HomeMy WebLinkAbout710491.tiff oRYIT Or 1 '
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United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
REGIONAL OFFICE, REGION 7
Mb„F 3.�erc
BUILDING 20, DENVER FEDERAL CENTER
IN REPLY DENVER. COLORADO 80225
REFER TO: 7-150
NOV 2 2 1971 ATE F COLORADO
COUNTY OF WELD Ss.
Filed with the Clerk of the Board
of County Commissions-s
Board of County Commissioners N0V26 1371
Weld County i'i Weld County Court House 0„."
Greeley, Colorado 80631 COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER
��___Deputy
Gentlemen:
Enclosed is a copy of the "Final" Environmental Impact
Statement concerning the Archer-Weld 230-Kv Transmission
Line and Weld Substation--Colorado River Storage Project.
This statement, designated Interior FES 71-20, was submitted
by the Secretary of the Interior to the Council on Environmental
Quality in accordance with Sec 102(2)(c) of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 on November 2, 1971.
Notice of availability of Final Environmental Statement for
this project was made by the Department of the Interior on
November 2, 1971.
Since e ours,
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Acting for ames M. I gles
Regional Director
Enclosure
Az, //F4-
710491
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SUMMARY •
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Archer-Weld 230-kv Transmission Line and Weld Substation
Colorado River Storage Project, Colorado
Prepared by Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
Region 7
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1. Date of Statement .- October 5, 1971
2. Final Statement ,
3. A list of the agencies furnishing comments is attached.
4. Environmental Considerations
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A. Environmental Impact of the Proposed Action
1. Reliable electrical service will be provided for the northern
Colorado people.
2. Introduction of a 57-mile-Long transmission line upon range
and farmland. This line will follow and be partially con-
solidated with existing lines to reduce the environmental
impact.
3. Introduction of a substation upon 40 acres of farmland.
4. Removal Of 17 mules of an obsolete 115-k transmission lino
5. The alternative of constructing additional generating facil-
ities will be eliminated.
6. Some disturbance of the landscape will occur during construc-
tion and to a minor extent during maintenance of the trans-
mission line.
B. Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot be Avoided Should the
Proposal be Implemented
1. The presence of the line on individuals' private land.
2. The appearance of the line and substation may be considered
incompatible with the existing surroundings.
3. Introduction of a second transmission line upon the same
landscape.
4. Some disturbance of the landscape will occur during construc-
tion and, to a minor extent, during maintenance of the
transmission line.
• C. Alternatives to the Proposed Action
1. No transmission line and substation.
2. Private power generating plant.
3. Alternate transmission line.
4. Alternate tower designs for the proposed line.
5. This is a proposed administrative action for awarding the construc-
tion contracts for Sta•e 1 and Stage 2 of the Archer-Weld 230-kv
Transmission Line and Weld Substation.
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October 5, 1971
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Archer-Weld 230-kv Transmission Line and Weld Substation
Colorado River Storage Project, Colorado
Prepared by Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
Region 7
I. General
Archer-Weld Transmission Line and. Weld Substation are an extension
of the Colorado River Storage Project transmission system that is
designed to deliver electrical energy to power market centers.
The Colorado River Storage Project was authorized for construction
under Public Law 64-465 on April 11, 1956.
This environmental statement concerning the. Archer-Weld Transmission
Line and Weld Substation is submitted in compliance with Public
Law 91-190, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It
follows' the guidelines for statements as recommended by the Council
on Environmental Quality in the Federal Register, Volume 36 ,.
Part III, April 23, 1971.
II. Environment of the Project Area (Natural and Man-made)
A. Location: Located in the southeast corner of Wyoming in
Laramie County, and in northeast Colorado in Weld County,
the proposed transmission line will begin at Archer Substation
eight miles east of Cheyenne, Wyoming, traverse 57 miles of
the two counties, and terminate at the proposed Weld Substation
six miles west of Greeley, Colorado. (See attached location
map and proposed transmission line route. )
B. Climate: The proposed transmission line route is situated in
a semi-arid climate.. Climatic data for both the Cheyenne and
Greeley areas are shown in the following table:
9,
•Climatic Data
(1931-1960)
Average
Precipitation Annual
-inches- •Temperature (degrees F. ) Frost-free
Annual Average Average Period
Station (Min.-Max. ) Max. Min. July January Days
Cheyenne 15.06 100 -38 67.0 26.7 141
(8.22-23.69)
Greeley 11.12 107 -45 72.2 24.9 148
(5.65-16.72)
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Average annual rainfall is about 12 to 15 inches and the
precipitation usually evaporates rapidly. A dry season pre-
vails from early or late summer to autumn or. early winter.
Winds of hurricane force pass through this area several times
a year and winter blizzards are the most damaging of the
weather elements. The frost-free season averages approxi-
mately 145 days.
C. Topography: The proposed transmission line generally follows
the Great Plains physiographic region lengthwise; and, like
the proposed Weld Substation , is situated in the Colorado
Piedmont Section . At elevations between 4,000 and 6 ,000 feet,
the undulating high plains are frequently traversed west to
east by streams and rivers which drain the Rocky Mountains.
D. Vegetation: With the exception of water-loving species of
vegetation, such as cottonwood and willow trees , rushes , and
cattails occurring near rivers and minor drainages, the dom-
inant natural vegetation is the short grasses. The species
occurring include junegrass , blue grama, side-oats grama,
'hairy grama, needle-and-thread , green needlegrass , sheep
fescue, little bluestem and buffalo grass. Some showy forbes
such as lupines , purple loco and white-flowered beardtongue
are present. Cultivated land near the Weld Substation sup-
ports crops of sugar beets, corn, and hay. No known unique
or endangered vegetative species exist in the area.
E. Fish and Wildlife: The only stream of consequence by the route
of the line is the Cache la Poudre River. Periodic floods have
formed a wide meandering streambed of loose sand and silt.
Irrigation diversions seriously deplete the stream flow during
the late summer months.
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The water quality of the Cache La Poudre River downstream from
the Ft. Collins metropolitan area is marginal in capability to
support a fishery because of concentrated pollutants during
low flow periods.
The considerable variability of precipitation from year to
year causes trees to be absent and makes subterranean habits
advantageous for small animals.
•
Life habits of animals of this area may be classified as
subterranean, cursorial and aboreal. Formerly the range of
numerous bison, the deer and pronghorn are the primary big
game species now inhabiting the area. Small mammals inhabiting
the area include jack rabbits, prairie dogs, badger, ground
squirrels, pocket gophers and mice, and kangaroo rats. Some
burrowing type predators include black-footed ferret, kit fox
and skunks, in addition to bull and gopher snakes.
Wild fowl species occupying this area include pheasants,
mourning dove, burrowing owls and various species of hawks
and song birds.
The area historically provided habitat for substantial
populations of greater prairie chicken and sage grouse.
Certain restricted areas still have the potential of
supporting limited populations of these species. The
greater prairie chicken is presently recognized on the
U. S. Department of the Interior's list of rare and
endangered species. Small birds represented are horned
lark, lark bunting and vesper sparrow. Migrating ducks
and geese winter in more favorable areas in the surrounding
vicinity; and substantial populations of mourning doves
occur in and migrate through the area.
Other than the greater prairie chicken and black-footed
ferret that may be in the route area of the transmission line
and substation site, there are no known rare or endangered
fish and wildlife species existing.
F. Recreation: Other than the hunting of waterfowl, upland game
birds and small animals, recreation opportunities in the
immediate vicinity of the project area are primarily private
warm water fishing and related activities in stock ponds.
Public recreation opportunities are limited to sightseeing
and picnicking at pull-offs along Interstate 25 which also has
stops of historic interest. Horsetooth reservoir, near
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Ft. Collins, and Boyd Lake near Greeley, Colorado, provide the
major water-oriented recreation opportunities. A wildlife
preserve for hunters is located near Windsor, Colorado.
G. Special Aesthetic Values, Historical or Archeological Sites
There are no known special aesthetic values , or historical and
archeological sites in the immediate vicinity of the proposed
project. The line does not cross any remnants of the historic
cattle, explorer and emigrant trails. If anything of such
significance is uncovered during construction of -the Weld
substation and transmission line, the proper authorities will
be notified.
H. Land use Patterns and Economic Development
In all of the Wyoming area and in the northern part of Colorado,
the line traverses rangeland primarily utilized for cattle and
sheep grazing. From north to south, the land use pattern is
rangeland, dry cropland and irrigated cropland. The principal
dryland crops are wheat and small grains. In the irrigated
areas, corn, sugar beets, alfalfa, beans, potatoes and peas are
the principal crops.
The economy of the area is largely dependent upon agricultural
activity. The northern one-half of the area has cattle ranching
and the southern half has a more diversified program of farming
and livestock feeding. Greeley is the center of one of the
nation's largest producing areas for sugar beets , livestock,
and livestock feeding and fattening. Weld County, of which
Greeley is the county seat, is one of the 100 leading counties
in the country in total agricultural production, and is among
the first ten counties in the nation for producing a great diver-
sity of crops. One of the world's largest cattle feeding,
slaughtering and packing operations is located north of Greeley.
Other agricultural processing plants are located in the area.
The economy of the area is also buoyed by manufacturing, retail
trade, service industries, public utilities , wholesale trade, •
construction, institutions of higher education, government and
military installations.
This is a rapidly developing industrial area. Within the last
six years, International Business Machines (IBM) completed a
large assembly plant complex between Boulder and Longmont,
Colorado. The employment of nearly 4,000 people significantly
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stimulated the economy of the front range north of Denver,
including the project area. Recently Eastman Kodak, which
employs approximately 4,000 people, and numerous light
industries have located here.
The route of the line will traverse various .land use patterns
in about the following percentages:
Range and/or pasture land 54%
Dry cropland 28%
Irrigated cropland 18%
The Bureau has an existing 115 kv Flatiron-Greeley transmission
line crossing the northern portion of the Weld substation tract
from east to west; and the Public Service Company has its
Ft. Lupton - Weld transmission line under construction. This
line will tie into Public Service Company's portion of Weld
substation and will parallel an existing north-south county road.
• The substation will be constructed on former,irrigated cropland
purchased in February, 1970 by the Public Service Company of
Colorado for use as a substation site.
Most farms and ranches of the area have telephones• and
electrical service. Natural gas pipelines serve the towns -and
many farms near the lines. For transportation, the area is
served by the Colorado and Southern, and the Union Pacific
Railroads; and U. S. Highway 85, Interstate Hiehways 80, 70 and
25, and other minor Wyoming and Colorado highways and county
roads. Commercial airports are located in Cheyenne, Ft. Collins
and Greeley. There are excellent public facilities , such as
schools, churches and hospitals at Cheyenne and Greeley.
III. Project Plan
A, Need: Electricity is energy in its cleanest, quietest and
most versatile and efficient form, and helps produce a more
enjoyable environment. It enhances the quality of life in our
home, the environment in which we spend most of our time, by
• providing light, controlling the temperature, humidity and
quality of the air we breathe, powering machines that eliminate
drudgery, keeping our food fresh, making instant communication
possible, providing educational and recreational opportunities,
and other modern conveniences.
The increased availability of electric power also helps
industries which provide jobs for people. All electricity
users depend on and expect an adequate and reliable supply
of electric power.
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Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in population,
ranking seventh in percentage increase for the 1960-1970
decade, Community planners envision most of the state's
population growth to occur along the front range of the Rocky
Mountains which includes the project area.
Due to the heavy influx of population, and major industry,
and acceptance of advance agricultural practices, particu-
larly irrigation pumping, the power loads in this northern
Colorado area are doubling every seven years as compared to
the national average of doubling every 10 year's.
The existing Bureau and Public Service Company transmission
facilities are presently operating at maximum capacity. The
systems have limited capacity to cope with possible brownouts ,
blackouts and other emergencies , and to serve normal
anticipated future demands for power.
If a failure occurs in either system, present .nower system
interconnections are inadequate to provide a reliable alternate
source of power. Therefore, the area is presently receiving
substandard service, and this service will continue to deterio-
rate unless additional power sources and interconnecting
facilities are provided.
It is important that public and private generating and
transmission facilities be interconnected to furnish backup
power capabilities in the event of isolated failures and to
increase reliability of individual systems,
B. General Description of Key Features in the Project
The Archer-Weld facilities will provide a strong interconnection
of the federal hydro-generation system from the north, and the
Public Service Company thermal-generation system along the front
range of the Rocky Mountains. This strong interconnection will
directly support the existing heavily loaded transmission system
and will eliminate a possible duplication of facilities by both
power producers,
The Bureau will construct the Archer-Weld 230 kv Transmission
Line and its portion of the Weld Substation while Public
Service Company will build the Fort Lupton-Weld 230 kv
Transmission Line and its portion of the Weld Substation.
Bureau and Company 115 kv lines will be brought into Weld
Substation to further interconnect the systems,
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The Archer-Weld 230 kv Transmission Line will be 57 miles
long and constructed in two stages. Stage one will consist
of 40 miles of single circuit wood pole construction from
Archer Substation to approximately two miles north of Pierce,
Colorado, and five miles of double circuit lattice steel
towers to carry the new 230 kv and the existing 115 kv circuit
lines from that point to Ault, Colorado. Stage two will con-
sist of 12 miles of double circuit lattice' Steel towers to
carry the new 230 kv circuit line and provide for a future
115 kv or 230 kv circuit line from Ault to the proposed Weld
Substation. (Refer to "Location" map attachment in back, )
The 17 miles of existing 115 kv parallel line from north of
Pierce, Colorado, to Weld Substation will be removed upon
completion of the new construction, and the associated
right-of-way will be returned to its original agricultural use.
The route selected for the line parallels the existing
Hayden-Archer 230 kv Transmission Line from Archer Substation
to a point south of Cheyenne from where it parallels the
existing Cheyenne-Greely 115 kv Transmission Line to the Weld
Substation site. The 40 miles of wood-pole construction
traverse rangeland in southern Wyoming and northern Colorado,
and the 17 miles of double circuit lattice steel construction
traverse dry and irrigated farmland in the Greeley area,
The Bureau originally proposed the use of "H"-frame wood pole
construction for the entire length of the line since these
structures naturally blend with a rangeland and farmland type
of environment. However, through discussions with the Weld
County Board of Commissioners and the State of Colorado
Governor's Office, it was agreed the use of double circuit
lattice steel towers would be more suitable in this farmland
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• area. The use of double circuit lattice steel towers will
allow removal of the existing line and subsequent returning
of the associated right-of-way to its original agricultural
use.
Weld Substation will be a joint 230/115 kv Bureau and Public
Service Company of Colorado facility and will serve as a major
interconnection point for, the Bureau and the Company trans-
mission systems. It will be on an 80-acre plot with separate
but connected facilities for both agencies. The Company
purchased in February, 1.970, 80 acres of agricultural land
for use as a substation site. The land has not been used for
agricultural purposes since the date of purchase, and all
irrigation water rights have since been disposed of by the
Company. The Bureau will purchase 40 acres from the Company
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for use in constructing its portion of the Weld Substation
while the Company will utilize the remaining 40 acres in
constructing its portion of the Substation.
Weld Substation will be constructed using modern low-profile
structures. Steel structures and major items of•electrical
equipment such as transformers and oil circuit breakers
will be painted in color coordinated shades to blend with
the surrounding environment. Architectural treatment of
the Bureau and Company control houses and landscaping of
the substation site is being coordinated to present an
attractive installation.
C. Environmental Protection Aspects Included in the Project
Which Would Include the :litigation Features
Construction specifications require the contractor to
exercise care in preserving the natural landscape and to
conduct his construction operations so as to prevent any
unnecessary destruction, scarring, or defacidg of the
natural surroundings. Also all work areas shall be
smoothed and graded to conform to the natural appearance
of the landscape.
For the most part, the construction and location of the
transmission line and substation will follow the guidelines
in the federal government publications of Environmental
Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems, Electric Power
— -----
Transmission and the Environment, and the Nationall '"
1C Ct rrC
Safety Code.
Areas disturbed during construction will be revegetated with
adapted native species.
The line has been routed generally parallel to existing
Bureau of Reclamation lines to avoid the impact of a new
line in an unblemished area.
Where the new line traverses dry and irrigated farmland
in the Greeley area, double circuit steel towers will be
used so that the existing parallel 115 kv line may be
placed on the new towers. Then the existing wood pole line
will be removed and the associated right-of-way returned to
its original use.
Where highway crossings occur, towers will be spread for
maximum span and set back from the highway to minimize
visibility of the lino.
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The alinement through and around farmsteads has been selected
to avoid radio and television interference, to avoid clearing
of trees or shelter belts, and to utilize less productive lands.
The alinement of the proposed transmission line was selected
for maximum utilization of existing county and township roads
in the construction and maintenance of the line,
Weld Substation will utilize modern low-profile structures.
Steel structures and major items of electrical equipment will
be painted in color coordinated shades to blend with the
surrounding environment. Architectural treatment of the
Bureau and the Company control houses and landscaping of the
• substation site is being coordinated to present an attractive
installation,
IV. Evaluation of Environmental Impact
A. Probable Impact of the Proposed Action on the °Environment
This .proposed project will provide the people of northern
Colorado with electrical power that is up to industry standards
for reliability of service, and is capable of meeting normal
and emergency demands. The area's productive activity of
industry, agriculture and business will be less vulnerable to
power service interruptions thereby reducing economic losses
caused by power failures.
The transmission line and towers will be introduced to a farm
and range landscape and will be visible from some highways in
the project's vicinity. Part of that landscape already has
existing transmission lines.
The substation facility will occupy a 40 acre site formerly
used for agricultural productivity. Public Service Company
took the land out of agricultural use after it was purchased
in February 1970.
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• Portions of the landscape will remain in its present natural
and productive status because the proposed project will eliminate
the need to put it into poorer use for constructing additional
generating facilities to meet power demands,
About four acres of farm and range land will be taken out of
agricultural production along the 57 mile transmission line
route, Most of this land is under the lattice steel towers
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which hinder accessibility for grazing and farming. The rest
of the land will remain in its present use with little
inhibiting effect of normal operation.
Some disturbance of the landscape will occur during construction
and to a minor extent during maintenance of the transmission line.
Comments from wildlife agencies indicate the impact on wildlife
is considered to be insignificant. There 'is practically no
clearing involved, except fora few scattered trees at river
crossings, which would significantly affect wildlife habitat.
• Portions of an obsolete transmission line will be removed,
and the land it occupied will be returned to its original
agricultural use when the new power line is completed.
B. Probable Adverse Environmental Effects Which Cannot he Avoided
Landowners may experience an adverse environmental impact due
to the presence of the line on or near their property. Efforts
have been made to minimize such impacts. '
There will be two parallel transmission lines extending from
Archer Substation to approximately Pierce, Colorado, which
may be considered aesthetically undesirable. This alternative
is considered the most innocuous rather than establishing new
routes across unblemished landscape.
The transmission line and towers will be visible to travelers
where the line crosses or parallels highways and rural roads.
Although location of towers with respect to highways will be
made to reduce the impact, the facility will not completely
blend in with the surrounding aesthetics.
The substation site will not be available for other land uses ,
and it may not be completely aesthetically compatible with the
surroundings.
The landscape will incur some scars such as minimal tree
removal and tire tracks, from construction activity; however,
these scars will he rehabilitated and should disappear in a
reasonable time,
C. Alternatives to the Proposed Action
1. No Transmission Line and Substation
Unless some other means are implemented for providing
power to northern Colorado residents, the substandard
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service will continue and become worse as additional
loads develop. These residents will probably experience
more power failures for loner periods of time. Power
use restrictions and rationing may need to be implemented -
. in critical local areas presently served by the existing
facilities.
The landscape of the proposed transmission line route and
substation site would remain somewhat in its present condi-
tion. A transmission line would not parallel the 40 miles
of existing line, and the Bureau would not build its half
of the Weld substation to complement the Public Service
Company facility on the 40 acre tract purchased from the
Company. The substation land would be returned to Public
Service Company for future expansion of their facilities.
2, Private Power Generating Plant
The land for the proposed Archer-Weld facilities would
remain in its present condition. However, there would be
as much or more land needed for construction of the
generating plant and its associated switchyard and inter-
connecting transmission lines.
While power loads in the area would be satisfied, the
capability of the system would not be comparable to the
Archer-Weld interconnection,
The Public Service Company of Colorado would need to provide
in its system additional generating capacity and/or other
transmission facilities to offer a quality of power service
• comparable to the Archer-Weld interconnection. Relatively
small on-site gas turbines would be the most likely choice
for generating sufficient power to meet the load demands of
the area. These turbines can also burn oil as an alternate
fuel. Gas turbines, although not serious polluters , would
contribute fossil fuel exhaust to the atmosphere of an
extremely sensitive area already experiencing serious air
pollution problems.
3, An Alternate Transmission Line
Tri-State Generation & Transmission, Inc. has stated that
if the Bureau did not construct the Archer-Weld Line, it
would undertake construction of a line from Archer Substation
to near Windsor, Colorado, primarily to serve the Poudre
Valley RL'A loads , including the Eastman Kodak Company plant.
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The Archer-Windsor Transmission Line would be approximately
50 miles long and traverse the same type of lands as the
Archer-Weld Line. A substation would still be needed for
this scheme. Both facilities would have about the same
environmental effects on the landscape as the Archer-Weld
Line and Weld Substation.
While this line and substation would meet the power loads
of the service area, it would not offer the transmission
capability of the Archer-Weld interconnection.
The Public Service Company would still have to provide in
its system additional generating capacity and/or other
transmission facilities to offer the same quality of power
service as the Archer-Weld interconnection.
4. Alternative Tower Designs for the Proposed Line
a. Original plan - 57 miles of wood pole, H-frame
transmission line.
` Wood pole structures naturally blend with a rangeland
type of environment such as the 40 miles from Archer
Substation to approximately Pierce, Colorado.
However, wood pole structures are not usually designed
to carry double circuits and, therefore, would require
an easement for a second right-of-way paralleling the
existing 115 kv line. This right-of-way is not obtained
in fee title and would remain available for its current
uses after construction of the line.
b. Plan A - 57 miles of double circuit lattice steel
towers.
Double circuit lattice steel towers would carry the
new 230 kv circuit and the existing 115 kv circuit
enabling the removal of the existing 115 kv line,
This would mean only one right-of-way requirement
since the right-of-way associated with the existing
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115 kv line would be returned to its original use.
Due to the bright, reflective nature of galvanized
steel and the additional height associated with the
double circuit towers, they are a more dominating
structure and do not blend well with the landscape.
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c. Selected plan - 40 miles of single circuit wood
pole structures and 17 miles of double circuit
lattice steel towers.
This plan was selected for maximum utilization of
the positive aspects of each structure type. That
is, the use of wood pole structures to blend with
the rangeland environment, where right-of-wa•. is
not so critical, and the use of double circuit steel
towers to avoid a second right-of-way through the
valuable farmland,
This plan was selected, after a meeting with the
Weld County Board of Commissioners and the Governor's
Office, as the optimum plan both economically and
environmentally for all parties concerned.
The alternative of burying the line is not presented as a plan •
that was studied. While it is technically feasible to bury a
230 kv line the procedure for doing so has not advanced to the
stage where it is considered economical for the type of develop-
ment in this area. More research is needed in this field to
advance the technical knowledge and reduce construction cost of
buried transmission lines before underground transmission.
becomes a feasible alternative.
D. The Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of Man's Environment
and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity
Construction of the transmission line and substation as proposed
will not result in excessive cumulative and long term undesirable
effects. During construction there will be short-term degrada-
tion of the landscape which will be rehabilitated immediately
following construction. A long term aesthetic effect will
result with the placement of the transmission line and the
substation in the landscape. A further long term effect will
be the improvement of electrical energy service facilities which
will help meet long term needs.
E. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources Which
Would be Involved in the Proposed Action
The transmission line and substation will be a permanent feature
with a uniform and consistant pattern of operational and mainte-
nance characteristics and requirements. The land utilized for
the project could be considered to be modified in character
however it should not be considered as irreversibly or
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irretrievably committed. The facilities proposed could be
removed and returned to their original use as grazing or
agricultural land.
F. Problems and Objections Raised by Other Federal Agencies and
State and Local Entities in the Review Process and the
• Disposition of the Issues Involved
Comments received in the review process have been incorporated
in this final statement with few exceptions , these exceptions
and the significant changes include:
1. Environmental statement format was revised to conform
with the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines
published in the Federal Register, Volume 36, Number 79,
Part III, April 23, 1971, which became effective
July 1, 1971.
2. A discussion of the Alternatives to the Proposed Action
was added. .
3. The cohments of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife,
the Soil Conservation Service, the Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation and the Game and Fish Administering Agencies
of Colorado and Wyoming with respect to the effects of the
project on vegetation and wildlife habitat have been
accommodated to the extent feasible. All areas disturbed
during construction will be revegetated with adapted native
species. The right-of-way selected traverses 40 miles of
short grass grazing land and 17 miles of agriculture land.
No appreciable wildlife habitat or other woody vegetation
will be destroyed by the project. The transmission rights-
- of-way will not be acquired in fee title and will remain the
property of the landowner to continue in present use.
Therefore, the use of the right-of-way for wildlife habitat
planting or for other uses will be precluded. Rights-of-way
maintenance programs will not include mowing or herbicide
spraying. The 40 acre substation site while being purchased
in fee title will be utilized entirely; however, revegeta-
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tion and landscape plantings will be utilized to the maximum
extent in reducing adverse aesthetic effects.
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I Is o
1
I I CAI[ OF PILES
Eaton
! o,. Windsor
Lucerne
M
'O I.0
4y
•
° tin -Rr
FLITIM0N-cREELET� �
REELEY'�y%..7A 3 �Fmpm ea Wald•
t //
Lovel l' Substolbn Site S ._
Pj _
Evans
- -1).a% River
'Q/WD la River
Prclbom UNITED STATES
�Ll• • DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
S BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
Oiler's, COLORADO RIVER STORAGE PROJECT
ARCHER-WELD 23O-Kv T.L.A WELD SUBS rATION
WYOMING - COLORADO
•
•
•
LIST OF AGENCIES FURNISHING COMMENTS FOR ARCHER--WELD 230 KV TRANSMISSION
• LINE AND WELD SUBSTATION ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT - - - - COLORADO RIVER
STORAGE PROJECT
Mr. James B. White, Commissioner Regional. Coordinator, Region VIII
Wyoming Game -& Fish Commission Environmental Protection Agency
P. O. Box 378 Room 9041, Federal Office Bldg.
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 1961 Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr.. J . D. Brunk, Executive Director
Wyoming Department of Economic State Conservationist
Planning & Development Soil Conservation Service
210 West 23d Street P. 0. Box 2440
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 Casper, Wyoming
Mr. Robert E. Sundin, Director Regional Engineer
Section of Industrial Hygiene Federal Power Commission
• Health Department Room 1051 U.S. Custom House
State Office Building 610 S. Canal Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 Chicago, 'Illinois 60607
•
Mr. William G. Lucas ' Farmers Home Administration
State Highway Engineer P. 0. Box 820
P. 0. Box 931 Casper, Wyoming 82602
Cheyenne, Wyoming
• District Engineer
Mr. Arthur E. Williamson, Director Omaha District, Corps of Engineers
Division of Sanitary Engineering 7410 U.S. Post Office. & Court House
Wyoming Department of Public Health 215 North 17th Street
State Office Building Omaha, Nebraska
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
•
Division Engineer. •
Bureau of Public Roads
Federal Office Building
2120 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
• Division Engineer •
• • Bureau of Public Roads •
Room 267, Building 40
Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
Director
• Colorado Came, Fish & Parks Division
Colorado Dept. of Nauural Resources
6060 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80216
/7
LIST OF INTERIOR AGENCIES FURNISHING COMMENTS FOR ARCHER-WELD 230 1:V
TRANSMISSION LINE AND WELD SUBSTATION ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
COLORADO RIVER STORAGE PROJECT .
•
State Director
Bureau of Land Management
Run. 14023, Federal Office Bldg. •
196.3. Stout Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
Chief, Intermountain Field Operation Center
Bureau of Mines
Building 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225 •
Regional Hydrologist, Water Resources Division
U. S. Geological Survey
Room 1227, Building 25
. Denver Federal Center •
Denver, Colorado 80225
Regional Director •
Mid-Continent Region
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Building 41, Denver Federal Center • O
Denver, Colorado 80225 •
•
Regional Director
Midwest Region, National Park Service
1709 Jackson Street • -
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Regional Director, Region 2 •
• Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife
P. 0. Box 1306 . -
Albuquerque, New Mexico . 87103
e,a '-'3 sar..
• STANLEY K. >IATHAWAY, Governor ^1 �+ ti1. 's"��t
/ 4 1 i t s e JAMES B WHITE
aC c� I `. 1,d State e.•,�odt F sh Commit.•CHARLES M. CROWELI, Pots., Casper {• 1 s 'i' i ` . �s
„(;J \ Y !7 Shrf SL,. _ifp µA5
•
JACK O. CORSI, Vice Pres., Etna � N ` • f.i�,`.' Assistant State Gan and FSh Co
(/" 1 s HOWARD W. Warden
FRANK B. CURTIS, Wolf L Slate Game Warden
REGNALD C. SAFFORD, Lusk — "t •
. W. DONALD DEXTER
HARRY C. BARKER. JR., Moose 'VI Cl Stele Fish Warden
{I,.,,� - PHIL F. LESLIE
HARRY A. DE BOLT, Torrin�ton d., .. a•tn;l_L Chief Clerk
WILLIAM R. KRUEGER, Greybull r‘\.,
O �r,, �y_� GEORGE A. KAMINSKI
Chief I. A E.
. —...•a;: CHESTER C. ANDERSON
Chief Research 8 Devel
GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
CHEYENNE 82001 :FiCIAL FILE C.��
Region 7
June 3, 1971 -
JUN1 01971
To Crnnmo nuts
Mr. James M. Ingles, Regional Director S✓,.�' __ ( _/7n___
Bureau of Reclamation, Region 7 ,...S3.11:-.7,_ �ti.Y61
Building 67, Room 1316 1-1-f"- ---
Denver Federal Center ‘‘----7t 21, (://1!
Denver, Colorado 80225 L 7 -
Dear Mr. Ingles:
We have reviewed your draft statement for the Archer-Weld 230 .Kv •
Transmi≥sion 7J_,ke_, nd Weld Substation %nvirolunental-"Statem'ent'-=UppeY'
Colorado River Storage Project. The project will not have a signifi-
cant impact on fish and wildlife resources. We recommend that , when-
ever practical, efforts be made to replace any wildlife habitat loss
destroyed during the construction of the project.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your statement .
Sincerely,
7Stg rS: a
4.--
-te Game & Fish Commissioner
cc: D. Wilde
•
Bureau of Reclamation Representative
Cheyenne, Wyoming
/ 7
State of Wyomingr77 4......5:6)4.01.‘
ate '``
CR
,.,47�.,,�, Departr�t of•}a _ ;., ,� Economic Planning eveDommonr
/i 210 W. 23rd Street
Cheyenne,Wyoming 82001
/
Tel. 307-777-7284
OFFtCIAn Fla: et.:1! 1
Our of 40::',
May 27, 1971 RcsJon 7
STAN HATHAWAY JUN-1 1971 1
Governor
J. D. BRUNK __
Executive Director To :+-matt:., tir u t
LSD - e—/ c,
MYRON GOODSON
Mr. James M. Ingles y ", r
Chief of Re tl Directory 4" j L
Water Development g ona ra i-- s
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation � � // s
JOHN T. GOODIER Region Office, Region 7
Chief of
Mineral Development Building 20, Denver Federal Center ,
B. T. SHELDON Denver, Colorado 80225 .•
Chief of
Industrial Development RE: 7-150 .. . .
JEROME M. MARK
Chief of Dear Mr. Ingles:
../Stale Planning
Mr. Brunk has requesrnd that I reply to your letter inviting
our comments on the Environmental Statement for the Archer--Weld
230 KV transrn sA1,op„,.,,lipg;
In reviewing the Environmental Statement, I find that I
am in complete accord with the stated objectives. It appears that
every effort has been made to hold any adverse effects to a minimum.
The construction of this 230 KV line parallel to an existing
power line will reduce the disturbance usually associated with the
construction of new power transmission lines. The low profile
structures of the substation along with the color coordinated
painting program will assist in preserving the aesthetic values of
the area.
Thank you for providing us with an opportunity to comment on
this Environmental Statement.
Sincerely yours,
1•
c
A
` " John `t. Cooai er r" "
' Chief of Mineral
✓i Development
JTG/llr
_- r,
•• ,ff �. j l/Y • S. .
- TI-!F STATE « .;c ` OF WYOMING
CP
a0eNt 1JiennG C tewlit * and'c) c%dl fe11-ne6
• aaaJek'n n�✓�a`/f nrrr/. 1�rn/'��i�urte
STATE OFFICE BUILDING CHEYENNE, WYOMING 82O01
April 22, 1971 FaGr. G67-
Cur of. oocj4
Ilsr,ton Y
APR VVI
' - ' Re: 7-150
To S nzinJ C
James M. Ingles `f--Z
' Regional Director
Bureau of Reclamation 7 h •x y/z
Regional Office , Region 7
• - "Building 20 , Denver Federal Center
Denver , Colorado 80225
Dear Mr. Ingles : •
We wish to acknowledge your earlier correspondence and Envirdn-
mental Statements regarding the Archer-Weld TransmiYssion line .-
Our staff has reviewed these statements and have no comments
to make regarding air quality considerations .
We appreciate your cooperation in making this iiformation
available to us .
Very my yours ,
Robe t E. Sundin
Director
Section of Industrial Hygiene
ItE.S;:ak .
.fi %
Stanley K. Hatnawa,
W. G Lucas. Superintendent and Ca.
WYON .NG C •S• .
STATE
P. O. BOX 1 7 0 6 • CHEYENNE , WYOMING • H 2 0 0 1 �•Ci'i'�i t ,<� FILL CM
Cwt
HIGHWAY flt ;i0° r
COMMISSION APR 21 1971
April 19, 1971
Mr, James M. Ingles, Regional Director �4p :� "*-- '%
�" t •- ' .�
U.S. Department of the Interior 10 44� •
Bureau of Reclamation
Regional Office, Region 7
Building 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
Ref: Your letter 7"150
Environmental Impact Statement
Archer - Wild 230 KV Transmission L'nc
Laramie County
•
Dear Mr. Ingles:
We have reviewed your environmental impact statement pursuant to
the requirements of Section 102(2) (C) , Public Law 91-190 sent to us for
comment.
We do not foresee any conflicts with highways connected with this
action. We do note, however, that your transmission line will cross the
Chalk Bluffs Road and U.S. 85. We assume that your proposed crossing
designs will be such that a compatible relation will exist between
safety and environmental consideration.
Very truly yours,
• W. G. Lucas
Superintendent and Chief Engineer
C)
il` „`, �1 (t� �^'�
YJy C. tS.P.
THE STATE - �OF WYOMING
,lJ /fi • /may p�/�
0E LCl/114..i2en ital" 6 e - e a/n e` ereeCGG e` "eit teen
egatuten jcireaaea„a,,rrA P ret
STATE OFFICE BUILDING CHEYENNE, WYOMING 82OO1
April 8, 1971 'mot"prr;cini. FttlC Co4"'
I Rion 7 .. .
APP.ii~1971
pate
To Surnrmo S
Mr. James M. Ingles, Regional Director �. /2--___
Bureau of Reclamation, Region 7 ___-___-
United States Department of the Interior
Building 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
y.--
Dear Mr. Ingles:
Re: 7-150
The Environmental Statement on the proposed Archer-Well .
Transmission Line apl%Substation has been review�Et3`Gy tthis
off-M537------
This office has no additional comments to submit at this
time. The statement would indicate due consideration of the
environmental effects of the project and construction is planned
to produce minimum disturbance of the environment.
Very truly yours,
.
( -_,-/------5-7(416,44,__,
//a:4/ a, r..,
Arthur E. Williamson, M. S. ,P.E.
Director
Sanitary Engineering Services
AEW/cw
23
DEPARTME NT OF' TRANSPORT'—ON
FEDERAL HIGHWAY .ADMINISTRAHOi. C ct
BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS.
`T REGION NINE
Wyoming Division Office
P. 0. Box 1127
Cheyenne, Wyoming ,82001
• April 9, 1971 gt:cion 7
. IN REPLY REFER TO:
APR 4 21971
So
r keg
Mr. James M. Ingles 0
Regional Director Ham„74-
Y/;
Bureau of Reclamation
Regional Office, Region 7
Building 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado
Dear Mr. Ingles :
•
Your draft environmental statement for the construcrn of a
230-Kv transmission line from Archer, Wyoming, to Weld, Colorado,
has been reviewed.
We have no comments or recommendations concerning the proposed
construction.
Sincerely yours ,
`'u» (2/7 /V�1.N.av1---
bHN M. DEMMER
/Division Engineer
^.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRAfdSPOR1 iON b0 "e' ^n'
i.fr
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION '^"ei''-k
a ,/ BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS - i.1
{.1
4i-- ,yea" REGION NINE—
. ;';�� Fllc C ru
':
-
•4iis 0Color:.d o Dili sidui .,Ui 11 Sc;.4
Room 2.67, Builliing 110 f:;, ton T ''" r
Denver FederalICente.r,.Rc� ..�
Denver, Colorr.PIo 80225
' April 8, 1J11-. Sur. m `;.;;
To , -"�""� IN REPLY REFER TO:•3,!. _- "-f iz i 09-05.3
i
M. Ingles, ..�.---- ---
Mr. James • . Regional Director �-
U.S. Department of Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
— Region Seven Office 1-
Building 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado 80225
Dear Mr. Ingles:
Your letter dated March 31, 1971 trans:r ,tted an environmental statement
for Archer-Meld 2 ':v r T.inr` Substation,30 r; i ra1.. ;acid Subs ion and asked
for our_rt'vieit an-d cogent.
It is apparent from our review of your statement, our knowledge of the
area and personal contacts frith the Greeley District Office of Color-do
Division of Highways that your proposed project has satisfactorily dealt
with any impacts adversely affecting any state highway on the Federal-
aid system.
We understand that your design has accommodated possible future c:pansion
to four lames of State Highway 111 :where there Tr:s a conflict at r. crossing
east of Fort Collins. We and the Highway Division appreciate your coopera-
tion in moving of one transmission tower at the State HijIway la crossing
which eases our future expansion problems and precludes the taking of a
home in the process .
Sincerely yours,
j: dnag_e_y•
A. R. Lbelard
-4;1- Division w:ngineer •
'yr
STATE OF COLORADO John A. Love, Governor DEPARTMENT OF NA
CM'S'1'
DEPARTMENT OF NA- �'AL RESOURCES Vim. ,b.'
DIVISION OF GAME, FISH AND PARKS
x Executive live Director
y.: •t4 GAME, FISH AND rAI
Harry R. Woodward, Director "�- ,) COMMISSION
rry Combs, Chain
6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 • 825-11921 F� De.n Su,ll , Vice o
. ,eX war a' n.t Thr f 1 ?�1j-; ` Willlan W. R b r
qY•' W . n«^ K' of Wilton W C g we.
h ICC C(7:f" ool, 6s,
11 qt goes U,,rtes A. Gebaoer
O,esl Gerl v, Mere
cion Lonnie Pic d Men
May 7, 19 1 MAyr 1 a rRoy :: ,on Mem'.
Lv ord SV , Mamba'
Mr. James M. Ingles, Regional Director
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation To � 'ana to Data
Regional Office, Region 7 S` //�
Bldg. 20, Denver Federal Center 2.26
Denver, Colorado 80225 =ut-f
Dear Mr. Ingles: •Reference: 7 150"
We have reviewed the environmental statement pr,,epared by your agency
relative to the proposed Archer - We yjt,ansmission`Line`antlr._,
Weld Substation. -a ... � ,.
Based upon the material contained in this statement, we can forsee no
serious problems as far as wildlife and outdoor recreation are concerned.
We have read the comments on this environmental statement prepared by •
the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, as set forth in Robert
F. Stephens' Memorandum of April 20, 1971, and would like to add our
endorsement to the comments contained therein.
We appreciate your giving us the opportunity to comment on this statement.
cc: R. Stephens Sincerel
Evans
P. Barrows l,'/m/
E. Cook Habry R. Woodward •
RL1I:bk Director
encl. BSFW Memorandum (4-20-71)
•
•
2C
•
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AC JY c.rt.s.P;
REGION VIII
FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING - �i�-.�, ,t-�
19TH AND STOUT STREETS -T17717 -rF" C(W'
DENVER, COLORADO 80202 Cat vF %mi.
May 4, 1971 MAY11 1071
Ya a!r,� ama Ccttil
zoo +' • 5- /
Mr. James H. Ingles � �
/�
Regional Director
Region 7
Bureau of Reclamation •
Building 20, Denver Federal Center
Denver, Colorado .. 225
Dear Mr. Ingle :
We have revie :ed the Environmental Statement for Archer-Weld 230-Rv Trans-
mission Line !ad Weld Substation, Upper Colorado—Ever Storage irIM." '
Co'f orado._
We feel that the Statement describes the proposed action and the result-
ing environmental impacts adequately.
Several Federal environmental programs were combined in the new Environ-
mental Protection Agency on December 2, 1970. Programs involved in this
transfer of functions included the former Water Quality Administration.
of the Department of the Interior ; the former National Air Pollution
Control Administration of the Department of Health, Education and ;7elfare;
the former Bureaus of Solid Waste Management, Water Hygiene, and Radio-
logical Health from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare; as
well as Pesticides programs frail,. several Federal Government agencies.
We shall appreciate having you direct environmental impact statements to
this office which were formerly addressed to any of the above-named
agencies.
•
Sincerely Or. ,
/IJ •
Donald P. Dubois
Interim Regional Coordinator
• UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE //0,
SOIL CONE JATION SERVICE F.. 9_lp.
P. 0. Box 2440, Casper, Wyoming 82601
April 2, 1971
Orni3ci`otlRxl.
James M. Ingles, Regional Director Ration 7 USDI, Bureau of Reclamation APR 5--19�,7 1
Regional Office, Region 7
Building 20, Denver Federal Center _
-urnarca D`��
Denver, Colorado 80225 7c 1 ,-
Reference: 7-150
- Dear Mr. Ingles: �.--
In reviewing the environmental impact` statement on proposed
Archer-Weld 2, O-Kv transmission lined Weld substation, we
are in agreement with your findings.
One item about which we are concerned is the possible damage
during the construction process. Proper routing of roadways
and care in construction operations can keep erosion and other
environmental degradation to a minimum. When •areas of vege-
tation must be disturbed in construction process, arrangements
should be made to• revegetate by seeding or other means as soon
•
as possible.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment.
Harold W. Cooper 0
State Conservationist
Vic.
eft-re
•
FEDERAL POWER COMMISSIOP. CM ,
REGIONAL OFFICE - CMS.
United States Custom' House I OFFY IAL FIDE CC Z°
610 S. Canal Street, Room 1051 Our of Rccl.
Chicago, Illinois 60607 Reston 7
MAY 6-197
May 3, 971
To), IA Sumama 0=3
Mr. James M. Ingles ✓ goo-P-7,
Director, Region 7, Denver 1 4>W
United States Department of the Interior
1��
Bureau of Reclamation L ° ,'•'c. ,c,C >////7
Building 20, Denver Federal Center •--• »w -
Denver, Colorado 80225 -
Dear Mr. Ingles:
We have reviewed the Environmental Statement for the Archer-Weeld •.
230-kV, T.rausr}ssion_Line,fand Weld Substation, Upper Colorado River
Storage Project, furnished us with your letter of March 31, 1971. The
57-mile long transmission line will be constructed by the Bureau of
Reclamation from the Archer Substation 8 miles east of Cheyenne,
Wyoming, to the Weld Substation 6 miles west of Greeley, Colorado.
The Weld Substation will be constructed jointly with the Public Service
Company of Colorado and will serve as a major interconnection point for
the transmission systems of the Bureau and the Company. Public Service
Company will construct a 230-kV transmission line from Weld to Fort
Lupton, Colorado.
The transmission line would parallel the existing Cheyenne-Greeley
115-kV transmission line to the Weld Substation site with the exception
that a double-circuit steel tower section would be provided through an
area of irrigated farmland. This double-circuit section would carry
the existing 115-kV lines and thus improve the aesthetic appearance of
the construction. The line and substation would be constructed so as to
.present a low-profile and colors would be utilized to. blend with the area
landscape.
It appears that the Environmental Statement is quite adequate and
that the proposed construction is such as to minimize environmental ef-
fects. We agree that the interconnection with the extensive Public
Service Company of Colorado system will provide increased reliability
for the area and mutually beneficial opportunities for coordinated opera-
. tion of the Bureau's hydro system and the Company's base-load steam-
electric plants. The interconnection will have the effect of decreasing
the system's area reserve requirements and provide for exchange of emer-
gency power and economy energy.
•
- 2 _
•
The foregoing comments are those of this office and therefore do
not necessarily represent the views of the Federal Power Commission.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Environmental
Statement.
Sincerely yours, •
Lenard B. Young
Regional Engineer
J Cam ` - ,7 liatUNIT . _, STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGE JLTURE tVse:_q° '"
FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION GPj;i,;;',G r•_.
P. 0. Box 820 - Casper, Wyoming 82601 E ""'
i/e}Ian 7
April 15, 1971
APR 1 91971
To t eaame I Or.'
Bureau of Reclamation 66L ypo__,
Regional Office, Region 7 .clQ ,.
Building 20, Denver Federal Center ;1; 1O /(._, ,-<, :20
Denver, Colorado 80225
Gentlemen: .Y -
SUBJECT: 7-150 �/� "`';J
We have reviewed the proposal to construct a power line and
substation between Archer Experiment Station in Wyoming and
a point near Greeley, Colorado.
It has been concluded that you have taken all steps possible
to preserve the present conditions without creating adverse
environmental effects.
So, you have our blessing to proceed.
Sincerely yours,
Bill Clajk
State Director
CMT:mb
-- /
qr„ ,}m »
4M/77/H\
" DEPARTMENT OF THE A.^Y z `4 ��3r`
Sie.uy.o-9.i s
, OMAHA DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
��1I''�L � >T^ {,
1 7410 U.S. POST OFFICE AND COURT HOUSE
: r.
OMAHA. NEBRASKA 68102
v `
MROED-DC 22 April 1971ei.n
Rm 0; set Revlon
APR 261971
Mr. James M. Ingles D,ta
Regional Director • Ta u:n:lca
Bureau of Reclamation "� ) _v�
Regional Office , Region 7 _ ___:.--
izrz: 71
. Building 20 , Denver Federal Center Lit,,---(1-1` - f"
Denver, Colorado 80225 7v _ . - .--
Dear Mr. Ingles : ` .n
Reference is made to your letter of 31 March 1971 transmitting the
environmental statement on the proposed Archer-Weld Trensmission Line
and Weld Substation construction. The proposed project would have ' `-
no adverse effect on existing or potential projects under study by
the Corps of Engineers , or upon increasing flood potentials.
Your statement demonstrates a concern for the cultural and aesthetic
impacts of the proposed project. Landscaping the substation grounds
could further express. these concerns.
Ecosystem function would not appear to be altered. Enhancement, however,
to existing upland bird and animal populations could be accomplished
through managing the real estate used for transmission pole placement
to create a diversity of desirable plant communities. This would be
especially significant on the ground supporting the double-circuit
steel towers within the irrigated farmland. This would probably renuire
procuring the necessary land in fee. Among the animal populations which
would be benefited might be a host of beneficial insects (pollinators
and predators) which would function as biological agents within the
surrounding agricultural crops.
Within the statement section Actual Need and Purpose for Constructing
Facilities , the remark is made that power loads have been doubling
throughout the United States every 10 years. It implies that the
rate of increase will continue. This, however, is not a foregone
conclusion and probably need not be perpetuated in the statement.
•
•
MR0ED-DC , 22 April 1971
Mr. James M. Ingles
It seems the statement does not need the remark to support the need of
the project.
It is hoped these comments will assist the Bureau of Reclamation in
providing an environmental statement that can support the proposed
project and also be sensitive to the environmental elements to be
encountered during the construction.
Sincerely yours ,
ifilt
$. G. BURNETT
Acting Chief, Engineering Division
•
•
•
{ Unii...l States Department of ti., _ Interior
- ,�' .,4t..;(3-;''_ :\ pi
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 1791
A COLORADO STATE OFFICE YQr uR REF J- 150 .
14023 FEDERAL BUILDING 1 (tr.c:4t. FILE-6.:277, '
1961 STOUT STREET
� gut 70 ci_Dt, 4
DENVER. COLORADO 60202 R* ,0 P!
I APR 121a7
APRIL 9 , 197.1. _
Ta , sumsma ,;,e
MEMORANDUM yr--7(11_ . /�7 P
/mn-', ' ky
To: REGIONAL DIRECTOR, BUREAU' OF RECLAMATION
REGION 7, BLDG. 20, DENVER FEDERAL CENTEk,-- "
• DENVER, COLORADO 80225
FROM: STATE DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMO•IT, COLORADO
SUBJECT: DRAFT ACHE.LQ_.Z3Q-JSL.,TRe1�:S MIS S O'!!yI "L I N L`4-4 ND WELD.
SUBSTATION ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT -- UPPER COLORADO
RIVER STORAGE PROJECT
•
ALTHOUGH A MAP WAS NOT FURNISHED WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT,
WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON PUBLIC LANDS
THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT. WE DO APPRECIATE
THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW YOUR DRAFT STATEMENT .
f " . _
. C:`s .a
•vgjViU> ,F
UNITED STATES .L.o.• 1
/G DEPARTMENT OF THE-
:::',: INTERIOR
4« BUREAU OF MINES
" ^`- . Intermountain Field 0 eration,. enter
-- I h BUILDING 20
Office of 1 I:= Inn 7 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER
Chief - Alt 7.1971 DENVER, COLORADO 80225
April 6, 1971
; _
, f ..i ___,,c,.:rna Den
o t•-�/ Your reference:
• ,I X 77. 11 -7 W:-150
n._. "I �G
11 71 -'s ry;- / ? -
Memorandum
To: James M. Ingles, Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation,
Region 7, Building 20, 'Denver'Federal Cent'erN€
Denver, Colo. 80225
From: Act. Chief, Intermountail Field Operation Center
Subject: Draft, Environmental Im;',act Statement, Archer-Weld
230-Kv Transmission Line and Weld Substation--Upper
-Cblorha6' River Storage Project '
The draft copy of an environmental impact statement on the proposed
Archer-Weld 230-Kv transmission line and Weld substation, submitted
with your memorandum of March 31, has been reviewed by Bureau of
Mines personnel.
In the absence of a map showing the precise route of the proposed
line, we cannot be certain what, if any, effect the line and sub-
station may have on mineral resources and industry in the area.
If the transmission line follows a direct route from 8 miles east
of Cheyenne to 6 miles west of Greeley, it will pass through or
adjacent to the Pierce, Black Hollow, New Windsor, and Antelope
oilfields.
It is noted that "where the line traverses irrigated farmland,
double-circuit steel towers will be used so that the existing
parallel 115-Kv line may be placed on the new towers and the existing
115-Kv wood pole line removed."
To avoid a proliferation of parallel, single-circuit powerlines on
H-frame, wood-pole structures from Cheyenne to the vicinity of
Pierce, Colo. , it is recommended that the double-circuit, lattice
.
•
steel structures be seriously considered for the entire route
despite the higher cost. Powerlines are highly visible in that
plains area, much of which is excellent antelope and cattle range,
and they also take dry farmland out of cultivation just as they
would irrigated farmland farther south.
Bring
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J _) _•'(,
r
v: �_.Uln,,cd States Department of L._.; Interior Cr:
_ .---
y . •e� °� GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 1
@' � Denver Federal Center
^pmt „ Denver, Colorado 80225
AS=R, 5-1971
IN REPLY REFER TO: Water Resources Division
i
. ApriL ,. .1971_ ` '.-
I 3 O *7-T ' 17's I
Memorandum
To: Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Region 7
Denver, Colorado
• From: Regional Hydrologist, WRD, Rocky Mountain egion
Subject: Draft Archer-We1 3.0-}; r.aaamissia.ki,n :nd Weld
Substation Environmental Statement--Upper Colorado
River Storage Project
This office has reviewed the subject statement enclosed with your •
memorandum of March 31, 1971, and has no comment to offer.
Our review, however, is at an organizational level of the Geological
Survey that does not express official Bureau position. Such an
expression may be obtained if and when the subject statement is
reviewed at headquarters level .
For the Regional Hydrologist:
Ag 6%' 6.1,24..-4-12.-w_...,„
Hugh H. Hudson
cc:
George H. Davis, Washington, D.C.
Code 4300 0016
W/incoming copies
Pi' �� I� 1,\`
oa{ United States Department of the Inierior
L-1...L.,,...:1, -
BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
t
A£A MID-CONTIN ,' 3;-mT,ro FILE Quit
,:;*-
BUILDING 41, DENVER PECSER;L�„C,I%N,'j'iE41j i_
DENVER, COLOR ADO 802 .ton 7
IN REPLY REFER TO'
A1625 MAY 5-1971 MA 3 1971
- To�curnsmo �'CO cr <.r•1• ,
Memorandum 4
To: Regional Director, Region 7, Bureau of Reclamation
From: Regional Director, Mit =Con`ftnent Region, Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation
Subject: Draft Archer-Weld 230 KV Transmission Line and
Weld Substation Environmental Statement - Upper
Colorado River Storage Project (Your Nemo of
March 31, 1971) •
Our review comments on this draft environmental statement
are enclosed. The comments are based on an office review
and a general knowledge of the project area. We believe
the statement should be strengthened in several respects if
it is to be responsive to the interim guidelines published
by the Council on Environmental Quality in the Federal
Register. of May 12, 1970. These guidelines were issued for
the preparation of environmental statements required by
Section 102(2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act.
We would be happy to discuss this with you, personally, if
you wish.
deer P::r Maur ce D. Arnold
Enclosure ,
Comments on Draft Archer.-Weld 230 KV Transmission Line
And Weld Substation Environmental Statement
Upper Colorado River Storage Project
Description and Location of the Facilities to Be Constructed
It would be helpful, especially for those unfamiliar with transmission line
and substation design, if you would provide drawings of the structures you
are proposing to use. In addition, a sketch map showing the alignment of
the proposed line and location of the substations would help the reviewer
evaluate the project's environmental impact.
A critical piece of information is the number of miles of A-frame wood pole
structures and the number of miles of double circuit lattice steel struc-
tures. This is important because, as we understand your proposal, existing
transmission lines would be consolidated with the Archer-Weld Line only
where double circuit lattice steel structures are used. For this reason,
it is necessary that you clearly state the number of miles of each type of
structure you propose to use.
It is also important that you be explicit about the miles and kind of land
the transmission line would traverse. This should include general cate-
gories of land ownership, topography, and vegetative type.
The Actual Need and Purpose for Constructing the Facilities
It might be best to include the second paragraph in the section entitled
"Impact on the Environment" in this section.
Impact on the Environment
Item (i) under guideline 7 of the interim guidelines published by the
Council on Environmental Quality in the May 12, 1970 Federal Register
states that the following shall be included in this section:
The probable impact of the proposed action on the environment,
including impact on ecological systems such as wild life, fish and
marine life. Both primary and secondary significant consequences for
the environment should be included in the analysis. For example, the
implications, if any, of the action for population distribution or
concentration should be estimated and an assessment made of the effect
of any possible change in population patterns upon the resource base,
including land use, water, and public services, of the area in
• question.
Your statement does not address itself to the impact on ecological systems
such as wildlife. The effects may be minimal, but should be discussed
nonetheless. For example, is there any clearing involved which would
affect wildlife habitat? Will maintenance of the right-of-way, for example,
mowing or spraying with herbicides, affect wildlife habitat?
The publication, Environmental Criteria for' Electric Transmission Systems,
produced by both the Departments of Interior and Agriculture, suggests
that transmission line rights-of-way be made available for appropriate
types of multiple use, such as game food plots, recreation areas, eques-
trian or bicycle paths, and many other related uses. Has this been con-
sidered in the case of the Archer-Weld Transmission Line? Your statement
should discuss this possibility. All agencies in both Departments have
been directed to use the criteria set forth in this publication.
Your statement mentions that no significant unique resource areas or condi-
tions Will be adversely affected. However, whether or not the resource
affected is unique really has little bearing on the matter. Indeed, range-
land may well be considered unique. In fact, a transmission line across
rangeland and grassland may have a greater deleterious impact than through
rough or mountainous terrain. Transmission lines across grassland are
• difficult to conceal. Thus, combining transmission lines, undergrounding,
or other techniques to mitigate their environmental impact across open,
treeless terrain is even more important than through wooded, mountainous
areas.
Your statement also mentions in this section that where the line traverses
irrigated farmland in the Greeley area, double circuit steel towers will
be used, existing parallel 115 kv lines placed on the new, towers, and the
existing 115 kv wood pole line removed. But how many miles of consolida-
tion would this actually mean? In your description of the project, you
mention that double circuit lattice steel structures will be used from
about two miles north of Pierce to the Weld Substation. This is an impor-
tant point and the number of miles involved should be clearly stated.
Also, whether or not the line crosses land which is irrigated should be
only one of many criteria for using steel structures. In fact, why not
use steel structures all the way if they improve the aesthetic appearance
of the line and eliminate a second line? Your statement should address
itself to this question. If there is an overriding reason for using steel
structures only part of the way, these reasons need to be carefully
explained.
In addition, will this proposed line have an effect on population patterns,
and thus on the resource base of the area? The Council on Environmental
Quality guidelines require that this be discussed. In other words, will
the Archer-Weld Transmission Line result in a change in population, either
in terms of more people, or more people concentrated in certain areas,
which would, in turn, have an impact on the environment?
The statement mentions that the visibility from highways and farmsteads
has been reduced as much as possible. But what techniques are used to
accomplish this? Your statement calls for using a pleasing, low-profile,
modern design for the Weld Substation. However, a simple drawing showing
this design would be helpful.
2
Adverse Environmental Effects
Item (ii) under guideline 7 states that the following shall be included
in this section:
Any probable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided
(such as water or air pollution, damage to life .systems, urban con-
gestion, threats to health or other consequences adverse to the
environmental goals set out in section 101(b) of Public Law 91-190) .
The only adverse effect mentioned involves the environmental impact to
individual landowners due to the presence of the line on or near their
property. However, we understand from your description of the project
that in some places there will be two lines where there is now one, even
though the lines are parallel. This certainly is an adverse environmental
impact. It would seem also that a new substation, even if well designed,
would be an adverse environmental impact. Other possible adverse environ-
mental effects include damages to wildlife habitat as a result of construc-
tion and maintenance of the power line as well as negative visual impacts.
There may well be other effects which should also be treated.
Alternatives to the Proposed Action
Item (iii) under guideline 7 states that the following shall be included
here:
Alternatives to the proposed action (section 102(2) (D) of the Act
requires the responsible agency to "study, develop and describe
appropriate alternatives to recommended courses of action in any
proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative
uses of available resources.") A rigorous exploration an&, objective
evaluation of alternative actions that might avoid some or all of
the adverse environmental effects is essential. Sufficient analysis
of such alternatives and their costs and impact on the environment
should accompany the proposed action through the agency review process
in order not to foreclose prematurely options which might have less
detrimental effects.
Your statement ignores this question. It would be appropriate to discuss
what social, economic, and environmental objectives would have to be fore-
gone should the line not be installed.
In addition, if the line is required, you should discuss the alternatives
available for constructing it. For example, why not use steel towers for
the entire line? What about the possibility of undergrounding, at least
at selected locations? What alternatives are available as far as poles
are concerned and why was the design you are proposing selected? What are
the benefits and disbenefits, the costs and impacts of all of the alterna-
tives for constructing the Archer-Weld Line? This is the only way an
informed selection among all of the possible alternatives can be made.
3
•
Relationship between Local Short-Term Uses of Man's Environment and the
Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity
Item (iv) under guideline 7 requires the following:
The relationship between local short-term uses of man's environment
and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity. This
in essence requires the agency to assess the action for cumulative
and long-term effects from the perspective that each generation is
trustee of the environment for succeeding generations.
You should discuss whether or not, in the long run, this project will
encourage additional numbers and densities of people and what the environ-
mental impact, over the long pull, will be if this occurs. In addition,
this may be an appropriate opportunity to discuss the necessity to dis-
courage additional electric gadgets requiring evermore electric power.
Irreversible Commitment of Resources
Item (v) under guideline 7 requires that:
Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources which
would be involved in the proposed action should it be •implemented.
This requires the agency to identify the extent to which the action
curtails the range of beneficial uses of the environment.
Your statement indicates that none of the resources would be irreversibly
committed. However, it appears that a transmission substation would tend
to become a permanent commitment of resources. Also, the failure to use
double circuit steel towers entirely so that all of the existing 115 kv
wood pole line could be removed would tend to lock this double line in
place. In addition, the question of whether or not this project would
encourage additional industrial and residential development and, thus,
result in an irreversible commitment of resources should be treated.
•
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- i
" '. UNfTED'STATES
� , , ;i DEPARTMENT OF THE INTLMOR is 4,,. :+,'@,...: � NATIONAL PARK SERVICE - }�1t. } ,r c,.. I '
4,,,, % MIDWEST :REGION CrFEw o1 kct,1.
IN REPLY REFER TO:
1709 Jackson Street R`s;'%' ° J
L7423 MWR CFA Omaha, Nebraska 68102 APR ri1971.- , ,
APR 22 1911•
/
_. onc. -�f
-Ta cteurn.ro�
i � r
2 r
Memorandum ±� I
To: Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Region 7
Denver, Colorado
• . ... •
From: Acting Director, Midwest Region -
Subject: Draft Archer-Weld 230-Kv Transmission Li.n *:and Weld
Substation Environmental Statement--Upper Colorado
River Storage Project
Thank you for the opportunity to 'review the subject statement.
The influence of the proposed transmission line affects no National
Park Service areas, so we have no comment.
Phillip R. Iversen
Acting Director
Midwest Region
OFFICIAL FILL CC<Y
.i "' ',V - .�-+, But 7} R C- . Y '.. " s' `e,
4SNI� ^. . Tti ` RR?ion 7IL*,K. '.I„o
UNITED_STATES APR 23. '971
<< DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOFti:
���' / 6-
--..,) FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE __
i_J I. 1 / BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIF To 1-77;;,, D±id
POST OFFICE BOX 1306 I 2/ �1/ 1 /2. L/
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87103 ' �"�Z� ILL
O4) �`/ fir/
220 /ALAI" { 4Z/G
April 20, 1971
In reply refer to: RB
Memorandum
To: Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation , Region 7,
Denver, Colorado 80225
From: Assistant Regional Director - Cooperative ?e" rvices
Subject : Draft Archer-Weld 230 Kv Transmission Line;and Weld
Substation _Environnental' Statement--Upper Colorado River
Storage Project
We have reviewed the draft environmental statement, forwarded under
your memorandum of March 31 , 1971 , relative to the above project ,
and make the following comments.
We are pleased that efforts will be directed toward the avoidance
of clearing of trees or shelter belts in the location of the 57
miles of transmission line in Wyoming and Colorado.
Should there be significant losses of wildlife food and cover by
the placement of power poles , efforts should be made to offset these
losses. This might be accomplished by including small exclosures
around the bases of selected power poles or in selected areas , where
brushy plants may betooe re-established naturally and by initial
plantings to insure establishment where required.
From the standpoint of aesthetics , we note that efforts are being
made to make the power lines and Weld Substation less obtrusive by
creation of low or partially concealed profiles , and by the use
of paints to blend the substation and buildings with the natural
surroundings.
Eventually, practical means may be devised for placement of power
lines underground. It is recognized that this is not currently
a practical alternative to the above-the-ground power lines and
poles. However, concerted efforts by the Federal Government and
power entities should be so directed .to establish practical alter-
natives.
•
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We appreciate the opportunity of commenting on your draft environ-
rental statement .
Robert F. Stephens
cc:
Director, Colorado Division of Game, Fish and Parks , Denver, Colorado
Commissioner, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Regional Coordinator, USDI , Missouri Basin Region , Billings , Montana
Supervisor, BSFW, MRBS , Billings , Montana
Field Supervisor, BSFW, Div. of River Basin Studies , Denver, Colorado
Field Supervisor, BSFW, Div. of River Basin Studies , Salt Lake City, Utah
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