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Home My WebLink About20061703 RESOLUTION RE: ACTION OF THE BOARD CONCERNING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING DIRECTOR REQUIRING A USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT FOR A MAJOR FACILITY OF A PUBLIC UTILITY INTHE A(AGRICULTURAL)ZONE DISTRICT FOR A 750-MILE-LONG INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS LIQUID PIPELINE - OVERLAND PASS PIPELINE WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners has received an appeal from Overland Pass Pipeline,One Williams Center,WRC3-9, P.O. Box 645,Tulsa,Oklahoma 74172,concerning the decision by the Director of Department of Planning Services to require a Use by Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility in the A(Agricultural)Zone District for a 750-mile-long interstate natural gas liquid pipeline on the following described real estate, to-wit: The proposed pipeline would begin downstream of the Williams Field Services Company gas processing plant in Opal, Wyoming, run easterly across Wyoming, cross through the corner of northeastern Colorado(including Weld County), and end at existing fractionating facilities in Bushton and Conway, Kansas WHEREAS, upon consideration of such appeal, including a review of all information submitted by Overland Pass Pipeline and the Department of Planning Services,the Board deems it advisable to affirm said appeal and reject the decision of the Planning Director. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that in the appeal of Overland Pass Pipeline, be, and hereby is, affirmed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the decision by the Director of Department of Planning Services to require a Use by Special Review Permit fora Major Facility of a Public Utility in the A(Agricultural)Zone District for a 750-mile-long interstate natural gas liquid pipeline be, and hereby is, rejected. 2006-1703 Pp PL, Au {{fize PL0073 o7-a6-off AFFIRM APPEAL AND REJECT DECISION OF PLANNING DIRECTOR - OVERLAND PASS PIPELINE PAGE 2 The above and foregoing Resolution was,on motion duly made and seconded,adopted by the following vote on the 26th day of June, A.D., 2006. F! BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 'ti` ' " 1i WELD NTY, COLORADO tar ATTEST: 1G4 / ' ag. Jj , . J. ile, Chair Weld County Clerk to the Board i _� i; cc it i, 4 . (�. , 4,u� David E. Long, Pro-Tem BY: ��u` )7ity Clerl�to the Board �� WilfJer G'`_) RO D AS TO '`1`�---� Robert D. Masde e— 1 o ' Att ney 1/ 1bli? Glenn Vaad to of signature: 2006-1703 PL0073 Memorandum TO: Board of County Commissioners WI I DATE: June 5, 2006 C FROM: Brad Mueller, Assistant Director • COLORADO Department of Planning Services RE: Oherland Pass Pipeline appeal CC: Monica Daniels-Mika, Director The Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC has made request for an appeal of a staff decision that the proposed pipeline is not exempt from processing as a Use by Special Review application. The appeal is scheduled with the Board on June 26, 2006. The Overland Pass Pipeline is proposed to transverse the entire northern tier of Weld County. Pipelines are a Use by Special Review in the Agricultural Zone District (Section 23-3-40). Per Section 23-1-90, definition of"PIPELINE,"pipelines regulated, licensed or permitted under federal regulations as interstate transmission lines shall be exempt from regulation under the Code. Staffs letter of April 26, 2006, indicates that, vVhile the proposed pipeline is an interstate pipeline, and although there is design and analysis by federal agencies, these agencies are not regulating, licensing, or permitting the pipeline. As such, staff determined it was not exempt under this clause. Please find attached all relevant documentation concerning the appellant's request. 2006-1703 sI�( 441/.4%.******MIN# Overland Pass PIPE !. INF Mike Hopkins Ihuµct`l,rritm I he Wdhanu t':lle,.iV k(?•'. June 8,2006 (,k:.lhiera'-.:}L I'.t no (.4.' r I.1%a.'+k Wulff.,f. III-OW iii p.37%.2423"%2.2'ci icy Board of County Commissioner; 'IF-nal,.I. 4XC Weld County 918 10th Street Greeley,CO 80(131 Re: appeal of Department of Planning Services Determination of t se, Cherland Pass Pipeline Facility Dear Board of-County Commissioners: Pursuant to Weld County Code section 2-4-10. Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC ('Overland Pass") respectfully requests that the Board O1 Couray Commissioners of Weld County review the Depanment of Planning Services' April 26.2006 Determination of Use decision relating to the pmposeil Overland Pass Pipeline. Attachment 1. Overland Pass wishes to appeal the determination that the proposed Overland Pass Pipeline is not exempt from the Use By Special Review Permit requirements of Cha: per 23 of the Weld County Code and is a Major Facility of A Public Utility requiting a Use By Special Review Permit under Welt County Code sections 23-l-0(l, 21-2-3M et seq., 23-3-40, 23-4-420.1 Overland Pass provides the following infbrmation to clarify the nature of the project company, the scope of the proposed project and the extensive federal oversight and regulation of the proposed interstate pipeline,confirming that the proposed project should not be required to obtain a Use By Special Review Permit under the Weld County Code. Overland Pass Pipeline Project Overland Pass is a limited liability company for the purpose. among other things,of' constructing and maintaining pipelines for the transmission ol'natural gas liquids (" GL-"). NGI.s include ethane, propane. butane and natural gasoline. The proposed Overland Pass Pipeline will be 7.50-mile-long interstate NGI.pipeline that will begin downstream of Williams Field Services Company's gas processing plant in Opal, Wyoming. run easterly across While the Department of Planning Scrv:ees and Overland Pass focused on the interstate pipeline exempt:on, the threshold question of whether Overland Pass is a public utility cannot be overlooked, although the exemption is compelling as well. Board of County Commissioners June K. 200( Pagc 2 Field Services Company's gas processing plant in Opal, Wyoming, run easterly across Wyoming,cross throusth the corner of northeastern Colorado (including Weld County)and end at existing fractionating facilities in Bushtun and Conway. Kansas,operated by Northern Border and Williams Partners, respectively See Attachment 2. At the facilities in Kansas. the mixed NGL.products will he separated into individual components and then stored in underground caverns for distribution to the market from these hub facilities. The steel pipeline will traverse fcdera:, state and priva:e lands. paralleling existing pipeline rights-of-way for 90%of the proposed route. The proposed pipeline route in Weld County will parallel that of two existing pipelines operated by Southern Star and C iteyenne Plain, and two fiber optic lines operated by Level 3 Conuttun:cations and Witte). See Attachment 3. The lands to he traversed in Weld County are in the A (Agricultural) /one District. The pipeline site is 16 inches in diameter,and will operate at a hoop stress of greater than 20%of the specified minimum yield strength. The pipeline will he buried 3( ' below ground level or deeper from the top of the pipe to the ground surface. The pipeline system will irclude all parts of the facility through which the NGL moves in transportation. including. valves, pumps, meters and other appurtenances connected to the line pipe. No pumping stations will be located in Weld County. NGL production has substantially increased in Western Wyoming; the only existing NG!. pipeline transporing NCI.s from this area is at or near capacity. "The proposed Overland Pass Pipeline will provide needed infrastructure to deliver up to 150,00()barrels of NC',I.produced in Wyoming to facilities which can nrocess,store and distribute :t in Kansas for further use nationwide. Use By Special Review is Required For Maim- Facilities Of Public l tilities, Not Interstate Pipelines Major Facilities of Public Utilities or Public Agencies subject to the provisions of Weld County Code section 23-4-420 are uses by special review which may be constructed. occupied, operated and maintained in the A (Agricultural)Zone District upon approval of a permit. 11V.( .C. §ti 23-3-4U, 234-420. Major Facilities of Public Utilities or Public Agencies are those "Public. I..tilities or Public Agencies operating or constructing- . . PiPE.L.INES of utilities providing natural gas or other petroleum derivatives, including extensions, expansions or enlargements thereof;..." W.C.C. ti 23-1-90(emphasis added). A public utility-includes every pipeline corporation . . . operating for the purpose of supplying the public for domestic, mechanical or public uses and every corporation.or person declared by law to be affected with a public interest, and each of the preceding is hereby declared to he a public utility and to he subject to the jurisdiction.control, and regulation of the commission (Colorado Public Utilities Commission]." C.R.S. ti 4U-I-103.- 2 The Colorado Public Utilities Commission does not regulate interstate pipelines. I3oard of County Commissioners June 8. 2006 Page 3 Pipelines of utilities regulated under the Weld County Code Chapter 23 inc:ude those "Jesigned for or capable of. transporting natural gas or other petroleum derivatives ten (10) inches in diameter or larger which creates a hoop stress of twenty percent (2t}%)or more at their specified minimum yield strengih.- W.C.C. > 23-1-a)0. However. the Weld County Code exempts from use by special review permit oNigations under Chapter 23 pipelines of utilities "-egulaied. licensed or permitted under federal regulations as interstate transmission lines." Id. Overland Pass Pipeline Does Not Require A Use Special Review Permit As It Is Not A Public Utility Under Colorado Law On March 21, 2006, representatives o:'Overland Pass, Natural Resource Group, Inc. (consultant to Overland Pass) and the Weld County Department of Planning Services discussed the need for a Use By Special Review Permit for the proposal Overland Pass Pipeline. The thscussion focused on the exemption of interstate pipelines fmnt the permitting requirements of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code. The correspondence between Overland Pass and the Weld County Department of Planning Services (Mardi 31,2006, April 25, 2006) similarly focused on the exemption. See Attachments I,4. Whether Overland Pass is a Public Utility. which it is not. also should be considered, Overland Pass is a limited liability company which plans to construct a pipeline connecting processing facilities located in other states and owned and operated by Williams Feld Services Company, ?northern Border and Williams Partners. The pipeline provides \UL interstate transmission between fixed points. None of the companies which operate the facilities at either end of the pipeline are regulated as public utilities ir the states of Wyoming and Kansas. Overland Pass w:11 not provide M;L service to the public in any state the pipeline will traverse. including Colorado. There will not he any delivery taps on the Iinc between Opal. Wyoming and Conway, Kansas for public usage. Most importantly, the public does not have the right to demand service from the proposed pipeline. Pub. l itil. Conan"uv,_Colorado Interstate(ias Co., 142 Colo. 361, 351 P.2d 241 t.1960)(service to the public is the controlling factor).4 Overland Pass is not a Public Utility under Colorado law. Under Chapter 23 of the Wed County Code, the Use By Special Review Permit obligations in the A (Agricultural)/one District apply to Major Facilities of Public t ttililies. Since Overland Pass is not a Public Utility, its proposed construction of an interstate NGL pipclinc in Weld County does not require a Ilse By Special Review Permit. The construction and operation of a pipeline does not alone trigger Use By Special Review Permit obligations; the pipeline must he constructed and operated by a Public Utility. As a private non-governmental limited liability company, Overland Pass is cicar.v not a Public Agency. either. ' It'Overland Puss were a public utility which proposed to construct an intrastate pipeline, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission as well as Weld County would have jurisdiction over the proposed project located solely within Colorado. 13oard of( ounly Commissioners June b. 2006 Page 4 Federal Agencies Have Extensive Regulatory Review And Oversight of Project, Weld County, At Its Choosing,Can Participate in The Extensive Process With The F ederal Agencies We note that while Overland Pass is not a Public Utility, it will he comprehensively regulated and permitted under federal regulations and, on that basis, qualifies for an exemption from the Chapter 23 Use By Special Review Permit requirements. See Attachment 4 (description ofthe many federal agencies with jurisdiction over and statutes applicable to the project). Since the Overland Pass Pipeline requires"major federal action" (a federally issued right-of-way permit approval)because it will traverse federal lands in Wyoming and Colorado, a detailed analysis of potential impacts must be conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act("NEPA"). 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4347. • While many federal agencies have jurisdiction over the project, the Bureau of Land Management("BLM")will lead the effort to analyze the siting of the project on federal, state and private land and will consider various alterratives. including"no action" or diIi rent rousing alternatives,as part of its analysis. The BLM will prepare an Environmental impact Statement ("EIS"); the EIS will analyze the effects of the proposed project and various alternatives on environmental, economic. social,wildlife, plant,cultural and archaeological resou:ces. The analysis is extensive, covering direct and indirect impacts along the entire proposed pipeline route,a buffer area and alternative routes. including federal and non-federal lands. An EIS must also evaluate the cumulative impacts ofa project the impact of the proposal when added to other past. present and reasonably toresccahlc future actions, regardless of what agency or person pursues such actions Or activities. At the conclusion of the process. I3LM will determine the approved pipeline route which is selected on meltiple factors, including public acceptability. safety and reduced environmental impacts. An FlS for this interstate pipeline could exceed 300 pages,given the broad scope of the analysis. A significant component of'the EIS process is public participation in the process. Any person, including Weld County and representatives of its departments and agencies, is able and encouraged to participate in the EIS process. To date, the RI M has held seeping meetings on the proposed project for the public(to further reline the issues of concern to the public which should he investigated during the FAS process). These meetings have been held in several locutions within and near Weld County: Greeley. Colorado(April I S. 2006). Cheyenne. Wyoming(April 19. 20061, Akron, Colorado i April 26, 200(i)and Laramie, Wyoming(April 27, 2006). In addition, the public will have the right and ability to review and comment on the Draft EIS and the Final IIS. 1'hc EIS process is expected to be completed by the Spring of 2007. if :he federal agencies' final decision is to issue a permit, granting a right-of-way across federal 'ands,the agencies will maintain regulatory control over Overland Pass' construc:iota,operation and decommissioning practices relating to the pipeline. The requirements will he specified in the permit issued. Board of County Commissioners June R, 2006 Page 5 In addition. Overland Pass takes scriousiy its pipeline safety obligations. The Overland Pass Pipeline is regulated under standards established by the United States Department of transportation("DOT") bier the :ransp ortation of hazardous liquids by pipeline. See 49 C.F.R. Part 195. The DOI. regulations require pipelines to meet design requirements. 49 C.F.R. ti 195..1(n)et seq., Subpart C. In addition. Overland Pass must comply with numerous DOT requirements during the construction of a regulated pipeline such as the Overland Pass Pipeline. 49 C'ER. § 195.20D et seq., Subpart D. The DOT regulations require a pipeline right-of-way to avoid "as far as practicable, areas containing,private dwellings, industrial buildings,and places of public assembly." Id. The regulations state in specific detail the requirements for materials inspections, construction inspections, welding,cover over buried pipelines, hacklilling, valves, pumping equipment, etc. Id. A complete construction record must he maintained for the life of the project. Id. DOT regulation will continue to govern how Overland Pass operates and maintains the pipeline once constructed. 49 C.F.R. § 195.400 et seq._ Subpart F. Such requirements include: emergency response training, inspections, valve maintenance, firefighting,damage prevention and security of facilities. Id. No operator may operate or maintain its pipeline at a level lower tirtn that required by DOT. Id. The DOT regulations set standards for pressure testing. corrosion control and qualifications of pipeline personnel. -I9 C.F.R. § 195.100 et seq.. Suhp;in F.49 C.F.R. § !95.50 I et seq.. Subpart 0.49 t'.F"R. ti 195.551 et seq.. Subpart I I. To meet or exceed the DOT regulations, Overland Pass will use reliable state-of-the-art technology, including System Control and Data Acquisition ('-S('Ai)A"). cathodic protection and safety valves at average 20 mile intervals along the pipeline. I he pipeline W':II have a fusion-bonded epoxy coating to prevent corrosion and will he internally inspected regularly through"smart pigging." Overland :'ass will also monitor and inspect the pipeline :hrough regular aerial patrol flyovers ol'the pipeline. Overland Pass will have a well trained maintenance statiand will provide additional training to local emergency responders. Finally. the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission t"FFRC") will also re9ulale the pipeline. providing commercial oversight. In sum, there is continuous federal regulation and oversight througa the development, construction and operational phases()Idle project. Because the Overland Pass Pipeline is regulated and permitted under ti:deral regulations as an interstate transmission line, the pipeline exemption in Weld County Code Section 23-1-90 applies to the proposed project. As a result. Overland Pass should not be required to obtain a I Js_ By Special Review Permit for the proposed project. Board of County Commissioners June 8, 2006 Page 6 In conclusion. the Overland Pass Pipeline is not a Major Facility ol'a Public Utility under Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code and also qualifies for the exemption applicable to interstate pipelines from the permit obligations under Chapter 23. Therefore,Overland Pass respect f illy requests a finding on appeal to the Board ot'County Commissioners that no Use By Special Review Permit is required for the construction ofthc pipeline in the A (Agricultural) Zone District in Weld County. Sincerely, Mike Hopkins Project Manger Enclosures cc: Bruce Barker l w:enclosures) sh.:172 I.INN. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES 918 10th Street T GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co us E-MAIL brnueller@co.weld.co.us Q PHONE (970)353-61OO,EXT. 3572 • FAX (570)3O4-6498 COLORADO April 2.3,20t 3 Mike Houk'-is,Project Manager c!o Overland Pass Pipeline P C.Box 645 Tulsa, OK 74101-0545 RE: Determination of Use,Overland Pass Pipeline Facility Dear Mr.Hopkins: Thank you for your Letter No. MH-008 regarding our previcrs meeting and your company's plans for the Overland Pass Pipeline,a natural gas[quids pioe'ine planned to traverse the northern portion of Weld County, As you reiterate in the letter. the use as proposed qualifies as a Major Facility of a Pubic.Utill:y,witch is u Jse by Special Review within;he Agricultural Zone Dlstr rt. (See Section 23-3-40 of the Weld County Code) 'Pipelines'are an element of Major Facilities. Pipelines may be exempt from County rcgulaticn if regulated, licensed, or permitted under fedora' regu'atiors as .nterstate transmission lines You havn provided additional information about three agencies ievciveri in aspects of the project The L.S. Department of Transportation will oversee the desir and construction of the pipeline. The U.S Bureau of Laid Management will be concucting environmental analysis. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will only provide commercial oversight once the facility is operational. II is staff's deterniinatren that,while terse agencies are irvolved in the design,analysis, or administration of certain aspects of the project,they are not regulating,licensing,or permitting the overall Major Facility,per se. As such,land use approvals should be sought throuyh Weld County. Application can be made using the attached Procedural Guide bra Use by Special Review. The administrative determination of this use was made under the authorization of Section 23.1-90 of the Weld County Code. As detailed in Section 23-6-1(), you have the right to request a review of this decision by the Board of Adjustment, if such request is made w.prithIn 30 days Please see the attached BOA Submittal Checklist for the :rocess and materials for filing an appeal. We hook forward to working with you :e orocess your Use by Special Review application. If our office can be of help as you prepare the necessary application materials,please do not hesitate to contact n•e at the number above. Regards, Brad Mueller.Assistant Director Weld County Planning Services cc:Monica Daniels-Mika.Director Attachments: LSR&BOA Procedural Guides ATTAChIMENT I -,,r -1/4.,:sei \ r |1 a co 0 ) , ! ` §| 4,7 k < § / ) { { 2 - t §- ` 3 ` \ ! ij , 1 j .1:0 ! � \ \ / ) ! > 7 - — q2 G - ) ! } Q \ \ , Gii — \I \ I { : . 7 - t cj WE a, . | - COO CI, } ) LL 0. r. � ) } °:.).47:11)11 j 3 N ctss, 51, 2 - , ; / } 2 7 3 = \ / \ \ � � / ' O \ \ N t.•--I. .•, .. , , .... .1 ......Nt.. 'Ilk.' : z t If 1 : , • :4 ril --- 1 - .! .... ... • , ./.., , ,• ::. ,,....: • !• ...•4.)'.:r.- • •• •..1?. g i 4 ' V 2 14 I• •S: . -. ir'�r..,.,J_ t__tvt.rl. ,r' .�.. ..' ��'t .,4 'J 1 s i Q•:.`: :! •.:,............� .s ., .4 .. • S ' :J . 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E. 1 -- *-:: . .. .-.. •�._ —₹ `s •lir- 1 1 j--,---i I ,LI. i;el' � (17• •� �. �• ` r �,• h' t` cD _ate 1- � �46:- • ig• ri •.,t: f i 7 4 :. - of ---'n7 . .." 1 f ^ i ��-' _J • t• •_. i 4,r a n • .t g0. i d IY f _ .. + i o r _ g i I. • • • • t t. t _.....1...:;,,:;__ .......,.; C. r •J. L'-- i } = } - - !•+ rte ' ' j 1 ♦• _" . • �� •r" i. i ! t • _ ' - ! • • trr i -jy - _ stir Aili14%``t Overland Pass PIPELINE Mike Napkins March 3 I,2006 Letter No.MH-008 Projr.ct Manager One Whams(adv.WRC'3-9 Tulsa.Oklabome 74172 Mr.Brad Mueller P.O.Box G45 Assistant Planning Director 1 ulna.Utdabtmra'+a 1 u 1-11645 Weld County Department of Planning Services ,, S 1 B le Street 91 B-573--4_i[,Mike 91 R-610-I trig Cell Greeley,CO 80631 RE: Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC Exemption from Use by Special Review Permit [)ear Mr Mueller: thank you for meetiag with some of out project team members from Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC(Overland hiss)on March 21. 2006. As you are now aware.Overland Pass is proposing to construct an 18-inch-diameter, 750- ln.le-ion ,natural gni liquids(NGL)pipeline that will begin at Williams Field Services Company's facilities in Opal. \ti')ontine,.cross through northeastern Colorado,and end at existing facilities in Rushton and Conway, Kansas. Weld County zoning regulations, Div.5, require a "Use by Special Review Permit" from Weld County for t ansportation pipelines. At Overland Pass' Use by Special Review ttISK)pre-application meeting with your office en March 2I,204)6, the group discussed a section of Weld County's regulatory language pertaining to"Major Facilities Special Review Permits"(Zoning—Ge:[era'. Provisions,Div.5,Sec 23-1-90),which reads as follows: PIPELINE: Any 1'IPELlNl ;aid appartenani I'ncia;i_•s di igned lire.Or capable of,transporting natural gas yr other petroleum derivatives ten(Ill)inches in diameter or largrx chid: creates a hoop stress of twenty percent (24)°i)ur mere at their xp4-cifa:d minimum yield strength PlPP1.1N1N regulated, licensed ur permitted under reJeral regulations as iniersiate transmission lines shall be exempt Irian regulation under this Chapter. As was discussed in your offices, Overland Pass is of the opinion That it qualifies for exemption from consideration under (Ise by Special Review,pursuant to Sec.?3-1-90 as the Overland Pass Pipeline is regulated,and permitted tinder federal regulations. As was directed in the meeting, Overland Puss is requesting that your otliec provide written concurrence with this finding. Additionally as part of the discussions you asked Overland Pass to provide some additional details to support this exemption. Overland Pass is providing the following synopsis of the federal agencies and their regulatory oversig•t: currently in place on this project. • the U.S Department of"Transportation (DOT) regulates the design of pipeline transportation systems in the United States. Specif ically, the construction and safety standa-ds applicable to the Overland Pass Pipeline Project are subject to DOT regulations(Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 195, Transpr,rrar on !lu_urdou.,Liquids by Pipeline). Overland Pass will meet or exceed these regulatory requirements. • Under the National Energy Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Bureau of Land Managenten: LIiLM) has the lead role in conducting environmental analysis for the entire project(both federal and non-federal lands),and over all 750 miles of the route that extend through the states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas. This analysis will result in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will discuss environmental issues and impacts, alternatives. significant unavoidable impacts. irreversible/irretrievable commitment of resources, short- and • ATTACHMENT 4 long-term uses of the environment and cumulative impacts on the environment for the Overland Pass Pipeline Prior to the I3LM granting Overland Pass authorization to construct and operate its pipe ine facilities, they will work v;ith the following federal agencies which will exercise their jurisdictional authority in accordance with appropriate subsections of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.Mineral Leasing Act,National Forest Management Act,Clean Air Act.and National Historic Preservation Act: • L..5. Forest Service in Wyoming and Colorado, c: L..S. Department of Interior, l..S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ;, L.S.Department of Defense,U S. Army Corps of Engineers, ▪ U.S.Department of Agriculture,Natural Resource Conservation Service • As part of the Environmental Impact Statement(EIS)process, the BLM will solicit comment front all identified stakeholders that could be affected by the project,including state and local agencies. They include o Wyoming Stale Historical Preservation Office c. Colorado State Historical Preservation Office • Kansas State Historical Preservation Office 30 individual Tribal Historic Preservation Offices • The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission(FERC)will have commercial oversight of the system once operational. • Private landowners,and non-governmental organizations will also be contacted regarding this project for their input. The BLM plans to receive and identify issues of concern to the public through"Public Scoping Meetings"and tuldress them as early as possible. 13LM issued a Notice of Intent(Federal Register,WY-030- 06-5101-ER-1O87;WYW-16651°Ito complete anEIS 11w the Overland Pass Pipeline Project. tlutsoflicially opening the formal scoping period,which will occur front March 27,2006 through May E 2006. Although Overland Pass is exempt Ihom the specific Weld County LSR process,it is understood that Weld County still maintains the prerogative to participate in the EIS process. Overland Pass encourages your alike to submit written continents to I3I.M during the scoping period. The following email address is being used by the BLM to accept comments on the project Uvsitandpass4i)ensr.aeconheont, Weld County is also cordially invited to attend the Public Scoping Meeting to be held in Greeley,Colorado at the Greeley Senior Center located at 1010 Sixth Street,on April. 18,2006 from i to 7 pm. Overland Pass appreciates your attention to this matter. You may contact Mike Hopkins at 1918) 573-2425 for questions relating to project facilities and design. safety, or l:roject planning and schedule. For questions relating to environmental issues,Kevin Vienke of Natural Resource Group,lnc.,can be reached at(720)956-5301. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the above,or need further information. Sincerely, • Mike Hopkins Cc: Mr.Steve Seibert Mr Terry Truelove Mr. Ron Ingraham Mr. Kevin Wcinkr Mr.Bill Miller Mr.Mike Peterson Mr, Brice Bergyuist • DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES 918 10`" Street I GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 CWEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us E-MAIL: bmueller@co.weld.co.us PHONE (970) 353-610O, EXT. 3572 FAX (970) 304-6498 COLORADO April 26, 2006 Mike Hopkins, Project Manager do Overland Pass Pipeline P.O. Box 645 Tulsa, OK 74101-0645 RE: Determination of Use, Overland Pass Pipeline Facility Dear Mr. Hopkins: Thank you for your Letter No. MH-008 regarding our previous meeting and your company's plans for the Overland Pass Pipeline, a natural gas liquids pipeline planned to traverse the northern portion of Weld County. As you reiterate in the letter, the use as proposed qualifies as a Major Facility of a Public Utility, which is a Use by Special Review within the Agricultural Zone District. (See Section 23-3-40 of the Weld County Code.) "Pipelines"are an element of Major Facilities. Pipelines may be exempt from County regulation if regulated, licensed, or permitted under federal regulations as interstate transmission lines. You have provided additional information about three agencies involved in aspects of the project. The U.S. Department of Transportation will oversee the design and construction of the pipeline. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will be conducting environmental analysis. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will only provide commercial oversight once the facility is operational. It is staff's determination that, while these agencies are involved in the design, analysis, or administration of certain aspects of the project, they are not regulating, licensing, or permitting the overall Major Facility, per se. As such, land use approvals should be sought through Weld County. Application can be made using the attached Procedural Guide for a Use by Special Review. The administrative determination of this use was made under the authorization of Section 23-1-90 of the Weld County Code. As detailed in Section 23-6-10, you have the right to request a review of this decision by the Board of Adjustment, if such request is made within 30 days. Please see the attached BOA Submittal Checklist for the process and materials for filing an appeal. We look forward to working with you to process your Use by Special Review application. If our office can be of help as you prepare the necessary application materials, please do not hesitate to contact me at the number above. Regards, Brad Mueller,Assistant Director Weld County Planning Services cc: Monica Daniels-Mika, Director Attachments: USR & BOA Procedural Guides NOTICE Pursuant to the zoning laws of the State of Colorado and the Weld County Code, a public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado,Weld County Centennial Center,91510th Street, First Floor,Greeley,Colorado 80631, at the time specified. If a court reporter is desired, please advise the Clerk to the Board, in writing, at least five days prior to the hearing. The cost of engaging a court reporter shall be borne by the requesting party. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are required in orderfor you to participate in this hearing, please contact the Clerk to the Board's Office at (970) 336-7215, Extension 4226, prior to the day of the hearing. The complete case file may be examined in the office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners,Weld County Centennial Center,915 10th Street,Third Floor,Greeley,Colorado 80631. E-Mail messages sent to an individual Commissioner may not be included in the case file. To ensure inclusion of your E-Mail correspondence into the case file, please send a copy to charding@co.weld.co.us. DATE: June 26, 2006 TIME: 9:00 a.m. APPLICANT: Overland Pass Pipeline One Williams Center, WRC3-9 P.O. Box 645 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172 REQUEST: Appeal of decision by the Director of Department of Planning Services to require a Use by Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility in the A(Agricultural)Zone District for a 750-mile-long interstate natural gas liquid pipeline LOCATION: The proposed pipeline would begin downstream of the Williams Field Services Company gas processing plant in Opal,Wyoming,run easterly across Wyoming,cross through the corner of northeastern Colorado(including Weld County),and end at existing fractionating facilities in Bushton and Conway, Kansas (See Legal Description for precise location.) 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