ascalon fine sandy loam 0 to 6 6 to 9 Ascalon-Blakeland complex 3 to 15 Ascalon-Bushman-Curabith complex 3 to 15 Avar fine sandy loam 0 to 3 Bankard loamy fine sand 0 to 3 Blakeland loamy sand 0 to 6 6 to 12 Bresser sandy loam 0 to 3 3 to 9 Bushman fine sandy loam 0 to 3 3 to 9 Bushman-Curabith-Canyon complex 0 to 20 Cascajo gravelly sandy loam 5 to 20 Dacono clay loam 0 to 6 Eckley sandy clay loam 0 to 6 6 to 9 Eckley-Dix-Blakeland complex 6 to 20 • Epping silt loam 0 to 9 frequen tly complex flooded Keith loam 0 to 6 Kim-Mitchell complex 0 to 6 6 to 9 Manter sandy loam 0 to 6 3 to 9 Nucla loam 0 to 3 Nunn clay loam 0 to 6 Nunn loam 0 to 6 Olney fine sandy loam 6 to 9 Otero sandy loam 3 to 9 Peetz gravelly sandy loam 5 to 20 Peetz-Rock outcrop complex 9 to 40 Platner loam 0 to 3 Renohill fine sandy loam 6 to 9 Rosebud fine sandy loam 0 to 6 6 to 9 Shingle clay loam 0 to 9 Stoneham fine sandy loam 6 to 9 Thedalund-Keota loamy 3 to 9 Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex 9 to 40 Wages fine sandy loam 0 to 6 • 6to9 77 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Transmission Line • Shrink/swell potential and soil erodibility factors and are shown in Figures 14 and 15, respectively. Areas of potential subsidence do not exist in the Project Area based on working and abandoned mines. There are no data sources available that evaluate subsidence hazard in the Project Area. The proposed transmission line corridor includes the following soil complexes: Arguistolls—Rock Outcrop—Ustic Torrlort/tents Rock outcrops occur in this unit. Soils are shallow to deep, well-drained and excessively drained, nearly level to steep soils, and on escarpment and colluvial fans. Arguistolls soils are nearly level to sloping. These soils are on moderately dissected to highly dissected shoulders and backslopes of colluvial fans. They are medium to moderately coarse textured. The rock outcrops consist of sloping, exposed areas of rock that form the vertical face of escarpments and shoulders and backslopes of colluvial fans. Ustic Torriorthents soils are gently sloping to steep. These soils are moderately dissected to highly dissect on shoulders and backslopes of colluvial fans. These soils are formed in calcareous loamy colluvium. These soils are medium to moderately coarse textured throughout. Erodibility:Arguistolls and rock outcrops are not rated for erodibility. Ustic Torriorthents are • not rated for erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential:These units do not have a shrink/swell potential rating. Epping—Thedalund—Keota The soils in this unit are shallow to moderately deep, well drained, nearly level to undulating soils on alluvial and colluvial fans. Epping soils are shallow and nearly level to sloping. They occur on moderately dissected to highly dissected foot slopes and toe slopes of alluvial and colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. Thedalund soils are moderately deep and nearly level to sloping. They occur on slightly dissected to moderately dissected foot slopes and toe slopes of alluvial and colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. Keota soils are moderately deep and nearly level to undulating. They occur on slightly dissected to moderately dissected foot slopes and toe slopes of alluvial and colluvial fans. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium and are medium textured throughout. • 78 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Erodibility: Epping soils have high erodibility. Thedalund soils have moderate erodibility. Keota soils have moderate to high erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Epping soils have low shrink/swell potential. Thedalund soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Keota soils have low shrink/swell potential. Kim—Stoneham—Mitchell The soils in this unit are deep, well-drained, nearly level to sloping on alluvial and colluvial fans. Kim soils are nearly level to gently undulating on foot slopes and toe slopes of fans. These soils are formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Soil texture is medium throughout. Stoneham soils are nearly level to gently undulating on foot slopes and toe slopes of fans. These soils are formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Soil texture is medium to moderately fine. Mitchell soils are nearly level to sloping on foot slopes and toe slopes of fans. These soils are found in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Soil texture is medium throughout. Erodibility: Kim soils have high erodibility. Stoneham soils have low to medium erodibility. Mitchell soils have high erodibility. • Shrink/Swell Potential: Kim and Stoneham soils have a low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Mitchell soils have a low shrink/swell potential. Ascalon—Peetz The soils in this unit are deep, well drained to excessively drained, nearly level to hilly soils on ridges of high plains. Ascalon soils are nearly level to rolling and are well drained. They occur on slightly dissected to highly dissected high plains, foot slopes and toe slopes of ridges. They formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Their surface layer is moderately coarse textured to medium textured while the subsoil is moderately fine textured. Peetz soils are undulating to hilly and are excessively drained. They occur on moderately dissected to highly dissected shoulders and backslopes of ridges. They formed in calcareous gravelly colluvium. Erodibility: Ascalon soils and Peetz soils have low erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential: Ascalon soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Peetz soils have low shrink swell potential. • 79 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Ascalon—Altvan The soils in this unit are deep and well drained and occur as nearly level to rolling soils on high plains. Ascalon soils are well drained and nearly level to rolling. They occur on slightly dissected to highly dissected toe and foot slopes of ridges and formed in calcareous loamy alluvium and colluvium. Their surface layer is moderately coarse to medium textured while the subsoil is moderately fine textured. Altvan soils are nearly level to gently undulating on smooth to moderately dissected high plains. They are formed in calcareous gravelly alluvium. Their surface soils are moderately coarse textured and subsoil is moderately fine textured. Sand and gravel can be found at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. Erodibility:Ascalon and Altvan soils have low erodibility. Shrink/Swell Potential:Ascalon and Altvan soils have low to moderate shrink/swell potential. The 27 detailed soil map units (including specific slope categories)listed in Table 12 occur within the Project area. It is likely that once Project feature locations are finalized, only a fraction of these would occur within their boundaries. Areas of high erodibility are present within central portion of the proposed transmission line corridor. The remainder of the transmission line routes is primarily within areas of moderate erodibility as shown in Figure 15. Overall, shrink/swell potentials are low within the Project Area (Figure 14). There are no active or abandoned coal mines within the proposed right-of-way of the transmission line. Coal mines and other types of mines may increase the risk of soil subsidence. The adverse impact to farm and ranch land from the proposed Project would be minimal. The placement of the wood pole transmission line support structures would not preclude the use of farmland under the suspended transmission lines regardless of the farmland classification. • 80 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Table 12: Detailed Soil Map Units Occurring within Cedar Creek II Transmission Line Project Area Unit Slope Altvan fine sandy loam 0 to 6 6to9 Ascalon fine sandy loam 0 to 6 6 to 9 Ascalon-Blakeland complex 3 to 15 Badland Not Applicable Bankard loamy fine sand 0 to 3 Blakeland loamy sand 0 to 6 Bushman fine sandy loam 0 to 3 3 to 9 Bushman-Curabith-Canyon complex 0 to 20 Eckley sandy clay loam 0 to 6 Eckley-Dix-Blakeland complex 6 to 20 Epping silt loam 0 to 9 Haverson loam 0 to 3 Kim-Mitchell complex 0 to 6 6 to 9 Manter sandy loam 3 to 9 • Nucla loam 0 to 3 0 to 6 Otero sandy loam 0 to 3 3 to 9 Otero-Tassel complex 6 to 30 Peetz-Rock outcrop complex 9 to 40 Thedalund-Keota looms 0 to 3 Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex 9 to 40 Wages fine sandy loam 0 to 6 6 to 9 The Project would not adversely affect any of the soil types within these complexes. Construction of the Project would cause some localized soil compaction and increase the potential for soil erosion. Long-term effects associated with soil compaction and erosion would be minimized or negated through strict adherence to Cedar Creek II, LLC's standard construction mitigation practices (Appendix F)and the following mitigation procedures: • Movement of construction vehicles and equipment will be limited to the construction right-of-way, existing Weld County roads, and other access routes that may need to be negotiated with landowners. • Following the completion of work, compacted soils will be loosened and leveled by scarifying, harrowing, disking, or other approved methods. • 81 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • All disturbed areas will be re-graded and, where appropriate, re-seeded to provide • proper drainage, stabilize soils, and prevent erosion. • Construction-phase sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented where appropriate. Visual Wind Energy Facility The proposed site for the wind energy facility is set within a typical rural setting that consists of fields that are either tilled, grazed grasslands, or CRP grasslands. Occupied and abandoned farm/homesteads are distributed along gravel roads. Missile silos managed by DOD are also dispersed throughout the area, as are a few land mobile towers as shown in Figure 16. One electric distribution line (115 kV and above)and one gas pipeline run through the area as well (see Figure 3). The flat to rolling landscape is characteristic of much of eastern Colorado. Because the landscape already has numerous wind turbines in operation from the existing Cedar Creek wind farm and the Peete's Table wind farm, the visual impact of Cedar Creek Il's additional wind turbines are considered to be minor. The beneficial or adverse nature of the change depends upon one's perspective. Visual simulations that show the expected view of the wind energy facility, from Highway 71 within the northeastern portion of the Project, and from the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead, are shown in Figures 17 and 18, respectively. Associated substations and overhead power lines would also be introduced into the visual landscape. During construction, the increase in dust from vehicles would likely be noticeable on a temporary and limited basis. Lighting of the wind energy facility at night is required by the FAA. The FAA does not require that every single turbine be lighted, but rather requires lights on the turbines along the perimeter of the wind farm. Lights would likely be synchronized flashing red lights. The lights typically turn on for three or four seconds and then turn off for three or four seconds. Use of daytime white lights is not required because the turbines are white. Communication with the FAA would ensure agency approval of the lighting plan. Transmission Line Visual impacts of the proposed transmission line are minimized because the line is being sited in a very rural area. The proposed transmission line runs predominantly along section lines through private land in remote areas so the visual impacts are dramatically reduced for the public. To lessen the impact on nearby residents, the proposed transmission line route avoids areas adjacent to residences. • 82 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 23OkV Transmission Line Noise Wind Energy Facility In general,there are three factors that would determine the level of sound that the facility's wind turbine generators produce: • The sound produced by the particular turbine model being used by the facility • The number of turbines being used by the facility • The distance between the turbines and the observer The sound levels produced by the Project are not expected to be significant. Because the sound levels diminish with distance, the 1,500 feet minimum distance from all residences would reduce the noise levels substantially. In fact,the sound experienced by an observer at this distance from a five-turbine array is similar to the noise levels produced by a kitchen refrigerator. Wind Turbine Generator Sound Level Research and development efforts within recent years have resulted in dramatic improvements in reducing sound levels emitted from wind turbine generators. Unwanted mechanical noise from metal components knocking against each other has been virtually eliminated. For example, wind turbine gearboxes have been modified to operate quietly. • Another source of sound from wind turbines is the"swishing" sound that rotor blades make as the wind passes over the blade to transfer energy to the rotor. A decrease in the turning speed of blades and advances in blade tip design have significantly reduced this particular sound source. Wind turbine generators similar in nature to those currently being contemplated for the facility have been acoustically tested by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This test involved the placement of four microphones approximately 360 feet away from the turbine. Sound was measured when the wind attained a speed of 8 meters per second and was adjusted to take background noise into account. Table 13 summarizes the results from this test. Table 13: Wind Turbine Generator Acoustic Test Results Description Measured Method 1 Derived Method 2 Simple Average Background-corrected A-weighted sound pressure at 51.0 dBA 53.9 dBA 52.5 dBA the acoustic reference wind speed Source:National Wind Technology Center(2000) Thus, at a distance of 360 feet, the sound level experienced is approximately 53 decibels on an A-weighted scale (dBA)at an average wind speed of 8 meters per second. This sound level can be placed in context by comparing it with other typical sound levels as shown in Table 14. • 89 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Table 14: . Comparative Sound Chart A-Weighted Subjectivity/ Source Sound Level Impression Soft Whisper(at 5 feet)or a Quiet Bedroom 30 dBA Quiet Large Transformer(at 200 feet) 40 dBA Quiet Private Business Office 50 dBA Quiet Wind Turbine(at 360 feet) 53 dBA Quiet Department Store 60 dBA Mod.Loud Freeway(at 100 feet) 70 dBA Mod. Loud Pneumatic Drill(at 50 feet)or Kitchen Garbage Disposal 80 dBA Loud Ambulance Siren(al 100 feet) 90 dBA Very Loud Pile Drive(at 50 feet) 100 dBA Very Loud Rock Music Concert 110 dBA Very Loud Source:Data reference points courtesy of the National Wind Coordinating Committee It should be noted that, as a general rule of thumb, an increase of 10 dBA would seem twice as loud to the observer since the decibel scale is logarithmic. The following is an excerpt from an article regarding turbine acoustics by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA, no date): Decibels Wind turbines make noise:how much noise? • jet airplane Ifj{(Q- IAI Noise was an issue with some early wind .f4, ttll turbine designs, but it has been largely wt HO eliminated as a problem through improved niu,_n,, - engineering and appropriate use of setbacks ^o'" r s stereo from nearby residences.Aerodynamic noise (cu u I mask has been reduced by adjusting the thickness of o-,,c`" �0�� ,R the blades'trailing edges and by orienting 70 _ r i blades upwind of the turbine tower.A small Mane CI so amount of noise is generated by the I so y mechanical components of the turbine. To put wirJ 3e&oomeit M ' 40 in boo this[noise]into perspective, a wind turbine 250 .l� meters(275 yards]from a residence is no 30 Yvh,Pc,„.8 noisier than a kitchen refrigerator. The diagram Fai''n$ 10 compares decibel levels from a hypothetical Im.+es 10 wind turbine(at a distance of 250 meters), with other sources of noise. While two turbines will produce twice the sound energy(or sound pressure) of one turbine, this does not translate into a doubling of loudness experienced by the human ear. The information above assumes that the observer is 360 feet away from all turbines in the facility. The reality is that turbine arrays will be at varying distances that are further away than 360 feet. In fact, given the turbine spacing requirements, it will be physically impossible for an individual to be closer than 750 feet to more than two turbines at a time. I 90 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Transmission Line Audible noise from an overhead electric transmission line is produced by a phenomenon called corona. Corona is caused by the ionization of the air at the surface of the energized conductor and suspension hardware, due to very high electric-field strength. Corona is a function of voltage, the diameter of the conductor, and the condition of the conductor and suspension hardware. The electric field around an energized conductor is directly related to the line voltage and is the greatest at the surface. The proposed 230-kV conductors for the transmission line would use a conductor of sufficient diameter to control corona effects. With 230-kV overhead construction, standard conductor attachment hardware is typically adequate to control corona. Higher voltages require special low-corona hardware. Environmental noise, including electric transmission line noise, is usually measured in decibels on the audible scale (dBA),which models the sound to correspond to human perception. Table15 shows typical dBA for various settings. The background ambient noise level varies with wind, rain,traffic, or other human activity. Because sound increase is a logarithmic calculation, adding a second circuit does not double the perceived volume of noise from a transmission line. There are generally few complaints about electric transmission line noise for levels below 50 dBA(EPRI 1987). The switching station and the transmission line rebuild would meet state noise standards at the property line and edge of the right-of-way. • Table 15: Typical Ambient Noise Levels Typical Ambient Setting Noise Level Quiet suburban or rural community(remote from large cities and from industrial activity and trucking) 50 dBA Normal suburban community(not located near industrial activity) 55 dBA Urban residential community(not immediately adjacent to heavily traveled roads and industrial areas) 60 dBA Noisy urban residential community(near relatively busy roads or industrial areas) 65 dBA Very noisy urban residential community 70 dBA Source:EPA(1974) Temporary noise impacts would occur during construction. Table 16 shows typical equipment that is likely to be used during construction of the overhead and underground segments and their associated noise levels. • 91 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Table 16: . Typical Construction Equipment Noise Range of Noise Levels Activity Type of Equipment (dBA)At 200 feet Material handling Concrete mixers 62 to 75 Concrete pumps 69 to 71 Cranes 64 to 76 Cherry-picker 65 to 85 Forklift 60 to 80 Service truck 65 to 85 Pickup truck 57 to 77 Stationary equipment Pumps 57 to 59 Generators 59 to 70 Compressors 64 to 75 Welder 56 to 76 Land clearing Bulldozer 65 to 84 Dump truck 70 to 82 Backhoe 65 to 85 Grading Bulldozer 65 to 84 Source:EPA(1971) 21-3-330.8.16-Surface and Subsurface Drainage Subsurface drainage would not be impacted by the proposed wind energy facility. Erosion and discharge of pollutants from the proposed Project would be minimized through implementation of a Storm Water Management Plan designed to meet the requirements of the CDPHE's Construction Storm Water Discharge Permit. This plan would be prepared when the final Project design is available for implementation during Project construction. It is a design-level plan and would be prepared in consultation with the Weld County Engineer and the CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division. It would include the use of storm water retention ponds, sedimentation control measures, covering of exposed soils, and other established best management practices as specified in the Stormwater Management Plan. Two Mile Creek is the only named drainage located along the transmission line route; the transmission line route crosses several unnamed drainages. There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with the regular operation or maintenance of the transmission line. Construction of the Project would not create runoff in excess of historic site levels and would not change existing topography or 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 interconnection facility. A range of measures to ensure that the Project does not impact water quality is listed in Appendix F. 21-3-330.C—Specific Submittal Requirements Submittal requirements as specified by Weld County are included in the sections above. 92 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line References APLIC (Avian Power Line Interaction Committee). 2006. R. Harness, contributing author to: Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: State of the Art in 2006. Edison Electric Institute, APLIC, and the California Energy Commission. Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA. Arnett, E.B., W.K. Brown, W.P. Erickson, J.K. Fieldler, B.L. Hamilton, T.H. Henry, A. Jain, G.D. Johnson, J. Kerns, R.R. Koford, C.P. Nicholson, T.J. O'Connell, M.D. Piorkowski, and R.D. Tankersley, Jr. 2008. Patterns of bat fatalities at wind energy facilities in North America. Journal of Wildlife Management 72(1):61-78. AWEA (American Wind Energy Association). No date. Wind Power Myths vs. Facts. http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/050629_Myths_vs_Facts_Fact_Sheet.pdf Accessed May 14, 2009. EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute). 1987. Transmission Line Reference Book, 345kV and Above. Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 1987. Good, R.E. 2006. Personal communication from R.E. Good of Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. to N. Korbe of EDAW, Inc. regarding avian and bat impacts at wind farms. • Gruver, J.C. 2002. Assessment of bat community structure and roosting habitat preferences for the hoary bat(Lasiurus cinereus) near Foote Creek Rim, WY. Master's thesis, University of Wyoming, Laramie. 149pp. FEMA(Federal Emergency Management Administration). 2009. http://www.fema.gov/plan/preventfihm/fq_gen13.shtm (1/5/09). FHWA(Federal Highway Administration). 2003. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. 2003 Edition. Johnson, G.D., W.P. Erickson, M.D. Strickland, M.F. Shepherd, D.A. Shepherd, and S.A. Sarappo. 2003. Mortality of Bats at a Large-Scale Wind Power Development at Buffalo Ridge, Minnesota. The American Midland Naturalist 150: 332-342. Kunz, T. H., E. B. Arnett, B. M. Cooper, W. P. Erickson, R. P. Larkin, T. Mabee, M. L. Morrison, M. D. Strickland, and J. M. Szewczak. 2007. Assessing Impacts of Wind- energy Development on Nocturnally Active Birds and Bats: A Guidance Document. Journal of Wildlife Management, 71:2449-2486. NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences). 1999. NIEHS Report on Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields. NIH Publication No. 99-4493. May 4, 1999. • 93 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line National Wind Technology Center. 2000. Wind Turbine Generator System Acoustic Noise Test Report for the TZ 1.5i Wind Turbine. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, November 2. NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service Soils Data Mart). 2009. Data for Weld County Soils. http://soildatamart.nres.usda.gov/. EPA(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 1974. Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety, EPA/ONAC 550/9-74-004, March, 1974. . 1971. Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations. EPA PB 206717, Environmental Protection Agency, December 31, 1971. Pacificorp (Pacificorp, SeaWest Windpower, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management). 2003.Avian and Bat Mortality associated with the Initial Phase of the Foote Creek Rim Wind Power Project, Carbon County, Wyoming: November 1998—June 2002. 2003. Prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. Authors: D.P. Young, Jr., W.P. Erickson, R.E. Good, M.D. Strickland, and G.D. Johnson. 94 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Appendix B: Public Open House Materials • I CEDAR CREEK ii WINO FARA W .. VI I t \ _ O - ' �.• _ 5 1j �+Si `t ,irti � y � PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE = "� " ~� For the proposed Cedar Creek II Wind Farm W Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 0. 0 - Time: 4:00 p.m . to 7 :00 p.m . Place: New Raymer Community Center U Address: 23 Shirley Avenue J _ New Raymer, Colorado 80742 a • ,` ,;!"~ .-,. r ..� r (Map on Back) ir 0.. -:: i ‘O" ,. . . x I i- i. BP Alternative Energy invites you to attend an open house meeting \ x _ I fry9*. ' ' for the proposed Cedar Creek II Wind Farm in Weld County, Colorado. P P,‘",,,s‘ 1‘14.:1 frfr-:}4l. ' • • I. :. c .. j - BP Alternative Energy is proposing to build up to 300 MW of wind 0 turbines which would provide enough clean electricity to power approximately 90,000 homes in the State of Colorado. It is expected :1;1 that the Cedar Creek II wind farm will be built in multiple phases. Please feel free to drop by at your convenience between 4:00 p.m. W and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 and meet C ; � members of the project team. BP Alternative Energy values your _ opinion and we invite you to the public open house to learn more > about the project and share with us any comments, questions or Z concerns you may have regarding the proposed wind farm. W If you have any questions regarding the project, contact: CC David Gonzalez CC • Business Developer, BP Alternative Energy Telephone: (713) 354-2138 m 4, david.gonzalez2@bp.com a >I. III 4 r, ‘ -- bp alternativenergy " 0 V I I I= O To. Grover , T 85 71 Public Open House , 2, - i I New Raymer Community Center ZI Nunn 23 Shirley Avenue li ' W New Raymer, CO 80742 IP a / �- ME — 14 O �^ Sterl ni g� Ault_ New Raymer F f -Collins 1 V CO Loveland 1 Greel -.yIl ! - 7• t_ _ y i' {Om lI l Kersey d %` Milliken ` $4. e L,P 1 q 0 q_ y +. 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Y ¢ Z C v! Z < < La co-i0 < 20 O w w m - ¢ ¢ ¢ 2 F- a ro ¢ 0 d `Q aC Q2 O Z Q W Z m 0 OQ � 0) Q ¢ OUQ 0Z • w > 0_ M _< < OC0 w w m m w ¢ z ¢ O zozZ ¢ QZ OOJWZWZOOzCaa �aJ ¢ WOO -immOU ¢ Z ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ o ¢ wmp ¢ aww � _Ia ¢ Q ¢ a '-iam >- o_ QD >¢0gQ ¢Q .a0iOOw ¢ oo ❑ J LL Q -, (O W z Z U Q U' > > > 7i U' w ¢ > 2 (J' ¢ > (n J U' -] P > r n d > W w CEDAR CREEK WIND PROJECT WELD COUNTY, COLORADO Sponsor: The Cedar Creek II wind farm is a proposed development by BP Wind Energy a wholly owned subsidiary of BR BP is one of the world's largest energy companies and continues to lead the effort to meet the world's growing demand for sustainable, environmentally responsible energy. Project Summary: The Cedar Creek II wind farm is a proposed wind energy development to build up to 300 megawatts ( MW) of wind turbine generators in north-central Weld County, Colorado. Site Location: The proposed project will be located on approximately 30,000 acres of land some 25 miles east of Grover and east of the existing Cedar Creek wind farm . M ; Wind Turbines: Up to 300 MW's of wind turbine generators could be installed once the project is fully built out. The wind turbines will have a tower section of approximately 260 feet. Each blade will extend up / to 155 feet from the tower so that the total height • of the turbine could be up to 415 feet tall . Power: The electricity from the proposed Cedar Creek II project will reach the grid through approximately 10 miles of new transmission lines that connect to the existing Cedar Creek wind farm . From there, the project will utilize the existing 72 mile ( 230 kV) transmission line to deliver its electricity to nearby markets. Project Benefits Community Benefits: Lease payments provide a stable cash flow for farmers and ranchers without utilizing much land. Property taxes that are paid on the installed equipment provide a substantial cash flow to the County, which can be used for schools, etc. Wind farm projects create jobs during construction and operation and create demand for local supplies and services. Environmental Benefits: Once fully built out the wind farm will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 90,000 homes in the State of Colorado. bp alternativenergy 0 • 0� t 4- I 4 _.; O }, O >. 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X Omt� 2 w W 0. C a H o f I F- Z °'21 2 E _ a a o Y £ 0 a ® S o c w a .c" _ O CL a) (6 0 o � caE I 2 I E Cn >• 'O ~ @ m M 0 a @ O Na) M 32 8 Z m °' , c x Q r 0 m @NH t— a c a> o 0 'J o m o- z Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line S Appendix F: Standard Construction Mitigation Practices • Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Construction Practices and Mitigation Measures The following measures will be implemented by Cedar Creek II, LLC for mitigating impacts from the proposed Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project. 1. Construction of the overhead transmission line will require minimal clearing of the chosen right-of-way. Reclamation of temporarily disturbed areas around the transmission structures, including roads not needed for maintenance, will be completed by regrading, discing, mulching, fertilizing, and reseeding with a native seed mixture appropriate to the type of vegetation disturbed and approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)or as requested in writing by the landowner. Existing access will be used whenever feasible to minimize disturbance to vegetation resources. 2. In the entire Project Area, contractors will exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and will 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 construction roads, or excavation operations, vegetation will be preserved and will be protected from damage by construction operations and equipment. • 3. When construction is complete, all storage and construction materials and debris will be removed from the site. 4. All areas of potential soil disturbance within the Project Area will be surveyed for noxious weeds before construction begins. Noxious weeds will be managed in all surface disturbed areas. If herbicides are needed to control noxious weeds, they will be applied by a licensed contractor. Equipment will be washed at a commercial facility prior to construction and on-site during construction if weeds are found within or adjacent to the Project Area.A Cedar Creek II, LLC contractor will be responsible for monitoring,treating, and documenting noxious weeds throughout the life of the Project.A weed management plan will be developed that discusses both general and species-specific weed control methods. 5. Cedar Creek II, LLC will limit construction activities and equipment movement to access routes,the right-of-way or construction easement to minimize damage to residential yards, grazing land, crops, orchards, and property. Cedar Creek II, LLC will coordinate with landowners to avoid impacting the normal function of irrigation devices during Project construction and operation. 6. At the end of construction, Cedar Creek II, LLC will restore/rehabilitate all construction- caused deep ruts that are hazardous to farming operations and to the movement of equipment. Such ruts will be leveled,filled and graded, or otherwise eliminated in an approved manner. Ruts, scars and compacted soils in hay meadow, alfalfa fields, pasture, and cultivated productive lands will have the soil loosened and leveled by scarifying, • F-1 • harrowing, discing, or other approved methods. Damage to ditches,tile drains,terraces, roads, and other features of the land will be corrected. At the end of each construction season and before final acceptance of the work in these agricultural areas, all ruts will be obliterated, and all trails and areas that are hard-packed as a result of construction operations will be loosened and leveled.The land and facilities will be restored as nearly as practicable to the original condition. 7. Standard mitigation practices will be required to avoid impacts to water resources. These will include those listed under the soil erosion plan and under a hazardous waste management plan to minimize the risk of contaminating water resources during Project construction. Construction activities will 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, sanitary waste, industrial waste, oil and other petroleum products, aggregate processing tailings, mineral salts, and thermal pollution. 8. Dewatering work for transmission line trenching, structure foundations, or earthwork operations adjacent to, or encroaching on, streams or watercourses will not be performed without prior approval from appropriate state or federal agencies. 9. An erosion control/stormwater management plan will be developed and implemented to • prevent sediment input to the drainages within the overall Project Area.The plan will be designed to meet the requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's Construction Stormwater Discharge Permit. Measures associated with this plan will be implemented during Project construction and any future maintenance activities associated with the wind energy facility, transmission line, and switching station.Waste waters from construction operations will be handled in accordance with Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12 and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division permit discharge requirements. Erosion mitigation measures will include the use of one or more devices such as temporary berms, slope drains, diversion mounds, or sedimentation basins, as appropriate. Silt fence will be used to prevent sediment from entering wetlands or open water. Temporary drainage control will also be implemented as appropriate to aid in controlling erosion and sedimentation. 10. Wetlands, floodplains rivers, streams, and lakes will be avoided whenever feasible. The location, alignment, and grade of construction roads will minimize impacts to wetland, riparian, and aquatic resources. Impacts to wetlands, including playa lakes at the wind energy facility site, are not expected to occur. 11. The proposed transmission line will cross one major drainage and numerous unnamed intermittent drainages, some of which drain into the South Platte River. Since the South • F-2 • Platte River is a jurisdictional "waters of the U.S."as designated by the Army Corps of Engineers and since some of these other drainages have the potential to be determined jurisdictional (by the Corps), consultation with this entity and notification of the Project will be required to avoid impacts or to implement appropriate mitigation. 12. Equipment and vehicles will avoid riparian areas on the right-of-way during construction and operation activities where possible and minimize impacts by using existing access points. Existing bridges or fords will be used to access the right-of-way on either side of riparian areas. 13. Cedar Creek II, LLC has identified and plans to conduct/has conducted a series of studies aimed at identifying existing wildlife resources on the wind farm site and along the transmission line corridor. These studies have been designed in consultation with CDOW and USFWS. Studies that have been conducted or that will be conducted include: • Raptor Nest Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site • Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site • Breeding Songbird Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site • Mountain Plover Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site • Reptile and Amphibian Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site • Sensitive Habitat Assessment—Wind Energy Facility Site and Transmission Line Route • Wetland Assessment—Wind Energy Facility Site and Transmission Line Route • • Bat Use Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site • Swift Fox Den Surveys—Wind Energy Facility Site Upon completion of certain key preconstruction surveys identified above, Cedar Creek II, LLC will investigate and,to the extent necessary, propose a variety of potential site-specific and species specific mitigation measures to mitigate potential impacts to wildlife. These measures may include actions such as: • Detailed transmission line preconstruction habitat assessment and raptor nest surveys; • Setbacks of either construction-related activities or permanent facilities (i.e. roads, towers)from sensitive areas; • Limiting time of construction to exclude breeding or nesting seasons; • Additional studies during construction and/or post operations to determine impacts; • Special design features aimed at minimizing avian impacts(i.e. perch deterrents,flight diverters, conductor spacing, etc); • Creation of new habitat features (i.e. raptor nesting platforms); and • Creation of habitat conservation areas to offset potential impacts; • Avoidance of impact to sensitive habitats and areas such as wetlands and black-tailed prairie dog colonies when feasible. • F-3 • Cedar Creek II, LLC will work cooperatively with CDOW and USFWS to review potential impacts and select appropriate mitigation strategies given the nature of the proposed project, potential impacts, and likely effectiveness and feasibility of mitigation measures. 14. A cultural resource file search of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)database has been conducted for the Project Area. In areas where sensitive historic, paleontological, or archeological resources are known to occur Cedar Creek II, LLC will design the layout of the Project infrastructure to avoid and minimize impacts to these resources. 15. Fire-fighting equipment will be located in vehicles and the O&M facility. If fires cannot be extinguished with resources on-site, the landowner, sheriff, and local fire department will be advised. Fire deterrents within the wind farm will include access roads, which may serve as fire breaks and regular clearing of vegetation from areas around transformers, riser poles, and buildings.Annual reports detailing fire and fire suppression efforts will be recorded by O&M staff and provided to Cedar Creek II, LLC annually. 16. An Emergency Response Plan will be established for the Project to ensure employee safety for emergencies such as personnel injury,fires, explosions, and other scenarios where project evacuation will be required. The Emergency Response Plan will cover project employees, site visitors, and on-site contractors, and will be administered by the Project operations manager or designee. Part of this plan will include prior coordination with local emergency response agencies to plan for proper communication and response to on-site • emergencies. • F-4 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Appendix G: Use by Special Review Questionnaire • • Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Site-Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review (USR) Questionnaire 1. Explain, in detail,the proposed use of the property. The proposed use is to construct the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project,which consists of a 300 megawatt(MW)wind energy facility, 230-kilovolt(kV)transmission line, and associated facilities. This application is requesting approval of a permit to conduct an Activity of State Interest as authorized by Title 24, Section 65.1-501 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) and Title 21,Article 2-10 of the Weld County Land Use Code.The proposed use is described in further detail in the Introduction Section of this 1041 Application. 2. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code, Chapter 22(Comprehensive Plan). The Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan, has been reviewed and the proposed wind farm is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan, including Land Use, Environmental Resources, and Natural Resources. The proposed wind farm supports Weld County's Alternative Energy Resources Goals and Policies (Sec. 22-5-140)and is consistent with the Economic Development Goals and Policies (Sec. 22-6-20). The proposed use will not compromise the goals of agricultural land use or any other land use category. The current use of the site and the surrounding area is dryland farming and • grazing. Several portions of farmland in the Project area have been entered into the CRP. The Project will not impact effective and efficient delivery or place undue strain on adequate public facilities and services or other land use amenities. Areas of sensitive natural environments, including riparian areas, water bodies, and areas of potentially suitable habitat for threatened and endangered species are not prevalent on the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Impacts to environmental resources such as air, water,waste, noise, and public health will be minimal. Mitigation practices will minimize impacts from dust generation and waste products.An erosion control/stormwater management plan will be developed and implemented to prevent or minimize sediment entry to the drainages within the overall Project area. Vegetation removed during construction will be reclaimed once the construction period is complete. Wildlife may be temporarily displaced during construction, but will not be prohibited from returning to the site once the construction period ceases. All areas of potential soil disturbance within the Project area will be surveyed for noxious weeds before construction begins. Noxious weeds will be managed in all surface disturbed areas. If herbicides are needed to control noxious weeds, they will be applied by a licensed contractor. Equipment will be washed at a commercial facility prior to construction and on-site during construction if weeds are found within or adjacent to the Project Area. A Cedar Creek • 0-1 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line II, LLC contractor will be responsible for monitoring, treating, and documenting noxious weeds throughout the life of the Project. A weed management plan will be developed that discusses both general and species-specific weed control methods. Wind Energy Facility With the exception of the permanent disturbance areas associated with the turbine towers, access roads, and other permanent facilities(O&M buildings and substations), natural resources will not be permanently impacted by the proposed Project. CRP lands within the Project Area would not be disturbed by the proposed turbine corridors, with the exception of the permanent disturbance within the turbine tower and new access road footprints. Transmission Line With the exception of the permanent disturbance areas associated with the transmission line poles, natural resources will not be permanently impacted by the proposed Project. The CRP lands would not be disturbed by the proposed transmission line corridors. One hundred-fifty-foot right-of-way easements for the transmission line corridor will be purchased from the landowners; with the exception of the right-of-way easements, the land will be able to be farmed and grazed. 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 wind energy facility and transmission line are within the Agricultural Zone District. In accordance with Section 23-3-40 of the Weld County Land Use Code, major facilities of public utilities are listed as an allowable Use by Special Review in Agricultural Zone Districts.This Use by Special Review application requests approval of the Project within the Agricultural Zone District. 4. What types of uses surround the site? Explain how the proposed use is consistent and compatible with surrounding land uses. The proposed site is bordered by County Road (CR) 138 to the north, CR 120 to the south, Sections 28 and 33 of T12N R56W to the east, and the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm boundary to the west. The proposed use will be compatible with the surrounding land uses. The land uses surrounding the site are agricultural lands used for dryland farming and grazing, CRP lands, scattered residential properties, radio towers, and missile silos managed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Several portions of farmland in the Project area have been entered into the CRP under FSA(see Figure 4 of this 1041 Application). Wind Energy Facility The proposed wind turbine corridor/collector line would traverse CRP lands in T11 N R58W S15. Once construction of the associated wind energy facility is completed,the temporary use areas will be reclaimed. Aggregate base will be removed to original sub-grade,topsoil • G-2 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • will be re-spread, and the area will be re-seeded with species appropriate to the desired land use of the area at that time. One of the benefits of wind farm development is that future agricultural production will not be precluded by the proposed use. As mentioned earlier in this application, the turbines will be spaced so that the production of one turbine does not reduce the productivity of adjacent turbines.As planned the wind energy facility will have between 120 and 200 turbines spaced out over approximately 26,927 acres. On average, this results in 1 turbine every 120 to 150 acres. Typically, each turbine has a permanent footprint of approximately 1 acre including the access road leading to the turbine. During construction, Cedar Creek II, LLC. will use more land but will restore it once the construction is complete. The implication of this permanent land disturbance is that Cedar Creek II, LLC.will be using less than 0.5 percent of the land and the remaining land can be used as it has in the past for farming or ranching activities. Transmission Line The CRP lands would not be disturbed by the proposed transmission line corridors. 5. Describe, in detail,the following: 5a. How many people will use the site? This site will not be used by the public. Wind Energy Facility • If built in up to three phases,the wind energy facility will employ approximately 100 to 125 people during the construction of each of the proposed phases. If all 300 MWs are built at one time,the Project will employ up to approximately 250 people.Approximately 12 to 14 full- time employees will be located on-site during operation of the wind energy facility. Additional detail is provided in Section 21-3-330.B.5.f—Projected Development Schedule. Transmission Line The transmission line Project will not generate any daily trips during long-term operation if the line is operating as planned. There may be times when repairs or maintenance will be conducted that may require more frequent trips; however, the probability of this occurrence is expected to be very low. Regular patrols will be conducted.Approximately 30 construction workers will be employed during the course of the approximately 8-month construction period.The maximum number of construction workers at any one time will be approximately 30.Additional detail is provided in Section 21-3-330.C.2.g -Transportation Impacts. 5b-c. How many employees are proposed to be employed at this site and what are the hours of operation? Wind Energy Facility If built in up to three phases, the wind energy facility will employ approximately 100 to 125 people during the construction of each of the proposed phases. If all 300 MWs are built at one time,the Project will employ up to approximately 250 people during construction. Construction will normally take place during one 10-to 12-hour shift per day during daylight • G-3 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • hours and 5 or 6 work days per week. During deliveries of large equipment and loads of supplies to the site, or if delays during construction are experienced and the schedule needs to be maintained, work periods may extend to multiple shifts, nighttime work hours, and up to 7 days per week to allow for such deliveries when normal traffic on roadways is less active. Additional detail is provided in Section 21-3-330.B.5.f. Transmission Line Approximately 4-16 construction workers will be employed during the course of the approximately 8 to 9-month construction period. The maximum number of construction workers at any one time will be approximately 16. Additional detail is provided in Section 21- 3-330.C.2.g. Operations Approximately 12 to 14 full-time employees will be located on-site during operation of the wind energy facility.The wind turbines will operate 7-days per week, 24 hours per day. The operators of the O&M building will work approximately 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The wind turbines would be monitored and controlled remotely outside of these hours of operation. The transmission line Project will not generate any daily trips during long-term operation if the line is operating as planned.There may be times when repairs or maintenance will be conducted that may require more frequent trips; however,the probability of this occurrence is expected to be very low. Regular patrols will be conducted. • 5d. What type and how many structures will be erected (built)on this site? Figure 3 of this 1041 Application provides a plot plan for the wind energy facility. The plot plan provides a representative layout of the proposed wind energy facility, showing the anticipated arrangement of turbines, roads, electrical collection systems, substation(s), and operation and maintenance (O&M)facility. Turbines are generally arranged in a southwest- northeast orientation, perpendicular to the primary wind direction, which is from the northwest. Because wind resource assessment and engineering design of the wind energy facility is ongoing,this layout is subject to change, including the final number of wind turbine generators and the number and location of turbine strings, access roads, and collection systems; however, Cedar Creek II, LLC is committed to complying with all local, state, and federal requirements for protecting sensitive environmental areas(wetlands, nesting areas, etc.)or cultural/archaeological resources.Table USR1 provides a summary of facility structures. • G-4 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Table USR1:Facility Structures Approximate Structures Number Transmission structures 144 Turbines(per phase) 40-67' Substations(per phase) 1 OW buildings(per phase) 1 Laydown areas(temporary per phase) 2 'The number of turbines per phase is dependent on the type of turbine to be used. 5e. What type and how many animals, if any,will be on this site? Not applicable. No animals will be on this site. 5f.What kind (type,size,weight)of vehicles will access this site, and how often? Wind Energy Facility Table USR2 shows the typical construction activities, number of round trips, and equipment that will access the site and the approximate timeframes of access for the wind energy facility construction period. Table USR2: • Typical Construction Traffic—Wind Energy Facility Number of Round Trips Length of Activity (approximate) Equipment:< Time Hauling gravel,cement, 1,300 Heavy trucks and 4 months and aggregate semis Hauling water 630 Heavy trucks 7 months Hauling wind turbine 160 Semis and oversized 4 months components loads Hauling concrete 630 Concrete mixers 3 months Worker travel 900-1,400 Light duty trucks 10 months Operation of the wind energy facility would not generate a significant number of long-term daily trips. However, during construction (if the Project is built in phases)approximately 100 to 125 construction workers would be employed during the course of the 9 month construction period and would be traveling to the construction site each day. If all three phases are built at once, construction would require up to 250 workers. Furthermore, all of the materials for the Project would be transported to the site during construction by truck. These deliveries would consist of water, gravel, concrete supplies to on-site batch plants, turbine components, tower, and equipment deliveries. Construction routes and site access points are shown on Figure 12 of this 1041 Application.All access to the wind energy facility would be from Weld County. Project personnel would work with the Weld County Engineer to • G-5 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • review road use during the construction activities and to develop a maintenance program that would prevent the roads from dropping below agreed-upon quality levels. Following the issuance of the 1041 permit from Weld County, Cedar Creek II, LLC plans to negotiate a mutually acceptable Roads Maintenance Agreement with Weld County's Public Works Department to ensure roads are maintained and/or repaired to a condition similar to what existed prior to construction. Under the Weld County agreement, Cedar Creek II, LLC would maintain county roads within the Project Area at all times during construction. Prior to construction, Cedar Creek II, LLC would coordinate with Weld, Kimball, Nebraska, and Cheyenne, Wyoming counties to survey the county-owned roads so that the conditions of the county-owned roads leading to the Project site prior to construction can be established. During construction, so long as there continues to be heavy truck traffic to the Project site, Cedar Creek II, LLC would keep an inventory of road repair material on or near the Project site so that any road damage can be repaired more quickly. Furthermore, Cedar Creek II, LLC would use commercially reasonable efforts to limit heavy truck traffic within the Project site after a precipitation event. Section 21-3-33O.C.2.g—Transportation Impacts provides additional discussion of construction traffic routes and transportation considerations. Transmission Line • Table USR3 shows the typical construction personnel and equipment that will access the site and the approximate timeframes of access for the transmission line construction period. Table USR3: Typical Construction Personnel and Equipment—Transmission Line Number of Activity Personnel Equipment Date Length of Time Engineering,Geotechnical 4-6 Pickups February-May 12-14 weeks Studies,Surveying Right-of-way clearing, 4-6 Pickups;Bobcat or tractor-backhoe May/June 2-3 weeks gates and culvert installation Receiving/handling 6-8 Pickups;forklifts,boom trucks;pole July 4 weeks material delivery trucks; Hauling Structures 8 Pickups,forklifts;boom trucks;pole August 2-3 weeks delivery trucks;fifth wheel tractors Frame/excavate/set poles 10-12 Pickups;cranes;material handlers; September 4 weeks boom trucks Shieldwire and Conductor 16 Pickups;manlifts/boom trucks; October/November 5-6 weeks installation hydraulic tensioning machines;reel trailers;pullers;material handlers Right-of-way Cleanup and 12 Pickups;dump trucks;flatbed trucks; December 3 weeks Restoration rubber-tired seeding equipment;hand seeding equipment • G-6 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Operations During operations, approximately 12 to 14 people will access the site using light duty trucks or passenger cars, each making one trip to and from the site per day. Additional detail is provided in Section 21-3-330.B.5.f and Section 21-3-330.C.2.g of this 1041 Application. 5g. Who will provide fire protection to the site? Fire protection will be provided by New Raymer Fire Protection District. Cedar Creek II, LLC has already initiated consultation with the New Raymer volunteer fire department to discuss their concerns for a project within their response area.All applicable fire laws and regulations, as outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS)31-16-601, will be observed during the construction period. Cedar Creek II, LLC will advise construction personnel of their responsibilities under the applicable fire laws and regulations, including taking practical measures to report and suppress fires. 5h. What is the water source on the property(Both domestic and irrigation)? During construction, water for the concrete batch plant, dust control, and drinking water will be trucked to the construction site by a construction contractor. For the existing Cedar Creek Wind Farm,the construction contractor purchased water from landowners in Wyoming and trucked the water to the Project site. It is expected that this water source will likely also be • used for the proposed Project. Prior to the start of commercial operations, Cedar Creek II, LLC plans to obtain an approval to install a well for operations use.This water use is similar to a residence with water used for drinking, showering, toilets, etc. If on-site water is used, Cedar Creek II, LLC will comply with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements and water rights processes regarding development and use of such on-site sources. 51. What is the sewage disposal system on the property? (Existing and proposed). Sanitary portable toilets will be provided during the construction period with regular cleaning service. Wastewater from the operations and maintenance building will be discharged to an on-site domestic septic tank and drain field.The septic system would be designed according to the Weld County Individual Sewage Disposal Regulations by a professional engineer registered in the state of Colorado and would be installed according to the Weld County Individual Sewage Disposal Regulations. 5j. If storage or warehousing is proposed,what type of items will be stored? Wind Energy Facility For the wind energy facility,temporary staging areas will be built for construction activities. Staging facilities, including a construction office trailer complex and sanitation facilities, as well as drinking water, will be provided by the construction contractor.Additionally,three to six, 15-acre temporary laydown areas will be used for material deliveries and storage. No • G-7 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • hazardous materials will be stored on site. Lube oil drums will be stored in a covered concrete structure with concrete curbs to contain any potential spills.A primary and secondary temporary construction facility, each including an office trailer complex, parking area, staging areas, and concrete batch plant are anticipated.A separate application (or applications)for the batch plant areas will be submitted to Weld County when the final Project design is determined. The operations and maintenance building will contain spare parts storage and a maintenance shop area. Transmission Line No storage or warehousing is proposed for the transmission line.Temporary storage of transmission line construction materials would occur in the transmission line right-of-way and a 5-acre construction laydown area. 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. Not applicable.Areas will be reclaimed, but no additional landscaping is proposed as a part of the Project. 7. Explain any proposed reclamation procedures when termination of the Use by Special Review activity occurs. • Cedar Creek II, LLC will limit construction activities and equipment movement to access routes, the right-of-way or construction easement to minimize damage to residential yards, grazing land, crops, orchards, and property. A weed management plan will be developed that discusses both general and species-specific weed control methods. Reclamation of temporarily disturbed areas, including construction- caused deep ruts, will consist of regrading, scarifying, harrowing, discing, mulching, fertilizing, and reseeding with a native seed mixture appropriate to the type of vegetation disturbed and approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS)or as requested in writing by the landowner. These reclamation procedures are discussed in further detail in Appendix F, Standard Construction Mitigation Practices, of this 1041 Application. Wind Energy Facility The land and facilities disturbed by the wind energy facility will be restored as nearly as practicable to the original condition. Transmission Line Construction of the overhead transmission line will require minimal clearing of the right-of- way. The land and facilities disturbed by the transmission line corridor will be restored as nearly as practicable to the original condition. • G-8 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • 8. Explain how the stormwater drainage will be handled on the site. As discussed in Appendix F, Standard Construction Mitigation Practices, of this 1041 Application, an erosion control/stormwater management plan will be developed and implemented to prevent sediment input to the drainages within the overall Project Area.The plan will be designed to meet the requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's Construction Stormwater Discharge Permit. Measures associated with this plan will be implemented during project construction and any future maintenance activities associated with the wind energy facility, transmission line, and switching station.Waste waters from construction operations will be handled in accordance with Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12 and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division permit discharge requirements. Erosion mitigation measures will include the use of one or more devices such as temporary berms, slope drains, diversion mounds, or sedimentation basins, as appropriate. Silt fence will be used to prevent sediment from entering wetlands or open water.Temporary drainage control will also be implemented as appropriate to aid in controlling erosion and sedimentation. 9. Explain how long it will take to construct this site and when construction and landscaping is scheduled to begin. Landscaping is not applicable to the Project. Wind Energy Facility Table USR4 presents the expected construction timetable for the wind energy facility. The construction period for each wind farm phase will be from March/April to October of the same year. Table USR4: Overview of Project Engineering and Construction Schedule-Wind Energy Facility(each phase) Project Component Anticipated Start Date Anticipated End Date Design Engineering January April Construction March October Commissioning September November Commercial Operations December Life of facility is 20+years "'All activities should be completed within the same year Transmission Line Table USR5 presents the expected construction timetable for the transmission line.The construction period for the transmission line will be from April to July of the same year. G-9 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line Table USR5: • Overview of Project Engineering and Construction Schedule—Transmission Line ojst Component Anticipated Start Date'„„„ x.. Anticipated:End Date' Design Engineering January March Construction April July Commissioning August September Ready for Commercial Operations December December 1 All activities should be completed within the same year. 10. Explain where storage and/or stockpile of wastes will occur on this site. Wind Energy Facility Three to six, 15-acre temporary laydown areas will be used for material deliveries and storage during the construction period.A primary and secondary temporary construction facility, each including an office trailer complex, parking area, staging areas, and concrete batch plant are anticipated.The operations and maintenance building will contain spare parts storage and a maintenance shop area. Transmission Line Temporary storage of transmission line construction materials will occur in the transmission line right-of-way and a 5-acre construction laydown area. There will be no stockpiling of wastes associated with construction of the transmission line. • • G-10 Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Appendix H: Record of Conversation with New Raymer Volunteer Fire Department Record of Phone Conversation Date: May 6, 2009 Participants: David Gonzalez, Project Development i� �� - `1 - BP Wind Energy North America Inc. Kyle Lambert, Chief Volunteer Fire Department New Raymer, Colorado On Thursday afternoon, May 6, 2009, I called Kyle Lambert to discuss our permit application for our proposed 300 MW Cedar Creek II Wind Fartn. I explained to him that we were just a few days away from submitting our permit application and wanted to discuss a couple of issues with him to help us finalize our permit application. Below are the questions I asked and a summary of Kyle's responses: Question: Do you have any specific requirements for the design of our roads (weight considerations, turning radius, etc.) to the wind turbines that are needed to allow your emergency response vehicles to access our site? Response: If the roads are designed to accommodate the large trucks that deliver the equipment to the project site, they should be more than adequate for both our fire trucks and • ambulance vehicles if we ever had to access the site. Question: Do you have any preferences on how you would like to have access to our project? Response: No. If we need to gain access, we are prepared to cut a lock or even a fence to respond to an emergency. Although we have been given keys before, it is difficult to keep track of all of individual keys in the area that we serve. Question Would a lock-box that is similar to the ones that a real estate agent uses work to provide you with access? We could set up a system with a common combination or key and provide this to you. Do you think that this would work? Response: I've used them in other areas and it appeared to be a good system. We'll be happy to work with you to identify the best way to obtain access. Question: As part of our operations, we plan to purchase and store lube oil on our project site which is needed for the maintenance of our gear boxes. The lube oil will be stored in sealed 55 gallon drums. We plan to build a covered concrete structure with concrete curbs to contain any spills. Does this storage cause you any concerns? Response: No. We don't have any concern with the presence of lube oil nor with the storage • practices. 4 Question: Would you like for me to relay these same questions to Rodney Wolf or to your father, Carey Lambert, the Mayor of New Raymer? Response: No. 1'fl be seeing them both soon and will be happy to relay your questions to them. In closing, I thanked Kyle for his assistance and let him know that I would be happy to answer any questions that may come up in the future and to please don't hesitate calling me. Weld County 1041 Permit Application Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project Wind Energy Facility and 230kV Transmission Line • Appendix I: Cedar Creek II Environmental and Resource Study Executive Summaries • Executive Summary Avian Baseline Studies for the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area Weld County, Colorado April 5, 2007 — November 14, 2008 Prepared for: BP Wind Energy North America, Inc. 700 Louisiana Street, 33`d Floor Houston, Texas • Prepared by: Wallace Erickson, Rhett Good, Kimberly Bay, and Andrea Palochak Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. 2003 Central Avenue Cheyenne, Wyoming WEST, Inc. April 7, 2009 • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • BP Wind Energy North America, Inc. has proposed a wind-energy facility in Weld County, Colorado, east of the town of Grover. BP Wind Energy North America contracted Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. to conduct surveys and monitor wildlife resources in the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area to estimate the impacts of project construction and operations on wildlife. The following document contains results for fixed-point bird use surveys, raptor nest surveys, sharp-tailed grouse lek surveys, and transects bird use surveys conducted between April 5, 2007 —November 14, 2008. Acoustic bat surveys were conducted during the summers of 2007 and 2008, and the results for those surveys are presented in a separate report. A complete two- year report will be prepared this summer. The principal objectives of this wildlife monitoring study were to: 1) estimate the seasonal, spatial, and temporal use of the survey area by birds, particularly raptors, defined here as kites, accipiters, buteos, harriers, eagles, falcons, and owls; 2) estimate species use and distribution of bird use within the survey area; 3) estimate species use and distribution of breeding bird use within the survey area; 4) locate and map sharp-tailed grouse leks within the survey area; 5) locate and map raptor nests within the survey area and a surrounding buffer; 6) identify any federal and state threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, or sensitive-status wildlife and their potential habitats that may be affected by the proposed wind-energy facility; 7) estimate the seasonal and spatial use of the study area by bats (provided in a separate document); 8) describe incidental observations; 9) estimate any potential impacts to birds and bats (bat results provided in a separate document) that could result from construction and operation of the proposed wind- • energy facility; and 10) identify potential project modifications and/or mitigation measures that could reduce negative impacts. The objective of the fixed-point bird use surveys was to estimate the seasonal, spatial, and temporal use of the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area by birds, particularly raptors. Surveys were conducted at 15 points, originally at 10 points and then an additional 5 points were added in spring of 2008, located within the study area approximately once each week during the spring, summer, and fall seasons and every other week in the winter. A total of 443, twenty-minute fixed-point surveys was conducted at the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area during the first year of the study. Through the fall season of the second year of the study a total of 414, 20-min surveys have been conducted. To standardize the data for comparison between points, seasons, and with other wind-energy facilities, bird use, frequency of occurrence, and species composition were calculated from observations within an approximate half-mile (800 meters) of the point. Bird use by species was calculated as the mean number of birds per 20-minute survey. Overall, passerines had the highest use for all seasons. During the first year of the study, 1,415 single birds or groups totaling 4,736 individuals were observed flying during fixed-point bird use surveys. For all species combined, 81.7% of all flying birds observed were below the likely zone of risk, 16.8% were within the zone of risk, and 1.5% were observed flying above the zone of risk for typical turbines that could be used in the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area. Bird types most often observed flying within the turbine • • zone of risk for potential collision with a turbine blade were waterfowl (100.0% of observations within the zone of risk), waterbirds (78.7%), other birds (66.7%), vultures (50.0%), and raptors (45.4%). For the four species with at least 50 separate observations of flying birds, only homed lark and mourning dove were observed flying.within the zone of risk at any time during the observations. For species with at least 10 separate observations of flying birds, those most often observed within the zone of risk were Swainson's hawk (58.3%), golden eagle (58.3%), ferruginous hawk (40.0%), prairie falcon (38.5%), northern harrier (16.7%), and cliff swallow (11.5%). Based on the use (measure of abundance) of the site by each species and the flight characteristics observed for that species, Canada goose had the highest exposure index (0.79). Raptor species had a relatively low exposure index, with Swainson's hawk, which ranked fourth highest of all bird species, having the highest exposure index for all raptor species (0.03). Based on fixed point bird use data collected for the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area, the mean annual raptor use for the first year was 0.25 birds/20-minute survey. Based on these similar studies, raptor use at Creek II Wind Resource Area was low relative to data collected at other existing and proposed wind-energy facilities. During the spring, summer, and fall of 2008, raptor use of the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area was low relative to data collected at other existing and proposed wind-energy facilities. Raptor use in the fall and summer was slightly higher in 2008 compared to 2007, while spring raptor use was roughly the same. Sharp-tailed grouse lek surveys did not record any leks within the proposed wind resource area during either of the survey years. • Seven active raptor nests were mapped during the raptor nest surveys, along with three possible nests and one inactive nest during spring of 2007, but these surveys were conducted primarily along roads. Twenty-eight active and 28 inactive raptor nests were documented at and near the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource area during 2008 extensive spring raptor nest surveys. • • ii • Executive Summary Bat Acoustic Studies for the Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area Weld County, Colorado July 19th, 2007 — October 13`h, 2008 Prepared for: BP Wind Energy North America,Inc. 700 Louisiana Street, 33`d Floor Houston, Texas • Prepared by: Donald Solich, Wallace Erickson and Victoria Poulton Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. 2003 Central Avenue Cheyenne, Wyoming WEST, Inc. January 30, 2009 • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY • Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. initiated surveys in July 2007 designed to assess bat use within the proposed Cedar Creek II Wind Resource Area, Weld County, Colorado. Acoustic surveys for bats using Anabat® II ultrasonic detectors at three fixed stations were conducted from July 19 to October 28, 2007, and again from July 13 to October 13, 2008. The objective of the acoustic bat surveys was to estimate the seasonal and spatial use of the study area by bats. For 2007, a total of 369 bat passes were recorded during 268 detector nights. Averaging bat passes per detector-night across locations, we detected a mean of 1.38 bat passes per detector- night. For 2008, a total of 505 bat passes were recorded during 258 detector nights. Averaging bat passes per detector-night across locations, we detected a mean of 1.96 bat passes per detector-night. In 2007, just over half (54.5%) of the calls were <35 kHz in frequency (e.g., big brown bat, hoary bat), and the remaining calls were >35 kHz (e.g., Myotis bat species). Species identification was only possible for the hoary bat, which made up 19.2% of all passes. Activity levels for bat passes peaked in early-August. Activity levels for hoary bats were also highest in early-August, suggesting this species migrates through the study area at this time of year. In 2008, almost two-thirds (65.3%) of the calls were >35 kHz in frequency (e.g., Myotis bat species), and the remaining calls were >35 kHz (e.g., big brown bat, hoary bat). Species identification was only possible for the hoary bat and eastern red bat, which made up 10.7% and 1.8% of all passes, respectively. Activity levels for bat passes peaked in mid-August. Activity levels for hoary bats were highest in late-August, suggesting this species migrates through the • study area at this time of year. Activity levels for eastern red bats were low across the entire 2008 study period, with no apparent activity peaks. The mean number of bat passes per detector per night for both 2007 and 2008 were compared to existing data at five wind-energy facilities where both bat activity and mortality levels have been measured. The level of bat activity documented at the Cedar Creek 11 Wind Resource Area was slightly lower than that at wind facilities in Minnesota and Wyoming, where reported bat mortalities are low, but was much lower than at facilities in the eastern US, where reported bat mortality is highest. Assuming that a relationship between bat activity and bat mortality exists, and that it extends to the western US, we expect relatively low levels of bat mortality to occur in the study area, most likely during mid- to late-August. • 300 East Boardwalk, Building 4-C Fort Collins,Colorado 80525 CENTENNIAL ARCHAEOLOGY, Inc. Phone: (970)225-6575 •Fax: (970)225-6577 • E-mail: centennial@centennialarch.com October 1, 2008 Ms. Joan DeGraff EDAW Inc. 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, Colorado 80202 Dear Joan: Following are the results of the Class I cultural resource investigation of the proposed Cedar Creek II Wind Farm Project in northeastern Weld County, Colorado prepared for EDAW Inc. by Centennial Archaeology, Inc. The proposed undertaking would affect all or parts of the following sections: Township 10 North - Range 58 West, Sections 1 - 5 Township 11 North - Range 56 West, Sections 4 - 9, 16 - 19, 30 Township 11 North - Range 57 West, Sections 1 - 3, 5 - 11, 13 - 30 Township 11 North- Range 58 West, Sections 1 - 4, 9 - 15, 23 - 27, 34 - 36 Township 12 North - Range 56 West, Sections 28 - 33 Township 12 North - Range 57 West, Sections 25, 34, 36 Township 12 North - Range 58 West, Sections 25, 26, 33 - 36 • The file search was conducted on September 29 and 30, 2008 through the Compass on-line database of the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP), Colorado Historical Society. The OAHP database includes records of all archaeological investigations that have been conducted and all cultural resources (archaeological and historical sites) that have been recorded previously in the project area. Included are records of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)properties. Centennial also consulted Glenn R. Scott's (1989)Historic Trail Maps of the Sterling I° X 2 °Quadrangle to determine if vestiges of trails or other transportation routes are present within the proposed project area. Major reports of archaeological investigations in the general vicinity also were consulted (Weir and Hunt 1981; Painter and Zier 1996; Mueller et al 2006). The Class I research revealed that 11 prior investigations have been undertaken within the project boundaries and that just four sites have been recorded. Previously recorded cultural resources are summarized in Table 1 and previous cultural resource investigations are enumerated in Table 2. It should be noted that the previous surveys are very limited in scope, and the project area in its entirety remains almost completely unexamined archaeologically. The scant number of known sites may simply reflect the limited investigation in the area to date and should not be viewed as an indication that cultural resources are scarce. While site density is not high, previous surveys in the general vicinity of the proposed project area have shown that a wide variety of prehistoric and historic sites is present, and that site density increases where natural sources of water are present, such as permanent and ephemeral drainages and playas. • Table 1. Previously Recorded Cultural Resources in the Project Area • Recorder National Register Site No. Location and Year Brief Description Status University of Prehistoric lithic 5WL30 TIIN-R56W Sec. 4 scatter with, Colorado Unevaluated NW/NE, SW/NE 1967 hcarths, fire- cracked rock T1111-R57W Sec. 16 University of Prehistoric lithic 5WL34 (specific location not Colorado and ground stone Unevaluated available) 1964 scatter with hearth Plano Tl IN-R56W Sec 6 Wind breaks, 5WL560 L560 Archaeological Not eligible NW/NW foundation Consultants 1980 TI1N-R56W Sec. 9 Niwot Prehistoric lithic 5WL2854 NE/NW/SW Archeological scatter Not eligible Consultants 1998 Table 2. Previous Cultural Resource Investigations in the Project Area Project Name Colorado OAHP Location Company/Institution Project No. and Year Evertson Well Service WL.FS.NR15 TI 1N-R57W Powers Elevation • #1 Federal Well Sec. 1 1983 Two Material Source WL.CH.NR30 Tl IN-R57W Colorado Dept. of Areas of SH 71 Sec. 13 Transportation 2003 Battle Canyon Area Drill Pad, Access WL.FS.NR16 TI IN-R56W Sec. 6 Plano Archaeological Road, and Tank Consultants 1981 Battery Smith Oil Properties TI1N-R57W Sec. 3 James Brechtel Pawnee Buttes #1 well WL.FS.NR81 1997 and Access Road TI IN-R57W Sec. 3; Centennial Western Geophysical WL.FS.R26 T11N-R58W Sec. 14, Archaeology, Inc. Seismic Lines 23; T12N-R57W Sec. 1987 34 TI IN-R56W Sec. 7, 18.75 Miles of Seismic WL.FS.R46 18; TI IN-R57W Sec. Native Cultural Lines 5, 13 Services 1988 • • Project Name Colorado OAHP Location Company/Institution Project No. and Year Sundance West Coast#1 T12N-R58W Sec. 24, Flatirons Surveying Well Pad and Access WL.FS.NR13 26 1983 State Highway 71 Medicine Bow Arapaho T12N-R57W Sec. 25 Pawnee National WL.FS.NR101 36 Routt National Forest Grassland Signs 2002 Advantage Resources Pawnee Federal No. 1 WL.LM.NR22 T12N-R56W Sec. 28 Powers Elevation 1998 Well Location and Access Cervi Land Exchange Pawnee National WL.FS.R94 Ti IN-R56W Sec. 9 Niwot Archaeological Consultants 1998 Grassland McEndaffer Pit Survey WL.CH.NR15 Ti iN-R57W Sec. 13 Colorado Department of Highways 1987 Prehistoric sites include limited-activity localities in the form of small lithic scatters and/or features such as hearths, camp sites,bison kill and processing sites, and lithic material quarries. Historic sites may include homesteads, abandoned roads and trails, developed springs, miscellaneous features such as windmills and stock tanks, and refuse scatters. • Please contact me for any additional information. Sincerely, f ' Christian J. Zier President • REFERENCES CITED • Mueller, Andrew C., Christian J. Zier, Michael McFaul, and Denise Fallon Zier 2006 A Cultural Resource Inventory of the Proposed Rockies Express - West(REX-WEST) Pipeline Project in Northeastern Colorado, Southeastern Wyoming, and Kimball County, Nebraska. Prepared for ENSR Corporation and Rockies Express Pipeline LLC by Centennial Archaeology, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. Painter, Mary W., and Christian J. Zier 1996 Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Facilities Associated with KNlnterstate Gas Transmission Company's Pony Express Pipeline, Colorado and Nebraska. Prepared for ENSR and K N Interstate Gas Transmission Company by Centennial Archaeology, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado. Scott, Glenn R. 1989 Historic Trail Maps of the Sterling I°X2 °Quadrangle. U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, Scientific Investigation Map, 228. Denver, Colorado. Weir, Donald J., and William A. Hunt 1981 An Archaeological Resource Inventory -Trailblazer Pipeline, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Prepared for Natural Gas Pipe Line Company of America by Commonwealth Associates, Inc., Jackson, Michigan. • • Site Characterization Study for the Cedar Creek II, Colorado Windpower Site Prepared for: BP Alternative Energy North America jallIMPIONS Ian • . • Prepared by: Kurt Flaig, Rhett E. Good, and Victoria Poulton Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. 2003 Central Avenue Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 WEST, Inc . June 25, 2007 • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY WEST, Inc. was contracted by BP Alternative Energy North America, Inc. (BPAE) to evaluate potential wildlife occurrence and habitat issues, aviation, communications, land use and cultural concerns at a prospective windpower site in northeastern Weld County, Colorado. The area evaluated includes proposed project facilities(project area)and a 2-mile buffer(evaluation ea). In addition, as suggested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines for assessing potential wind energy project sites, reference areas (Pawnee National Grassland and Rocky Mountain Arsenal,Colorado)were also evaluated for comparison. The site visit to the project area and data collection methods were consistent with the USFWS guidelines. Biological resources within the vicinity of the project were evaluated through a search of existing data and a site visit on February 27, 2007. Presence of non-Federal Government microwave communication telecommunication system microwave paths was determined by Comsearch using their Wind Power GeoPlanner' software. The presence of any Federal Government communication tower paths was determined by sending a map of to project area o the Natianyonal otent al conflicts withs and communication tower microwave tion npaths. The that they n identify potential presence of any airport flight paths and associated height restrictions was determined by Aviation Systems, Inc. Information on zoning was obtained from Weld County,Colorado. The Pawnee National Grassland (PNG), which consists of parcels surrounding the project site, an and ore Chalk Bluffs, upon which yi the National Audubon Society. The areurs, a provides been sh habitat for Important Bird sp Area (IBA) by many raptor species, including b°lden eed'mearounds in the falcon, wor(d for mounts nhawk, ploversa Swamson s hawk,and is one of the primary g g The project area is located within the High Plains and(northern)Colorado Piedmont geomorphic sections of the Great Plains province or physiographic region. Rangeland is the primary land use within the area, but portions of the project area feature formerly tilled areasaPhy that s from flat to have been reseeded with native numer grass ouses low ridgessome and knolls.agricultural lands. Portions of he project area along the gently sloping, southern boundary extend out onto the Chalk Bluffs, a unique geologic feature comprised �P sse more siltstone rock outcrops/escarpments often capped with sandstone. Topography ro ect is located o defined with steep rim edges. Elevations in the project area range from approximately 4,700 feet in the t in the southwest portion. The nheast pivate portion parcels e and state land. Scattered parcelsof USFS land are present near the project, but are not a part of the project. The majority of the project area is composed of native, bluffs ve, s orsasspra irie. the The suojshi shion pla ant communities that occur on many of the low ridges, likely considered a sensitive plant community by the CNHP. Seven plant species of threatened or ste-sensitive status have the potential for occurrence within the project area. Six of the ne known to occur seve within Weld County. Although wetlands and other Waters of the U.S. occur in the area, they occupy only a small fraction of the project area and can likely be avoided iv 41, when siting turbine strings. However, constructing access roads to the turbine strings and other g facilities may require crossing some of the numerous drainages in the project area. The proposed project contains some native habitats and topography that may lead to an increased level of concern for wildlife. The proposed project is located within an area largely dominated by native shortgrass prairie. Several species considered sensitive by the CDOW, USFWS, and the Audubon Society have potential to occur within these habitats. The importance that wildlife agencies and conservation groups place on these habitats is evidenced by the presence of an IBA adjacent to the proposed project in parcels administered by the USFS. A site visit was conducted with CDOW officials on May 8, 2007. The project has the potential to contain high densities of nesting raptors, and areas with topographical relief and rim edges have potential to concentrate raptor use. Areas near rim edges and nesting habitat may have increased potential for raptor fatalities versus flatter areas in the project that contain little nesting habitat. Little potential exists for species protected under the federal endangered species act to occur in the project areas due to limited suitable habitat,however, some species may occasionally migrate or fly through the project area. A greater potential exists for species protected under the state endangered species act to occur, such as the plains sharp-tailed grouse and burrowing owl. Bat use at this site is expected to be similar to Cedar Creek I, where bat use was low compared to projects in the eastern U.S. The project likely receives use by migrating birds, however, 111 topography in the area should not funnel migration, rather birds are expected to pass through the project area in a broad band fashion. Weld County, Colorado currently has not developed an ordinance specifically addressing wind power projects. However, as part of the 1041 permit process, they do require submittal of a Site Specific Development Plan and a Use by Special Review(USR)application. The nearest airport to the proposed project is located 13.29 nautical miles north of the project centerpoint. The project area was divided into two sectors,one of which may have some military restrictions requiring negotiations with the FAA. Additionally, US Air Force missile silos and a command center are present in the project area. Comsearch identified one non-federal microwave path that intersects the project area. The width of the path is 62.29 meters. A request to conduct a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) study has been submitted, but the results are not yet available. The NTIA search investigates the presence of any governmental microwave paths that may intersect the project area. A cultural resource assessment of the project area showed that few previous surveys have been conducted within the project area, and only two documented cultural sites are known to exist. However, the lack of documented sites may be due to a lack of surveys, and the potential exists for cultural and historical sites to occur. Surveys that have been conducted show the potential for a wide variety of sites,with the potential increasing near ephemeral water sources. • v search investigates the presence of any governmental microwave paths that may intersect the project area. A cultural resource assessment of the project area showed that few previous surveys have been conducted within the project area, and only two documented cultural sites are known to exist. However, the lack of documented sites may be due to a lack of surveys, and the potential exists for cultural and historical sites to occur. Surveys that have been conducted show the potential for a wide variety of sites, with the potential increasing near ephemeral water sources. A survey for cultural and historical sites prior to construction may be warranted. Table E-1 summarizes project considerations and suggestions for additional resource assessments. The suggested additional studies are summarized below: • Jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S. may present in the project area. Once the facility layout has been finalized, wetland delineations for proposed access roads and other areas of ground disturbance should be conducted. • A habitat mapping effort should be conducted at the proposed project. A number of protected or sensitive species may be present within the project area, but only within certain habitats. By identifying those habitats, sensitive wildlife areas can be avoided, reducing potential impacts to protected species. Habitat mapping will also allow survey efforts to be focused within appropriate habitats • Portions of the project area have potential for relatively high levels of use by raptors. I Avian use surveys documenting levels of use will allow comparison to other projects where post-construction fatality data are available, allow for a prediction of avian fatality rates. Avian use surveys will also allow areas of high use to be mapped, and turbines may be sited away from these areas, reducing potential impacts to raptors. A raptor nest survey should also be conducted, and turbines sited away from nest structures. • Once habitat mapping is completed, surveys near CRP habitats should be conducted for sharp-tailed grouse leks. This is a state endangered species. • Breeding songbird surveys will be requested by the CDOW and the USFWS. A survey was conducted during 2006, however, density estimates had high variance due to relatively low sample sizes. The CDOW and USFWS are likely to also request a post- construction breeding bird survey. • Surveys for rare plants protected under the state endangered species act are likely to be requested by the CDOW. Surveys for plants protected under the federal endangered species act should be conducted if suitable habitat is present. • A Class III (pedestrian survey) cultural resource survey of proposed ground disturbance areas should be conducted once the facility design has been determined but prior to finalizing the layout. Micro-site facilities when possible to avoid or minimize impacts to cultural resources. vi • • The US Airforce or FAA should be contacted to determine if they have any major issues with a wind project in the project area due to the presence of training areas and missile silos. S vii Hello