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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20252878.tiffMEMORANDUM TO: Chris Gathman, Planning Services FROM: Dan Campbell, Development Review DATE: July 15, 2025 SUBJECT: USR25-0010 Natural Gas Compressor Station 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 Site -Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, for an Oil and Gas Support and Service Facility (Natural Gas Compressor Station), outside of subdivisions and historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. This project is north of Interstate 76 and is east of non -maintained County Road 61. Parcel number 121728000003. Access is onto County Road 59 (Town of Keenesburg jurisdiction). ACCESS Development Review has reviewed the application materials related to access and determined the following: Access from the site is onto CR 59 via an existing access road that traverses through portions of Weld County non -maintained right-of-way and private property. The access point onto CR 59 was permitted under APOG20-0082; however, this portion of CR 59 is now under the jurisdiction of the Town of Keenesburg (Rattler Ridge Annexation). Contact the Town of Keenesburg to obtain an approved access permit or for any additional requirements that may be needed related to access. ROADS AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY A portion of the existing access road to the site appears to cross or occupy Weld County non -maintained right-of-way. A Weld County Right -of -Way Use Permit will be required for any disturbances that may be necessary for the portion of access road in the right-of-way. The submitted plan shall show any non - maintained rights -of -way used to access CR 59. Maintenance requirements for non -maintained right-of- way will be included in the Right -of -Way Use Permit, if applicable. The existence of a physical road does not imply public right-of-way, and the road may be located on private property. All right-of-way shall be verified and physical roads located in relationship to the public right-of- way to ensure trespassing does not occur. This portion of County Road 59 is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Keenesburg. The municipality has jurisdiction over access to the road. Please contact the municipality to verify the right-of-way requirements, access permit or for any additional requirements that may be needed to obtain or upgrade the permit. Per Chapter 8, Article 13, Section 8-13-30, 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.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Public-Works/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 There is no traffic information for this area. The traffic information submitted with the application materials indicates round trips per day as: 20 passenger cars/pickups, 4 tandem trucks, and 3 semi -trucks. 100% of traffic will be coming from Keenesburg on CR 18, which then turns into CR 59. The highest traffic volumes are expected from 6:30- 8:00 AM and from 5:00-6:00 PM. The submitted traffic information has been forwarded to the Town of Keenesburg. No additional traffic information is needed, at this time. DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS This area is within an 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. The applicant has submitted a preliminary drainage report. An accepted final drainage report and detention pond design completed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer is required prior to recording the USR map. The drainage report must include a Certificate of Compliance stamped and signed by a P.E. licensed in Colorado. Historic Flows: The applicants will be required to maintain the historic drainage flows and run-off amounts that exist from 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, Public Works and 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. 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 Final Drainage Report and Certification of Compliance stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Colorado is required. (Development Review) B. The plan shall be amended to delineate the following: 1. The applicant shall verify and delineate on the map all non -maintained right-of-way from the subject parcel to and including the connection to CR 59. Reference the documents creating the right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. Any non -maintained road needs to be located/identified in relationship to the right-of-way. (Development Review) 2. This portion of County Road 59 is under the jurisdiction of the Town of Keenesburg. Please contact the municipality to verify the right-of-way. Show and label the right-of-way. Show the approved access on the site plan and label with the approved access permit number if applicable. (Development Review) 3. Show and label the project site's access location on County Road 59. (Development Review) 4. Show and label the approved tracking control on the site plan. (Development Review) 5. Show and label the entrance gate, if applicable. (Development Review) 6. Show and label the accepted drainage features. Stormwater ponds should be labeled as "Stormwater Detention, No -Build or Storage Area" and shall include the calculated water quality and detention volumes. (Development Review) 7. Show and label drainage flow arrows. (Development Review) 8. Show and label the parking and traffic circulation flow arrows showing how the traffic moves around the property. (Development Review) Prior to Construction: A. If more than one (1) acre is to be disturbed, a Weld County Grading Permit will be required. (Development Review) B. Overweight and/or oversized special transport permits from the Department of Public Works shall be acquired for all applicable trucks. (Development Review) C. A Weld County Right -of -Way Use Permit is required for any disturbances that may be necessary for an access road located in Weld County right-of-way. (Development Review) DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (NOTES ON THE SITE PLAN) 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. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of onsite drainage related features. (Development Review) 6. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained. (Development Review) Chris Gathman From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Chris Gathman Monday, June 16, 2025 11:15 AM joel.sparks@p66.com FW: USR25-0010 Referral Form.pdf; Authorization Form.pdf FYI. The referral and e-mail was just received from Fire today 061625. Per the application form you are listed as the authorized agent. Regards, Chris Gathman Planner III Department of Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3537 P.O. Box 758, 1402 N 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80632 0x 00 Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Tom Beach <tbeach@seweldfire.org> Sent: Monday, June 16, 2025 7:59 AM To: Chris Gathman <cgathman@weld.gov> Subject: USR25-0010 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. Chris, Once this has been through the process and approved, they will be required to complete an Application for Plan Review, inspections, supporting documentation and approval with our agency to include the appropriate fees. Thank you Tom Beach, Fire Chief Southeast Weld Fire District 1 95 W. Broadway Avenue Keenesburg, Colorado 80643 (303) 732-4203 Office (970) 939-0347 Cell https://urldefense.com/v3/ http://www.seweldfire.org;!!KFsiObvCuh0!8aOAx4dGA7TSEKV4Enu98 RtPpacFxJTAgWfpWvWsYWWm7CopJcBupM2VQZQmEKD4t0BdVKGeR6T1 BtcA0fOa$ This electronic communication (including attachments) is intended solely for the person or the persons to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you receive this communication in error, you are prohibited from disseminating or copying this communication (including attachments), please notify the sender that you received this email in error and delete this communication from your system. 2 Jessica Reid From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Valdes - CDOT, Rose <rose.valdes@state.co.us> Tuesday, August 5, 2025 8:11 AM Dan Campbell Timothy Bilobran - CDOT Re: Project: Compressor Station in Guttersen Ranch. 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 Morning Dan, Thank you for your email. Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay! Based upon the traffic details provided and the parcel's distance from the nearest highway access, CDOT has no concerns/requirements. Kindest Regards, Rose Valdes Access Manager Region 4 Outdoor Advertising Inspector COLORADO Department of Transportation 10601 West 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80634 Rose.Valdes@state.co.us http://codot.gov/ www.cotrip.or Office Phone (970) 939-2440 My working hours are Monday through Thursday 7am to 4:30pm and lam to 11am on Fridays. On Mon, Jul 21, 2025 at 10:41 AM Dan Campbell <dcampbell2@weld.gQv> wrote: Rose, This email is regarding a project for a compressor station in Gutterson Ranch. I have attached the traffic narrative provided by the applicant. The traffic route from the site is to the west to the access point on CR 59 and south to 1-76. Please let me know if you have any concerns or would want any additional traffic analysis for this project. Thanks. Parcel# 121728000003 1 Thank you, w COUNTY, CO Dan Campbell Development Review Engineer I Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3808 P.O. Box 758, 1402 N. 17th Ave., Greeley, CO 80632 x 2 Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action , concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited 3 Chris Gathman From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Chris Gathman Wednesday, July 16, 2025 9:51 AM Dan Campbell FW: Referral Agency Email a_cdot-traffic-assessment-guidelines-tag.pdf; b_cdot-traffic-assessment-levels-tal.pdf; Traffic Narrative.pdf FYI. Not sure if you got this. As turns out you are the Engineer on this case. Comments from CDOT based on traffic Narrative. Regards, COUNTY, CO Chris Gathman Planner III Department of Nanning Services Desk: 970-400-3537 P.O. Box 758, 1402 N 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80632 0 Join Our Team 0 IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Chris Gathman Sent: Monday, June 16, 2025 7:10 AM To: Mike McRoberts <mmcroberts@weld.gov> Subject: FW: Referral Agency Email FYI. COUNTY, CO Chris Gathman Planner III Department of Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3537 P.O. Box 758, 1402 N 17th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80632 i Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Valdes - CDOT, Rose <rose.valdes@state.co.us> Sent: Monday, June 16, 2025 7:01 AM To: Chris Gathman <cgathman@weld.gov> Cc: Timothy Bilobran - CDOT <timothy.bilobran@state.co.us> Subject: Re: Referral Agency Email 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. Hi Chris, RE: Weld County Case # USR25-0010 DCP Operating Company, LP Goldeneye Compressor Station CDOT requires a traffic assessment to include impacts to 1-76. Please find the new state-wide traffic assessment guidelines attached. Kind Regards, Rose Valdes Assistant Access Manager co COLORADO Department of Transportation 10601 West 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80634 Rose.Valdes@state.co.us 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 11 am on Fridays. On Thu, Jun 12, 2025 at 1:53 PM noreply@weld.gov<noreply@weld.gov>wrote: The Weld County Planning Department has received a Planning Use By Special Review application, case # USR25-0010, in which your agency may have an interest. Planning staff requests you review the application materials, and return the Referral Form to Chris Gathman by the date specified on the Referral Form attached in the online permitting center. 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 2 * Under General Search, type case# USR25-0010, 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: Chris Gathman at 970-400-6100 Thank you, Chris Gathman 1402 North 17th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 970-400-6100 cgathman@weld.gov COLORADO Parks and Wildlife Department of Natural. Resources Area 4/ Fort Collins Office 317 W Prospect Road Fort Collins, CO 80526 P 970.472.4300 I F 970.472.4458 July 10, 2025 Weld County Planning Department Attn: Chris Gathman 1402 North 17th Ave Greeley, CO 80631 cgathman@weld.gov RE: CPW's Comments on the Guttersen Ranch Gas Compressor Station File No. USR25-0010 Dear Chris, Thank you for the opportunity for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to comment on the proposed DCP Operating Company's Oil and Gas Compressor Station located on the Guttersen Ranch. It is our understanding that the project is located in Section 28 of T3N, R63W. The proposed use of the site is to construct a 10 -acre natural gas compressor station tentatively referred to as the `Goldeneye Station'. The proposed operation includes various compression equipment that will be used to compress and transport natural gas. The equipment being proposed includes, but is not limited to, compressors, vapor recovery units, separators, dehydrators, storage tanks, and additional supporting compression equipment. 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, as is the case for this project. After review of this project and location, CPW has the following recommendations: RECOMMENDATIONS: The Importance Of High Priority Habitats The protection of wildlife habitats, wildlife, and access to hunting recreation are of great importance to CPW. CPW recommends that all proposed projects be assessed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to sensitive wildlife habitats and species. That includes species of concern, big game winter concentration areas, breeding and nesting habitats for sensitive 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 Guttersen Ranch Compressor Station — CPW Comments (6/26/2025) Page 2 of 3 ground -nesting birds, and nests of raptors sensitive to development to prevent the toss of habitat or fragmentation of habitat. Mule Deer Severe Winter Range HPH Mule Deer Severe Winter Range is the portion of a species' range where 90% of individuals are found during the harshest two winters out of ten, when snowpack is highest and temperatures are lowest. Mute Deer Severe Winter Range is present in and surrounding the proposed site. For the identified portions of the proposed project area that traverse Mule Deer Severe Winter Range, CPW recommends the following timing limitation be implemented for construction and operation: • CPW recommends that construction of this compressor station occur during the non -winter months (May 1 to Nov. 30), since it occurs in a High Priority Habitat for Mule Deer Severe Winter Range that has a recommended timing stipulation of Dec. 1 to April 30. Furthermore, CPW recommends that the Applicant include these HPH and SWAP acre impacts in their Cumulative Impacts assessment for the OGDPs that will use this compressor station. Fencin g CPW recommends that if fencing (project perimeter or internal) is installed, either during or after construction of the project, it should be the type that would allow the free passage of wildtife. This will help to ensure the safety of mute deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn antelope in the project area. Fencing plans should avoid the use of woven wire -type fences that wilt trap or prevent the movement of wildlife. CPW recommends using three or four -strand smooth -wire fencing with a minimum bottom strand height of 17 inches above ground level and a maximum top strand height of 42 inches above ground level, along with the installation of double stays between posts. Alternatively for security fencing, CPW recommends the use of an 8ft tall game fence without barbed wire on top. Further information can be found in CPW's "Fencing with Wildlife in Mind" brochure. Noxious Weeds and Native Re -seeding Also of importance is the revegetation of disturbed soils and the control of noxious weed species through the development of a noxious weed management plan prior to initiating construction activities. The revegetation of disturbed areas and control of invasive weed species are important components of the project and it is critically important that the site be restored back to the native plant community that currently exists on site. It is preferable that native vegetation be retained on -site during the operational lifespan of the project, both as potential habitat for wildtife and to ensure successful reclamation of the project area, as noxious weeds could spread to adjacent habitats outside the project area. CPW recommends that the applicant consult with Weld County and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for current noxious weed best management practices. Guttersen Ranch Compressor Station — CPW Comments (6/26/2025) Page 3 of 3 Lighting and Visual Impacts: Developments of this nature typically employ extensive lighting to ensure operational safety, visibility, and security. Such lighting can significantly disrupt nocturnal wildlife activity, alter animal behavior, and negatively impact habitat utilization patterns. Artificial lighting at night has been documented to adversely affect migratory birds, raptors, bats, and other nocturnal species, potentially causing disorientation, collisions, habitat avoidance, and increased predation risk (Longcore Et Rich, 2004; Gaston et al., 2013). Furthermore, visual disturbances from expansive built structures and extensive paved surfaces can result in avoidance behaviors by wildlife, further fragmenting available habitat and disrupting critical movement corridors. To address and mitigate these potential light and visual impacts on wildlife, the following strategies may be considered: • Install down -shielded fixtures to focus light downward and minimize horizontal light spill. • Use warm -colored lighting (2200 to 2700 Kelvin) with longer wavelengths, which reduce disruption to wildlife sensory systems. These guidelines are supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Bird Conservancy. • Dim or deactivate lighting when not in use, particularly during nighttime hours and outside of operational periods. • Implement motion -sensing lighting systems to minimize continuous illumination, thus reducing prolonged disturbances to wildlife. • Minimize overall nighttime lighting to the extent feasible, ensuring compliance with necessary safety and operational requirements. If the timing or scope of this project changes and/or if you have any questions, please contact the local District Wildlife Manager, Mike Grooms at 970-692-4028 or michael.grooms@state.co.us. Sincerely, Brandoeln.,ffiviber- Brandon Muller Area 4 Acting Area Wildlife Manager Cc: Mike Grooms, Greeley S. District Wildlife Manager- michael.grooms@state.co.us Lexi Ramous, NE Land Use Coordinator- lexi.hamous-miller@state.co.us "Threats to Birds: Collisions - Nighttime Lighting I U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service." FWS.gov, 4 May 2023, www.fws.govistory/threats-birds-collisions-nighttime-lighting. 0 DNR REFERRAL COLORADO Energy €t Carbon Management Commission Department of Natural Resources 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 To: Chris Gathman, Weld County Planning Department, Weld County From: Rebecca Treitz, Location Assessment Supervisor, ECMC Subject: ECMC Referral - USR25-0010, DCP Operating Company, LP, Gutterson Ranch Oil and Gas Support and Service Facility Date: June 26, 2025 Attention Chris Gathman, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the DCP Gutterson Ranch USR25-0010 application with Weld County. The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has the following comments/suggestions/concerns related to the application. The Gutterson Ranch Oil and Gas Support and Service Company USR application is with DCP Midstream for a compressor station to support oil and gas operations on Gutterson Ranch. ECMC does not have jurisdiction over midstream oil and gas operations. If an Oil and Gas Operator considers co -locating upstream exploration and production of oil and gas (including construction, drilling, competitions, and production operations), an Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP) is required to be submitted to ECMC. Please contact ECMC Location Assessment Team if Weld County has any questions or concerns related to potential oil and gas development in the area. Sincerely, G etecca Trei z Hello