HomeMy WebLinkAbout20022435.tiff 06/11/2002 16:14 605-721-2549 BH EXPLORATION PAGE 01
Black Hills Exploration and Production, Inc.
A Black Hills Corporation Enterprise
P.O.Box 2076 625 Ninth Street,Rapid City,South Dakota 57709
Bus: (605)721-2500
Fax:(605)721-2549
FACSIMILE COVER PAGE
To: ent OL L E
Company Ct1EL A I n
Fax: 070130Y- 44M t f
Telephone: ergo) ass- 6ioo
Date: Tw.ee it 2 002.
Pages: Y (Including Cover Sheet)
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EXHHiBIT
2002-2435
06/11/2002 16: 14 605-721-2549 BH EXPLORATION PAGE 02
RECEIVED
FORM F•!06 RE
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Scale• • • I" a 1000'
Powers Elevation Company, Inc. of Denver, Colorado
has in accordance with a request from Mr. Pitchford
for Chaplin Petroleum Co.
determined the location of No.1 Champlin 41-14
r to be CNE NE Section 14 Township 1N
.�I.,' Range 68W of the 6th Principal I Meridian
TT�� Weld County, Colorado
I hereby certify that this plat is an
accurate representation of. a correct
survey showing the lo anon off
,-- Date: 3-18-76 (13Lji �!/. -
Licensed tang rveey`nor �No. 2853
State of Colorado
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06/11/2002 16:14 605-721-2549 BH EXPLORATION PAGE 03
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06;11/2002 16L14 605-721-2549 BH EXPLORATION PAGE 04
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Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
JUN 1 2 2002
Donna Pawlik RECEIVED
9480 WCR 13
Longmont,Co. 80504
303-833-4282
June 8,2002
Weld County Dept.of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley,Co.80631
Dear Kim Ogle,
I have an objection to the proposed 1-25 Corridor 115kV Transmission Line Project.
The line along the Firestone Trail on WCR 13 ,according to my research,can be underground.
The communication from Tri-State is the opposite.The Town of Frederick has put this project,to
be buried underground,on the ballot,according to my last discussion with residents.The results of
that election is worth looking into.1 know the firestone trail occupants (runners,etc) do not want
a 75 11 single wood pole structure with self supporting steel poles,and high power lines above
their head.Let alone the irony of having a nice scenic open space trail accompanied with this
electrical jungle in the middle of our view of the rocky mountains,while running,horseback riding,
or biking.
Underground lines can be an alternate along with other routes lining farmland where there are less
residents and pedestrians.Please let the experience from this growth to work for our future
residential area and open space trails.
Please inform me of the results of this hearing via email,as 1 will be on vacation.
Sincerely,
Donna Pawlik
pawlik@revealmail.com
DCHIBIT
58
•
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE ILo
SJ3i CS.JofC, �otc JUL zooz
4790 fl gar/kL°('love!„d,CO 80538 RECL v Lei
June 27, 2002
Weld County
Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 1T"Ave.
Greeley, CO 80531
RE: Case Number USR-1392
Tri State Generation and Transmission
We would raise the objection to the proposed 115 kV Electric Transmission line because
of the concern for Magnetic Field Emissions from the power transmission lines.
We believe that the construction of the transmission lines would alter the quality of life
the owners and residents of Oak Meadows Subdivision to the Town of Firestone have
come to enjoy.
Given the openness and the availability of the nearby ground Tri-State should re-route the
transmission line away from the platted Oak Meadows Subdivision. This will help
alleviate concerns we or future owners have about magnetic field emissions from the
power transmission lines.
Sincerely,
Leo J. Schuster
LJS/mjs
EXHIBIT
15c
ST. VRAIN RANCH PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 810
Firestone, CO 80520
303/833-4550 Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
JUL 0 8 2002
RECEIVED
July 1, 2002
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Sir/Madam:
Regarding Case Number USR-1392, I am requesting this public hearing be rescheduled to an evening
time. There are many homeowners in St. Vrain Ranch that would like to attend, but due to their
employment are finding it difficult to attend the 1:30 p.m. timeslot set for this proposal.
r
Again, we are requesting this hearing be moved to an evening hour. I will continue to check with you
as a follow-up to this letter.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 303/833-4550.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Graf
Administrator
EXHIBIT
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
JUL 10 2002
RECEIVED
June 23 , 2002
Weld County Planning & Zoning
4209 WCR 24 1/2
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Kim Ogle
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We would like to protest the route of the proposed
power line on Weld County Road #11, south of Weld
County Road #12 .
The one mile proposed route invades the privacy
and property of several houses and businesses ,
including ours. There are many alternative ways ,
one being: to follow an existing line west on
WCR #12 for approximately 1/2 mile , south to WCR #10
thru an open area, then east to WCR #11 , proceeding
south as planned. This would cost less, cause less
hard feelings and not be as destructive to existing
property.
We ask that a better study be made by a neutral party
rather than the proposal by the electric company.
Very truly -yours , ,
William N. & Ann M. Stonebraker
4502 WCR #11
as
EXHIBIT
5E
Case#USR-1392
Subject: Case#USR-1392
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 22:48:55 -0600
From: "pam" <pam@lanejohnson.net>
To: <graf@ecentral.com>
Suzanne,
We do not want the huge metal electrical towers to be placed along WCR 13. We feel they are an eye sore!!!
Please respect our neighborhood's wishes and refrain from allowing them to be erected.
Thank You for your consideration.
Lane and Pam Johnson
10270 Dresden St.
Firestone, Colorado 80504
303-8334548
r
1 of 1 7/16/02 9:33 AM
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
JUL 1 2 2002 PATAIIYA
/�6� I� OIL&GAS CORPORATION
D E r E I® E D 1625 Broadway, Suite 2000
1` �r L V i. Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 389-3600
July 11,2002 (303) 389-3680 Fax
Weld County, Department of Planning Services Via Fax(970)-304-6498
Attention :Mr. Kim Ogle, Planner & U. S. Mail
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley,CO 80631
Re: USR 1392, Tri State Generation and Transmission
Township 2 North, Range 67 West, 6th P.M.
Sections: 5,6,7&18
Township 2 North,Range 68 West, 6th P.M.
Sections: 1,12-14,23-26,35&35
Township 1 North,Range 68 West,6th P.M.
Sections 1,2,11-14,23-26
Township 3 North, Range 68 West,6th P.M.
Sections 25 &36
Weld County,Colorado
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Patina Oil & Gas Corporation ("Patina") has been contacted by Tri-State Generation and Transmission
Association, Inc. ("Tri-State") and Weld County Department of Planning Services regarding the proposed Tri-
State Major Facility of a Public Utility ("Major Facility") including transmission lines and switching stations
on portions of the referenced lands. Patina operates multiple oil and gas wells, gas pipelines and production
facilities on the referenced lands. Patina also owns oil and gas leasehold rights and has rights to drill additional
wells throughout the area. Patina is concerned about the impact the Major Facility will have on Patina's ability
to produce, operate and maintain the Well, pipelines, access roads and production facilities on the lands. To
date, Patina has received no confirmation from Tri-State that Patina's real property rights to use a reasonable
portion of the surface of the referenced lands for oil and gas operations and development are being preserved.
Patina requests assurance from the Weld County and Tri-State that the Major Facility will not preclude Patina
from producing, operating, drilling and maintaining its wells and related facilities. Until this matter is resolved
by agreement with Tri-State, Patina is not waiving its rights as a leasehold owner. Any approval of the Major
Facility should be conditioned upon the preservation of Patina's real property rights that allow it to make
reasonable use of the surface of the lands for oil and gas operations. The Major Facility plan must take into
account and provide adequate setbacks from Patina's current and future wellsites, pipelines, and production
facilities as well as continuous access to these facilities.
Patina requests that these comments be entered into the record for the Tri-State's Major Facility and that we
continue to be provided with advance notice of all other hearings affecting the proposed Major Facility. If you
have any questions, please feel free to contact the undersigned or Dave Padgett at(303)389-3600.
Sincerely,
PA A IL&GA ORPORAITON EXHiBrr
avid W. Si
Vice President /_A
07/12/2002 10:27 FAX 3038202402 CARTER BURGESS-DENVER 002
July 12,2002
To: Weld County Department of Planning Services
From: Ken and Larisa Pavlick(Moore)
Case No.USR-1392 Tri State Generation&Transmission Line
In response to the 115KV Transmission Line being placed by Tri-State Generation, we
would like to state our objection to this as property owners within 5)0 ft. of this line. The section
from the Rinn Valley Substation to WCR 13 is the affected area we are concerned about. My
wife and I are property owners on the north edge of No Name Creel:East(5882 Woodduck
Court). We were not informed by our realtor when we purchased the lot and have just recently
learned of this project. Our lot was chosen for its dramatic view of he lakes next to us and the
Majestic Mountain views. We also paid a premium for this lot for t,ese reasons from the
developer Dave Parker. This line would greatly affect our view and could possible place a large
power pole directly in line with our views. I have spoken with realt r5 in the area and they have
informed me that this line would decrease the value and resale of our new home, and cause a
negative selling point if we chose to sell our home. A de-valuation approximately 10-12%)will
be caused by this project to our investment and us.
My second concern will be health affects of these high pow,r lines. We have four
children ages 8, 8, 6 and 5,that will be playing in our yard and the sreet in front of our house
daily. Also the open space just beyond our backyard,the land the hies will be placed on is also a
play and natural learning area for our children. This wetland and nature area is full of small wild
animals, and many varieties of birds that the children enjoy watchin„and trying to find. I know
there are no studies that prove or disprove the affects of high power lines,but many of these are
not know until many years down the road. I nor my family are willi ig to take this risk, and
would request that Tri State Generation provide response to this issue, and what protective issues
they can implement to prevent long term health issues that could ari 4e,and what they would be
responsible for if issues did arise.
Thirdly we live close enough to the lines path that we will likely hear the buzzing of the
lines,and during moist weather these sounds become amplified greatly,therefore causing a
constant disturbance to us daily and nightly.
I have stated my family and I concern's and would hope that we are not brushed under the
table for the sake of big business. These are very real concerns that [have and hope that someone
in the planning department will stand up and fight for the land and homeowners. Understanding
that power is needed throughout the area,I feel that a better and safer alignment could be looked
into,and mutually benefit the "owners"and the "Power Company"and the needs both have.
Respec
en an sa Pavlick
03)820-4896
Ps We will do our best to attend the hearing on July 16,2002,but di to its time of the day and
our work schedules(coming from Denver)we may have difficulty gi:ttingthere,so I hope this
written letter will be presented. Thank you very much for your time, and feel free to reach me at
any time.
EXHIBIT
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..JUL. 12. 2002_11 : 51AM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 468 P. 1
iiiLJNIter axtTra;ns.m.rtta-I:_ .h,eet
ikhiiii MAIL. MASTER 1006 W. 104th Avenu
e
Northglenn, CO 80234
(303) 280-1221
FAX (303) 280-0130
Date: 9.4.,_* Yom, .20 o
Attn: KI n1 Qc7 /A
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Fax Number: / ` 970
— � ,- V92
From: l rrS 7,a✓L/ck Z4 h frith) Milt,' tv
Sender's Phone Number: SOS ^ 1/S?
Number of Pages (including this sheet):
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This facsimile may contain PRIVILEDGED AND/OR CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION intended only for the use of the addressee. If you are not
the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the person
addressed, you may not copy or deliver this to anyone else. You are
hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this facsimile is
strictly prohibited. If you received this facsimile by mistake, please
immediately notify us by telephone, Thank you.
www.mymaiimaster.co EXHIBIT
JUL. 12. 2002 11 : 52AM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 468 P. 2
LISk- 139
Kaye and James Nods
2 Red For Lane
Greenwood Village, CO. 80111
To whom it may concern;
We are properly owners at Lakeview Village which consists of 80 acres between roads
20 and 22 on road 13. We art the northeast quarter of Section 13.
We are quite distressed regarding the p0651We 115 KV Transmission line extension that
Td-State Generation and Transmission Assoc., Inc,is considering for the south border
of our property.
When united Power decided to place its substation on the southwest corner of our
property,we were not notified of the proposed site until it was decided upon. Now, In
order to access that substation, it seems that our property is again being altered to the
point that will seriously impact our investment at Lakeview.
We are a family of 15 alders,three of whom have been National Water Ski
Champions.We spend, on an average,20 to 30 hours a week training at this site. The
safety risk factor is well documented and,since the poles will be near the water,-
actually intersecting the ditch that fills our lakes,—we are most concerned and oppose
that location for those poles.
We do plan to develop this property and know these poles Will be detrimental In many
aspects—it view,esthetics, safety.
Because of the attractiveness of our lakes,we feel that our property win eventually be
the^showcase"of the area and the most desirable to live In. Therefore,we will
vigorously oppose the proposed power lines on the borders of our property.
Sincerely,
, >, c.rc
EXHIBIT
I LE
• JUL. 12. 2002 11 : 52AM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 468 P. 3
tape /6 A a
Use -/39(2
Lakeview Village,be.
10442 Santa Fe Street
Northglean,CO. 80234
303/452-5355
April 25, 2001
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assoc.,Inc.
P. O.Box 33695
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster,Colorado 80234
Attention: Mr. Jon Beyer,Land Specialist III
Gentlemen:
SUBJECT: Proposed I-25 Corridor 115KV Transmission Line Project
In response to your letter dated April 18th,this letter will notify you that we, Lakeview
Village,Inc., is NOT IN FAVOR of this project crossing our property located in the NE
1/4 Section 13, aka,the 80 acres west of Road 13, between County Rds. 20 and 22 with
the 2 Bid lakes.
Our cooperation with you has extended only to giving you the courtesy of inviting Di-
State personnel to a corporate meeting of the shareholders to listen and ask questions
about the proposed mute. In that meeting we ask questions about health risks etc.,and
also expressed our displeasure that we had to put up with the substation on the direct west
property line. Now we are being considered as a short cut Sr the line to extend east from
that sub-station then north. During that meeting October 5,2000 we told your
representatives that we didn't want the IS on our property.
First of all,when the Rinn Valley sub-station was constructed we had no input on the
location and it should not have been put in the middle of a section. That station is not on
our property but so close that we are directly effected by it. At the time it was built, all the
landowners were told that no more overhead lines would be errected. Lakeview paid
United Power to bury the electric lines we installed on our property to keep from having
to stare at them all the time,now they are going to be even bigger. Twice in the past 12
• years we have a had plans to develop our property and both times put it on hold because of
neighborhood complaints regarding density.(12-25 homes on 80 acres). Those plans have
not gone away and these lines would devalue as well as interf'er with our roadways into
and out of the property.
Also in talking with professional personnel regarding the risks,no one has a study of the
• JUL. 12. 2002 11 : 52AM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 468 P. 4z tee 2
WSW--7,39,7
effects of the electricity on a lake that is used by persons to ski and swim. What
precautions are taken to keep the water from acting as a conductor? We realize that lines
probably pass through or close to water bodies all the time but no one could answer that
pact:kat=question. Lakeview members waterski and our children and grandchildren swim
in the lakes constructed under or next to the proposed line and fear for the safety of all of
us. This concerns our group because the lines will be over if not real close and worry
about the conduction of electricity through the water. Water is a great conductor of all
facets of the environment including electrical current. Professional personnel have not
answered these questions and studies have not answered our concerns regarding that
issue. There is also the magnetic radioactive issue concerning cancer etc.
Lakeview has a fill ditch to the lakes running along the entire south border of our property
and has it cleaned and maintained approximately once per year with heavy equipment.
The operator of this equipment will be reluctant to work under and around the power lines
and poles. Secondly,the water table is high in that area and Lakeview is concerned about
the safety of the poles standing through the extreme winds that buffet the area
Now that growth in the area is so tremendous, it calls for additional electrical service, and
again since we are only one person it is easier to tramp over us regardless of our issues.
In our opinion it appears that you plan to get permits from both the city of Firestone and
Frederick and then take it to Weld County making it seem that we are just a small link
between the extension.It seems that in light of the recent storms and the power problems
associated with wind and weight of ice and snow that service should be underground and
studied to all the houses and business being built.
Again, this letter is the clarification to your letter of April 18 as official notification that we
do not want this line on our property.
Sincerely
6944.ge2
Doris A Pavlick, Corporate Secretary,
Board of Directors,Property Owner
Lakeview Village, Inc.
CC: Town of Frederick
Firestone
Weld County Planning
JUL-15-2002 MON 05:02 PM WELD CO GOVT FAX NO. 9703520242 P. 02
JUL. 15, 2002 3:52PM LENTZ, EVANS KING NO. 8059 P. 1/2
FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
LENTS, EVANS AND KING P.C.
2900 LINCOLN CENTER BUILDING
1860 LINCOLN STREET
DENVER,COLORADO 60264
PHONE: (am)0014154 FAX: (303)860- 654
DATE: July 15,2002 PAGES: 2(including cover sheet)
CLIENT: William Stonebraker
TO: Lee Morrison,Esquire FAX: 970-352-0242
CC: Bill Stonebraker FAX: 303-833-2555
FROM: ROBERT A.WHERRY,JR.
MESSAGE;
Dear Mr.Morison:
Pursuant to our telephone discussion,I am faxing to you a latter for the Weld County Maiming
Commission which I would appreciate your delivering to the Chairman and members before their
scheduled meeting tomorrow at 1:30 pan, Your assistance is appreciated.
Very truly yours,
J(abonA. Wham,Jr.
[ 7138 ]
7bie amrimle oonaM CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION whack So ism beLEGALLY PRIVILEGED tad whmh is iahoded forte us of the
Addronee(e)namedsbova Ifyosaraeotamh,nodudteOpkeeofdtlsINIE ,FANsmployee aagaattsepoe*lbp ford6veii ittoatetmmdad
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la snob plow immedistoly rot*w by Septet*(303)681-41$4.and Mom ate tmdnel foosimdssovsatdm atom address rie4,e Frau1 Scvia.Thank yes,
T6 YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL T E PAGES OF THE DOCUMENT OR ARE EXPERIENCING ANY
DIFFICULTIES RECEIVING THE TRANSMISSION,PLEASE CALL TEE NUMBER ABOVE.
EXHIBIT
I
JUL-15-2002 MON 05:02 PM WELD CO GOVT FAX NO. 9703520242 P. 03
JUL. 15. 2002 3:53PM LENTZ, EVANS KING N0, 8059 P. 2/2
LENTZ, EVANS AND KING P. C.
A S AT LAW
rsANels P.KING Is1E0 LINCOLN STRUT,suits isoo MOVnR T.LeNTt
R0R W FSTt NRRRT,JR. D1NVell.eeLOmADO 00554 RnurRn
Etta R, MUIR TIILRPMONE(O0s10{1.SI ES URUCt I..MOW
RICHARD S.110IIMOON %ACSIMILE (505)460.5661 taint
RICNANO N.HOOPLA E-MAIL,:NitINISIOINIL000
.ONN M.fIRRCLSN0 LINOA I.•AT1s
FRB J.DIM •
LCWL ARGc:ANT
TNONAs C.MCGMT July 15,2002 sARW1A M. 0100111
•4 CIR N.MARCus LSAAL AMINwNT
MaNGTANCC D.SMITH L.I.N.flCOYDMt
USA M.Whin
Weld County Planting Commission
do Michael Miller,Chai:tnan
Re: July 16,2002,Planning Commission Meeting and Agenda
Dear Commission:
I am writing to you on behalf of my clients,who own property near Dacono,Colorado,to
respectfully request the bearing,scheduled for 1:30 p.m.,July 16;2002,,as to the agenda item
concerning the movement of the electrical line from the west side to the east side of Weld County
Road 11,near Dacono,and the installation of a new 115 kw line to replace the existing lower
kilowatt line on the west side of County Road 11.
My clients would like to testify at the hearing,but due to the heating time,during a workday,
and the distance to Greeley,many will be unable to attend in person or answer and ask questions.
For that reason,several affected residents will be forced to testify by written document rather than in
person,a less than ideal alternative. We would,therefore,request that the Planning Commission
reschedule this issue to either a night mooting or a meeting at your DelCamino location so that more
of the residents may attend. We recognize that this is an extraordinary request and that with few
exceptions,you normally meet in Greeley. The issue you are considering is an important one since
the existing right of way will be abandoned and a new right of way will have to be acquired. We
turd ad this right of way will need to be at least 75 feet due to existing plans,at an tmdeerntined
future time to widen Weld County Road I 1 from 80 feet to 120 feet,or more. If approved,the end
result will be a significant use of imminent domain severely affecting existing property rights and
residential structures. The Commission should have a maximum opporprmty to hear individual
testimony by affected citizens,ask questions of those testifying,and afford them an opportunity to
participate in the hearing and improve their knowledge as to the issues and alternatives.
I appreciate your consideration of this request which is made on behalf of Bill and Ann
Stonebraker and their neighbors,who will otherwise testifying in person or by written comment at
your scheduled hearing. Thank you for considering this request.
Vey I yours,
, r.
RAW:mn
WaltsL ahaa.VLLriawasVSIOnototokifiloniligt C tSoa1a..pd
SENT BY:D.G.&S. ; 7-15- 2 ; 3:19PM ; D.G.&S.- 970 304 6498;# 2/ 2
•
•
Davis Graham & Stubbst.l. N
July I S,2002
Mr.Kim Ogle,Planner
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 North 17th Avenue
Greeley,CO 80631
Re: USR 13921Fri State Generation
13.2-mile transmission line
Weld County,Colorado
Dear Mr.Ogle:
This law film represents Kerr-McGee Rocky Mountain Corporation("KMRMC")and
Kerr-McGee Gathering LLC("KMG"),owners of certain oil and gas leasehold and pipeline
interests in those lands to be affected by the proposed transmission line. Because there are
numerous leasehold and pipeline interests operated by KMRMC and KMG along the proposed
transmission route,KMRMC and KMG personnel arc still evaluating the operational impacts,if
any,the transmission line may have. KMRMC and KMG do not expect to attend Tuesday's 1;30
p.m.public hearing,but look forward to scheduling a meeting with your applicant to specifically
address the 13.2-mile line and oil and gas interests affected.
Very truly yours,
Dustin M.Ammons
for
DAVIS,GRAHAM&STUBBS LLLP
DMA/jw
cc: C.Grencaux of KMRMC
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EXHIBIT
6G
FOUR
;f SEASONS
R • E •A • L. T• Y
February 28, 2002
Cecil&Diane Davis
8840 Weld County Rd. 11
Longmont, CO 80540
RE: Piuposal I-25 Corridor 115kV Transmission Line Project
To Whom It May Concern:
The proposed project of a high-powered electric line running in front of Mr. Davis'
property will decrease the value of his property and surrounding subdivisions.
Sincerely,
Fred Oelke,Broker
Four Seasons Realty
EXHIBIT
2432 N.MAIN STREET • LONGMONT,COLORADO 80501 • TELEPHONE: t303)684-S it t
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Cod and Dune Dews
Re: Proposed 1-25 Corridor 115W Transmission l ine.Project'
Dearsir or Madam:
In my:professional opnion the ProWosad'Lanamiasion 5ne we4fact decrease the
valued the properly rated alien Aff Wel(as: ny oaharpropert s-trwS ved neai the
propased'Trarts hisslor►Line. 1 cannot giVean exact arrrorari of narrtfnat damages at
I am net&W are if this Transmission line vrin-pose a definite tteallh ftsk,'but I do know
that people in tie buyers made t cle Perceive elesedlterne tb•be2t rink end tend b
avoid'such properties
The homoc these fines"inay affect are.
Eagle Valley
Fox Run •
Summit View Estates
And any other properties along WCR11.
13i'aker Associate
Reines*Longni-ont
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EXHIBIT
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BAN ft(t3R o LONGMONC CA 60501
BUS.(303)776.495
MX(30317764704
PREFERRED REALTY TI
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•
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April 24, 2001 .
•
RE: Proposed 1-25 Corridor 115 KY Transmission Line Project
•
TO W1jDM IT MAY CONCERN:
•
It is my professional opinion that the above stated pruject would definitely
adversely affect the value ofithe Frontage properties. Health issues should
also be considered when these tines we in close proximity to homes.
Sincerely, •
• , . 4
J an •tar, QRI, CRS
Broker Associate
EXHIBIT
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ERA Always There For You"
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IFebruary 28,2002
Cecil and Disuse Davis
8840 WCR 11
Longmont, CO. 80540
RE: Proposed I-25 Corridor 115k-V Transmission Line Project
To whom it may concern:
The proposal of an overhead high transmission line would have a significantly
detrimental effect on property values in the area. Many uncertainties related to health
concerns,esthetics and loss in value would be of considerable concern to any resident
impacted by these proposed lines.
Logical reasoning would seem to indicate that burying this transmission line would be a
wise alternative to consider.
This proposed line may affect home in:
Eagle Valley
Fox Run
Summit View Estates
And other properties along WCR l 1.
S' cerely, r.37t3)‘Isv jot,
Chris Bonomo
Broker Associate, OR!
ERA Fowler Real Estate
303-6847739
EXHIBIT
2432 N Main Street • Longmont,CO 80501 L
Toll Free: 1•S00-257-bb61 • Office:(3x$(772-9820 • Fax:(3031772%53 II6,
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Thursday, February 28, 2002
Cecil and Diane Davis
8840 WCR 11
Longmont, CO 80504
Dear Cecil and Diane:
Re: Proposed I-25 Corridor 115 KV Transmission Line Project
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In my professional opinion the proposed transmission line that is scheduled to be
installed near the subject property at 8840 WCR 11, Longmont, CO., 80504, will
more than likely adversely affect the value this property. It may also have an
adverse affect on property values of homes that are in the path or that are near
this transmission line.
The health risks of such high voltage lines remain in debate. Regardless of any
real health problems that may result from power lines at or near a property,
buyers are usually very cautious of such power lines and are reluctant to
purchase property affected by the location of such power lines.
Sin
I
John Kokenzie
Broker Associate
Remax of Longmont
t I EXHIBIT
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W Ira of Longmont, Inc.
2350 17th Ave.
. Longmont, Colorado 805112
I Office: (303) 772.3800/1-800-228-0995
�` �► Pax: (303)772-3378/Metro 665-3737
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ERA Aki • Thera For Vote
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Cecil and Diane Davis, Jr.
8840 Weld County Rd. 11
Longmont, CO 80504
RE: 115,000-volt transmission line on WCR 11.
It is my professional opinion that to build an 115,000-volt transmission line
anywhere near residential property, let alone 500 feet from the property, will
decrease the value of the property immensely. In past transactions where
there is a power line issue,the property sold for way less and took a lot
longer to sell than other properties of like kind in the same area. Even if
there are no proven health problems with a transmission line nearby, it is
unsightly.
-- Therefore the owner of the property would need to be well compensated or
locate the transmission line elsewhere or possibly it can be put under ground.
As a professional Realtor Associate, I recommend you seek legal counsel in
regards to this matter.
Sincerely yours,
•
Lora Hartman,ABR, GRI
ERA Fowler Real Estate
Lorstd4@hotmail.com
303-684-7710
EXHIBIT
2432 N Maul Stun • banyan.CO WWI I G"
Toll Free:1400-257-6511 • Office:(303)772-9620 • Far(303)772-9653 f
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a ERA Fowler Real Estate
- ,J RA Always There For You'"
ZEAL ESTATE
Cecil&Diane Davis,Jr.
8840 Weld County Rd- 11
Longmont,CO 80504
RE: 115,000-volt transmission line on WCR 11.
It is my professional opinion that to build an 115,000-volt transmission line anywhere
near residential property, let alone 500 feet from the property,will decrease the value of
the surrounding property immensely,including Eagle Valley,Fox Run, Summit View
Estates. In past transactions where there is a power line issue,the property sold for way
less and took a lot longer to sell than other prcpetties of like kind in the same area. Even
if there are no proven health problems with a transmission line nearby,it is unsightly.
Therefore the owner of the property would need to be well compensated or locate the
transmission line elsewhere or possibly it can be put under ground. As a professional
Realtor Associate,I recommend you seek legal counsel in regards to this matter.
Sincerely yours,
C2-2
/faason Bergen
ERA Fowler Real Estate
Jason.Bcrgccm@ERAFowler.coru
303-684-7771
EXHIBIT
2432 N Main 8traet • Longmont CO 80501
Toll From 1.800.257.5581 • OHiee:(3031772-962n • Fax:(3031772.9652 „ f1
Q matateelrs dram aa,ov.NdamGin V!
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■�■ FOWLER
ERA
451 Oak St.,Suite 104, Frederick,CO 80530,Mee:303-833-1330 Fax:303-833 1332
February 22, 2002
Cecil &Diane Davis
8840 Weld County Rd. 11
Longmont, CO 80540
RE: Proposed I-25 Corridor 115kV Transmission Line Project
To Whom It May Concern:
The proposed project of placing the 115kv Transmission line above ground i
would definitely have a negative effect on surrounding property values. Not
to mention the health concerns of the people, me being one of those,that
currently live in the following subdivisions:
�-- Eagle Valley
Fox Rtm
Summit View Estates
And surrounding Homes and Land.
Placing values on Real Estate is greatly effected by what homes are
currently selling for in the immediate arca. A home that is located in the
back of one of these subdivisions is affected just as much as a home that is
located much closer to the Transmission line. Pricing and Appraisals done
through a Competitive Market Analysis would reflect the negative effects of
this project.
I think everyone needs to be aware of these adverse effects. Although there
may be an initial cost of burying the line, this cost should more than pay
itself through maintained home values.
erely,
im Lar1
Broker Associate I EXHIBIT
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Sandra Schoenecke
Ascent Properly Group Inc.
12000 Zuni Street
Westminster Co 80234
February 25, 2002
Rich and Jill Haberkorn
Re: Overhead Power Lines
Rich and Jill,
This letter will be short, concise and to the point.
It is my professional opinion that overhead power lines rill and do decrease the
properly value of a home.
This conclusion is based on my actual experience as a Realtor.
In the past eight years, I have never had buyers that have bought a home
located under or near any overhead power lines. I am quick to point out to my
buyers the low re-sale value and thai we would need a study for the health risks
involved.
I have not listed or would consider listing a home under or near any overhead
power lines without a serious reduction in the sales price. I would also be forced
la amend the contract that the buyer would not hold the seller or myself
responsible for any issues resulting from such power lines.
Please do not hesitate in contacting me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincere,apt ille&-(ee44__
' Sandra Schoe ecke
Broker Associate _—
Metro Brokers -Ascent Property Group, Inc.
Sandra Schoenecke
Broker Associate
_
Ascent Property Group,Inc
r At Thu Arabian Horse Center
12000 Zuni St.
" ;,.rr""s Westminster,CO 80234
EXHIBIT
Bus.(303)252-7700 _
Fax: (303)252-4664 W MLS
4 Direct:(303)301.7115
Email: sschcen771(n�aol.com
ST 30Vd S3SIddNEIN3 SBa 9SZT8L9£0£ 6T :ZZ Z00Z/ST/L0
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KELLER
WILLIAMS
PREFERRED REALTY
February 26,2002
Troy Bender-Broker Associate
1333 W. 120th Ave. Ste 216
Westminster,Co. 80234 -
Dear Homeowners,
It has recently been brought to my attention that there are to be large power lines built on the West side of the
Summit View Estates subdivision in Frederick. I as a licensed realtor in the State of Colorado,would urge you
against this. It has been my experience that these major power lines are a deterrent to future homebuyers. These
power lines are viewed as unsightly, and potentially dangerous by many homebuyers. These power lines would
obstruct your wonderful views and rule out any benefiting development of this property in the future. It is also my
opinion that by building these power fines,it would probably decrease your property values now and in the figure,
and create more difficulty in selling your investment in the future.
Sincerely
A.Bender
EXHIBIT
(I) R_
Kcllcr Williams Preferred Realty
tea. 1333 W. 120th Avenue • Suite 216 • Westminster,CO 80234 • (303)452.3300 • 303-45Z-9620 Fax rruror
PT 3EJVd S3SINd2131N3 S'8Q 993TBL9E0E ET:Za Z00Z/ST/L0
July 15, 2002
Weld County, Colorado
Department of Planning Services
Fax: (970) 304 6408
1555 N. 17"'Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
CASE NUMBER: USR-1392
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the Tri-State Generation &Transmission project. My
family and I have lived at 8040 WCR 11 for over(4)years and have ownod the property for(5)years.
This project has been of great concern to our neighborhood for the past 2 years. As we have been
deeply involved in the Frederick permit process,we also ask for Weld County support in planning this
project in the safest location.
Frederick residents living on WCR 11 between WCR 18 and WCR 20 are very upset about the proposed
route. During the Frederick permit process,the Town of Frederick requested a cost analysis for WCR 13,
which was later declined by the Frederick Planning Department. This one-mile stretch on WCR 11
consists of approximately 650 existing homes and plans to develop 350 more, while the one mile on WCR
13 have no homes.
We understand that the Frederick permit process is separate from the Weld County permit process,
however we ask that the route also be reviewed carefully during your permit application review.
The major concerns we have with WCR 11 are hearth risks and property values. Attached are
( l® )copies of letters from Real Estate professionals confirming the risk to our property value. I have
asked for a guarantee from Tri-State that this would not impact my family's health and they can not
provide it. The perceived health risks are a common factor to devaluation of property near high-power
transmission lines.
The tax revenue impact of putting overhead transmission lines through this neighborhood should be of
great concern.
In summary, it is our request that another route is required for this project. Only if this project has to be
constructed on WCR 11 do we strongly recommend that this power line be buried in our neighborhood.
For your information, our neighborhood believes so strongly about this that we passed a vote in
November to croato a special district to tax ourselves for the burial on WCR 11 between WCR 18 and
WCR 20. This election result was overturned by a petition, which I strongly oppose the ability to overturn
a registered vote by this method.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
g '. TOWN OF FREDERICK
Cecil L. Davis, Jr. ? Cecil Davis
•
Trustee, Town of Fredericks Trustee
8840 Weld County Road 11
Frederick, CO 80504 EXHIBIT
Home: (303)776-4030 '' O. Lk=435
401 Locust Street 303-833-2388
Frederick CO 80530 FAX; 303-833-3817 !Vn/ 5
S0 39tid SESI8d2131N3 SBQ 95ZI8L9E0E 6S:ZZ Z00Z/5t/L0
July 15, 2002
Weld County, Colorado
Department of Planning Services
Fax: (970)304-6498
1555 N. 171h Avenue
Greeley. Colorado 80631
CASE NUMBER: USR-1392
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the Tri-State Generation&Transmission
project. My family and I have lived at 8800 WCR 11 for over (4)years and have owned the
property for (5)years.
This project has been of great concern to our neighborhood for the past 2 years. As we have
been deeply involved in the Frederick permit process, we also ask for Weld County support in
planning this project in the safest location.
Frederick residents living on WCR 11 between WCR 18 and WCR 20 are very upset about the
proposed route. During the Frederick permit process.the Town of Frederick requested a cost
analysis for WCR 13,which was later declined by the Frederick Planning Department. 'ibis one-
mile stretch on WCR 11 consists of approximately 650 existing homes and plans to develop 350
more, while the one mile on WCR 13 have no homes.
We understand that the Frederick permit process is separate from the Weld County permit
process, however we ask that the route also be reviewed carefully during your permit
application review.
I he major concerns we have with WCR 11 are health risks and property values. Here is a piece
of the supporting evidence:
Health RISKS
Although very few studies show absolute results that EMF causes cancer, statistically to prove
this,you would nave to nave no variables, including genetics,environment, etc., which is almost
impossible. However, most studies, including the 1992 Energy Policy Act (referenced as Public
Law 102-486, Section 2118) concluding a six-year study in 1998 resulted in a report that EMF
effects cannot be recognized as entirely safe. In fact,their conclusion as well as the National
Institute of Environmental Health and the National Research Center states there is statistically
significant evidence to childhood and adult leukemia. The common recommendation from
these studies and government agencies Is to keep a safe distance and prudent avoidance
to EMF exposure. The majority of the homes on WCR 11 between WCR 18 and WCR 20 are
"starter" homes. There are hundreds of children in this neighborhood. If this causes only (1) child
to develop leukemia, it is too many!
HUD has developed such an elevated concern of high-power transmission power lines that they
now have regulations to assure that these lines and their homes are not in the same area. Wo
should learn from their research and expertise.
Colorado Statute 29-8-102, indicates that"the general assembly turther finds that the conversion
of overheard electric and communication facilities to underground locations is a matter of
statewide concern and Interest. We should consider the reasoning behind the verbiage,
EXHIBIT
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Improvement District. Statute 29.8-142 states "This article, being necessary to secure and
preserve the public health, safety,and general welfare, shall be liberally construed to
effect its purpose".
Property Values
Attached are (tD)copies of letters from Heal Estate professionals confirming the risk to our
property value. The perceived health risks are a common factor to devaluation of property near
high-power transmission lines.
The tax revenue impact of putting overhead transmission lines through this neighborhood should
he of great concern.
In summary, it is our request that another route is required for this project. Only if this project has
to be constructed on WCR 11 do we strongly recommend that this power line be burled in our
neighborhood. For your information, our neighborhood believes so strongly about this that we
passed a vote in November to create a special district to tax ourselves for the burial on WCR 11
between WCR 18 and WCR 20. This election has been over-turned by a questionable petition.
As a result of the failure of the Colorado Statutes pertinent to Special Underground Districts (29-
8-XXX) to supply specifin petition requirements and the Town of Frederick's failure to safe-guard
the results of our registered vote, the Frederick portion of this project on WCR 11 between WGR
18 and WCR 20 is currently under review in the Weld County Court.
I will be at the Public Hearing on July 16, 2002. If you have any questions, please feel free to let
me know.
Best regards,,'' ll
WLa
Sue Wedel
8800 Weld County Road 11
Frederick, CO 80504
Home/fax: (303) 678-1256
Work: (303) 530-8411
ET 39Cd S3SRId2l3IN3 SWd 95ZT8L9E0E 6T :ZZ Z00Z/ST/L0
7-14-02
To Whom it May Concern,
In regard to the high voltage power transmission line proposed to be erected
above ground along WCR 11,we ask county officials to consider alternatives.
First, a different route altogether should be considered. Currently,3 residential
neighborhoods lie adjacent to WCR 11 between WCR 18 and WCR 20. When
completely built out,these three neighborhoods will include nearly woo homes.
By running the lines down WCR 13 or the frontage road east of I-25, significantly
fewer homes would be affected.
Another option would be to bury the transmission line. Voters in November
2001 election approved Ballot Issue 5-A,approving funds for a special taxing
district for the purpose of burying lines along WCR 11 between WCR 18 and WCR
20. However,the Town of Frederick has refused to instate the district.
Proponents of the district are currently challenging the town in court,alleging
that the town validated an invalid petition for the purpose of abandoning the
district
We thank Weld County officials for their consideration of these matters.
Sincerely,teltit �ixL�%Le5ut�
Rich and Jill Haberkorn
EXHIBIT
I (o ct.
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Dr. and Mrs. Ryan C. Shoup
4824 Thrush Court
Frederick, Colorado 80504
Work: (303)-473-6858
Home: (720)-494-0671
15 July 2002
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
Re: Review for Permit of Public Utility 115kV Transmission Line
We would like to formally voice our objections to the proposed 115kV transmission line. We
respectfully ask that this matter be reconsidered perhaps leading to the cessation of 115kV
development activities. We base our objections on the following four reasons.
• Potential to decrease the property value of our home
o A 115kV levies potential health risks and detracts from the beauty of the
surrounding neighborhoods. Numerous local real estate agents have conceded
that property values for residences close to County Road 11 will likely suffer
losses.
• Potential health risk to my family
o Although I would guess the health risks due to the power lines are low, there is,
nonetheless, an unnecessary health risk that neither my wife,nor my infant son,
nor myself should be subject to.
• Perception that the local community voting process is meaningless
o The issue of funding a special district to bury the powerlines was voted on in the
local community. This vote passed;the special district funding was approved by
a vote held in November, 2001, at a Frederick local government building. The
results of this vote were subsequently nullified through a petition process, which
is the subject of some amount of controversy.
• Decrease to the local neighborhood aesthetics
o The beauty of the local neighborhoods of Eagle Valley, Fox Run, and Summit
View will he diminished by the presence of large 115kV powerlines. All
residents will clearly see the powerlines simply by driving down County Road 11.
The presence of the powerlines detract from the local beauty provided by the view
of the mountains to the West.
Concerned,
L..� EXHIBIT
Ryan and Suzanne Shoup I C9 V
ZO 3SVd S3SIade131N3 S'SC 9SZTBL9E0E SE :60 Z00Z/9T/L0
July, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: The City Of Frederick Power Line Issue
I, as well as my family, strongly feel that the power lines should be underground, which
is how we voted last November. (My husband and I drove 38 miles to Greeley, for the
privilege of changing our voting registration to Weld County, and to cast our votes on the
ballot issues). We had no idea at the time that our vote was inconsequential; that one
man and his "petition"could change the results.
The two things that concern me the most about power lines being above ground are the
health issues,and the chance that a heavy snow or strong wind might drop a live wire or
even a pole onto our property, causing obvious danger.
We have lived in Frederick for one and a half years,and love it here. We did not hear of
the power line debate until we had settled in, relocated my job, and grew to love our
home and new community. I do not want to live somewhere else, as we plan on being
here permanently. However,the health issues are too real to ignore, and we would be
afraid to stay. Also, I am concerned for the health of our Grandchildren who visit and
play in the yard.
We are willing to bear the expense of burying the lines, as it is more than worth it. Thank
you for listening,and I want you to realize how much this means to us!
Sincerely,Oh -.JUL, / (1:10) ti1 -32_1
Charleen McElwain
4822 Thrush Court
Frederick, Colorado
EXHIBIT
I l9
I0 39Vd S3SI?Jd213IN3 SBC 95ZS8L9E0E 5E :60 Z00Z/9I/L0
Weld County Commissioners, and Department of Planning Services,
My mother's home and property to which I have power of attorney and live at is in the direct path of the 115
KV line which is proposed in south western Weld County. To be specific this is the portion of the route
outlined as, east on WCR 20.50 past Rinn Valley Substation to WCR 13. Tri State Generation is trying to
acquire parts of my property to accomplish ft's goal for installation of this line. I am opposed to this route and
taking of my property for many reasons and have many unanswered questions to which I have yet to receive
an adequate response to. These questions relate to the health and well being of my family as well as issues of
compromised property value.
I have several questions to which I would like answers to:
1)Why does this route indicate that it is on a road numbered 20.5 when no such road exists?The path of this
line travels down property of private land owners. Shouldn't the route of this line travel down open roads as to
not impact private land owners?
2)Why won't Tri State Generation Bury such line on my property? If you do not bury the line I have a piece of
property that is not in the same condition that it was in prior to Tri State Generation installing the line. I have
been told that they will not bury and shield the line at their expense. It seems to me that this is the only
solution that leaves my property in an uncompromised state. The solution that they offer me is that I will have
to pay for the Line. Tri State Generation will only agree to pay for the line if it is overhead. The easement that
will be required for this line is approximately 75 feet which encroaches onto my porch, and is within 15 feet of
my house. It also travels over a large metal barn (about 2000 square ft. )that I use to work in and store items
on my property. I feel that it is not proper for this line to travel over it and poses a danger of metal lines
traveling over a metal shed.
3)Why do I have to pay for the burial of the line on my property?The burial of the line on my property is the
only solution which leaves my property in an uncompromised state. I should not have to pay so as to have my
property remain in the same condition that it is in prior to the installation of the power line.Any other solution
leaves my property in a compromised position either by way of finances or health. Tri State Generation will
not pay for this and I think that this is wrong and impactfull to the property owner.They are the agency which
requires something of this property, they should be responsible for maintaining the integrity of its condition.
4)Why is this line traveling so close to my house?It seems to me that this line is too close for comfort to a
residence. The transmission line will be within 40 ft of my head when I am on my porch.The health studies
that I have read indicate that the evidence is inconclusive as to if these line cause illness and disease. I do
not want something next to me that is not safe for my children or myself. I am told by Tri State that they will
not tell me that these lines are safe, and inconclusive is not sufficient enough for the health of my family to be
jeopardized
5)Why are these lines being installed on top of my house when there are articles on Electrical
Hypersensitivity which show that continued association with such magnetic fields cause fatigue, blurred
vision, headache,eye irritation, dizziness, buzzing in ears, pain in joints and muscles etc?The research that
you can find over the Internet shows that there is growing concern over these issues. The installation of this
line poses issues of health risk to me and my family. I do not want the health of my family compromised by
these line being on top of me.
EXHIBIT
I 40 7 7/12/02
6) Why has there been no environmental assessment or impact study done on this particular route?Are you
aware that the route from Rinn Valley sub station to RD. 13 encompasses wet lands and is a migratory route
for many birds. The ponds to the west of my house are home to many birds and animals. Will this projects
route displace them?Are you aware that this route overhangs the feed supply route for water to the lakes
directly? If such a study is needed it should be done by an independent company, not in house.
7) What steps will you take to insure that no ground currents or stray voltage will travel through my property
after the installation of these power lines? I do not want such voltage near me or my family. I want assurance
that no electric or magnetic field generated by your project will exist on my property that is not covered by
your easement.
8) Will there be any noise coming from these lines? I have lived near such lines before and they make a hum,
especially when there is rain or snow. If there is such noise I do not wish to have these lines near my property.
It will be impactfull to me and be very annoying.
9) Can you tell me that EMF's are safe and that I will have no risks of cancer for myself or my children from
these power lines? If the answer is no why not? If you insist that there is no danger from these lines why won't
you put it in writing?At meetings I have attended with Tri State they have never told me that these lines are
safe. At best they have said that tests are inconclusive. Near my house is no place to put high voltage power
lines that studies say are inconclusive as to occurrence of cancer.
10) I am told that there is weak statistical evidence that these lines cause cancer. I have read articles from
several people that different opinions. In 1988 there was a study done by a Dr. Savitz. Is it not true that he
found a link between childhood cancer risk and EMF from power lines?What about the massive study done
in 1992 in Sweden. That study looked at the entire Swedish population residing near power lines. Didn't that
study again find a link between childhood cancer risk and EMF from power lines. What about the study in Los
Angeles by Dr. Stephanie London which was funded by the utility industry. Didn't that study again find a link
between childhood leukemia risk and EMF exposure? Have you heard of Dr. Nancy Wertheimer? is it not true
that she has published more than a doze^epidemologic studies in which she finds links between EMF
exposure and childhood cancer?Why are you asking to put these lines on my property when there is such
evidence that they will cause a health risk to my family? I believe that the county government has a
responsibility to protect me from such an intrusion. It is inappropriate for these lines to be on my property.
11) Why when called upon to answer questions of health and welfare does the expert from Tri State only point
to a book published by NIEHS?Why can he not answer and talk directly about specific studies done on the
subject?Why can he not talk about specific studies and only tell you to look up the data? Why will he not tell
me that these lines are safe and that they will not adversely affect the health of myself or family?AT best he
will tell you that the studies done show that the data is inconclusive. This person is not a medical or research
doctor. What first hand experience does he have with such studies?
12) Is Tri State and Weld county aware that since the choosing of the route from the Rinn Valley substation
and Rd 13. a whole neighborhood of homes has been built just to the south side of my property? I am not the
only house being affected now. There are alternate routes that do not travel through or near a myriad of
homes. I have pointed this out to Tri State of which there response is that they will not look at any other route
since it would take time to re-file with the county. it seems that it is more important to affect the health of a
neighborhood than to find the least impactfull route.
7/15/02
13) I am told that there were meetings in which the route selection was discussed and that I had opportunity to
give input at that time. I have been in my location for two year and have been in the immediate area for eight
years. I would like Tri State to show evidence that I was informed and invited to such meetings via some form
of written letter. I do not believe they did this. This is no longer a viable route due to the neighborhood that
now exists to the south. I am told that this is the only route since other routes compromise developments that
are being or will be built. Commercial corridors and other routes are not acceptable to those that own such
places. I live here now. Let those who bring the burden of their development also bear the burden of
responsibility for the power that they require by allowing such power lines to be built by them.
14) Finally I object to negotiations that Tri State has initiated with myself for permission to survey my property
when they do not even have approval for their project. I also object to the innuendo that I should co-operate
now in order to avoid the costs of litigation and condemnation hearings later.
In Conclusion I feel that this is not an appropriate place for this line to pass through. I request that if Tri-State
is unwilling to shield and bury the line through this property (at its own expense as to not compromise this
particular property and surrounding property owners)that permission by the county to do so be denied. If the
issues of health and well being are not addressed beyond inconclusive that permission to pass over my
property also be denied. If Tri State is unwilling to sign off on the issues of health permission should be
denied through my property. If the magnetic field cannot be contained to within their easement and issues of
noise and hum cannot be eliminated that permission be denied with regard to my property. If an
environmental study is not represented Tri State should be asked to produce one so as to show that they will
not impact the surrounding eco system and that permission not be given for their project until one is
produced. If at this time this is not a route that reflects what existed a short time ago, Tri State should be
asked to re-evaluate its route selection and pick a more appropriate route
joi4L-te‘_
7/15/02
Electrical Hypersensitivity Page 1 of 3
Electrical Hypersensitivity
I Case Study I Other links
What is Electrical Hypersensitivity?
Known variously as electromagnetic hypersensitivity, electrical sensitivity, electrosensitivity, and
a host of other terms, electromagnetic sensitivity syndrome(ES) is a physiological disorder
characterized by symptoms directly brought on by exposure to electromagnetic fields. ES is a serious
public health concern and the incidence of ES is growing.
A Growing Concern
The typical American is in nearly continuous interaction with stimulation from across the
electromagnetic spectrum. The density of radio waves around us is now 100 million to 200 million
times the natural level reaching us from the sun. There is increasing awareness that humans are
responding to electromagnetic radiation in a variety of ways.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
EMFs are invisible fields of energy produced whenever electric current is flowing. EMFs are
biologically active and a great deal of information exists regarding the health effects of EMF
stimulation on animals, including humans. Evidence has been coming to light that EMF exposure may
cause many more problems than had been contemplated and this includes the phenomenon of
electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
Electrical Hypersensitivity (ES)
ES is a disorder whereby neurological and allergic-type symptoms are brought on thru exposure
to electromagnetic fields. Many individuals with ES are primarily sensitive to certain frequencies of
EMF and there is a wide range in the degree of sensitivity exhibited by those affected.
The incidence of electrosensitivity is growing. Many persons experience an abrupt onset of
symptoms following exposure to a novel EMF such as fields associated with a new computer or with
new fluorescent lights. Symptoms often are not immediately recognized by the injured as having been
brought on by EMF exposure. Onset of ES has also been reported following chemical exposure. More
research on this phenomenon is urgently needed in order to understand the mechanism behind it. It
appears, however, that there is some direct effect upon the nervous system and that the immune
system is Likely also involved in this disorder.
Symptoms of ES
Symptoms may include but are not limited to: Headache, eye irritation, dizziness, nausea skin
rash, facial swelling, weakness, fatigue, pain in joints and/or muscles, burring/ringing in ears, skin
http://www.idcnet.corn/—jschultz/es.htm
Electrical Hypersensitivity Page 2 of 3
numbness, abdominal pressure and pain,breathing difficulty, and irregular heartbeat. Additional
-- symptoms have been reported in some individuals such as paralysis, balance problems, body and/or
muscle spasms, convulsions, confusion,depression, difficulty in concentrating, siezure, sleep
disturbances, and memory difficulties.
Environmentally-Induced Illness
A host of conditions has been clustered under the umbrella of environmental illness(El),
including multiple chemical sensitivity(MCS), cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS or CFIDS),
sick-building syndrome (SBS), asthma, candida-related complex(CRC), fibromyalgia, and ES.
Dr. Robert Becker describes the symptoms of MCS and ES, especially those symptoms
associated with the central nervous system, as being virtually identicaL Both disorders share the
general characteristics of involvement of the central nervous system and the immune system. Dr.
William Rea(who suffers from ES himself) reports that he is treating five hundred patients who are
ES at his clinic in Dallas, Texas. Rea reports that at least 80% of these patients are also chemically
sensitive and he too suspects and discusses links between ES and MCS. Links between ES and MCS
in many patients are being increasingly recognized and such linkage must be considered and studied.
Persons who suffer from both MCS and ES have found that the symptoms which they feel after either
electrical or chemical exposure are essentially the same;they are frequently unsure as to which type of
exposure brought the symptoms on.
Emotionally-Charged Health Issue
Those suffering from environmentally-induced dysfunction,whether this comes in the forms of
ES, MCS, or CFIDS often find that they receive little support from our society and its institutions.
Those with ES have found little help from practitioners of traditional medicine. Our mainstream
medical establishment has not yet recognized the legitimacy of electromagnetic sensitivity and typically
chooses to view individuals with ES as candidates for neuropsychiatric evaluation. The number of
people in this country who are ES yet being treated for psychiatric disorders with drug therapy is
unknown. The failure of American medicine to recognize ES and other EI will not make these illnesses
go away and the clock is ticking on the ability of our public health agencies to sweep this reality under
the rug by denying it or by attributing its causation to psychological dysfunction.
Treatment Approaches for ES
Several treatment modalities have been employed by electrosensitives including vitamin/mineral
supplementation, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, homeopathy, and others, with varying degrees
of relief reported.
The use of provocation/neutralization(immunotherapy) has been mentioned by several environmental
medicine practitioners as being a key element in the treatment of both ES and MCS. Some have found
limited symptomatic relief from the use of certain anti-siezure medications. The treatment of greatest
importance, in the opinion of many who are ES, is avoidance of EMF radiation.
Organizations
http://www.idenet.com/--jschultztes.htm
Electrical Hypersensitivity Page 3 of 3
ES has become accepted in Sweden more so than in any other country, and this is largely due to
the activities of Sweden's Association for the Electrically Injured (F.E.B). The FEB produces and
distributes educational literature which has helped people throughout the world to become aware of
the phenomenon of ES. For information, contact
FEB
Box 151 26, 104 65
Stockholm, Sweden
Electrosensitives in North America have created an organization known as the Electrical
Sensitivity Network, dedicated to the networking of electrosensitives. For more information about ES
syndrome and the ESN Newsletter, contact
Electrical Sensitivity Network
PO Box 4146
Prescott,Arizona 86302
The EMR Alliance is committed to educating and informing the public about biological effects
and environmental concerns associated with EMF radiation. The Alliance has a variety of information
packages available and its publication Network News is acknowledged as the voice of the citizen
activist. For more information about the EMR Alliance and Network News , contact
The EMR Alliance
410 West 53rd Street, Suite 402
New York,NY 10019
(212) 554-4073 Phone
(212) 977-5541 Fax
Case Study: Challenges and Responsibilities in Facing Electromagnetic Sensitivity
Comments and/or questions are welcome and may be addressed to:
j sch ultz@idcnet.com
Lott update: 2-4-97
http://www.idcnetcomHschuitz/es.htm
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July 13 , 2002..
Weld County Planning & Zoning
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Kim Ogle
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We along Weld County Road #11 would like to strenously
object to the placing of a 115k Volt power line down
Road #11. This way is damaging to the property values ,
people' s health and very invasive on people' s property.
We see many ways the same objective can be obtained.
There is a power line down Road #12 which could be
followed and would violate a lot fewer people. Why not
coo to I-25 and down the service road where houses will
not be built because of the noise on I-25? The route
they are proposing is disregarding the desires of both
residences and businesses.
A study should be made to take an alternate route more
suitable to the residences and businesses along Road #11 ,
such as the I-25 corridor.
Very truly yours ,
241)444
et-GA, 335_/,:
IItM
July 13, 2002
•
Weld County Planning & Zoning
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Kim Ogle
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We along Weld County Road #11 would like to strenously
object to the placing of a 115k Volt power line down
Road #11. This way is damaging to the property values,
people' s health and very invasive on people' s property.
We see many ways the same objective can be obtained.
There is a power line down Road #12 which could be
followed and would violate a lot fewer people. Why not
4o to I-25 and down the service road where houses will
not be built because of the noise on I-257 The route
they are proposing is disregarding the desires of both
residences and businesses.
A study should be made to take an alternate route more
suitable to the residences and businesses along Road #11 ,
such as the I-25 corridor.
Very truly yours,
jor
EXHIBIT
Ms
July 13 , 2002
Weld County Planning & Zoning
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Kim Ogle
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We along Weld County Road #11 would like to strenously
object to the placing of a 115k Volt power line down
Road #11. This way is damaging to the property values ,
people's health and very invasive on people' s property.
We see many ways the same objective can be obtained.
There is a power line down Road #12 which could be
followed and would violate a lot fewer people. Why not
43o to I-25 and down the service road where houses will
not be built because of the noise on 1-25? The route
they are proposing is disregarding the desires of both
residences and businesses.
A study should be made to take an alternate route more
suitable to the residences and businesses along Road #11 ,
such as the I-25 corridor.
Very truly yours ,
C32-tvn l2tee. s— "ampa c
it
rr;e, Co. 805/4,
EXHIBIT
Iv he,
July 13 , 2002
Weld County Planning & Zoning
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Kim Ogle
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We along Weld County Road #11 would like to strenously
object to the placing of a 115k Volt power line down
Road #11. This way is damaging to the property values,
people's health and very invasive on people' s property.
We see many ways the same objective can be obtained.
There is a power line down Road #12 which could be
followed and would violate a lot fewer people. Why not
go to 1-25 and down the service road where houses will
not be built because of the noise on I-25? The route
they are proposing is disregarding the desires of both
residences and businesses.
A study should be made to take an alternate route more
suitable to the residences and businesses along Road #11,
such as the I-25 corridor.
Very truly yours ,
ewe f� &90v 2#' C'ot4 l/
EXHIBIT
I 4AD
July 13 , 2002
Weld County Planning & Zoning
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Kim Ogle
Dear Mr. Ogle:
We along Weld County Road #11 would like to strenously
object to the placing of a 115k Volt power line down
Road #11. This way is damaging to the property values ,
people' s health and very invasive on people' s property.
We see many ways the same objective can be obtained.
There is a power line down Road #12 which could be
followed and would violate a lot fewer people. Why not
*o to 1-25 and down the service road where houses will
not be built because of the noise on I-25? The route
they are proposing is disregarding the desires of both
residences and businesses.
A study should be made to take an alternate route more
suitable to the residences and businesses along Road #11,
such as the 1-25 corridor.
Very truly yours ,
2,70, L 6‹.1C-E' / 7
EXHIBIT
6
Jul - 16-02 10 : 47A TWIN ARCHES McD 303 774 1575 p _02
To: Weld County Planning Commission July 15, 2002
Re: High Voltage Power Lines
As a home owner at 5893 E. Conservation Road in No Name Creek Estates in Frederick, 1
am deeply concerned about the possibility of power lines running along behind my house. The
lines appear to be approximately 50 feet behind my house. It seems that their should be a setback
of 400 to 500 feet unless they were buried.
In this day it seems a given that power lines should be buried around residential homes. If not
a city should not allow a developer to have lots that close to a utility easement. In Frederick our
area voted to assess ourselves to bury these. Somehow, a petition was served to overturn the will
of the people. How this can be allowed to happen is beyond me. The person involved can't live
close to the lines. The city is embarassed and they know the people involved have been wronged.
I realize that it costs more to bury power lines. I also res'lioe that if you allow them to go
through residential areas they should be buried. Health risks are evident. Put yourself in my
position and ask if they should be buried?If they won't bury them, they shoudn't be allowed to be
built.
Sincerer
Bob Charles, member of RCRH 2000,LLC
f
EXHIBIT
1 to AF •
Dear commissioners,
My name is James Lawson and I live with my wife and two daughters at 4850 Egret Dr.
I have a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and am greatly concerned about
the proposed transmission lines. As you are probably aware these lines emit or radiate
electromagnetic fields (EMF) which numerous studies have shown pose significant health
risks.
For those of you who don't know the risks associated with EMF then consider your trips
to the dentist or doctors office. We've all had an X-ray where by doctors can peer inside
our bodies to help diagnose various problems like cavities or broken bones. Have you
noticed that only the area of interest is exposed to the X-ray and the rest of our bodies are
shielded under a heavy apron. Did you notice that the technician who takes the X-ray
leaves the room when the X-ray machine is activated? The reason for such precautions is
X-rays are electromagnetic fields that have been proven to cause serious health problems
if subjected to prolonged exposure. The apron generally contains lead, which is effective
in blocking the X-ray radiation. The technician leaves the room because the strength of
the radiation decreases the farther you are away from the source.
Is the EMF from power lines radiation? X-ray machines generate EMF and they are
considered a source of radiation. Hence, so should the EMF from power lines. I think
everybody is aware of the health problems associated with radiation. The greatest
concern I have is radiation tends to adversely effect fast growing cells more than the
others. This is the premise that radiation treatment of cancer is based from. Cancer is
considered a fast growing cell that radiation treatment hopefully eradicates. Children are
full of fast growing cells because their bodies are constantly changing. Unfortunately I
can't take the same precautions when receiving an X-ray and cover my house with a lead
apron. Nor can I easily move my house a safe distance from this source of radiation. As
a parent how can I accept a source of radiation being placed over my back yard fence
when I know that radiation causes serious health problems?
I invite you to go to a computer and access the Internet via a web browser. Go to the
Google web site (www.google.com) and search the Internet for"power line health
issues". I got 1.2 million different results to investigate. I think this justifies saying there
is a great deal of concern about health issues associated with power lines through out the
world. For the power companies who have funded their own studies and concluded there
is no health risks I ask, what benefit would it be to state otherwise? Until recently I don't
recall tobacco companies ever stating the heath problems associated with smoking?
I urge the board members to consider either an alternate route or burial of the lines. I
believe it is your duty to take preventive action to avoid harm before scientific certainty
has been established. Furthermore, it is the power company's duty to provide safe power.
They may claim that overhead transmission lines are safe in which I would respond by
asking how many of their families live within 500 hundred feet of them.
Sincerely, EXHIBIT
�G7�1ez-- % -
Dave and Melissa Beadleston
4825 Thrush Court
Frederick, Colorado 80504
(303) 682-2437
July 16, 2002
Department of Planning Services
1555 N 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Sir,
This letter is written to appose the proposed building of the transmission line by Tri State
Generation and Transmission. We appose this for the following reasons:
1. Scientific studies have questioned the safety of electrical power lines. Although the safety of
power lines is disputed with varying studies, the safety of these lines remains a concern for us and
our neighbors.
2. The power lines would be unsightly, and are expected to lower property values in our
neighborhood.
3. The affected individuals have voted in an organized election and decided to pay for the burying
of the cable to avoid the above mentioned concerns. For reasons that I cannot understand, these
election results are being disregarded based on a petition where disinformation, if not fraudulent
statements, were used to overturn these results.
It is our opinion that the issue of burying the power lines was decided in an organized and
proper election held by the City of Frederick and we request that the rights of the voting
individuals should be honored and not overturned by a questionable if not fraudulent
petition.Sincerely, L!" a_ Y n/ nab
lPlf('�
David Beadleston D.V.M,., Diplomate American College of Veterinary Dermatology
Melissa Beadleston
EXHIBIT
JUL. 15. 2002 3 : 40PM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 503 P.
1
NgarkTrati , 4 ittgalatet
ihod
- MAIL MASTER 1006 W. 104th Avenue
Northglenn, CO 80234
(303) 280-1221
FAX (303) 280-0130
Date: 7/5--D /
Attn: /-C/7,7 094, P/440vei.
Fax Number: / '- 97D- SOY- 6 698
From: LG/// 4//.7 I:rid J o r•i A YLieJC
Sender's Phone Number: ®303 - *Sc2 6736-S
Number of Pages (including this sheet):
firm Message:� // � /
/1,E99Y t N SAt m,'>e r) a z%3 /e&- 1s On)
r
/o ,r7.prro
This facsimile may contain PR!VILEDGEO AND/OR CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION intended only for the use of the addressee. If you are not
the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the person
addressed, you may not copy or deliver this to anyone else. You are
hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this facsimile is
strictly prohibited, if you received this facsimile by mistake, please
immediately notify us by telephone. Thank you.
www.mymaihrdster.com EXHIBff`
I Cam_
JUL. 15. 2002 3:41PM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 503 P. 2
LAKEVIEW VILLAGE,INC.
10442 Santa Fe Street
Northglean,CO. 80234
303/452-5355
July 10,2002
Weld County
Department of Planning Services
1555 N 176 Avenue
Greeley,Colorado 80631
ATTENTION: Kim Ogle,Planner
Gentlemen:
SUBJECT: USR 1392 Review for Tri State Generation&Transmission
I am writing this letter on behalf of Lakeview Village,Inc.antic,whoie,to voice concerns that we feel have
not been addressed completely in the Special Review Plans. We,Lakeview,ate opposed to having this
115kv line on or near our property or property line for the following reasons or concerns:
1. No ACTUAL environmental impact study results are shown in the package. The following are a
sample of a few species of wildlife calling our property home;ducks,eagles,hawks,owls,turtles,mice,
thousands and thousands of geese that migrate through our property,pelicans by the dozens that fly into
and out of our lakes,sand hill cranes,blue herons,white tailed prairie dogs,etc. Due to the large
numbers of geese that fly at one time we feel there is a very real threat of electrocution of large numbers of
birds at any given time. This has not been addressed to our satisfaction.
2. We have called the Federal Regulation Commission that needs to license this project and they have no
record of any contact or plans being submitted to them for review. The U.S.Division of Wildlife and the
Colorado Division of Wildlife said that the numbers of fowl at the property would make a closer look at
the exact piece of property more important than looking at maps. They recommended that protection or
alternate methods of transmission might have to be reviewed.
3. SAFETY:The poles and the lines are proposed to run the entire distance of our southernmost property
line for almost a quarter section which is also holding the large 011 canal for water entering the two ski
lakes. This ditch has in the past and will be in the future,a maintenance process that demands our attention
at least once every year. To clean the ditch requires the services of a large backhoe that would be working
directly under the power lines,and includes trying to work around the poles themselves. The operators
that have accomplished these testa in the past have told us they would not risk getting hurt by working the
large equipment under the high power lines. How does Lakeview continue operating and maintaining the
ditch if no equipment can safely operate in this zone. The underbuild on these tall poles is much closer to
the ground and would make it unsafe for this equipment or irrigation pipes,etc.
The second item of safety that is a real concern is the ha that the water table is anywhere from 3-
7 feet from the surface of the ground. We have great difficulty in trying to just keep an ordinary 5 ft.
fence along that side of the property let alone a pole 65-80 feet in the air. Weather conditions buffet that
area with extraordinary winds,etc.and what happens if one of these poles can't withstand the weather or
just doesn't hold up with the high water table. They would fall directly into the lakes! Lakeview and the
public were told that these poles would not be put in anything except a hole in the ground.
4. Tri State Transmission is asking for an easement that takes away the roadway that gives us access to the
west side of the property and also to the docks on the northwest end of the property. As we understand the
situation any land that is under the poles will be taken out of service by'Fri State's easement, How can we
JUL. 15. 2002 3: 41PM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 503 P. 3
continue to use,development,improve,maintain,and enjoy the right of quiet enjoyment of our property if
there is not access to our property. This particular route and path for the construction of these lines would
also greatly limited any future or present value of our land. This would be like owning a house that doesn't
have a door.
5. HEALTH: There is some doubt about the studies that have been done about health conditions
associated with the high voltage lines. They are inclusive as to a real threat about neurological,cancer or
other conditions related to magnetic fields or electrical fields near or under these lines. The National
Academy of Sciences urges more studies before concluding there is NO HEALTH RISKS. How do we
take that chance with our neighbors,our children,our grandchildren or ourselves. What assurances are
there that if this line goes in we are safe from potential crippling health affects. Lakeview touched on this
briefly and are concerned but we are sure all other interested parties to these proceedings will argue the
health issues
6. LIGHTENING STRIKES: The poles that will be placed cm our property or near will be between 65-S0
feet high. Lightening strikes the tallest object and true there seems to be a lightening protecting on the top
of the lines it still has to be grounded into the soil by metal lines coming down the poles. Someone near or
touching the poles could possibly be shocked or electrocuted or cause lightening to come closer to our
Ply.
7. ALTERNATE ROUTES: More than a year ago we attended a public meeting regarding this same
project. At that time there were much different plans for the proposed route. We have asked them to
cane east from Rd. 11 to the Rinn Valley Substation that had just been construction,back west on those
same poles and following a county road north to the St.Vrain sub-station. The sub-station was put in the
middle of a section(No. 13)which made maintenance and expansion a headache and non-economical from
the very beginning. Usually sub-station are put on corners or a place easier to access. This station was
put on our southwest fence line without our having any say in the matter. We paid United Power to bury
the electrical lines coming into our property so the poles would not be visible. That cost was very small
compared to the new cost of these transmission lines and shortly after this transpired they came into the
Rinn location,used the electricity lines we paid to have installed on the property for construction and then
buried them anyway at their expense. There is a utility easement on that property already and don't
understand why that couldn't be used. Why would Lakeview be in favor of bigger more unsightly poles
going above ground now!
We suggest Tri-State use the Rinn Sub-station coming in from Rd. 11 and then back track back west to
between Rd 11 and the East Frontage Rd.of I-25 then north and east to the St.Vrain substation. There is
some backtracking but there is the current proposed route also. Industrial areas are not as value sensitive
as private residences. Most all of that land is commercial or industrial thus families in large quantities are
not living and playing there.
Tri-State has included pictures of the proposed route under discussion today,as vacant agricultural land.
That is not true,houses are just out of view of the camera,and the Firestone Trail is zoned open space from
McClure St.north to W.C.It 26. It is true some of our acreage is agriculture and being farmed,about 30
acres is commercial/recreation. The is also part of the proposed path for these lines, It seems that instead
of adding more poles,a route could be determined to best service the transmission and service lines by
eliminating poles not adding them. Service lines are running along all county roads. Now in most places
these lines will be running on the other side of the roadway adding larger poles and not taking away the
smaller ones.
Lakeview Village,Inc. and it shareholders families are againt the proposed route that is under review. We
strongly oppose the route and feel that either burying the line at their expense or finding a less populated
JUL. 15. 2002 3: 41PM MAIL MASTER 303 280 0130 NO. 503 P. 4
route is the answer. On behalf of all the members of Lakeview Village,Inc.we respectfully submit our
objection to this route and project.
John and Linda Gods
George and Doris Pavlick
Alan Weappa
Tabb Warsinake
Brad and Patty Anderson
Brian McGuire
James and Kaye Nock
James and Dee Nock
Lance and Jessica Bailer
Theodore Stoner
Leff Temple
Joshua S tiel A
4 A if\
orporate Secretary,Board Member,Owner
•
s
July 15, 2002
Re: Case Number USR-1392
Tri-State Generation Proposal
Dear Weld County Planning Commission:
As a homeowner in the St. Vrain Ranch subdivision in Firestone, I am
writing this letter to voice my opinion regarding the proposition of the
installation of above-ground power lines along the Firestone Trail.
Firstly, I have issue with the fact that this meeting is being held in Greeley at
1:30 in the afternoon which would make attendance impractical for any
homeowner who works a full-time day job or who has small children at
home to care for. The time and location of this meeting have made it
virtually impossible for most of our community to attend to make our voices
heard.
I also take issue with the placement of such power lines in our community
without definitive evidence that these lines are not harmful to the health of
our residents, especially to our developing children. I will continue to be
concerned about these effects until satisfying proof can be produced.
Furthermore, I am disturbed that the proposal is for above-ground power
lines which not only present a potential hazard to the safety of individuals
and children, but would be an unsightly addition to this growing community.
I appreciate your consideration of these matters and the opinions of our
community members and ask that you not grant approval for the installation
of Tri-State's power lines in our community.
Sincerely, A I /
9pM,v ,� 1�.{iPt ew_
Jennifer_ Matsu
Homeowner, St. Vrain Ranch Subdivision
/EXHIBIT
July 15, 2002
To whom it May Concern:
My husband Christopher and I recently bought a new home, as well as our first home in
St. Vrain Ranch. We love the neighborhood and the fact that we felt we were "out in the
country" and away from the craziness of the city life. After we heard the plan to build the
proposed power lines that will run in front of our neighborhood we were appalled! Every
night we walk or run with our 2 dogs on the Firestone Trail and I can't imagine mining
the beauty and serenity of that trail with power lines. What a travesty....
Not only the trail will be affected by the construction of these power lines, but also the
value of our homes will be affected negatively. From most 2-story homes in this
neighborhood, as well as from most parks and open spaces the beautiful views of the
mountains are a huge draw for people. I know I personally can see them from my
bedroom window. Now, had I seen power lines there when we bought this house, not
only would I have been turned off by it, but I would have also expected to pay a lot less
for my home than I did, and I might not have bought in this neighborhood at all! This
project will most definitely decrease the value of every home in our neighborhood in an
immediate way.
Power lines have also been studied for other reasons pertaining to the health risks
associated with the lines. Most importantly.... Cancer...Every night when I take my
dogs on a walk under these power lines, I'm going to be overwhelmed by the fact that I
might be receiving some large or small amount of radiation or some other byproduct of
these power lines that effects me and my family's health negatively. That's just plain
unfair! And what about the homes that are dangerously close to these power lines?
Research has shown that the instances of cancer in these particular homes can be much
higher. And do you think the resale value of their homes will increase, there is absolutely
no way! Not only the price of their homes will decrease, but they will have an extremely
difficult time EVER selling their homes. I've seen it happen in neighborhoods before ...
the houses nearest these enormous power lines are the homes that DO NOT sell. They
stay on the market for months and months and months without so much as a bite.
This quote is directly from the mouth of Dr.John E. Moulder, P.H.D and professor of
Radiation and Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
"Some studies have reported that children living near certain types of power lines have
higher than average rates of leukemia brain cancers and/or overall cancer"
Please also take a look at the attached document that shows more recent research on this
issue, and the negative & devastating health effects that these power lines can cause....
Please listen to the voices of our community and STOP the construction of these power
lines in front of our neighborhood...Our families are counting you to make the right
decision for all of us...
Sincerely,
Christine& Christopher Atha
6592 Silverleaf Avenue
Longmont, CO 80504
EMF Page 1 of 2
Power Line Health Facts
_. .information for the concerned
Hon3e €NF -Mae'�'fl
More EMF Evidence • Specific Diseases • Expert Opinions • International • Property Values • Other
Sources
Summary (See above links for more information)
New information on EMF
Recent studies
demonstrate beyond any
reasonable doubt that Introduction
there is a strong
tn association It is important to understand that the science of EMF has changed
between exposures to P g
magnetic fields of dramatically in the past two years. Before September 2000, many
intensities greater than 4 studies could not identify a link between magnetic fields and a heightened
;,c and an increase risk risk of contracting cancer and other deadly diseases. Starting in
of contracting a number September 2000, these earlier studies were reexamined by the studies'
of deadly diseases. P
original authors. They discovered their original conclusions were wrong
The California and that their original data, when properly analyzed, did show a link
Department of Health between magnetic fields greater than 2-4 mG and cancer. These new
concludes it is likely that discoveries have induced a wholesale revision in the views of high-level
this statistical association authorities, including the utilities themselves, who have dramatically
magnetic due to fields cause the he fact that the revised their own statements on EMF.
m
deadly diseases.
Therefore, the information on this site is divided into "Recent Studies,"
which were published after September 2000, and the earlier studies,
which do not incorporate the recent revisions in the studies findings.
Recent Studies
• A California Department of Health Sciences evaluation concludes
magnetic fields likely cause childhood and adult leukemia, adult brain
cancer, spontaneous abortions, and ALS. The Evaluation further
concludes that magnetic fields possibly cause childhood brain cancer,
female and male breast cancer, Alzheimers disease, suicide, and heart
problems. Released on July 13, 2001, the comment draft used as a
standard causation, which is a more rigorous test than the more
common standard that seeks to demonstrate of an association between
EMF and many of these diseases. Here is an analysis of this important
report.
• A three-fold increase in overall spontaneous abortions and a six-fold
increase in spontaneous abortions occurring before the 10th week of
pregnancy is associated with even momentary exposure to magnetic fields
greater than 16 mG. This is the conclusion of new research by Dr. De-
Kun Li reported in the January 2002 issue of Epidemiology. Similar
results were found in a separate paper on spontaneous abortions
prepared for the project by G. M. Lee which is printed in the same issue.
• According to a news report in New Scientist of January 10, 2002, Li's
results caused a California Health Services department scientist, Raymond
Neutra, to reexamine his 1991 study of 727 women. Originally, his
group's study had measured average magnetic field exposures and with
http://www.powerlinefacts.com/EMF.htm 7/15/2002
EMF Page 2 of 2
inconclusive results. However, when Neutra recently reanalyzed the data
from his earlier study, he discovered the results were similar to Li's.
Women exposed to peak magnetic field levels greater than 1.4
microteslas [14 mg] doubled their risk of miscarriage over those who had
no such exposure.
• The results of nine major studies on EMF are reversed in a major
analysis, Most of these studies originally had failed to find a link between
electromagnetic fields (EMF) and cancer. The new review concludes that,
upon reanalysis, the data used in the earlier studies do identify an
association between cancer and EMF. The authors of the new analysis are
the same researchers who headed the earlier studies that had failed to
find an association. (See also the appraisal of this study in the industry
journal, Microwave News.) The authors now conclude, "The level of
[statistical] significance that we see for the excess risk at high [EMF]
exposure makes chance an unlikely explanation."
• A doubling of risk among children with average exposures above 4 mG
is "unlikely to be due to chance," according to ICNIRP, a leading
European quasi-governmental authority on the dangers of radiation. In a
detailed review of the literature on ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), the
ICNIRP believes that the data "point toward a possible risk increase."
• A dose-responsive relationship between magnetic fields from power
lines and asthma and combined chronic illnesses is identified in an August
2001 Australian study. The study concludes, "The results are consistent
with a possible adverse effect of environmental magnetic field exposure
on immune-related and other illnesses."
• 11/ Dr. Paul Vailleneuve of the University of Ottawa finds in study
published in February 2002 that those who were exposed to a moderate
6mG of magnetic fields increased by a factor of 12 their odds of
developing an agressive brain tumor know as glioblastoma multiforme.
• The highly respected industry journal Microwave News concludes there
is a scientific consensus people exposed to above-average levels of EMF
experience "a clear and consistent pattern" of increased cancer risk."
• An article in the New York Times magazine of May 5, 2002, discusses
"Evidence Based Medicine" (EBM). The application of EBM to ELFEMF
would lead to far stronger actions than are currently entertained by public
health authorities. The article suggests that resistance to EBM is lead by
doctors who are unequipped to deal with rigorous science and who
therefore feel threatened by this new trend in medicine.
Table of contents
http://www.powerlinefacts.com/EMF.htm 7/15/2002
USR-1392
Subject: USR-1392
Date: Mon, 15 Jul2002 19:40:42 EDT
From: BradShevlin@aol.com
To: graf@ecentral.com
Thank you Suzanne! ! ! !
I cannot believe you are thinking about putting those power lines
here. I DO NOT want those lines in my neighborhood' ' ' ! ' ' ! It is a health
hazard and an eye sore. I will not expose my kids to all the health hazards
it will bring! ! ! ! If you put them up, we will
Know if ands or butsitiiitiiiiiiiiii
We will move' ' ' ! ' I ! I I I II
Carol Shevlin St Vrains Ranch
1 of 1 7/15/02 9:42 PM
power lines
Subject: power lines
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 22:22:18 EDT
From: BradShevlin@aol.com
To: graf@ecentral.com
To Suanne Graf;
My name is Brad Shevlin and I am a resident of St. Vrain Ranch, address 10225
Dresden St.
I AM DEFINATELY OPPOSED TO THIS PROPOSAL, not only for astetic reasons, but
for health reasons as well.I am also appalled that this proposal was trying
to get rushed thru, without the majority of residents being notified.
you can definately put me down as an opponent of this.
thank you and please inform me of any thing else, with this proposal.
Brad Shevlin
1 of 1 7/15/02 9:42 PM
weld county planning commission
Subject: weld county planning commission
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 17:01:44 -0600
From: Suzy<sunrisehiden@hidensleeps.com>
Reply-To: sunrisehiden@earthlink.net
Organization: Sunrise Solutions
To: graf@ecentral.com
TO: Suzanne Graf FROM: Ben & Suzy Schlick 6906 Saddleback
Avenue, Firestone, CO
July 15, 2002 Please be sure our letter is received by the
correct people. Thank you.
Although, like many others, we cannot attend the public hearing
for the proposed power lines to be built on the west side of our
neighborhood along Firestone Trail, we do want the planning
commission to know that we DO NOT WANT the proposed power lines
referred to installed. At the planning meeting we attended a few
months ago when this was first mentioned, it was clear that the
majority of the people (residents) DID NOT want the power lines.
Reasons against far outweighed the benefits to Firestone to do
so. Please keep our neighborhood and city beautiful and safe.
SUNRISE SOLUTIONS, Home of HIDE N SLEEP the ORIGINAL Room Within
A Cage, Screwballs & More! PHONE:303-469-4217; FAX:303-460-7386
EMAIL:parrots@hidensleeps.com WEBSITE: www.hidensleeps.com
Hide N Sleep U.S.Patent#5, 975,023
n
I of 1 7/15/02 9:41 PM
Case No.USR-1392
Subject: Case No. USR-1392
Date: Mon, 15 Jul2002 19:53:50 -0600
From: "RWTaft" <RWTaft@netzero.net>
To: <graf@ecentral.com>
Please add this letter regarding the referenced case number.
TO: Weld County Department of Planning Service
DATE: July 15,2002
The purpose of this letter is to voice our concern and unfavorable response to the power lines which are proposed
to be built along Firestone Trail. As homeowners,we would not have purchased our current home had these lines
been built previously. As such,we feel that our property value will drop considerably and are adamantly opposed to
their being built in that area.
Please feel free to contact either of us regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Robert&Lori Taft
10190 Dresden St.
Longmont, CO 80504 (Firestone, CO)
1 of
7/15/02 9:40 PM
July 15, 2002
Weld County Planning Commission
Dear Commission:
Re: Proposed power lines
Due to my current work schedule I am unable to attend the public hearing with regard to
the proposed construction of power lines along Firestone Trail. First let me express my
disgust as to the time schedule of this meeting. It appears the intent was to have as little
opposition as possible to attend the meeting.
With regard to the proposed construction, I am totally against any aerial construction
along the Firestone Trail that will obstruct my view of the area scenery. During my search
for a home, one of my concerns was to not have to live under, near, or around power
transmission lines. Because of this I settled on St. Vrain Ranch which had no proposal of
this type in its community forecast. As a construction manager I know the power lines
can be installed underground, economically, to eliminate this ultimate eyesore.
In closing, it shall be quite disappointing if the Planning Commission passes the proposed
construction, which will forever alter the picture of this growing community. Since the
community is the end user and ultimate customer of the local Power Company, for which
Tri-State Generation is providing power to, it has to be our decision as to the future
aesthetics of this community.
Please, do not approve this method of construction (aerial), long term it shall be bad
for the community.
Homeowner, St Vrain Ranch
Richard and Sandy Neas
10215 Dresden St.
Firestone, CO 80504
Power Lines
Subject: Power Lines
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 18:48:46 -0600
From: "Peter Mason" <pmason@pgtv.net>
To: <graf@ecentral.com>
Hi Suzanne,
Even though I will not be able to attend the meeting, I would like to let it be known that I am against
the installation of above ground power lines along the Firestone trail. Below ground lines are the
direction of the future and putting these up at this juncture, in this location does not make economical
sense or "value" sense to the residents of the area.
Thank you and regards,
Peter M. Mason
10166 Dusk St.
Peter M. Mason
1 of 1 7/15/02 9:39 PM
power line
Subject: power line
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 07:41:43 -0600
From: "Greg Venette" <GVENETTE5455@msn.com>
To: "Suzanne Graf' <graf@ecentral.com>
To the Weld County Planning Commision,
From Greg and Julie Venette
6403 Saddleback Avenue
303 604 0230
Dear Sirs,
Hears the short of it.
NO, we don't want a Power line in our neighborhood to have and behold... Studies already show
that living near high voltage lines is unhealthy. It WILL effect the desireability of property in the area
and thus the resale values.
(this next comment is meant to be a light hearted comment, I think??) Also, While we all
like to be home for dinner it is a bit curious that this particular meeting could not be scheduled so
that more home owners could attend.
If it can't be buried take it closer to I-25 or further east away from all the homes that are here
and being developed.
We understand the need for the power but the location is not good .. DON"T DO IT !!
Julie Venette (Homeowner)
Greg A Venette (Homeowner and Realtor)
r
r
]of]
7/16/02 9:31 AM
Case Number:USR-1392 Firestone Colorado
Subject: Case Number: USR- 1392 Firestone Colorado
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 21:52:19 -0600
From: "Julie Crowder" <crowderj@us.ibm.com>
To: graf@ecentral.com
To whom it may concern:
My husband and I live in Firestone Colorado, we enjoy our new community
very much. One of the things we love best about our new neighborhood is
the peace and quite and the open space.
We are NOT in favor of the new power lines, as proposed, to be installed on
the west side of our neighborhood, along the Firestone trail. We enjoy the
trail very much as it is and we do not wish to have high voltage power
lines installed along our trail. We do not wish to have the noise, the
unsightliness, or that kind of voltage running through our neighborhood.
We understand that there are several other options available to the power
company, that would work best for everyone involved and we feel that other
options should be considered.
We are not in favor of the current proposal and we plan to be very vocal
about this issue in order to protect the community we live in.
Sincerely,
Jerry and Julie Crowder
6685 Sage Avenue
Firestone Colorado 80520
r
1 of 1 7/16/02 9:30 AM
Firestone Trail Power Lines
Subject: Firestone Trail Power Lines
Date: Tue, 16 Jul2002 15:11:25 +0100
From: "Timothy J. Newton" <tnewton40@hotmail.com>
To: <graf@ecentral.corn>
Hello...tt might be too late but I felt like I should try.
Anyway regarding the power line issue, I really don't have
enough data. So I guess it comes down to aesthethics.
If the power lines can be buried underground...we vote YES.
If they will be suspendended "aerial fashion"...we vote NO.
Reason...building already encroaches enough of our view
to the mountains as it is.Thanks for reading!
Tim &Patty Newton,6415 Shenandoah Avenue,833-1448
r
1 of 1 7/16/02 9:34 AM
Shoute.$ Chriana.Krueger
10236 'Duik.St.
Firettonej CO 80504
July 16, 2002
Weld County Planning Commission
1555 N. 17`"Avenue, Room 210
Greeley, CO 80631
Re: Case Number USR-1392
We are homeowners in the St. Vrain Ranch subdivision who wish our voices to
be heard in opposition of the proposal to build power lines on the west side of
our neighborhood along Firestone Trail. Such a site would be unacceptable for
the families and children who live in this area, who moved out to such an area to
escape the growing metropolitan of Denver. Installing such unsightly and what
many of us believe to be unsafe power lines would not only diminish the value of
life that is sought in such a rural area, but would also devalue the property into
which we have invested our hard earned money.
Once again, we strongly oppose the building of these power lines and
recommend that alternative methods be sought to obtain similar outcomes.
Sincerely,
Sha.ne'& Chri tina.Kru -
proposed power lines
Subject: proposed power lines
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 10:59:00 -0600
From: "mark and nina frank" <markninafrank@hotmail.com>
To: graf@eeentral.com
July 16, 2002
To Whom it may concern:
This letter is in reference to case number USR-1392, the proposal from
Tri-State Generation to install above ground power lines along the west side
of St. Vrain Ranch running along Firestone trail.
We are property owners/residents in St. Vrain Ranch. Unfortunately, we are
unable to attend the early afternoon public hearing on July 16th.
Therefore, we are writing to voice our strong opposition to this proposal,
and feel that there must be a better alternative.
As residents we use Firestone trail quite often, and these large power lines
would turn our town's only trail system into an un-sightly and unpleasant
recreational area. Please re-consider the proposal. Thank you for your
time.
Sincerely,
Nina and Mark Frank
10311 Echo Cir.
Firestone, Co. 80520
Pls..'` 303-833-0456
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device:
1 of 1 7/16/02 1:52 PM
Tri-State Generation Proposal
Subject: Tri-State Generation Proposal
Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 11:22:28 EDT
From: GardnAJ@aol.com
To: graf@ecentral.com
To the Weld County Department of Planning Services: We don't believe that
Weld County should allow this company to move the lines from the original
plan, which is down WCR 11 and for which easement is already available, to
the Firestone Trail. We understand that this move is being promoted by
Hall/Irwin so that the lines won't be going over there land. With the deep
pockets that we all know H/I has let them pay to have the lines buried as
they cross that property.
Also let me point out that these high voltage lines pose a very serious
health risk and call your attention to the many articles and studies that are
available on the Internet that back this up. Many many people that use the
trail will be put at risk not withstanding the unsightliness of the huge
towers that support these lines. We did not purchase our home here in
St.Vrain Ranch to look out at High Tension lines. If will note all of our
utilities are underground. We are not willing either to pay to have these
lines buried. If that is the alternative then run the lines down road 11 and
let Hall/Irwin pay to have them buried.
Please Weld County don't let these large companies ruin our Community and
Neighborhood.
Jim & Jean Gardner
6678 Scenic Court
Firestone, Co.
1 of 1 7/14/02 7:44 PM
Power Lines
Subject: Power Lines
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 09:54:36 EDT
From: Theromerofamily@cs.com
To: graf@ecentral.com
Dear Suzanne: 7-15-02
This letter is in regard to the meeting on the power lines being built
in our neighborhood. We are both against them be built so close to our home
and family. Please pass our concerns on for us at this meeting. Thank you.
Julian and Sandy Romero
10245 Dusk Street
Firestone, Colorado
(303) 833-2834
1 oft 7/15/02 8:18 AM
Power Line Proposal
Subject: Power Line Proposal
Date: Sun, 14 Jul 2002 15:04:07 -0600
From: "Scott Fender" <sdfender@earthlink.net>
To: <graf@ecentral.corn>
To the Weld County Planning Commission:
This letter is in reference to Case Number USR-1392,the plan to run the high tension power lines on the west side
of Firestone Trail. We would like to voice our opinion that such a project will negatively impact the property values
in our area,as well as,the potential health risk to our young families presented by the presence of these
high-voltage lines around our growing children.
We strongly suggest that a different location for these lines be considered,or at the very least these lines be placed
underground to mitigate the negative impact of their presence.
Thank you for your consideration!
Scott&Gloria Fender
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system( ).
Version:6.0.373/Virus Database:208-Release Date: 7/1/02
l of
7/15/02 8:19 AM
TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC.
jr..
HEADQUARTERS: P.O: BOX 33695 DENVER, COLORADO 80233-0695 303-452-6111
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
August 7,2002 AUG $ 2002
Mr. Kim Ogle RECEIVED
Planner II
Weld County Planning
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Mr. Ogle:
As a result of the Weld County Planning Commission hearing on August 6, 2002
I am requesting this letter act as Tri-State's application for pre-advertisement in case
number USR-1392. The Weld County Planning Commission requested that Tri-State
complete the Firestone permitting process before hearing case number USR-1392.
Tri-State is set to appear before the Firestone Planning Commission on August
2151'and the Firestone Town Board on September 5th. Because of these dates we are now
set to appear before the Weld County Planning Commission on September 17th, and the
Weld County Commissioners on September 25th. I am also enclosing a check for$20.00
e.. to cover the fee's associated with this request.
If you have any questions please contact myself at 800-525-0454. Thank you for
all of your help.
Sincerely,
Jon Beyer
Land Specialist III
Jb
End.
Malt
II tot ,4t_ p[.)6.29
2002-2291
p flt r In-7,747.1r;l,r A rr• r r I WI C,VT 4 CRAIG STATION ESCALANTE STATION NUCLA STATION
.j., P.O.BOX 1307 P.O.BOX 577 P.O-BOX 698
A Touchstone Energy'Cooperarive 442 -A' CRAIG,CO 81636-1307 PREWITT,NM 87049 HUCLA,CO 81424-0698
-� 970-834-1111 505.876.2271 970-869-7316
USR-1392
TRI STATE GENERATION
PREPARED BY:
LAKEVIEW VILLAGE, INC.
10442 SANTA FE STREET
NORTHGLENN, CO 80234
303-452-5355
BY: DORIS A. PAVLICK, BOARD OF DIRECTOR, OWNER, &
SECRETARY OF THE LAKEVIEW
VILLAGE, INC.
DATED: OCTOBER 15, 2002
EXHIBIT
6AM
LAKEVIEW VILLAGE, INC.
vs.
TM STATE GENERATION & TRANSMISSION ASSOC., INC.
CASE NO. USR-1392
SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN & SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT FOR A
MAJOR FACILITY OF A PUBLIC UTILITY
This is a continuation of the previous information that was received by the Weld Planning
Commission on July 16, 2002.
The fill ditch on the Lakeview Property was of paramount importance to the shareholders
of Lakeview Village as they constructed two tournament style water ski lakes on the
property in 1987 and went through the county process for a special review. The success
of this property's use is dependent on the fill ditch being properly maintained which the
owners do quite frequently with the use of an excavator. This is a large piece of
equipment and the proposed lines would be passing right over the path for the cleaning
with this equipment.
Tri State seems to think they have answered this problem by telling us that if we schedule
a two week period they would shut down the current while the cleaning or repair is being
done. To save mobility costs and operator costs we usually call the excavating company
and tell them we need it cleaned and they call when they are in the area and we have them
stop and clean the ditch. This process is usually done within a 24 hour period.
Lakeview has no faith that the timing can be worked out without a higher cost to the
shareholders. The operator of the machine has little faith that the line has no current
except by hitting it. That could cost him his life. Even if the current is not off and he
doesn't touch it, the machine is high enough to cause arcing. This answer is
unacceptable.
Since the last meeting on the 6th Lakeview has met with Tri State Generation twice to try
to work out a possible solution to the alignment of the route from the Rinn Valley Sub-
Station to the Firestone Trail.
On the 16th of September several members of Lakeview met with members of the Tri
State Generation company to suggest an alternate route across the Lakeview property.
We suggested that they come from the sub-station north on our west property line and
then proceed on the northern boundry of our property, then angle north/east to Road 13
crossing 2 - 3 properties. They agreed that that route made sense even though it might
actually cost them a little more in angle posts. They have to go north anyway and they
have to cross our property going east also so the distance is not so much greater and
effects less actual homes. All of the properties in the Buffalo Acres Subdivision are 6-12
acres with the actual housing structures being 600 - 800 feet from the proposed lines.
Please take a picture tour with Lakeview showing how this property sits behind the
surrounding development and existing homes. See attachments:
"A" This view is looking to the north and east from the north side of the
Lakeview property toward WCR 13. If the proposed line were to
go this way it would not be so close to residences and would meet
the Firestone trail at appoximately Rd. 13 and 22.
"B" The view is looking north to Rd. 22 from the north side of Lakeview's
property showing the distrance of 600 plus feet to the residence. Remem-
bering that the actual proposed line would be on Lakeview's land.
"C" Standing in the same spot, this view is looking south to the Rd. 20 and the
No Name Sub-division. Our south property line is less than 33 feet from
the actual patios of 5-6 homes. This picture also showing the density of
the residences for comparision.
"D" View looking west on Lakeview south property line from WCR 13. This
view shows how close 5-6 residences will be if the proposed lines goes thru
Lakeview's south side. The patios of these homes will be less than 75'
from the line.
ets^ "E" View looking east from Lakeview south property line to WCR 13 showing
again the little distrance from these homes.
"F" View actually looking from the bedroom at 5895 to the south
fence line of Lakeview. This distance to the fence is less than 33 ft. and
addition another 35 ft which would be the center of the 75 ft. easement
for the proposed line these homes will be less than 75 ft. from the line.
"G" View looking to the south from Lakeview's west property line. This
route was proposed as ok with the Lakeview shareholders.
View is looking from the same spot at "G"only reversed and looking
on the west Lakeview fence to the north and westerly. The house that is
pictured is over 800 ft. from Lakeview's north border.
"I" This is a view looking directly to Lakeview westerly property line.
In summary, Lakeview proposed this route to Tri State on the 16th of September and it
was accepted as possible. On the 14th of October we again met with Tri-State and they
said that that route would be impossible even though it would cost them more, but that 2
or 3 properties would be included and need permission. These are the same properties
that sit 600-800 ft. from the actual line and are in the back of the property that nothing has
been done with in the twelve years since the lakes were built except to part cars and more
cars. How is this not better to go this way than to impact the Lakeview's most valuable
part of their property in addition to the six or seven families that will live virtually under
the proposed lines on the south border of our property.
Tri-State has also said that they definitely would not bury the lines unless Lakeview would
pay the full cost of$500,000 to $700,000. That is a lost of money for one party.
Lakeview is OPPOSED to the proposed south route across our property from the Rinn
Valley Sub Station to Road 13. PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE THIS ROUTE AS
THEY ARE PROPOSING ACROSS LAKEVIEW VILLAGE, INC.'S PROPERTY!
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151 Grant Ave. • P.O. Box 100 • Firestone, CO 80520
(303) 833-3291 • fax (303) 833-4863
1U/11/UL 1L: Jb FAA 002
MINUTES _
Town of Firestone - Special Meeting
Firestone Town Hall—7:30 p.m.
151 Grant Avenue, Firestone, CO 80520
September 5, 2002
The Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Firestone, CO was held on
Thursday, September 5, 2002 at the Firestone Town Hall. Mayor Mike Simone called the
meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Roll call was taken with the following members present:
Mayor: Mike Simone
Mayor Pro-tern: Dennis Bertron
Trustees: Al Spinden
Lynelle Meis
Sharon Falcone
Charlie Thomas
Absent: Butch Walb
Additions To/Deletions From the Agenda
Addition: Presentation by Neighborhood Watch,
Trophy Presentation
A Trophy was presented to the Town of Firestone for having the First Place Float at Fiesta Days.
Tri State Generation
Mayor Simone opened the Tri-Sate Public Hearing at 7:40 n.m. Mr. Mark Murray was sworn in
by Mayor Simone. Mr. Murray stated that Tri-State was formed in 1952 and is non-profit
wholesale power supply cooperation. He explained that this hearing is for approval of an
upgrade of electrical service to a 115 KV system that will connect from Longmont to Brighton.
It will be a loop service that will replace the existing service, and is proposed to be
approximately 5 ft. 3 inches underground from the Rinn Valley Sub-station. He stated that an
informational meeting was held on August 15, 2002 and the Planning Commission had seen a
presentation on August 21, 2002.
Mr. Mike Braningham was sworn in by Mayor Simone. Mr. Braningham stated that the goal for
Tri-State was to consider as many possibilities as possible and acceptable to the Tri-Towns. He
discussed several different routes that the line could be taken; I-25 to Del Camino Sub-Station or
Rim Sub-Station across to the St. Vrain River, the I-25 Industrial Corridor, or Gadding Hollow.
He explained the different problems with some of these routes. 1) The I-25 Industrial Corridor
1
1V/11/UL 1Z:Jo PA1 U003
area is Sub-Stations that are in fixed locations and overhead T-lines are not permitted along the I-
25 right-of-way. 2) Gadding Hollow on either side is in a flood plain and cuts through cross
roads of the PUD of the Shores and Eagle Crest. 3) North out of Rinn Valley Sub-Station the
river meanders and the line would cross the river three times. 4) North along WCR 13 is not
favored by the Firestone Board of Trustees and has insufficient space available between WCR 13
and the existing subdivisions. 5) West out of Rinn Valley Sub-Station to WCR 11 then to WCR
22 or WCR 24 then Fast to WCR 13 is too close to residences along WCR 22.
Mr. Murray stated that there would be little or no damage to property values due to the
placement of the lines.
Mr. Bob Pearson was sworn in by Mayor Simone. Mr. Pearson talked about EMF health. He
showed a book of National Academy of Sciences and National Industry of Environmental health
Sciences, both being from the federal government. He said that no conclusive evidence has been
shown as a health threat from exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields. He
showed a slide of different magnetic fields and stated that the peak of overhead and underground
are about the same except the underground has a narrower profile.
Mr. Murray said that the upgrading of the line is to provide power to the Tri-town area.
Staff Comments
Planner Bruce Nickerson gave a briefing on the history and showed slides of Conditional Use
Permit #1041 and the Firestone Compreher.2ive Plan.
Attorney Sam Light spoke of the PUC (Public Utility Commission) Rule 18. He stated that each
year the PUC files a three-year plan and the PUC has stated that the transmission line was
needed in the summer of 2000. He explained that the PUC actually needs no formal proceeding
and that the Rule 18 ruling gave the general location but not the final route.
Mr. Nickerson showed slides from the June 1, 2000 meeting (first meeting) with Tri-State. He
gave other dates that Tri-State had come to the Board of Trustees regarding the transmission
lines.
Engineer 'Jaye Lindsay read a letter dated January 1, 2001 that was received from Tri-State.
Mr. Nickerson said that beginning two years ago, there were seven public meetings held
regarding Tri-State. He showed a route analysis of the WCR 11 option and stated that every
citizen within 300 ft. from the line was notified of this meeting. He explained that the Town of
Firestone requires all lines to be underground. The Town financially cannot require Tri-State to
underground, although the Town does have the funds to underground the lines. He showed the
map of the undergrounding of the line that was shown to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
It will cost approximately 2.18 million to underground and will be done in two phases, with the
portion by the turkey factory, to be above ground until funds are available to underground these
lines.
2
JO/ Si/ LIZ 14.00 raA O004
Attorney Sam Light talked of matters of statewide interest, saying that the towns cannot regulate _
this because it is a matter of statewide concern, and being a state law town ruled or governed by
the state. Due to this the town cannot require Tri-State to underground the utility at their
expense. The 1041 is a bill enacted years ago and the law was adopted in 2000 to notify the
affected governments. Mr. Light stated that if the alternative routes were to be used, other steps
would need to be taken, such as more notice to the citizens or the applicant amending the
application. He said that the options for the Board to consider for this application are to approve,
approve with conditions, deny, remand back to the Planning Commission, cancel or close the
public hearing and take final action at a later date. The latter of the two have deadlines from the
State that requires a decision be made within 90 days. He explained that after the Board has
taken action, the utility can appeal any adverse town decision to the PUC with a court proceeding
and the PUC holds its own hearing and enters its own final order.
Mr. Nickerson stated that the Firestone Trail is the only public corridor available for
undergrounding the line and is the least expensive. He said that Engineer Dave Lindsay has met
with Tri-State to discuss the underground option.
Attorney Sam Light handed out a draft of the Resolution.
Public Comment
There was public comment from the following people:
1. Ben Scleck
2. Sam Sears
3. Sabina Lyicah
4. Tony Ohanon
5. Michelle McDaniel
Mayor Simone closed the public hearing at 9:27 p.m.
Mr. Steve Faucet was sworn in by Mayor Simone. Mr. Faucet stated that the bids for
construction are usually close to the estimates.
Mayor Pro-tern Berton moved and Trustee Meis seconded to take a five-minute recess. Voice
vote was taken. Motion carried. [9:35 p.m.]
The Board reconvened at 9:40 p.m.
Board Comment
Trustee MS asked how long it would take to complete, how the line is coming into the other
towns, does United Power have a franchise agreement with the town, will a trail be established
along the way, can funds be worked into the agreement for trail improvements, will the town still
have power while the lines are being worked on, and stated that she agrees with the
undergrounding of the lines.
3
it)/ 11/LIZ 1Z OI rite 21005
Trustee Spinden asked how long it would take to get a solid bid from Tri-State for the
undergrounding and if it is possible to make an amendment for getting a solid bid, and asked that
if approved to go underground—will the underground cable heat up.
Mayor Pro-tern Bertron asked why 1-25 was not considered for the placement of the lines
because lines are already there, if above ground what is the distance between the poles, agrees
that the cost needs to be solid and is not comfortable with an estimate that is not solid, what is
the process if the Board denies, how large are the ducts, and stated for the record that he does not
like the comments from the citizens that have made mention of the Board taking bribes.
Trustee Thomas asked if 5 ft. 3 inches is sufficient for the lines to be undergrounded, if above
ground how many poles, the cost of each pole, would the cost savings be given back to the Town
of Firestone, and how will the maintenance of the ducts be handled.
Trustee Falcone asked how long it will be until upgrades are needed and when, would the lines
have to be dug up to upgrade, would the town have to pay for upgrades, and how often will the
trail have to be used by heavy vehicles for maintenance, if underground will the above lines be
taken down, and if above ground will the lines have buzzing.
Mayor Simone asked if the lines that are buried in peoples back yards would expose them to
more EMF than the overhead line, if this is a non-profit organization, at what point would new
development have to pay, and asked if Tri-State has followed all alternate use and routes.
Mayor Simone asked for Mr. Scleck to come to the podium. Mayor Simone asked Mr. Scleck if
he was the person who authorized the letter that was published in the Farmer and Miner, if he
was a member of the citizens of the Firestone Trail, and if he sent the letter to the St. Vrain
Ranch homeowners. Mr. Scleck stated that he did not send the letter to St. Vrain Ranch, but
helped put the letter together for the Farmer and Miner and St. Vrain Ranch. Mayor Simone
stated that the Board of Trustees had received threatening telephone calls; he personally did not
receive any, and stated for the record that if anyone wanted to send garbage to please send it to
him and not the Trustees.
Mr. Steve Mundoruff was sworn in by Mayor Simone. Mr. Mundoruff stated that it would take
approximately eight months to underground the line from start to finish, with six months of
planning and two months to install. If above ground it will take four to five months. The
beginning of this line is at the Rinn Valley Sub-Station; more trail access will be established,
funding for trail improvements may be made available, and blading in new trail can be
completed. Mr. Mundoruff explained that Tri-State has no underground transmission lines at
this time and it will take a few months to get a consultant on board, if above ground the distance
between poles would be 450 ft. to 500 ft. The 5ft. 3-inch cable is sufficient and will be encased
in concrete that will meet the safety code. There will be approximately 30 poles that will cost
from $175,000 to $200,000 per mile and the cost savings may be able to be given back to the
town. The Planners estimate the boundaries for upgrades and if undergrounded it may be a
twenty to thirty year period and Tri-State will pay for all upgrades. Once a year there will be
light maintenance ground inspections with bucket trucks, and the lines should last for forty to
fifty years. Any damage done would be paid for by Tri-State. There will be no maintenance in
4
1U/11/U2 12:57 FAX Moos
ducts, if the cable fails a cable trailer and equipment will be brought in. The ducts are 3-'V2 inch
in size and when being worked on the town will still have power. There will be buzzing with
overhead lines and no noise with undergrounding. He stated that a cable problem takes a lot
longer to repair rather than and overhead since there will be feeds from the north to the south.
Attorney Sam Light said that if the Board denies this application the next step is with Tri-State,
as they can appeal to the PUC by State statute. He said the Resolution could be approved with
conditions, or with Tri-States consent the public hearing can be continued until an exact amount
is given. He stated that Tri-State has complied by submitting the alternate routes information.
Trustee Spinden asked if the town could put in the agreement that if the town does not like the
number given by Tri-State, the town is not obligated. Mr. Light said that there are options
available.
Mr. Faucet said that they could go through a stage process and suggested writing an agreement,
proceed with hiring a consultant, the town will give money and be responsible for that design,
and if the town if not satisfied they can escape the agreement or bid the project and see what kind
of bids are received. Tri-State will need a default permit for a high line if needed, and they
would require an advance of funds to be held in a trust account to be dispersed against the
project.
Planner Bruce Nickerson stated that if the agreement does not work out, the lines would go away
and relayed that Tri-State has been good to work with. Mayor Pro-tem Dennis Bertron asked
Mr. Mundoruff if Tri-State was opposed to continuing the land use portion. Mr. Nickerson said
that the 90 days expiration date is September 5, 2002. Mr. Mundoruff said that he had a problem
with continuing the land use portion and there is still negotiation for a separate easement; a two
party agreement for the bid process and dispersment of funds and stating there is nothing in the
resolution that binds the town. Trustee Spinden asked if the Board were to vote "No", would
Tri-State obtain an easement anyway. Mr. Light stated that this would be up to the Board of
Trustees. Mayor Simone asked Tri-State if they were sure of the 2.1 million dollar figure. Mr.
Mundoruff replied that a similar assessment was made in Telluride in late 2001. Mayor Simone
stated that he feels that the lines need to be underground and the town will need an escape clause.
Mr. Mundoruff stated that if Tri-State had more time, they could work with the town and re-
submit, but the deadline is up. Trustee Meis stated that she did not want the town to get caught
up in litigation and asked Mr. Light about the escape clause. Attorney Light stated that an
escape clause could be placed in the easement agreement.
Trustee Meis moved and Trustee Falcone seconded to adopt Resolution No. 02-35, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND A PERMIT TO
UNDERTAKE THE SITE SELECTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A MAJOR FACILITY
OF A PUBLIC UTILITY AS A MATTER OF STATE INTEREST FOR TRI-STATE
GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION.
5
.lV ii Vc ic.JO PHA
X007
— Discussion
Trustee Thomas asked that if the town counts the land use issue, what kind of time frame is the
town looking at. Attorney Light stated that this should be acted on within 90 days, and Tri-State
would still need a land use permit or they could go to the PUC and file.
Voice vote was taken with 3-Yea, 2-Nay. Trustee Spinden and Mayor Pro-tern Bertron voting
Nay. Motion carried.
Trustee Spinden moved and Trustee Meis seconded to allow the records of the Tri-State
Generation to be of Public Record. Voice vote was taken. Motion carried.
Ordinance No. 507—Extension of Food Tax
Trustee Thomas noted that the increase for 2003 was $750,000. Mayor Pro-tern Bertron moved
and Trustee Thomas seconded to adopt Ordinance No. 507, AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING
THE TOWN SALES TAX TO THE SALE OF FOOD AND SUBMITTING THE QUESTION
THEREOF TO THE REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE TOWN.
Discussion
There was discussion with Planner Bruce Nickerson handing out a map on the food tax.
Attorney Sam Light gave briefing on the structure of the ballot.
Roll call vote was taken. Motion carried.
Aggregate Industries Easement Agreement
Planner Bruce Nickerson briefed the Board showing more flexibility and range, and stating that
there is no out of pocket for the Town of Firestone. Mayor Pro-tern Bertron moved and Trustee
Meis seconded to approve the Aggregate Industries Easement Agreement and Authorized the
Mayor to sign. Voice vote was taken. Motion carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board of Trustees, Trustee Meis moved to
adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
• tsTONE ....
// :'ZO`NN 1. TOWN OF FI STONE, COLORADO
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READ AND APPROVED THIS I� DAY OF O c7 0 L r , 2002.
6
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Town of Firestone
Planning Commission
August 21, 2002
Minutes
The Planning Commission was called to order at 7:34 by chairperson Ginny Buczek.
Roll call was taken with the following members present.
Lynelle Meis
Mike Simone
Merrill Bohaning
Doug Lindhardt
Ginny Buczek
Motion to approve the minutes from July 17, 2002 and August 7, 2002
The public hearing for Tri-State Generation was opened by Cluny Buczek at 7:38 pm.
Motioned to submit all documents to record was made by Ginny Buczek and seconded by
Lynelle Meis.
Mark Murry with Tri State Generation stated the above ground poles would be 60 feet high along
the trail.
Mike Bamingham gave an over view of the routes proposed for the lines.
1. I-25 industrial commercial corridor. Substations are fixed locations and this route
would add 2 miles of line to the project. Colorado Department of Transportation does
not permit overhead transmission lines within the interstate right-of-way nor can they
hang over the right-of-way. The distance between edge of the right-of-way and the
frontage road is insufficient for the proposed transmission line. Routing behind the
commercial property there may be another development planned and approved to be
built.
2. Godding Hollow the ditch has a floocipiain that extends 500 feet on either side of the
ditch and the lines can't be in a floodplain.
3. West out of Rinn Valley and up WCR-11 is too close to residents.
4. North out of Rinn Valley the line would have to cross the St Vrain River 3 times
regulatory approval would not be given.
5. East out of Rinn Valley then connect with Colorado Boulevard (WCR-13) up to the
Del Comino switching station. Insufficient space available between Colorado
Boulevard (WCR-13) and the existing subdivisions in the area.
Dr. Robert Pearson from Environmental Engineering Consulting Co. stated that the use of
electricity has no ill effects to health. Sense they can't prove there are no effects they will do
everything they can to reduce the health risks.
Staff Comment
Bruce Nickerson stated that the Town couldn't require Tri-State Generation to pay for the extra
expense of under ground lines. Town would be able to use the impact fees normally used to
improve roads and parks to put the power lines under ground. This may delay some road and
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park improvements. He also stated that there would be some additional revenue sources in the
process for the Town.
Kevin Ash had no comments.
Kathleen Harrington had no comments.
Mike Simone asked how much of an impact putting the power lines under ground would make
on future projects.
Bruce Nickerson stated that it might hold up improvements on Colorado Boulevard (WCR 13)
for a year. This shouldn't hurt any parks projects.
Ginny Buczek asked if Tri-State Generation would put crusher fine along the parts of the trail
that they would be working on.
Steve Faucet Sr. Vice President of Tri-State Generation stated that they would consider using
crusher fine to repair the trail instead of reseeding the trail.
Lynelle Meis asked if by putting the power lines under ground would it insulate the microwaves
more.
Dr. Robert Pearson stated that the microwaves would be slightly higher because the lines would
be closer to people. The microwaves would be much lower the further you get away from the
lines.
Public Comment
Rod Unger, developer St Vrain Ranch Subdivision, suggested that United Power help pay for
putting the lines underground.
Cathy Men lives at 6526 Sage Ave concerned with putting the line down the trail wanted to
know if there was possibly any other route that could be used.
Lisa Nelson lives at 11375 Daisy Street submitted a petition from Oak Meadows with 81
signatures. Wants the Town of Firestone to consider other measures to meat the growing need
for power.
Megan Marks lives at 10549 Taylor Avenue will be very happy with the under ground lines.
Sabina Lynch lives at 6850 Sage Avenue stated that she supports burial of the power lines so that
the property values would not drop. She also asked why they will build the lines in 3 months
above ground if finding is not found.
Suzanne Graf lives at 6675 Saddleback Avenue submitted a petition and a study from the
Environmental Protection Agency stating children have a higher risk of leukemia living near
high voltage wires. She also submitted a letter from a realtor stating he fells the power lines will
depreciate homes between 10 and 20 percent and will stay on the market longer.
JUW/ VG 12.00 raA Z010
Henry Gneiser lives at 10369 Falcon Court, a board member of Ridgecrest HO& stated that the
underground power lines need to be spaced far enough so the magnetic field will not effect home
owners and people using the trail. He also stated overhead power lines will decrease property
values.
Eugene Perry lives at 5966 Stagecoach Avenue submitted a petition from Boothfarms
Subdivision stated he wanted the power lines to go along I-25 corridor.
Sam Sears lives at 6598 Saddleback Avenue stated he was not happy with route wanted board to
vote no. He was also worried about health risks to people using the Firestone Trail.
Arron Wallas lives at 6932 Summerset Avenue asked about changing the route up WCR 11 to
Firestone Boulevard(WCR 24) east to Colorado Boulevard (WCR 13).
Brinda Wagner lives at 6781 Quincy Avenue submitted a petition from her area of Ridgecrest
Subdivision. She also asked if there would have to be an increase in the line size for future
power needs.
Anita Knudson lives at 6171 WCR 20 asked about the route that went north out of Rinn Valley
the line would have to cross the St Vrain River 3 times wanted to know if they could go north
then go east before the St Vrain River then hook up with the substation.
Carol Giffin lives at 6700 Owl Lake Drive submitted a study on Natural Amenities.
Tammy Lizinski lives at 11755 WCR 15 would like to bury line all the way down the trail.
Ralph Syler lives at 6905 Saddleback Avenue asked about the cost comparison for the trail route
and the WCR 11 route. He also asked about the town a tax base or revenue base that would be
returned to the town.
Bruce Nickerson stated that under 1041 permit the town can't regulate the income from the site
location and that the lines will go in if financing hasn't been arranged in 3 months, above
ground. The town has limited control aver the power ,ine location r 4 specifications.
Kim Landford lives at 6631 Echo Circle agr_ed with other testimony.
Tony Galiarty lives at 6729 Quincy Avenue, a board member of Ridgecrest HOA, asked about
the historical nature of tbe trail. He also asked which route was planned by the PUC. He asked
about a copy of the environmental report.
Ann Johnson, with Briteside Market, concerned with health risks.
The public hearing was closed by Ginny Buczek at 9:34 pm.
Steve Faucet stated that their company is a nonprofit company. The Town of Firestone will start
seeing brown out conditions by next year if the power lines are not put in. The contract would be
on a cost based contract. Lines would not need to be upgraded this line is a lode serving line
meant to serve the communities along the route. The PUC does not approve the routes. He also
stated what items were needed with in the 3 month time period for the under ground lines to go
through.
1. Signed letter of agreement specifying terms and conditions of the under grounding.
,v. ,,. .... 10.vv FAA [2011
2. A provision for advance of funds prior to the start of construction.
Dr. Robert Pearson stated that they would do a study on the underground lines and the magnetic
affects.
Tri-State Generation has done a historical review of the trail and the old railroad grade does not
show up as having any historical value.
The Planning Commission was recessed at 9:50 pm.
The Planning Commission was reconvened at 9:53 pm.
Planning Commission Comment
Merrill Bohaning asked why WCR 11 wouldn't work.
Bruce Nickerson stated that due to the house located at WCR 11 and Firestone Boulevard(WCR
24) and the gravel pit that route wouldn't be acceptable and it would cost more to put it there
because we don't own the land. We would also not receive the money to defer the costs if they
don't use the easement along the trail.
Mike Simone asked about the cost of burying the line along WCR 11.
Dave Lindsay stated that the cost would be 6.8 million dollars double the cost along the trail.
Doug Lindhardt stated that this route is the best possible route the town could find with the
lowest impact on residence.
Ginny Buczek stated that she could not see a better alternative the power line should put it
underground along the trail and use the easement money to put it underground.
Motioned to approve resolution PC02-17 by Mike Simone and seconded by Lynelle Meis.
The Planning Commission was recessed at 10:22 pm.
The Planning Commission was reconvened at 10:38 pm.
The public hearing for Sagebrush Subdivision,Final Development Plan & Final Plat was
opened by Ginny Buczek at 10:38 pm.
Bruce Nickerson stated that Melody Homes agreed to continue the public hearing for Sagebrush
Subdivision to September 4, 2002.
Motioned to continue Sagebrush Subdivision was made by Merrill Bohaning and seconded b
Lynelle Meis.
Motion to adjourn was made by Lynelle Meis at 10:42 pm. r' TOWN
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at
STAYING P ()W _ Sl
A :
• STAYING POWER
Like so many things that turn out to be much bigger
and more successful than originally imagined,
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
began as a simple concept. And like many similar
stories, our accomplishments can be attributed to the
drive,determination and fortitude of all the individuals
who have contributed to the organization's staying
power over our 50-year history.
cooperatives,more than any other business structure,are
reflections of their people. It would be difficult to recall
all the individual directors and employees of Tri-State
and its member systems who have had such a positive
impact on the association since it was formed in 1952.
Our past has included some remarkable people whose
vision and efforts have led the way through boom times
and hard times,through triumph and tragedy. These
leaders have guided Tri-State in a complex industry,
while keeping the mission simple and focused—that of
providing a reliable source of low-cost,consumer-owned
power to the region's electric cooperatives and public
power districts.
On this,our 50th anniversary,the 2001 Annual Report
is dedicated to all the people who have given of themselves
to make'Fri-State Generation and Transmission Association
what it is today.
t r 1
•
TRI-STATE &T
•
sre
YEARS
.� x - 2002
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
In 1952, a small group of rural citizens had a shared Unprecedented development in our member service
vision to secure a long-term, reliable, reasonably areas has strained our surplus power supplies, so to
priced power supply for their friends and neighbors in provide for this and future growth, more investment
communities throughout Wyoming, Nebraska and in power production is needed. I.ike the organization
Colorado. From that idea came Tri-State Generation has always done, we're working to stay ahead of the
and Transmission Association, a cooperative formed curve in order to have the resources in place to
to supply wholesale power at cost to its member effectively serve our members.
distribution systems which now serve approximately
1 million consumers in a four-state region, with the We're operating in a much different and more complex
addition of 12 New Mexico cooperatives in 2000. environment than ever before. The electric utility
industry—already having experienced a significant
Our original founders, and those who succeeded them, transformation over the past few years—continues
have seen many changes during the last 50 years, to evolve.
but through it all, our primary goal has been
constant due to the fact that we've remained loyal From the pages of this report you will see that Tri-State
to the cooperative principles on which Tri-State is in sound financial shape and the organization is well
was established. positioned to continue to provide quality service to our
members. We salute the leaders past and present who
In its beginning, Tri-State consisted of a handful of have had the foresight and fortitude to make the hard
dedicated leaders, but today it's a very complex entity decisions to develop and keep the facilities in place
with assets close to $2 billion. Tri-State owns, operates and keep the power flowing.
and participates in several large generating plants and
has thousands of miles of high-voltage transmission line. In 1952, no one could have predicted what the future
would hold for Tri-State, just as it is impossible to say
History has shown us that our industry is cyclical— today what lies ahead of us. We do know, however,
consisting of periods of steady activity and growth. that what rests at the heart of Tri-State is the strength
We've built plants,grown into them for a number of of our cooperative principles and the dedication of
years, then have found ourselves in a building mode once our people to deliver on what was established a
again.At present we find ourselves in this growth cycle, half-century ago.
where it is necessary to build additional generation to
answer the call of increased power demands.
:
t
Harold "Huh" Thompson
_2_
GENERAL MANAGER'S MESSAGE
Without question, the trend that has made the largest At Tri-State,we arc continuing to build on our 50-year
impact on Tri-State and many of our members during history of providing consumer-owned power in the
the past year is growth. Some of our member systems West. To assure that this mission continues to he
in Colorado have seen annual load increases of up to fulfilled, we are exploring, with other regional utilities,
8 percent during the past several years. And, although the potential of building a large, baseload coal-fired
a slowing economy during the fourth quarter of 2001 power plant in southeast Colorado. Scoping and
has reduced some of that expansion, the fact remains feasibility studies have generated very positive input
that we, as an association, must plan now for the and interest in this project from several of our power
electric energy needs of our region. supply partners throughout the region.
For more than 20 years, we have been effective in A significant benefit of the proposed project is that
providing adequate,competitively priced energy derived several hundred miles of high-voltage transmission
from our existing mix of coal-fired generation resources, line will be added to the Colorado transmission grid,
purchases of federal hydroelectricity and contracted which will improve electricity reliability for all
power from other energy suppliers in the region. But, Colorado consumers.
by the end of the 1990s, we saw soaring summer peak
loads that required us to call on all of our hack-up To cover increased costs and to help fund the
generation resources and, oftentimes, seek expensive construction of new generation and transmission —
market energy purchases to keep the power flowing to as well as to make the necessary environmental
our members and to maintain required reserves. upgrades at our largest plant facility, Craig Station—
the board approved our first rate increase to the
Beginning in 2000, we embarked on a fast-track members since 1985. The 10.1 percent increase
construction program of developing gas-fired combustion brings the average wholesale rate to approximately
turbine units in Colorado and New Mexico. By year-end 3.9 cents per kilowatt-hour.
2001, the first of these units was nearing commercial
operation which will, in part, better position us to Although this was a difficult decision, we are certain
meet the load requirements of the summer 2002 that it is a necessary one for the future vitality of our
irrigation season. power supply system and, ultimately,to benefit rural
electric consumers throughout the West. Over the
However, the relatively high operating costs associated long-term,Tri-State will continue to provide reliable
with gas-fired peaking plants makes them impractical and competitive power to our members.
for daily use. Tri-State, as well as other power suppliers
in the region, will need to add new baseload generation
to meet the day-to-day power requirements of an R.
increasing population.
Each day all of us rely more on clectrici ty-dependent
technologies such as computers, cellular phones and
other devices to make our lives easier and more time
efficient. After the uncertainties raised over the S
deregulation debacle in California, the issues of
power quality and reliability have never been more
important than they are today.
V lb
Frank R. Knutson
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Tri-State headquarters
REFLECTING ON 5O YEARS
Since its inception in 1952, Tri-State has grown to + Seeking out and securing a number of options
establish itself as a major power provider in the West. and opportunities for reliable, long-term sources of
Along the way, there have been struggles, victories, electric power.
challenges and plenty of growing pains. There also • Applying for and receiving its first RCA loan
have been so many milestones, momentous transactions ($10 million) with which it planned m build its first
and key individuals to impact the association over the thermal generating plant(but which eventually was
years that its impossible to adequately review them used for other projects).
all. With that said, here are some reflections—
decade by decade—of Tri-State Generation and ♦ Establishing a central headquarters office in
Transmission Association's first 50 years. Loveland, Colo., hiring an initial staff and calculating
annual operating budgets.
1952-1961 4. Drafting and entering into 35-year, all-requirements
contracts with its 24 member distribution systems.
The journey began thanks to a vision shared by a handful
of men in the early 1950s. Representatives from a Consolidating all member U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
number of consumer-owned electric systems in rural contracts under one master contract.
Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska were alerted to Commissioning generation and transmission
pending power supply shortages by their existing feasibility studies for projects that were designed to
provider, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. A small bolster its expanding power supply network.
grassroots coalition of determined individuals came
together to explore what, if any, solutions might be 4. Studying potential ownership/participation in regional
available to them knowing that immediate action generation projects.
was required. + Working to meet the constantly increasing demand
for electricity by its member systems' consumers,
Within a matter of months, the group had formally which was growing at a rate of up to 22 percent.
organized itself and,together with the Rural Electrification
Administration,had conducted extensive studies regarding + Aligning itself with related organizations and
the future power supply options in the region. A associations to further solidify its position as a viable
provisional board of directors was formed, consisting power supplier in the region.
of three representatives from each of the three states.
On May 19, 1952,Tri-State Generation and Transmission
Association, Inc., was legally born having been
incorporated in the state of Colorado. Charles E. Ham
(Wheat Belt Public Power District) was elected as the
associations first president, ).D. Curtis (Mountain
View Electric Association) its vice president, and D.F.
Miller (Hot Springs Rural Electric Association) its
secretary-treasurer.
In February 1953,the provisional hoard was transformed
into an elected board and Marion Wilson (Morgan - i,r;
County Rural Electric Association) took over the reins
as president. Under his formidable leadership,Tri-State
forged ahead and experienced many milestones in its ••,-7,to•
s�� •
first 10 years, including: � .
Trans forming rural America
—5—
REFLECTING ON 50 YEARS
1962-1971
Steady growth within its members'service territories + Pursuing an aggressive program of transmission line
and the subsequent increased demand for power were and substation planning and building, including its
the driving factors behind nearly all the work undertaken first owned line (between Stegall and Sidney, Neb.), to
at Tri-State during its first 10 years.That trend continued keep pace with escalating growth and record peak loads.
in its second decade as well and led to some significant
f Developing the first, independent "postage stamp"
changes and a great deal of expansion. rate structure for its members.
Having established a strong foundation,Tri-State began + Contracting to purchase power (for resale to its
to invest in and construct some of its own transmission members systems) from other sources and suppliers,
facilities. As it continued to strengthen its power supply such as Basin Electric Power Cooperative and the
network, it also took an active role in numerous Colorado River Storage Project.
industry-related issues.
♦ Challenging the Wyoming Public Service Commission
in court over Tri-State's status and ability to conduct
One of the largest regional power issues that the fledgling
interstate commerce (a case won by the G&T that
G&T faced during this period involved the Colorado
essentially avoided state rate jurisdiction).
River Storage Project—dams and generating facilities
on the Colorado River and its tributaries. Tri-State + Meeting and coordinating with other regional power
was an ardent supporter of CRSP, which helped supply cooperatives in joint power planning projects,
the association secure a long-term power source such as Sunflower Power Cooperative (Hays, Kan.)
of hydroelectric power for its member systems. and Colorado-Ute Electric Association (Montrose,
Colo.).
Events and activities between 1962 and 1971 that helped
4: Working with its members to provide power for
Tri-State build on its reputation as a stable, thriving
some of their key, large-load customers such as
utility and that most heavily impacted the G&T included: _ .
manufacturing plants, mines and large concentrated
1 Experiencing a significant demand surge caused by residential and retail developments.
three power-intensive industries: agriculture (irrigation),
oil and gas development and mining.
P
Building a solid foundation
—6—
REFLECTING ON SO YEARS
1972-1981
Tri-State's third decade was punctuated by the construction f Dispatching its own power to its member systems
and dedication of several new facilities, including its (a function that also was previously handled by the
first owned generating plants, a DC Tie and a new Bureau) and installing a sophisticated computerized
headquarters building. Along with participating in the microwave communication system.
development of power plants,Tri-State was instrumental • Establishing a trust fund to protect migratory whooping
in securing long-term sources of fuel for them. cranes on the Platte River and, separately, approving
the sale of revenue bonds through Moffat County,
As it became more of an operating utility,the association Codo., to finance pollution control facilities—both
also started becoming acutely aware of its environmental actions necessary to proceed with the construction of
obligations and requirements,which began to require Laramie River Station and Craig Station, respectively.
a great deal of attention along with a substantial
financial investment. + Increasing the size of its board of directors from the
original nine (three representatives from each of the three
Power usage and infrastructure growth continued to states) to 25 (one representative from each of the
accelerate,resulting in dramatic increases in the association's association's member systems).
annual budgets and staffing levels.It's been said that in the
1960s Tri-State acted like a major utility and in the 1970s
it began looking like one,highlighted by:
♦ Building and operating oil-fired combustion turbine
plants in Burlington and Wray, Colo.
♦ Deciding not to become an all-requirements customer
of Basin Electric,which meant further developing its
own power supply network of generation and
transmission facilities.
4 Dedicating the David A.Hamil DC Tie in Stegall,Neb.,
allowing for power to be exchanged between the eastern
and western U.S. power grids.
♦Taking significant ownership shares in two major
coal-fired power plants at Wheatland, Wyo. (Laramie
River Station), and Craig, Colo. (Craig Station), along
with constructing related transmission facilities.
♦ Becoming a charter member of coal supply cooperative re
Western Fuels Association, which provided for a more
-..,...•, ,,,..•wigNi
cost-effective means of purchasing fuel for its power plants. :4yr7Y �
+ Appointing William Mickey as its third general I.1 lb •
manager, succeeding Wendell Garwood in that position. � 1, A
4- Purchasing hydropower from the Western Area • i.
Power Administration, which took over from the U.S. �s ;. � t j •
Bureau of Reclamation the responsibilities of marketing • A, •
'
and allocating power from federal hydro projects. {;. ^ ,�_v,,.t•., .>-"" _7�_''=r> ..^`
Breaking new ground
—7—
REFLECTING ON 5O YEARS
1982-1991
'lie early 1980s ushered in some tight economic times ♦ Signing surplus sales contracts with other regional
for Tri-State which, along with many other factors, utilities to market power that was not required by its
contributed to considerable challenges, changes and member systems—and seeing those sales flourish.
even some turmoil for the association. Depressed local
1 Undertaking a landmark case against Pacific Power
and national economic conditions affected member power
Light Company in a four-year court battle over a
sales and revenues, which were falling significantly
controversial buyout attempt of member system
short of projections. y
Shoshone River Power in which Tri-State supported
by the Rural Electrification Administration and the
While Tri-State successfully struggled through various
U.S. Department of Justice—claimed victory.
financial hardships, a new threat surfaced in the form
of takeover attempts by regional investor-owned utilities 4 Backing member system Union REA (now United
of a couple of its member co-ops. Power) in its successful efforts against Public Service
Co. of Colorado (now Xcel Energy) in a territorial
As its fourth decade was coming to a close, so too was dispute and resisting a takeover attempt by the
the pending culmination of what could arguably be investor-owned utility.
called the single biggest event in the G&T's history
f Forming alliances with other regional utilities
—the acquisition and integration of major portions of
to work toward common goals in the political/
Colorado-Ute Electric Association's assets and employees.
legislative arena.
With many milestones in its past and numerous challenges ♦ Entering into lengthy negotiations to find the best
on the horizon, Tri-State forged ahead into the next 10 solution to address the imminent financial troubles of
years, which were marked by: fellow G&T Colorado-Ute Electric Association, which
eventually led to filing a plan of reorganization in U.S.
♦ Completing construction of and bringing into commercial
Bankruptcy Court.
operation the third unit at Laramie River Station.
♦ Hiring Frank Knutson as its fifth general manager.
♦ Hiring Dan MacLeod as the association's fourth
general manager.
+ Moving into a new Westminster, Colo.-based
operations center and enhancing its energy management
and integrated communications systems.
1"1744,1 ,-
_
Powering up for future generations
—8 —
REFLECTING ON SO YEARS
1992-2OOI
Tri-State's most recent 10-year history started off with ♦ Preparing for and performing flawlessly through the
a flurry of activity when the Colorado-Ute acquisition Ycar 2000 rollover.
became final on April 15, 1992. Every facet of the Finalizing the merger with Plains Electric after
association expanded tremendously and it became the
approximately four years of discussions and negotiations—
operating agent of some of its own baseload generat- which increased the'Fri-State membership to 44 and
ing facilities for the first time.
gave the association ownership and operating respon-
sibilities at the Escalante Generating Station near
But this was not the only expansion the G&T would
Prewitt, N.M.
experience in the decade. As the 1990s came to a close,
the long-anticipated merger with Plains Electric was ♦ Settling a prolonged legal battle with the Sierra Club
coming to fruition. and agreeing to complete major environmental upgrades
on Craig Station units 1 and 2.
At the same time,the electric utility industry as a whole
+Soaring to new annual member peak demand levels as
was undergoing major changes. As Tri-State was closing - _1,879 m
its membership continued to growegawatts over the years—with
in on its 50th anniversary, it was primarily active in:
an all-time high of in August 2001.
f Submitting the joint plan of reorganization in U.S.
♦ Constructing gas-tired combustion turbine units at
Bankruptcy Court—which divided major portions of
sites in Limon and Brighton, Colo., while pursuing
Colorado-Lite Electric's assets and operations among -
several other potential future generation projects.
Tri-State, Public Service Co. of Colorado and PacifiCorp
increasing Tri-State's membership to 34 and making ♦ Approving an increase in the average wholesale rate
the association the operating agent of the Craig and to its member systems for the first time since 1985.
Nucla stations.
Tri-State has come a long way since its inception in
+ Dedicating the New Horizon Mine, which became 1952. The spirit of cooperation that built the rural
the new source of coal for nearby Nucla Station. electric program in the United States also has been at
the heart of Tri-State. The determination and focus of
♦ Buying an ownership share in the coal-fired San Juan
its leadership has provided the strength and vision to
Generating Station (Farmington, N.M.) and purchasing
succeed in its mission of providing power to the West
power from the American Atlas No. I gas-fired plant
for the past 50 years.
(Rifle,Colo.).
♦ Moving to its new headquarters facility in Westminster,
Colo., adjacent to its operations center.
♦ Participating in state and national policy procedures, _
—
including opposing the sale of the federal power marketing -
administrations, retail wheeling provisions and several
restructuring or deregulation proposals.
♦ Building new alliances through its participation in -.par �
Touchstone Energy') (the national brand for electric WY I�tlI
i� °I I
cooperatives) and Cooperative Con NEXTions (a - -
strategic support services company).
♦ Kicking off a "green power" program under which
its member systems could offer their consumers the
opportunity to buy blocks of wind-generated power. Expanding new horizons
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Lemon Generating Station
2OOI IN REVIEW
As a result of pivotal events occurring over the past To bolster its southern system,Tri-State purchased
18 months, during which the association dealt with property near Lordsburg, N.M., in 2001 for future
soaring demand for electricity in the region and gained development of four combustion turbine units totaling
12 new member cooperatives in New Mexico, Tri-State 160 megawatts. Engineering for this plant,called the
faced some unprecedented challenges in 2001. Most Pyramid Generating Station,was 60 percent complete
notably; the association spent its 50th year of operation at year-end 2001, with groundbreaking slated for the
amid a flurry of construction projects to increase its spring of 2002. The facility should be commercially
generation, transmission and telecommunications available in the spring of 2003.
capabilities and to meet the power requirements of
significant load growth throughout its four-state service Natural gas is the primary fuel source for the combustion
territory. The majority of the activity focused on new turbines, but they also are designed to operate on fuel
combustion turbines, pre-construction phases of a key oil in case of unfavorable pricing or an availability
environmentalenvirorental upgrade at Craig Station and exploration problem with the natural gas supply.
into the potential for adding new coal-fired generation.
'Fhe principal reason for construction of new generating
CONTRACTS EXTENDED TO 2040 facilities is to adequately meet increased electricity
demands by Tri-State's member distribution systems,
The year 2001 marked Tri-State's first full year with 44 especially those experiencing explosive growth. During
member cooperatives and public power districts in its 2001, such unparalleled development yielded a 6 percent
expanded membership area (following the June 2000 to 8 percent increase in the association's power sales
merger with Plains Electric). In a step toward completing and capacity requirements.
the integration of Tri-State and Plains Electric, all 44
member systems signed new, all-requirements contracts MEMBER CONSUMER-METERS ITH
that extend their continued electricity service from Tri-State OusAND5
through the year 2040. Not only does this cement the
long-term obligation between Tri-State and its members,
but it also gives the association the foundation from
1997 ?092
which to pursue much-needed new generation and
transmission projects. 1998 318 77
1999 929]
NEW GENERATION ADDED TO SYSTEM
2000 486 9
In December,Tri-State's first TO-megawatt unit of new z°o1 502 4
combustion turbine electric generating capacity was
nearing availability for commercial service at the Limon
Generating Station in eastern Colorado.The installation
of an identical second unit was completed in early 2002. - _-
i '
Construction of a similar two-unit facility near Brighton, r
Colo., just north of Denver International Airport, began 1 r r I
in June 2001 with commercial operation scheduled for
a a
the summer of 2002.This station also has a total capacity-
of 140 megawatts. Xcel Energy will receive power from
both Brighton units and one of the two Limon units _under terms of a 10-year contract. Output from one
Limon unit will be used by'I ri-State for peaking and -
•
emergency back-up generation.
Craig Station turbine deck
- 11 -
2001 IN REVIEW
OPERATIONS EXCEEDED POWER PURCHASED ON THE
INDUSTRY STANDARDS VOLATILE OPEN MARKET
Performance of electric generating units ended the year Higher-than-usual prices for purchased power during
well above the industry average at Tri-State's coal-based peak times this year proved costly for the association.
power plants in Craig and Nucla, Colo., Prewitt, N.M., Faced with this dilemma,Tri-State found itself in the
and Wheatland,Wyo. In addition to maintaining steady unenviable position of having to buy more power on
and reliable operations,power plant employees completed the often volatile open market. To offset unpredictable
31 weeks of scheduled outage time to conduct necessary electricity prices, Tri-State's two peaking combustion
maintenance and repair. turbines at Burlington Station in eastern Colorado
operated 2,987 hours during the year and established
One of the largest endeavors in 2001 involved the upgrade a record of 303 start-ups.
of main plant control systems at Craig, Escalante and
Nucla stations. In addition, employees at Nucla Station Unstable power costs also created more emphasis on
established a new safety record without a lost-time the reliability of generating stations,which resulted in
accident in August,surpassing the previous record of 662 critical equipment analysis for each power plant.
days. Another record was reached when the southwestern Recommendations were made for the purchase of spare
Colorado facility operated without a unit trip for 198 equipment to help prevent unplanned, extended outages
consecutive days. and curtailments of power delivery in the future.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT REACHED
AT CRAIG STATION
AVERAGE WHOLESALE RATE TO MEMBER SYSTEMS
(CENTS PER KILOWATT-HOUR)
Several years after a lawsuit was originally filed,a
settlement agreement was finalized in January 2001
between the Sierra Club and the five utilities that share
1997 3.6 ownership of Craig Station.The lawsuit concerned opacity
1998 36 affected by the release of particulate matter from Craig
1999 3s Station's units 1 and 2, as well as visibility impairment
and acid deposition in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area
2000 3s of northern Colorado.
2001 3.6
Under the agreement,the Yampa Environmental Project
spearheaded by Tri-State,is focusing on three main areas
"" "`" . of the power plant's emissions controls:particulates,sulfur
dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Retrofits will replace
— = ,t, m hot-side electrostatic precipitators with haghouses to
p
articulate releases. 5n
_ Sulfur t wi111
16e increased to 90 percenTm ioxide removal limits
nd nitrogen oxide emissions
—. y ' -� will be reduced.
f
NO. ki -yam-w;_
_'65a M11�i The improvements and upgrades carry an estimated total
i i "' cost of`$105 million,which will be divided among the live
' I ��� participant utilities according to their respective ownership
shares. Completion of the project is scheduled for 2004.
Coal operations at Trapper Mine
— 12—
200I IN REVIEW
NEW TRANSMISSION
PROJECTS COMPLETED
In order to deliver power generated by coal-and gas-fired southwestern Colorado. Tri-State continues to seek
facilities to consumers, Tri-State's line crews diligently final authorization to upgrade the .50-year-old
maintained and built transmission lines throughout transmission line.
the year. These lines allow for the adequate and reliable
transfer capability and interchange of electricity to DIGITAL UPGRADES ENHANCED
local area distribution lines. DATA NETWORK
Late in the year, the 115-kilovolt South Canal-Dallas Now in the final stages of a three-year project,Tri-State
Creek transmission line was energized. This I2-mile continues to upgrade its analog microwave radios with
line south of Montrose, Colo., connects the new South digital radios in order to improve the reliability of
Canal substation with Tri-State member system San communications from generating stations and
Miguel Power Association's Dallas Creek substation. transmission facilities to the dispatch control center in
.1-he project also includes a distribution transformer Westminster, Colo. In order to complete the upgrade
that serves another Tri-State member cooperative, project in eastern Colorado, a new site for microwave
Delta-Montrose Electric Association, headquartered radio installation was being built in Stratton, Colo.This
in Montrose. facility and is accompanying digital loop was energized
at year-end.
ADDITIONAL POWER PATHS PLANNED
NET MARGINS
Preliminary work continued on the Colorado-New Mexico IS MiwoNv
Intertie,a 113-mile transmission line designed to connect
an existing substation in Walsenbu rg, Colo., to a new
230/115-kilovolt substation to he built in Gladstone,
199] 21c
N.M. Currently in the permitting and pre-construction
phases of the project,this 230-kilovolt line has been issued Ives s
permits in Huerfano and Las Animas counties in Colorado, n999 nl
and will significantly enhance Tri-State's capability to
2000 20.0
move energy between the two states. Construction on
the line is scheduled to start in late 2002 and he 2001 nz '
available for commercial service the following year.
Three years ago,Tri-State proposed replacing its
69-kilovolt transmission line from Nucla to Telluride, _
Colo., in order to provide necessary, long-term back-up - -- --
electric service to the booming ski resort town of .!
Telluride. In the spring of 2001, the U.S. Forest Service ;fag-
re
leased its draft environmental impact statement on _ e
the proposal, which found that the issoci ati on's plan
•
�� r.
for a transmission line path was the preferred and "emu-talittn
environmentally sound choice. - •
f -
Dv year-end 2001,special-use permit applications had ""°may s been filed in San Miguel and Montrose counties in
Transmission path crossing Colorado
— 1-3—
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Control room at Craig:station
2OOI IN REVIEW
Tri-State sells energy to a diverse membership of 44 DIVERSE RESOURCES
electric co-ops and public power systems operating ASSURE RELIABILITY
in Colorado, western Nebraska, New Mexico and
Wyoming. Those systems, in turn, sell the power The pressures of a volatile energy market,dwindling surplus
they receive from Tri-State to a consumer base that power and aging equipment in need of maintenance are
includes farms, industries, businesses, ski resorts, among the reasons the association has embarked on a
office buildings, ranches and communities dotted major construction phase during the past year. Looking
across a 250,000-square-mile service area. The year ahead, it's apparent that a mix of new generation will be
saw considerable growth in member loads and energy needed to assure reliability for Tri-State and other regional
sales along Colorado's Front Range corridor extending power suppliers. In Colorado alone, industry experts are
from Fort Collins to Pueblo. In addition, there has calling for nearly 5,000 megawatts of new generation to
been a substantial surge in energy sales on the Western be added by 2017.New-transmission is a necessity to
Slope of Colorado due largely to an increase in drilling alleviate overloaded power paths and provide greater
for coal-bed methane and natural gas. Flexibility in moving energy throughout the region.
FEDERAL MANDATES REDEFINE The state-by-state controversy over whether deregulation
MARKETING FUNCTIONS is in the best interest of all consumers continues to unfold.
Unfavorable results in California,Montana and elsewhere
In March 2001,Tri-State established a power marketing have prompted many states to look at a "conditions
group to comply with certain deregulation mandates certain" rather than a "date certain" timetable for
from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which restructuring their states. To date, most states where
effectively separates the power dispatching and marketing electric industry deregulation has occurred have not
functions into two independent entities. Under this delivered on their promise of rate reductions to
new arrangement, the dispatch group continues to consumers or availability of competitive suppliers.
oversee and maintain the association's power delivery
system, and the marketing group provides power to For 50 years,Tri-State has successfully planned and built
Tri-State's member systems and buys and sells excess for the future needs of its membership. Continued
power on the open market. This new organization is economic prosperity in the region is tied to the power
aimed at helping the G&T more effectively perform supply infrastructure. Recent and ongoing improvements
in the changing and increasingly competitive electric to the association's generation, transmission and
industry marketplace. telecommunications networks have already brought
efficiency improvements, greater reliability and
In February, approximately 25 of Tri-State's system reductions in maintenance time.
maintenance personnel in New Mexico moved into a
new 27,000-square-foot office and warehousing facility
in Rio Rancho, located approximately 10 miles north TOTAL NON-MEMBER REVENUE
of Albuquerque. This field office serves as the hub isMLJONSI
for line, substation and telecommunications personnel
to support the association's power supply system in
New Mexico. 1997 170
1998 182
1999 169
3000 _ 214
3001 217
- 15 -
2001 IN REVIEW
EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP
DRIVES NEW PEAK
Electricity used to drive irrigation pumping has always
been, and continues to he, the largest load for many
of Tri-State's member systems operating in eastern
Colorado and western Nebraska. The peak summer
demand from irrigation operations, coupled with a
growing use of air conditioning in residential areas
served by the membership, pushed Tri-State's system peak
demand to 1,879 megawatts in August 2001, compared
MEGAWATT-HOUR SALES TO MEMBER SYSTEMS to 1,808 recorded in August 2000.
IMILIONSI megawatts o
Although there has been a slowdown in the economic
momentum seen earlier in the year, member energy
1997 I 72 sales increased to 1I million megawatt-hours compared
1998 ].1 to 9.7 million megawatt-hours in 2000. Non-menibet
energy sales decreased to 3.8 million megawatt-hours
1999 16
in 2001, compared to 4.2 million megawatt-hours in
2000 9.] 2000. This decrease was attributed, in large measure,
2001 110 to the termination of long-term contracts with other
utilities and a reduction of surplus energy available
MEGAWATT-HOUR SALES TO NON-MEMBERS for resale to other power providers in the region
IMILLIONS)
due to member commitments.
In November 2001, the Tri-State board of directors
li 88 approved the association's first rate increase to the
1997
I membership in 16 years. From 1986 through 2001,
43
1998 the average rate to member systems declined from
1999 36 approximately 4.6 cents per kilowatt-hour to an
2000 42 average of 3.6 cents in 2001 —a 23 percent decline.
2001 3s The new average rate, effective March 1, 2002, is
approximately 3.9 cents per kilowatt-hour. Increased
_ revenue from the rate adjustment will be utilized, in
.r T part, to cover increased costs and help finance needed
environmental upgrades at Craig Station, as well as
a to fund construction of new generation and
- - - transmission projects.
10 g
•
•
t.'
Nucla Station in southwestern Colorado
— 16 —
200I IN REVIEW
NEW SECURITY
MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
Since the safekeeping of information became more critical past. State-of-the-art, environmentally sound, coal-
than ever in 2001, new security hardware and software fired haseload generation, along with natural gas and
programs were installed on Tri-State's enterprise-wide oil-fired units for intermediate and peaking generation
computer network. In addition, major applications —combined with hydroelectric power and a growing
were upgraded to a new hardware platform to help program of renewable energy sources—should
improve performance, longevity and maintenance comprise sufficient energy resources to assure reliable
functions, as well as to provide standardization for and affordable electricity well into the future.
the association's essential business continuity.
TOUCHSTONE ENERGY®
PROMOTES CO-OP UNITY
With so much confusion and uncertainty in the rapidly
changing electric industry, Tri-State, its member systems
and over 500 electric cooperatives across the country
continue to speak to millions of consumers as one voice
through Touchstone Energy. With this national brand
identity initiative,co-ops are able to communicate their
unique attributes through national and regional advertising MEMBER COINCIDENT PEAK DEMAND
1MEGAWAUS1
efforts and locally-sponsored events.
In 2001, Touchstone Energy launched a new creative
advertising campaign consisting of television, radio and 1991 1407
print materials designed to promote the core values
1998 1487
that electric cooperatives have always stood for—
integrity, accountability, innovation and a longstanding 1999 'i13
commitment to the communities that they serve. 2000 I 1,808
2001 1,879
SOLID FUTURE LINKED
TO CORE ASSETS
During the last half-century, Tri-State's member „_a
systems have invested in a strong power supply system. y _ 4..,„„j„
In the years ahead, Tri-State hopes to develop r, — °"� •'`�
additional coal-fired generation as research and .= al t a ,
experience indicates that, for long-term electricity
supply and pricing strategy, a coal-based power plant ['
4 4
is a viable option for this region.
The key to an electrically sound future for Tri-State
and its members is to build on the solid power supply
assets that have served the membership so well in the
Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona
_ 77_
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WYOMING
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Co '.
YEARS
MEMBER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Bh Big Horn Rural Electric Company Nb Niobrara Electric Association,Inc.
Basin,Wyoming Lusk,Wyoming
Cb Carbon Power & Light, Inc. Nr Northern Rio Arriba Electric Cooperative,Inc.
Saratoga, Wyoming Chana, New Mexico
Cn Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative, Inc. Nw Northwest Rural Public Power District
Mountainair, New Mexico Hay Springs, Nebraska
Cr Chimney Rock Public Power District Oc Otero County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Bayard, Nebraska Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Co Columbus Electric Cooperative, Inc. Ph Panhandle Rural Electric Membership Association
Deming, New Mexico Alliance, Nebraska
Cd Continental Divide Electric Cooperative, Inc. Pv Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Inc.
Grants, New Mexico Fort Collins, Colorado
Dm Delta-Montrose Electric Association Rs Roosevelt Public Power District
Montrose, Colorado Mitchell, Nebraska
Em Empire Electric Association, Inc. Si San Isabel Electric Association, Inc.
Cortez, Colorado Pueblo West, Colorado
Cl Garland Light & Power Company Sv San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Powell,Wyoming Monte Vista, Colorado
Gc Gunnison County Electric Association, Inc. Sm San Miguel Power Association, Inc.
Gunnison, Colorado Nucla, Colorado
Hp High Plains Power, Inc. Sc Sangre Dc Cristo Electric Association, Inc.
Riverton, Wyoming Buena Vista, Colorado
Hw High West Energy, Inc. Sr Sierra Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Pine Bluffs, Wyoming Elephant Butte, New Mexico
HI Highline Electric Association So Socorro Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Holyoke, Colorado Socorro, New Mexico
Jm Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative, Inc. Se Southeast Colorado Power Association
Espanola, New Mexico La Junta, Colorado
Kc K.C. Electric Association Sw Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Hugo, Colorado Clayton, New Mexico
Kt Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, Inc. Sp Springer Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Taos, New Mexico Springer, New Mexico
Lp La Plata Electric Association, Inc. Un United Power, Inc.
Durango, Colorado Brighton, Colorado
Mw The Midwest Electric Cooperative Corporation Wb Wheat Belt Public Power District
Grant, Nebraska Sidney, Nebraska
Mo Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. WI Wheatland Rural Electric Association,Inc.
Mora, New Mexico Wheatland,Wyoming
Mc Morgan County Rural Electric Association Wr White River Electric Association, Inc.
Fort Morgan, Colorado Meeker, Colorado
Mp Mountain Parks Electric, Inc. Wy Wyrulec Company
Granby, Colorado Lingle, Wyoming
My Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. Yw Y-W Electric Association, Inc.
Liman, Colorado Akron, Colorado
— 19—
2,OOI MEMBER SYSTEM INFORMATION
Consumer-meters"
MEMBER RESIDENI'Al,. FARM COMMERCIAL.
ANI)NON-FARM IRRIGATION ANI)INDUSTRIAL OTHER TOTAL
Big Horn 2,714 3 460 18 3,195
Carbon 4,516 10 780 61 5,367
Central New Mexico 14,475 72 1,150 7 15,704
Chimney Rock 1,842 498 255 4 2,599
Columbus 3,170 229 558 14 3,971
Continental Divide 21,048 0 3,235 3 24,286
Delta-Montrose 24,428 0 2,813 116 27,357
Empire 11,743 83 2,411 7 14,244
Garland 1,504 41 34 0 1,579
Gunnison County 7,236 0 1,230 3 8,469
High Plains 9,942 298 788 0 11,028
High West 5,451 925 1,136 103 7,615
Highline 5,511 2,946 1,117 23 9,597
Jemez Mountains 25,567 15 3,095 112 28,789
K.C. 3,808 989 1,399 10 6,206
Kit Carson 21,529 0 3,556 16 25,101
La Plata 27,865 113 4,669 87 32,734
Midwest 3,026 1,357 996 22 5,401
Mora-San Miguel 9,567 0 213 1 9,781
Morgan County 4,138 1,805 1,045 61 7,049
Mountain Parks 12,841 0 2,790 9 15,640
Mountain View 30,197 243 2,408 35 32,883
Niobrara 1,959 109 443 49 2,560
Northern Rio Arriba 3,202 0 580 0 3,782
Northwest 2,115 506 172 193 2,986
Otero County 13,223 347 1,708 14 15,292
Panhandle 1,815 752 951 14 3,532
Poudre Valley 26,370 603 2,772 110 29,855
Roosevelt 1,823 364 519 15 2,721
San Isabel 16,931 31 2,322 36 19,320
San Luis Valley 7,665 2,399 843 3 10,910
San Miguel 8,734 41 2,115 13 10,903
Sangre De Cristo 8,522 21 789 14 9,346
Sierra 3,291 51 372 10 3,724
Socorro 10,216 34 1,373 6 11,629
Southeast 7,552 1,306 1,011 11 9,880
Southwestern 1,301 347 282 6 1,936
Springer 2,333 0 482 13 2,828
United 32,731 694 5,647 103 39,175
Wheat Belt 3,388 886 385 34 4,693
Wheatland 2,680 390 375 81 3,526
White River 2,188 36 538 0 2,762
Wyrulec 3,108 824 340 52 4,324
Y-W 4,754 1,714 1,576 120 8,164
TOTALS 418,019 21,082 61,733 1,609 502,443
*Reflects number of meters at year-end
-20-
200I MEMBER SYSTEM INFORMATION
Megawatt hour sales
m6.. RESIDENTIAL,FARM COMMERCIAL
ANn No AND1RRIGNIpN AND INI)USI RIAI. OTHER TOTAI.
Big Horn 22,589 4,164 77,442 11,248 115,443
Carbon 38,149 2,110 43,039 3,192 86,490
Central New Mexico 89,071 29,665 45,892 612 165,240
Chimney Rock 22,956 13,457 7,159 63 43,635
Columbus 18,207 28,673 30,378 97 77,355
Continental Divide 115,009 0 336,327 1,226 452,562
Delta-Montrose 203,408 0 278,878 3,238 485,524
Empire 89,853 1,300 95,970 224,973 412,096
Garland 15,861 1,679 1,797 0 19,337
Gunnison 61,633 0 41,256 214 103,103
High Plains 113,653 8,586 538,302 0 660,541
High West 57,246 53,401 65,474 13,731 189,852
Highline 52,281 198,748 125,156 2,112 378,297
lemez Mountains 144,829 151 136,587 6,347 287,914
K.C. 38,365 93,111 56,802 662 188,940
Kit Carson 106,289 0 156,771 797 263,857
La Plata 215,900 1,614 681,326 1,780 900,620
Midwest 33,934 97,555 31,182 459 163,130
Mora-San Miguel 43,659 0 15,572 41 59,272
Morgan County 49,486 59,670 55,991 2,882 168,029
Mountain Parks 111,541 0 108,729 9,327 229,597
Mountain View 298,210 5,959 140,592 60,335 505,096
Niobrara 12,680 7,154 20,651 826 41,311
Northern Rio Arriba 16,018 0 15,356 0 31,374
Northwest 21,873 21,687 5,067 14,682 63,309
Otero 69,517 2,568 52,556 359 125,000
Panhandle 29,526 48,752 11,605 294 90,177
Poudre Valley 283,996 10,461 385,680 1,488 681,625
Roosevelt 28,555 9,768 10,446 270 49,039
San Isabel 113,958 267 145,196 452 259,873
San Luis Valley 53,686 94,935 37,737 62 186,420
San Miguel 74,689 632 78,083 453 153,857
Sangre de Cristo 54,991 274 31,441 259 86,965
Sierra 17,016 483 11,157 25,084 53,740
Socorro 55,393 118 95,330 777 151,618
Southeast 56,886 46,858 62,422 3,830 169,996
Southwestern 7,584 26,574 374,509 20 408,687
Springer 12,255 0 47,192 5,678 65,125
United 303,837 16,526 402,195 30,668 753,226
Wheat Belt 31,798 56,648 50,087 4,083 142,616
Wheatland 24,312 13,068 81,552 139 119,071
White River 15,962 435 204,956 0 221,353
Wyrulec 28,407 26,740 39,796 62,513 157,456
Y-W 45,284 164,724 74,809 11,797 296,614
Totals 3,300,352 1,148,515 5,308,445 507,070 10,264,382
-21 -
is
•
�-
Ii
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Craig Station
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
i
fliT'
e
Hari 111U "HUIt" THOdII'lUiA Ries GoRpo> Ua11R11.Siuni Jriue) U[I,(I<W uuu
I',,...O,tit I,,, 1'rrsiJrnt Arc rr6rrt 7h•
IINI,Plant, llwm,.Jn lieu IIbim Rirrr 1'a/Lindh,
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W,ry, Cu(u lL,us Clsal,us Gi it,.0 l uu(P, (.) I Olr Rini uin Gam W(ol,
1 `nnt 1,,,,,,,,,r1 1,,,,,,,,n/1,,?do') 5,,'i iris Ulll,•r Sill,gr Ur Cris(., 1)Irra CumN
I kJ, IUoI A'.mtbr,rz Ri";Imba
BOARD MEMBERS
b., of I I ``.1 I I_ I , ti I /
H utoii) B a C a Li uiu I3altl.INC Ruins,I RI.Pusol j,AAll'.s Ru,' W.nNI COBB Wav,I•. CONNII I.I.
Sown() f3iy /loin K.C. United i'o,rcr Nolibu'csl (eetral
\,,r IYle-ei,o
Iii It i
I
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lot COSIT11(1 JAI CON WiiI'III I)AiIii Ri RN-IIU F.III<IyGI.Ii J.vCF FINN]lil1
Gumriso r Cunth' Sierra Calb,nn l\bed( Belt Wheall. vd
-23 -
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1
eI I ,
i ...
, a.
.y
' I Lta fil‘LO1 r
R.W. Gu.IJ!sru ED HANSIN TWO 110 HOP I'NI II HAROI.D HOI'KI�N JOHS JOHNSON HAI. Kri.I.Pu
Springer 1'uudre Uallcr Morgan Canitt, Garland Mountain Parks Cuh'min es
Ii
L i 1 � , .J _— __
ElOll I r Ku.MI u C'In KNISS TIM MAR I IRI'./ D,4 IN MON 1011 CHRIS I ODII R MOOR!
Mohr ni Chimney Rock kit Carson la Plata Delta-Montiose
I N tilliiitI1
M111(1-1 I.DO OR II/ C.I.Au11O ROAu.Ito DAAlu SVI.'I-ut JIUIN Swim psi Sol 11NILR Wue SII.AI'.NSON
Mold-Ad/1 Miguel (ontmentul Diride frnez MoonLiins I l(gbh oe TW Soutlnueslern
4141
y r b�
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DON II D 1MINN.K "IRaaS WM lilt KRut! Wi sllIII. W.IIII WOLSKI
N osevell .San Isabel .S.m Migncl Winder SI i
I f
if
Bit I. WRIGII I JACK YOI Nu. Ti'.RIO LILT :I.IIt
Southeast I mime Mule t,4
—24—
•
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
31'
FRANK KNIrISON MIKE MCINNIS CIIiARI III (:RAM.
Ixecittei'. Vice President ,Senior Vice President Senior Vice President
General Manager Deputy General Manager Power Monagenrenl/Generation
3,
R� � 1
SI IIHIN ['Mill Fr Ruin RI TILMMIIR
Sennu Vc President for' Mick PI III 1{uCFldnu
Senior Vice President Vice President 15ee 1'rosiden!
I}mrsmissicm General Counsel Genenctccur 7i'auvnissinnlI nlhmarticcn
lccLuulgJP
I
CI ARK COIVIN ll'.RIO Di Ml I. SARA RIA IINIVIIRCH
Fire President VAT President Vice President
Large Orsnmcer/Meru/cr Services 6rternal 9//airs Admninistration/IInmar
Res nn es
.t ..
I
i j
L�
JI RRl WA!.Kt R CHUCK YI.I/BA('IlEl( Sill RR1'I. CAIK(IAA'SKI SHARON F1 ARKINS
V i et'President I n I r sidu+l tun nual -I cc/n Manage I-c'cn(r Iss/sLwt
Ermir n nLd Serria's (l el P menu✓l O//icrr
1
—25—
•
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Wyoming wind farm
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
2001 was the first full year of operation subsequent to increased generation at Tri-State's two peaking combustion
the merger with Plains Electric G&T on June 30,2000. turbines at Burlington Station which were operated more
The combination was accounted for under the purchase in 2001 due to high market prices.
method of accounting and resulted in Tri-State assuming
$504 million of liabilities and acquiring cash of$65 million A $7.5 million patronage capital refund was made to the
and other assets with a fair market value of$439 million. member systems in 2001, which was a decrease from
The acquired assets included transmission lines and a the$15 million given in the seven prior consecutive years.
250-megawatt coal-fired generating station.Revenues _
The 2001 Debt Service Ratio of 1.06 and the Equity
and expenses relating to serving 12 former Plains members
to Capitalization calculation of 12.7 percent were
who joined Tri-State have been recognized at Tri-State above compliance levels required in the Master First
beginning July 1,2000.The merger therefore resulted in Mortgage Lndentu re.
general increases in member revenue, fuel expense,trans-
mission expense,depreciation expense and interest expense Construction work in progress was $196 million at
for half of 2000 and for all of 2001. December 31, 2001, an increase of$112 million from
December 31, 2000. The construction balance is made
Tri-State provides power to its member systems and also up primarily of the $120 million incurred for the
sells a portion of its surplus power to other utilities in construction of the two new combustion generation
the region under long-term contracts and spot sale projects in Colorado totaling 280 megawatts of capacity.
arrangements. Sales to members in 2001 increased In addition, $34 million of costs relate to the acquisition
$66 million to $415 million.The majority of the increase of turbines for a 160-megawatt combustion generation
resulted from sales to the 12 former Plains members for project in New Mexico. These generating stations are
a full year in 2001 as opposed to six months in 2000.The
1-ri-State's first step in providing for the increased
remainder of the increase resulted from continued growth electricity demands of its member distribution systems.
in the regions served by Tri-State and its member systems.
The growth in member energy requirements in 2001
reduced the surplus energy for sale in the OPERATING REVENUE
P available TOTAL MLIGNS)
spot market. This, along with the termination of some
long-term contracts, resulted in lower megawatt-hours
of energy sold to non-members in 2001. However,
2001 non-member energy revenues stayed relatively 1991 433
flat due to higher market prices for electricity during
the first half of the year. 199e ass
1999 438
High market prices for electricity resulted in large 563
increases in purchased power in 2001 and 2000 as
compared to 1999. In addition, the increase in 2001 2001 633
over 2000 was also due to the need for replacement
power resulting from greater scheduled maintenance PATRONAGE CAPITAL REFUNDS
(9 MILLIONS)
outages at generating plants in 2001 and increased
energy requirements resulting from the merger.The
increases in purchased power expense were offset by the
receipt of bill credits totaling$5.4 million and $10.7 1997 15
million in 2000 and 2001, respectively.
1998 15
Fuel expense increased $13 million in 2001; $10 million 1999 is
of this increase was due to a full year of generation at
2009 .. I i s
the coal-fired generating station acquired in the merger
with Plains. The remainder was primarily due to 2881 ' 75
_27_
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Thousands) 1997 1998 1999 2000 g �
Operating revenue .
-Member $ 262,961 $ 277,791 $ 268,507 $ 348,991 5s 02
-Non-member 169,628 181,619 169,261 213,740 as
Operating expenses
-Power costs (233,147) (244,566) (247,416) (357,751)
-Lease expense (35,727) (34,987) (34,644)
-Transmission (31,354) (33,913) (35,411)
-General &administrative (7,145) (9,158) (8,099)
-Depreciation&amortization (41,342) (42,061) (43,630)
-Income taxes (360) (1,240) (3,641)
Operating margins 83,514 93,485 64,927
Other income 16,079 14,063 15,624
zC`a
Other deductions
-Interest expense net of amounts capitalized (64,915) (62,455) (60,936)
-Other expense (12,179) (13,341) (2,475)
Net Margins $ 22,499 5 31,752 $ 17.140 $ 20,815 aa^P
Plant in service(net) $ 792,638 $ 766,503 $ 770,065 $1,134,462 r.;
Construction work in progress 23,748 40,364 36,147 83,084 1 �
a, s
Total Plant 816,386 806,867 806,212 1,217,546 (-s ";-
Cash&temporary investments 107,592 120,508 87,957 143,347 ,.3z "'
Accounts receivable 45,795 44,096 43,878 71,502 s
Inventories 35,175 37,748 47,975 50,356
Other current assets 9,861 7,918 13,785
Total Current Assets 198,423 210,270 193,595 274,169 2 s
Investments in other associations 46,929 47,541 47,591 62,767 "
Prepaid lease expense 82,009 87,245 91,252 95,475 £
Other assets 56,608 50,094 49,727 70,868 .1), -)--).(2.- ;1-
Total Other Assets 185,546 184,880 188,570 229,110 Zi,y kk:crifilrc
Total Assets $1,200,355 $1,202,017 51.188,377 $1,720,825 K ;1.,
tr;yi,;:,n.:37,:fem,
Long-term debt $ 863,045 $ 846,100 $ 828,502 $1,172,410
Current liabilities 132,254 134,658 135,010 228,207 .
Deferred credits&APBO 42,340 41,769 43,249 132,823 :1&'''.:-,;- '1-I'5,(''‘
Total Liabilities 1,037,639 1,022,527 1,006,761 1,533,440 a
Total Equity 162,716 179,490 181,616 187,385 'e .k5 a
Total Equity&Liabilities $1,200,355 $1,202,017 $1,188,377 $1,720,825 a .6 4i
� "R
._.
Other data: ' kc.
Megawatt-hours sold -member 7,228,032 7,655,868 7,588,535 9,692940 s`N
-non-member 3,757,957 4,330,459 3,578,684 4,207,788 .
System coincident peak demand-megawatts 1,407 1,487 1,373 7,808
9F
Average member mills/kWh-sales 36.38 36.28 35.38 tt
Average member mills/kWh-capital refunds 2.08 1.96 1.98 1.55 ,5- r
Plant additions(cash) $ 35,280 $ 32,103 $ 42,091 $ 74,651 n .'
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 1,682 1,300 1,882 3,441 Apunst $
t
Capital credit allocations received 2,309 3,223 5,409 11,269
Tri-State capital credits retired 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 S4-tS+
Long-term debt repaid 29,656 38,263 27,567 35,979 eg
Ratios: 2.1(:4(.1.-15-('--.
Debt Service Ratio(DSR) 1.25 1.29 1.18 1.13 x'a
Weighted average long-term debt interest rate 7.1% 7.0% 6.9% 7 0/
'z
Equity as a %of total capitalization 15.3% 16.7% 17.1% xp
Depreciation as a/ of plant in service 3.0% 3.0% 3.1% 2.5%
5/
-28 -
FINANCIAL REPORTS
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FINANCIAL PAGES
Reports of Management and
Independent Auditors F-1
Consolidated Statements
of Financial Position F-2
Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Equity F-3
Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows F-4
Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements
Note 1 — Organization F-5
Note 2 — Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies F-6
Note .3 — Electric Plant F-8
Note 4 — Long-term Debt F-8
Note 5 — Fair Values of
Financial Instruments F-9
Note 6 — Income Taxes F-10
Note 7 — Leases F-11
Note 8 — Related Parties F-12
Note 9 — Pension Plan F-12
Note 10 —Commitments
and Contingencies F-13
Tri-State/Member System
Consolidated Financial Data F-14
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
Management is responsible for the preparation of all information contained in this Annual Report,including the financial
statements. Management uses its best judgment to ensure that such statements reflect fairly the financial position,results of
operations and cash flows of the Association.Tri-State maintains a system of internal controls that is designed to provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization,that financial statements
are prepared in conformity with accounting principles accepted in the United States consistently applied and that assets are
safeguarded.The Board of Directors,through its Finance Committee consisting only of directors,has responsibility for
determining that management fulfills its responsibilities for the preparation of financial statements and financial control of
operations.The Finance Committee meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to discuss internal
control,financial reporting and auditing matters.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association,Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Tri-State Generation and Transmission
Association,Inc. ("the Association")as of December 31,2001 and 2000,and the related consolidated statements of operations,
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,2001.These financial statements arc the
responsibility of the Association's management.Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and the standards
applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements arc free of material misstatement An audit includes examining,on a test basis,evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management,as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion,the financial statements referred to above present fairly,in all material respects,the financial position of the
Association at December 31,2001 and 2000,and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31,2001,in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards,we have issued our report dated February 15,2002 on our consideration
of the Association's internal control over financial reporting and our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws,
regulations,contracts and grants.That report is an integral part of an audit performed m accordance with Government Auditing
Standards and should be read in conjunction with this report in considering the results of our audit.
/1.44-41,t hiLP
Denver, Colorado
February 15,2002
_ -
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As of December 31,(Thousands) 2001 2000
ASSETS
Electric plant
In service $2,053,571 $2,039,953
Construction work in progress 195,529 83,084
2,249,100 2,123,037
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization (951,084) (905,491)
1,298,016 1,217,546
Other assets and investments
Investments in other associations 81,371 62,767
Investments in coal mines 21,884 22,203
Deferred equity note 9,453 9,262
Other noncurrent assets 29,725 17,666
Prepaid lease expense 98,280 95,475
240,713 207,373
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 95,704 143,347
Deposits and advances 8,618 8,964
Accounts receivable-members 33,588 33,749
Other accounts receivable 22,365 37,753
Coal inventory 18,173 26,080
Materials and supplies 26,203 24,276
204,651 274,169
Deferred charges 25,746 21,737
Total assets $1,769,126 $1,720,825
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capitalization
Patronage capital equity $ 196,997 $ 187,385
Long-term debt 1,280,510 1,172,410
1,477,507 1,359,795
Current liabilities
Member advances 5,938 6,837
Accounts payable 96,491 118,884
Accrued expenses 23,710 39,293
Current maturities of long-term debt 59,081 63,193
185,220 228,207
Deferred credits and other liabilities 100,586 125,525
Accumulated postretirement benefit and postemployment obligations 5,813 7,298
Commitments and contingencies - -
Total equity and liabilities $1,769,126 $1,720,825
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
— F-2—
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31,(Thousands) 2001 2000 1999
Operating revenue
Member electric sales $415,063 $348,991 $268,507
Non-member electric sales 201,985 204,325 163,233
Other 15,476 9,415 6,028
632,524 562,731 437,768
Operating expenses
Purchased power 202,523 185,337 119,718
Fuel 121,683 108,946 72,211
Production 38,780 32,467 26,078
Lease expense 33,411 33,921 34,644
Transmission 38,051 32,482 27,714
General and administrative 5,605 8,182 8,099
Generation maintenance 42,796 31,001 29,409
Transmission maintenance 11,544 8,869 7,697
Depreciation and amortization 58,454 50,976 43,630
Income taxes (3,061) (88) 3,641
549,786 492,093 372,841
Operating margins 82,738 70,638 64,927
Other income
Interest Income 8,740 9,794 7,546
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 3,642 3,441 1,882
Capital credits from cooperatives 9,703 11,269 5,409
Other income 2,522 1,916 787
24,607 26,420 15,624
Interest and other deductions
Interest expense net of amounts capitalized 87,710 74,724 60,936
Other deductions 2,422 1,519 2,475
90,132 76,243 63,411
Net margins $ 17,213 $ 20,815 $ 17,140
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
For the years ended December 31,(Thousands) 2001 2000 1999
Balance at beginning of year $187,385 $181,616 $179,490
Net margins 17,213 20,815 17,140
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale (58) (46) (14)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedge (43) - -
Comprehensive income 17,112 20,769 17,126
Retirements (7,500) (15,000) (15,000)
Balance at end of year $196,997 $187,385 $181,616
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
— F-3 —
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASII FLOWS
For the years ended December 31,(Thousands) 2001 2000 1999
Operating activities
Net margins $ 17,213 $ 20,815 $ 17,140
Adjustments to reconcile net margins to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 58,454 50,976 43,630
Capital credit allocations from cooperatives
and equity from coal mines (9,552) (12,253) (5,856)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (3,642) (3,441) (1,882)
Amortization of prepaid revenues (27,005) (9,950) -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable 15,549 (13,284) 218
Coal inventory 7,907 6,852 (9,920)
Prepaid lease expense (2,805) (4,223) (4,007)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (37,976) 53,696 (864)
Other 61 1,374 2,069
Net cash provided by operating activities 18,204 90,562 40,528
Investing activities
Purchases of plant, net of retirements (152,745) (74,651) (42,091)
Capital credits refunded and distributions from coal mines 5,241 4,685 6,071
Cash received in merger with Plains - 64,938 -
Changes in other investing assets (13,932) 64 (5,677)
Net cash used in investing activities (161,436) (4,964) (41,697)
Financing activities
Member advances (899) 837 (228)
Payments of long-term debt (65,503) (35,979) (27,567)
Retirement of patronage capital (7,500) (15,000) (15,000)
Proceeds from issuance of debt 169,491 19,934 11,413
Net cash provided by(used in)financing activities 95,589 (30,208) (31,382)
Net increase(decrease)in cash and cash equivalents (47,643) 55,390 (32,551)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning 143,347 87,957 120,508
Cash and cash equivalents-ending $95,704 $143,347 $87,957
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest 104,858 68,206 49,615
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing
and financing activities:
Plant in service (net)and long-term debt increase
attributable to the acquisition of member facilities
and assumption of related debt - 749 In connection with the Tri-State/Plains merger
in 2000, Tri-State assumed liabilities of$503,655
and acquired cash of $64,938 and other
assets with a fair value $438,717.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
—F-4—
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE J: ORGANIZATION
Td-State Generation and Transmission Association,Inc.(the"Association") is a wholesale power supply cooperative.During 2001,
it provided power to 44 member distribution systems that serve major parts of Colorado,Nebraska,New Mexico and Wyoming.
The Association also sells a portion of its surplus power(not currently required by its members) to other utilities in the region
under long-term contracts(see Note 101 and spot sale arrangements. In 2001,2000 and 1999,total megawatt-hours sold were-
(4.8, 13.9 and II.2 million,respectively,of which 74,70 and 68 percent,respectively,were member-sourced.Total revenue from
electric sales was 5617, $553 and $432 million for 200),2000 and 1999,respectively,with 67,63 and 62 percent being
member-sourced,respectively. Energy resources were provided by generation and purchased power,of which 65,67 and 62
percent were from generation for 2001,2000 and 1999,respectively.
'Ihe Association has wholesale power contracts with all of its members through the year 2040 whereby each member is obligated
to purchase at least 95 percent of its requirements from the Association and can elect to provide up to 5 percent of its
requirements from generation owned or controlled by the member.No member has yet made such an election. Power is provided
to members at rates determined by the Board of Directors.Rates arc designed to recover all costs and provide margins to increase
members'equity. Member rate decisions require concurrence of the Rural Utilities Service("RUS").
An undivided interest in the jointly owned facilities of the Yampa Project,the Missouri Basin Power Project("MBPP")and the
San Juan Project("San Juan")are owned by the Association.Each participant in these facilities provides its own financing.The
Association receives a portion of the total output of the generating stations,which approximates its percentage ownership.The
operating agent for each of these projects allocates to the Association its share of fuel and other operating costs.
The Association employs 985 people,of which 317 are subject to collective bargaining agreements.
On June 30,2000,the Association merged with Plains Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative,Inc. ("Plains").The
combination of the Association and Plains has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.The purchase price
was 5504 million,which represents the amount of the liabilities assumed.The liabilities included a $27.9 million acquisition
reserve for certain contingent liabilities that may exist but were not determinable at the date of the merger.The assets and
liabilities of Plains have been recorded at Plains'historical cost as required by RUS regulations.'Ihe excess of the purchase price
over the stated value of the net assets acquired was recorded as an acquisition adjustment of 524.1 million to increase plant in
service,and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 30 years.
The summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the merger follows(millions):
Electric plant, net $384 Long-term debt $389
Cash 65 Deferred credits 106
Other assets and investments 55 Other liabilities 9
$504 $504
The results of the merged operations have been included in the Association's consolidated statements of operations beginning
July I,2000.
— F-5 —
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION:The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Association and its 99 percent interest in
Western Fuels-Colorado,a limited liabilin-company organized for the purpose of acquiring coal reserves and supplying coal to the Association,
and,in 2001,its 100 percent interest in Tri-State Power,ETU,a limited liability company organized for the purpose of owning and operating
certain electric power plants.The consolidated financial statements also include,oil a pro rata basis,the Association's undivided interest in jointly
owned facilities Isee Note I).All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.The accompanying
consolidated statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 1-GAAP")as applied to regulated
enterprises and as prescribed by the RUS.
USE OF ESTIMATES:The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements,and the reported:unounrs of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.Actual results could differ from those estinvares.
ELECTRIC PLANT AND DEPRECIATION: Electric plant is stated at cost.The cost of internally constructed assets includes payroll,
allowance fur equity funds used during construction,overhead costs and interest charged during construction.The amount of interest cap talized
during 200 I was$4.5 million with none being capitalized in 2000 and 1999.At the time that units of electric plant are retired,original cost and
cost of removal,net of the salvage value,are charged to the allowance for depreciation.Replacements of electric plant that involve less ohm a
designated unit value are charged to maintenance expense.
INVESTMENTS IN OTHER ASSOCIATIONS: Investments in other associations primarily include the Associatiuds investment in the
patronage capital of other cooperatives.Allocations of capital credits from other cooperatives are based on the Association's patronage wi:h the
cooperatives.Cash retirements of capital credits from other couperariyes reduce the investment balances.
INVESTMENTS IN COAL MINES:The Association and certain participants in the Yampa Project are members of Frappes Mining,Ise.
("Trapper,Mining'),which is organized as a cooperative and is the owner and operator of the Trapper Mine near Craig,Colorado.The
Association also owns 99 percent of Western Fuels-Colorado which is the owner and operator of the New I lorizon Mine near Nucla,Colorado.
In addition,the Association has partial ownership in Westem Fuels Association I-WFAA"I,which,through its ownership in Western Fuels-
Wyoming,is the owner and operator of the Dry Fork Mine i car Gillette,Wyoming.
DEFERRED EQUITY NOTE:During 1981 and 1982,the Assn<iation sold certain tax benefits under the safe harbor leasing provision of the
Internal Revenue Code.The initial proceeds were recorded in deferred credits and are being amortized into income at S715,000 per year through
2024.The unamorrized balance at December 31,2001 and 2000 was$16.2 and$16.9 million,respectively.The 1981 lease included a$34.7
million deferred egnine Mare,payable annually,and has been recorded on a discounted basis at I0 percent,which approximates its fair value of
$9.5 and$9.3 million at December 31,2001 and 2000,respectively.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:The Association considers highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less
to he cash equivalents.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES:The Association's investment in fixed maturity securities is classified as either held-to-maturity,available-6:hr-sale
or trading.Investments in dept securities that the Association has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity would be carried at
amortized cost.Investments in debt securities that the Association does not have the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified
as available-for-sale or trading and are carried at fair value.Classification of debt securities is made at the time of purchase and,prospectively,
that classification is reevaluated as of each balance sheet date.Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities classified as available-tor-sale are
carried as a separate component of inember equity.Unrealized holding gains and losses an secunnes classified as tending would be reported in
margins.Realized gains and losses on sales of investments,and declines in value judged to he other-than-temporary,are recognized on the
specific identification basis and are also included in margins.
Marketable securities held by the Association are related no the directors'and executives'elective deferred compensation plans and consist of
investments in stock funds,pond funds and money market funds.At December 3I,2001,the cost and estimated fair salve of the investments
was$710,000 and 5636,000 respectively,with a net unrealized loss balance of 574,000.At December U,2000,the cost and estimates]fair value
of the investments was$546,000 and 5530,000,respectively,with a net unrealized toss balance of$16,000.The estimated fair value of the
investments is included in other noncurrent assets an the consolidated statements of financial position.The change in the net unrealized ga n or
loss is reported separately as a component of comprehensive income as shown on the consolidated statements of equity.
INVENTORIES:Coal inventories of 516.9 and 524.3 million at December 31,2001 and 2000,respectivey,are stated at LIFO jlast-in,fit-out)
cost Other coal,fuel,and materials and supplies inventories are stated at average cost.
— F-6—
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MEMBERSHIPS:Fifty$5 memberships are authorized of which 44 are outstanding at December 31,2001 and 2000,respectively.
PATRONAGE CAPITAL:Net margins of the Association are treated as advances of capital by the members and,prior to the merger with Plains,
were allocated to the members on the basis of their electricity purchases from the Association.Subsequent to the merger,the net margins are
accounted for an the basis of allocation units and the act margins of each allocation unit are allocated to the members thereof based on their
electricity purchases from the Association.One allocation unit consists of the members of the Association before the merger and another allocation
unit consists of the former members of Plains that became memhers of the Ass ciatiIm.Net losses arc Tint allocated to members,but are offset
by future margins.
POSIRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS:'1he Association sponsors a self-funded medical plan for all employees of
the Association.The plan provides poxstretirement medical benefits to all toll-time employees and retirees(who have attained age 55)who elect
to participate.The plan was unfunded at December 3I,2001,is contributory(with retiree premium contributions equivalent to the employees
premium,adjusted annually)and contains other cost-sharing features such as deductibles.
OPERATING REVENUE:Revenue from electric energy deliveries is recognized when delivered.In addition,the Association has recognized the
benefit of certain deferred revenues assumed from Plains in connection with the merger.Prior to the merger,twelve former Plains members made
payments totaling$4'.6 million to Plains for the prepayment of purchased power and one former Plains member made an$11.8 million payment to
Plains in order to buy out its relationship with Plains.Plains recorded the amounts as deferred revenues. Ihe Association assumed the deferred
revenues upon merging with Plains and has included them in deferred credits and other liabilities.During 2001 and 2000,$20.5 and 58.0 million,
respectively,of the member prepayment were recognized in member operating revenue and 56.5 and$2.0 million,respectively,of the hi yout payment
were recognized in nun-memher operating revenue.The balances in the deferred revenue accounts for the member prepatolarc and buyout payment
were$19.I and$3.3 million,respectively,at December 31,2001.The RUS has agreed to allow the Association to recognize income related to these
payments in amounts that will meet the Financial Goals and Capital Credits Policy of the Association as it relates to the establishment of rates.
INTERCHANGE POWER:The Association oeeasiunally engages in interchanges,or noncash swapping,of energy.Based tin the assumption
that all energy interchanged will eventually he received or delivered in-kind,monthly net activity is recorded with purchased power and is valued
at the average cost of fuel to generate power.
INCOME TAXES:The Association is a nonexempt cooperative subject to federal and state taxation and,as a cooperative is allowed a tax
exclusion for margins allocated as patronage capital.The liability method of accounting for income taxes is utilized,whereby changes in deferred
tax assets or IrabiI ties result in the establishment of a regular iry liability or asset.A regulatory liability or asset associated with deferred income
taxes generally represents the future increase or decrease in income taxes payable that will he received or settled through future rate revenues.
ALLOWANCE FOR FUNDS USED DURING CONSTRUCTION ("AFUDC"):AFUDC:represents the cost of equip funds used for
construction purposes.AFUDC is capitalized as part of the cost of plant and is credited to income.Interest rates of?.3,7.4 and 7.2 percent were
used for 2001,2000 and 1999,respectively.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES: During 2001,the Association adopted Financial Accounting Standards
Board Statement No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and Ni. 138,Accounting for Certain Dedrwtive
Instruments and Certain Hedging Actinides—an Amendment to FA.SB No. 1.33,which require that every derivative instrument be rnorcled on
the balance sheet at fair value,with changes in the fair value of derivatives recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met.
A portion of natural gas supplies to produce electricity for the Assciaton is purchased at market prices,which are n larile.The Ass ciao or
therefore entered into a natural gas price swap contract m fix the price of gas for three months beginning December I,2001.This financial
instrument is held only to hedge the risk of natural gas price movements,not for speculation,and results in the changes on cash slows for the
hedged purchases being offset by corresponding changes in the values of this derivative financial instrument.The derivative qualifies as a cash
flow hedge and therefore,at December 3I,2001,the fair value of 5143,000)is recorded in other comprehensive income and also reflected in
current liabilities.Gains and losses an settlement of this contract are charged or credited to operating expenses in the month in which the hedged
transaction closes.During 2001,this natural gas hedge increased the Association's natural gas casts 533,000,compared with market pries.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:The provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 142,Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets and No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of I.nug-Lieed Assets are expected to he adopted by the
Association in 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.
RECLASSIFICATIONS:Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2000 consolidated financial statements to conform to the
2001 presentation.
— F-7—
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - ELECTRIC PLANT
The Association's investment in electric plant and the related annual rates of depreciation or amortization calculated using the
straight-line method are as follows(thousands):
Annual
Depreciation Rate 2001 2000
Generation plant 2.2%to 3.1% $1,219,922 $1,214,953
Transmission plant 2.0%to 2.75% 476,194 478,422
General plant 3.0%to 30.0% 143,943 135,694
Other 2.8%to 5.6% 213,512 210,884
Electric plant in service (at cost) 2,053,571 2,039,953
Construction work in progress 195,529 83,084
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization (951,084) (905,491)
Electric plant $1,298,016 $1,217,546
At December 31,2001,the Association had $78.0 million of commitments to complete construction projects,of which
approximately$65.4 million and $10.3 million are expected to be incurred in 2002 and 2003,respectively,with the remaining
$2.3 million to be incurred in the years 2004 through 2006.
NOTE 4 -LONG-TERM DEBT
The mortgage notes payable and pollution control revenue bonds arc secured on a parity basis by a Master First Mortgage
Indenture, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement. Substantially all the assets,rents,revenues and margins of the Association
are pledged as collateral.The mortgage notes payable contain certain restrictive financial covenants and consist of the
following (thousands):
2001 2000
Mortgage notes payable
2% RUS, due through 2017 $ 6,819 $ 7,855
5% RUS, due through 2026 52,915 56,306
4.77% to 13.39% FFB, due through 2033 863,113 863,904
5.70% to 9.05% CFC, due through 2022 223,729 104,251
7.24% CoBank, ACB, due 2013 31,565 33,726
Variable rate CFC, due through 2026 2,773 3,590
Variable rate Grantor Trust Obligations, due 2017 43,910 44,960
1,224,824 1,114,592
Pollution control revenue bonds
Moffat County, CO 5.50% to 5.625%,due through 2007 12,297 14,016
Platte County,WY Daily Adjustable Rate Series, 2.71% average for 2001,due 2014 48,000 48,000
City of Gallup, NM, 6.10% to 6.65%, due through 2017 69,165 71,625
Other 962 994
1,355,248 1,249,227
Less funds on deposit with trustees (15,657) (13,624)
Total long-term debt 1,339,591 1,235,603
Less current maturities (59,081) (63,193)
Long-term debt $1,280,510 $1,172,410
— F-B —
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Platte County bonds may be"put" back for remarketing at any time and may be converted to a long-term fixed rate at the
option of the Association.A$49.1 million letter of credit with the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation
("CFC")secures payment of these bonds and has an expiration date of November 2002.
Under the City of Gallup Bond Indenture,Tri-State is required to maintain a reserve fund in an amount equal to the maximum
amount of regularly scheduled principal and interest coming due on the bonds in any bond year,which at December 31,2001
was$7.2 million.The reserve fund requirement is met through the debt service reserve fund balance of$3.9 million and a surety
bond for$3.5 million,which are held by a trustee.
At December 31,2001,the Association had $100 million of unused lines of credit available for operations.In addition,the
Association had Federal Financing Bank("FFB")commitments to advance additional construction funds of$107 million and
CFC commitments to advance additional construction funds of$73.9 million.
Annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows(thousands):
2002 $ 59,081
2003 68,583
2004 60,824
2005 75,645
2006 81,583
Thereafter 993,875
$1,339,591
NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Certain methods and assumptions were used by the Association in estimating its fair value disclosure.The fair values of long-
term debt were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Association's current incremental borrowing rotes for
similar types of borrowing arrangements. Fair values of marketable securities are presented in Note 2.The carrying amounts and
fair values of the Association's long-term debt were as follows(thousands):
2001 2000
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
RUS $ 59,734 $ 60,079 $ 64,161 $ 60,493
FFB 863,113 993,101 863,904 964,577
CFC 226,502 242,165 107,841 110,048
Pollution control revenue bonds 129,462 135,306 133,641 125,391
Grantor Trust Obligations 43,910 39,575 44,960 43,529
CoBank,ACB 31,565 32,450 33,726 34,177
Other 962 752 994 754
1,355,248 1,503,428 1,249,227 1,338,969
Less funds on deposit with trustees (15,657) (15,657) (13,624) (13,624)
$1,339,591 $1,487,771 $1,235,603 $1,325,345
F-9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -
NOTE 6 - INCOME TAXES
Under the liability method,deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts
of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes.Components of the Association's net deferred
tax liability were as follows(thousands):
2001 2000
Deferred tax benefits
$ 54,279 $ 55,068
Safe harbor lease receivables 12
Net operating loss carryforwards 13 652 14,652 4 014,012
Deferred debt charges
8,428 18,590
Deferred revenues - 123
Investment tax credit carryforwards 15,006 16,944
Other
105,709 109,131
(123)
Less valuation allowance
105,709 109,008
Deferred tax liabilities ,0 119
97 643
Asset basis differences including safe harbor assets 90,643 991,019
Depreciation 5
2 159 1 956
Capital credits from BEPC and CFC 12,599 20,87
Interchange 1
123,075 124,751
Net deferred tax liability $(17,366) $(15,743)
At December 31,2001,the Association had net operating loss carryforwards ot$38.9 million,which,if not utilized,will expire
between 2005 and 2021.The future reversal of existing temporary differences will more likely than not enable realization of the
net operating loss carryforwards.
Income tax expense(benefit) for 2001,2000 and 1999 was$(3.1)million,5(88,000) and$3.6 million,respectively.Income tax
expense in 1999 results from alternative minimum tax("AMT").The 2001 income tax benefit results from the carryhack to 1999
of AMT net operating losses.At December 31,2001,the Association had 53.3 million of AMT credit carryforwards to offset
future regular taxes payable.
H_10—
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 - LEASES
The Association is the lessee for Craig Generating Station Unit 3 through 2018,with an option to purchase the facilities at no less
than the then current fair market value.The five lessors are obliged to pay the principal and interest on non-recourse debt from
the proceeds of the lease payments paid by the Association.Semiannual lease payments from the Association are for an amount
at least equal to the non-recourse debt service payments.Total non-recourse debt associated with this lease is$102 million.
Pollution control revenue bonds in the amount of 5102 million were issued by Moffat County,Colorado,the proceeds of which
were used to finance costs of certain pollution control equipment installed at Craig Unit 3.The bonds mature in 2010 and bear
interest at a variable rate,adjusted weekly.During 2001,the average interest rate on this issue was 2.68 percent.The difference
in forecasted and actual interest rates is recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the bonds. Interest on the
bonds may he convened to a fixed rate under certain conditions.The guarantee of the payment of principal and interest on these
bonds is provided by a combination of bond insurance provided by AMBAC Indemnity Corporation and a liquidity facility. In
October 2001,the liquidity facility was changed from Societe Generale to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York.The
liquidity facility is scheduled to expire October 2006.
The Association's minimum noncancelable operating lease commitments for Craig Unit 3 (based on an assumed interest rate of
5 percent on the pollution control revenue bonds)at December 31,2001 were as follows(thousands):
2002 2003
2004
2005
$ 35,635
35,635
35,635
35,635
2006 35,635
Thereafter 267,167
$445,342
The Association incurred lease expense of$33.4,$33.9 and $34.6 million for 2001,2000 and 1999,respectively. Lease expense
fur the Craig Unit 3 operating lease is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease,based on total estimated
minimum lease payments to be paid over the life of the lease.Amounts paid in excess of or below recorded lease expense are
recorded as prepaid lease expense and are recognized as lease expense over the remaining term of the lease or non-recourse debt,
as applicable.
— r-Il —
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - RELATED PARTIES
YAMPA PROJECT:The Association acts as the operating agent for participants of the Yampa Project and related common facilities.
BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE("BEPC"): BEPC is a wholesale power supply cooperative of which the Association
is a member.The Association purchased power from BEPC at a cost of$43.0,$41.3 and$41.4 million for 2001,2000 and 1999,
respectively.The Association's investment in BEPC was$33.3 and $28.9 million at December 31,2001 and 2000,respectively,
and is included in investments in other associations.The Association's share of BEPC capital credit allocations was$6.6,$8..3
and$1.9 million in 2001,2000 and 1999,respectively.
NATIONAL RURAL UTILITIES COOPERATIVE FINANCE CORPORATION:Investments in other associations included a
$43.3 and $30.0 million investment in CFC as of December 31,2001 and 2000,respectively.At December 31,2001 and 2000,
the total outstanding debt owed to CFC was$227 and$108 million,respectively.The Association's share of CFC capital credit
allocations for 2001,2000 and 1999 was$1.2 million,$1.2 million and$942,000,respectively.
TRAPPER MINING:The Association and certain participants in the Yampa Project own Trapper Mining,the Yampa Project's
primary coal supplier.Trapper Mining,organized as a cooperative,is the Yampa Project's primary coal supplier.The Association's
membership interest in Trapper Mining of$9.1 and$8.6 million at December 31,2001 and 2000,respectively,is accounted for
as an investment in coal mines.The Association's share of coal purchases from Trapper Mining was$8.3,$8.3 and 58.8 million
in 2001,2000 and 1999,respectively.The Association's share of Trapper Mining earnings is recorded in the year of the capital
credit allocation.In 2001,2000 and 1999,$745,000,$785,000 and$2.0 million,respectively,were included in capital credits
from cooperatives.
WESTERN FUELS ASSOCIATION:WFA is a nonprofit membership corporation organized for the purpose of acquiring and
supplying fuel resources to its members,which include the Association and BEPC.WFA supplies fuel to MBPP through contracts
with coal companies and through its ownership in Western Fuels-Wyoming,which owns and operates the Dry Fork Mine.As a
result of the merger with Plains in 2000,the Association also receives coal supplies directly from WFA for a generating unit in
New Mexico.The Association's share of coal purchases from WFA was$37.0,$28.5 and$13.6 million in 2001,2000 and
1999,respectively.
The Association advanced funds to WFA,through MBPP for mine and equipment purchases and mine development costs.
The fund advance balance of$7.1 million at December 31,2001 and 2000, is included in investments in coal mines.The
Association's membership interest in WFA,including interest through MBPP in WFA,totals$2.0 million at December 3I,2001
and 2000,and is included in investment in other associations.
NOTE 9 - PENSION PLAN
All employees of the Association participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Retirement and Security
Program. The plan was fully funded with contributions totaling$6.4, $5.1 and$3.7 million in 2001,2000 and 1999,
respectively. In this master multiple-employer defined benefit plan,the accumulated benefits and plan assets are not identified
separately by individual employer.
— F-12—
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SALES:The Association has delivery obligations under firm power sales contracts with Public Service Company of Colorado,
which vary by season from 375 to 425 megawatts and expire in 2011,2016,2017 and 2018. A firm power sales contract with
PacifiCorp commits 50 megawatts through 2020.Another firm power sales contract commits 50 megawatts to Public Service of
New Mexico through June 30,2010.
PURCHASE.REQUIREMENTS:The Association is committed to purchase coal for its generating plants under long-term contracts
that expire between 2003 and 2025. At December 31,2001,annual purchase requirements under these contracts were as
follows(thousands):
2002 $ 91,012
2003 91,088
2004 88,382
2005 86,215
2006 78,355
Thereafter 713,625
$1,148,677
The minimum cost of the coal purchases,based on the latest contractual prices,is subject to escalation clauses that are generally
based on cost increases incurred by the suppliers.
INDEMNITIES:The Association agreed to indemnify certain lessors and purchasers of the tax benefits under the safe harbor
leases(see Note 2)should certain disqualifying events occur.Certain other safe harbor leases,not acquired by the Association,
also contain indemnity responsibilities that were assumed in 1992.The most significant disqualifying event is the failure of the
Association to maintain its status as a taxable entity.Should a disqualifying event occur related to 2001 or prior,specified payments
must be made to the lessors and purchasers of$24.8 million,decreasing ratably through expiration in 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL:The Association's electric generation facilities are subject to various operating permits and must operate
within guidelines imposed by numerous environmental regulations.The Association believes these facilities are currently in
compliance with such regulatory and operating permit requirements.
DEREGULATION:The operating environment of the electric utility industry is moving toward partially regulated competition
with the passage of the 1992 Energy Policy Act and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Orders 888 and 889 that deregulate
sales among power resellers.As a result,end-user deregulation was left to the states,and the Association is actively monitoring
proposed legislation.The effects of potential legislation on the financial position or results of operations of the Association are
not known at this time.
I-13
TRI-STATE/MEMBER SYSTEM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(UNAUDITED)
Consolidated (Thousands) Total Total Net Equity as a
Assets Equity Margins % of Assets
2001
Members $1,860,867 $778,679 $51,302 41.8
Tri-State 1,769,126 196,997 17,213 11.1
Less eliminations (255,276) (196,997) (17,213)
System consolidation $3,374,717 $778,679 $51,302 23.1
2000 $3,251,480 $754,024 $39,478 23.2
1999 2,316,855 607,157 47,216 26.2
1998 2,267,066 579,996 61,706 25.6
1997 2,184,951 536,579 59,571 24.6
Members Only(Thousands) 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Revenues $ 673,335 $ 653,630 $ 459,735 $ 463,171 $ 438,478
Operating margins 23,225 17,107 16,944 22,021 26,144
Net margins 51,302 39,478 47,216 61,706 59,571
Plant in service(net) 1,314,610 1,253,772 951,759 889,457 831,741
Total assets 1,860,847 1,780,150 1,339,732 1,274,683 1,178,307
Long-term debt 881,826 837,527 575,402 554,815 507,173
Equity 778,679 754,024 607,157 579,996 536,579
Equity as a % of assets 41.8 42.4 45.3 45.5 45.5
Average retail rate (mills/kWh) 65.0 65.2 64.8 64.0 65 1
Times Interest Earned Ratio 2.09 1.92 2.67 3.35 3.44
Debt Service Coverage Ratio 1.97 1.76 2.36 2.74 2.78
Source:Members'Form 7s
Plains'members joined Tri-State on June 30,2000. Full-year numbers are reflected for all calculations.
TRI-STATE ASSETS TOTAL CONSOLIDATED ASSETS
1.BILLIONS) (S BICION SI
1997 - 120 1997 218
1998 ' 1200 1998 ..:........ ... ... 227
1999 1.'9 1999.99•999999• 232
1000 172 2000 -2-
2001 '.71 2001� . 3 37
TRI-STATE EQUITY TOTAL CONSOLIDATED EQUITY
IS MILLIONS) IS MILLIONS)
1997 '03 1997 537
1998 -..... ............... ._:..,............ 179 1998 _... ... ...:,...,t 580
1999 182 1999 999.9,9999 607
2000 187 2000
254
2001 197 2001 7„
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