HomeMy WebLinkAbout20251603.tiffMEMORANDUM
TO: Diana Aungst, Planning Services
FROM: Mike McRoberts, P.E., Development Review
DATE: March 31, 2025
SUBJECT: USR25-0006 SEF
The proposal has been reviewed by Development Review on behalf of the Weld County Department of
Public Works and the Department of Planning and Zoning. Staff comments made during this phase of the
application process may not be all-inclusive, as other issues may arise during the remaining application
process.
COMMENTS
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION/LOCATION
Project description: A Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of
subdivisions and historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
This project is north of and adjacent to County Road 66 and is east of and adjacent to County Road 53.
Parcel number: 080121000006.
Access is from County Road 53.
ACCESS
Development Review has reviewed the application materials related to access. The applicant is proposing
to use an existing, permitted, oil and gas access (AP16-00527 and APOG19-0051) onto County Road 53
located approximately 1,420 feet north of County Road 66.
Per Section 8-14-30.B.3., an Access Permit is required for changing the use or type of traffic of any existing
access location. Please refer to Chapter 8 of the Weld County Code for more information regarding access.
ROADS AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY
County Road 53 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. Pursuant to the definition of
setback in the Weld County Code, Section 23-1- 90, the required setback is measured from the right-of-
way line. Be aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained
by Weld County.
County Road 66 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. Pursuant to the definition of
setback in the Weld County Code, Section 23-1- 90, the required setback is measured from the right-of-
way line. Be aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained
by Weld County.
Per Chapter 8, Article 13, Section 8-13-30.B, a Weld County Right -of -Way Use Permit is required for any
project that will be occupying, constructing, or excavating facilities within, and or encroaching upon, any
County rights -of -way or easement. Right -of -Way Use Permit instructions and application can be found at:
https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Permits/Right-of-Way-Permits.
Weld County will not replace overlapping easements located within existing right-of-way or pay to relocate
existing utilities within the County right-of-way.
TRAFFIC
Latest Average Daily Traffic on County Road 53 counted 205 vehicles per day with 33% trucks. The 85th
percentile speed is 56 miles per hour.
Per the applicant's traffic information, the following traffic is expected to occur during construction:
• Up to 10 semi -trucks delivering tracking systems (2,000 to 10,000 estimated gross vehicle weight).
• Up to 25 semi -trucks delivering solar modules, typically occurring 45 to 60 days after delivery of
the tracking systems (20,000 to 50,000 estimated gross vehicle weight).
• Up to five semi -trucks delivering two transformers and two switch gears, typically occurring 90 to
120 days after delivery of the solar modules (20,000 to 30,000 estimated gross vehicle weight).
Once operational, the facility will not have any vehicles larger than a one -ton pickup accessing the site
(unless significant equipment replacement is needed).
The designated travel route will be State Highway 392 to County Road 53 and heading south on County
Road 53 to the existing County Road 53 access point.
TRACKING CONTROL
Tracking control is required to prevent tracking from the site onto public roadways. For access to gravel
roads, tracking control devices must be either double cattle guards with 100 feet of road base, or road base
on all driving surfaces.
ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION
Development Review is requesting a Road Maintenance Agreement for Construction including, but not
limited to, dust control and damage repair to specified haul routes.
Improvements/Road Maintenance Agreement: An example agreement is available at:
https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Planning-and-Zoning/I mprovements-Agreements
DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS
This area is within a Non -urbanizing Drainage Area. Non -urbanizing Drainage Areas typically require
detention of stormwater runoff from the 1 -hour, 100 -year storm event falling on the developed site and
release of the detained water at the historic runoff rate of the 1 -hour, 10 -year storm event falling on the
undeveloped site having a 2% impervious value.
Approximately 82% of the project site is located on soils comprised of Hydrologic Soil Group A. Per Section
23-4-1030.B.1., this portion of the site qualifies for an exemption to stormwater detention.
Approxinnately18°/0 of the project site is located on soils comprised of Hydrologic Soil Group C. Stormwater
runoff from this portion of the site will drain onto Type A soils equipped with water quality BMPs specifically
designed to control the transport of sediment. Based on these two factors, no detention of stormwater
runoff is required for this portion of the project site.
No additional drainage measures are required.
Historic Flows:
The applicants will be required to maintain the historic drainage flows and run-off amounts that exist on the
property.
GRADING PERMIT
A Weld County Grading Permit will be required if disturbing more than one (1) acre of land. Grading Permit
applications are accepted after the planning process is complete (map recorded). An Early Release
Request Form may be entertained only after the applicant and the Planning Department have reviewed the
referral and surrounding property owner comments. The Early Release Request may or may not be granted
depending on referral comments and surrounding property owner concerns. Contact Development Review
for more information.
COLORADO CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
A Colorado Stormwater Discharge Permit is required when disturbing more than one (1) acre of land.
Contact: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division, 303-692-
3575.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
A. A Road Maintenance Agreement for Construction is required at this location. Road maintenance
includes, but is not limited to, dust control and damage repair to specified haul routes. (Development
Review)
B. The USR map shall be amended to delineate the following:
1. County Road 53 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification
Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label on the USR map the existing right-of-way (along with its creating document)
and the physical location of the road. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-
way. This road is maintained by Weld County. (Development Review)
2. County Road 66 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification
Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label on the USR map the existing right-of-way (along with its eating document) and
the physical location of the road. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way.
This road is maintained by Weld County. (Development Review)
3. Show and label the approved tracking control. (Development Review)
4. Show and label the entrance gate if applicable. An access approach that is gated shall be designed
so that the longest vehicle (including trailers) using the access can completely clear the traveled
way when the gate is closed. In no event, shall the distance from the gate to the edge of the traveled
surface be less than 35 feet. (Development Review)
5. Show and label the drainage flow arrows. (Development Review)
6. Show and label the parking and traffic circulation flow arrows showing how the traffic moves around
the property. (Development Review)
Prior to Construction:
A. The approved access and tracking control shall be constructed. (Development Review)
B. If more than one (1) acre is to be disturbed, a Weld County Grading Permit will be required.
(Development Review)
C. Overweight and/or oversized special transport permits from the Department of Public Works shall be
acquired for all applicable trucks. (Development Review)
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (NOTES ON THE USR MAP)
1. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for controlling noxious weeds on the site, pursuant
to Chapter 15, Article I and II, of the Weld County Code. (Development Review)
2. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road, including damages
and/or off -site tracking. (Development Review)
3. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on public roads. On -site parking shall be utilized.
(Development Review)
4. Any work that may occupy and or encroach upon any County rights -of -way or easement shall acquire
an approved Right -of -Way Use Permit prior to commencement. (Development Review)
5. The Property Owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Road Maintenance
Agreement for Construction. (Development Review)
6. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts will be maintained on the site in such a manner that it
will reasonably preserve the natural character of the area and prevent property damage of the type
generally attributed to runoff rate and velocity increases, diversions, concentration and/or unplanned
ponding of stormwater runoff. (Development Review)
7. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of onsite drainage related features. (Development
Review)
Weld County
Department of Public Health and Environment
Memorandum
To: Diana Aungst, Planning Services
From: Lauren Light, Environmental Health Services
Date: March 24, 2025
Re: USR25-0006 Applicant: Noble Energy, Inc., c/o Syrcuit Energy
Solutions, Inc.
Environmental Health Services has reviewed this Site -Specific Development Plan and Use by
Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility outside of subdivisions and historic
townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
As no employees will be located at the site, permanent water and sewer is not required.
Screened portable toilets, hand washing units and bottled water can be utilized during
construction. A dust mitigation plan was submitted which indicates water will be used as
necessary and vehicle speeds will be limited. A noise impact statement was submitted which
indicates a noise level of 55 dB(A) during daylight hours and 50dB(A) during nighttime hours
will be complied with.
We recommend the following requirements are incorporated into the permit as development
standards:
1. During construction, all liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes
Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.) shall be stored and removed for
final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater
contamination.
2. During construction, no permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site.
This is not meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a
solid waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.
3. During construction, waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a
manner that controls fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 304-6410
weldhealth.org
Public Health
Weld County
Department of Public Health and Environment
other potential nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in accordance with
Chapter 14, Article 1 of the Weld County Code.
4. Fugitive dust and fugitive particulate emissions shall be controlled throughout the
duration of construction of the facility.
5. During construction, adequate toilet facilities and handwashing units shall be provided.
Portable toilets shall be serviced by a cleaner licensed in Weld County, contain hand
sanitizers, be screened from public view, and removed when construction is
completed.
6. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of State and
Federal agencies and the Weld County Code.
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 304-6410
weldhealth.org
Public Health
Weld County Referral
March 3, 2025
Submit by Email
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Noble Energy, Inc., c/o Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Inc. Case Number: USR25-0006
Please Reply By: March 31, 2025 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and
historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Parcel Number: 080121000006-R1203286 Legal: PART OF THE SW1/4 SECTION 21, T6N, R64W of
the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location: North of and adjacent to CR 66; east of and adjacent to CR 53.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response
not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of
Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the
Planner associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to
applications under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this
additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
T
We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our
Comprehensive Plan because:
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Signature �� �Q�IZS Date 3/5/2025
Agency Oil & Gas Energy Dept.
Weld County Planning Dept. PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Tel:(970)-400-6100 Fax:(970)-304-6498
Weld County
Oil & Gas Energy Department
Referral Comments
Referring Agency: Weld County Department of Planning Services
Reference Number: USR25-0006
Associated Parcel: 080121000006
OGED Reviewer: Tyler Seno
Review Date: 3/5/2025
The Staff of the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department (OGED) appreciates the opportunity to
comment on the captioned planning case. Staff has completed review of the proposal and have no
conflicts with the proposed activity. We have included additional comments below:
1. There are two (2) active 1041 WOGLA Permits on the associated parcel (WOGLAI9-0064 and
WOGLAI9-0063). There is one Location Assessment for Pipelines (LAP19-0012). There are
several oil and gas well sites in the area surrounding the parcel.
2. The parcel includes multiple active and plugged and abandoned oil and gas wells.
3. The subject lands may include additional oil and gas related infrastructure, such as off -
location flowlines or pipeline which are a use by right and not regulated by Weld County.
OGED requests that the applicant reviews flowline data available from the ECMC map viewer
and utilize Colorado 811 prior to any excavation activities.
4. Typically, with intensive development, OGED would request the developer to complete an
ALTA survey to identify existing oil and gas infrastructure. OGED appreciates the applicant
completing an ALTA survey which identifies the oil and gas wells on site and adhering to
development setbacks.
These comments and recommendations are based upon the review of the application materials
submitted by the applicant and other relevant information available on the E -Permit site.
Submit by Email
Weld County Referral
March 3, 2025
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Noble Energy, Inc., c/o Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Inc. Case Number: USR25-0006
Please Reply By: March 31, 2025 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and
historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Parcel Number: 080121000006-R1203286 Legal: PART OF THE SW1/4 SECTION 21, T6N, R64W of
the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location: North of and adjacent to CR 66; east of and adjacent to CR 53.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response
not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of
Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the
Planner associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to
applications under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this
additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our
Comprehensive Plan because:
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Signature Ethan Cozzens Date 3/8/25
Agency Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company
Weld County Planning Dept. PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Tel:(970)-400-6100 Fax:(970)-304-6498
THE NEW CACHE LA POUDRE IRRIGATING COMPANY
THE CACHE LA POUDRE RESERVOIR COMPANY
(970) 352-0222
Project Review Comments
Case Number: USR25-0006
Submittal Date: 3/3/25
Reviewed by: The New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company
Applicant: Noble Energy, Inc., c/o Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Inc.
In reviewing the application, The New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company would like to make the
following comments.
The New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company canal borders the property running along the south
side. The New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company has a statutory responsibility to operate and maintain
the canal. The ditch company has been in existence since 1870 and has a prescriptive easement in this
area. This activity includes, but is not limited to weed control, excavation of the canal, weed burning,
water delivery, etc. The canal road and adjoining area are utilized for these purposes. Some of these
activities occur on an irregular basis depending on need. Access along the canal must be maintained in
order to perform our tasks. To maintain the access of the company, no fences, gates, landscaping, shrubs
or trees, buildings or any improvements are permitted within the easement without the written
permission of New Cache.
Below, please find the following comments:
- Canal Easement. The Company has an easement and right of way for the Canal and sufficient
lands on each side of the Canal for its maintenance, repair, operation, improvement,
e nlargement, access (including, without limitation, vehicular and pedestrian), and to allow
the Company to do whatever is reasonably necessary for the Company to fully utilize and
e njoy the easement and right of way; however, in no event shall said easement and right of
way be less than thirty (30) feet in width on each side of the Canal, measured as thirty (30)
feet from top -of -bank.
- In pre -submittal correspondence with the applicant, a question was raised regarding
stormwater design. If stormwater plans are required, The New Cache La Poudre Irrigating
Company will need to have the opportunity to review and comment.
Respectfully,
Ethan Cozzens
General Manager
The New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company
33040 Railroad Avenue • P.O. Box 104 • Lucerne, Colorado 80646
From: Melissa Truitt
To: Ethan Cozzens
Cc: Korey Miller
Subject: Re: Syrcuit Energy Solutions proposed Solar Facility (Greeley #2 Canal)
Date: Monday, September 16, 2024 1:28:04 PM
Attachments: imaae001.png
imaae002.pnq
Ethan,
Not currently. We will have to do a drainage report/narrative but not a design plan.
If we have to do any plans I will send them your way. We will plan and drainage to run away from and not into the
canal.
Thank you,
Melissa Truitt
307.760.7000
From: Ethan Cozzens <ecozzens@newcache.com>
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2024 11:52 AM
To: Melissa Truitt <Melissa@syrcuit.com>
Cc: Korey Miller <KMiller@newcache.com>
Subject: RE: Syrcuit Energy Solutions proposed Solar Facility (Greeley #2 Canal)
Hi Melissa,
Agreed. There is plenty of room. Is the County requiring any stormwater design or work for the project?
Thank you,
Ethan Cozzens
General Manager:
Cache La Poudre Management Company
New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company
Cache La Poudre Reservoir Company
Lower Poudre Augmentation Company
ccozzens@neweachc.com
Office: 970-352-0222
P.O. Box 104
33040 Railroad Ave.
Lucerne, CO 80646
From: Melissa Truitt <Melissa@syrcuit.com>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 4:35 PM
To: Ethan Cozzens <ecozzens@newcache.com>
Subject: Syrcuit Energy Solutions proposed Solar Facility (Greeley #2 Canal)
Hello Ethan,
Thank you so much for your voicemail today. Our facility is proposed in Section 21 -6N -64W. It appears we will be a
minimum of 131' from our fence line to the top of bank.
Please let me know if you need anything else from me.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
Melissa Truitt
Director, Land
307.760.7000
t,
SYRCUIT
ENERGY SOLUTIONS
14-21 WELL
EXISTING WEL
(NOBLE EN
Weld County Referral
March 3, 2025
Submit by Email
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Noble Energy, Inc., c/o Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Inc. Case Number: USR25-0006
Please Reply By: March 31, 2025 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and
historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Parcel Number: 080121000006-R1203286 Legal: PART OF THE SW1/4 SECTION 21, T6N, R64W of
the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location: North of and adjacent to CR 66; east of and adjacent to CR 53.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response
not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of
Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the
Planner associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to
applications under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this
additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
T
We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our
Comprehensive Plan because:
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Signature Date 4/14/2025
Agency Platte Valley Fire Protection District
Weld County Planning Dept. PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Tel:(970)-400-6100 Fax:(970)-304-6498
j Platte Valley Fire Protection District
FIRE
Applicant: Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Inc.
Project: Harper Kona Solar Energy Facility (County Road 53)
Comment Date: 04/14/2025
Comments By: Greg Becker, Fire Marshal
These comments are provided in accordance with the 2018 International Fire Code and any other
applicable standards and are based on the plans provided.
This project is on a site that is approx. 20.7 acres with the proposed construction of a 4.3 megawatt AC
Solar Photovoltaic Generating Facility.
FIRE DISTRICT NOTIFICATION REVIEW COMMENTS
1. All construction/demolition shall comply with IFC Chapter -33. There must be an acceptable
driving surface for emergency vehicles provided prior to and throughout construction.
2. All roads within the site and at the entrance shall be able to accommodate the weight of our
heaviest fire apparatus and meet the requirements of IFC 503 & Appendix D throughout regular
operations at the site. This driving surface shall always be maintained.
3. Facility building plans will require separate review and approval of the Fire District.
4. Facility signage including facility name, address, and emergency contact number needs to be placed
at the entrance from the county road, and at the facility entrance IFC 505.
5. Any construction near current or old oil and gas facilities, wells, pipelines, etc. Shall meet the
requirements of the Platte Valley Fire Protection District, Weld County and the ECMC (Colorado
Energy and Carbon Management Commission). Proper documentation is required that all pipelines
have been accounted for and that the developer is aware of these.
6. A final fire acceptance inspection is required for this project.
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. Approval of the Fire District Notification is based on the submitted plans.
2. All work shall be completed in accordance with the 2018 IFC.
3. Any equipment deviations other than what is approved by the Fire Code Official must be approved.
4. Any future buildings/additions will need to be reviewed and approved by the Fire District.
This list is intended to provide the owner with as much information as possible, but it may be amended too
during subsequent reviews or as other information becomes available. The designer is responsible for the
technical accuracy of their work. Nothing in this plan review is intended to approve any aspect of this plan
that does not comply with all applicable codes and standards. Any changes that are made to the plans will
require approval from the Fire District. Please reach out to me directly if you have any further questions
and to schedule all fire inspections at gbecker@plattevalleyfire.org.
Respectfully,
Greg Becker
Fire Inspector III/Plans Examiner #246317324
NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Platte Valley Fire Protection District - Fire Marshal
27128 County Road 53, Kersey, Colorado 80644 (970) 353-3890
Submit by Email
Weld County Referral
March 3, 2025
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Noble Energy, Inc., c/o Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Inc. Case Number: USR25-0006
Please Reply By: March 31, 2025 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and
historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District.
Parcel Number: 080121000006-R1203286 Legal: PART OF THE SW1/4 SECTION 21, T6N, R64W of
the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
Location: North of and adjacent to CR 66; east of and adjacent to CR 53.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response
not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of
Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the
Planner associated with the request. Please note that new information rnay be added to
applications under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this
additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our
omprehensive Plan because:
EPA
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter. ,� r
f
rt
Signature
\fief:nee&
Agency West reeley Conservation District
Date March 10, 2025
Weld County Planning Dept. PO Box 758, Greeley, CO 80632 Tel:(970)-400-6100 Fax:(370)-304-6498
West Greeley Conservation District
(970) 356-8097
Below
is a list
of
the
soils
and
their
limitations
accordin
to the
USDA Weld
Count
Soil
Surve
.
Map
Shallow
wellings
Dwellings
with
Small
Septic
Tank
Prime
Land
Farm
i
if
Additional
.
.
Comments
Soil
Name
Soli Texture
Symbol
Excavations
without
basements
commercial
Absorption
4
Aquolls
Flooded
Severe
Severe
Severe
Severe
Severe
No
51
Otero
Sandy
Loam
Slight
Slight
Slight
Slight
Slight
No
64
Thedalund
Loam
Severe
No
65
Thedalund
Loam
Severe
No
The West Greeley Conservation
contact our office at (970)
District recommends that the applicant does an on site soils test prior
356-8097. If you or the applicant have any questions please feel free to call
'i
to any
our office.
construction. For a more complete soils description
consult the
Weld County Soil Survey or
•;: .:r ,s,r. ' ,. > r • - '{... ' " "t �' .—
.� ` r. / r•' •r• _ J l�" J . f fmil•' - . �. r ' r Ji -
:i ": � ,y,rrr • rj • . , ,'
+r �J �
I
wEs'r�
ur. GRE
� _ 'I
_
._
CO Ns
RvATIN
•
‘
.
DisTRicr
tr. N
. L I S -
.�
.
W
.., .i,t
•
_
.. . .T
NI.
, f'
I .(►
r'
r
r
r • if
y
�
or • �
r. 1
y
y ti '
�'
`.�
L�
<J
• ,V I
• � `
� i r _y a .j
h.
Produced by the West Greeley Conservation District
It? its
•
4
z.,
o-
i
63;ntn ELITE War WC° SPEW
e It CM
XO 31
COLORADO
Parks and Wildlife
Department of Natural Resources
Northeast Region
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
P 303.291.7227
March 4, 2025
Weld County Planning Department
Attention: Diana Aungst
1402 North 17th Ave
Greeley, CO 80631
daungst®weld.gov
Re: CPW referral letter for Case # USR25-0006 Harper Kona Solar
Dear Diana,
Thank you for the opportunity for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to submit formal
comments on the proposed Harper Kona Solar 4.3 Megawatt (mW) photovoltaic solar facility,
located on 20.7 acres of private land in Weld County. The Harper Kona Solar is proposed to be
located at T6N, R64W Sec. 21.
The mission of CPW is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality
state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities
that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of
Colorado's natural resources. CPW has a statutory responsibility to manage all wildlife species
in Colorado and to promote a variety of recreational opportunities throughout Colorado. One
way we achieve this goal is by responding to referral comment requests with our
recommendations on how to avoid and minimize potential direct and indirect impacts to
wildlife and their habitat.
CPW appreciates this early consultation from Harper Kona Solar (Syrcuit Energy Solutions) and
Weld County because it can lead to a responsibly developed project that works toward
achieving state solar goals while protecting sensitive wildlife species, habitats, and time
frames. We recognize renewable energy development is important to meeting the State's
greenhouse gas reduction goals and improving climate resiliency of our communities.
Jeff Davis, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Parks and Wildlife Commission: Dallas May, Chair • Richard Reading, Vice -Chair • Karen Bailey, Secretary • Jessica Beaulieu
Marie Haskett • Jack Murphy • Gabriel Otero • Duke Phillips, IV • Gary T. Skiba • James Jay Tutchton • Eden Vardy
•�ih'll 4
THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGH PRIORITY HABITATS
Developers and permitting agencies can help avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to
wildlife from their projects by working with CPW. High priority habitats (HPH) are defined as
sensitive habitats that CPW actively maps on an annual basis regarding sensitive wildlife use,
plus scientifically -backed best management practice (BMP) recommendations. HPHs are a
subset of CPW's species activity maps that we collect and update for a variety of species and
their particular habitats; we provide these maps to the public and regulatory agencies for the
environmental assessment and land use commenting of proposed development on a given
parcel, and general scientific research.
The proposed project occurs entirely in the HPH defined as Mule Deer Winter Concentration,
which is important to deer during the winter timing. CPW recognizes the smaller scale of this
project; however, since it does occur within a Mule Deer Winter Concentration Area, CPW
recommends that construction occur outside of the mule deer winter season (December 1 -
April 30). CPW also encourages the following design and best management practice
recommendations for this solar project based on CPW's Solar BMPs:
• CPW recommends that any installed fencing should be eight feet in height, have
round -capped posts (e.g., so wildlife isn't impaled), smooth top wire to the
fence (e.g., no top barbed wire) (or if two top strands are needed, ensure they
are at least six inches apart). The bottom wire can be barbed but should be four
inches or less from the ground. See CPW's "Fencing with Wildlife in Mind"
brochure.
• CPW recommends that the solar facility is checked weekly, either remotely or in
person (or escape structures are installed inside the fenced area), to allow
animals to escape if they become trapped within the facility. Please
immediately report mortalities, trapped or injured wildlife, or other reportable
incidents to the local District Wildlife Manager (Jackson Davis 970-342-0461).
Please document and report these findings to CPW annually.
• Please notify CPW when the facility will be built for our records.
If you have any additional questions regarding wildlife concerns for this property, please
contact Jackson Davis, District Wildlife Manager at Jackson.davis®state.co.us or by phone at
(970) 342-0461.
Respectfully,
Mark Leslie, Northeast Regional Manager
2
Cc: Jackson Davis, District Wildlife Manager - jackson.davis®state.co.us
Lexi Hamous, NE Land Use Coordinator - lexi.hamous-miller@state.co.us
Brandon Muller, Acting Area 4 Wildlife Manager - brandon.muller@state.co.us
Andrew Newman, Energy and Land Use Lead- andrew.newman@state.co.us
3
Lindsay Oliver
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Valdes - CDOT, Rose <rose.valdes@state.co.us>
Monday, April 7, 2025 12:51 PM
Diana Aungst
Lindsay Oliver; Timothy Bilobran - CDOT
Re: Referral Agency Email - USR25-0006
This Message Is From an External Sender
This email was sent by someone outside Weld County Government. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Afternoon Diana,
RE: Syrcuit Energy Solutions, Harper Kona Solar Energy Facility, Land Owner: Noble Energy
Thank you for sending this referral to CDOT.
Highway Access Permit.
Permit Application
https://socgov.my.site.com/accesspermits/s/login/
Highway Improvements. CDOT will not require highway improvements due to the short-term nature of
the solar facility build -out.
Traffic Narrative. for the Tracking system deliveries, the solar
module deliveries and transformer and switchgear deliveries. The traffic memo indicates the daily totals.
Please provide the Peak Hour totals.
i
Kind Regards,
Rose Valdes
Assistant Access Manager
10601 West 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80634
Rose.Valdes@state.co.us I http://codot.gov/
Office Phone (970) 939-2440
www.cotrip.or
My working hours are Monday through Thursday 7am to 4:30pm and 7am to 11am on Fridays.
On Wed, Apr 2, 2025 at 6:18 PM Diana Aungst <daungst@weld.gov>wrote:
Hi Rose:
Please provide comments on this case by 4/9/2025. Case # USR25-0006. To view application materials,
visit https://aca-prod.accela.com/WELD/Default.aspx or navigate to weldgov.com > departments >
planning and zoning > online e -permitting.
Then,
*Click on "Planning" tab on the menu bar
* Under General Search, type case# USR25-0006, into the Record Number box and search
*Click on the "Record Info" arrow drop -down menu
*Click on "Attachments" to review the application materials
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned planner: Lindsay Oliver at 970-400-6100
Thank you,
Lindsay Oliver
1402 North 17th Ave
Greeley, CO 80631
970-400-6100
loliver@weld.gov
2
Hello