The URL can be used to link to this page

Browse Search

Home My WebLink About20062078 SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (USR) APPLICATION FOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT USE DATE RECEIVED: _�-- _ _ RECEIPT#/AMOUNT # IS 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 Legal Description See Appendix C _, Section Township North, Range West Flood Plain: Zone District:__ , Total Acreage: ,Overlay District: Geological Hazard: ,Airport Overlay District: FEE OWNER(S) OF THE PROPERTY: N a m e • Work Phone# Home Phone# -- Email Address: Address: C i t y / S t a t e / Z i p C o d e N a m e • Work Phone# Home Phone# Email Address: Address: C i t y / S t a t e / Z i p C o d e N a m e • Work Phone#_ Home Phone# Email Address: Address: C i t y / S t a t e / Z i p C o d e APPLICANT OR AUTHORIZED AGENT (See Below:Authorization must accompany applications signed by Authorized Agent) N a m e Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC- Nelson Teague Work Phone#434-220-1406 Home Phone# —EmailAddress: nelsont gingcom Address:310 4th Street C i t y / S t a t e / Z i p C o d e Charlotesville,Virginia 22902 PROPOSED USE: Wind Ener_gy Facile EXHIBIT 1 7 -6- 2006-2078 I (We)hereby depose and state under penalties of perjury that all statements, proposals, and/or plans submitted with or contained within the application are true and correct to the best of my(our)knowledge. Signatures of all fee owners of property must sign this application. If an Authorized Agent signs, a letter of authorization from all fee owners must be included with the application.If a corporation is the fee owner, notarized evidence must be included indicating that the signatory has to legal authority to sign for the corporation. D(p Sign ture: Owner or uth ed Agent 'Date Signature: Owner or Authorized Agent Date May 11,2006 Weld County—Planning and Zoning Attention: Kim Ogle Planning Manager Greeley Office 918 10`" Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Re: Weld County Regulation—Section 1041 —Areas and Activities of State Interest—Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC Dear Mr. Ogle: Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of Greenlight Energy, Inc. ("Cedar Creek") hereby submits twenty-five (25) copies of permit applications for each of the following facilities: (i) Wind Energy Generation Facility, (ii) Switching Station and (iii) 230kV Electric Transmission Line. Pursuant to our discussions over the time preceding this filing, Cedar Creek requests that the applications be treated as a single filing for the purposes of review by and public hearings before the Weld County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. 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 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. Pursuant to the information you provided in our pre-application conference, we are submitting copies of the application for distribution to referral agencies and other reviewers. Please feel free to contact me at 434-220-1406 should you have any questions or need additional information. Sincerely yours, ?titian 2.1netiik. Nelson S. Teague, Jr. Enclosure GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC.•310 4'"STREET,N.E.•CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA•22902 PHONE:(434)220 1406•FAX:(434)220 1420•WWW.GLNRG.COM W.GLNRG.COM r CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Wind Energy Generation Facility ,—� Application Submitted to Weld County for Areas and Activities of State Interest May 2006 Prepared By: EDAW Cedar Creek Wind Energy,LLC A Joint Venture Between Greenlight Energy,Inc.and Babcock and Brown Power Operating Partners,LLC Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Contents Project Overview 1 Introduction 1 Purpose and Need 2 Approach to Site Selection 5 Wind 5 Public Involvement 6 Economics 6 Environmental Considerations 6 Engineering 6 Acquisition of Land Rights 7 Wind Energy Basics 7 Areas and Activities of State Interest—Application Requirements 9 21-3-330 Application Submittal Requirements 11 21-3-330.A Applicability 11 21-3-330.B Submittal Requirements 11 21-3-330.B.1 Map Requirements I 1 21-3-330.B.1.a Name and Acreage of Proposed Use 11 21-3-330.B.1.b.d Map Requirements I I 21-3-330.B.1.c Applicants and Consultants 11 21-3-330.B.2 Title Information 13 21-3-330.B.2.a Surface Landowners 13 21-2-330.B.2.b Access to the Proposed Site 13 21-3-330.B.2.c Real Property Interests 13 21-3-330.B.2.d Mineral Interests 13 21-3-330.B.3 Section 1041 Maps 13 21-3-330.B.3.a—d Vicinity Map Requirements 13 21-3-330.B.4 Plot Plan 13 21-3-330.B.5 Other Information 14 21-3-330.B.5.a Present Use and Zoning 14 21-3-330.B.5.b Map Extent 14 21-3-330.B.5.e Type of Facility 15 21-3-330.B.5.f Projected Development Schedule 43 21-3-330.B.5.g Hazards and Emergency Procedures 44 21-3-330.B.5.h—i Name,Address,and Telephone Number of the Applicants and Fee Owners 46 21-3-330.B.5.j Legal Description of the Property under Consideration 46 21-3-330.B.5.k Total Acreage of the Parcel,Right-of-Way, or Corridor under Consideration 46 21-3-330.B.5.1 Existing Land Use 46 21-3-330.B.5.m Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcel 47 21-3-330.B.5.n Present Zone and Overlay Zones 47 21-3-330.B.6 Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site Selection and Construction 48 21-3-330.B.7 Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of the Wind Energy Facility 49 Land Use 49 Transportation Impacts(21-3-330.C.2.g) 49 Socioeconomic Environment 50 Discussion of Impacts on Additional Resources Including Significant Environmentally Sensitive Factors(21-3-330.C.2) 51 Vegetation Including Marshlands and Wetlands 51 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat 51 Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species 54 Unique Areas of Geologic,Historic,or Archaeological Importance 59 21-3-330.B.8 Long-Term Effects from the Project upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development 59 21-3-330.B.9 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts and Maximization of Positive Impacts 60 21-3-330.B.10 Non-Structural Alternatives 60 21-3-330.B.11 Structural Alternatives 60 21-3-330.B.12 Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives 60 Air Pollution Impact and Control 60 Water Pollution Impact and Control 61 21-3-330.B.13 Design Alternatives—Access,Landscaping,and Architecture 61 21-3-330.B.14 New or Upgraded Services 62 21-3-330.B.15 Hydrologic,Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic,Biotic,Visual,and Noise Impacts 65 Hydrologic 65 Geologic 65 Pedologic 66 Visual 67 Noise 68 Wind Turbine Generator Sound Level 68 21-3-330.B.16 Surface and Subsurface Drainage 77 21-3-330.C Specific Submittal Requirements 77 References 79 iTh ii Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Figures Figure 1 Project Location Map 3 Figure 2 Wind Facility Components 8 Figure 3 Vicinity Map 17 Figure 4 Plot Plan Map 19 Figure 5 Land Use Map 21 Figure 6 Turbine Types 23 Figure 7 Turbine Spacing 24 Figure 8 Collection System Structures 25 Figure 9a Option A Main 300 MW Substation Site Plan 27 Figure 9b Option A Main 300 MW Substation Elevation 29 Figure 10a Option B Main 100 MW Substation Site Plan 31 Figure 10b Option B Main 100 MW Substation Elevation 33 Figure 1 la Remote 100 MW Site Plan A (North) 35 Figure 11b Remote 100 MW Site Plan B (Northeast) 37 Figure 11c Remote 100 MW Elevation 39 Figure 12 Temporary Facilities Conceptual Plan 42 Figure 13 Wildlife Map 57 Figure 14 Water Resources Map 63 Figure 15 Soil Erodibility 69 Figure 16 Soil Shrink/Swell Potential 71 r—. Figure 17a Wind Farm Visual Simulations 73 Figure 17b Looking North from North Parking Lot at Pawnee Buttes Trailhead 74 Figure 17c Looking Northeast from Pawnee Buttes Trail 75 Tables Table 1 Overview of Project Development Schedule 43 Table 2 Soils within the Proposed Site for the Wind Energy Facility 66 Table 3 Wind Turbine Generator Acoustic Test Results 76 Table 4 Comparative Sound Chart 76 Appendices Appendix A Letter from PSCo Summarizing Power Purchase Agreement 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 iii Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Acronyms and Abbreviations Babcock Babcock and Brown Power Operating Partners, LLC and Brown C.R.S. Colorado Revised Statues CDOW Colorado Division of Wildlife CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Cedar Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC Creek CNHP Colorado Natural Heritage Program CO2 carbon dioxide CRP Conservation Reserve Program dBA decibels (A-weighted scale) ESA Environmental Site Assessment FAA Federal Aviation Administration FSA Farm Service Agency kV kilovolt MW megawatt NOx nitrogen oxide NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service O&M operations and maintenance PPA Power Purchase Agreement Project Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project v Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility PM10 particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter PSCo Public Service Company of Colorado REC recognized environmental conditions SO2 sulfur dioxide USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service UWRAP Utility Wind Resource Assessment Program (Department of Energy) WEST Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. vi Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Project Overview Introduction Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC (Cedar Creek), a Colorado limited liability company, is proposing to construct, operate, and maintain the following Major Facilities of a Public Utility in Weld County: • A nominal 330 megawatt(MW) wind energy facility(the facility), including turbines, up to three substations, and an operations and maintenance (O&M)facility. • A 230 kilovolt(kV) electric transmission line. • A new switching station allowing the facility to interconnect with the existing transmission system owned and operated by Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) near Keenesburg, Colorado. The facilities described above are proposed as part of the overall Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project (the Project) and are located within Weld County, as shown in the Project Location Map (Figure 1). Cedar Creek has prepared three separate applications requesting permits to conduct these Activities of State Interest. These applications have been filed simultaneously. Because each facility composing the Project relies on the other applications to be complete, operational, and beneficial, concurrent reviews and hearings are requested. This application requests approval of the 330 MW wind energy facility portion of the overall Project. 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 (C.R.S.) 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. Cedar Creek is a joint venture between Greenlight Energy, Inc. (Greenlight) and Babcock and Brown Power Operating Partners, LLC (Babcock and Brown). Greenlight is a national developer of large-scale wind energy projects with projects under development in 15 states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and North Dakota. Babcock and Brown is a global investment and advisory firm that specializes in arranging financing for, managing, and acquiring major assets such as power plants. Worldwide, 1 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Babcock and Brown has completed more than 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects, which are valued at more than $3.5 billion, and has more than 3,000 MW of wind projects under construction or in late-stage development. In the U.S., Babcock and Brown has been involved in the financing, development, and ownership of wind projects in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Mexico. Purpose and Need The Project is proposed in response to PSCo's need for additional energy resources and its desire to purchase wind energy. Electrical demand continues to increase in Colorado, largely as a result of continued growth and development along the Front Range. In December of 2004, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved PSCo's 2003 Least-Cost Resource Plan, which included plans for a competitive solicitation to procure new energy resources. This Project will help fulfill PSCo's energy needs, as identified in the 2003 Plan. 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. The 10 percent renewable energy standard will reduce approximately 3 million metric tons of power plant CO2 emissions per year by 2025, which is a reduction of 4.5 percent below business-as-usual levels. This Project will help PSCo meet obligations related to the Renewable Energy Requirement. In 2005, Cedar Creek proposed the Project to PSCo in response to a Request for Proposal for Energy Resources, which was issued by PSCo.The request states: The addition of cost-effective renewable energy is one way to meet two of PSCo's resource acquisition objectives. One of these objectives is to procure a diverse mix of resource types that offer energy price stability and low-cost energy to hedge against more volatile fossil fuel prices. Another objective is to reduce the environmental impact of new resources. PSCo recently signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement(PPA) with Cedar Creek to purchase the power generated from the Project. A letter summarizing this PPA is included as Appendix A. The Project will help Colorado meet a growing demand for electricity as well as increase supplies from renewable energy sources. em 2 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility The area where the Project is located has been identified as an Economic Empowerment Zone. The following benefits of the Project will help to provide economic stimulus to the local community: • Property tax payments on 400 million dollars of turbines and infrastructure; • Two-hundred part-time jobs created during the construction of the facility; • Fourteen to twenty long-term, full-time jobs created once the facility is operational; • Option and royalty payments to the 30+families with turbines on their land; • Option and easement payments paid to the approximate 40 landowners involved in the transmission line; • Increased spending at local businesses by construction workers and tourism; Approach to Site Selection Wind The proposed wind energy facility site was selected based on several key development factors, which include but are not limited to, the wind resource in the area, environmental considerations for appropriateness, transmission characteristics, and economic considerations. Colorado has one of the top wind resources in the United States, and Weld County in particular has a strong wind regime. 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 winds coming predominantly from the northwest accelerate as they encounter and cross over the perpendicular terrain of the site—an important component in increasing wind speed. Cedar Creek installed onsite anemometers in 2004 to further assess the local wind resource and ensure the site's suitability for a wind energy facility. To date, the data has continued to show Cedar Creek to have one of the best resources in the state. 5 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Public Involvement Public input assists in identifying the values, concerns, and interests of the community 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 held a public open house on December 13, 2005, in the Town of Kersey, Colorado. More than 300 invitations were sent via the U.S. Postal Service to owners of property within 0.5 mile of the preliminary alternative transmission corridors and the site boundary for the Project. Other stakeholders, including municipalities and state and federal wildlife agencies, were also invited. The public open house was attended by 76 people. Representatives from Cedar Creek and its consultants, EDAW and LoneTree Energy&Associates, LLC, were available to provide information about the Project and answer questions. Handouts and large-format displays were available for attendees to review and discuss. The written comments that were received focused primarily on visual effects and effects of electromagnetic fields. (See Appendix B for a complete list of materials provided at the public open house and written comments that were received.) Economics Cedar Creek has an obligation to both its owners and customers to operate in a financially responsible manner.The relative cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining different alternatives is an important consideration when the need for new infrastructure is identified. Also important is the long-term cost of infrastructure needs. For example, an inexpensive alternative that meets near-term needs might not be the most economical alternative if several other system upgrades are needed to meet long-term demand. The proposed wind energy facility is economically feasible and meets project needs. Environmental Considerations The environmental criteria evaluated during the siting process included existing information regarding wildlife habitat, sensitive vegetation communities, water resources, culturally sensitive areas, and other resource concerns. Facilities are sited to minimize impacts to such resources. Environmental studies for this project are ongoing, and project features may be adjusted when feasible to minimize or eliminate impacts to sensitive environmental resources. Engineering Cedar Creek's engineers are responsible for the design of the wind energy facility and for ensuring that goals and objectives are met. Engineering input is 6 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 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. 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 wind energy facility are in the form of a Land Lease and Wind Easement Agreement; therefore, the fee ownership does not change. Cedar Creek 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. 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. 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 stepped up so that it can be fed into the electrical transmission system. 5. Utility Transmission—Energy is sent through the electrical transmission lines to utility distribution systems for delivery to customers. An approximately 70-mile transmission line will connect the transported energy to the existing regional system. 7 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Generation: Nod Ensryy Sp s Me N.d _ { _ r�e.r.,Rom,.Guiding; r 4. `d' .f t I \)__QQ Transfer: \� i d 1,\ Iron Nsode to ha rabrrrw Cam dna.e,amnion b Nov a`e -t )1 ).-..- 19 :. .M- 0 Collection: w.ut m�. urde,WOUrd Poo.,coAoru,,,System.\\1___ (7-70 fie, connecting croon,of Turbines 1. f .......... y i I` rr.e.�ra syr , , . ,r,�.. , ,. , ___ °Transmission: 0 Substation: &parlaiy Rowe Into 0ntri0u7a,Syefm- Porn F7pw,nom*,r,.,.nleam 71,I C.d.'Creek*Ind f.rm MN Linos b Sabefs0on __ _ Supply Enough EMeb*b b Power rr+.con eecor~o 83,000 Promos Figure 2 Wind Facility Components 8 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Areas and Activities of State Interest —Application Requirements 9 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility /r1 21-3-330 Application Submittal Requirements 21 -3-33O.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 will be produce up to 330 MW of power. 21 -3-330.6 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 31,670 acre, Cedar Creek Wind Energy Facility that will produce up to 330MW of power. 21-3-330.B.1.b.d Map Requirements All map requirements, including scale as approved by Weld County, have been met. 21-3-330.B.1.c Applicants and Consultants Applicant Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC Attention: Nelson S. Teague, Jr. 310 Fourth Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 434-220-1406 Engineers: Power Engineers Attention: Glenn Davidson 3900 S. Wadsworth Boulevard Suite 700 Lakewood, CO 80235 303-716-8900 11 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Superna Energy LLC Attention: Lloyd Pasley 409 Beveridge Road Ridgewood, NJ 07450 917-783-2410 Surveyor: Westwood Attention: Mark Salo 7699 Anagram Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952-937-5150 Sellards &Grigg, Inc. Attention: John S. Lambert 390 Union Boulevard Suite 630 Lakewood, CO 80228 303-986-1444 Consultants: LoneTree Energy&Associates, LLC Attention: Andrew J. Horvat 950 Seventeenth Street, Suite 2000-A Denver, CO 80202 303-233-8700 EDAW, Inc Attention: Larry Keith 1809 Blake Street Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 303-595-4522 Walsh— Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC Attention: Jon J. McClurg 4888 Pearl E. Circle, Suite 108 Boulder, CO 80301 303-443-3282 Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc. Attention: Wallace P. Erickson 2003 Central Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001 307-634-1756 12 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 21-3-330.B.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 of the site boundary for the proposed wind energy facility are provided in Appendix C. 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. Memorandums of these agreements are included in Appendix D. 21-3-330.B.2.c Real Property Interests A list of the names and addresses of all owners of property or interest holders of surface property that will be disturbed or crossed for the proposed wind energy facility was obtained from the Weld County Assessor's Office and title searches and is provided in Appendix C. 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. 21-3-330.B.3 Section 1041 Maps 21-3-330.B.3.a — d Vicinity Map Requirements The Section 1041 Permit Vicinity Map (see Figure 3) has been approved by and provided to Weld County in a reproducible format. This map includes a vicinity view of the proposed wind energy facility as shown on one sheet at 1:39,000. The permit map is consistent with the requirements of Section 21-3-330.B.3 and the relevant subsections thereof. 21-3-330.B.4 Plot Plan Figure 4 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 13 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility collection systems, substation(s), and 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. In addition to proposed structures and project features, the plot plan displays utility easement and rights-of-way information gathered to date from utility companies with infrastructure in the area. Appendix E contains a list of all utility companies that potentially have easements within the overall Project area. These companies were contacted by phone and/or by letter. An example of the letter sent to the utility companies is included in Appendix E. Cedar Creek will finalize design and layout of the wind energy facility prior to applying for building permits, pursuant to an anticipated approval of this application. Once the design and layout are finalized, Cedar Creek will submit a final site plan that shows the planned locations for all facilities as part of Cedar Creek's application for building permits. 21-3-330.B.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. Many portions of farmland have been entered into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA). 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 5 illustrates land use within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. 21-3-330.B.5.b Map Extent Figure 1 displays the area within 10 miles of the proposed site, as called for in 21-3-330.B.5.b.i for proposed power plant facilities. 14 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 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 will be additional temporary facilities during construction, including concrete batch areas, staging and parking areas, and an office trailer complex. The generating capacity of the proposed wind energy facility will be up to 330 MW. Up to 300 individual three-bladed wind turbine generators will be installed. The turbines will be mounted on tubular steel towers up to approximately 263 feet high with rotor diameters up to 255 feet. The exact number and size of turbines will depend on the energy generation capacity of the selected wind turbines (from 1.0 to 2.3 MW each). Turbine selection depends not only on manufacturers' availability but also economic considerations. r 15 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility r 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 4. 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 330 MW scenario are also identified without associated infrastructure. The wind turbine generator towers will be spaced approximately 700 to 800 feet apart within rows and 2,300 feet from row to row. Wind Turbine Typo Sono 2.3 MW GE 1.5 MW \cam. _ i /� \\ /� �\C255 MRi1.OMW / \, \\ --�'`• I 1,\ 702' I 1 1 i a- + 1 e,, 4- 1 \1 1\ i1 i1 i -I • �1 a a - - to IN Figure 6 Turbine Types Figure 7 illustrates typical turbine spacing configurations. A number of setback requirements has been developed and will be observed in final placement of wind turbine generator towers, as indicated below in section 21-3-330.B.5.l. 23 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Row Spacing Approximately 1/3 to 1/2 Mile , Between Rows(7-10 Rotor Diameters) Tuirbina Spacing c . Approximately 3 Rotar Diameters Between Turbines(700-800 Feet) Figure 7 Turbine Spacing A 34.5kV electrical collection system will gather the electricity from each wind turbine generator and route it to one of up to three project substations. The majority of this collection system will be installed underground,typically along the rows of the wind turbine generators, but also in some cases connecting rows of turbines together. Remaining portions will be installed aboveground, tying the rows of turbines together and forming a"backbone" of the electrical collection system. Figure 8 is an illustration of typical installation structures that will compose the overhead collection system for the wind energy facility.The plot plan provided as Figure 4 shows a representation of the collection system layout. As described more fully below, if three, rather than one, project substations are built, the overhead double-circuit 34.5kV portion of the collector system shown in Figure 4 will be converted to and constructed as an overhead 230kV collector system line. 24 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Single Circuit H-Frame (230kV) 40'-46' -► ` Single Circuit Wood Pole (34.5kV) ' Y ty e' 60'-100' 50'-75' 19'-24'y Figure 8 Collection System Structures The electrical collection system will terminate at substations. Each Project substation will include breakers, switching and metering equipment, and a 34.5/230kV step-up transformer, which will increase the voltage from the 34.5kV collection system to the 230kV interconnection transmission system. Up to three substations will be built within the wind energy facility(Figure 3). At a minimum, one main substation will be built (Option A). Under Option A, this substation would be an approximately 5-acre 300 to 330 MW substation with associated O&M building. A detailed site plan for this substation is shown in Figures 9a and 9b. Under Option B, three approximately 100 MW substations (the exact split of the 300 to 330 MW capacity to be determined during final design) would be built. Drawings representing the main 100 MW substation and the two potential remote 100 MW substations are included as Figures 10a and 10b and 11a through 11c. Each remote substation will be up to 2 acres and will have graveled parking areas for up to six vehicles. All substations built within the proposed site for the wind energy facility will be fenced with chain-link fencing to prevent access to high-voltage equipment. Locked vehicle gates will be located at entrances to the reN 25 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility main facility and substations. Key boxes will be provided for emergency personnel. The configuration and number of substations to be built will be determined once the wind resource assessment,facility layout, and design are finalized. Final layouts and configurations will be submitted in building permit applications, and if feasible, at the time of the public hearing process. A permanent O&M building will be constructed adjacent to the main substation, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b. It will consist of approximately up to 10,000 square feet of enclosed space, including offices, spare parts storage, kitchen, restrooms, and a maintenance shop area. Potable water will either be obtained from an onsite well or obtained offsite. Appropriate well permits will be obtained prior to construction, if needed. Wastewater from the building will be discharged to an onsite domestic septic tank and drain field. There will 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 either partial- or full-perimeter fencing. The overall area of the O&M building and associated parking will be approximately 2 to 3 acres. Layout of the wind energy facility will minimize the need for new, permanent roads through the use of existing access roads and County roads wherever possible. New roads will not be accessible to the general public. Following completion of the construction, use of the improved and new access roads on private lands will be limited to the landowner and to maintenance staff.The roads will be 16 feet wide and will have a compacted gravel surface. Roads will also have 10-foot compacted shoulders on each side (36-foot total width)to facilitate crane travel.Turning radii of up between 90 to 135 feet will be installed, as needed, along county roads and newly constructed onsite roads to facilitate deliveries of wind turbine components. In areas of steeper grades, a cut and fill design will be implemented to keep grades below 15 percent and to prevent erosion. Compacted and/or graveled crane pads and erection areas will also be constructed at each wind turbine generator location. Following completion of construction, compacted shoulders on roads, crane pads, and erection areas will be de-compacted and reseeded. Turning radii installed as described above will be removed, reduced to a normal 25-foot radius, de-compacted, and seeded. Of the total 31,670 acre site, it is anticipated that approximately 2 percent of the area will be disrupted during construction and operation of the proposed wind energy facility. The output of the wind energy facility will be transmitted via a 230kV transmission line to an interconnection site with PSCo's system near Keenesburg, Colorado. 26 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Upon receipt of the energy at this location, PSCo will transmit and distribute this energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout its service area in Colorado. Weld County 1041 permits are requested for the proposed 230kV transmission line and interconnection switching station in other applications submitted concurrently with this document. An information kiosk and adjacent 6 to 8-vehicle graveled parking area will be constructed to provide a publicly accessible location to view and observe information about the Project. Although final materials have yet to be selected, this kiosk is envisioned to consist of three etched, double-sided, stainless steel panels supported by a metal frame, metal posts, and concrete foundations, with maximum total dimensions of 16 feet wide by 6 feet deep with a maximum height of 12 feet. The final location of the kiosk will be determined based on the location that provides the optimal vantage point from which to view the overall wind farm. Temporary staging areas and parking facilities 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, 5-acre temporary laydown areas will be used for material deliveries and storage during the construction period. These facilities will be removed and the site will be returned to pre-construction 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. In addition, up to six laydown areas are expected as shown in Figure 4. Conceptual layout of an office trailer/batch plant complex is shown in Figure 12. 41 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility iTh gin I (-- _ um_----N p. s ,Ra,.',, l �X N L_ ,5 <[ , I_ v Pm V —....-.... Figure 12 Temporary Facilities Conceptual Layout Both gravel and water will 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 offsite sources or newly developed and/or permitted onsite sources. If onsite water supplies or gravel pits will be developed, Cedar Creek will comply with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements regarding development and use of such onsite sources. During operation of the wind energy facility, Cedar Creek will have between 15 to 20 onsite employees (e.g., site manager, operations manager, and operating technicians) who will 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 will include a schedule of outages to facilitate routine inspections and maintenance on the wind turbine generators. Inspection and maintenance activities will entail inspecting wear and 42 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 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.This design life is consistent with Cedar Creek's term of the PPA with PSCo. 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. However, in the event that wind generation at the Project site is terminated at some point,the facility will be decommissioned. At such time, Cedar Creek will 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 is expected to begin as early as September of 2006 and last approximately 12 to 15 months. The wind energy facility will be operational by December of 2007. Portions of the facility may be commissioned and brought to operations in stages beginning in mid-2007, depending upon final wind turbine generator delivery and construction schedules.Table 1 presents an overview of the development schedule. Table 1 —Overview of Project Development Schedule Project Component Anticipated Start Anticipated End Date Date Design April 2006 December 2006 Engineering Construction October 2006 November 2007 Commissioning May 2007 December 2007 Commercial June 2007 Indefinite Operations (partial) December 2007 (complete facility) The proposed wind energy facility will employ approximately 160 people during the construction phase. Construction will normally take place during one 10 to 12 hour shift per day during daylight 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 43 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 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. The peak number of workers at any one time will be approximately 200. General phases of development are summarized in the following list: • Phase I—Construction of the access roads and crane pads at each wind turbine generator location • Phase II — Preparation of the site for the O&M building and substations • Phase III—Construction of the wind turbine generator foundations • Phase IV—Construction of the substations • Phase V—Trenching and installation of the energy collection system • Phase VI —Assembly of the wind turbine generators • Phase VII -Commissioning • Phase VIII—Any necessary restoration to the site 21-3-330.B.5.g Hazards and Emergency Procedures Hazards to Humans 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. However, physical contact between a grounded object and the high- voltage conductors is not necessary for electrical contact to be made. 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 will be located in proximity to any existing residence or County road thus further minimizing the incidence of danger to any individual. The bulk of the collection system will be installed underground thus minimizing the potential for human contact. Portions of the collection system or transmission lines are installed overhead and will conform with applicable standards for design clearances, etc. The substations will be fenced to prevent public access to these 44 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility areas. Safety signage will be posted around all high-voltage facilities and at underground cable crossings along roads in conformance with applicable state and federal regulations. Environmental Hazards A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is being performed in general accordance with the consensus document known as American Society for Testing and Materials 1527-00, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I ESA Process, which provides a guide for conducting environmental site assessments. The purpose of this ESA is to assist in developing information to identify recognized environmental conditions (REC) and constraints in connection with the proposed wind energy facility. There is no indication that there are any RECs or constraints that would preclude construction of the proposed wind energy facility. Enclosed containers will be provided for all trash. All construction waste, including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other potentially hazardous materials will be removed to a disposal facility authorized to accept such materials. There will be no significant amounts of hazardous materials stored at the wind energy facility site. Small quantities of ,i-^^ lubricants used in the facility will be stored within the O&M building or within similar temporary construction facilities. No explosives will be used for excavation purposes. Construction and O&M activities will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances. The only hazardous chemicals anticipated onsite are those found in diesel fuel, gasoline, coolant (ethylene glycol), and lubricants in machinery. Hazardous materials will not be drained onto the ground or into streams or drainage areas. In its contract with the construction contractor, Cedar Creek will specify that it will hold a required pre-construction meeting with the contractor to ensure that all applicable laws and Cedar Creek's procedures will be followed. Standard Construction Mitigation Practices are attached as Appendix F. Emergency Procedures In the event of fire, explosions, or other events that may endanger the public health, safety, and welfare of employees or the general public, monitoring equipment on each wind turbine generator, as well as within the Project's O&M facility will notify operators at the Project site in the event of an equipment malfunction. Appropriate field crews and engineering personnel are notified by telephone or radio and undertake the required procedures to correct the problem �..� and restore the facilities to normal operations. Cedar Creek will create 45 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility emergency procedures and coordinate with local fire, rescue, and other emergency response personnel in advance of construction to ensure proper pre- planning of emergency response procedures. Natural Hazards No natural hazards exist in the area that will affect or be affected by the wind energy facility. The proposed site is neither located in a 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 Wind Energy, LLC 310 Fourth St. N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 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 wind energy facility are included in Appendix C. 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 31,670 acres. The acreage of the permanent footprint of the facility(e.g., roads, turbine foundations, substations, O&M building, etc.) will be less than 150 acres or less than 1 percent of the total site. 21-3-330.B.5.l Existing Land Use 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 5. 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. 46 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility In designing and micro-siting the wind energy facility, Cedar Creek will 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: • 1,000 feet from occupied residences (excluding barns and other outbuildings), unless written permission for a shorter distance is received by the landowner • 400 feet from the edge of the site boundary for the wind energy facility • 400 feet from existing County roads (measured from road centerline) • 30 feet from section lines where roads are not developed (outside of the County's 60-foot right-of-way) • 2,000 feet from missile silos (measured from center of missile silo plot) • 100 feet from Air Force Base missile silo communications cabling • 150 feet from the escarpment edges that face the prevailing wind direction on the northwest side of the project area, where updrafts are likely to occur, to minimize the collision risks to raptors Land enrolled in the CRP program will maintain CRP status, with the exception of the permanent disturbance within the turbine tower and new access road footprints, which will either comply with allowed exclusions to the CRP program or will be withdrawn from the program. No impact to oil and gas wells will occur. 21-3-330.B.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. Pawnee National Grasslands is located adjacent to the southeast portion of the proposed site. 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. No floodplains are mapped within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. 47 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility There are no Code of Federal Regulations, Part 77 restrictions within the vicinity of the proposed site for the wind energy facility. The project will not affect navigable airspace. 21-3-330.B.6 Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site Selection and Construction 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. 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 are ongoing and will continue over the next year to evaluate the potential for avian and bat collisions at the wind energy facility. Site investigations and consultation with the Colorado Department of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are currently being conducted by Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) to evaluate the potential for the presence of state-listed species or species of concern. Once these studies are final, locations of any state threatened, endangered, or species of concern will be analyzed in relation to project features. Coordination with CDOW and USFWS will continue and mitigation measures specific to study findings will be developed. Mitigation measures (Appendix F) that may be implemented will likely include (1) Some movement of turbines, roads, or collection system components; (2) construction timing constraints to avoid breeding seasons 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 offsite mitigation areas. Prior to applying for building permit applications, final locations for facility components and final mitigation measures will 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. Assessment and mapping of the playa lakes within the wind energy facility will occur and all facilities associated with the facility will be sited to avoid these important resources. Once the mapping is complete, road or other project feature locations may be moved to ensure the avoidance of playa lakes. 48 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Though the above criteria will 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. 21-3-330.B.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 118 acres, approximately 35 to 40 percent of the area impacted by construction. These areas will include footprints of turbines, access roads, substations, and the electric collection system structures. Agricultural productivity will be minimally impacted as farming and grazing activities may continue up to the bases of the wind turbines. If onsite water is used, Cedar Creek will comply with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements and water rights processes regarding development and use of such onsite sources. Transportation Impacts (21-3-330.C.2.g) Operation of the wind energy facility will not generate a significant number of long-term daily trips. Approximately 160 construction workers will be employed on a regular basis during the course of the 12-to 15-month construction period. The maximum number of construction workers at any one time will be approximately 200. There will be significant materials transported to the site during construction. These deliveries will consist of water, gravel, concrete supplies to onsite batch plants, turbine, tower, and equipment deliveries. Construction routes and site access points are being identified and will be coordinated with County officials as part of the final building permit applications and issuance. All access to the wind energy facility will be from Weld County. Project personnel will work with the Weld County Engineer to review road use during the construction phase and will guarantee that roads will be repaired and maintained throughout the construction and operation of the facility. Although impacts to County roads are possible, they will be mitigated by Cedar Creek's agreement with Weld County to 1) maintain County Roads 122 and 105 49 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility at all times during construction and 2) execute a Roads Maintenance Agreement with the County to ensure roads are maintained and/or repaired to a condition similar to what existed prior to construction. Approximately 15 to 20 full-time employees will be located onsite during operation of the wind energy facility. Routine and emergency maintenance visits will occur regularly, which will average approximately 6 to 8 visits per turbine per year. No adverse impacts to County roads will occur during the operations phase. It is anticipated that no improvements to County roads will be required to adequately serve the operation of the wind energy facility. Socioeconomic Environment There will be no adverse socioeconomic impacts associated with the wind energy facility. The full Project, including construction of the associated transmission line and switching station, will employ approximately 160 people during the majority of the construction phase and approximately 20 direct full-time positions throughout its operating life. The proposed wind energy facility will 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. The Project will represent an investment of more than $400 million in Weld County and generate a long-term tax base for the County and commensurate property tax revenues. The Project will create additional revenue in the form of royalties for the 30 property owners with wind turbine generators located on their property. The approximately 40 property owners granting Cedar Creek easement right for the Project's interconnection transmission line will also receive option and lump sum easement payments. 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. The wind energy facility will generate a clean, affordable, efficient, reliable, and renewable energy source for PSCo and its customers. 50 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Discussion of Impacts on Additional Resources Including Significant Environmentally Sensitive Factors (21-3-330.C.2) Vegetation Including Marshlands and Wetlands The majority of disturbance to vegetation from construction activities will be temporary impacts to CRP or agricultural (grazed or dryland farmed) lands. Temporarily disturbed areas such as underground electric line trenches, un- needed roads, and construction areas along overhead transmission line structures will be reclaimed. These areas will 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). The NRCS will be consulted regarding appropriate reclamation methods. Long-term disturbance to vegetation will occur within the approximately 118-acre footprint needed for O&M of the wind energy facility. No riparian areas or wetlands will be disturbed by the construction or operation of the wind energy facility. �.. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat 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 the USFWS and the CDOW was conducted to gain an understanding of wildlife issues within the proposed site. Coordination with these agencies will 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. In addition, similar projects in similar environments have not shown significant impact to mammals.There have been some exceptions for bats on two project sites on the east coast and one project in western Canada, where bats have been impacted, to a greater extent, by risk of collision with turbine blades. However, sites where such impacts have occurred in the east are located on ridge-top,forested sites, which is a dissimilar environment to the currently proposed site for the Project. 51 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility The project in Canada is located in a similar habitat; however, the Canada project is located approximately 12.5 miles from a large forest, which may be influencing bat fatality rates at the site. The proposed Cedar Creek project is located approximately 45 miles from the large forested areas of the Colorado Front Range. Additional studies on other wind energy projects in similar environments have not shown significant impacts to bat populations. Bats are not known to roost in the area, and impacts to bats are not expected to be significant. Other wind energy facilities in similar environments (Ponnequin, Colorado, and Foote Creek Rim, Wyoming) have demonstrated low levels of impacts to bats (Gruver 2002, Young et al. 2003, Good 2006). Cedar Creek has agreed to perform studies that will estimate bat species and density in the Project area and monitor the number of bat fatalities at the wind energy facility. If there is evidence of high bat use or mortality at the wind energy facility, mitigation will be investigated and implemented as feasible in cooperation with CDOW. Methods of such mitigation will depend on the number and exact cause of the bat fatalities, and the patterns of use. Other mammals likely to occur in the area of the proposed wind energy facility 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 result from temporary disturbances from construction activities. It is expected that most mammal species would habituate to the wind energy facility. Habitat for sensitive reptile and amphibian species is severely limited within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Surveys in suitable habitat will occur in the spring-summer of 2006 to document the presence or absence of various reptile and amphibian species. 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 no permanent wetland features that draw waterfowl or other species on a regular basis.The escarpment areas along the western edge of the proposed site for the -� 52 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility wind energy facility and the occasional tree or shelter belt provide suitable nesting habitat for raptors such as red-tail hawk, ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, golden eagle, and Swainson's hawk. In addition, raptors in the area are likely to take advantage of wind patterns along the western escarpment and ride the wind currents up and over these escarpments and over the plateau. Based on studies by WEST at the Foote Creek Rim Wind Farm, Cedar Creek has agreed that a setback of at least 150 feet will be implemented in the most sensitive areas to minimize risks of collisions to raptors as they rise up to the plateau. 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, Young et al. 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. Cedar Creek has committed to the following measures to mitigate for potential impacts to avian species: • Conduct avian use surveys to estimate breeding density of grassland songbirds within the proposed project area to determine if the construction and operation of the proposed wind power project has a measurable effect on breeding songbird density. Methods for the survey were recommended by CDOW. • Raptor nest surveys will be conducted prior to construction to identify locations and species nesting in the area. Construction timing constraints near known active nests will implemented whenever feasible to avoid disturbance to nesting raptors. • Conduct a presence or absence survey for mountain plovers within the proposed wind energy facility site. • Monitoring of the facility will document fatalities to birds as a result of collisions with turbine blades or other facility infrastructure. Communications 53 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility with the USFWS and CDOW will continue and collisions will be reported to the agencies. Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species Personal communications with USFWS in February 2006 did not raise any issues related to federally listed species at the proposed site for the wind energy facility. CDOW was contacted regarding species of state threatened or endangered status or other species of concern. Data from CDOW, the Natural Diversity Information Source Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), and the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory were used to determine those species of concern that could potentially occur within the vicinity of the proposed facility. Special status species that are known to occur or have the potential to occur within Weld County include the federally and 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 propose 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) (Figure 13).The proposed site also contains suitable habitat for the state- threatened "1 burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and prairie sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus). The bald eagle is not likely to visit the proposed site on a regular basis due to a 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. The above-mentioned avian studies will determine if and how often bald eagles visit the area. Risks of impacts to bald eagles from the wind energy facility are expected to be low. 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 will 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 will be 54 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 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 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 due to construction activities,the birds increased nesting populations in the area each year since the completion of construction, and the birds re-established nests in the direct vicinity of the turbines (Young et al. 2003). Collision with turbine blades does not appear to be a risk to mountain plovers due to their low flight patterns. Surveys for mountain plovers are underway at the proposed site for the wind energy facility. The results of these surveys and coordination with CDOW will assist in development of appropriate mitigation measures to minimize impacts to nesting plovers. 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 will minimize impacts to this species. Surveys for nesting ferruginous hawks and other raptors are currently being conducted. Additionally, Cedar Creek will install up to 15 nest platforms in suitable locations in coordination with CDOW. Black-tailed prairie dogs are not known to occur within the proposed site for the wind energy facility, although one abandoned colony was observed. No impacts to this species due 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 pre- construction survey will be conducted in suitable habitat (abandoned prairie dog colony) within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. 55 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Prairie sharp-tailed grouse are known to occur within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. Results of studies conducted in April of 2006 will be analyzed and appropriate mitigation will be developed in coordination with CDOW and may include: 1) some movement of project features; 2) installation of raptor perch deterrents on the associated transmission line within occupied habitat; and 3)future studies to determine impacts from the wind energy facility on this species. Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance There are no unique areas of geologic importance within the proposed site for the wind energy facility. A search of the National Park Service's National Register Information System (NRIS) was conducted on April 9, 2006 to find sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Weld County, Colorado. This was done to determine which sites are listed on the National Register and are within the Project's proposed right-of-way. The cultural resources records search revealed five known historic sites within es", National current boundaries of the proposed site. None of these sites is eligible for the National Register. In areas where sensitive historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources are known to occur, Cedar Creek will work with the State Historical Preservation Office to conduct additional onsite preconstruction surveys or monitoring during construction in order to aid construction crews in minimizing and avoiding impacts to cultural resources. No impacts to these or other areas of historic or archaeological importance are expected to occur as a result of construction or operation of the proposed wind energy facility. 21-3-330.6.8 Long-Term Effects from the Project upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development Future physical development of the proposed site will not likely be affected. The site is located within a sparsely populated, largely agricultural area. Grover,the nearest community, consists of 153 residents (2000 census).The site is unlikely to be an area slated for intensive residential, commercial, or industrial development. There will 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 will employ approximately 15 to 20 full-time positions. tr"' 59 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 21-3-330.B.9 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts and Maximization of Positive Impacts All practical efforts will 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 will be kept to minimal levels feasible because re-vegetation can be problematic in Weld County's semi-arid climate. All practical efforts will be made to re-establish native vegetation in the disturbed area. Cedar Creek's Standard Construction Mitigation Practices (included in Appendix F) address site reclamation of disturbed areas and other mitigation practices. 21-3-330.6.10 Non-Structural Alternatives The alternative of not building the facility would fail to fulfill the Project's objective to provide adequate energy supplies to PSCo's Colorado service area. In addition, other alternatives to meet the renewable energy mandate associated with Amendment 37 would be necessary. In practice, this would be problematic as other renewable resources in sufficient quantities and at an acceptable cost profile are largely non-existent, or would entail construction of other similar large- scale wind energy facilities elsewhere in Colorado. 21-3-330.6.11 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 would not meet the objective associated with Amendment 37. 21-3-330.B.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 will be performed by applying water to the disturbed area, where necessary. After construction is completed, but before vegetation has been re- established, some minor amount of additional dust could occur. The amount of additional dust will be monitored by Cedar Creek, and appropriate action will be taken to control the dust and ensure that potential wind erosion is minimized. 60 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility /s Weld County is an attainment area for all measured pollutants, including PM10. The wind energy facility will generate electricity to be introduced into PSCo's existing electric transmission system. No air emissions will result from operation of the facility. No long-term adverse air quality effects will occur. Relative to fossil-fuel based energy generation facilities, air emissions from this facility represent a decrease of 900,000 tons of pollutants such as CO2, NOx, or SO2. Water Pollution Impact and Control There are several intermittent drainages within the proposed site (Figure 14). The implementation of standard construction and erosion and sedimentation control practices will ensure the minimization of impacts to these drainages from increased turbidity, salinity, and sedimentation. These mitigation measures will include the use of one or more devices such as temporary berms, slope drains, diversion mounds, or sedimentation basins, as appropriate. Measures will be implemented during construction to prevent spills of petroleum products or other pollutants that could impact surface water quality. There will be no direct impacts to water quality associated with the regular operation or maintenance of the facility. The wind energy facility will not create runoff in excess of historic site levels and will not change existing topography or adversely affect drainage. There will 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 will be minimized through implementation of a Storm Water Management Plan designed to meet the requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) Construction Storm Water Discharge Permit.This plan is in progress. It is a design-level plan and will be prepared in consultation with the Weld County Engineer and the CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division. It will include the use of storm water retention ponds, sedimentation control measures, covering of exposed soils, and other established Best Management Practices. 21-3-330.6.13 Design Alternatives— Access, Landscaping, and Architecture Not applicable. 61 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 21-3-330.B.14 New or Upgraded Services Cedar Creek anticipates that there will 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 will guarantee the proper maintenance and repair of all roads used by the Project. Similarly, Cedar Creek will work cooperatively with local fire/rescue departments to ensure the adequacy of fire/rescue resources to serve the facility. Because Cedar Creek will not be a major employer, no significant additional demands are expected to be placed on other community services such as the school district. 62 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 21-3-330.B.15 Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts See above sections for descriptions of atmospheric (air quality), and biotic impacts. Hydrologic Surface water drains from the proposed site via ephemeral drainages that flow only during snowmelt or precipitation events. The principal drainage in the area is Sidney Draw, which flows from the central portion of the proposed site in a northeasterly direction. Other drainages in the proposed site 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 will not impact hydrologic flow of either surface or groundwater, nor will it affect groundwater recharge. Existing drainage patterns will be preserved. Permanent facilities would not be located in stream channels. If access roads cross stream channels, appropriately sized culverts will be installed to maintain channel flow and morphology. Water will be required to support construction, including road construction, concrete production, dust control, and other construction activities. If onsite water supplies will be developed, Cedar Creek will comply with all local, state and federal permitting requirements regarding development and use of such onsite sources. 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 will 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. 65 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Pedologic The proposed site includes the soil types shown in Table 2. Figures 15 and 16 display erosion and shrink-swell characteristics of these soils. This information is also shown in Table 2. Table 2—Soils within the Proposed Site for the Wind Energy Facility Soil Name Erosion Shrink/Swell Altvan fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Low Altvan fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Ascalon fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Low Ascalon fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Ascalon-Bushman-Curabith complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Low Ascalon-Bushman-Curabith complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes Medium Low Badland Medium Low Bankard loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Low Blakeland loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes Low Low Blakeland loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes Low Low Bushman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Low Bushman fine sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Bushman-Curabith-Canyon complex, 0 to 20 percent slopes Medium Low Eckley sandy clay loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Low Low Eckley sandy clay loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Low Low Eckley-Dix-Blakeland complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes Low Low Epping silt loam, 0 to 9 percent slopes High Low Haplaquolls-Fluvaquents complex,frequently flooded Not listed Low Haverson loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes High Low Keith loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Low Kim-Mitchell complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes High Low Kim-Mitchell complex, 6 to 9 percent slopes High Low Manter sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Manzanola clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Medium Nucla loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Low Nunn clay loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Medium Nunn loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Low Otero sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Low Otero sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Otero-Tassel complex, 6 to 30 percent slopes Medium Low Paoli fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Low Low Peetz gravelly sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes Medium Low Peetz-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 40 percent slopes Medium Low Platner loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes Medium Low Rosebud fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Low Rosebud fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Stoneham fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low 66 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Tassel loamy fine sand, 5 to 20 percent slopes Medium Low Treon fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes Medium Low Ustic Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 9 to 40 percent slopes Medium Low Vona sandy loam, 3 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Wages fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Medium Low Wages fine sandy loam, 6 to 9 percent slopes Medium Low Source:Natural Resource Conservation Service,Soil Survey,Weld County. The facility will not adversely affect any of these soil types. Construction of the facility will cause some localized soil compaction and increase the potential for soil erosion. Long-term effects associated with soil compaction and erosion will be minimized or negated through strict adherence to Cedar Creek'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 leveled by scarifying, harrowing, disking, or other approved methods. r • 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 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. Scattered occupied and abandoned farm/homesteads are located along gravel roads. Missile silos managed by the U.S. Department of Defense are also scattered through the area as are a few radio towers. Several electric distribution lines and other utilities run through the area as well. (See Figure 4.) The flat to rolling landscape is characteristic of much of eastern Colorado. The wind turbines would change the visual landscape. 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 the town of Grover, from the north parking area at the Pawnee Buttes Trailhead, as well as from the trail itself were created and are shown in Figures 17a through 17c. 67 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Associated substations and overhead power lines will also be introduced into the visual landscape. During construction, the increase in dust from vehicles will likely be noticeable on a temporary and limited basis. Lighting of the wind energy facility at night is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Lights will likely be simultaneously flashing red lights.The lights will be placed on the ends and at approximately 0.5-mile spacing along turbine rows, as lighting of each turbine will not be necessary. Use of daytime white lights is not required due to the white color of the turbines. Communication with the FAA will ensure agency approval of the lighting plan. Noise In general, there are three factors that will 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 in question and the observer. ti The sound levels produced by the Project are not expected to be significant. Each turbine will be at least 1,000 feet from all residences; thus a minimum sound buffer of 1,000 feet will exist in all practical instances.The sound experienced by an observer at this distance from a five-turbine array is expected to be about the same level as produced by a kitchen refrigerator. Wind Turbine Generator Sound Level Research and development efforts within recent years have resulted in dramatic improvements in the levels of sound 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 they brake the wind 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 emission. 68 —.. •— n o m u 0.T O. T C E C w Ew r '-'�#a. ' 3 c Y x. 11 T t-3l's:E. i i r C ID U 63 0 -- TD • Ft . 1 \ • ' } 1 - ' • .r. ..�. . i,. r a k 9 l ea , r,, t., v -ma " o•pY d --l•E t .'s.,.., w 4 1 I n 4; -- k 01 ' �" o 0 — of LL T M. T k� C i�{i l 4 A. ,n tr. i 4 i IL E � i di -$1 , t 4 ' 8 - t � � ism&t 1, \ .414.-,. ..),$ r i,P ' :.1 SPY i a iht:i + ii 4''' ' +^'{a iii : £` r etcA �$=+�i-. 3 ` �p I.e-44 ,311 s i� ' f ryer' 7+ y 1 Vic' .w it ✓ Ar, I ► Yd�ga �` _irpt . d $ " n t ` is ♦ r 'ti 1.- 4 12 411, + L x ~ OFF cot. a { m , • O. C) Y lit w_ C E Ril 7k . . o i re 5� "Ii. .<. 'ti . C Ol +4,f 1 314 + O yeJJ d Y� m . 'A.7' IL ,---- t g. : "' . ray., ''' n a` sc .c lit= II �. C . CW E W vs�, k:�4:. 4. so d f..) rt e- . 3 , t . .. z 'i.a . .1 d 1 s Y. 1g; a ,4 • I 66 .El F ai`"'' m m N I; 'A N R 3 ' 1,y4: ° m a .747 R o Y w 1 I:. - �.j �`Y 1 ., 0 a. o. c a tl' 1I Y t f# ' O y, q. 3 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility 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 3 summarizes the results from this test. Table 3—Wind Turbine Generator Acoustic Test Results Description Measured Derived Simple Method 1 Method 2 Average Background corrected A-weighted sound 51.0 dBA 53.9 dBA 52.5 dBA pressure at the acoustic reference wind speed Source:National Wind Technology Center,National Renewable Energy Laboratory,November 2,2000.Wind Turbine Generator System Acoustic Noise Test Report for the TZ 1.5i Wind Turbine Thus, at a distance of 360 feet, the sound level experienced is approximately 53 decibels (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 4. Table 4—Comparative Sound Chart Source A- Subjectivity/ Weighted Impression Sound Level 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(at 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 76 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Decibels jet a munc It should be noted that, as a general rule of thumb, r� W, od aui an increase of 10 dBA will seem twice as loud to the Mt. mU observer since the decibel scale is logarithmic. nlmnnOr I sri Kl kasti C The following is an excerpt from an article regarding ((1 0 m�a P 9 9 o-„«a- OJ l� turbine acoustics by the American Wind Energy �1Ke Association: Ho-ne0 50 w Wtd Wind turbines make noise—how much Bettye*, Ili 40 )r "'°ne noise? Pi'✓' : a vh—a lalames Q l to Noise was an issue with some early wind turbine designs, but it has been largely eliminated as a problem through improved engineering and appropriate use of setbacks from nearby residences. Aerodynamic noise has been reduced by adjusting the thickness of the blades'trailing edges and by orienting blades upwind of the turbine tower. A small amount of noise is generated by the mechanical components of the turbine. To put this[noise]into perspective, a wind turbine 250 meters[275 yards]from a residence is no noisier than a kitchen refrigerator. The diagram compares decibel levels from a hypothetical 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. 21-3-330.6.16 Surface and Subsurface Drainage Subsurface drainage will not be impacted by the proposed wind energy facility. Erosion and discharge of pollutants from the proposed site will 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 is in progress. It is a design-level plan and will be prepared in consultation with the Weld County Engineer and the CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division. It will include the use of storm water retention ponds, sedimentation control measures, covering of exposed soils, and other established Best Management Practices. 21 -3-330.C Specific Submittal Requirements Submittal requirements as specified by Weld County are included in the sections above. 77 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility References American Wind Energy Association. Fact Sheet-Wind Power Myths vs. Facts. http://www.awea.orcilpubs/factsheets/MythsysFacts-FactSheet.pdf Good, R.E. (WEST). 2006. Personal communication with N. Korbe (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. Masters thesis, University of Wyoming, Laramie. 149pp. National Wind Technology Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, November 2, 2000.Wind Turbine Generator System Acoustic Noise Test Report for the TZ 1.5i Wind Turbine, Natural Resource Conservation Service Soils Data Mart. Data for Weld County Soils. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/ Young, D.P., Jr., W.P. Erickson, R.E. Good, M.D. Strickland, and G.D. Johnson. 2003. Avian and bat mortality associated with the initial phase of the Foote Creek Rim Wind Power Project, Carbon County, WY. November 1998—June 2002. Prepared for Pacificorp, SeaWest Windpower, and the Bureau of Land Management. Prepared by Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. 79 Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Appendix A Letter from PSCo Summarizing Power Purchase Agreement e<0 Xcel Energy- PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY Ma 3, 2006 1099 18th Street,Suite 3000 Y Denver,Colorado 80202 Kim Ogle Planning Manager Department of Planning Services Weld County, Colorado 918 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Subject: Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Ogle: This letter is intended to confirm the relationship between Public Service Company of Colorado ("PSCo") and Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC ("CCWE") and to express PSCo's support of CCWE's 1041 permit applications to Weld County. PSCo entered into a long-term Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement with CCWE on December 23, 2005 under the terms of which PSCo intends to purchase the output of the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project from CCWE. This contract was awarded pursuant to CCWE's proposal submitted in response to PSCo's 2005 Request for Proposal for Energy Resources. In that RFP,PSCo states: The addition of cost-effective renewable energy is one way to meet two of PSCo's resource acquisition objectives. One of these objectives is to procure a diverse mix of resource types that offer energy price stability and low cost energy to hedge against more volatile fossil fuel prices. Another objective is to reduce the environmental impact of new resources. As such, PSCo supports CCWE's applications to Weld County for a permit to construct and operate the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Facility, and related transmission line and interconnection facilities. Sincerely, Barbara O'Neill Purchased Power Analyst Cc: David Stoner CCWE Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Appendix B Public Open House Materials PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT You Are Invited! Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 Time: 4:00 - 7:30 Place: Platte Valley High School Address: 901 Campbell, Kersey, CO Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Greenlight Energy, a national developer of large-scale wind energy projects, is proposing to construct a 300 megawatt (MW) wind farm in northeastern Colorado. The proposed wind farm site is to be located near the town of Grover in Weld County, Colorado. The project will interconnect to Xcel's transmission system near Keenesburg via an approximately 55- r�� mile 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and switching station (See Figure X). ie$4 The proposed wind farm site has one of the strongest documented wind resources in the state of Colorado according to a wind assessment initiated in 1996 by the U.S. /"" ' Department of Energy (DOE). Of the 10 sites evaluated by the DOE's Utility Wind Resource Assessment Program (UWRAP), the project site had the highest documented " average annual wind speed. Permit applications will be submitted to Weld County once the preferred route of the transmission line and switching station location are selected. The project will require a county 1041 permit for the construction of the wind farm, transmission line, and switching station. Project Area maps and other information will be on display at this public open house. Representatives of CCWE Energy will be on hand to seek your input and answer questions regarding the Project. Comment forms will also be provided. If you are unable to attend either open house, we welcome your input by telephone or email. For further information, please contact: Nelson Teague Nano itw. Greenlight Energy (434) 220-1406 nelson®glnrg.com GREENLIGHT CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY.LLC December 2005 WY OMING I N E B R S K A 1 ---,. Cedar Creek . ••\ . e Wind Farm (proposed site) I . I Grover Pawnee f Pawnee N tional i _ ' National Grassland Gri sland • 4 — \` 14 -- ..New Ault Raymer Potential LI Transmission Corridors Eaton (one direct route will be chosen) 1111 / I p u I r m I Greet yy F,i s I \ Fort-Morgan t s •• ggins 7. I I A Aires of Interc ion -� I ® ('� With Xcel Transmission System A Keenesburg I - 4,1 I ® f o 2 4 6 8 Hudson I ^J Miles ��.. GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4Th STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Kenneth J. Strom Director of Bird Conservation and Public Policy Audubon, Colorado 1966 13th Street, Suite 230 Boulder, Colorado 80302 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project To Mr. Strom: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE or EDAW, Inc. (EDAW), our consultant, can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. As you are aware, the project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, Ding Nelson S. Teague, Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc:Nicole C. Korbe EDAW, Inc.—Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)308-3563 �.-� (303)308-4434 GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Gerrold Brethauer Mayor, Town of Kersey 332 3rd Street P.O. Box 657 Kersey, CO 80644 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Brethauer: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, rn$13116\ Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax r., GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Liza Moore Denver Area Wildlife Manager Colorado Division of Wildlife Denver Service Center,Northeast Region Office 6060 Broadway Denver, Co. 80216 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Information on Species and Habitat Concerns for the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Ms. Moore: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If representatives of the Colorado Division of Wildlife (the .-� Division) are unable to attend, CCWE can provide further project information to the Division upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. Preliminary research by EDAW, Inc. (EDAW), our consultant, has identified the following listed species and other species of concern which have the potential to occur in the area: •Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) •Piping plover(Charadrius melodus) •Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) •Burrowing owl ((Speotyto cunicularia) •Ferruginous hawk(Buteo regalis) •Black-tailed prairie dog(Cynomys ludovicianus) •Mountain plover(Charadrius montanus) •Swift fox(Vulpes velox) •Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) ,.., The Pawnee National Grasslands provide habitat for a number of migratory and resident avian species. The project area also contains habitat for pronghorn (Antilocarpa americana). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife is also being consulted to acquire information regarding federally listed species and habitats of concern. If wetlands are identified within the project area,the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) would be consulted to determine if wetlands are jurisdictional "waters of the U.S.". If"waters of the U.S." are identified by the Corps and are to be impacted by the proposed project, CCWE would ensure the project complies with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Additional information on wildlife species and sensitive habitat types which may occur within the project area is requested at this time. Please feel free to contact EDAW or myself with questions or comments. We hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, lieuln243146 " Nelson S. Teague, Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434) 220-1420 fax CC: Nicole Korbe, EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax Ms.Liza Moore 2 30 November 2005 GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4Th STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Charles E. Thornton-Kolbe Partner and Consultant Progress Resources 709 Clarkson Street Denver, Colorado 80218 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project To Mr. Thornton-Kolbe: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE or EDAW, Inc. (EDAW), our consultant, can provide information regarding the public i'^ workshop upon request. As you are aware, the project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation,and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project.(See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, deaseiniVe .I- Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc:Nicole C. Korbe EDAW, Inc.—Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303)308-3563 (303)308-4434 GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 David Long Weld County District 1 Commissioner P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr.Long: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, tAtirAV Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax /'1 GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Mike Geile Weld County Commissioner P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Geile: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, 1,4311146‘ - Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy,Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe, EDAW,Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30,2005 Mark Gray Mayor,Town of Keenesburg 200 S. Main St. PO Box Keenesburg,CO 80643 Re:Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Gray: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to �—, interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project.(See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, ? fng g tria - Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy,Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax ir% GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30,2005 Town of Grover P.O. Box 57 313 Chatoga St. Grover, Colorado 80729 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project To Whom It May Concern: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, / 1 associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, tair121311,16% Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4T"STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 William Jerke Weld County Commissioner P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr.Jerke: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, d9rg Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax �1 r^. GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4Th STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Dwaine Kurtz Weld County Council P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Kurtz: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, feal41231titia . Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW,Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4'STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Chip Marks Weld County Council P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr.Marks: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, IRIPA Mire% Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe, EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303) 595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax ra'N rte. GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Trudy Peterson Kersey Town Manager 332 3`d Street P.O. Box 657 Kersey, CO 80644 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Ms. Peterson: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, ifelli43179 Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4T"STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Tom Pettit Weld County Council P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr.Pettit: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, dellfilVtire\ . Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Rob Madsen Weld County District 3 Commissioner P.O.Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Madsen: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to r3/4- interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, des01123117.9 „ Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy,Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW,Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax '0"% GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4T"STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Susan Collins State Archaeologist Deputy-State Historic Preservation Office 1300 Broadway Denver, Co. 80203 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Ms. Collins: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. ,.� The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, Nelson S. Teague, Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe, EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax /"", GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Leonard C. Burch Chairperson Southern Ute Tribe P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Burch: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, deaing Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe, EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax r1 GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Gene Stille Weld County Council P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Stille: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, liatang3179 Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy,Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe, EDAW,Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Steve Currey District Ranger United States Forest Service-Pawnee National Grasslands 660 "O" Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Currey: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE or EDAW, Inc. (EDAW), our consultant, can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. As you are aware,the project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, i Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc:Nicole C. Korbe EDAW, Inc.—Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)308-3563 /^.‘ (303)308-4434 tr• GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 United States Forest Service-Pawnee National Grasslands 660 O Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project To Pawnee National Grassland Staff: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE or EDAW, Inc. (EDAW), our consultant, can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. As you are aware, the project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project.(See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, flu . Nelson S.Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc:Nicole C.Korbe EDAW, Inc.—Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303)308-3563 (303)308-4434 rr GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4"'STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30,2005 Susan Linner Field Supervisor, Ecological Services USFWS Region 6 755 Parfet St., Suite 361 Lakewood, CO 80215 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Information on Species and Habitat Concerns for the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Ms. Linner: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) are unable to attend, CCWE can provide further information to the Service regarding the project upon request. Furthermore, CCWE will be in direct contact with the Service to discuss our development activities in greater detail following this public open house. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. Preliminary research by EDAW, Inc. (EDAW), our consultant, has determined federally listed and candidate species which have the potential to occur in the area include: •Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) •Piping plover(Charadrius melodus) •Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preble:) •Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana spp. coloradensis) •Ute-ladies tresses orchid(Spiranthes diluvialis) •Yellow-billed cuckoo(Coccyzus americanus) The Pawnee National Grasslands provide habitat for a number of resident and migratory avian species. The project area likely contains habitat for the state threatened burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia), the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), mountain plover (Charadrius montanus) and the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis). The Colorado Division of Wildlife is also being consulted to acquire information regarding state species and habitats of concern. If wetlands are identified within the project area, the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)would be consulted to determine if wetlands are jurisdictional "waters of the U.S.". If"waters of the U.S." are identified by the Corps and are to be impacted by the proposed project, CCWE would ensure the project complies with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Additional information on federal status species and sensitive habitat types which may occur within the project area is requested at this time. If a federally listed species could potentially be impacted, further consultation with the Service would be initiated once further analysis is completed. Please feel free to contact EDAW or myself with questions or comments. We hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, 1211"41479 Nelson S. Teague, Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434) 220-1406 (434) 220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe, EDAW, Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax Ms. Susan Linner 2 November 30,2005 r1/4 GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4Th STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Judy Knight-Frank Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council P.O. Box 52 Towaoc, CO 81334 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Ms.Knight-Frank: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, If?iliOn231179‘ Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW,Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver,CO 80202 (303) 595-4522 (303)595-4434 fax GREENLIGHT ENERGY,INC. COURT SQUARE BUILDING 310 4TH STREET,N.E. CHARLOTTESVILLE,VA 22902 November 30, 2005 Glenn Vaad Weld County District 2 Commissioner P.O. Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Re: Public Open House Invitation and Request for Comment on the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Vaad: Cedar Creek Wind Energy LLC (CCWE) formally invites you or a member of your staff to a public workshop to be held on December 13, 2005 to discuss the Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project. An invitation including the project description, location, purpose, and need for the project is enclosed with this letter. If you are not able to attend, CCWE can provide information regarding the public workshop upon request. The project is located entirely within Weld County and includes a proposed wind farm near Grover, associated meteorological equipment, a 230kV transmission line, substation, and a switching station to interconnect to Public Service of Colorado's existing transmission system near Keenesburg. The Pawnee National Grasslands are located to the south, west, and east of the northern portion of the proposed project. (See map included with invitation). We welcome your comments and concerns and hope to see you on December 13. Sincerely, Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions Greenlight Energy, Inc. (434)220-1406 (434)220-1420 fax Cc: Nicole Korbe,EDAW,Inc. Project Manager 1809 Blake Street, Suite 200 Denver, CO 80202 (303)595-4522 (303) 595-4434 fax PURPOSE, NEED & BENEFITS CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Purpose and Need The Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC (CCWE) Project is proposed in response to Public Service of Colorado's (Public Service) need for additional energy resources and desire to purchase wind energy. Electrical demand continues to increase in Colorado, largely as a result of continued Amendment 37 growth and development along the front range. In December 2004, the Colorado Public Colorado voters passed Utilities Commission approved Public Service's 2003 Least-Cost Resource Plan, which included Ammendment 37, the Renewable plans for a competitive solicitation to procure new energy resources. Energy Requirement in 2004. In 2005, CCWE proposed this project to Public Service in response to Public Service's February The CCWE Project will help meet 2005 Request for Proposals for Energy Resources. Public Service notes in that request for obligations related to this law proposal: by providing enough energy annually to power 85,000 The addition of cost-effective renewable energy is one way to meet two of P5Co's resource homes. acquisition objectives. One of these objectives is to procure a diverse mix of resource types that offer energy price stability and low cost energy to hedge against more volatile fossil fuel prices. Another objective is to reduce the environmental impact of new resources. Colorado voters passed Ammendment 37, the Renewable Energy Requirement in 2004. This initiative requires the state's largest utilities to obtain a minimum of 3 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2007, 6 percent by 2011, and 10 percent by 2015. The 10 percent renewable energy standard will reduce about 3 million metric tons (MMT) of power plant CO2 emissions per year by 2025—a reduction of 4.5 percent below business-as-usual levels. The CCWE Project will help Public Service meet obligations related to the Renewable Energy Requirement. Benefits Economic Benefits Wind Power Benefits The proposed wind farm is sited within an area established by the State of Colorado as an Economic Empowerment Zone, within which economic development is encouraged. The Project • Renewable will represent an investment of approximately $400 million in Weld County, and generate • No emissions of 50x, NOx, property tax revenues of approximately $3.5 million. carbon dioxide, mercury, The Project will employ approximately 200 people during the construction phase and radiation approximately 10 full-time equivalent positions throughout its operating life. • No smog and acid rain During construction and operation, the Project will stimulate the local economy via purchase • No waste storage issues of goods and services. • Cost competitive, proven technology Environmental Benefits • Does not consume water The Project will provide clean, efficient renewable energy to assist Public Service in meeting •Stable pricing the Renewable Energy Requirement. • Domestic energy source, Since wind energy is a clean energy source which results in no air emissions, this electricity energy security will be generated without emissions of CO2, NOx, or S02. When compared to fossil-fuel based generation, this Project represents the removal of more than 900,000 tons of such pollutants ,e"'N per year from the environment. December 2005 PURPOSE. NE & BENEFIIS Energy System Benefits The Project will provide cost effective, clean renewable energy to help meet the growing electrical demand in Colorado. Public Service has identified wind energy as one of its preferred technologies in a diverse resource mix to meet future energy needs. The Project will generate enough electricity annually to power 85,000 homes. Colorado Wind Power at 50m Above the Surface C r CUMa-�. .♦nnaal Wind Speed Ni : vrwosans Jliif+o *.. ..,s .,e ... a,.f aSmart so lorw.wd.al - w ..,(Th,n✓ r C ar- tie. — - fl i a a F r^•P m Isi ,I T s..N.. .sue 4' .i d {�t i Gunn, . a. _ - ;Si t jt i 'o l i g 'Th, 'N P e l l s e s a f . `. ..1a O O 5 f <. �r - wind Pow Classification v , s- ilA 1, .... 1 ,m it @ Generation: _ Colorado Wind Power '°"�`"� °^ ;%± it 1 } fi ', The proposed Cedar Creek Wind Farm has one of the strongest documented wind resources in @rranarer: I Colorado according to wind assessment initiated m.,m..�x� / ""°' fi fi I fi in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Energy.Nj/t + Y t 1 t Wind Farm Schematic L Cedar Creek Wind Farm will generate electricity @ collection: that will be transmitted through overhead " d°�— transmission lines to receiving and distribution stations and then onto homes and businesses via / overhead and underground service lines. / -T ' @Transmission: @Substation: P swine..., n`.`�"".. .n,... 1 I SIDNG & ENVIRONMENT Wind Farm Siting Annual Wind Speed: The proposed wind farm site has one of the strongest documented wind resources in Colorado Colorado Wind Resource Assessment Program according to wind assessment initiated in 1996 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Of the 10 sites evaulated by the DOE's Utility Wind Resource Assessment Program (UWRAP), the Project site has the highest documented average annual wind speed. In addition, the location e° is ideally suited for a wind energy facility, because winds coming predominately from the NW 85- accelerate as they encounter the terrain of the project area. 6° Transmission Line Siting e ]5- Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC (CCWE) is committed to undertaking an open and comprehensive $ ,.0_ siting process that considers electric system planning, economics, environments, public • involvement, legal permits, acquisition of land rights and transmission engineering. 165 - I Opportunities and Constraints 1 6.0- i , CCWE has identified several suitable routes for siting the new Project transmission line. The i5.5- `' criteria used for siting include existing environmental and geographic data and potential 6 effects on those resources. • 50 - #? Resources evaluated include: ° • Land use and ownership, residential areas, recreation areas f'" _ m , - w • Impacts to natural and human resources E = F re • Agricultural activities and prime farmlands w • Existing utility lines and other linear facilities • Sensitive animal and vegetation communities • Surface water, wetlands, and floodplains • Oil& Gas facilities WY Creek • f VAnd Fenn •r _A T_ ._ �-I.... III ��ay tAiorilei h C L M..!. J 11 �4. 1' 1 J IFiT.I�iFgryFl , - I —4—r t",- [ _ Illli. DVIrf WM I eelli.• _ i� g I T J� ' aidimeielr. * Dili. �_ i 4 ,.__ �. ...wihsi INN + f err l t�. IF u :_ '.e =— Pile P Resource Maps Composite Map ' --'�� A _ Permitting Routes Map Permit applications will be submitted to Weld County once the preferred route of the r transmission line and switching station location are chosen. The Project will require a county 1041 permit for the construction of the wind farm, transmission line, and switching station. CCWE will also submit a special use permit to Weld County for the meterological towers which are used to measure and record wind speed at the Project site. y..- - December 2005 Smwn & FNv?MMIYF a Environment Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat An overall habitat assessment will be conducted to identify wildlife species likely to occur on the proposed wind farm site and along the transmission line corridor and on the switching station site. Risks and potential impacts will be evaluated for such species. Mitigation measures will be developed to ensure impacts to wildlife and habitats are minimized. Input will be sought from Colorado Division of Wildlife. Impacts to birds and bats are known to be an issue in wind farm operation. An avian risk assessment will be conducted to determine the potential risk to birds at the Project site. The process will include topographic map and aerial photograph analysis, a literature/database Swainson's Hawk search and review, a field reconnaissance survey to examine habitat and other site conditions, and interviews with experts from agencies and research organizations. Threatened and Endangered Species ,,� ` - T.,. A review of readily available published sources will be conducted to document . the potential for threatened or endangered wildlife or plant species and/or critical habitat in the project area. The study will utilize USGS Quadrangle maps, �' ••. 'x: � '� aerial photographs, wetlands inventory maps, and state threatened/endangered • t -,• r• species list. Agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest y •, : - *' Service (Pawnee National Grasslands) will be contacted during impacts analysis and development of mitigation methods. Wetlands A wetlands study will be conducted to review readily available published literature to evaluate the presence of common indicators for jurisdictional wetlands as defined and regulated by the federal government. The study will review the National Wetland Inventory maps and topographic maps for the project site and will include site reconnaissance of the proposed _ turbine locations, proposed access roads, and proposed transmission line and switching station. Project layout will be adjusted where possible to minimize impacts to wetlands and jurisdictional waters. Cultural Resources :;► Potential impacts on local, regional and state historical and cultural resources will be assessed. A Phase I Archaeological Research Study will review all available information - from the Colorado Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation regarding potential archaeological, historical and paleontological sites located in the Project Area. We will also contact representatives of associated Native American tribes within Colorado and request information regarding archaeological, historical and paleontological sites within the Project Pronghorn Antelope -- Area. Project layout will take into consideration minimizing impacts to any potential archaeological or historic sites. p RTGHTL&RIGHThQEr ,. 4 CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT The following represents the typical sequence of events that will occur in connection with the acquisition of easement rights for construction of the Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC (CCWE) transmission interconnection line. !HULA H-r"rdttia 1 - Acquisition process rf1tJ977t1.5iuii LttUCtUI3 CCWE's representative will evaluate each property on which easement rights may need to be acquired to determine the appropriate amount of compensation for the rights. In the event that a complicated appraisal problem exists, or if statutory requirements in the local * ;- jurisdiction dictate, CCWE's representative will complete an appraisal to determine the value of the rights. CCWE will make an offer to the owner to obtain the necessary property rights. 2 - Negotiations tor .i : _v_f The CCWE right-of-way representative will begin the negotiating process by presenting the required legal document(s) to the property owner. The representative also will provide maps of the line route or site, maps showing the landowner's parcel, and an offer of compensation *,l',, K . a.. ' *=`'E for the easement or purchase. The landowner will be allowed a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer and to present material to CCWE that the owner believes is relevant to deciding the value of the property. 3 - Survey permission /' ', A right-of-way representative will contact each property owner or his or her representative to inform them of the Project. The right-of-way representative will describe the need for the M"'�""'"""m". transmission line and how it may affect the property. CCWE's survey crews then will enter the r t ils 1 • property to complete preliminary survey work. 4 - Negotiated settlement In nearly all cases, CCWE's representatives are able to work with the landowners to address their concerns and to arrive at negotiated settlements that are fair and acceptable to all I parties. In some cases, however, negotiated settlements are not possible, and the landowners may choose to have independent third parties determine the value for the rights. This t is accomplished through the exercise of CCWE's right of eminent domain. The process of exercising the right of eminent domain is called condemnation. 5 - Acquisition by eminent domain (condemnation) In any project that requires easements for power line construction, the goal is to offer fair and equitable compensation to landowners. CCWE may initiate condemnation proceedings only • when good faith and reasonable efforts to negotiate an agreement have failed. 6 - Document preparation CCWE will prepare all of the documents required to complete each transaction. Some of the documents that may be required include an option agreement, easement, purchase agreement or contract, deed, license, subordination agreement, and clearing and construction notice. December 2005 Lawn RICHT% i Rlcllt nr...Wnn 7 - Survey staking After the power line design is completed, a survey crew will stake the line. This means that �1J1�1 a �,g,l �plg the survey crew will determine the location for each structure and mark the places with rf8JJ3JJJjli5iwi ttcuC!um surveyor's stakes. The right-of-way representative can then show the landowners exactly where the structure(s) will be located on their property. 8 - The construction process Once the easement or land rights have been acquired and prior to construction, CCWE's right- of-way representative will contact the property owner and discuss the construction schedule. During construction the following may be required: • Temporary removal or relocation of certain fences • Installation of temporary gates (or permanent gates at landowner's request) t • Early harvest of crops where possible • Removal or relocation of equipment and livestock from the right-of-way • Restoration and cleanup _—, The right-of-way representative will contact each property owner after construction is completed to see if any damage has occurred as a result of CCWE's activities If damage has occurred to crops, fences, or the property, CCWE will reimburse the landowner fairly for the damages. In some cases CCWE may engage an outside contractor to restore the damaged /1 property as near as possible to its original condition. Typical H-frame transmission right-of-way needs: • Typical structure height: 60-95 feet • Typical right-of-way width: 150 feet (115 feet adjacent to road right-of-way) • Typical span length: 400-1000 feet • Abstract of title Width:25 / Width:40'—I. ! I / as a —15' 4 endG 115'ransmlsslon Line L .n Line ighuof Way Wood H-Frame Adjacent to Road Right-of-Way Single Steel Pole Adjacent to Road Right-of-Way rce, ri\J Ei Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC (CCWE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Greenlight Energy, Inc., a national developer of large-scale wind energy projects, is proposing to construct a 300 megawatt (MW) wind farm in northeastern Colorado. The project is to be located near the town of Grover in Weld County, Colorado. Rye a . The Project will consist of up to 300 individual three-bladed wind turbine generators, mounted on tubular steel towers approximately 265 feet (80 meters) high with rotor diameters of up to 263 feet (93 meters). The exact number of towers will depend upon the specific wind turbine Rotor manufacturer selected for the Project, since commercially available wind turbines range in size from 1.0 to 2.3 MW. Thus, for the total proposed Project capacity of 300 MW, the overall Project will include between 131 (using 2.3 MW wind turbines) to 300 (using 1.0 MW wind a, g turbines) individual wind turbine generators and towers. The towers will be erected in rows generally following higher topography on the site and spaced approximately 750 feet apart and 2,500 feet from row to row. The Project will minimize the need for new permanent site roads through the utilization of existing access roads and County roads wherever possible. The roads would generally follow the rows of wind turbine generators, and have a compacted gravel surface approximately 15 feet wide with shoulders of approximately an additional 10 feet wide. POTENTIAL PROJECT SCHEDULE Permitting,Conceptual Design 2005-2006 Construction,Commissioning 2007 IaRt r, • xt l �, '7 ~ � a it *••_. „r3. • ' ix^� i Y 1 h A yy. Photo Simulation of Cedar Creek Wind Farm December 2005 .f.turati i`fir The Project will interconnect to Public Service Company of Colorado's transmission system near Keenesburg via an approximately 70-mile 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and switching station. A 34.5 kV electrical collection system will gather the electricity from each wind turbine , ''`'b generator and route it to a Project substation on the Project Area. Portions of this collection system will be installed underground, typically located adjacent to the access roads and along a'" ' the rows of the wind turbine generators. Portions of this collection system wilt be installed aboveground, tying the rows of turbines together and forming a "backbone" of the electrical collection system. 24„ " The electrical collection system will terminate at a Project substation. The Project Substation will include breakers, switching and metering equipment, and a 34.5/230kV step-up transformer which will increase the voltage from the 34.5kV collection system to the 230 kV ,sa` s interconnection transmission system. The Project Substation will be approximately 3 acres a_" -- and wilt be fenced to control access to high voltage electrical equipment. A permanent operation and maintenance ("O&M") building will be constructed on the Project Area. It would consist of approximately 5,000 square feet of enclosed space, including offices, spare parts storage, kitchen, restrooms, and a maintenance shop area. The overall area of the,^ building and parking would be approximately 2 acres. The proposed transmission line The proposed new transmission line will be constructed to meet the requirements of the will be constructed primarily National Electrical Safety Code for heavy loading, heavy winds, and icing so that a safety of wood H-frame structures margin is maintained between the wires and the ground. The transmission line will also be ranging between 60 and 95 feet in height. protected from lightning by an overhead shield wire placed at the top of the steel poles and grounded at each structure location. The transmission line will be constructed in an easement generally 150 feet in width. Easements will be purchased from landowners. Construction of the transmission line is expected to occur in 2007 and take 6-9 months to complete. t A new 230 kV switching station will be built near the existing IRS Rocky Mountain Energy Center site. The site will be selected cat _ based on other required interconnections and land availability. Ii l Y j1r— a ..w IN .mil r� SIGN IN SHEET - PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER 13, 2005 NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street,city and zip code) NUMBER (optional) Ft e: 6:3 got /3 e; J 0 S K-4 i3ks\m-e 1( Pc ‘gizp &Pei `/37- sr-Wc- .4u' C u n,4S cN 90 2 o _s--2_K 2 Q,eN 5 r,(F6C 16 S j)s-5 oS s846,-, Lo gut. 3 4' 0 3 /3'*Ll c&VS t/,'5val -Pet' 5t4""- 5 /an5 C ° goaZO f 4ororraeAy Ect OAV i3 1713 515-1- Ave Dial-6AI 0-4/1,6C-01 G-ttolcy GD g0.634 ..l t---v G+z-„.wt_irSt --r Vet, -z. ( 7 570 CI u cry, 3 ocz ce 372 6 `7/C 9p'v,i Vt1 ykt y3#0 wee W AC t:1-V Cl- is0t/ 11/-Cfaz -Sion l, L;,- d4. D-5 i 7 t ti c K_ 5-4f '1 f ,SkaANaro55 first Co 35 )- -aa7C, /77, 'r,_c er c`.,-,k. ) 4' q ° S "c-ce 63 eel E CDA :1-e 3T ( S 33 Ade or sS 6--yee(e / C, go 3`� 3�' n December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET - PUBUC OPEN HOUSE -� CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER 3, 2OOE NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street, city and zip code) NUMBER(optional) /4 L per , Cy-)0- it,S- 2,363 &Po vQ-1 c o %.D7=2a7 /oo° w c/t' 77 72o— g'7`5-73.25 MPS 49/I S ie-i a-,0 vG4 O q- co 0 '72 1 3 03 -°f-2tk—urite VLLH 4 L. IJ ^.- wyl PIave c_ 4-7b- ta3y-2)9 ) 3472(90 LUCK' (P Q' �i L kA C, kn,t1c1 r5PW vo -62 66,.30 QOCP/ ( Tel RAtaor1 KE - I co cE0AL1 303(829 -3978 Ctnr S vA`L cw. GI1-8 IO tkx 5`rc !c (A-k6 Cove ?ILWiK) G - - CO, to(o3`( Ccilo" 353-(D\03 ax+ 35Nd Sieve ,<t-e.- 3Co93 a C SO 970 SSC- C>s5'7 Kers zi (C) go Cr' WC 9�7® 33,2- 7.x// 3077 t�c2So eV • ,39b • a/S/ IZe lob R•0(449 .- . December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET - PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER fl, 2005 NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street,city and zip code) NUMBER (optional) 3Z5OM tad (pS- -e J ��Y7..nnvn2. ajl e 12 _�I '�IIR_ /L37 S.32sr C o(ES ')� � v� `$'oo �+ . \b ,1r `� �O � O \V f �e t,le 04, ic � s(o rn�sD.1 6p-title,' (TY1 Fjus d . Vcie/ji t�cwnFe N�honc l Gn cskna OrpenIc d r 660 O 54-reef 5y6-5oC.s Greek) ) CO 301,31 105 RoTA, tv Av-e Uov e ou� y� 93-) -533 n'✓..� P � MRr c09 o4e r\ c r /71 w y i y 9 o 0.3.0% 5-9 5-3 £/'Y95 scL Le ` do t- 970 -8 ,S3 3 L (5D &Ck'71-0,71"9-kkis 6R 34‘.--` ,ss December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET - Pueuc OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER 13f 200E , NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street, city and zip code) NUMBER (optional) =../0nivCce-re Jg l FAA IS A-V E7790y Olt? 6s379 002„.„ sz � Mc 2335 W Ck, 55 epuVi 3 303-7B,).4/3 AJO c4q tic S EL3R( tva 3175 ≥_ )c-1 -c 3 77 e _ .z-7 3 a1,�I� s e.y L� rt.\6-nsw ) , I�, o6 (ci-7o) 330- .�� , CO 8o� � y 5/ z) w cast" srr2� r orK La-5o,/. �a6�y 9 70 330- yy3D Fluffy hrey le 6O 0 Free-1- Pawn()Q N0.;;or�C. l (�-ri;,salgnd �srccley ,Cf'J SD1, 31 C5�0)3410 S₹JD4 -r- 3O@/ C we" -WI Uy ' R I ► prrrf 970-3c/- 723a Gercey ( 0 80ewtt /r Ls VcYI-y( lam CJo / tc,if Tl ,, e a�007a0 ?70 -3 W.-`!kq December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET a PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER 13 2005 NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street,city and zip code) NUMBER (optional) tf AU /f' "VA /A'Z A It 4. 4 - c/-V (',c. 6, 0r/Ei 4a lox is-7 P,e1 res-.2w-s atz tvi z, cn rns,227 ©,,/ L/7 )TRPXLPte (a.9�Ca,2�s [>i 30.3-*44.'93.-2P LAf/Jy�ffe Co Gbc�v ,) a/so 4//3 d 1a R 74/ Cdr11 en.rjfracip �.� 5- \"eve c' G,i i 0' kactc - X 5930 W CR- 130 (D o — ,,-• N-ewRct`ihn-ee( Co y37 - 5373 yz 8o , ()GU ie. Pc fhcrn P-o &x 39 I20 - o( uce try) c_ Co- ko.6y4, ,. 145-9-33'7/ 1:Ay Fro4k .5655 S. yesew,7c st. su,'/e9oc 303 'J183-3sit co(orcdt, L✓c'k'iey (esid-c cprs 6,-"7,-.0c/ Vi((cit Co SOt(1 Srtvc- W.11'4 QO. tor- ll(e coo- 855-- 22IS Gro.2 Co 71a1 zs c ?6,)-O;offivcr q76 Vs- 11/7°1dtkew OCio Ski6roUCc , (l ge574 Ak,‘i A)(1.31.1 Z ' s"-OZ we. 6/ _ __.. _..__. . ..._ December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET a PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER 13, 200E NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street,city and zip code) NUMBER (optional)- if e, Q.., 4o,86UCQI 57btk gy -4.57 sug a`� micL&/ /5 �6 (A,N/�o7� A-7e, 326 /z/AA 26,•.inteiti Ce oam o /) in17A- Co 3t3 5-73 - ?P-7/ f_0./KhY . 6n qC f k crz,p 63 3 / di Cs ill m&LiA S'E3/ziN6- 38/0 !„W /2 Sr 62 3s3- 0V 24 G K.se Le y/ Co So-63 y AgiaL dr iL V77 4, Eva? G'/-fig≤I&I e CAL (7/7/Al-t / V53/ I. (_O( 6, 3 ef ,‘5 s de, /C Co 44_, 1 4).74,..), q 9r LeAt le-,---e____ f v sq7d` / .343 ��cf� L� y 17/3 - �o0c`5 \O';" 4 (' . Cfree I C -2 EC%ri yid .SOC-0 lc( ° December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET - PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT DECEMBER 13, 2005 NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street, city and zip code) NUMBER (optional) l J5�xoN 1-in"" or Wck ia4 Gro0o r Co vs'c719 170 345 ' 33 E1 L�wse Ne. firiC-e la 11/ he- re L tote'/ 1-vozE=ar�orl �L ( �c,2 k)465 at/at L D 6C h,;s 4- S+-(-11 9-- SCLid.(-Iz 3 Y n' S w (kV 3 pry- p9SCICA- Co SOO GWE 112 Jgdces 3 / bock_ kg 970 6E/ 6-6- CF, c 53-.5 7-7 � / i 3.5- 9 oG�y e: co7 cOO3 / / Aly 3397 we-sl ,�2rd ..S.-1CJ,nn � Itr� f � `lr c GD-ee%q (10 7063 / 970-9-/2'r y.' ereil1^.`o-n n psin-.c.� 4....-1---et(1)(71) 0 (1 a we R -7¢> Con--N-c-v- cruel ��(AL�✓ mile. ,ay _ (,L,crc. a � no c� � Gyvvt December 2005 SIGN IN SHEET - PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE A CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT - DECEMBER 1.3, 200E N° C -ov nke-vtt Ili'Vvi5 NAME/ORGANIZATION ADDRESS TELEPHONE (please print) (please include street, city and zip code) NUMBER (optional) ;•'. Jane{ 4nic, s7CEI crxt V G rovov, Co go7oz \ ic;-co 56, 173 9' wa .-, V ' ck t !'a�,I `-(eis 1 C t (2 P' c,y sc( c Le- au-in weft 1' SO 733 teoc, NI_ \>drt `Md-c f-D IRe ts'6urt& 1, 6693%4 JoL- Silli fpersay re, 97 (974 3s-2-- alcraN December 2005 --- PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please review the information available at the scoping meeting and take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide any comments or questions that you have. The information you provide can be left with us today or you can send it to us before January 6, 2006 (instructions are on the reverse side). Thank you for taking time to participate. PLEASE PRINT What issue(s) about the proposed wind energy Name: /4f le.-`1tJA-1 % 46-4 facility,transmission line, or switching station would you like Cedar Creek Wind Energy to Address: /f`:7 /R-761 4//E_ consider? City: &,,e L.s/ State: C o Zip Code: gt63 Daytime Telephone (optional): (I7O) 2- ---(c 34o Email (optional): 4Jm7u) -a' 7,1p-/zaro . co-1n Are you a tenant or landowner? Tenant Landowner Other A:oaJ 42,1 a tilt, Please indicate the existing use of your property: ✓Agricutural Residential Commercial Industrial Other PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT What type of additional information would you like regarding aspects of the proposedproject? spit„ /.t/t- Cc....-it r f^ • What environmental resource(s) need to be addressed in the most detail? Please number items to identify your priorities. 1 ✓Natural/Biological: Cultural/Historic: 9' t/Socioeconomics: Land Aquisition/Right-of-way: Purpose and Need: Other: PUBIC COMMENT SURVEY r CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please provide any additional comments you may have on this project: �,-,-�, 4..e 4_,_e(1t_ . acs, ao ,-,-•..e.., A ( 4-.._4 4-o PA;r Z Jam,L �4 f / fiat:7a 97} tv-i-GL-iY e CG m t�S �,y.L,..-..J�-,r s.^e/) .�tL`/ a. _,-...,:e Jeri_ , /Q'--a-...,. o L. /(U/r� , z i4�-Jr-S I-m. a :'r eL•a.‘- e • ( � _ f - pp -r .r' ` ter a-- ea /�02�-�sil.if.eadt_el 4 an lt7 O L.2'+4 ara_P ,.. , L,i O a pc f�� Y. �.___/,-' e-�- GY o /�'�`''`� lJ ULc .' —, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. Please return the completed questionnaire by: • Leaving it at the public scoping meeting. • Fold and mail this comment survey to: Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 FOLD HERE ` oc N Prr 3J ET) 2005 Greenlight Energy <s - 310 4th Street, N.E. _ Charlottesville, VA 22902 Seneca carving USA37 Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 HERE(DO 229O2X5293-33 O1-011 n a u wn ni i u n t u �m t PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please review the information available at the scoping meeting and take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide any comments or questions that you have. The information you provide can be left with us today or you can send it to us before January 6, 2006 (instructions are on the reverse side). Thank you for taking time to participate. PLEASE PRINT What issue(s) about the proposed wind energy Name: Men nf >1- l_yNnq !i3s'y? facility, transmission line, or switching station I would you like Cedar Creek Wind Energy to AddressS1 -20 We/Q. a1 consider? ( 1 City: icees T!nsQA (tl/J c /�C , f e aly.(i State: de Zip Code: excw 1 Daytime Telephone(optional): 970 3-7 1 — 65-I& c2Q (xp� Email (optional): 97 0 - ,3�- '7(14"! ��a czW Are you a tenant or landowner? Tenant C�'(L `£ /=Landowner Lit tit Y l (4d.. /./ 2L �i % Other (.U6JILL Lit) (LTA( Please indicate the existing use of your property: Agricutural xResidential Commercial _ Industrial / �c1 /�� _Other /t LAW j �/{�dO�C�.�L/`1�-- PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT What type of additional information would you like regarding aspects of the proposed project? eiC& . ad C aletzzAaA In*-O) &/U What environmental resource(s) need to be addressed in the most detail? Please number items to identify your priorities. 4. Natural/Biological: Y Cultural/Historic: I. Socioeconomics: n. Land Aquisition/Right-of-way: Purpose and Need: Other: PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please provide any additional comments you may have on this project: Lit co tam co icilazu riA"J5 G!.��rY.c 6 "// ( � ///tO.S caY?61C' ( t S S,t li-4 L t2� alai / C 4 . 121Mt v/.l_ leg i �r-) iral C Wit edict lam- k lt' a , 0 ( y� �cid ( 4J- C.1/LJc' �aU2rW-- -� (.1J. (.61.4.# . (4, /- /� , Qi> ! et/ > Wen �/Cit (me Ina() Cd2 Q cx palit0 THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. Please return the completed questionnaire by: • Leaving it at the public scoping meeting. • Fold and mail this comment survey to: Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 FOLD HEREsAtt • <, -no ]4 GEC Greenlight Energy _2oo' 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 TAPE HERE(DO NOT STAPLE) PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please review the information available at the scoping meeting and take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide any comments or questions that you have.The information you provide can be left with us today or you can send it to us before January 6, 2006 (instructions are on the reverse side). Thank you for taking time to participate. PLEASE PRINT What issue(s) about the proposed wind energy Name: 60/LI rAm t. CRas/c=f2 facility, transmission line, or switching station would you like Cedar Creek Wind Energy to Address: 13 !P - "1 tr . 5L- ZQ consider? City: c Reel a y r CC) /)` /44",/t,'`f t G 7:-e a.w,4SA&Win, ,Pi,o 4&-T.Lt State: (149 Zip Code: 8063Y Act- ette van,i uP. Daytime Telephone (optional): Email (optional): Are you a tenant or landowner? _Tenant L/ Landowner Other Please indicate the existing use of your property: Agricutural Residential Commercial Industrial /� ✓Other Rocceancnno.p /��ue( 1W PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT What type of additional information would you like regarding aspects of the proposed project? What environmental resource(s) need to be addressed in the most detail? Please number items to identify your priorities. NaturaVBiological: 6 Cultural/Historic: 3 Socioeconomics: Co.44-- ar .04,114)-€. Land Aquisition/Right-of -way: A.A.44cate fiat,- � 7iietn44.v'c4lw 11 jack ctie),P.00a& Pxfr4o1 A A_ Purpose and Need: /liit javhea, jaa Other: PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please provide any additional comments you may have on this project: THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. Please return the completed questionnaire by: • Leaving it at the public scoping meeting. • Fold and mail this comment survey to: Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 FOLD HERE %. . . .. - t #r1* i �t _ ce sr �'1 Greenlight Energy 4¢ 2v5 .37 •r . _" 310 4th Street, N.E. i•--500 ED FROMGREEEErn t 634 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 TAPHR .(1:)o NOTISI�Pllful, ll, ,,,1,1 PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please review the information available at the scoping meeting and take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide any comments or questions that you have.The information you provide can be left with us today or you can send it to us before January 6, 2006(instructions are on the reverse side). Thank you for taking time to participate. PLEASE PRINT What issue(s) about the proposed wind energy Name: e . w- sot: h facility,transmission line, or switching station would you Iike;Cedar Creek Wind Energy to Address: cb 0 2 8 Qo xkt cS. consider? City: pc �ac�a V' s u a rnf fi-d. 4 mv,,, _s &tovty 2aaA SS. State: C O Zip Code: kouo'r Daytime Telephone(optional): Email (optional): r— rr OvVA Are you a tenant or landowner? _Tenant a68 -A Landowner A @J` _Other �• ‘404P- Please indicate the existing use of your property: ' 1 Agricutural Residential RP 8S Commercial Industrial Other PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT What type of additional information would you like regarding aspects of the proposed project? What environmental resource(s) need to be addressed in the most detail? Please number items to identify your priorities. Natural/Biological: Cultural/Historic: Socioeconomics: Land Aquisition/Right-of-way: Purpose and Need: Other: PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please provide any additional comments you may have on this project: THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. Please return the completed questionnaire by: • Leaving it at the public scoping meeting. • Fold and mail this comment survey to: Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville,VA 22902 FOLD HERE C t\ CO &a - - PM EXt.• r• i .. Lu !'u DEC nrLi Greenlight Energy 7005 < - . 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 MO GRANDE USA 37 Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 TAPE HERE(D9 NOT§TAPE) II I I 1 2291?it293 „1, „I, I,I„I1,,,,, , ,I,I,,, ,II, „I,I„I,I„1,1,,,, ,11 PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please review the information available at the scoping meeting and take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide any comments or questions that you have. The information you provide can be left with us today or you can send it to us before January 6, 2006 (instructions are on the reverse side). Thank you for taking time to participate. (KC V/N 40-6-4M — gt033 (A/ R 7,1-7 OKcfFA/ZD) cc . 1-666Y9) PLEASE PRINT What issue(s) about the proposed wind energy Name: =L A-P YS A-64-N facility, transmission line, or switching station would you like Cedar Creek Wind Energy to Address: /? /1 A-VE . consider? City: G7.ELEY State: CO Zip Code: To6 3l ea ,, _, p 4- Daytime Telephone (optional):07O) 3'c 2-6 36 o p � Email (optional): g) Are you a tenant or landowner? Tenant r_) ett it I!tandownner ( y� • :Q VOther rte-« — KEvf •I FRG/P•1 Please indicate the existing use of your property: Agricutural t/Residential Commercial Industrial —Other • e i _ PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT What type of additional information would you like regarding aspects of the proposed project? -2ct.- Vt-z ,c2ar-e—e-w What environmental resource(s) need to be addressed in the most detail? Please number items to identify your priorities. '" Natural/Biological: S Cultural/Historic: 3 Socioeconomics: 2- Land Aquisition/Right-of-way: / Purpose and Need: Other: PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT Please provide any additional comments you may have on this project: (/�C,c�/ZL/_/.�-8— ✓ per.—tir.-� (th �% - ^4 c ce u i /,v- _ca 6,4-Laar �G " pti. (2_O o: ,�- -a , �-,- Se-,at - ,4 eta. .a z. "/'EAC UL 12.22 t _e. Gtr Mr.&Mra.Wm.Agars 1947.18th Avenue = Greeley,Colorado 80631 �1\ THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. Please return the completed questionnaire by: • Leaving it at the public scoping meeting. • Fold and mail this comment survey to: Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 FOLD HERE 37 Ly '..,....PM I'4 `1,1 f i1 Greenlight Energy + .zt cec U 310 4th Street, N.E. as- Charlottesville, VA 22902 Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 .._. - 'Irk RE(DONOTS,ln ii�iirsi1,1'.1, �- PUBLIC COMMENT SURVEY CEDAR CREEK WIND ENERGY PROJECT PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 13, 2005 KERSEY, COLORADO Please review the information available at the scoping meeting and take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide any comments or questions that you have. The information you provide can be left with us today or you can send it to us before January 6, 2006 (instructions are on the reverse side). Thank you for taking time to participate. PLEASE PRINT What issue(s) about the proposed wind energy Name: STr c t err. ≥c. Lc L facility,transmission line, or switching station would you like Cedar Creek Wind Energy to Address: 3o?32 C /2,a SO consider? city: Ater-se/ +Iepos„-�i'or� % bits fO eCT a (ink �'O Okr State: ( Zip Code: <906V,/ cpos5 y y " i ie- IA o-F (1�oL. e F Daytime Telephone (optional): 90'O 3s , 0597 7'k 6i/0,A-la d - ?tie eas+ C- ^Email (optional): o-F nu.- ,ercw alo..> . C. OA 663 /. 1/G(9e are e.. ro we/ Are you a tenant or landowner? Ok w,%. tks je lech orn a✓�a arc ver./ rnwrL, opfosca +o _Tenant lhrs roL,+e Ater rhere arc Landowner aet- tease' /O etome s rhyCNA- Or Other *^i's. h'o+^-r -Erman C Q� SO 5 t�� rndc. (ye del Acs �iv. '�� Please indicate the existing use of your property: -in fine cans-1 cp. l� / �o �/��rfl.e� wi'#tn k W rr XAgricutural j 1Lsj n or 4%7 nLwttv'C X Residential _Commercial , _Industrial Other CEDAR!REex.xxo 9 IERCY uc .2 @ � � . f �. f 1 1/44 » ; •• � } � , , 0 . 'a I . t � � ]\V C me j ! � , { Z , - 4d ,. | � N § ! \ & 111 E 1) . � c Lis I ti • , ak■ .3 u | $ ?%s = f ` � 1� CO " ) Ca § )- ; ! ! A o a a a } ! P. cc▪ is \ « )\ cah- E } A i I I i i se | r4 0a ta! » � { } ® �{ , | ! , g0 \ k/ 2 \ | { e. k a. ■ !liiii • THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO PARTICIPATE. Please return the completed questionnaire by: • Leaving it at the public scoping meeting. • Fold and mail this comment survey to: Nelson Teague Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville,VA 22902 FOLD HERE use • usn 37 — Greenlight Energy r 310 4th Street, N.E. _ Charlottesville, VA 22902 Nelson Teague /as"" t"/r. `°. Greenlight Energy 310 4th Street, N.E. Charlottesville,VA 22902 TAPE HERE (DO NOT STAPLE) 11061, Greenlight Energy Eagle's Nest Gun Club 310 4th Street,N.E. C/O Jack Cox Charlottesville, VA 22902 7713 Poudre River Rd. Greeley, Co. 80634 Attention: Mr. Nelson Teague Subject: Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Dear Mr. Teague The members/owners of Eagles Nest Gun Club own property along the South Platte River in the path of your proposed power line crossing. We object to your crossing on or near our property for the following two reasons: 1. Our group purchased our land in 1976 for the purpose of creating undeveloped wetland area along the South Platte River. We have received two matching grants for wetland projects from NRCS and have been approved for a conservation easement grant and are waiting for funding as part of the Wetlands Reserve Program. Your power lines may void our conservation easement and stop the funding of the grant. 2. Access to the area is very limited allowing this area to hold and maintain many varieties of wild birds including bald eagles, turkeys, pheasants, quail, and a wide assortment of waterfowl. Our property is also home to both whitetail and mule deer. Opening this area to build and service your power line would disturb much of the native habitat. In conclusion we would ask that you not use the proposed route" E" to cross the South Platte River, but suggest you use the proposed crossing to the west that already has power lines and better access to them. Sincerely, Eagles Nest Gun Club Willian Sheel G ) ILLaA-M L . CRasteR CC: Weld County Planning Commission Weld County Board of Commissioner's Owners Nathan Andersohn Harold Evans 401-- idvi William Bensler Stan Brown , 7 r Jack Cox Dr. Kirk Kindsfater Mark Larson i%��J.Y Dr. Douglas Carter Robert Sanderson /4-V Dr. Theron Sills Robert Tointon Dr. Jack Seuell id• S�s,,jg ; o--r r AFFIDAVIT OF OWNERSHIP State of Virginia ) ) ss County of Albemarle ) The undersigned,Nelson S. Teague, Jr., first being duly sworn upon oath deposes and states as follows: The following property owners set forth on the attachment hereto have each entered into a Land Lease and Wind Easement Agreement with Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC ("CWE") and have consented thereby to the filing by CWE of an Application for Areas and Activities of State Interest for his/her/its property as listed on the Application. In witness whereof, affiant has set his hand this day of , 2006. Subscribed and sworn to before me a Notary Public the day and year last above written. Notary Public My commission expires: �1 ATTACHMENT TO AFFIDAVIT OF OWNERSHIP 1. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Kenneth H. and Penny L. Everitt dated October 29, 2003. 2. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Howard A. and Roberta M. Foster dated November 7, 2003. 3. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and John Ehmke dated December 20, 2003. 4. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and George F. Ehmke dated December 19, 2003. 5. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Eugene D. and Sharon N. Hahn dated December 29, 2003. 6. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Rosella J. Jessen Living Revocable Trust dated January 27, 2004. 7. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Leo Jessen Wyobraska, Inc. dated January 27, 2004. —, 8. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Wayne Allison Leathers, Phyllis Leathers, Patrick Dale Leathers, Heather Anne Holmes, &the Life Estate of Darlene Nettie Leathers dated March 29, 2004. 9. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Janet F. Konig, Michael D. Konig, Joel W. Konig & Kip A Konig and Kimberly K. Foster dated May 27, 2004. 10. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Nelson Ranches, Inc. dated July 13, 2004. 11. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Mark and Sarah Weisbrook dated July 28, 2004. 12. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Leonard H. and Janyce Harms dated August 2, 2004. 13. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Janyce Harms dated August 2, 2004. 14. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Dorace Dena Fleming dated September 2, 2004. 15. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Bar Y Bar Ranch, Inc. dated October 8, 2004. (479 acres) 16. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Bar Y Bar Ranch, Inc. dated October 8, 2004. (960 acres) 17. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Bar Y Bar Ranch, Inc. dated October 8, 2004. (1,557 acres) 18. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Dorothy Knuppel, Darrel Knuppel, Janice Sorensen, Kathleen Kracht, Margaret Geyer dated October 31, 2005. 19. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Frank Jones, II dated November 14, 2005. 20. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Marjorie M. Jones dated November 16, 2005. 21. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and William P. Knuppel dated November 28, 2005. 22. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Walter L. Shandera and Maureen J. Shandera Revocable Trust dated November 28, 2005. 23. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Barbara Synar dated December 19, 2005. 24. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Ruth Knuppel Roth dated January 2, 2006. 25. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Hillman Land and Livestock dated January 12, 2006. 26. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC and Kenneth W. Hunt and Trojan Lake Group, Inc. dated February 20, 2006. 27. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC and David S. and Judy R. Wilson dated January 27, 2006. 28. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC and Gary Roth dated February 14, 2006. 29. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC, as assignee of Greenlight, and Samuel Ralph Steiner and Mary E. Nash, Roy L. �"� Nash, and Clayton R. Nash, co-trustees dated January 2, 2006. 30. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC and Rose Jessen dated February 27, 2006. 31. A Land Lease and Wind Easement between Greenlight Energy, Inc. and Fredrick V. & Linda A. Fangmeier dated November 21, 2004. STATE OF COLORADO RD OF LAND COMMISSIONERS Department of Natural Resources to r S Sherman Streak Room 671 • :; . Denver,Colorado 80203 _ Phone:(303)866-3454 ! / Fax: (303)866-1152 �- MSS' May 8,2006 Searothrl Lands Slow 1876 ID Meng Carer Weld County—Planning and Zoning IOsell George Greeley Office Dttutivmai for meson as FnnvGrc Diectar 918 10th Street 84a Greeley,Colorado 80631 Sas� Land dCommmiorcrs MaaRe: Cedar Creek Wind Energy,LLC—Permit Application for Area and Activities of State Interest(Section 1041 Regulations) To Whom It May Concern: Please let this letter serve as my acknowledgement,consent and approval for Cedar Creek Wind Energy,LLC("Cedar Creek")to include the following property as part of Cedar Creek's application to Weld County for a permit pursuant to the County's Section 1041 Regulations— Areas and Activities of State Interest(the"1041 Permit"): reale" Sec Tway Rug S36.T12N.R60W S16.T11N.R60W S36.T11N.R60W S16.T11N.R59W S36.T11N.RS9W Should you have any questions with respect hereto,please do not hesitate to contact me at 303-866-4913. I appreciate your assistance with this matter. Sincerely yours,. Pete Milonas State Board of Land Commissioners CC: Nelson S. Teague,Jr. Director of Project Transactions—Cedar Creek • COMMISSIONERS:Dennis V.Brinker,Steve Holdre,Holly Pmjt,Patrick Teegarden,Shirley W.Watson Cedar Creek Energy Project Weld County 1041 Application Wind Energy Facility Appendix E Utility Easement Companies r"- According to research, the following utility companies are located within the Project area. Each utility company was contacted either via U.S. mail or telephone. Information gathered to date from these companies is displayed on Figure 4, Plot Plan. 360 NETWORK ANTELOPE ENERGY CO AT&T COMMUNICATIONS ATMOS ENERGY BUCKEYE PARTNERS LP BONANZA CREEK OPERATING BROADWING COMMUNICATIONS COLORADO INTERSTATE GAS/EL PASO CONOCO-PHILLIPS PIPELINE LP CPN PIPELINE CO CENTRAL WELD COUNTY WATER DUKE ENERGY FIELD SERVICES ENCANA OIL&GAS ENERVEST OPERATING EXCO RESOURCES INC. HUBCOM INC(ELEC/FIBER) KERR MCGEE GATHERING CO KINDER MORGAN GAS-DISTRIBUTION KINDER MORGAN GAS -TRANSMISSION r TOWN OF KEENESBURG LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS MORGAN COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIC MCI COMMUNICATIONS MERIT ENERGY NORTHERN COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT NOBLE ENERGY NORTH WELD COUNTY WATER DISTRICT OMB GAS GATHERING LLC XCEL ENERGY-DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM XCEL ENERGY-HI PRESSURE GAS PETRO-CANADA RESOURCES PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORP. POUDRE VALLEY RURAL ELECTRIC QWEST LOCAL NETWORK RED WILLOW PRODUCTION CO TOWN OF ROGGEN REX MONAHAN OIL&GAS SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS SOUTHERN STAR/WILLIAMS PIPELINE TEXAS AMERICAN RESOURCES CO US CABLE OF COASTAL TEXAS UNITED POWER INC. WALSH PRODUCTION WIGGINS TELEPHONE WARREN AIR FORCE BASE Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Weld County 1041 Permit Application Wind Energy Facility Appendix F Standard Construction Mitigation Practices Cedar Creek Wind Energy Project Construction Practices and Mitigation Measures The following measures will be implemented by Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC (Cedar Creek) for mitigating impacts from the proposed Cedar Creek Energy Project. 1. Construction of the overhead transmission line will require minimal clearing of the chosen right-of-way (ROW). 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). Within the South Platte River and Crow Creek corridor, some removal of riparian vegetation such as cottonwoods and willows will likely be necessary. 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 from 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 mechanically controlled 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 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 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 will coordinate with landowners to avoid impacting the normal function of irrigation devices during Project construction and operation. 6. When weather and ground conditions permit, Cedar Creek will obliterate 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, 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,jusrisdictional streams or watercourses will not be performed without prior approval from appropriate state or federal agencies. 9. An erosion controUstormwater management plan will be developed and implemented to prevent sediment input to the South Platte River and all other 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. If construction must occur in wetlands, it will take place during winter months in order to minimize impacts to soils and vegetation and appropriate permits as outlined under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act will be obtained. 11. The proposed transmission line will cross the South Platte River. Since the South Platte River is a jurisdictional "waters of the U.S." as designated by the Army Corps of Engineers, 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 has identified and plans to perform 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 are currently being 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 i^ • 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 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. CCWE 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 will work with SHPO to conduct additional on-site preconstruction surveys or monitoring during construction in order to aid construction crews in minimizing and avoiding impacts to cultural 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 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 onsite 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. Hello