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Home My WebLink About20220072.tiffAugust2021 NORTHERN COLORADO AREA PLAN: AULT TO CLOVERLY TRANSMISSION PROJECT Weld County Section 1041 Permit Application for Site Selection and Construction of a Major Facility of a Public Utility iyrirnjiit Application Appendices B -E, G -N Submitted to: Weld County Planning and Zoning Department of Planning Services 1555 North 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Submitted by: Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company Xcel Energy: Prepared by: POWER Engineers, Inc. 3900 South Wadsworth Boulevard Suite 700 Lakewood, CO 80235 POWER ENGINEERS This page intentionally left blank. 1041 USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (USR) PROCEDURAL GUIDE MAJOR FACILITY OF A PUBLIC UTILITY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES 11555 N. 17TH AVENUE, GREELEY, CO 80631 www.weldgov.com 1 970-400-6100 1 FAX 970-304-6498 Note: This form is for uses falling under Weld County Code Chapter 21, Areas and Activities of State Interest, Article III, Major Facilities of a Public Utility. Note: A pre -application conference with the Department of Planning Services is required prior to the submittal of this application. Please submit a Pre -Application Request form. (Available at www.weldgov.com>departments>planning and zoning>land use applications.) APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS N/A A copy of the pre -application meeting minutes provided by Planning Services. X Application form. (See attached). X Authorization form, if applicable. (See attached). N/A Incorporation documents if the owner is a business entity (LLC, etc.), or trust documents. X Completed Questionnaire. (See attached). X A certified list of names, addresses and the corresponding Parcel Identification Number(s) assigned by the County Assessor of the owners of property (the surface estate) within 1,320 feet of the property, except for transmission line projects, for which surface property owners for 500 feet on either side of the centerline of the proposed alignment, and to interest holders (excluding mineral interests) in any real property proposed to be physically disturbed or crossed by the activity or development which is the subject of the application. The source of such list shall be the records of the County Assessor, or an ownership update from a title or abstract company or attorney, derived from such records or from the records of the County Clerk and Recorder. If the list was assembled from the records of the County Assessor, the applicant shall certify that such list was assembled within 30 days of the application submission date. (See attached affidavit form.) X The names and addresses of any owner, operator, or user of any irrigation ditch, lateral, or pipeline that traverses the property, if applicable. N/A A copy of an agreement with the mineral owners associated with the subject property, if applicable. Such agreement shall stipulate that the oil and gas activities on the subject property have been adequately incorporated into the design of the site or shall provide written evidence that an adequate attempt has been made to mitigate the concerns of the mineral owners on the subject property. X A copy of the most recent deed to the property and, if the applicant is not the property owner, evidence of interest in the subject land held by the applicant, such as a lease agreement, trust documents, Statement of Authority, or similar evidence. N/A A Certificate of Conveyances (Chain of Title) form provided by the Department of Planning Services and completed by a Title Insurance or Abstract Company. The date of certification of the form must be within 30 days of the date of application. (See attached COG cover sheet.) N/A A signed Statement of Taxes from the County Treasurer showing no delinquent property taxes for the area referred to in the application materials. N/A A copy of a document showing evidence of adequate water supply (e.g., well permit or letter from water district). N/A A copy of a document showing evidence of adequate methods of sewage disposal (e.g., on -site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) (septic)) permit). Continued on the next page. 10/25/2019 1 NIA A signed Notice of Inquiry from a municipality or municipalities if the site is located within an Intergovernment Agreement (IGA) boundary or a Coordinated Planning Agreement (CPA) boundary, if applicable. N/A A drainage report, preliminary drainage study, or drainage narrative, as determined by Public Works. (See attached Questionnaire.) NIA A traffic study or traffic narrative including a traffic control plan, as determined by Public Works. (See attached Questionnaire.) N/A A sign plan detailing type, size and number of desired signs with images following the standards set forth in Chapter 23, Article IV, Division 2 and Appendices 23-C through E, if applicable. N/A A nuisance abatement plan, if applicable. N/A A landscape and screening plan, if applicable. X A decommissioning plan, if applicable. Adequate financial assurance to cover the decommissioning of the facility may be required as a condition of approval. X A draft emergency incident action plan, if applicable. N/A A noise study including a noise abatement plan documenting the methods to be utilized to meet the applicable noise standard, if applicable. X A soil report of the site prepared by the Natural Resource Conservation Service or by a soils engineer or scientist. In those instances when the soil report indicates the existence of moderate or severe soil limitations for the uses proposed, the applicant shall detail the methods to be employed to mitigate the limitations. X Community meeting sign -in sheet, minutes, and summary (optional). X The application fee ($10,000). Note: Fees are non-refundable and due when the application is determined to be complete. Fees are set by the Board of County Commissioners. County Staff is not authorized to negotiate fees and cannot, under any circumstance, waive, reduce, or amend the fees set forth in the Weld County Planning Fee Schedule. N/A Investigation fee, due only if this is a violation case. (50% of the application fee.) X The planned access to the project site and the means the applicant intends to use to obtain a legal right to utilize such access, including copies of any access or right-of-way agreements which have been entered into by the date of the application for such access. X The names and addresses of persons or entities with an interest in any real property proposed to be physically disturbed or crossed by the activity or development which is the subject of the application, excluding mineral interests but including those holding mortgages, judgments, liens, easements, contract rights, rights -of -way, reservations, exceptions or other encumbrances, at least to the extent shown in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder or of which applicant has actual knowledge. NIA The names and addresses of mineral interest holders with an interest in any real property proposed to be physically disturbed or crossed by the activity or development which is the subject of the application in the case of projects to be constructed more than 10 feet below the surface, excluding foundation structures for above -ground transmission lines, at least to the extent shown in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder and County Assessor. In addition, the applicant shall provide a certificate stating the process by which the applicant compiled such information, when such information was compiled and the steps which were taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. The County will require that the information be compiled and verified in a manner reasonably designed to ensure the accuracy of such information, but shall not require the use of title insurance or attorney's title opinions. The County will require that the last search for such information have been updated no later than 10 days before the date that the application is submitted, and that such information be updated again no later than 10 days before the public hearing on the application. Continued on the next page. 10/25/2019 2 X 1041 USR map. The applicant shall submit the draft map for preliminary approval to the Department of Planning Services in electronic (.pdf) format. Upon approval, the applicant shall submit a 24" x 36 map on Mylar. (See attached for map requirements.) X A sketch or map showing the following: NIA If a power plant is proposed, the area within 10 miles from the site. X For transmission lines, provide a map showing all existing transmission lines (115 kV or greater) for a distance of 2 miles beyond any reasonable alternative studied. N/A For upgrades of existing transmission lines (115 kV or greater), provide a sketch showing all existing transmission lines and pipelines within 1 mile on either side of the proposed alignment. X For all other major facilities of a public utility, provide a sketch showing the area within 5 miles of the site. X Indicate any floodplains, if required. X A map showing each existing major facility of a public utility within the County of the type proposed for development, if required. X If required, identify and locate on a map of appropriate scale the juxtaposition of any of the following features present in the proposed development or activity and its vicinity, and detail the potential impact of the proposal upon each feature: X Marshlands and wetlands. N/A Groundwater recharge areas, if applicable. N/A Potential natural hazards. N/A Forests and woodlands. N/A Critical wildlife habitat. X Public outdoor recreation areas. N/A Unique areas of geologic, historic or archeological importance. 10/25/2019 3 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project This page intentionally left blank. Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), a Colorado corporation doing business as Xccl Energy, hereby submits this Weld County Section 1041 Permit (Permit) Application for Site Selection and Construction of a Major Facility of a Public Utility (Application) for part of its Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project (Project). Specifically, PSCo seeks Weld County Board of County Commissioners' approval of the Permit in order to construct, operate, and maintain a new 115/230 kilovolt (kV) overhead electric power transmission line (Proposed Transmission Line) as a component of the Project in unincorporated Weld County. For clarity, this Application uses the term "Proposed Route" to identify the route that PSCo is seeking to permit for approval with Weld County. The state of Colorado in its 1041 regulations uses the term "preferred alternative". For the purpose of this Application, the two terms are synonymous with each other. Project Purpose and Need As a regulated public utility in Colorado, PSCo is required to supply its customers with safe, reliable, and affordable electrical service. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is the state regulatory body providing oversight for determining the need for new cicctric facilities in Colorado. PSCo submitted an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to the PUC for the Project including the Proposed Transmission Line on March 9, 2017 (Proceeding 17A -0146E). The PUC issued a CPCN to PSCo for the Project on March 1, 2018 (Decision No. R18-0153) (PUC Decision). Consistent with the findings and discussion in the PUC Decision, the Proposed Transmission Line and associated cicctric power substations described below arc needed to increase PSCo's cicctric system capacity and improve electric service reliability and safety in northern Colorado, including Weld County and the towns of Ault and Eaton. The Proposed Transmission Linc will replace portions of the existing 44 kV transmission network that no longer meets the electric demands of PSCo's customers in Weld County. In addition, PSCo's planned Husky Substation in the Town of Ault will replace its existing Ault Substation. PSCo's proposed Collins Street Substation in the Town of Eaton will replace its existing Eaton Substation. Both of these now substations arc part of the Project but are not the subject of this Application because neither substation is proposed to be constructed in unincorporated Weld County. When completed and operational, the Project will ensure that the transmission system in this area continues to operate reliably and safely as part of a comprehensive, long-range plan to strengthen the cicctric system and build a more robust and resilient power grid. Project Overview The 15.9 -mile -long portion of the Proposed Transmission Line Route (Proposed Route), which is located in unincorporated Weld County, is the subject of this Application. PSCo is seeking approval for buildout of the Project's ultimate operating capacity of 230 kV; however, the initial operation will be at a 115 kV capacity level. Portions of the Proposed Route and other Project components are located in the towns of Ault and Eaton and PSCo has completed land use permitting, or will complete land use permitting, with these jurisdictions. Table ES -1 below outlines information on the Project components, including approved levels of phased operational capacity when in-service. SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES i Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE ES -1 PROJECT COMPONENTS PROJECT COMPONENT Proposed Transmission Line Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Ault Substation to Planned Husky Substation Planned Husky Substation to Proposed Collins Street Substation Proposed Collins Street Substation to Cloverly Tap Point Substations Planned Husky Substation LENGTH AND LOCATION 4.1 miles in Weld County 0.7 mile in the Town of Ault 7.3 miles in Weld County 0.8 mile in the Town of Ault 0.9 mile in the Town of Eaton 4.6 miles in Weld County 1.1 miles in the Town of Eaton Town of Au It's Highland Industrial Park on CR 84's north side VOLTAGE Ultimate operating capacity is 230 kV double -circuit. One circuit will be installed initially and will operate at 230 kV. The second 230 kV circuit will be added when electric capacity is needed. This Application includes Weld County approval for the ultimate 230 kV double - circuit transmission line. Ultimate operating capacity is 230 kV double -circuit. One circuit will be installed initially and will operate at 115 kV. A second 230 kV circuit will be added when electric capacity is needed. This Application includes Weld County approval for the ultimate 230 kV double -circuit transmission line. Ultimate operating capacity is 230 kV double -circuit. One circuit will be installed initially and will operate at 115 kV. A second 230 kV circuit will be added when electric capacity is needed. This Application includes Weld County approval for the ultimate 230 kV double -circuit transmission line. 1151230 kV transmission and 44113 kV distribution NOTES Transmission line is oriented generally east - west between County Roads (CR) 84 and 86 west of the Town of Ault. Transmission line is generally oriented northwest -southeast. It is located primarily on the west side of United States Highway (U.S. Highway) 85. It also extends along the east sides of the towns of Ault and Eaton, where it connects to the site for the Collins Street Substation. Transmission line is generally oriented northwest -southeast and parallels U.S. Highway 85, then follows county roads east and south to the tap point at the intersection of CR 41 and CR 64%. Approved by Ault in 2019. Will replace existing Ault Substation, which will be decommissioned upon in- service of Project. SLC 3b4-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES ii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project PROJECT COMPONENT LENGTH AND LOCATION VOLTAGE NOTES Will replace existing Eaton Town of Eaton's industrial Proposed Collins Street 115 kV transmission and Substation, which will be Substation area just south of the CR 74- 13 kV distribution decommissioned upon in- CR 39 intersection service of Project. Appendix A includes the required Permit maps that show the location (Proposed Route and substation sites) of the Project components listed in Table ES -1. Transmission Line Routing and Substation Siting Study Since 2019, PSCo has been working to prepare a Transmission Line Routing and Substation Siting Study (Siting Study), included in Appendix B, to identify and evaluate potential transmission line routes and substation sites to connect the planned Husky Substation and the existing Cloverly Tap Point.' The Siting Study resulted in an analysis of approximately 133 miles of transmission line route alternatives that were evaluated based on multiple factors including impacts on center pivot, flood, and drip irrigation systems; oil and gas facilities; electrical system planning; economics; the natural, cultural, and visual environment; public input from the community; regulatory requirements; land use and property ownership concerns; and engineering criteria. Based on these factors and using a comprehensive screening and comparison process, PSCo selected the Proposed Route from the alternative routes evaluated in the Siting Study. In conducting the Siting Study, PSCo is compliant with Weld County Code, Chapter 21, Article III, Division 3, Section 21-3-330.B.11, which requires: "Analysis of reasonahle structural alternatives to the project such as alternate locations and routes, alternative types of facilities, use ,?f existing rights-gf-wap, joint use of rights-pf=uay with other utilities and upgrading of existing f zeilities'" (Weld County 2020). During the Siting Study process, PSCo also identified existing oil and gas facilities in the Project Study Area. The Proposed Route has no direct impact on existing well pads and tank storage areas. Existing pipelines will also be avoided during the final engineering and tower foundation cadastral survey and design phase. The Siting Study details the process by which the Proposed Route was chosen from the alternative routes identified and evaluated in the Project Study Area. In unincorporated Weld County, 14.0 miles or approximately 88 percent of the Proposed Route's 15.9 -mile total length is located along field edges and existing road ROWS to the extent possible. In this way, the Proposed Route provides several benefits to the overall community in Weld County such as: • Minimizes impacts on private property owners. I The WAPA Ault to Husky alignment was not included as part of the 2019 Siting Study because PSCc had identified this alignment during the initial 2018 study and had been coordinating with the affected landowners along this alignment when the 2019 Siting Study began. The original route that PSCo identified for the WAPA Ault to Husky alignment has been modified based on coordination with affected landowners and accounting for oil and gas production facilities and pipeline infrastructure. The Proposed Route that is the subject of this Application incorporates the modifications. z The Project Study Area is the cumulative area analyzed in the Siting Study (Appendix B, Figure 1), encompassing approximately 163 square miles in west -central Weld County between the Town of Ault in the north and the City of Greeley in the south and is further discussed in Section 2.2 of the Application. SLC 3b4-1874 lbo476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES iii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project • Minimizes impacts on agricultural uses. • Minimizes impacts on natural, cultural, and visual resources. • Avoids existing oil and gas production facilities and pipeline infrastructure. • Maximizes the use of existing access and minimizes new access road construction. • Facilitates efficient and cost-effective transmission line design and construction. PSCo believes the Proposed Route presented in this Application is the best route because it accommodates and minimizes impacts on existing fields; and it uses field edges and existing agricultural road operations, such as center pivot-, flood-, and drip -irrigated ROWs to the extent possible. In fall 2020, PSCo began ongoing discussions with potentially affected landowners and has adjusted the Proposed Route where feasible to address individual landowner concerns. PSCo will continue meeting with affected landowners until landowner agreements are accepted by both parties. Further, PSCO has met with the towns of Eaton and Ault regarding the Proposed Route. From those discussions, PSCo evaluated potential route adjustments on the Town of Eaton's north and south sides. On the Town of Eaton's north side, the alternatives were identified in response to landowners' concerns about the Proposed Route's alignment along County Road (CR) 76 / 10th Street and CR 39 adjacent to the Hawkstone and Eaton Commons neighborhoods. Additionally, PSCo identified alternatives on the Town of Eaton's south side as the transmission line route exits the site for the Collins Street Substation and extends south to CR 72. These alternatives were identified in response to Town of Eaton officials' request to study alternatives that avoid CR 39. Appendix A, Figure 1 depicts PSCo's final Proposed Route. Concurrent with the transmission line routing efforts, new substation sites were identified and evaluated using a screening and comparison process that included current land use; adequate parcel size; location with respect to PSCo's electric system planning needs; proximity to residences; impacts on environmentally sensitive areas; and engineering and constructability requirements. The site for the Collins Street Substation (Proposed Site) is located in an industrial area on the Town of Eaton's cast side on the southwest corner of the CR 74-CR 39 intersection. Appendix A, Figure 6 shows the Proposed Site's location. The site is located in PSCo's preferred target area presented in Appendix B, Figure 3. Because the Proposed Site is located in Eaton's industrial zoning district and is an allowed use based on zoning and Eaton's General Plan goals, PSCo will not need to obtain a Special Use Permit from the Town of Eaton to construct the substation. However, a Land Development Application will be submitted pursuant to the town's code for administrative review and approval. Additionally, because the Proposed Site is in the Town of Eaton, it is not subject to Weld County jurisdiction and is not included in this Application. Community Outreach and Engagement As part of the Siting Study, PSCo conducted extensive community outreach and engagement to understand community members' concerns for the location of the new transmission line and Collins Street Substation. As part of the outreach and engagement program, a Community Working Group (CWG) of 13 local citizens was formed and public open houses were held. CWG members represented a range of stakeholders including the agricultural and oil and gas industries in Weld County as well as other commercial interests; schools, parks, and recreation districts; the local chamber of commerce; Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW); and private landowners. Table ES -2 below details the public outreach that has occurred over the course of 2019-2021. The public open houses gave members of the general public an opportunity to receive Project updates, ask questions, and learn about the Project facilities being proposed, and provided PSCo with community SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PACE ES iv Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project fccdback. The information and data obtained from the public during the CWG meetings and public open houses was used to inform PSCo's decision for the Proposed Route and Proposed Site. A summary of the community outreach and engagement program and materials prepared arc presented as Appendix C. TABLE ES -2 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM SUMMARY TYPE OF MEETING DATE AND LOCATION PURPOSE OF MEETING NOTES November 5, 2019 Re -introduce Project and review CWG Meeting #1 Eaton Area Community roles and responsibilities of Project Center team and CWG members November 13, 2019 Re -introduce Project and solicit Approximately 71 Public Open House #1 Eaton Area Community input from public for opportunities attendees Center and constraints to routingisiting 167 comments received January 16, 2020 Review alternative route links and CWG Meeting #2 Eaton Area Community substation sites identified and solicit Center input from CWG members January 28, 2020 Solicit input from public on network Approximately 170 Public Open House #2 Eaton Area Community of alternative route links and attendees Center substation sites identified 96 comments received May 28, 2020 Review alternative routes and CWG Meeting #k3 substation sites identified and solicit Online via Zoom webinar input from CWG members Solicit input from public on 85 attendees Public Open House #3 June 11 and 17, 2020 alternative routes and substation 16 comments received Online via Zoom webinar sites identified Meeting recorded and posted to website July 16, 2020 Review preferred and alternative CWG Meeting #4 transmission routes and substation Online via Zoom webinar sites and solicit input from CWG Solicit input from public on preferred 31 attendees Public Open House #4 September 22 and 30, 2020 and alternative transmission routes 7 comments received Online via Zoom webinar and substation sites Meeting recorded and posted to website April 28, 2021 Review Proposed Route and CWG Meeting #5 Proposed Site and solicit input from Online via Zoom webinar CWG members May 19, 2021 Present Proposed Route and 13 attendees Public Open House #5 Online via Zoom webinar Proposed Site and answer Meeting recorded and questions from the public posted to website During the Siting Study process, PSCo met with several local farmers to understand their concerns about the Project and find solutions for avoiding and/or minimizing impacts on agricultural uses of the land. The total length of transmission line crossing agricultural properties played a key role in determining which routes were considered and eliminated, and which routes advanced to subsequent levels of route analysis and comparison. SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES v Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Through PSCo's efforts to engage and listen to the input of the CWG and the concerns of and fccdback from the general public, its comprehensive Siting Study process, and unwavering commitment to its customers in Weld County to provide safe, reliable electric service, PSCo believes this Application meets the Section 1041 Permit approval criteria pursuant to the Weld County Code and merits Weld County Board of County Commissioners' approval. Coordination with Union Pacific Railroad A route alternative identified in the Siting Study process was co -located within the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad right-of-way (ROW) through the towns of Ault and Eaton and portions of unincorporated Weld County. This route alternative was presented to the public during two virtual town hall -style public meetings held on September 22 and September 30, 2020. After a full internal feasibility review was conducted by PSCo's engineering team to determine if the route alternative was viable, a permit application to jointly use the UP Railroad ROW for the transmission line was prepared by PSCo and submitted to UP Railroad for review in August 2020. A typical review period for a utility co -location permit request takes six months to complete and requires UP Railroad engineering, operations, and real estate teams to evaluate potential impacts and feasibility of the proposed request for joint use of railroad facilities. The UP Railroad process for reviewing PSCo's application was extended into the early spring of 2021 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandcmic, the complex nature of the proposed co -location of transmission line facilities within the railroad ROW; and, resulting operational and track safety concerns. During this period, UP Railroad's engineering team and PSCo's engineering team collaborated over the course of several meetings to review technical aspects of the route alternative in conjunction with UP Railroad's current operational requirements and plans for possible future track expansions. Several key engineering and track safety issues were identified, discussed, and evaluated, and ultimately those issues were determined to be unresolvable. This determination led to a mutual conclusion by UP and PSCo that co -locating segments of the transmission line in the UP Railroad ROW is not a feasible or safe option for the Project. A copy of the permit application denial letter from UP Railroad is included as Appendix D. Table ES -3 provides the timeline of PSCo's coordination with UP Railroad. TABLE ES -3 TIMELINE OF COORDINATION BETWEEN PSCO AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TIME PERIOD ACTIVITY Summer 2020 A route alternative is identified in the Siting Study that parallels 11 miles of the UP Railroad through the towns of Ault, Eaton, and unincorporated Weld County. August 2020 PSCo submitted application for utility encroachment to UP Railroad. August 2020 through UP Railroad review of PSCo's application and evaluation of technical feasibility. March 2021 December 2020 Ongoing meetings between PSCo and UP Railroad, engineering coordination, and multiple counter through March 2021 proposals made by PSCo to address technical requirements. UP Railroad and PSCo conclude technical issues are unresolvable and that paralleling the railroad within UP ROW is not feasible due to: March 2021 s UP operational requirements • Possible future track expansions • Other key engineering issues • Safety issues SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PACE ES vi Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE OF CONTENTS WELD COUNTY SECTION 1041 USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW APPLICATION FORM............... I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................................ I _II RO.IECT PURPOSE AND NEED.....................................................................................................................I PROJECTOVERVIEW................................................................................................................................... I TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING AND SUBSTATION SITING STUDY............................................................Iii Community Outreach and Engagement............................................................................................... iv Coordination with Union Pacific Railroad........................................................................................... vi APPLICATION CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE ..... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ............... XII 1.0 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1 1.1 PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO.................................................................................. 1 1.2 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED.... ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ... 1 1.3 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH....................................................................................... 2 1.3.1 Community Working Group.......................................................................................... 3 1.3.2 Public Open Houses.......................................................................................................4 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................9 2.1 PROJECT FACILITIES......................................................................................................................9 2.2 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING PROCESS.................................................................................... 13 2.2.1 Proposed Route ............................................................................................................16 2.2.2 Collins Street Substation Site .......................................................................................18 2.3 AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS........................................................................................................... 18 3.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT..... ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . .......... 20 3.1 STRUCTURAL ALTERNATIVES...... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 20 3.2 NON-STRUCTURAL ALTERNATIVES............................................................................................ 20 3.3 LESS DAMAGING ALTERNATIVES...............................................................................................20 4.0 WELD COUNTY SECTION 1041 PERMIT PROGRAM OVERVIEW................................22 4.1 AREAS AND ACTIVITIES OF STATE INTEREST............................................................................. 22 4.2 SITING AND CONSTRUCTING MAJOR FACILITIES OF A PUBLIC UTILITY.....................................22 5.0 AREAS AND ACTIVITIES OF STATE INTEREST - SECTION 1041 PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS...........................................................................................23 5.1 APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS................................................................................ 23 21-3-33 0.A APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS....................................................................... 23 21-3-33 0.B.1 MAP REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................... 23 21-3-330.B.1.A-NAME AND ACREAGE OF PROPOSED USE....................................................................23 21-3-330.13.1.B AND B. 1.D -MAP REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................24 21-3-33 0 . B . 1 . C - APPLICANT AND CONSULTANTS.................................................................................. 24 21-3-33 0.B.2 TITLE INFORMATION....................................................................................................... 25 21-3-33 0.B.2.A - SURFACE PROPERTY OWNERS AND REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS.................................25 21-3-330.B.2.B PROJECT ACCESS.........................................................................................................25 21-3-33 0.B.2.C - REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS........................................................................................ 26 21-3-33 0.B.2.ii - MINERAL INTERESTS................................................................................................... 26 21-3-330.13.3 SECTION 1041 PERMIT .?1_1\.P. ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . .27 21-3-33 0.B.3.A-C - MAP REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................... 27 21-3-33 0 . B . 3 . D SECTION 1041 PERMIT MAP AND VICINITY MAP ........................................................ 28 SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES vii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.4 PLOT PLAN... ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . .28 21-3-330.8.5 - OTHER ITEMS AND INFORMATION..................................................................................29 21-3-33O.B.5.APRESENT USE AND ZONING.........................................................................................30 21-3-330.B.5 - SKETCH OR MAP...................................................................................................... 30 21-3-33 O.B.5.E TYPE OF FACILITY........................................................................................................ 30 2 1 -3-33 0.8.5.1' PROJECTED DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE....................................................................... 31 21-3-33 O.B.5.G - HAZARDS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES................................................................. 31 21-3-330.B.5.H-NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE OF APPLICANT....................................................32 21-3-330.B.5.i - NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE FEE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY .................................... 32 21-3-330.B.5.J-LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY UNDER CONSIDERATION............................... 32 21-3-33 O.B.5.xi - TOTAL ACREAGE OF THE PARCEL, ROW, OR CORRIDOR UNDER CONSIDERATION .... 32 21-3-330.B.5.L EXISTING LAND USE... ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . . 32 21-3-33 0.B.5.M EXISTING LAND USES OF ALL PROPERTIES ADJACENT TO PARCELS ......................... 32 21-3-33 0.B.5.N - ZONING AND OVERLAY ZONES................................................................................... 33 21-3-330.B.5.O SIGNATURES OF THE APPLICANT AND FEE OWNERS OR THEIR AUTHORIZED LEGAL AGENT.......................................................................................................................... 3 3 21-3-33 0.B.6 SUMMARY OF MAJOR NATURAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS 21-3-33 0.B.7 NATURAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DUE TO SITE SELECTION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT......................................................................... 34 5.1.1 Impacts on Land Use................................................................................................... 34 5.1.2 Impacts on Water Resources........................................................................................37 5.1.3 Impacts on Vegetation................................................................................................. 38 5.1.4 Impacts on Soils.... ..... ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . ..... . . . .39 5.1.5 Impacts on Wildlife......................................................................................................40 5.1.6 Impacts on Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance ........42 5.1.7 Impacts on Visual Resources.......................................................................................42 5.1.8 Impacts on Transportation Facilities............................................................................44 5.1.9 Impacts on Socioeconomic Conditions........................................................................45 21-3-33 0.8 .8 — LONG-TERM EFFECTS UPON PHYSICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.............45 21-3-33 0.B.9 MITIGATION OF ADVERSE IMPACTS / MAXIMIZATION OF POSITIVE IMPACTS ............... 46 21-3-33 0.B.10 - NON-STRUCTURAL ALTERNATIVES.............................................................................. 46 21-3-33 0.B. 1 1 STRUCTURAL ALTERNATIVES..... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 21-3-330.B.12 -AIR AND WATER POLLUTION IMPACTS AND CONTROL ALTERNATIVES ......................47 5.1.10 Impacts on Air Quality................................................................................................. 47 21-3-330.B.13 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES: ACCESS, LANDSCAPING, AND ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS 47 21-3-330.B.14 -NEW OR UPGRADED SERVICES.....................................................................................48 21-3-330.B.15 HYDROLOGIC, ATMOSPHERIC, GEOLOGIC, PEDOLOGIC, BIOTIC, VISUAL, AND NOISE IMPACTS....................................................................................................................... 48 5.1.11 Hydrologic................................................................................................................... 48 5.1.12 Atmospheric................................................................................................................. 48 5.1.13 Geologic....................................................................................................................... 48 5.1.14 Pcdologic.....................................................................................................................48 5.1.15 Biotic............................................................................................................................ 48 5.1.16 Visual........................................................................................................................... 49 5.1.17 Noisc............................................................................................................................ 49 21-3-330.B.16 SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE.......................................................................49 21-3-33 0.8.17 - DECOMMISSIONING PLAN............................................................................................. 50 21-3-330.B.18 - OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION................................................................................. 50 21-3-330.C SPECIFIC SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS...............................................................................51 21-3-33 0.D - WAIVER OF SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................... 53 SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES viii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 5.2 WELD COUNTY SECTION 1041 DECISION CRITERIA................................................................... 53 6.0 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANS AND REQUIREMENTSrr. r...........r.rs.rr..rrrrrrrrrrre.er.r.rwr�rrwrrrrrrr..ewr.rs.rr..rrrrrrrrrrrrrwrr.rs.rr...a.r.rr.rraarr.+s+r.r58 6.1 COMPLIANCE WITH WELD COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 5Y 6.2 COMPLIANCE WITH TOWN ...................... .. . .. . .. . .. . .. ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . . OF AULT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ..................................................... 59 6,3 COMPLIANCE WITH TOWN OF EATON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ................................................... 60 7.0 REFERENCESrr,r.rr,r.r.rrrrrr.r,.r.r,war,..r.r,rr..............................rr.r,war......,r....,.,...........,...r.r....,..r.r,.,r.63 TABLES. TABLE TABLE TABLE ES -1 ES -2 ES -3 PROJECT COMPONENTS..........................................................................................11 COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM SUMMARY...... V TIMELINE OF COORDINATION BETWEEN PSCO AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD................................................................................................................. Al CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE 1 TABLE 2 TABLE 3 TABLE.................................................................................................................XII COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP MEMBERS....................................................... 3 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALTERNATIVES................................................13 PROPOSED ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS - WAPA AULT SUBSTATION TO HUSKY SUBSTATION..............................................................................................16 TABLE 4 PROPOSED ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS - HUSKY SUBSTATION TO CLOVERLY TAP POINT...........................................................................................1.7 TABLE 5 TIMELINE OF COORDINATION BETWEEN PSCO AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD.................................................................................................................18 TABLE TABLE TABLE TABLE TABLE 6 7 8 9 10 PROJECT SCHEDULE.............................................................................................. LAND COVER TYPES IN THE PROPOSED ROUTE RIGHT-OF-WAY .............. SOIL SHRINK/SWELL CLASSES............................................................................ SOIL ERODIBILITY CLASSES................................................................................40 STATE -PROTECTED SPECIES WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE Si 39 39 TABLE TABLE TABLE 11 12 13 PROJECT STUDY AREA.......................................................................................... WELD COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.......... TOWN OF AULT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES ............... TOWN OF EATON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES ............ 41 59 60 61 EXHIBITS: EXHIBIT 1 PROPOSED 230 KV STRUCTURES.........................................................................11 EXHIBIT 2 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON DIAGRAM,15 APPENDICES. APPENDIX A SECTION 1041 PERMIT MAPS APPENDIX B TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTING AND SUBSTATION SITING STUDY APPENDIX C COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM APPENDIX D UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD FINAL LETTER APPENDIX E SURFACE PROPERTY OWNERS AND REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS APPENDIX F PLOT PLAN APPENDIX G DECOMMISSIONING PLAN PLC 36d-1$74 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES ix Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project APPENDIX H AGRICULTURAL IMPACT MITIGATION PLAN APPENDIX I RESPONSE PROCEDURES FOR UTILITY EMERGENCIES APPENDIX J ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS APPENDIX K LEGAL DESCRIPTION APPENDIX L NRCS SOIL REPORT APPENDIX M PHOTOGRAPHIC SIMULATIONS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE APPENDIX N USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE SLC 364-1874 160476.04.02 (2021-08-11) CH PAGE ES x Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AIMP Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan APEN Air Pollutant Emission Notice Applicant Public Service Company of Colorado doing business as Xccl Energy Application Weld County Section 1041 Permit Application for Areas and Activities of State Interest for Site Selection and Construction of a Major Facility of a Public Utility BMP Best Management Practice CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment CPCN Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity CPW Colorado Parks and Wildlife CR Weld County Road CWG Community Working Group dB(A) A -weighted decibel ESA Endangered Species Act GIS geographic information system kV kilovolt MW megawatt NO x nitrogen oxides NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NRHP National Register of Historic Places Permit Weld County Section 1041 Permit PM10 particulate matter smaller than 10 microns in diameter Project Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project PSCo Public Service Company of Colorado doing business as Xccl Energy PUC Colorado Public Utilities Commission ROW right(s)-of-way SHPO State Historic Preservation Office Siting Study Transmission Line Routing and Substation Siting Study UP Union Pacific USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Highway United States Highway USR Use by Special Review VOC volatile organic compound WAPA Western Area Power Administration PAGE xi Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project APPLICATION CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE The following table lists the sections of the Weld County Code, Chapter 21 Areas and Activities of State Interest that include the submittal requirements for Section 1041 Permit applications. The table also lists the section or appendix where Public Service Company of Colorado's response to each requirement can be found in this Application. CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE WELD COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 21 OF - AREAS AND ACTIVITIES STATE INTEREST SECTION SECTION OR APPENDIX IN 1041 PERMIT APPLICATION PAGE NUMBER IN PERMIT SECTION APPLICATION 1041SECTION OF CODE 21-3-330.6.1 — maps General requirements for Appendix A Section 5.1, — Section 1041 Permit Maps and Subsections 21-3-330.9.1 a -d 23-24 Appendix E — Surface Property Owners and 21 -3 -330.B.2 —Title information Real Property Interests Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.2.b 25 21 -3 -330.B.3 —Section 1041 Permit Map Appendix A — Section 1041 Permit Maps 21-3-330.B.4 — Plot Plan Appendix F — Plot Plan - Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.a 30 Appendix A — Section 1041 Permit Maps, Figure 3 _ Appendix A — Section 1041 Permit Maps, Figure 2 _ Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.e 30 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.f 31 21 -3 -330.B.5 —Additional items and Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.g 31 information Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.h 32 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.i 32 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.j 32 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.k 32 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.5.1 32 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.m 32 Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.n 33 21 -3 -330.13.5 —Additional information items and Section s.1, Subsection 21-3-330.6.5.0 33 21-3-330.B.6 — Summary of Major Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.6 33 Constraints 21-3-330.B.7 — Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts Due to Site Selection Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.9.7 34 and Construction of the Project PAGE xii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project WELD COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 21 - AREAS AND ACTIVITIES SECTION OR APPENDIX IN PAGE NUMBER IN OF STATE INTEREST SECTION 1041 PERMIT APPLICATION SECTION 1041 PERMIT APPLICATION SECTION OF CODE 21-3-330.8.8— Long -Term Effects upon Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.8 45 Physical and Socioeconomic Development 21-3-330.8.9 — Mitigation of Adverse Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.9 46 Impacts I Maximization of Positive Impacts Section 3.2 and Section 5.1, Subsection 21- 21-3-330.8.10 — Non -Structural Alternatives 20 and 46 3-330.2.10 Section 3.1 and Section 5.1, Subsection 21- 21-3-330.8.11 - Structural Alternatives 20 and 46 3-330.13.11 21-3-330.8.12 — Air and Water Pollution Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.12 47 Impacts and Control Alternatives 21-3-330.2.13 — Design Alternatives: Access, Landscaping, and Architectural Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.13 47 Controls 31-3-333.0.13— New or Upgraded Services Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.14 48 21-3-330.2.15 — Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.15 48 Noise Impacts 21-3-330.8.16- Surface and Subsurface Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.16 49 Drainage Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.17; 31-3-333.0.13— Decommissioning Plan Appendix A— Decommissioning Plan 50 21-3-330.8.18— Other Required Information Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.8.18 50 21-3-330.C.1 - Specific Submittal None identified in pre -application meetings Requirements on 11/13/3333 and 4/21/2021 21-3-330.C.2 - Specific Submittal None identified in pre -application meetings Requirements on 11/13/3333 and 4/21/2021 21-3-330.C.3 - Specific Submittal None identified in pre -application meetings Requirements on 11/13/3333 and 4/21/2021 21-3-330.D — Waiver of Submittal Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.D 53 Requirements PAGE xiii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project This page intentionally left blank. PAGE xiv Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 1.0 INTRODUCTION Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo or Applicant), doing business as Xcel Energy, hereby submits this Weld County Section 1041 Permit (Permit) Application for Site Selection and Construction of a Major Facility of a Public Utility (Application) for its Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cleverly Transmission Project (Project). PSCo is submitting this Application per the requirements of Weld County Code, Chapter 21, Article III, Division 3 Permit Program for Site Selection and Construction of a Major Facility of a Public Utility (Weld County 2020). For clarity, this Application uses the term "Proposed Route" to identify the route that PSCo is seeking to permit for approval with Weld County. The state of Colorado in its 1041 regulations uses the term "preferred alternative". For the purpose of this Application, the two terms arc synonymous with each other. This Application presents the following information: • Section 1.0 — Introduction • Section 2.0 — Project Description • Section 3.0 — Alternatives to the Proposed Project • Section 4.0 — Weld County Section 1041 Permit Program Overview • Section 5.0 — Areas and Activities of State Interest — Section 1041 Application Requirements • Section 6.0 — Compliance with Other Local Government Plans and Requirements • Section 7.0 — References 1.1 Public Service Company of Colorado PSCo provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy -related products and services to approximately 1.4 million electric customers and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Colorado. PSCo is the electric service provider to 86,416 customers in and around Weld County who will benefit from the Project. As a point of clarification, the utility company name is "branded" as Xccl Energy; however, the legal entity which owns and operates the utility facilities in Colorado is PSCo. All utility facilities and related land rights, including fee property, easements, and permits, arc owned by, operated by, and held in the name of Public Service Company of Colorado, a Colorado corporation. The Applicant's contact information for this Project is provided below: Applicant Public Service Company of Colorado 1800 Larimer Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80202 1.2 Project Purpose and Need Applicant's Representative Ms. Rita Ruderman Senior Agent, Siting and Land Rights Xccl Energy Services, Inc. Office: (303) 571-7159 Rita. C. Rudermangx celenergy. c om The purpose of the Project is to replace the existing 44 kilovolt (kV) transmission system with higher - voltage, modern transmission facilities. The 44 kV infrastructure is one of the oldest transmission assets owned by PSCo with some of the infrastructure dating back to the early 1900s. According to PSCo system outage data from 2015 to 2019, 296 outages occurred affecting approximately 255,790 customers. Between PAGE I Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project January 2019 and September 2019, when PSCo began the Siting Study for the Project, 53 outages occurred ranging in duration from less than 30 seconds to 5.0 hours. Reasons for the outages vary and include weather events and infrastructure failure. Once in service, the Project will increase electric transmission capacity, improve electric service safety and reliability, and expand the load -serving capability of PSCo's cicctric transmission system in Weld County, Colorado. If the Project is not constructed, PSCo will continue to experience electric safety and reliability concerns with the 44 kV transmission system resulting in intermittent power interruptions to customers, greater operation and maintenance costs during outages, and reduced reliability. 1.3 Summary of Community Outreach PSCo's approach for community outreach and engagement involved reaching out to community stakeholders and landowners, involving them in the transmission routing and substation siting process, identifying and understanding their concerns, and providing information responsive to their concerns. PSCo developed a comprehensive planning process, integrating public outreach and providing community meetings at key milestones of the process because proactively incorporating information from the public into Project development contributes to decisions that are sound, feasible, and reasonable. Two key elements of PSCo's outreach and engagement for the Project included meetings with the Project's Community Working Group (CWG) and meetings with the general public and landowners. However, beginning in early March 2020, the COVID-19 global health pandcmic interrupted plans for holding in - person meetings with the CWG, along with the general public and landowners. Committed to continuing work with the community to develop a viable solution to meet growing and changing energy needs in the area, and in response to the COVID-19 health concerns and keeping the community safe, PSCo strategized and adjusted how communication efforts could be increased and how to interact effectively with the public recognizing the inability to meet in-person and hold large public gatherings, as recommended by state of Colorado public health authorities and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PSCo's solution for increasing communication efforts and interacting effectively with the community included organizing and hosting three virtual CWG meetings via Zoom webinar and three virtual town hall -style public open houses for the general public also via Zoom webinar. Video recordings of the third, fourth, and fifth rounds of open houses held in June 2020, September 2020, and May 2021 using a virtual, online town hall -style format were placed on the Project's wcbsitc. Additionally, PSCo's Project Team offered to meet with members of the public and landowners in one-on-one or small group settings online or via telephone to answer questions and review Project information. PSCo also increased Project status update mailings such as bulletins and newsletters to keep the public informed. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting how PSCo engaged the community, the initial approach included several methods for conducting community outreach and engagement to ensure stakeholders could be reached through various means of communication. The methods listed below were implemented before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: • PSCo developed key messages and responses to Frequently Asked Questions and continued to add to these Frequently Asked Questions throughout the process to address concerns expressed by the community during the previous 2018 study and current Siting Study. • A Project-spccific website available at https://www.northerneoloradoareaplan.com/ was developed to inform and provide status updates to the public and regulatory agencies about Project activities. As the planning process progressed, up-to-date Project information was added. Examples of this information include exhibit boards and presentations from the public open houses, Project maps sharing current status of the routing and siting process, and a video showing common construction practices and activities. PAGE 2 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project • A telephone information line and email address have been maintained to accept comments and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to request individual meetings. • A mailing list of 7,100 names and addresses was established including landowners identified from County parcel data in the Project Study Arca, names and addresses of community members who expressed interest in the Project, elected officials, and other community leaders. • Seven announcements of upcoming meetings, including announcements of each of the five public open houses, and updates on Project status have been mailed to the entities on the Project mailing list, including three informational mailers, two postcard announcements, and one letter update. Appendix C — Community Outreach and Engagement Program includes copies of the mailings. • PSCo maintained regular contact with local elected officials and other community leaders throughout the process. Appendix C — Community Outreach and Engagement Program includes a record of contacts. • PSCo held multiple individual meetings (conference or video calls) with landowners per landowner request via the Request -an -Appointment tool on the Projcct website. • PSCo hosted public meetings throughout the process five small -group mcctings of the CWG and five open house meetings for the general public. CWG meetings and public open houses are described in Sections 1.3.1 and 1.3.2, respectively. 1.3.1 Community Working Group As part of public outreach and engagement, PSCo organized the Community Working Group (CWG), a group of 13 local citizens who represent a diverse range of community interests. These citizens were asked to participate in the planning process and consider the views of the group as well as their own views and those of the citizens or organizations they rcprescnt, forming a link to their respective communities. Table 1 lists the CWG members and the organizations they represent. TABLE 1 COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP MEMBERS NAME ORGANIZATION Arlen Anderson Landowner/Agriculture Cody Ball Oil and Gas (Noble Energy) Greg Beihl Small Local Business Ryan Fagerberg Landowner/Agriculture Troy Florian Environmental (Colorado Parks & Wildlife) Dawn Hass Chamber of Commerce; Small Local Business PaullJordan Hungenberg Landowner/Agriculture Andy Nagel Great Western Trail Doug O'Connell Landowner Scott Randel School District (Eaton) Jeff Schreier Local Government: Town of Eaton (Town Administrator) Sharon Sullivan Local Government: Town of Ault (Town Clerk/Treasurer) Becky Weideman Landowner/Agriculture PAGE 3 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project The CWG participated in comprehensive discussions, receiving detailed information about the Project and planning process. Throughout the planning process, the CWG was asked to provide input on the following: • Issues, ideas, and concerns held by the CWG members and those they represent. • Resource information gathered and technical results of the Siting Study. • Criteria that is used to identify and analyze alternative transmission line routes. • Alternative transmission line routes and substation sites. • Processes for selection of a Proposed Route and Proposed Site. • Recommendations for reducing or mitigating potential impacts. Four CWG meetings were planned at the outset of the Project to be held at key milestones, scheduled to occur prior to corresponding public open house meetings, integrated with the Siting Study process. The intent was to conduct these meetings at each step of the planning process to describe the Project, explain progress, and solicit feedback and input useful for the next step. At the conclusion of the Siting Study process, a fifth CWG meeting was added to present the proposed transmission line route and substation site that would be included in the land use permit applications filed with Weld County and the Town of Eaton. The first two meetings were held at the Eaton Area Community Center and the last three meetings were conducted via an online, web -based meeting platform due to restrictions associated with COVID-19 health concerns. A description of each CWG meeting, including meeting materials and a summary of each meeting is provided in Appendix C. 1.3.2 Public Open Houses PSCo hosted an open house meeting for the general public and landowners following each of the CWG meetings. The public open house approach allowed for: (1) information dissemination through static and video displays to the broader public; and (2) discussion and engagement of the public's questions and concerns with Project staff in a one-on-one or small group setting. The first two public open houses were held at the Eaton Area Community Center and the third, fourth, and fifth public open houses were conducted via an online, web -based town hall -style meeting platform due to restrictions associated with COVID-19 health concerns. PSCo provided two opportunities to attend the third and fourth virtual public open houses to allow for additional participation. The third public open house occurred on June 11 and 17, 2020. The fourth public open house occurred on September 22 and 30, 2020. The fifth public open house occurred on May 19, 2021. The third, fourth, and fifth public open house meetings were recorded and posted to the Project wcbsitc for viewing by the public. For Public Open Houses #1 and #2, 32 -inch by 40 -inch informational display boards were organized around the meeting room in stations representing the Project description and purpose of and need, explanation of the siting and routing process and integrated public outreach and engagement, concerns learned from the community, how to stay informed and participate in the planning process, and other Project information. Project Team members were available at each of the stations to discuss the information presented and to answer questions. For Public Open Houses #3, #4, and #5, the information on the status and results of the siting and routing process and next steps were presented via an online, web -based town hall -style meeting platform. After each public open house, the Project informational display boards or presentations were posted and maintained on the wcbsitc for viewing. Appendix C includes the meeting display boards and presentations for each public open house. PAGE 4 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Geographic information system (GIS) computer stations were available at the first two open houses to provide an opportunity for landowners and others to view information about the Project in relation to their properties or other areas of concern. Use of the GIS station also gave participants an opportunity to provide comments directly to Project Team members, who recorded comments in a database tracking system and provided copies of maps to landowners. Because the third, fourth, and fifth public open house meetings were conducted online, PSCo offered opportunities for community members to make personal appointments to speak with Project Tcam members either by phone or online to ask questions, provide comments, and/or view Project maps on screen. Public comments received during and following each meeting were compiled, reviewed, and summarized. Comments provided not only valuable insight from the community but also contributed local perspective to siting and routing as well as recommendations for measures to minimize, avoid, or eliminate potential impacts resulting from construction and operation of the Project. Collectively, approximately 280 public comments were received from 370 attendees of the open house meetings. The focus of each public open house meeting and comments received from the public are summarized below. Public Open House #1, held November 13, 2019, focused on re -introducing the Project and new preliminary Project Study Arca boundary, explaining the new planning approach, and describing the opportunities to stay informed and participate in the planning process. While 71 people signed the register at the meeting entrance, more than 71 people attended as not all attendees signed in. Approximately 167 comments were received during and following the open house and arc summarized below. • Electrical System — concern regarding: o Unreliable electrical service and extent of outages. o Need for increased electrical capacity to support economic development. • Agriculture — concern that presence of the transmission line may: o Encroach on irrigation ditches and ditch casements. o Affect existing irrigation systems/infrastructurc above and below ground. o Affect groundwater wells. o Interfere with global positioning system navigation used for operations. o Interfere with aerial spraying of crops. • Other Land Uses concern regarding: o Proximity of the transmission line to residential properties. o Noise from the transmission line. o Visual effects of the transmission line and substations. o Potential effects of the transmission line in proximity to the Great Western Trail. o Potential effects ofthe transmission line in proximity to the Eaton Area Community Center. • Health and Safety — concern regarding: o Electrocution and/or voltage induced on objects such as wells, irrigation systems, fences, equipment, and vehicles near the high-voltagc transmission line. o Potential health effects from electric and magnetic fields. o Potential effects on crop production under transmission lint. PAGE 5 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project o Potential effects on oil and gas operations; maintaining safety buffers. o Potential danger of high -voltage transmission lint in proximity to gas lints in or near residential areas. Public Open House #2, held January 28, 2020, focused on reviewing the results of the opportunities for and constraints analysis (compatibility analysis); the substation siting target area; and the network of preliminary transmission line route alternative links identified in the Project Study Area. In response to comments received, subject matter expertise was available to address special topics such as electric and magnetic fields and underground construction of the transmission line. A video illustrating construction activities and techniques played continually during the open house. While 144 people signed the register at the meeting entrance, based on an informal head count, the total was closer to 170 people in attendance. Approximately 96 comments were received during and following the open house and arc summarized below. • Agricultural Operations — concern that Project construction and/or presence of the transmission line may: o Encroach on irrigation ditches and ditch operations. o Affect existing and planned irrigation systems. o Interfere with global positioning system navigation used for operations. o Impede aerial spraying of crops. o Disrupt access to properties and operations during construction. o Preclude use of high -profile agricultural vehicles and equipment. o Interfere with livestock if shade trees arc removed. • Other Land Uses — concern regarding: o Proximity to residences and other habitable structures. o Property integrity and value; ability for land to be developed for future growth and/or land purchases/sales. o Effects on views, particularly views of the mountains. o Effects added to existing disturbances from oil and gas facilities and operations. o Transmission lint and substation should be placed in areas with industrial uses and electrical demands (cast side of Project Study Area). o Transmission line should be placed to serve the area where the growth is anticipated (west side of Project Study Area). o Effects on recreational use of the Great Western Trail that connects the towns of Eaton, Severance, and Windsor. o Potential interference on internet and radio reception. o Noise associated with construction and noise from transmission lint. • Health and Safety concern regarding: o Potential effects of electric and magnetic fields on the health of humans and livestock. o Voltage induced on metal objects (wells, irrigation systems, fences, vehicle, equipment) near the transmission line. PAGE 6 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project o Increase in dust during construction. a Interference with airfield operations and safety of pilots. • Effects of the Project on the environment concern regarding: o Damage to wildlife habitat. o Disruption of wildlife populations, habitat, and migration. In addition, several suggestions for siting the substation and transmission line routes were offered. Public Open House #3, held June 11 and 17, 2020, was conducted virtually online as a town hall -style meeting. In -person meeting restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted PSCo to increase opportunities for the public to stay informed and participate. PSCo scheduled the Public Open House #3 mcctings on two different days to provide options for public participation. Also, on each day, two sessions were held — one session in English and one session in Spanish. The presentation was the same for each mccting, followed by a qucstion-and-answcr period. The focus of the Public Open House #3 meetings was to review the siting and routing process; present the resulting preliminary alternative routes for the transmission lint and potential substation locations; and request community input on the results presented. Approximately 85 members of the public attended the virtual open house mcctings. Sixteen comments wcrc received and are summarized below. • Agricultural Operations concern that Project construction and/or presence of the transmission line may: o Affect existing and planned irrigation systems. o Impede aerial spraying of crops. • Other Land Uses — concern regarding: o Proximity to residences and other habitable structures. o Effects of transmission lint prescncc on property integrity and value; future growth and/or land purchases may be affected by presence of transmission lint. • Health and Safety concern regarding: a Potential effects of electric and magnetic fields on the health of humans and livestock. Public Open House #4, held September 22 and 30, 2020, was conducted virtually online as a town hall - style meeting. PSCo scheduled the Public Open House #4 meetings on two different days to provide options for public participation. The mcctings consisted of a presentation followed by a qucstion-and-answcr period. The focus of the Public Open House #4 meetings was to review a preferred and alternative route for the transmission lint and two potential substation locations; and to discuss next steps for planning and permitting. Approximately 31 members of the public attended the virtual open house meetings. Comments and questions received during the question -and -answer period arc summarized below. • Project Description regarding: a Dimensions of the new substation. o Components of the new substation. • Health and Safety concern regarding: o Potential effects of electric and magnetic fields on the health of humans and livestock. PAGE 7 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project • Noise concern regarding: o Potential noise from substation. • Other Land Uses concern regarding: o Proximity to residences and other habitable structures. o Process for establishing agreements with property owners. o Potential effects of the Project on residential views. Public Open House #5, held May 19, 2021, was conducted virtually online as a town hall -style meeting in the same manner as for Public Open Houses #3 and #4. The focus of the Public Open House #5 meeting was to present the Proposed Route and Proposed Site to the public and identify that PSCo is moving forward with the Proposed Route and Proposed Site for permitting with the local jurisdictions. Approximately 13 people attended the virtual open house meeting. Comments and questions received during the question - and -answer period arc summarized below. • Project Description — regarding: o Dimensions of the new transmission structures. • Health and Safety — concern regarding: o Potential effects of electric and magnetic fields on the health of humans and livestock. • Other Land Uses concern regarding: o Proximity to residences and other habitable structures. o Process for establishing agreements with property owners. o Potential effects of the Project on residential and business views. 1.3.3 Project Website and 1-800 Number A Project -specific websitc available at https://www.northerncoloradoareaplan.com/ was developed to inform and provide status updates to the public and regulatory agencies about Project activities. As the planning process progressed, up-to-date Proj cet information was added. For example, exhibit boards from the open houses, Project maps sharing current status of the routing and siting process, and a video showing common construction practices and activities were added during the course of the Siting Study. In response to COVID-19, PSCo expanded the Project website to include additional information, increased status update mailings such as bulletins and newsletters, and offered personal appointments with individuals by phone or online as an added opportunity to ask questions and/or view detailed Project mapping such as parcel maps. A telephone information line available at (888) 678-7640 was also developed and maintained to accept questions or comments about the Project. Replies to inquiries left on the telephone information line were completed by Project Team members. PAGER Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project is part of a comprehensive, long-range investment to strengthen PSCo's electric system and build a more robust and resilient power grid in northern Colorado. The Project will be located in west - central Weld County and is primarily intended to serve the existing load and expand load-scrving capabilities for future growth in the area. 2.1 Project Facilities For clarity, only the portions of the transmission line located in unincorporated Weld County and described below are the subject of this Application. The substation facilities noted below arc part of the Project but arc not the subject of this Application: • A new overhead 230 kV double -circuit transmission lint extending between the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Ault Substation and PSCo's planned Husky Substation. One circuit will be installed initially and operated at 230 kV. PSCo is currently negotiating with landowners along this alignment. The second 230 kV circuit will be installed when additional electric capacity is needed. The new transmission line will be located in unincorporated Weld County (4.1 miles) and in the Town of Ault (0.7 mile). PSCo is submitting this Application seeking approval for the ultimate buildout of the 230 kV doublc-circuit transmission line. • The planned Husky Substation, located in the Town of Ault, will replace the existing Ault 44 kV Substation, which will be decommissioned after the Husky Substation is energized. (Note: Decommissioning the existing Ault Substation is not part of this Application. During a pre - application meeting with Weld County on November 16, 2020, the County noted that a Decommissioning Plan would be required. PSCo then prepared a Decommissioning Plan, which is included as Appendix G. Per PSCo's discussion with the County on April 21, 2021, the County noted that a Decommissioning Plan is not required for the Project. PSCo chose to keep the Decommissioning Plan in this Application to generally illustrate when and how the existing substations and transmission lints will be removed from service and how the affected land will be restored.) In November 2018, PSCo submitted a site plan for the proposed Husky Substation to the Town of Ault. In February 2019, the Town of Ault approved the site plan. This substation is not the subject of this Application and these details arc provided for information purposes only. • A new overhead 115/23 0 kV double -circuit transmission lint extending between the planned Husky Substation and the site for the Collins Street Substation on the Town of Eaton's cast side. A 115 kV circuit will be installed initially, and a 230 kV circuit will be installed in the future when additional electric capacity is needed. The new transmission line will be located in unincorporated Weld County (7.3 miles), Town of Ault (0.8 milt) and Town of Eaton (0.9 mile). As with the new 230 kV line noted above, PSCo is submitting this Application seeking approval for the ultimate buildout of the 115/230 kV double -circuit transmission line. At ultimate buildout, both circuits will be installed on the same transmission structures. • The new Collins Street Substation, to be located in the Town of Eaton, will replace PSCo's existing Eaton 44 kV Substation, which will be decommissioned after the Collins Street Substation is cncrgizcd. The Collins Strcct Substation will accommodate upgrades to the local electrical distribution system. Approximately 10 acres is needed for the new substation site. This substation is not the subject of this Application and these details arc provided for information purposes only. • A new overhead 115/230 kV double -circuit transmission line extending between the new Collins Street Substation and the existing Cloverly Tap Point, which connects to PSCo's existing Cloverly PAGE 9 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Substation. A 115 kV circuit will be installed initially, and a 230 kV circuit will be installed in the future when additional electric capacity is needed. The new transmission lint will be located in unincorporated Weld County (4.6 miles) and in the Town of Eaton (1.1 miles). As with the new 115/230 kV double -circuit transmission line noted above, PSCo is submitting this Application seeking approval for the ultimate buildout of the 115/230 kV double -circuit transmission line. Upon completion of the Project and energization of the new transmission line and substations, the existing 44 kV infrastructure will be decommissioned between the towns of Ault and Eaton. Decommissioning the 44 kV structures is not part of this Application but is included here for information purposes only. Decommissioning will include removing the 44 kV transmission structures and site reclamation. The majority of this infrastructure has 44 kV transmission lines installed above lower -voltage distribution lines. The 44 kV lines and the tops of the poles will be removed but the distribution lines will remain in place. PSCo will replace poles as needed, but the majority of the existing poles will remain in place. For the portions of the 44 kV infrastructure that currently do not have underbuilt distribution lines, those poles will be removed. PSCo will then backfill, grade, reseed, and revegetate the disturbed areas as part of site reclamation. Reseeding and revegetation efforts will use grasses native to the area and free of noxious weeds. PSCo will coordinate with affected landowners to ensure that only seed mixes agreed upon with the landowner arc used. Agricultural seed will be obtained from a local source. Additionally, seed mixtures may be considered in consultation with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The right-of-way (ROW) for the new 115/230 kV double -circuit transmission line is generally 150 feet wide, with 75 feet on either side of the centerline. Exhibit 1 shows the typical design for the 230 kV structures proposed for the Project. Transmission structure heights will range from 80 to 160 feet above ground. The structures will be situated approximately 800 to 1,200 feet apart with approximately six structures per mile. PAGE to Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project ire- -------------------_------------- ---------------------- PS 4Ci C Tangent (Straight- Through) Structure EXHIBIT 1 PROPOSED 230 KV STRUCTURES Angle )Tumingj Structure 120 feet Average ----------- -------------------------- Structure Heighlt �.Rarge 80 to 1 tc test, Dee[-eng Structure PAGE Ii Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project This page intentionally left blank. PAGE 12 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 2.2 Transmission Line Routing Process PSCo uses a comprehensive evaluation process (Siting Study) to identify and analyze potential alternative transmission line routes when selecting the location for a new transmission lint. At the beginning of the process, PSCo defines a project study area (Project Study Area) within which to identify opportunities and constraints regarding transmission line routing. The Project Study Area for this Application covers approximately 163 square miles in west -central Weld County between the Town of Ault in the north and the City of Greeley in the south. (See Appendix A, Figure 1) The Project Study Area's boundaries were established to ensure that potential transmission line routes which may be reasonable and feasible arc identified and evaluated in order to select a preferred alternative route. For the purpose of the Siting Study, the planned Husky Substation served as the north termini and the existing Cloverly Substation served as the south termini. As part of the Siting Study, PSCo analyzed approximately 133 miles of transmission line route alternatives connecting the planned Husky Substation and Cloverly Substation. At the conclusion of the Siting Study, the Proposed Route's southern termini was identified as the Cloverly Tap Point, which is an existing interconnection point along the existing cast -west 115 kV transmission line that ties into Cloverly Substation along County Roads 64 V2 and 45. The "tap point" was determined by PSCo system planners as an acceptable interconnection point for the new proposed 115/230 kV line, in addition to tying directly into Clovcrly Substation, as shown in Appendix A, Figure 1. Table 2 presents the number ofpotential alternative routes identified and analyzed in the Project Study Area. TABLE 2 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALTERNATIVES SECTION NUMBER OF ROUTE ALTERNATIVES IDENTIFIED AND ANALYZED Husky to Eaton West Substation Site 5 Husky to Eaton North Substation Site 10 Husky to Eaton East Substation Sites and East of U.S. Highway 85 6 Husky to Eaton East Substation Sites and West of U.S. Highway 85 2 Eaton West to Cloverly Substation or Tap Point 12 Eaton North to Cloverly Substation or Tap Point 6 Eaton East to Cloverly Substation or Tap Point 6 TOTAL ROUTE ALTERNATIVES 47 For the Project, the evaluation process considered many factors including center pivot, flood, and drip irrigation systems; oil and gas facilities; electrical system planning; economics; the natural, cultural, and visual environment; public input from the community; regulatory requirements; land use and property ownership concerns; and engineering criteria. A summary of the evaluation process and alternatives which were identified and evaluated is described below and a detailed Siting Study is provided as Appendix B. Based on these factors and using a comprehensive screening and comparison process, PSCo selected the Proposed Transmission Line Route (Proposed Route) as its prcfcrrcd alternative from the alternative routes evaluated in the Siting Study, which included subsequent modifications based on coordination with Town of Eaton officials and affected landowners. In this way, PSCo is compliant with Weld County Code, Chapter 21, Article 111, Division 3, Section 21-3-330.B.11, which requires: PAGE 13 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project "Analysis of reasonable structural alternatives to the project such as alternate locations and routes, alternative types of facilities, use of existing rights-of=way, joint use of rights -of -way with other utilities and upgrading of existing facilities" (W el d County 2020). In 2018, PSCo conducted a siting study in which a route west of Eaton was proposed in a Section 1041 Permit Application filed with Weld County. After receiving strong opposition from the community and the Weld County Planning Commission's recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners deny the permit, PSCo withdrew the application and restarted the new siting efforts in 2019 with a new approach that included increased public outreach as noted above in Section 1.3. During the 2018 siting study, PSCo identified a transmission line route connecting the WAPA Ault Substation and the planned Husky Substation. This segment of the transmission lint alignment was not evaluated as part of the new 2019 Siting Study because at that time PSCo was engaged in productive, on -going negotiations with the affected landowners along this alignment. In early 2021, PSCo finalized the transmission lint route adjustments between the WAPA Ault Substation and the planned Husky Substation based on coordination with affected landowners and avoidance of existing oil and gas pipeline infrastructure. In order to narrow down the 133 miles of transmission line route alternatives, which were initially analyzed as part of the Siting Study, PSCo used a systematic and transparent comparison process to dctcrmine which transmission line route alternatives would be most compatible with existing land uses, meet its electrical and constructability needs, and have the least impact on the community. The comparison process for transmission lint route alternatives included three levels of screening and comparison. Exhibit 2 provides a schematic diagram of the screening and comparison process. In general: • Level 1 screening compared transmission route alternatives at a local level where the alternatives had common starting and ending points. Following the completion of Level 1 screening, 29 route alternatives were eliminated from consideration because of factors such as length of route, number of parcels crossed, proximity to residences and oil and gas facilities, and impacts on agricultural operations. • Level 2 screening combined the bcttcr-performing route altcrnativcs identified in Level 1 into longer route alternatives to compare on a "sub -regional" level, or from substation to substation in the northern and southern portions of the Project Study Area. In Level 2, PSCo evaluated 18 route alternatives. Some route alternatives were eliminated based on the same factors noted above for Level 1 screening. Additionally, in Level 2, PSCo provided engineering cost estimates and considered input from the CWG to help determine which routes advanced to Level 3 screening. • Level 3 screening combined better -performing route alternatives from Level 2 into final end -to - end route alternatives, which were compared and ranked to dctcrmine a Proposed Route. In Level 3, 16 route alternatives remained. These route alternatives were compared and ranked based on the factors noted above for Levels 1 and 2, as well as comments received during Public Open House #3. PAGE 14 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Level 1: Compare Local Areas Level 2: Compare Subregional An Level 3: Compare and Rank Alterr EXHIBIT 2 TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON DIAGRAM At each screening level, the route options were evaluated using the criteria noted below. These criteria incorporate environmental resource data, engineering and constructability factors, estimated costs, and public comments and concerns, including those defined and discussed by the CWG. Potential transmission line routes for the Project were determined based on a number of criteria, including but not limited to the following: • Length following existing linear features • Number of parcels crossed • Number of residences in proximity • Agricultural uses (e.g., center pivot irrigation, flood irrigation, and drip irrigation systems) • Shortest length between substations • Engineering factors (e.g., airports, stream crossings) • Property lines • Proximity to wells and other oil and gas facilities • Proximity to floodplains and biological resources PAGE l5 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project The evaluation results were used to compare and rank the transmission lint routes, and the best-performing routes were carried forward to the next level of screening and comparison. Forty-seven route alternatives wcrc compared between local endpoints in Level 1. From there, 18 route alternatives advanced to Level 2 screening and 16 route alternatives were carried forward for Level 3 comparison. The Proposed Route is described below in Section 2.2.1. 2.2.1 Proposed Route Appendix A, Figure 5 shows the Proposed Route between WAPA Ault Substation and the planned Husky Substation, and bctwccn the planned Husky Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point. The jurisdictions crossed by the Proposed Route include: Weld County — 15.9 miles • Town of Ault — 1.5 miles • Town of Eaton — 2.0 miles The 15.9 -mile segment of the Proposed Route located within Weld County is the subject of this Application, and the route for which PSCo is seeking approval in this Application. Proposed Transmission Line Route — WAPA Ault to Husky Substation Table 3 presents key characteristics of the WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation portion of the Proposed Route that made it the best -performing route among the other alternatives that were evaluated. TABLE 3 PROPOSED ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS-WAPA AULT SUBSTATION TO HUSKY SUBSTATION KEY CHARACTERISTICS WAPA AULT SUBSTATION TO HUSKY SUBSTATION Number of Parcels Crossed 16; the fewest parcels crossed of the alternatives evaluated. Residences within 200 feet 1 Residences between 200 feet and 0.25 7; the fewest of the alternative routes evaluated. mile__________________________________________________________________ Will require installation of the greatest number of transmission structures on Agricultural Land Crossed cultivated land (7 total). Active oil and gas wells within 0.25 mile 1; the second -fewest number of oil and gas wells among the other alternatives evaluated. In early 2021, PSCo modified the Proposed Route between the WAPA Ault Substation and the planned Husky Substation in coordination with affected landowners. PSCo Land Agents held numerous meetings with private landowners and City of Thornton officials on final alignment of the route to avoid and minimize agricultural operation impacts to the extent possible and to avoid impacts on oil and gas pipeline infrastructure. ProDosed Transmission Line Route — Husky Substation to Cloverly Tar) Point Table 4 presents key characteristics of the Husky Substation to Clovcrly Tap Point portion of the Proposed Route that made it the best-performing route compared to the other alternatives analyzed. PAGE 16 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE 4 PROPOSED ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS - HUSKY SUBSTATION TO CLOVERLY TAP POINT KEY CHARACTERISTICS HUSKY SUBSTATION TO CLOVERLY TAP POINT Number of Parcels Crossed 74 parcels in unincorporated Weld County Residences within 100 Feet 2 Residences within 300 Feet 30 Agricultural Land Crossed Crosses 1.3 Crosses 6.9 Crosses 0.5 miles of center pivot -irrigated lands on field edges. miles of flood -irrigated lands on field edges. mile of drip -irrigated lands on field edges. Oil and Gas Wells within 200 Feet 0 wells The Proposed Route will provide the following benefits to the overall community in Weld County: • Parallels 14.0 miles of field edges and existing compatible linear ROW on private property. The linear ROWS include county roads and U.S. Highway 85. • Minimizes impacts on residential dwellings. The Proposed Route includes only two residences within 100 feet of the route ccntcrlinc. There arc 30 residences within 300 feet of the route centerline from Husky Substation to Cloverly Tap Point. There are 34 residences within 300 feet between the WAPA Ault Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point. • Minimizes long-term impacts on agricultural uses by routing along field edges and avoiding conflicts with center pivot irrigation systems and avoids crossing livestock feedlots. • Minimizes long-term impacts to drip irrigation farms by being located on the eastern edge of drip - irrigated fields adjacent to U.S. Highway 85 ROW; short-term impacts during construction may occur. • Maximizes the use of existing access and minimizes new access road construction. • Facilitates efficient and cost-effective transmission line design and construction. A route alternative identified in the Siting Study process was potentially co -located within the Union Pacific (UP) Railroad right-of-way (ROW) through the towns of Ault and Eaton and portions of unincorporated Weld County. This route alternative was presented to the public during two virtual town hall -style public meetings held on September 22 and September 30, 2020. After a full internal feasibility review was conducted by PSCo's engineering team to determine if the route alternative was viable, a permit application to jointly use the UP Railroad ROW for the transmission line was prepared by PSCo and submitted to UP Railroad for review in August 2020. A typical review period for a utility co -location permit request takes six months to complete and requires UP Railroad engineering, operations, and real estate teams to evaluate potential impacts and feasibility of the proposed request for joint use of railroad facilities. The UP Railroadprocess for reviewing PSCo's application was extended into the early spring of 2021 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the complex nature of the proposed co -location of transmission line facilities within the railroad ROW; and, resulting operational and track safety concerns. During this period, UP Railroad's engineering team and PSCo's engineering team collaborated over the course of several meetings to review technical aspects of the route alternative in conjunction with UP Railroad's current operational requirements and plans for possible future track expansions. Several key PAGE l7 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project engineering and track safety issues were identified, discussed, and evaluated, and ultimately those issues were determined to be unresolvable. This determination led to a mutual conclusion by UP and PSCo that co -locating segments of the transmission line in the UP Railroad ROW is not a feasible or safe option for the Project. A copy of the permit application denial letter from UP Railroad is included as Appendix D. Table S provides the timeline of PSCo's coordination with UP Railroad. TABLE F TIMELINE OF COORDINATION BETWEEN PSCO AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TIME PERIOD ACTIVITY Summer 2020 A route alternative is identified in the Siting Study that parallels 11 miles of the UP Railroad through the towns of Ault, Eaton, and unincorporated Weld County. August 2020 PSCo submitted application for utility encroachment to UP Railroad. August 2020 through UP Railroad review of PSCo's application and evaluation of technical feasibility. March 2021 December 2020 Ongoing meetings between PSCo and UP Railroad, engineering coordination, and multiple counter through March 2021 proposals made by PSCo to address technical requirements. UP Railroad and PSCo conclude technical issues are unresolvable and that paralleling the railroad within UP ROW is not feasible due to: March 2021 • UP operational requirements • Possible future track expansions • Other key engineering issues • Safety issues PSCo has been in ongoing discussions since the fall of 2020 and continues to meet with affected landowners and with the towns of Eaton and Ault regarding the Proposed Route. From those discussions, PSCo identified additional alternatives for evaluation on the Town of Eaton's north and south sides. On the Town of Eaton's north side, the alternatives were identified in response to landowners' concerns about the Proposed Route's alignment along CR 76 / 10th Strcct and CR 39 adjacent to the Hawkstone and Eaton Commons neighborhoods. Additionally, PSCo identified alternatives on the Town of Eaton's south side as the transmission line route exits the site for the Collins Strcct Substation and extends south to CR 72. These alternatives were identified in response to Town of Eaton officials' request to study alternatives that avoid CR 39. Appendix A, Figure 1 depicts PSCo's Proposed Route. 2.2.2 Collins Street Substation Site The new Collins Street substation site is located within the Town of Eaton's industrial area, along CR 39 and south of Collins Strcct. This parcel is zoned industrial and will be permitted through a Land Development Application review by the Town of Eaton, and therefore is not subject to Weld County jurisdiction and is not the subject of this Application. Appendix A, Figure 6 shows the Proposed Site. PSCo has negotiated an option purchase agreement with the property owner for the site. 2.3 Agricultural Impacts During PSCo's efforts to route the proposed transmission line, landowners voiced the following concerns for impacts on agricultural land: • Irrigation wells and underground pipelines carrying irrigation water. PAGE l8 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project • Pivot sprinkler systems, including electronic instrument panels and pumps. • Guided pivot irrigation systems, including underground guidance systems. • Interference with global positioning system equipment for AutoTrac-guidcd farm equipment. • Transmission line conductor height and maintenance of irrigation ditches. • Loss of agricultural production due to changes in the center pivot. • Impacts on drip irrigation systems and loss of agricultural production. In response to these concerns, PSCo prepared an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan (AIMP) to outline mitigation measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that PSCo proposes to use to address these agriculture -related concerns. PSCo recognizes the importance of agriculture in Weld County and is committed to working with farmers to help avoid andlor minimize the Project's impacts on agricultural operations. The AIMP identifies measures that PSCo will take before, during, and after Project construction to avoid, mitigate, minimize, repair, or provide compensation for Project impacts on agricultural land. The AIMP and its pre -construction, construction, and post -construction standards and policies apply only to Project activities occurring on private agricultural land. Portions of the AIMP that identify standards and policies applicable to organic agricultural land apply only to the types of lands defined in the National Organic Program Standards at Title 7 Code of Federal Regulations 205.100, 205.101, and 205.202. Additionally, PSCo's pre -construction, construction, and post -construction standards and policies identified in the AIMP can be modified through casement or other agreement between PSCo and the landowner of agricultural land, as appropriate. In such case, the casement or other agreement will control the mitigation methods to be used. Appendix H includes the AIMP. During the Siting Study process, PSCo identified 15 Centennial Farms in the Project Study Area. The farms arc depicted in Appendix A, Figure 7 Land Use. History Colorado administers the Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches program, which was created in 1986 to recognize the important role that agriculture has played in Colorado's history and economic development. The honorary program awards nominees whose farms or ranches have remained in the same family continuously for at least 100 years, arc still operated as working farms or ranches, and cover at least 160 acres. Farmers and ranchers whose properties arc smaller than 160 acres can still qualify to be recognized if their agricultural operations gross at least $1,000 in annual sales (Colorado State 2019). There is no regulatory protection of Centennial Farms administered by the state of Colorado. The Proposed Route bordcrs 0.45 milt of a Centennial Farm northwest of Eaton Commons Park in unincorporated Weld County. PAGE 19 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 3.0 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 3.1 Structural Alternatives In addition to pursuing the Project as proposed by PSCo in the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application, PSCo's CPCN testimony included transmission alternatives such as: • Construct the Project as proposed with the addition of a single -circuit, 115 kV line from the new Eaton -area substation to PSCo's Weld Substation. • Construct the Project as proposed with the addition of a single -circuit 115 kV lint from the new Eaton -area substation to PSCo's Greeley Substation. • Construct a new Greeley South Substation. • Interconnect and energize local gas-fircd generation from cithcr the University of Northern Colorado 69 -megawatt (MW) facility or the Thermo Monfort 32 -MW facility. None of the above -listed transmission alternatives were pursued because they either did not meet the long- term obj cctives for load service and resource accommodations in the Grccicy area or they would likely lead to greater costs to address future expansion. Since 2019, PSCo has been working to prepare the Siting Study to identify and evaluate transmission routes for the Project as proposed by PSCo in the CPCN application. Appendix B includes the Siting Study. 3.2 Non -Structural Alternatives The Project that is being pursued by PSCo in this Application is the construction of a new 115/230 kV transmission line along the Proposed Route to serve the proj ceted load growth in this region. As detailed in the CPCN decision document (Decision No. R18-0153), the "Northern Greeley Area Transmission Plan System Impact Study Report" prepared by the Northeast Colorado Subcommittee of the Colorado Coordinated Planning Group (February 2017) determined that no viable non-structural transmission system alternatives exist to sufficiently increase the capacity of the existing 44 kV transmission line in the area to deliver safe, reliable, and economical service to Weld County. 3.3 Less Damaging Alternatives PSCo identified and evaluated 133 miles of potential transmission line route alternatives across a 163 - square -mile Project Study Arca, solicited input from the CWG, and considered approximately 280 comments received during the public open houses. In coordination with affected landowners in Eaton and Town of Eaton officials, and in collaboration with UP to understand operational and safety requirements for the railroad, PSCo identified the Proposed Route for permitting with the local jurisdictions. PSCo considers the Proposed Route to be the preferred alternative among the various alternatives that were evaluated because it mects PSCo's service requirements and it provides the following benefits for the community and Weld County: • Parallels 14.0 miles of field edges and existing compatible linear ROW on private property. The linear ROWs include county roads and U.S. Highway 85. • Minimizes impacts on residential dwellings. The Proposed Route includes only two residences within 100 feet of the route ccnterline. There arc 30 residences within 300 feet of the route centerline from Husky Substation to Cloverly Tap Point. There arc 34 residences within 300 feet between the WAPA Ault Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point. PAGE 20 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project • Minimizes long-term impacts on agricultural uses by routing along field edges and avoiding conflicts with center pivot irrigation systems and avoids crossing livestock feedlots. • Minimizes long-term impacts to drip irrigation farms by being located on the eastern edge of drip - irrigated fields adjacent to U.S. Highway 85 ROW; short-term impacts during construction may occur. • Maximizes the use of existing access and minimizes new access road construction. • Facilitates efficient and cost-effective transmission line design and construction. PAGE 21 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 4.0 WELD COUNTY SECTION 1041 PERMIT PROGRAM OVERVIEW This section provides an overview of Weld County's Section 1041 Permit Program, why a Section 1041 Permit is required for the Project, and a description of how the Project satisfies Weld County's decision criteria for issuing a Section 1041 Permit. 4.1 Areas and Activities of State Interest Weld County's Section 1041 Regulations apply to the entire unincorporated portion of the County and apply to any regulations adopted for specific areas of state interest and specific activities of state interest, which have been or may be designated by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners. For designated areas and activities of state interest, Weld County's Section 1041 Regulations govern the site selection and construction of major facilities of a public utility. As defined in Weld County Code Section 21-3-20, a Major Facility of a Public Utility includes transmission lines, power plants, and substations of electrical utilities. Thus, PSCo is required to obtain a Weld County Section 1041 Permit for the Project. According to the Weld County Code Ordinance 2001-6 and 2019-10, Chapter 21, Section 21-1-10, significance and necessity of the Section 1041 Regulations is a consequence of the intensity of current and foreseeable development pressures on and within the County; to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens; and to protect the environment and wildlife of Weld County. Section 21-1-20 states that the purpose and intent of the Section 1041 Regulations is to facilitate identification, designation, and administration of matters of state interest consistent with the statutory requirements and criteria set forth in Colorado Revised Statutes §24-65.1-101, et seq. (Weld County 2020). 4.2 Siting and Constructing Major Facilities of a Public Utility Subject to the procedures set forth in the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 24, Part 4, a local government may designate certain activities of state interest for site selection and construction of major facilities of a public utility. In addition, wherever feasible, maj or facilities of public utilities shall be located so as to avoid direct conflict with adopted local, regional, and state government master plans. The Project Study Area boundaries were established to ensure a range of reasonable and feasible transmission line routes could be identified. PAGE 22 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 5.0 AREAS AND ACTIVITIES OF STATE INTEREST - SECTION 1041 PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS This section outlines Weld County's Section 1041 permit application submittal requirements and decision criteria as stated in the Weld County Code. The submittal requirements' text from the Code is included in boxes, with PSCo's response to the submittal requirement included below each box, where applicable. 5.1 Application Submittal Requirements 21-3-330.A — Application Submittal Requirements A. These application submittal requirements shall apply to all applications for a development permit for a major facility of a public utility, except for requirements which have bccn waived as provided in these Section 1041 Regulations. PSCo has submitted an application that meets all submittal requirements. 21-3-330.B.1 — Map Requirements B. Submittal requirements for all applications for a development permit for a major facility of a public utility, where applicable: 1. The following are general requirements for any map or plan required hereunder. Minimum requirements include: a. The name of the proposed development or use and total number of acres under consideration. b. Because all maps and plans may be used for public presentation, the map scale and size should be large enough for effective presentation and should accurately illustrate the application. c. Name, address and telephone number of the applicant, designer, engineer, surveyor and any other consultants of the applicant. d. Date of preparation, revision box, written scale, graphic scale and north arrow for each map. PSCo has submitted an application that meets all submittal rcquircmcnts. 21-3-330.B.1.a — Name and Acreage of Proposed Use The Project's proposed use that is the subject of this Application includes approximately 19.4 milts of 115/230 kV aboveground double -circuit transmission line, of which approximately 15.9 miles will be located in unincorporated Weld County to connect the existing WAPA Ault Substation to the Clovcrly Tap Point (Appendix A, Figure 1). The Proposed Route's 15.9 -milt length would include approximately 105 structures. The base of each transmission structure would occupy approximately 64 square feet (8 feet by 8 feet) for a total permanent ground disturbance acreage of approximately 0.2 acrc. An approximate acreage for the transmission line ROW will be calculated when all land rights have been acquired but is estimated to be approximately 290 acres in Weld County jurisdiction. The Project also requires temporary staging areas used for the duration of construction to store equipment and stage construction materials. The Project's staging areas will not be located in unincorporated Weld County. As such, a Drainage Report and Detention Pond Design arc not included in this Application. PAGE 23 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.1.b and B.1.d — Map Requirements All map requirements, including scale and content required by Weld County, have been met. The Application's Section 1041 Permit Maps arc included in Appendix A. 21-3-330.B.1.c — Applicant and Consultants Applicant: Public Service Company of Colorado Rita Ruderman, Senior Agent Siting and Land Rights 1800 Larimer Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80202 Office: (303) 571-7159 Email: rita.c.rudermanL&xcelcnergy.com Consultant: POWER Engineers, Inc. Mike Doyle, Project Director 3900 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite 700 Lakewood, CO 80235 Office: (303) 716-8900 Email: mike.doylc(dpoweren com PAGE 24 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.2 - Title Information 2. The applicant must provide the following information concerning title of the project site, which shall be the entire proposed alignment or corridor under consideration at the time of the application for transmission line and pipeline proj sets: a. The names and addresses of all surface property owners of the project site and within one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) feet of the boundaries of the property proposed to be physically disturbed, except for transmission line or pipeline projects, for which the names and addresses of all surface property owners for five hundred (500) feet on either side of the centerline of the proposed alignment shall be provided. b. The planned access to the project site and the means the applicant intends to use to obtain a legal right to utilize such access, including copies of any access or right-of-way agreements which have been entered into by the date of the application for such access. c. The names and addresses of persons or entities with an interest in any real property proposed to be physically disturbed or crossed by the activity or development which is the subj set of the application, excluding mineral interests but including those holding mortgages, judgments, liens, casements, contract rights, rights -of -way, reservations, exceptions or other encumbrances, at least to the extent shown in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder or of which applicant has actual knowledge. d. The names and addresses of mineral interest holders with an interest in any real property proposed to be physically disturbed or crossed by the activity or development which is the subject of the application in the case of projects to be constructed more than ten (10) feet below the surface, excluding foundation structures for above -ground transmission lines, at least to the extent shown in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder and County Assessor. In addition, the applicant shall provide a certificate stating the process by which the applicant compiled such information, when such information was compiled and the steps which were taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. The County will require that the information be compiled and verified in a manner reasonably designed to ensure the accuracy of such information, but shall not require the use of title insurance or attorney's title opinions. The County will require that the last search for such information have been updated no later than ten (10) days before the date that the application is submitted, and that such information be updated again no later than ten (10) days before the public hearing on the application. 21-3-330.B.2.a - Surface Property Owners and Real Property Interests The names and addresses of all surface property owners of the Project site and within 500 feet on either side of the centerline of the Proposed Route are included in Appendix E. 21-3-330.B.2.b - Project Access Transmission Line — Construction and maintenance access for the proposed transmission line will be determined following final transmission line engineering and structure location identification. Only a small portion of the transmission line ROW would be disturbed for structure installation and vehicle access. Much of the transmission line ROW can be accessed from existing county roads. Once vehicles have entered the transmission line ROW, access will follow the ROW where possible. In areas where construction access is required outside of the transmission line ROW, Temporary Construction Easements will be secured to support PAGE 25 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project construction. No casements or other forms of access agreements have been executed by PSCo by the date of this Application, nor will such access be acquired prior to County approval of the Project. The Proposed Route will cross 16 county roads, including County Roads 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, and 84. CR 66 at full build -out will require a 140 -foot -wide ROW. CR 41 at full build -out will require an 80 -foot -wide ROW. The Proposed Route's design will accommodate the fall buildout of these ROWs. The Proposed Route will parallel County Roads 31, 37, 76, 80, and 84. Substation — Not subject to this Application as the Collins Street Substation will be located in the Town of Eaton. 21-3-330.B.2.c — Real Property Interests The names and addresses of all persons or entities with an interest in any real property proposed to be physically disturbed or crossed and within 500 feet of the transmission line are provided in Appendix E. 21-3-330.B.2.d — Mineral Interests The names and addresses of mineral interest holders are not included as part of the Application submittal materials because such information is specifically excluded for the Project pursuant to this sub -section of the Section 1041 Permit regulations. PAGE 26 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.3 - Section 1041 Permit Map 3. Section 1041 Permit Map: • The map shall be delineated on reproducible material approved by the Department of Planning Services. • The dimensions of the map shall be thirty-six (36) inches wide and twcnty-four (24) inches high. • The map shall include certificates for the property owner's signature (excepting linear facilities), the Planning Commission, the Board of County Commissioners and the Clerk to the Board. The required content of the certificates is available from the Planning Department. • Vicinity Map. A vicinity map shall be drawn on the Use by Special Review Permit Plan Map. i. The exact scale of the vicinity map shall be determined at the time of the prcapplication conference, taking into consideration the type and size of the proposed project, as well as the type and complexity of the information to be mapped. ii. The vicinity map shall delineate all of the required information within a onc-half-milc radius of the property (one thousand [1,000] feet for linear facilities) proposed for the Section 1041 Permit. iii. The following information shall be shown on the vicinity map: a) Section, township and range. b) Scale and north arrow. c) Outline of the perimeter of the parcel proposed for the site. (For linear facilities, the proposed centerline and width of any corridor to be considered for the Section 1041 Permit.) d) The general classifications and distribution of soils over the parcel under consideration. Soil classification names and agricultural capability classifications must be noted in the legend. (These requirements arc generally not applicable to linear facilities). c) Locations and names of all key roads, irrigation ditches and water features. f) Location of all residences within a one -half -mile radius, existing and proposed accesses to the property proposed for the facility (excepting linear facilities), any abutting subdivision outlines and names, and the boundaries of any adjacent municipality. g) Any other relevant information within a one -half -mile distance of the perimeter property proposed for the facility as may be reasonably rcquircd by the County to meet the intent and purpose of this Chapter. 21-3-330.B.3.a-c — Map Requirements Maps required for this Section 1041 Permit are included electronically in PDF format in Appendix A at a scale of 36 inches by 24 inches. Upon approval, these maps will be delineated on reproducible material upon the County's request. The maps are consistent with the rcquircmcnts of the Code section above and the relevant subsections thereof. PAGE 27 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.3.d — Section 1041 Permit Map and Vicinity Map The Project Section 1041 Permit Map / Vicinity Map is included in Appendix A, Figure 8. 21-3-330.B.4 — Plot Plan 4. Plot Plan. A plot plan of the facility area shall be drawn on the Section 1041 Permit Map. a. The exact scale of the plot plan shall be determined at the time of the prcapplication conference, taking into consideration the type and size of the proposed project, as well as the type and complexity of the information to be mapped. b. The plot plan shall outline the boundaries of the parcel being considered for the facility. c. The plot plan shall include the location and identification of all of the following items which are presently existing within a two -hundred -foot radius of the boundaries of the Section 1041 Permit area as well as within the area itself; it shall also include the proposed features and structures of the facility (some of the following may not be applicable to linear facilities): i. All public rights -of -way of record, including names. ii. All existing and proposed structures. iii. All utility easements or rights -of -way for telephone, gas, electric, water and sewer lines. iv. Irrigation ditches. v. Adjacent property lines and respective owners' names (may be shown on vicinity map instead). vi. All hydrographic features including streams, rivers, ponds and reservoirs (including names). vii. Topography at two -foot contour intervals or at intervals as determined necessary by the Planning Department. (Linear facilities shall include appropriate topographic data derived from USGS maps or an equivalent database.) viii. Location of areas of moderate or severe soil limitations as defined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or by a soil survey and study prepared by a soils engineer or scientist for the uses and associated structures proposed for the parcel. ix. Location and design of storm water management devices or structures (excepting linear facilities). x. Complete traffic circulation and parking plan showing locations and sizes (excepting linear facilities). xi. Location, amount, size and type of any proposed landscaping, fencing, walls, berms or other screening. (Linear facilities shall provide information regarding rcvcgetation and reclamation.) xii. Location of any flood hazard, geologic hazard or mineral resource areas. xiii. Such additional information as may be reasonably required by the Planning Department, the Planning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners in order to determine that the application meets the requirements of this Chapter and the policies of Chapter 22 of this Code and any other applicable Code provision or ordinance in effect. PAGE 28 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project For purposes of analysis, a preliminary centerline was defined for the Proposed Route's 150 -foot -wide ROW. The preliminary centerline for the Proposed Route was used to calculate distances from operational oil and gas facilities, residences, and the other considerations included in the route evaluation criteria in the Siting Study, which arc listed in Table 2 in Appendix B. It should be recognized that the preliminary centerline is subject to adjustment following further consultation with landowners, final cadastral surveying, and final detailed Project design. This Application to Weld County per the Section 1041 Regulations requests approval of the Proposed Route with an allowance for centerline adjustments, if needed. Based on the November 16, 2020 pre -application call between PSCo and Weld County, it is PSCo's understanding that a final plot plan will not be required until such time that casement agreements with landowners have been finalized. A preliminary plot plan is included with this Application as Appendix F. 21-3-330.B.5 - Other Items and Information 5. The following items and information: a. Description of the present use and zoning. b. A sketch or map showing the following: i. If a power plant is proposed, the area within ten (10) miles from the site. ii. For transmission lines or pipelines, provide a map showing all existing transmission lines (115 kV or greater) for a distance of two (2) miles beyond any reasonable alternative studied. c. For upgrades of existing transmission lines (115 kV or greater), provide a sketch showing all existing transmission lines and pipelines within one (1) mile on either side of the proposed alignment. d. For all other major facilities of a public utility, provide a sketch showing the area within five (5) miles of the site if another major facility is proposed. c. Type of facility specify where applicable: i. The voltages and lengths of transmission lines. ii. Power source and generating capacity. iii. The functions and sizes of substations. iv. For pipeline projects, the diameters and lengths of pipelines. v. The capacities of the storage tanks and types of petroleum derivative to be stored. vi. Corridor locations. vii. Service area. viii. Resource area (e.g., source of power being generated or transmitted, source of petroleum derivative being transported). ix. Describe applicable support facilities (e.g., pollution control, parking areas, landscaping, etc.) to be provided. f. Projected development schedule: i. Estimate maximum number of employees, number of shifts and employees per shift during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the project. ii. Specify any future phases or extensions of the facility and relationship of the facility (if currently foreseen) to larger programs and plans. PAGE 29 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project iii. Specify timetable for planning (e.g., federal permits, other state permits, local zoning, etc.). iv. Estimate beginning and completion of construction and beginning of operation of facility. g. Hazards and emergency procedures: i. Describe hazards, if any, of fire, explosion and other dangers to the health, safety and welfare of employees and the general public. ii. Describe hazards, if any, of environmental damage and contamination due to materials used at or activities taking place at the proposed facility. iii. Describe emergency procedures to be used in the event of fire, explosion or other event which may endanger the public health, safety and welfare. iv. Describe any prevalent natural hazards that will affect or be affected by development and describe mitigating measures to be taken to reduce danger due to such natural hazards. h. Name, address and telephone numbcr of the applicants. i. Name and address of the fee owners of the property proposed for the Section 1041 Permit, if different from above. j. Legal description of the property under consideration. k. Total acreage of the parcel, right-of-way or corridor under consideration. 1. Existing land use of the parcel, right-of-way or corridor under consideration. m. Existing land uses of all properties adjaccnt to said parcel, right-of-way or corridor. n. Present zone and overlay zones, if appropriate. o. Signatures of the applicant and fee owners or their authorized legal agent. 21-3-330.B.5.a — Present Use and Zoning The majority of the length of the Project (15.9 miles of the 19.4 -milt total) in unincorporated Weld County crosses property in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. Other zoning districts crossed in unincorporated Weld County include R-1 (Low -Density Residential), C-3 (Business Commercial), 1-3 (Heavy Industrial), and PUD (Planned Unit Development). Existing land uses in the Project Study Arca arc primarily agricultural, residential, and energy development (oil and gas facilities), as shown in Appendix A, Figure 7 — Land Use. 21-3-330.B.5.b-d — Sketch or Map Appendix A, Figure 7 Land Use shows existing electric transmission lines 115 kV or greater for a distance of two milts beyond the alternative routes identified in the Siting Study. 21-3-330.B.5.e — Type of Facility In unincorporated Weld County, the Project would involve construction of approximately 15.9 miles of new 115/230 kV double -circuit transmission line originating at the WAPA Ault Substation and terminating at the Cloverly Tap Point. The new transmission line would be constructed on monopole steel structures within a 150-foot-widc ROW. Assuming an average span length of approximately 800 feet to 1,200 feet between structures, the transmission line would require approximately 105 structures, with up to six PAGE 30 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project conductors, a shield wire, and an optical ground wire for internal PSCo communications. For the Proposed Route, upon initial construction, one circuit between the WAPA Ault Substation and the planned Husky Substation will be operated at 230 kV, and one circuit between the Husky Substation and the Clovcrly Tap Point will be operated at 115 kV. However, this Application includes PSCo's request for Weld County approval of the ultimate buildout of a 230 kV double -circuit transmission line for the Project. 21-3-330.B.5.f — Projected Development Schedule Table 6 presents PSCo's tentative schedule for permitting and constructing the Project. TABLE 6 PROJECT SCHEDULE MILESTONE DATE File Land Use Permit Application with Weld County Summer 2021 Easement Acquisition In progress with landowners crossed by Proposed Route Begin Husky Substation Construction Fall 2021 Begin Transmission Line Construction Fall 2022 Project Completed and In -Service Date Winter 2023 Decommissioning of Existing 44 kV Substations To Be Determined Approximately 80 construction workers would be employed during the course of the approximately 36 - month construction period. The maximum number of construction workers at any one time would be approximately 40; however, the workers would likely be dispersed along the transmission lint ROW. After construction, the Project would generate infrequent trips to the transmission line during operation; the line would be inspected annually and occasionally for maintenance. 21-3-330.B.5.g — Hazards and Emergency Procedures The Project facility that is the subject of this Application is a transmission line to be operatcd at voltages up to 230 kV. In order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the Project will be constructed in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Appendix I presents the information regarding response procedures for utility emergencies. The Project's transmission lint alignment has been designed to limit potential human exposure to electromagnetic fields. The Project will be in compliance with Colorado PUC requirements regarding electromagnetic field levels adjacent to the transmission line ROW. The Colorado PUC's electromagnetic field limits arc 150 milligauss at the edge of the ROW, one meter above ground. As cited in the CPCN issued to PSCo for the Project by the Colorado PUC on March 1, 2018 (Decision No. R18-0153), the expected magnetic field values from the transmission lines proposed in the Application meet the conditions of the Commission Rules Regulating Electric Utilities, 4 Code of Colorado Regulations 723-3-3206(c)(III) and 3206(f)(111) and arc therefore considered reasonable and need not be mitigated. Enclosed containment will be provided for all trash. All construction waste, including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other potentially hazardous materials will be removed from the site and transported to a disposal facility authorized to accept such materials. There would be no significant amount of hazardous materials stored in the Project Area, which covers the Project's ROW and is much smaller than the Project Study Arca described above. PAGE 31 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Construction, operation, and maintenance activities will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances. The only hazardous chemicals expected to be used on -site are those found in diesel fuel, gasoline, coolant (ethylene glycol), and lubricants in machinery. Hazardous materials will not be drained onto the ground or into streams or drainage areas. PSCo's contract with the construction contractor will specify that PSCo will hold a required prc- construction meeting with the contractor to ensure all applicable laws and PSCo procedures will be followed. Any use of hazardous material during construction or operations and maintenance activities will be stored and managed in a safe manner according to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. PSCo's Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects are included in Appendix J. 21-3-330.B.5.h - Name, Address, and Telephone of Applicant Public Service Company of Colorado Rita Ruderman, Senior Agent Siting and Land Rights 1800 Larimcr Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80202 Office: (303) 571-7159 Email: rita.c.ruderman�xcelenergy.com 21-3-330.B.5.i — Name and Address of the Fee Owners of the Property The fee owners arc the same as those listed in Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.2.c of this Application. 21-3-330.B.5.j — Legal Description of the Property under Consideration Appendix K includes legal descriptions of the properties under consideration. The legal descriptions are approximate and will be replaced by the final legal descriptions following completion of land survey work for the Project. They are also subject to change within the same ownership based on engineering design. The final legal descriptions for properties crossed by the Project will be provided after all land rights have been acquired and prior to the start of construction for each segment of the Project. Additionally, the legal descriptions for the non-exclusive electric transmission line casements will be recorded with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder before construction commences. 21-3-330.B.5.k - Total Acreage of the Parcel, ROW, or Corridor under Consideration The footprint of the approximately 105 transmission line structures required for this Project would total approximately 0.2 acre. In unincorporated Weld County, the Proposed Route is approximately 15.9 miles long. Total acreage for the transmission line ROW will be calculated when all land rights have been acquired but the Project is anticipated to cover approximately 290 acres. 21-3-330.B.5.l Existing Land Use The Project crosses approximately 91 parcels of private land in unincorporated Weld County. Existing land uses crossed by the Project in Weld County include agricultural, commercial, and low -density residential uses. 21-3-330.B.5.m - Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcels The primary land use on adjacent parcels is agricultural. PAGE 32 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Appendix A, Figure 7 shows land uses crossed by the Project. In unincorporated Weld County, two residences arc located within 100 feet of the Proposed Route, 34 residcnccs arc located within 300 feet of the Proposed Route, and 131 residcnccs arc located within 660 feet of the Proposed Route. Fifty of these residences arc located in populated areas including the towns of Ault and Eaton. In unincorporated Weld County, the closest residence is located approximately 30 feet from the Proposed Route's centerline. 21-3-330.B.5.n — Zoning and Overlay Zones The Proposed Route crosses 91 parcels in unincorporated Weld County, which includes parcels zoned as the following: • 68 parcels arc zoned for agricultural uses; • 9 parcels are zoned for commercial uses; • 6 parcels are zoned for Planned Unit Development for the Stark Farms community; • 4 parcels are zoned for low -density residential uses; and • 4 parcels are zoned for heavy industrial uses. The Proposed Route also is located in the County's Airport Overlay Zone for the Greeley -Weld County Airport. 21-3-330.B.5.o - Signatures of the Applicant and Fee Owners or Their Authorized Legal Agent See Section 1041 Permit Application Form. 21-3-330.B.6 - Summary of Major Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints 6. Summarization of major natural and socioeconomic environmental constraints as they affect the site selection and construction of the facility as proposed. During the Siting Study, PSCo identified constraints for routing the proposed transmission lint based on the natural and socioeconomic factors mentioned in Section 2.1. The major constraints included center pivot, flood, and drip irrigation systems, including irrigation wells; and oil and gas facilities. Agricultural land covers the majority of the Project Study Area. Being mindful of the importance that Weld County places on agricultural land, PSCo sought to route the proposed transmission line in a manner that minimizes impacts on agricultural operations. More specifically, PSCo routed the proposed transmission line along the edges of fields with active center pivot, flood, and drip irrigation systems in place. Routing the line in this manner was necessary to avoid conflicts with center pivot irrigation systems and minimize impacts to linear flood and drip irrigation systems. As the edges of fields arc often adjacent to county roads, PSCo also had to consider Weld County's plans for future road ROW widening projects while ensuring that the proposed transmission line's structures and conductors could meet PSCo's engineering, operation, and safety requirements. PSCo's transmission line design accommodates the maximum future road ROW widths that Weld County officials have identified; specifically, along County Roads 41 and 66. PAGE 33 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Irrigation wells also presented constraints to routing. PSCo applied a 200 -foot buffer around these facilities when routing. This buffer distance was established to limit impacts to irrigation wells and to allow for Project construction activities and long-term operation and maintenance activities to be completed safely. The Proposed Route between the planned Husky Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point is located within 200 feet of 36 wells. However, in most of these instances, impacts to wells will be avoided. In a few locations, the Proposed Route is located adjacent to or over the irrigation well. PSCo continues to coordinate with affected landowners to discuss the wells and understand the impacts that potentially moving a particular well to accommodate the transmission line could have on water production for agricultural uses. PSCo is committed to working with these landowners to avoid operational and maintenance issues between the wells and transmission line. Oil and gas facilities, including wells, tank batteries, and pipelines, also provided constraints for routing the proposed transmission line. Maintaining a distance of at least 200 feet from well pads and tank batteries was identified as an adequate distance so as to not impact operation or maintenance activities at the well pad sites and to allow for Project construction activities and long-term operation and maintenance activities to be completed safely. Between the planned Husky Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point, there arc no oil and gas wells within 200 feet of the Proposed Route. Regarding oil and gas pipelines, PSCo initially viewed these linear facilities as opportunities for paralleling with the proposed transmission line. However, in reviewing pipeline corridor locations, the pipelines generally extend diagonally under agricultural fields. Paralleling the pipelines with the proposed transmission line would have required PSCo to bisect agricultural operations. Therefore, the pipelines were largely eliminated as opportunities for routing. In identifying these constraints and working with affected landowners to find solutions, PSCo believes that the Proposed Route presented in this Application minimizes impacts on agricultural and oil and gas infrastructure to the maximum extent practicable. 21-3-330.B.7 — Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts Due to Site Selection and Construction of the Project 7. Summarization of the effects of the proposed site selection and construction upon the natural and socioeconomic environment of the impact area as applicable to submission requirements. Included should be an analysis of impacts upon agricultural productivity and agricultural resources and upon vested water rights. The effects of the Project on the natural and socioeconomic environment of the impact area and methods to minimize and mitigate these impacts are described below and in Appendix J. Additionally, PSCo will work with all landowners to microsite the transmission facilities and casements to minimize negative impacts on residential, commercial uses, and agricultural operations. As further described in the following sections, the Project will not have significant effects on the environment and will not significantly degrade the environment with the exception of visual resources, which will be moderately impacted in the vicinity of the Proposed Route as a result of the transmission line's visibility within the landscape. 5.1.1 Impacts on Land Use PSCo identified and evaluated the projected impacts of the Proposed Route on land use. This assessment is based on (1) a review of comprehensive plan policies and zoning code regulations for Weld County and (2) PAGE 34 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project results from the Siting Study. PSCo also reviewed the comprehensive plan policies and zoning code regulations for the Town of Ault and the Town of Eaton, although Project facilities in these municipalities arc not the subject of this Application. PSCo reviewed the comprehensive plans and zoning codes for a qualitative analysis of impacts and used the results from the Siting Study for a quantitative analysis of impacts, where possible. PSCo also identified opportunities for mitigating impacts on land use. These analysts and opportunities for mitigation arc described in this section. Review of Local Government Plans and Codes In reviewing the Weld County Code, Chapter 22 — Comprehensive Plan, PSCo concluded that the Project would be consistent with the Plan's goals and objectives concerning agricultural uses. Section 22-2- 30(A)(1), (A)(3), and (C)(3), include policies for preserving agricultural land, wetlands, and critical habitat. PSCo routed the proposed transmission lint along field edges to minimize impacts on center pivot, flood, and drip irrigation systems. PSCo will also implement the AIMP, which includes the following mitigation measures to minimize impacts on agricultural land: • Compensating landowners for irrigation wells that need to be removed from the Proposed Route's ROW. • Repairing agricultural tile that is damaged, cut, or removed due to installing a transmission line structure. The materials used for repairing the tilt will be the same quality as that which was damaged. • Designing access roads that do not impede proper drainage and constructing such roads to mitigate soil erosion. • Compensating landowners for crop losses associated with Project construction activities that interrupt irrigation system operations. • Repairing damage incurred due to compacting, rutting, eroding, and/or washing of soil. • Paying for the reasonable cost of repairs to landowners' equipment if the equipment is damaged by materials or debris that PSCo left on the property during construction activities. • Using certified wccd-free hay, straw, or grass during all Project rcvegctation activities. • Implementing similar methods listed above for the restoration of organic farms and paying damages to affected landowners should the organic farm lose certification as such. Water features, including wetlands, will be spanned. There is no designated critical habitat for threatened and endangered species in the Project Study Area. In addition to reviewing the Weld County Code, PSCo also reviewed the comprehensive plans and zoning codes for the Town of Ault and the Town of Eaton. The Town of Ault's Comprehensive Plan, Goal 1, Strategy 1.1.1 encourages infill projects and development that is contiguous to existing development and compatible with future development. Locating the Proposed Route in the town's industrial area on the north side of CR 84 is consistent with this goal. Per Policy 10.2 and Policy 12.1, the Town of Ault also encourages new development to safeguard natural resources and protect quality agricultural land, significant wildlife habitat, and natural areas. The Proposed Route parallels linear corridors including CR 37, CR 80, and CR 84 to the maximum extent practicable to minimize impacts to agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and floodplains in the town's planning area. In the Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Plan, Policy 4.1.3 prohibits the development of permanent structures in the floodway. PSCo will avoid placing structures in the floodway to the maximum extent practicable. Goal 4.5 seeks to ensure that development does not adversely impact water quality. PSCo will implement mitigation measures and BMPs to minimize impacts on water quality. Additionally, Goal 4.6 encourages the preservation of agricultural lands outside of the town's urban PAGE 35 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project growth boundary. Locating the Proposed Route parallel to existing county roads and U.S. Highway 85 is consistent with this goal. Table 13 in Section 6.0 provides more information on how PSCo is compliant with the goals and policies included in the comprehensive plan for the Town of Eaton. Siting Study Results The Proposed Route complies with the local government policies and zoning codes mentioned above. PSCo identified the proposed transmission line route that has the least measurable impact on land use while providing the most efficient means to connect the Project's facilities. The following list presents specific data for the Proposed Route. PSCo used this data to conclude that the Proposed Route, compared to the remaining route alternatives, is the most viable option available to PSCo. Where possible, the transmission line is located along the edge of cultivated fields and parallels roads, fence lines, and other linear features in order to minimize effects on cultivation, particularly in areas irrigated with center pivot systems and drip irrigation. More specifically, the Proposed Route: • Crosses 1.3 miles of center pivot -irrigated cropland and 0.5 mile of drip -irrigated cropland on field edges in unincorporated Weld County between the planned Husky Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point. No major long-term operational impacts to center pivot-irrigatcd or drip -irrigated cropland is expected; short-term effects may occur during construction. • Approximately 11 percent of the Proposed Route crosses center pivot-irrigatcd cropland in unincorporated Weld County between the planned Husky Substation and the Cloverly Tap Point. • Crosses 0.74 mile of land zoned for residential uses. In Weld County, the closest residence is located approximately 30 feet from the centerline. • Parallels edges of fields, county roads, and U.S. Highway 85 for 11.9 miles of the Proposed Route's length in unincorporated Weld County. • Avoids livestock feedlots. • Avoids parks or recreation areas within 300 feet. • Avoids schools within 300 feet. • Avoids cemeteries within 300 feet. • Does not cross habitat for sensitive plant and wildlife species. Agricultural activities can continue in the transmission line ROW and only a small amount of land, approximately 0.2 acre in total, would be taken out of production for the location of transmission poles. In total, the Project would result in the location of approximately 92 transmission structures in or at the edge of cultivated lands. The base of each transmission structure would occupy an area of approximately 64 square feet (8 feet by 8 feet) but additional space would be needed to allow safe and efficient access to each structure along the ROW for long-term operation and maintenance activities. As shown in Appendix A, Figure 7 Land Use, some of the lands affected by the Project are designated as prime farmlands and are distributed throughout the Project Study Area. Prime farmland accounts for the majority of the agricultural land situated along the Proposed Route. In all cases, landowners will be compensated for any land rights acquired for the Project and land taken out of agricultural use as well as damages resulting from Project construction. PAGE 36 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Mitigation Measures In addition to PSCo's efforts during the Siting Study to minimize impacts on agricultural land, impacts on such land would be minimized further by implementing the following mitigation measures, in addition to those outlined in the AIMP: • Modify Structurc/ROW Location and Construction Timing o Mitigation measures will be implemented as necessary to avoid cultivated areas and other land use conflicts. Typically, site -specific adjustments to a transmission structure's location and spanning canbc used to reduce potential operational and maintenance impacts. Construction will also be timed, when practical, to minimize disruption of normal seasonal activities for cropland planting and harvesting. During periods of heavy precipitation, construction activities may be temporarily halted, barring an emergency situation. • Maintain and Repair Fences, Gates and Other Improvements o To minimize impacts on grazing operations, fences and gates will be replaced or repaired substantially to their original condition as required by the landowner in the event that they arc removed or damaged by construction activities. Temporary gates or enclosures will be installed in cooperation with landowners and will be removed following construction. Temporary gates will be kept closed and locked, depending on agreements with the landowners. • Coordinated Livestock Management o During Project construction, it may be necessary to relocate livestock from areas where heavy equipment operations arc taking place. Arrangements will be made with landowners and livestock owners to keep livestock out of these areas during the specific construction periods. In addition, Appendix J includes Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects that PSCo will implement for the Project. Through careful siting of Project features, direct effects to residential, commercial, institutional, and other land uses were minimized. Crossings of other land uses, including feedlots and industrial areas, wcrc also minimized; no major conflicts with these uses would result from Project construction and operation. In unincorporated Weld County, no direct impacts on any state or local parks, trails, or other recreational use areas would be expected to occur as a result of the Project. In summary, PSCo has concluded that based on the qualitative analysis of comprehensive plans and zoning codes, together with the quantitative analysis conducted for the Siting Study and the mitigation measures described above, the Proposed Route is estimated to have the least overall impact on land uses when compared to the other alternatives analyzed. 5.1.2 Impacts on Water Resources Wetlands, floodplains, rivers/streams, marshes, and other surface hydrology features are shown in Appendix A, Figure 9 Biological Resources. Construction and maintenance of the Project would not measurably impact surface water or groundwater quality as all water resources crossed by the Project's transmission lint would be spanned. Additionally, there would be no long-term impacts on surface water or groundwater hydrology as a result of operation of the Project. The Project would not impact hydrologic flow of either surface water or groundwater, nor will it affect groundwater recharge. Prior to construction, a Storm Water Permit for Construction Activities will be obtained from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). PAGE 37 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Minimal amounts of water will be used during Project construction. Water for construction purposes, including concrete foundations and dust control, will be brought in from off -site sources by a construction water provider. The source of the construction water will be from either a private well owned by the construction water company or from a municipality. No existing water rights will be impacted and there would be no long-term use of water. If water is needed for revcgetation around transmission structures or temporary access roads, the construction water provider will supply the water. No water will be required for the on -going operation of the transmission line. During construction activities, it is unlikely that the Project will affect groundwater. No water wells will be drilled for the Project. Excavations for transmission structures and other Project facilities may contact very shallow groundwater; however, the groundwater contact would be unlikely to adversely impact this resource because of BMPs that will be implemented during construction. BMPs to avoid and minimize groundwater impacts would include properly maintaining equipment and cleaning up any spills. In implementing mitigation measures and BMPs, impacts on groundwater will be negligible and temporary in duration. In conversations with landowners, PSCo has learned of the significance of existing irrigation wells that serve agricultural properties in the area. PSCo will work with landowners to understand the existing irrigation infrastructure on each parcel. Existing irrigation wells will be avoided when possible; however, it may be necessary to make minor adjustments in pole placement and height to facilitate a well remaining in place. If, on a case -by -case review, a well is determined to be safe to remain within the proposed ROW, PSCo and the landowner, shall agree it is safe for the well to remain operational as -is, and will not pose a safety hazard to the owner, PSCo or service provider in the course of its continued operation and maintenance. Should it be determined a well needs to be moved from its location within the ROW, PSCo may elect to have the landowner perform the necessary work to replace the well as per the current guidelines by the State of Colorado, Weld County, and any ditch companies that may have jurisdiction for the well for which they will be compensated. PSCo may also choose to have the work done by a qualified service provider, approved by the landowner, and to compensate the provider for the costs incurred to perform the scope of work needed to replace the original well. After consulting with local irrigation well -drilling and maintenance companies, it does appear that most, if not all, water wells will be able to be serviced without interference from the Proposed Route including those that may be located in the ROW. 5.1.3 Impacts on Vegetation The Project Study Area is characterized primarily by croplands, with other land cover types including hay/pastures, wetlands, and urban and oil and gas development. Along the Proposed Route ROW, the majority of the land cover consists of rural residential, commercial, industrial, and urban development; infrastructure (i.e., roadways, transmission lines, and substations); and croplands. Land cover crossed by the Proposed Route 150 -foot -wide ROW is summarized in Table 7 with native vegetation most likely limited to riparian areas along drainageways and around wetlands. PAGE 38 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE 7 LAND COVER TYPES IN THE PROPOSED ROUTE RIGHT-OF-WAY LAND COVER ACRES PERCENT Developed 137.1 39.7 Cultivated Crops 201.8 58.5 Herbaceous 0.9 < 1.0 Hay/Pasture 3.7 1.1 Open Water 1.3 < 1.0 Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands 0.2 < 1.0 Woody Wetlands 0.8 < 1.0 Barren Land 0.1 < 1.0 Total 345.9 100.0 Source: National Land Cover Database 2011. A desktop analysis conducted for the Project identified one Endangered Species Act (ESA) -listed plant species, Utc ladics'-trcsses (Spiranthes diluvialis), as having potential to occur in the Project Study Arca. This species occurs in wet meadows near springs, lakes, or perennial streams. The Project would be constructed to span all wetlands and drainages; therefore, the Project would not be expected to impact any suitable habitat for Utc ladies' -tresses. Construction would occur primarily in areas that have been previously disturbed, such as along field edges, U.S. Highway 85, and county roads. Impacts to native vegetation communities are expected to be minimal because areas where native vegetation might exist in the Proposed Route ROW (i.e., primarily wetlands and drainages) will be spanned by the transmission line and vegetation would not be removed or disturbed in these areas. Effects will occur to cropland and disturbed grasslands adjacent to roadways and will be largely short-term during the construction phase of the Project. 5.1.4 Impacts on Soils Appendix L includes a complete list of the soil map units that occur in the Project Study Arca. Shrink/swell potential of a soil is based on the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. The classes of shrink/swell potential are shown in Table 8. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Soil Survey of the northern and southern parts of Weld County, the majority of the soils in the Project Study Area have low shrink/swell potential. TABLE 8 SOIL SHRINK/SWELL CLASSES CLASS VALUE Low 0-3% Moderate 3-6% High 6-9% Very high > 9% Source: United States Department of Agriculture NRCS 2019. Soil crodibility was determined based on factor K within the Project Study Area. The factor K is a measurement of the soil's susceptibility to sheet and rill erosion by water; it is calculated as a function of PAGE 39 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project an average diameter of the soil particles. Factor K is one of six factors used in the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation to predict annual rate of soil loss in tons per acre per year. Factor K values range from 0.02 to 0.69, with higher values indicating higher losses. For the purpose of this Application, soil K factors would be classified based on Table 9. TABLE 9 SOIL ERODIBILITY CLASSES CLASS FACTOR K VALUE Low 0.05-0.2 Moderate 0.21-0.4 High > 0.4 Source: United States Department of Agriculture NRCS 2019. According to the NRCS Soil Survey of the northern and southern parts of Weld County, the majority of the soils within the Project Study Area have low to moderate crodibility. Furthermore, soils that are moderate to highly erodible by wind occur throughout the Project Study Area. Implementing the Environmental Protection Measures described in Appendix J would be expected to mitigate impacts. The Project would create short-term, localized impacts on soil resources. These impacts could result in the potential reduction of surficial soil quality. Surface disturbance during construction may increase the potential for erosion, such as removal of protective vegetation and expose soil to potential wind and water erosion. Soil disturbance may result from heavy machinery traveling in the transmission line ROW. Construction traffic would be limited to designated access roads in an effort to minimize impacts on soils. The areas affected by construction will be reclaimed as soon as possible and may include regrading and rcvegctation with an approved seed mix agreed upon with the landowner. Additionally, sced mixtures may be considered in consultation with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Implementation of a Storm Water Management Plan and use of appropriate soil mitigation measures and BMPs would be used to reduce the effects of erosion. 5.1.5 Impacts on Wildlife Biological resources within the Project Study Area are shown in Appendix A, Figure 9. Habitats crossed by the Project support common wildlife species, such as big game, small predators (e.g., coyote and fox), prey spccics (e.g., rabbits and black -tailed prairie dogs), and birds (e.g., waterfowl, raptors, and passerines). No designated critical habitat for wildlife species is present in the Project Study Area, although suitable habitat exists for the state -listed (threatened) western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Other state - protected species with potential to occur in the Project Study Area include bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), black -tailed prairie dog (Cynornys ludovieiunusc), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), and swift fox ( Vulpes velox). Table 10 summarizes potential impacts on these species and the measures that would be taken to avoid impacts if these species are present in the Project Study Area. Based on Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) bald eagle data, there arc bald eagle nest sites, roost sites, and winter concentration areas in the Project Study Area; however, the Proposed Route is not located near or within any of these areas. PAGE 40 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE 10 STATE -PROTECTED SPECIES WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE PROJECT STUDY AREA SPECIES NAME REGULATORY (COMMON AND STATUS HABITAT POTENTIAL IMPACTS LATIN) _______________________________ If this species is present in the Project Study Area, Project impacts would be Dry, open areas with short grasses and limited to loss of habitat and temporary no trees. Nest and live in underground displacement outside the nesting Burrowing owl burrows created by prairie dogs, ground season. If construction occurs during the Athone State squirrels, and badgers. Can be found nesting season, multiple pre- cunicularia Threatened where suitable burrows exist on golf construction nest surveys would be courses, cemeteries, airports, vacant conducted immediately prior to lots, university campuses, and pastures. construction, and if active nests are present, nest buffer zones would be established until nests are no longer active. If this species is present in the Project Study Area, Project impacts would be In Colorado, often found near reservoirs limited to temporary disturbance to and along major rivers (South Platte, foraging habitat outside the nesting Bald eagle Arkansas, Rio Grande, Yampa, season. If construction occurs during the aliaeetus State Special Colorado) during both the summer and nesting season, multiple pre- loucocephalus Concern winter. During the breeding season, construction nest surveys would be most frequently nest in large cottonwood conducted immediately prior to trees. In the winter, communally roost in construction, and if active nests are large trees for warmth and protection. present, nest buffer zones would be ______________________________________________ established until nests are no longer active. Black -tailed Grassy plains or prairies in communities If this species is present in the Project prairie dog State SpecialStudy called "towns," which can vary greatly in Area, loss of habitat and Cynomys Concern temporary displacement could occur ludovicianus size. during construction. If this species is present in the Project Study Area, Project impacts would be limited to temporary disturbance to foraging habitat outside the nesting Ferruginous Open spaces in grasslands, prairie, season. If construction occurs during the hawk State Special sagebrush steppe, scrubland, and nesting season, multiple pre - Buteo regalis Concern pinyon juniper woodland edges. construction nest surveys would be conducted immediately prior to construction, and if active nests are present, nest buffer zones would be established until nests are no longer active. Short- or mixed -grass prairie with flat to If this species is present in the Project Swift fox State Special gently rolling terrain and low -growing Study Area, loss of habitat and Vulpes velox Concern sparse vegetation that allows for good temporary displacement could occur mobility and visibility, during construction. A desktop analysis conducted for the Project identified one ESA -listed wildlife species, Preble's meadow jumping mouse, as having potential to occur in the Project Study Area. This species occurs in wet meadows and riparian areas consisting of lush vegetation along watercourses or herbaceous understories in wooded PAGE 41 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project areas near water. Based on a review of aerial imagery and a follow-up field visit, no suitable habitat for this species would be crossed by the Project. Construction would occur primarily in areas that have been previously disturbed and impacts on wildlife habitat during construction arc expected to be minimal and short-term because the transmission line will span sensitive habitat (i.e., wet meadows and riparian areas) and vegetation will not be removed in these areas. If construction of the Project occurs during the nesting season, nest surveys will be conducted for raptors and other migratory birds following CPW and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines. Appropriate nest buffer zones would be established specific to each spccics until nests arc no longer active, thereby minimizing impacts on raptors and other migratory birds. Operating and maintaining the Project is not expected to cause adverse, long-term impacts on wildlife species. On December 31, 2020, PSCo sent Project coordination letters to CPW and USFWS to introduce the Project and request concurrence with PSCo's findings that the Project would have no significant, advcrsc effect on the species mentioned above. On January 26, 2021, the USFWS concurred with PSCo's findings. On February 18, 2021, CPW also concurred and responded that the Project presents no significant concerns for wildlife that are known to occur or have the potential to occur in the Project Study Area. 5.1.6 Impacts on Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance PSCo conducted a file search through the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) database to identify previously recorded cultural resource sites in the Project Study Area. PSCo's file search identified 240 cultural resource sites in the Project Study Area. Of these 240 sites, 38 sites are considered to be significant and have either been listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or determined by the SHPO to be eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. Of the 38 sites considered to be significant, four sites arc listed in the NRHP and three sites are listed in the Colorado State Register of Historic Places. The Proposed Route does not cross any of these seven sites. The closest NRHP site to the Proposed Route is the Milne Farm Historic District, a historic homestead located west of the community of Lucerne along CR 68 and is approximately 0.2 mile from the Proposed Route. A new transmission line in close proximity to the contributing buildings in the Milne Farm Historic District could represent an advcrsc indirect effect to the historic property if the vicwshed from contributing buildings is altered to the extent that aspects of setting, association, or feeling arc significantly impacted. The closest historic site listed on the State Register of Historic Properties is Eaton High School located on Park Avenue in a developed area of the Town of Eaton and is approximately 0.7 mile from the Proposed Route. Because of the relatively developed setting in which this resource is located, a new transmission lint is unlikely to represent an adverse effect to the property. Based on Weld County's interactive zoning map', there are no areas of geologic importance (i.e., fault lines, abandoned mines) in the Project Study Area. 5.1.7 Impacts on Visual Resources Visual resources within the Proj cct Study Area are shown in Appendix A, Figure 10. Residential land uses, planned residential uses, and parks and recreation areas played a role in determining the location of the https:lIwww.co.weld.co.us/mapslzoning' PAGE 42 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Proposed Route. Identification of the Proposed Route that avoided these land uses to the extent possible was a priority for PSCo. The Project is not anticipated to significantly affect the aesthetics of the Project Study Area. There is commercial and industrial development, including oil and gas development, throughout the Project Study Area, as well as existing electrical infrastructure including existing transmission lines and substations. Two residences are located within 100 feet of the Proposed Route centerline. There are 34 residences located within 300 feet of the Proposed Route; the fewest number of residences among the Level 3 alternatives evaluated in the Siting Study. The Proposed Route includes 131 residences within 660 feet of the alignment. Fifty of these residences arc located in populated areas including the towns of Ault and Eaton. For the majority of residents within the towns of Ault and Eaton, the Proposed Route would be screened by residential, commercial, and/or industrial development associated with the towns. Views toward the Proposed Route would be limited primarily to residences along the perimeter of the towns and would vary from unobstructed to complctcly screened. In the Town of Ault, portions of the Proposed Route that are visible would be seen at a distance of approximately 0.5 mile or more and appear as thin, gray lines partially backdropped against light blue sky, although the Proposed Route may present less color contrast with the sky under different weather conditions. The presence of other vertical features that punctuate the skyline, including existing vegetation and transmission and distribution lines, reduce the line and scale contrast presented by the Project. In the Town of Eaton, the Proposed Route would be located closer to residential developments along the cast side of town. The Proposed Route would be seen crossing open agricultural fields and would be sccn in the context of residential, commercial, and industrial developments associated with the town. Additionally, the Proposed Route may be partially or completely screened from some residences due to existing development associated with the community. Visibility and dominance of the transmission line is anticipated to be reduced as distance from the viewer increases. The structures will also be partially to completely backdropped by vegetation, development or mountains (depending on the viewer's location), and the thin form and gray galvanized color of the structures will help to blend into the darker background further reducing contrast. Some residences located near Eaton Commons Park would have unobstructed views toward the Proposed Route approximately within 0.1 mile. Although the Proposed Route would be sccn in the context of a commercial and industrial area located adjacent to the lint, due to the proximity of the line to the residences and lack of screening, the Proposed Route would appear as a dominant feature. Views toward the Project from rural residences located along the Proposed Route alignment would vary between unobstructed to partially screened by vegetation associated with the residences. The Proposed Route would be visible in the immediate foreground and would introduce tall, vertical elements that arc larger in scale than the existing distribution lines located in the area and would appear as a dominant feature in the rural landscape setting. As the Proposed Route bypasses the Town of Ault, the line would be located approximately 1.0 mile to the north, 0.4 mile east-southeast, and 0.6 mile south of Memorial Park. The 0.43 -acre park is located along U.S. Highway 85 north of the intersection with Colorado Highway 14 and is located in a heavily developed area (Town of Ault 2013). Patrons of the park will not see the Proposed Route because views would be complctcly screened by manufacturing buildings, residential dcvclopmcnt, and vegetation located adjacent to the park's boundaries. The Proposed Route is located approximately 0.5 mile cast of the Great Western Trail trailhead near the Eaton Arca Community Center. Views toward the Proposed Route would be completely screened by existing vegetation, and commercial and residential development associated with the Town of Eaton. PAGE 43 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Along U.S. Highway 85, travelers including commuters and through -travelers would have views of the Proposed Route where it parallels the highway. These viewers typically have a lower sensitivity than other viewers in the area because they arc traveling at a higher rate of speed, have a relatively narrow field of view because they are focused on road and traffic conditions, and are destination oriented. In some locations, like the community of Lucernc, the Proposed Route would be seen in the context of other developments along the highway. Appendix M presents visual simulations depicting views of the transmission line from along U.S. Highway 85 and other viewpoint locations along the route. 5.1.8 Impacts on Transportation Facilities In the Proj ect Study Area, which includes the towns of Ault and Eaton and a portion of the City of Greeley, as well as portions of unincorporated Weld County, minimal additional vehicular traffic will occur on public roads as a result of construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project. Estimated construction traffic will be approximately 20 to 25 vehicles per day, at the peak of transmission lint construction. Because of the low number of vehicles requiring access to the transmission line ROW, minimal impacts on county roads are anticipated. PSCo will coordinate with the Weld County Department of Public Works to execute a Road Maintenance Agreement for damage to county roads that the Project's construction activities might cause. PSCo will also coordinate with the Department of Public Works to obtain an Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit for the movement of cxtra-legal vehicles and loads on county roads in Weld County's jurisdiction. PSCo will work with the Weld County Department of Public Works to determine the appropriate access to the construction area. All mobile construction equipment will be certified to operate on Interstate highways. In Weld County's jurisdiction, the Proposed Route will cross 16 county roads and parallel five county roads. In locations where the Proposed Route includes an atrial crossing of a county road with the transmission line's conductors, a Right -of -Way Use Permit will be required in coordination with the Weld County Department of Public Works. In discussions with Public Works staff, it is PSCo's understanding that only one such permit will be required for each Section where the Proposed Route crosses a county road. Crossing county roads overhead with the transmission lint will also require PSCo to implement a traffic control plan to ensure the safety of the traveling public during construction activities at these locations. During wire - stringing activities across these county roads, lane closures and/or detours might be necessary. These temporary modifications to the existing transportation network might cause minor delays for local traffic. Minor delays might also occur as construction vehicles travel to and from construction work areas. However, when construction is complete, traffic patterns and volumes would be expected to return to pre - construction conditions. In locations where the Proposed Route parallels a county road with one or more transmission structures located in county road ROW, the same Right -of -Way Use Permit will be required as for the aerial crossings. A traffic control plan will also be implemented for locations where the transmission lint parallels county roads. Lane closures and/or detours might also be required in these locations with similar minor, temporary impacts on the existing transportation network as for the aerial crossings. After Projcct construction activities arc complctc, traffic patterns and volumes would be cxpcctcd to return to pre -construction conditions. The County's Functional Transportation Map has been reviewed for existing county road ROWs and future county road ROW expansions. The Project's transmission structures will meet required setbacks, measured from the existing and future ROW line. In limited situations to minimize construction or operations impacts on residences, oil and gas, or agricultural assets, PSCo may request sharing county road ROWs. PSCo will work closely with the Weld County Department of Public Works to assure that the Projcct is compatible with current and planned county road ROWs and consistent with all relevant policies and procedures. More specifically, it is PSCo's understanding in discussions with Public Works staff that, at full buildout, CR 41's ROW will be 80 feet wide and CR 66's ROW will be 140 feet wide. Based on the Plot Plan included PAGE 44 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project in Appendix F, PSCo's preliminary transmission structure locations near these two roads will accommodate the full buildout width of the ROWS for these roads. During a November 16, 2020 pre -application conference call with Weld County staff, PSCo learned that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is seeking to acquire ROW from UP Railroad along U.S. Highway 85's west side bctwccn CR 80 and CR 78. In doing so, CDOT would own the highway ROW in fee simple and is working with UP Railroad on a purchase and sale agreement. South of the Town of Ault, the Proposed Route would extend west and parallel CR 80's south side, extend south, and extend west to cross U.S. Highway 85 and continue south parallel to the highway's west side to CR 78. Except for where the Proposed Route crosses the highway, it would not be located in the portion of the highway ROW that CDOT plans to acquire. After crossing the highway, the Proposed Route would be located along field edges outside of the highway ROW. PSCo does not expect that the Proposed Route between CR 80 and CR 78 would interfere with CDOT's plans to acquire highway ROW in this location. 5.1.9 Impacts on Socioeconomic Conditions The Project will not cause adverse socioeconomic effects in Weld County. The communities nearest to the Project's facilities include Ault, Pierce, Eaton, Lucerne, and Greeley. These communities will benefit from the Project through improved electric safety, reliability, increased electric capacity, and fewer outages. The communities will be better positioned to accommodate the electrical demands of their proj ceted population and employment growth. An upgrade to electrical system capacity and reliability will enhance long-term economic development for the region and the Project is consistent with the Economic Development Goals and Policies described in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan (Weld County 2021). It is anticipated that construction of the Project will also have a beneficial impact to the local economics of these municipalities. During the construction period, the local economics may sec a small increase in sales tax revenues as construction contractors would likely spend money in these communities for fuel, food, lodging, and other supplies. Additionally, landowners with the transmission lint on their property would receive a lump sum payment in exchange for the executed casement agreement. 21-3-330.B.8 — Long -Term Effects upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development 8. Analysis of the long-term effects of the proposed site selection and construction upon the physical and sociocconomic development of the impact area. Long-term effects of the Project would be beneficial to economic development as the increased electrical capacity would provide improved electric reliability to support agricultural business, oil and gas field operations, general commercial business, and general population growth in the Project Study Area. Long-term effects of the Project will not adversely impact physical development in the Project Study Area because the Proposed Route will be routed primarily along field edges and parallel to existing roads. Based upon review of the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, the Proposed Route is not expected to adversely impact future commercial or industrial development because it is located primarily along field edges on agricultural zoned land. The Proposed Route ROW includes eight parcels zoned for commercial uses and four parcels zoned for heavy industrial uses. In these locations, the proposed transmission lint would be compatible with the County's commercial uses as transmission lines arc often located along major roadways with similar kinds of commercial uses. The proposed transmission line would also be compatible with heavy industrial uses, the settings for which often also include electric power facilities. PAGE 45 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.9 — Mitigation of Adverse Impacts 1 Maximization of Positive Impacts 9. A description of a program to minimize and mitigate adverse impacts and to maximize the positive impacts of the proposed site selection and construction. Appendix J, which includes Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects that PSCo will implement for the Project, addresses site reclamation of disturbed areas. 21-3-330.B.10 — Non -Structural Alternatives 10. Analysis of nonstructural alternatives to the project such as conservation of energy use, no development or management (different scheduling, conservation programs, facility design, land trades, etc.), if applicable. The Project that is being pursued by PSCo in this Application is the construction of a new overhead 115/230 kV transmission line along the Proposed Route to serve the projected load growth in this region. As detailed in the CPCN decision document (Decision No. R18-0153), the "Northern Greeley Area Transmission Plan System Impact Study Report" prepared by the Northeast Colorado Subcommittee of the Colorado Coordinated Planning Group (February 2017) determined that no viable non-structural transmission system alternatives exist to sufficiently increase the capacity of the existing 44 kV transmission line in the area to deliver safe, reliable, and economical service to Weld County. 21-3-330.B.11 - Structural Alternatives 11. Analysis of reasonable structural alternatives to the project such as alternate locations and routes, alternative types of facilities, use of existing rights -of -way, joint use of rights -of -way with other utilities and upgrading of existing facilities. In addition to pursuing the Proj ect as proposed by PSCo in the CPCN application, PSCo's CPCN testimony included transmission alternatives such as: • Construct the Project as proposed with the addition of a single -circuit, 115 kV line from the new Eaton -area substation to PSCo's Weld Substation. • Construct the Project as proposed with the addition of a single -circuit 115 kV line from the new Eaton -area substation to PSCo's Greeley Substation. • Construct a new Greeley South Substation. • Interconnect and energize local gas -fired generation from either the University of Northern Colorado 69 -MW facility or the Thermo Monfort 32 -MW facility. None of the above -listed transmission alternatives were pursued because they either did not meet the long- term obj ectives for load service and resource accommodations in the Greeley area or they would likely lead to greater costs to address future expansion. PSCo submitted an application for a CPCN to the PUC for the Project on March 9, 2017 (Proceeding 17A -0146E). The PUC issued a CPCN to PSCo for the Project on March 1, 2018 (Decision No. R18-0153). PAGE 46 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Since 2019, PSCo has bccn working to prepare the Siting Study to identify and evaluate transmission routes for the Project as proposed by PSCo in the CPCN application. Appendix B includes the Siting Study. 21-3-330.B.12 — Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives 12. Analysis of air and water pollution impacts and control alternatives. 5.1.10 Impacts on Air Quality According to the CDPHE, the Project Study Area includes nonattainment and attainment areas for criteria air pollutants based on national ambient air quality standards. The Project Study Arca is in a nonattainment area for the 8 -hour ozone standard. Two criteria pollutants: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NO,,) arc considered to be precursors to ozone. PSCo will need to obtain an Air Pollutant Emission Notice (APEN) from CDPHE for the Project's construction equipment and vehicles that cmit more than the nonattainment area thresholds for these criteria pollutants: two tons per year for VOCs and five tons per year for NO,,. Based on the expected construction equipment and vchicic emissions, an air permit might also be required from CDPHE in addition to the APEN. The Project Study Area is in attainment for all other measured criteria air pollutants, including particulate matter smaller than 10 microns in diameter (PMI0). Construction would last approximately 24 to 36 months. Construction activities associated with the proposed transmission line would generate less than significant amounts of particulate matter from soil disturbances and diesel -powered equipment, and less than significant amounts of carbon monoxide and the precursor pollutants to ozone formation from tailpipe emissions. Any air pollutants generated would be widely dispersed across the Project Study Area, short-term in duration, and minimized by the small scale of construction operations for excavating foundations for transmission structures. Air pollutants also would be minimized through implementation of dust suppression and proper vehicle maintenance. Therefore, Project construction is not expected to significantly impact local or regional air quality. There would be no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Once construction activities have bccn completed, but before vegetation has been re-established, some minor amounts of fugitive dust generation could occur across bare soils. The generation of dust would be monitored by PSCo and the appropriate action would be taken to control the dust and ensure that potential wind erosion is minimized. Emergency situations stemming from transmission line equipment failure, which may cause a fire, could create short-term, adverse impacts on air quality. PSCo would mobilize its crews to respond to such emergencies and would notify emergency service providers including local and/or regional fire departments. Response procedures for utility emergencies are included as Appendix 1. Concerning the Project's impacts on water quality, see the discussion above "Impacts on Water Resources." 21-3-330.B.13 — Design Alternatives: Access, Landscaping, and Architectural Controls 13. Analysis of design alternatives concerning access, landscaping, architectural controls and so forth. The potential need for temporary and permanent access roads was analyzed as part of the Project's Siting Study. The Proposed Route was selected in part because it is located in proximity to public roads in order PAGE 47 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project to facilitate access to the Project's transmission line ROW. During construction, PSCo will establish temporary two -track roads within the transmission line ROW, which would be accessed from county roads. The two -track roads within the transmission line ROW will be the only temporary roads allowed for construction traffic use. PSCo will use mats in areas that are prone to water retention. PSCo will coordinate with the landowner on the method of ground restoration, as long as the request does not violate the Storm Water Management Plan. All temporary access roads will be re -vegetated following construction. Where ground disturbance is substantial, surface preparation and reseeding would occur. The method of restoration would normally consist of loosening the soil surface and reseeding. Based on the pre -application meeting with the County on November 16, 2020 and follow-up information provided by the County on December 10, 2020, a landscape/screening plan is not required for the Project. 21-3-332.B.14 — New or Upgraded Services 14. Submission of a proposed form of development agreement to meet costs of affected political subdivisions in the Project Study Area of providing new or upgraded services and facilities necessary to serve the proposed project. New or upgraded services are not required for operations and maintenance of an electric transmission line, therefore, new or upgraded services are not applicable to and are not required for the Project. 21-3-330.N.15 — Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts 15. Analysis of hydrologic, atmospheric, geologic, pedologic, biotic, visual and noise impacts. 5.1.11 Hydrologic See the discussion in Section 5.1.2 for "Impacts on Water Resources." 5.1.12 Atmospheric See the discussion in Section 5.1.10 for "Impacts on Air Quality." 5.1.13 Geologic See the discussion in Section 5.1.6 for "Impacts on Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance." 5.1.14 Pedologic See the discussion in Section 5.1.4 for "Impacts on Soils." 5.1.15 Biotic See the discussion in Section 5.1.5 for "Impacts on Wildlife." PAGE 48 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 5.1.16 Visual See the discussion in Section 5.1.7 for "Impacts on Visual Resources." Project construction activities would include the use of light -duty work trucks for transporting workers and heavy construction vehicles for equipment and materials. These vehicles would use local roads to travel to and from Project construction work sites. These vehicles and other construction equipment including but not limited to drill rigs, cranes, and augers would contribute to a short-term, local increase in noise levels relative to existing conditions along the Proposed Route. PSCo would ensure that construction vehicles and cquipmcnt are kept in good working condition in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations to limit the amount of noise generated. The Proj ect's proposed transmission line would be constructed and maintained in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes 25-12-101 et seq. (Noise Abatement), which allows maximum permissible noise levels of 80 A-wcightcd decibels (dB(A)) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 75 dB(A) from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in industrial zones, and Article IX, Section 14-9-40 et seq. of the Weld County Code, which allows a maximum permissible noise level of 80 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 75 dB(A) from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. in industrial areas or for construction activities. As cited in the CPCN issued to PSCo for the Project by the Colorado PUC on March 1, 2018 (Decision No. R18-0153), the audible noise values from the transmission lints proposed in the Application meet the conditions of the Commission Rules Regulating Electric Utilities, 4 Code of Colorado Regulations 723-3-3206(e)(111) and 3206(f)(111) and are therefore considered reasonable and need not be mitigated. Concerning the transmission line, corona may produce audible noise. Corona is the electrical ionization of the air that occurs near the surface of the energized conductor due to very high cicctric field strength. The amount of corona produced by a transmission line is a function of the voltage of the line, the diameter of the conductors, the locations of the conductors in relation to each other, the elevation of the line above sea level, the condition of the conductors and hardware, and local weather conditions. Irregularities such as nicks and scrapes on the conductor surface or sharp edges on suspension hardware concentrate the electric field at these locations and increase the cicctric field gradient and the resulting corona at these spots. Raindrops, snow, fog, and condensation accumulated on the conductor surface are also sources of surface irregularities that can increase corona. Audible noise levels associated with the proposed transmission line arc anticipated to be barely audible at the edge of the ROW during dry weather periods but may increase during wet weather to a low humming sound roughly comparable to the sound of a refrigerator. 21-3-330.B.16 - Surface and Subsurface Drainage 16. Surface and subsurface drainage analysis. Subsurface drainage will not be impacted by the transmission line. Project construction would not create runoff in excess of previous levels and would not adversely affect drainage. As Project staging areas will not be located in unincorporated Weld County, a preliminary drainage report and detention pond design is not included in this Application. Appendix J includes Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects that PSCo will implement for the Project. Prior to construction, a Storm Water Management Plan will be prepared for submittal to CDPHE to obtain a Storm Water Permit for Construction Activities. PAGE 49 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.B.17 — Decommissioning Plan 17. A Decommissioning Plan. Adequate financial assurance to cover the decommissioning of the facility may be required as a condition of approval of the Decommissioning Plan. A Decommissioning Plan is included in Appendix G. 21-3-330.8.18 - Other Required Information 18. Any other information required by the Board or the Planning Department and communicated to the applicant at the prcapplication conference. This limitation shall not preclude the Board from requesting the applicant to provide additional information during the public hearing on the application, in order to provide which the applicant shall be granted reasonable continuances if the applicant so requests. The Use by Special Review (USR) Questionnaire with PSCo's responses is included as Appendix N. PAGE 55 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 21-3-330.C - Specific Submittal Requirements C. Specific submittal requirements. These additional requirements shall be imposed on the applicant by the Planning Department, in such Department's sole discretion, if the Planning Department determines that the need for the additional information is warranted by the size and scope of the proposed proj cet in order for the Board of County Commissioners to make an informed decision on the application. It is the intention of these Regulations that the following information shall be required only if the proposed project is of such size and scope that it is reasonably likely to have significant environmental or social impacts on the County residents or lands. 1. Detailed description of the need for the proposed development or activity, including but not limited to: a. The present population of the area to be served and the total population to be served when the project is operating at full capacity. b. The predominant type of users or communities to be served by the proposal. c. The percentage of the design capacity at which the current system is now operating. d. The relationship of the proposal to the applicant's long-range planning and capital improvements programs. e. A description of why public convenience and necessity require a facility of the size and nature proposed. f. A description of the user needs and user patterns to be fulfilled by the proposed project. g. A description of the relationship of the project to other existing and planned utility facilities of a similar nature, other communication or energy generation and transmission facilities, local government capital improvement programs and special district expansion programs. 2. Environmental impact analysis. a. Land use: i. Describe the relationship of the project to local land use, policies and comprehensive plans and to policies and plans adopted or under preparation by federal, state, regional or other affected local governmental agencies. ii. Detail the agricultural productivity capability of the land affected by the proposal (SCS classification). iii. Specify how the proposed development will utilize existing casements or rights -of - way for any associated distribution or collector networks. b. Information regarding other utility facilities. i. A map showing each existing major facility of a public utility within the County of the type proposed for development. c. Water resources: i. On the map of the base area, or another appropriate map, indicate any flood plain associated with the proposal. Documentation of the historical flooding activity should be included. Detail potential, adverse impacts related to the associated floodplain. ii. Describe the potential adverse effects of the proposal upon plant and animal life dependent upon the water resources in question. PAGE 51 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project d. Significant environmentally sensitive factors: i. Identify and locate on a map of appropriate scale the juxtaposition of any of the following features present in the proposed development or activity and its vicinity and detail the potential impact of the proposal upon each feature: a) Marshlands and wetlands. b) Groundwater recharge areas, if applicable. c) Potential natural hazards. d) Forests and woodlands. e) Critical wildlife habitat. f) Public outdoor recreation areas. g) Unique areas of geologic, historic or archeological importance. c. Visual aesthetics and nuisance factors: i. Identify key locations where the facility can be viewed from and its proximity to residences, simulate the appearance of the facility, and identify noise pollution or obnoxious odors which may stem from the proposal. ii. Where significant, map or describe area within view of project. iii. Describe proposed mitigation strategy. f. Transportation impacts: i. Describe what impacts the proposal will have upon transportation patterns in the area intended to be served or affected by the proposal. ii. Describe the potential impact on roads within the County. iii. Identify improvements required to any roads within the County in order to serve the project adequately. g. Less damaging alternatives: i. If the Planning Department determines that the nature or extent of the proposal involves the potential for significant environmental damage or warrants examination of specific, less environmentally damaging alternatives, the Planning Department may request that the Board require the applicant evaluate and present information on such alternatives as part of the application. ii. Required information on alternatives may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, information on the environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness of the alternatives in relationship to the proposal presented. 3. Applicants seeking a permit for the site selection and construction of transmission lints or substations shall submit the following additional documents and information: a. Computer modeled electromagnetic field measurements within the proposed transmission line casement for that portion of transmission line between substations or transition sites; and PAGE 52 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project b. Measures taken to comply with the concept of prudent avoidance with respect to planning, siting, construction and operation of transmission lines, which maybe those steps taken to comply with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission's Rule 18(l), or similar authority, for projects where other similar authority is applicable. During the November 16, 2020 pre -application call with the County and the April 21, 2021 follow-up call with the County, County staff did not identify that PSCo would need to address the specific submittal requirements listed above. 21-3-330.D — Waiver of Submittal Requirements D. Waiver of submittal requirements. Specific submittal requirements may be waived by the Planning Department, as provided in these Section 1041 Regulations. During the pre -application conference, the Weld County Department of Planning Services did not notify PSCo if any of the specific submittal requirements listed above will be waived. 5.2 Weld County Section 1041 Decision Criteria Weld County has established the following 22 criteria as listed in Section 21-3-340(A) of the Weld County Code to evaluate whether to approve applications for Section 1041 permits. PSCo has provided responses to each of the criteria below for the Weld County Board of County Commissioners' consideration. 1. The health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the County will be protected and served. Response: During the Project's construction, operation, and maintenance activities, PSCo will implement its health and safety program to avoid and minimize adverse impacts on the health, welfare, and safety of community residents and visitors. Once in service, the Project will increase cicctrical system capacity and improve service reliability of PSCo's electrical grid in northern Colorado. This enhanced reliability and resilience of the electrical grid allows the system to withstand changing conditions including population growth and ensure that critical facilities including hospitals, community centers, and police, fire, and rescue facilities have adequate electricity to operate and respond to emergencies. Essentially every sector of northern Colorado's economy depends on cicctricity. Therefore, minimizing disruptions and enhancing the resiliency of the grid has a positive effect on the public health, welfare, and safety of County residents. 2. The natural and socioeconomic environment of the County will be protected and enhanced. Response: The Project will avoid and/or minimize impacts on the natural and socioeconomic environment of the County. More specifically, PSCo will implement an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan — included as Appendix H — to ensure that the Project's construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning activities are conducted to minimize the loss of agricultural production. PSCo will also compensate farmers for damage that these Project activities may cause. BMPs and mitigation measures will be implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts on water features, including irrigation canals; residential land uses; the traffic and transportation network; oil and gas facilities; parks and recreational facilities; and wildlife habitat. Implementing the Project in Weld County will improve the local economy. During construction activities, the Project will increase salts and use tax revenues for Projcct-rclatcd goods and services purchased in the local economy, thereby providing tax benefits to the County. The Project's capital investment for the PAGE 53 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project transmission line would be expected to also increase Weld County's property taxes and affected landowners will receive payments for the transmission line casement acquisition. The Project might also help spur economic development as the transmission line would increase electrical system capacity, which could help serve more agricultural, oil and gas, commercial, industrial, and residential development. 3. All reasonable alternatives to the proposed action, including use of existing ROWs and joint use of ROWs wherever uses are compatible, have been adequately assessed and the proposed action is compatible with and represents the best interests of the people of the County and represents a fair and reasonable utilization of resources in the impact area. Response: The Siting Study identified and evaluated a range of reasonable and feasible alternatives with community engagement throughout the process. The Proposed Route parallels existing linear facilities — U.S. Highway 85 and county roads — to the maximum extent practicable given engineering requirements and physical constraints. PSCo recognizes that agriculture is a key component of Weld County's economy. During the Siting Study, PSCo sought to minimize impacts on this industry by purposefully identifying routes that did not bisect agricultural fields or adversely impact center pivot, flood, and drip irrigation systems. Input from the community received during the Siting Study process noted that the route should use existing linear facilities, such as U.S. Highway 85 and the railroad, as opportunities for routing the proposed transmission lint. In these ways, the Proposed Route is deemed to be compatible with and represents the best interests of the people of the County and represents a fair and reasonable utilization of resources in the impact area. 4. A satisfactory program to mitigate and minimize adverse impacts has been presented. Response: PSCo's Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan (AIMP) presents the BMPs that will be implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts on agricultural land, which is a significant sector of the local and regional economy. PSCo has worked with local farmers on this Project to identify the most suitable transmission line route. Additionally, PSCo will implement other mitigation measures and BMPs to avoid and/or minimize Project impacts on other natural and socioeconomic resources. Appendix J includes Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects that PSCo will implement for the Project. 5. The nature and location or expansion of the facility complies with all applicable provisions of the master plan of this County and other applicable regional, metropolitan, state and national plans. Response: The Project complies with applicable provisions of the Weld County Comprehensive Plan and the comprehensive plans of the communities of Ault and Eaton in relation to their goals and objectives. Specifically, the Project, once in service, will help to support the goals and objectives related to the protection of environmental resources, such as air and water quality, wildlife, wildlife habitat, critical ecosystems, and the preservation of agricultural land uses (see Section 6.0). The Proj ect is necessary to accommodate residential and commercial growth proposed by Weld County and the towns of Ault and Eaton in their comprehensive plans. No conflicts with any of these plans were identified. 6. The nature and location or expansion of the facility does not unduly or unreasonably impact existing community services. Response: The Project is a passive use and will not unduly or unreasonably impact existing community services. The Project will not require long-term municipal services such as water, wastewater, solid waste, law enforcement, or emergency services. Electricity is essential to daily life and is depended on for the operations of hospitals, schools, emergency services, community facilities, and normal daily activities. Once in service, the Project will allow PSCo to continue to provide electric reliability and capacity required by the customers in this region. PAGE 54 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 7. The nature and location or expansion of the facility will not create an expansion of the demand for government services beyond the reasonable capacity of the community or region to provide such services, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Response: See above for the response to Criterion 6. 8. The facility site or expansion area is not in an area with general meteorological and climatological conditions which would unreasonably interfere with or obstruct normal operations and maintenance. Response: The Project is not in an area with meteorological and climatological conditions that would interfere with this facility's operation. 9. The nature and location of the facility or expansion will not adversely affect the water rights of any upstream, downstream or agricultural users, adjacent communities or other water users. Response: The Proposed Route will not adversely affect the water rights of existing or future water customers or users. Irrigation canals and ditches crossed by the Proposed Route have been identified and PSCo has contacted the appropriate managing entities to obtain agreements. Permits or casements to cross irrigation ditches will be obtained prior to the start of Project construction activities. PSCo will work with landowners in areas where water wells are located within or adjacent to the transmission lint ROW to avoid impacts during construction. 10. Adequate water supplies are available for facility needs. Response: Once in service, the Project will not require long-term water use for operation. During Project construction activities, water used to produce concrete for transmission structure foundations will be acquired from existing municipal or commercial sources, or other entities holding existing water rights. No new water rights will be required. 11. The nature and location of the facility or expansion will not unduly interfere with existing casements, ROWs, other utilities, canals, mineral claims or roads. Response: The Proposed Route will not unduly interfere with existing casements, ROWs, other utilities, canals, mincral claims or roads. The proposed transmission line route will avoid impacts on future Weld County and/or CDOT road -widening projects, oil and gas facilities, and other utilities. PSCo will also coordinate Project details with CDOT and Weld County staff to obtain required permits for state and county road ROW encroachment and provide traffic control plans to these entities as needed to ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic during Project construction activities that might cause slight delays or interruptions to existing traffic conditions. Additionally, PSCo will coordinate Project details with the owners and operators of irrigation canals and obtain crossing permits for these facilities where necessary. 12. Adequate electric, gas, telephone, water, sewage and other utilities exist or shall be developed to service the site. Response: The Project is an electrical transmission line that will not require utilities such as those noted. 13. The nature and location for expansion of the facility will not unduly interfere with any significant wildlife habitat or adversely affect any endangered wildlife species, unique natural resource or historic landmark within the impact area. Response: The Project's transmission lint has been sited to avoid and/or minimize impacts on sensitive environmental resources, including wildlife species and habitat and cultural resources. No USFWS-designatcd critical habitat for any threatened or endangered species is present in the Project Study Arca and thus, the Proposed Route dots not impact any critical habitat for such species. PAGE 55 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 14. The nature and location or expansion of the facility, including expected growth and development related to the operation and provision of service, will not significantly deteriorate water or air quality in the impact area. Response: The Project's transmission line will provide increased electrical capacity and improve service reliability, which collectively may help induce future economic development via new residential and commercial construction. However, the Project would not cause economic development to such a degree that air and water quality would significantly deteriorate. 15. The geological and topographic features of the site arc adequate for all construction, clearing, grading, drainage, vegetation and other needs of the facility construction or expansion. Response: Prior to completing engineering design and prior to commencing construction activities, PSCo will conduct geotechnical investigations for the Proposed Route. These efforts will identify surface and subsurface characteristics and the transmission line will be engineered and constructed based on the findings of those investigations. 16. The existing water quality of affected state waters will not be degraded below state and federal standards or established baseline levels. Response: In Colorado, the term "state waters" means any and all surface and subsurface waters which arc contained in or flow in or through the state, but does not include waters in sewage systems, waters in treatment works of disposal systems, waters in potable water distribution systems, and all water withdrawn for use until use and treatment have been completed (CDPHE 2017). The major watcrbodics in the Project Study Area include Cache la Poudre River, Coalbank Creek, Lone Tree Crcck, Owl Crcck, hand Crock, Spring Crock, Willow Crock, Woods Lakc, Seeley Lake, Owl Crack Reservoir, Shaw Reservoir, Neff Lake, Cozzens Lake, Neuman Lake, and numerous irrigation canals and ditches (USFWS 2019; United States Geological Survey 2019). The Proposed Route crosses irrigation canals but does not cross any of the watcrbodics listed above. PSCo will prepare and implement a Storm Water Management Plan, as required by the CDPHE, as the Project's construction activities will disturb more than one acre of land. The Storm Water Management Plan will include BMPs and mitigation measures to avoid and/or minimize the potential for stormwatcr runoff to enter state waters. Co degradation of water quality below state and federal standards is anticipated during Project construction, operation, or maintenance activities. 17. The proposed proj cot will not have a significantly adverse net effect on the capacities or functioning of streams, lakes and reservoirs in the impact area, nor on the permeability, volume, recharge capability and depth of aquifers in the impact area. Response: The Project will not adversely impact surface water or groundwater resources. During construction activities, PSCo will implement the Storm Water Management Plan to avoid and/or minimize the potential for stormwatcr runoff to reach surface water resources. Co adverse impacts to these resources arc anticipated. Should Project construction activities damage agricultural tilt used for irrigation, PSCo will repair the tilt to the landowner's requirements and/or provide compensation, as noted in the AIMP. 18. The benefits of the proposed developments outweigh the losses of any natural resources or reduction of productivity of agricultural lands as a result of the proposed dcvclopmcnt. Response: The Project has been sited to minimize the amount of agricultural land crossed by the proposed transmission line route and to span water features important for plant and wildlife habitat. The transmission lint structures will permanently convert a small portion of the region's agricultural land, approximately 0.2 acre in total, to a non-agricultural use and the Project's temporary construction activities are expected to have a minor impact on farming operations. PAGE 56 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project However, the Project's benefits of adding electrical system capacity and improving electric service reliability will outweigh the losses of agricultural productivity. Natural resources, including habitat for common wildlife species, would be impacted to a minor degree during construction activities, but no critical habitat for threatened or endangered species exists in the Project Study Area and no impacts to this natural resource would occur. 19. The applicant has obtained or will obtain all property rights, permits and approvals necessary far the proposed project, including surface, mineral and water rights and casements for drainage, disposal, utilities, access, etc. If the applicant has not obtained all necessary property rights, permits and approvals, the Board may, at its discretion, grant the permit conditioned upon completion of the acquisition of such rights prior to issuance of a zoning or building permit by the County. Response: Prior to starting Project construction activities, PSCo will obtain all required property rights, permits, and approvals related to the Project. 20. The proposed project (nonlinear facilities) will not present an unreasonable risk of exposure to or release of toxic or hazardous substances within the impact area. The determination of effects of the project shall include the following considerations: a. The means by which outdoor storage facilities for fuel, raw materials, equipment and related items are adequately enclosed by a fence or wall. Response: Not applicable to the Project. P. The likelihood of hazardous materials or wastes being moved off the site by natural causes or forces. Response: The likelihood of hazardous materials or wastes being moved off the site by natural causes or forces is minimal. c. Containment of inflammable or explosive liquids, solids or gases. Response: Not applicable to the Project. 21. The scope and nature of the proposed project will not unnecessarily duplicate existing services within the County. Response: The Project will not unnecessarily duplicate existing services in the County. The Project will replace the antiquated, non-standard radial 44 kV transmission facilities dating from the early 1900s and will satisfy a current need to improve the reliability and increase load -serving capacity in the region. The Project will improve service reliability and capacity in the area by replacing the majority of the 44 kV system with higher voltage transmission and transferring existing loads to the new transmission network. 22. If the purpose and need for the proposed project arc to meet the needs of an increasing population within the County, the area and community development plans and population trends demonstrate clearly a need for such development. Response: As Weld County's population and industrial uses continue to grow, more frequent and longer power outages may occur as the existing electric power infrastructure struggles to keep pace with consumer demand. The Project is needed to meet this demand and provide a more stable, reliable electrical grid in northern Colorado. PAGE 57 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 6.0 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANS AND REQUIREMENTS Local governments with jurisdiction for Project facilities include Weld County, the Town of Ault, and the Town of Eaton. Local government land use codes and comprehensive plans for relevant rcquircmcnts, guidelines, and policies were reviewed. These comprehensive plans and codes provide goals and policies to support development while protecting land uses and cultural and natural resources, including floodplains, wetlands, riparian corridors, wooded and natural areas, wildlife habitat, and prime farmland. Local government land use codes and comprchcnsive plans reviewed for relevant requirements, guidelines, and policies include: • Weld County Code Chapter 21 Areas and Activities of State Interest, Chapter 22 Comprehensive Plan, and Chapter 23, Article 11, Division 4 Use by Special Review • Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan • Town of Ault Municipal Code, Title 16, Chapter 16.03, Section 16.03.050 — Conditional Uses • Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan (2018) • Town of Eaton Municipal Code, Chapter VII, Section II, Article V, Section 7-2-42 — Special Review Uses 6.1 Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan The Weld County Comprehensive Plan, adopted as Chapter 22 of the Weld County Code, is intended to guide land use and establish policy guidelines for existing and future land use in the unincorporated area of the County. The goals and objectives of the Weld County Comprehensive Plan serve as the basis for all development and land use regulations in the County. Agricultural land uses cover approximately 75 percent of the land that the Proposed Route crosses based on the number of parcels zoned for agricultural uses; 68 parcels out of 91 parcels on private land in unincorporated Weld County. Agriculture in the Project Study Area reflects the importance of this industry in Weld County. Weld County's land use policies support rural character and respect the County's agricultural heritage and traditional agricultural land uses. The County's planned land uses seek to preserve the County's agricultural heritage and the right -to -farm policy. Table 11 details the Project's compliance with applicable goals and policies presented in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. PAGE 58 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE 11 WELD COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES GOALS AND OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION Section 22-2-30. — Land Use Goals and Objectives A. Commit to the economic future of agriculture. 1. Land use changes should not inhibit agricultural production nor operations. 3. Respect agricultural practices regarding water resources. C. Harmonize development with surrounding land uses. 3. Encourage development that preserves land for agriculture, rangelands, wetlands, and critical habitats The Project is compatible with, and seeks to minimize effects on, agricultural lands and impacts on agricultural uses. The Proposed Route minimizes direct effects to agricultural businesses and prime farmland. PSCo has developed an AIMP for the Project to identify measures that PSCo will take before, during, and after Project construction to avoid, mitigate, minimize, repair, or provide compensation for Project impacts on agricultural land. The proposed transmission line's design will span water features, including wetlands. No critical habitats exist in the Project Study Area; thus, no such habitats will be impacted by Project activities. Section 22-2-50. — Environmental Goals and Objectives B. Protect water quality within the County. During Project construction activities, PSCo will implement 1. Support the reduction of stormwater erosion runoff. the Project's Storm Water Management Plan to minimize impacts on downstream water quality. Section 22-2-60. — Natural Resource Goals and Objectives A. Preserve wetland and critical habitats. 1. Wetlands and critical or unique habitat areas, such as habitats of endangered or unique species and migration, breeding, and spawning areas, should be identified in application materials as potential limiting site factors. B. Support responsible energy and mineral development. 2. Ensure that infrastructure, such as adequate roads and utilities, exists or can be made available prior to development of energy and mineral resource production facilities. The Project is located in areas that have been previously disturbed, including along county roads and U.S. Highway 85, as well as along the edges of agricultural fields. In this way, PSCo is conserving ecosystem components, including wetlands, wildlife habitat, and migration corridors. Impacts on native vegetation communities and wildlife habitats are expected to be minimal. Wildlife habitats crossed by the Project are unlikely to support sensitive wildlife species and no designated critical habitat for Endangered Species Act - listed species is present in the Project Study Area. The Project will have minor impacts on wildlife species and habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. No impacts on wetlands are anticipated. The Project will increase electrical capacity and improve electric service reliability for current and future development, including energy and mineral development in the region. 6.2 Compliance With Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan The Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan provides the framework for decisions that affect the town's physical, social, and economic realm; policy direction; land use decisions; and public investment. The Town of Ault's planned land uses seek to conserve agricultural uses and wildlife habitat on the town's outskirts while promoting a pedestrian -friendly, walkable town in its core with commercial and residential mixed - use developments. The Proposed Route is located along CR 84 on the north side of Ault and along CR 37 just cast of Ault's municipal boundary (Appendix A, Figure 5). The Project will be in compliance with the Town of Ault's Comprehensive Plan. Table 12 details the Project's compliance with the following goals and policies presented in the Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan. PAGE 59 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE 12 TOWN OF AULT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES GOALS AND POLICIES DISCUSSION Goal 1, Strategy 1.1.1: Favor infill projects and development Locating the Proposed Route in the town's Highland that is contiguous to existing development and that allows for Industrial Park on the north side of CR Pb is consistent with cost-effective, orderly growth that is compatible with existing this goal. and potential future development. Policy 10.2: Ault will encourage new development to safeguard natural resources. The Proposed Route parallels existing linear corridors including CR 84 and CR 37 to minimize direct effects to Policy 12.1: Protect quality agriculture land, significant agricultural land and wildlife habitat. wildlife habitat and natural areas. 6.3 Compliance With Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan The Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan provides goals and policies that aim to guide decision -making regarding public investments, community form and function, and land use matters. The Proposed Route is located primarily along a service road for an oil and gas facility on Eaton's northeast side and through an industrial area on Eaton's southeast side (Appendix A, Figure 5). The Town of Eaton's future land use policies arc similar to those in Weld County in preserving prime farmland outside of the town's urban growth boundary while managing growth inside the boundary and providing new infrastructure to accommodate that growth. The Project is compatible with the Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Plan, which aims to avoid land uses and development activities that damage Eaton's environment and its community resources, manage growth in a sustainable manner, and enhance local services. Table 13 details the Project's compliance with the following goals presented in the Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan. PAGE b0 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project TABLE 13 TOWN OF EATON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES GOALS AND POLICIES Community Character Goal 3.3: Develop entrances or "gateways" into Eaton which will help to strengthen the identity of the Town and create a strong, favorable visual impression for those entering Eaton. Policy 3.3.1: The intersection of U.S. Highway 85 and Collins Street should be developed as the primary southern gateway into Eaton. Policy 3.3.2: Additional secondary gateways should be developed on the northern end of Town at the intersection of U.S. Highway 85 and CR 76 and at the west end at the intersection of Collins Street and Fall Line Road (WCR 74 & 35). DISCUSSION Relative to the primary southern gateway into Eaton, the Proposed Route is aligned approximately 0.5 mile east of the U.S. Highway 85 -Collins Street intersection. Relative to the secondary gateways into Eaton, the Proposed Route is aligned along the west side of the U.S. Highway 85- CR 76 intersection and then parallels CR 76's south side but is not aligned along the west end of town at the intersection of Collins Street and Fall Line Road. Environment Goal 4.1: New Development shall acknowledge, respect and incorporate existing environmental constraints and opportunities to ensure that the natural and manmade environments of the Eaton area are preserved and enhanced. Policy 4.1.3: Prohibit the development of permanent structures within the floodway. Goal 4.5: Ensure that new development does not adversely affect water quality and does not interfere with the Town's future ability to provide water to new and existing residents. Goal 4.6: Support the preservation of the prime agricultural lands that surround the Town of Eaton's Urban Growth Boundary. The Siting Study considered natural, cultural, and visual resources, land use — notably agricultural land and residences — as well as oil and gas facilities, and linear facilities such as roads and railroads to identify opportunities and constraints for routing the proposed transmission line. In considering these resources, land uses, and facilities, PSCo identified roads and the UP Railroad ROW as the best opportunity for routing the proposed transmission line. In subsequent discussions between UP Railroad and PSCo, both parties determined that routing the transmission line in the railroad ROW would not be a viable solution for the Project. However, the Proposed Route's alignment in the town's industrial area still helps to preserve the town's natural and manmade environments. PSCo will avoid installing transmission structures in the floodway to the maximum extent practicable. During Project construction activities, PSCo will implement BMPs and the Storm Water Management Plan to minimize impacts on water quality. The Project will not require new water rights and as such, will not interfere with the town's ability to provide water to new and existing residents. The only water needed for the Project will be for dust suppression along access roads and for the concrete used in transmission structure foundations. This water will be obtained from commercial or municipal sources holding valid water rights. The Project is compatible with and seeks to minimize effects on agricultural lands outside of the Urban Growth Boundary by aligning the Proposed Route primarily in industrial and open space areas. PAGE 51 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project GOALS AND POLICIES DISCUSSION Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Goal 5.1, Policy 5.1.5: Pursue development of a trail system Locating the Proposed Route along the west edge of Eaton within the community connecting subdivisions to parks, Commons Park could provide an opportunity to use the school facilities, and retail areas. transmission lines ROW as part of a potential future linear trail system to connect residential subdivisions near the park. Future Land Use Plan The areas designated Agricultural in the Planning Area (and The Project does not propose nor require annexing outside the Urban Growth Area) should remain as agricultural agricultural land into the Town of Eaton. and should not be annexed into the Town of Eaton. The Eaton Draw Open Space reflects the general location of the 100 -year floodplain of Eaton Draw. The Plan discourages PSCo will avoid installing transmission structures in the development within the floodplain. The Plan encourages floodway to the maximum extent practicable. preserving the floodplain as open space. Comprehensive Planning Area More intensive urban and suburban uses should only be The Project is not an urban land use. allowed inside the Urban Growth Area. PAGE 62 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 7.0 REFERENCES Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). 2017. Colorado Water Quality Control Act. Available online at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Act2017.pdf. Accessed November 2020. Colorado State. 2019. History Colorado. Colorado Centennial Farms & Ranches Program. Available online at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agmarkets/centennial-farms-program. Accessed July 2020. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2019. Web Soil Survey. Glossary. Available online at https://websoilsurvey.se.cgov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Acccsscd December 2020. Town of Ault. 2013. Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan. Available online at https://www.townofault.org/vertical/sites/%7BD72CA9DC-C9D3-4886-BA1 B- 5A4CB6B9EFD 1 %7D/uploads/comp.pdf. Accessed November 2020. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2019. National Wetlands Inventory Mapping. Available online at https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Data-Download.html. Accessed December 2018. United States Geological Survey (USGS). 20141010, NLCD 2011 Land Cover (2011 Edition, amended 2014). National Gcospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Land Use Land Cover. U.S. Geological Survey, Sioux Falls, SD. 2019. National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). Available online at https://www.usgs.gov/core- scicnce-systems/ngp/ national-hydrography. Accessed December 2019. Weld County. 2020. Weld County Codc, Chapter 21 Areas and Activities of State Interest. Available online at https://library.municode.com/co/wcld_county/codes/charter_and county code. Accessed October 2020. 2021. Weld County Code, Chapter 22 — Comprehensive Plan. Available online at https://library.municode.com/co/weld_county/codes/chartcr_and_county_code. Accessed May 2021. PAGE 63 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project This page intentionally left blank. PAGE 64 Please see attached signed by Pamela Rasmussen, our Sr. Manager. See below snapshot from our Policy regarding Designation of Authority for her to sign. I am not permitted to provide the entire policy so please let me know if this will not suffice. Transmission Siting and Land Rights The following roles are authorized to execute commitments, agreements, contracts, deeds, license or permit applications, plats and other similar documents for matters related to siting and land rights up to the value listed. Agreements of greater value or not of a routine nature require the signature of an Elected Officer. Delegated to Agreement & Leg al Entity Threshold S (eg to) Agreements related to siting and land rights for NSPNI NSPW, PSCO and SPS. 15 000.000 Agreements related to siting and land rights Senior Vice President for XES. 1,000,000 Agreements related to siting and land rights Area Vice President for NSPAf, NSPW, PSCO and SPS. 1,500,000 Agreements related to siting and land rights for the particular Legal Entities the role Senior Manager serves. 500,000 Agreements related to siting and land rights for the particular Legal Entities the role Manager serves. 100,000 Thank you, Rita Ruderman Xcel Energy Senior Agent, Siting and Land Rights 1800 Larimer Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80202 P: 303.571.7159 C: 303.588.8425 rita.c.rudermeei ecelenergy.com XCELENERGY.COM Please consider the environment before printing this email. USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (USR) APPLICATION FOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT USE: DATE RECEIVED: AMOUNT $ CASE # ASSIGNED: APPLICATION RECEIVED BY PLANNER ASSIGNED: PROPERTY INFORMATION (Attach additional sheets if necessary.) Proposed use: See Application, Section 2.0 - Project Description Is the property currently in violation? X No / IT Yes Violation Case Number: Site Address: See Application, Section 2.0 - Project Description Parcel Number: _ _ _ - - - Legal Description: See Application, Appendix K Section: Township N, Range W Zoning District: R:;x°3_,..3 Acreage: Within subdivision? Ii No 1 XI Yes Towns Re? Li No / lI Yes If yes, subdivision or townsite name: Stark Farms Floodplain i No I ❑ Yes Geological Hazard X No/I ❑ Yes Airport Overlay ❑ No / N Yes PROPERTY OWNER(S) (Attach additional sheets if necessary.) Name: See Application, Appendix E Company: Phone #: Street Address: City/State/Zip Code: Name: Company: Phone #: Street Address: City/State/Zip Code; Email: Email; APPLICANT/AUTHORIZED AGENT (Authorization must be included if there is an Authorized Agent.) Name: Pamela J. Rasmussen Company: Xcel Energy Services, Inc. Phone #: (715)737-4661 Email. parnela.jo.rasmussen@xcelenergy.com Street Address: 1800 Larimer Street, Suite 400 City/State/Zip Code: Denver, CO 80202 I (We) hereby depose and state under penalties of perjury that all statements, proposals, and/or plans submitted with or contained within the application are true and correct to the best of my (our) knowledge. All fee owners of the property must sign this application. If an Authorized Agent signs, an Authorization Form signed by all fee owners must be included with the application. If the fee owner is a corporation, ev ence ust be included indicatirrg.the signatory has the legal authority to sign for the corporation. Zr igna ure Ji at Signature Date tuie cSm &1S5eJi Print Print 10/25/2019 9 Public Service Company of Colorado Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project Utility Line Crossings UTILITY NAME OR OPERATOR CONTACT INFORMATION Richard K. Gordon Lead Director Atmos Energy Atmos Energy Corporation P. O. Box 650205 Dallas, TX 75265 (888) 286-6700 228 7th Street Bayswater Exploration and Production Eaton, CO 80615 (303) 893-2503 100 Centuryhink Drive Century Link Monroe, LA 71203 (800) 871-9244 Paul Trombino Director Public Works Department City of Greeley City of Greeley 1001 11th Avenue, Rh Floor Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 350-9881 Heather Paddock Regional Transportation Director Colorado Department of Transportation CDOT Region 4 10601 West 10th Street Greeley, CO 80634 (970) 350-2368 Buford Barr Director DCP Midstream 370 17th Street Suite 2500 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 595-3331 370 17th Street Extraction Oil and Gas Suite 5200 Denver, CO 80202 (720) 557-8300 P. O. Box 8 Fagerberg Produce Eaton, CO 80615 (970) 834-1353 1001 17th Street Great Western Oil and Gas Company Suite 2000 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 398-0302 P. O. Box 550689 Grizzly Operating Houston, TX 77255 (832) 327-2234 2115 1117th Avenue Noble Energy Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 304-5000 UTILITY NAME OR OPERATOR CONTACT INFORMATION P. O. Box 56 North Weld County Water District Lucerne, CO 80646 (970) 356-3020 P. O. Box 249 Nunn Telephone Nunn, CO 80648 (970) 897-2200 1775 Sherman Street PDC Energy Suite 3000 Denver, CO 80203 (303) 860-5800 Warner Bradley Platte River Midstream Manager of Pipeline Operations (720) 600-7500 4775 Walnut Street Schneider Oil and Gas Suite 230 Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 468-0405 TDS Telecom (855) 220-2592 Grant Ruff Supervisor Public Works Department Town of Ault 201 1st Street P. O. Box 1098 Ault, CO 80610 (970) 834-2844 Matt Reed Director Public Works Department Town of Eaton Town of Eaton 223 1 st Street Eaton, CO 80615 (970) 454-3338 6200 Sprint Parkway U.S. Sprint Overland Park, KS 66251 (855) 848-3280 Tyier Swanson Xcel Energy Siting and Land Rights Agent (303)571-7240 1821 30th Street Zayo Bandwidth 360 Networks Unit A Boulder, CO 80301 (866) 364-6033 APPENDIX N USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE Weld County Section 1041 Permit Application Northern Colorado Area Plan - Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project APPENDIX N USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE Supplemental questions for 1041 Major Facilities of Public Utilities: 1. Describe the type of facility. Specify where applicable: a. The voltages and lengths of transmission lints. b. Power source and generating capacity. c. The functions and sizes of substations. d. The capacities of storage tanks and types of petroleum derivative to be stored. c. Corridor locations. f. Service area. g. Resource area (e.g., source of power being generated or transmitted). h. Applicable support facilities (e.g., pollution control, parking areas, landscaping) to be provided. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.e. 2. Describe the projected development schedule. Specify where applicable: a. Estimated maximum number of employees, number of shifts and employees per shift during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of the project. b. Any future phases or extensions of the facility and relationship of the facility (if currently foreseen) to larger programs and plans. c. Timetable for planning (e.g., federal permits, other state permits, local zoning). d. Estimated beginning and completion of construction and beginning of operation of facility. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.f. 3. Describe hazards and emergency procedures. Specify where applicable: a. Hazards, if any, of fire, explosion and other dangers to the health, safety and welfare of employees and the general public. b. Hazards, if any, of environmental damage and contamination due to materials used at or activities taking place at the proposed facility. c. Emergency procedures to be used in the event of fire, explosion or other event which may endanger the public health, safety and welfare. d. Any prevalent natural hazards that will affect or be affected by development and describe mitigating measures to be taken to reduce danger due to such natural hazards. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.g. 4. Summarize major natural and socioeconomic environmental constraints as they affect the site selection and construction of the facility as proposed. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.6. 5. Summarize the effects of the proposed site selection and construction upon the natural and socioeconomic environment of the impact area as applicable to submission requirements. Included should be an analysis of impacts upon agricultural productivity and agricultural resources and upon vested water rights. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.7. APPENDIX N 6. Include analysis of the long-term effects of the proposed site selection and construction upon the physical and socioeconomic development of the impact area. Response: Sec Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.8. 7. Include a description of a program to minimize and mitigate adverse impacts and to maximize the positive impacts of the proposed site selection and construction. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.9 and Appendix J Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects. 8. Include analysis of nonstructural alternatives to the project such as conservation of energy use, no development or management (different scheduling, conservation programs, facility design, land trades, etc.), if applicable. Response: See Section 3.2. There are currently no viable contingency plans; therefore, reliable electric service may not be available to the area for existing and proposed developments under varying scenarios of growth and outages. 9. Include analysis of reasonable structural alternatives to the project such as alternate locations and routes, alternative types of facilities, use of existing ROWs, joint use of ROWs with other utilities, and upgrading of existing facilities. Response: boo Section 3.1, Structural Alternatives and Appendix B Transmission Line Routing and Substation Siting Study. 10. Include analysis of air and water pollution impacts and control alternatives. Response: boo Section 5.1, Subsections 21-3-330.B.7 and 21-3-330.B.12. 11. Include analysis of design alternatives concerning access, landscaping, architectural controls, and so forth. Response: boo Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.13. 12. Include analysis of hydrologic, atmospheric, geologic, pedologic, biotic, visual, and noise impacts. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.15. 13. Include surface and subsurface drainage analysis. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.16. 14. Applicants seeking a permit for the site selection and construction of transmission lines or substations shall submit the following additional documents and information: a. Computer modeled electromagnetic field measurements within the proposed transmission line casement for that portion of transmission line between substations or transition sites; and b. Measures taken to comply with the concept of prudent avoidance with respect to planning, siting, construction and operation of transmission lines, which may be those steps taken to comply with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission's Rule 18(I), or similar authority, for projects where other similar authority is applicable. Response: The information will be provided if requested by the Department of Planning Services. APPENDIX N 15. Specific submittal requirements. The following information may also be required: Response: The information below will be provided if requested by the Department of Planning Services. a. Detailed description of the need for the proposed development or activity, including but not limited to: i. The present population of the area to be served and the total population to be served when the project is operating at full capacity. ii. The predominant type of users or communities to be served by the proposal. iii. The percentage of the design capacity at which the current system is now operating. iv. The relationship of the proposal to the applicant's long-range planning and capital improvements programs. v. A description of why public convenience and necessity require a facility of the size and nature proposed. vi. A description of the user needs and user patterns to be fulfilled by the proposed project. vii. A description of the relationship of the project to other existing and planned utility facilities of a similar nature, other communication or energy generation and transmission facilities, local government capital improvement programs and special district expansion programs. b. Environmental impact analysis — land use. i. Describe the relationship of the project to local land use, policies and comprehensive plans and to policies and plans adopted or under preparation by federal, state, regional or other affected local governmental agencies. ii. Detail the agricultural productivity capability of the land affected by the proposal (SCS classification). iii. Specify how the proposed development will utilize existing casements or ROWs for any associated distribution or collector networks. c. Environmental impact analysis water resources. i. Documentation of the historical flooding activity should be included. Detail potential, adverse impacts related to the associated floodplain. ii. Describe the potential adverse effects of the proposal upon plant and animal life dependent upon the water resources in question. d. Environmental impact analysis significant environmentally sensitive factors. Detail the potential impact of the proposal upon each feature: i. Marshlands and wetlands. ii. Groundwater recharge areas, if applicable. iii. Potential natural hazards. iv. Forests and woodlands. v. Critical wildlife habitat. vi. Public outdoor recreation areas. vii. Unique areas of geologic, historic or archeological importance. c. Environmental impact analysis Visual aesthetics and nuisance factors. i. Identify key locations where the facility can be viewed from and its proximity to residences, simulate the appearance of the facility, and identify noise pollution or obnoxious odors which may stem from the proposal. APPENDIX N ii. Where significant, map or describe arc as within view of proj cet. iii. Describe proposed mitigation strategy. f. Environmental impact analysis — Transportation impacts. i. Describe what impacts the proposal will have upon transportation patterns in the area intended to be served or affected by the proposal. ii. Describe the potential impact on roads within the County. iii. Identify improvements required to any roads within the County in order to serve the project adequately. g. Environmental impact analysis — less damaging alternatives. If the Planning Department determines that the nature or extent of the proposal involves the potential for significant environmental damage or warrants examination of specific, less environmentally damaging alternatives, the Planning Department may request that the Board require the applicant evaluate and present information on such alternatives as part of the application. Required information on alternatives may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, information on the environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness of the alternatives in relationship to the proposal presented. Planning Questions: Planner on Call 970-400-6100 1. Explain, in detail, the proposed use of the property. Include, at a minimum, the following: a. Current or previous use of the land, if any. Response: The current use of the land is predominantly agriculture as shown in Appendix A, Figure 7 Land Use. P. Describe the uses surrounding the site and explain how the proposed use is compatible with them. Response: The surrounding land uses primarily include agricultural fields, county roads, U.S. Highway 85, and oil and gas collection and storage facilities. The proposed transmission line's linear features are compatible with other linear features including roads and field edges. c. Describe the proximity of the proposed use to residential structures. Response: In Weld County, the closest residence is located approximately 30 feet from the Proposed Route centerline. Two residences arc within 100 feet of the Proposed Route centerline (including the aforementioned residence). Thirty-four residences are located within 300 feet of the Proposed Route and 131 residences are located within 660 feet of the Proposed Route. Fifty of these residences are located in populated areas including the towns of Ault and Eaton. P. Describe the hours and days of operation (e.g., Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Response: The Project provides electrical infrastructure to the region and will be operated 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The transmission line will be unmanned (except for occasional visits by PSCo employees) and remotely monitored from a PSCo electric system operations center. PSCo personnel will patrol the transmission line periodically to detect worn or damaged equipment and to perform maintenance. Article IX, Section 14-9-40 et seq. of the Weld County Code, allows a maximum permissible noise level of 80 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 75 dB(A) from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. in industrial areas or for construction activities. PSCo will comply with Weld County noise requirements during Project construction activities. APPENDIX N c. List the types, number, and uses of the proposed structures to be erected. Response: The proposed 115/230 kV transmission line structures will be galvanized steel monopoles. Approximately six transmission structures will be installed per mile. The transmission line's use is to carry electricity to and from electric power substations to be distributed to PSCo customers. f. Describe the size of stockpile, storage or waste areas to be utilized, if any. Response: Project staging areas will not be located in unincorporated Weld County. g. Describe the method and time schedule of removal or disposal of debris, junk and other wastes associated with the proposed use. Response: Construction debris, including the solid wastes mentioned above, will be removed from Project sites every week and in accordance with applicable regulations for waste disposal. Hazardous wastes will also be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. P. Include a time table showing the periods of time required for the construction of the operation. Response: Project construction activities are anticipated to last 24 to 36 months beginning in Fall 2022. A detailed Project construction schedule is not yet available but will be provided prior to Project construction activities commencing. i. Describe the type of lot surface proposed and the square footage of each type (e.g. asphalt, gravel, landscaping, dirt, grass, buildings). Response: The transmission line will be built within a non-exclusive casement that provides for construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project. The base of each transmission structure will occupy approximately 64 square feet. At approximately six structures per mile and a total distance of approximately 15.9 miles in unincorporated Weld County, the transmission line structures will occupy approximately 0.2 acre for the entire length of the line. No other buildings or structures are required for the transmission line and the land in the non-exclusive casement would typically continue in its current agricultural use. A Plot Plan showing the transmission line's pole locations is provided in Appendix F. j. How many parking spaces arc proposed? How many handicapped (ADA) parking spaces are proposed? Response: Parking spaces arc not applicable for the transmission line. P. Describe the proposed screening for all parking and outdoor storage areas. Response: Not applicable. 1. Describe the existing and proposed landscaping for the site. Response: The existing conditions of the transmission line are highly varied agricultural landscapes or landscapes compatible with agricultural use such as oil and gas facilities. As a part of PSCo's transmission line clearance program, PSCo is required to keep transmission facilities and ROWs clear of all tall -growing trees, brush, and other vegetation that could grow too close to APPENDIX N conductors. During construction, this is accomplished through trec removal and pruning. Areas disturbed during construction of the transmission line will be restored to a condition generally similar to that which existed prior to construction. During operation, minimum clearance guidelines have been established that arc to be maintained at all times to comply with regulatory and legal requirements. Generally, this concept allows for different yet compatible vegetation types in three separate zones: • Wire Zone: Area directly underneath the conductors. Vegetation in the wire zone comprises low -growing forbs and grasses. All types of crops are permissible under the conductors. • Border Zone: Area that begins at the outside edge of the wire zone and extends to the edge of the easement. The border zone may contain additional low -growing woody plants and trees. • Areas outside the border zone must be patrolled for encroachment of hazard trees. Crews performing the work consider the tree or plant species, growing environment, regrowth rate, and maintenance cycle length to determine the amount of clearance required at the time of the work. Per the USR checklist provided by Weld County on December 10, 2020, the County does not require landscaping for the Project. m. Describe the type of fence or other screening proposed for the site. Response: Not applicable. Per the USR checklist provided by W eld County on December 10, 2020, the County does not require screening for the Project. n. Describe reclamation procedures to be employed as stages of the operation are phased out or upon cessation of the activity. Response: When the transmission line reaches the end of its useful life, which is anticipated to be in excess of 50 to 100 years, the transmission structures would either be replaced with new structures or removed. If replaced with new structures, the landowner would continue to use the ROW in a manner consistent with operation of a transmission line. In most cases, this would mean continuing agricultural use. If the transmission line structures were removed and the casement abandoned, the landowner would have the ability to use the ROW in whatever manner they saw fit subject to zoning and other applicable land use regulations. o. Describe the proposed fire protection measures. Response: The transmission line will be designed and operated in accordance with industry standards, including all applicable safety standards (i.e., overhead ground wires and grounded towers to protect the system from becoming damaged by lightning). 2. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. Response: The Comprehensive Plan is a document that serves as the foundation of all land use and development regulations in the County. Supplemental to the Comprehensive Plan are the zoning ordinance, development standards and requirements, subdivision procedures, policies and other documents, all of which combine to make the framework used by County government to manage land use in the County. The proposed Project is consistent with the Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan. In particular, the Project was carefully sited to minimize conflicts with APPENDIX N agricultural uses, important wildlife habitats, and other sensitive areas such as wetlands and residential uses. A thorough discussion of how the Project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan is provided in Table 11. In addition, Appendix J includes a comprehensive set of Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects that will be applied to the Projcct. 3. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the zone district in which it is located. (Intent statements can be found at the beginning of each zone district section in Article III of Chapter 23.) Response: Chapter 23 provides a unified regulatory system for land use in the County. It is designed to promote the health, safety, convenience, morals, order, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the County. Land crossed by the proposed transmission line in unincorporated Weld County is zoned for agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential uses. The Project is consistent with the intent statements for the identified zone districts by providing the electrical infrastructure required to fulfill the development objectives of each district. 4. Explain how this proposal will be compatible with future development of the surrounding area or adopted master plans of affected municipalities. Response: The majority of the land use crossed by the proposed transmission line is agricultural in use. Secondary land uses in the Project Study Area include oil and gas development, rural residential uses, and existing utility transmission and distribution lines. Irrigation canals are present throughout the Project Study Area and would be crossed by the transmission line. In the Siting Study (Appendix B), siting criteria included avoiding residences and residential areas, commercial areas, and other uses perceived to be less compatible. More details on land uses in areas crossed by the proposed transmission lines are provided in Appendix B. 5. Explain how this proposal complies with Article V and Article Al of Chapter 23 if the proposal is located within any Overlay Zoning District (Airport, Geologic Hazard, or Historic Townsites Overlay Districts) or a Special Flood Hazard Area identified by maps officially adopted by the County. Response: This Project complies with Article V concerning overlay districts in that PSCo will coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine if any of the proposed transmission line structures will interfere with navigational aids or signal reception at the Greeley -Weld County Airport. As the Proposed Route approaches the Clovcrly Tap Point, it is located in the County's Airport Overlay District. This Project complies with Article Al concerning floodplains in that PSCo will avoid placing transmission line structures in floodplains to the maximum extent practicable. The only identified floodplains along the Proposed Route arc located in the Town of Eaton in Eaton Commons Park and in the industrial area. PSCo will obtain the required Floodplain Development Permit from the Town of baton for structures that cannot be located outside of floodplains. 6. If the proposed use is to be located in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, explain your efforts to conserve prime agricultural land in the locational decision for the proposed use. Response: The Proposed Route was sited along the edges of agricultural fields to minimize impacting agricultural operations. Approximately 10 percent, or 1.6 miles, of the Proposed Route's 15.9 -mile length between WAPA Ault Substation and the existing Clovcrly Tap Point crosses center pivot - irrigated cropland. Approximately three percent, or 0.5 mile, of the Proposed Route's length crosses drip -irrigated cropland. APPENDIX N 7. Explain whether this proposal interferes with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the County. Response: This Project will not interfere with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the County. Environmental Health Questions: 970-400-2702 1. What is the drinking water source on the property? If utilizing a drinking water well include either the well permit or well permit application that was submitted to the State Division of Water Resources. If utilizing a public water tap include a letter from the Water District, a tap or meter number, or a copy of the water bill. Response: Not applicable. 2. What type of sewage disposal system is on the property? If utilizing an existing septic system provide the septic permit number. If there is no septic permit due to the age of the existing septic system, apply for a septic permit through the Department of Public Dc ebb and Environment prior to submitting this application. If a new septic system will be installed please state "a new septic system is proposed." Only propose portable toilets if the use is consistent with the Department of Public Health and Environment's portable toilet policy. Response: Not applicable. During construction, portable toilets would be located on -site. During operations, the transmission line will not be staffed and a sewage disposal system is not required. 3. If storage or warehousing is proposed, what type of items will be stored? Response: Not applicable. 4. Describe where and how storage and/or stockpile of wastes, chemicals, and/or petroleum will occur on this site. Response: Enclosed containment would be provided for all trash. All construction waste, including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other potentially hazardous materials would be removed from the site and transported to a disposal facility authorized to accept such materials. There would be no significant amount of hazardous materials stored in the Project Study Area. Sec Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.5.g. 5. If there will be fuel storage on site, indicate the gallons and the secondary containment. State the number of tanks and gallons per tank. Response: Not applicable. 6. If there will be washing of vehicles or equipment on site, indicate how the wash water will be contained. Response: Not applicable. 7. If there will be floor drains, indicate how the fluids will be contained. Response: Not applicable. f. Indicate if there will be any air emissions (e.g., painting, oil storage). Response: There would be no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Once construction activities have been completed, but APPENDIX N before vegetation has been re-established, some minor amounts of fugitive dust generation could occur across bare soils. The generation of dust would be monitored by PSCo and the appropriate action would be taken to control the dust and ensure that potential wind erosion is minimized. 9. Provide a design and operations plan if applicable (e.g., composting, landfills). Response: Not applicable. 10. Provide a nuisance management plan if applicable. Response: Not applicable. 11. Additional information maybe requested depending on type of land use requested. Response: To be provided upon request from the Department of Planning Services. Public Works Questions: 970-400-3767 1. Include a traffic narrative with the information below. A traffic impact study may be required. Improvements to adjacent streets/roads may be necessary to provide adequate safe and efficient transportation to and from the site. An Improvements Agreement may be required. a. The projected number of vehicle trips (average per day, maximum per day, peak hour data) to and from the site and the type of vehicles (passenger, semi -truck, etc.). Response: See the response below for item 1.b concerning vehicle trips. PSCo construction vehicles will include, but arc not limited to flatbed trailers, semi -trucks, light -duty pickup trucks, dump trucks, and passenger crew vehicles. P. Describe how many roundtrips/day are expected for each vehicle type: Passenger Cars/Pickups, Tandem Trucks, Semi-Truck/Trailer/RV (Roundtrip — 1 trip in and 1 trip out of site) Response: Estimated temporary construction traffic will be approximately 20 to 25 vehicles per day. Because of the low number of vehicles requiring access to the transmission line ROW, minimal impacts are anticipated. County road use and crossings would be coordinated with the Weld County Department of Public Works and Road and Bridge Department, as necessary. The Project will be operated remotely and only occasional travel to Project facilities will be required by PSCo personnel. c. Describe the expected travel routes for site traffic. Response: During the temporary construction phase of the Project, temporary travel routes will vary depending upon the segment of the Project that is under construction and the locations of the contractors and material suppliers. Construction traffic will utilize state highways until reaching county roads with direct access to the ROW. During operations, traffic on county roads will be limited to maintenance vchicics, when required, and occasional patrol trucks to inspect the Project facilities. P. Describe the travel distribution along the routes (e.g., 50% of traffic will come from the north, 20% from the south, 30%o from the cast). Response: See the response to item i.e above. APPENDIX N c. Describe the time of day that you expect the highest traffic volumes to and from the site. Response: During the construction phase of the Proj ect, traffic will be greater during the morning and late afternoon periods when workers travel to and from the job site. During operations, Project traffic on all routes at all times of the day will be minimal (e.g., two vehicles per week). 2. Describe where the access to the site is planned. Response: See Section 5.1, Subsection 21-3-330.B.2.b. 3. Drainage Design: Design and construction of a detention pond as described in an approved Drainage Report is required unless the project falls under an exception to stormwatcr detention requirements per code (see below.) Does your site qualify for an exception to stormwater detention? If so, describe in a drainage narrative the following: a. Which exception is being applied for? Include supporting documentation. b. Does the water flow onto the property from an offsite source? If so, from where? c. Describe where the water flows to as it leaves the property. d. Describe the direction of flow across the property. c. Describe the location of any irrigation facilities adjacent to or near the property. f Describe any previous drainage problems with the property. Response: Not applicable. 4. If your site does not qualify for an exception, the following applies: a. A Drainage Report summarizing the detention pond design with construction drawings and maintenance plan shall be completed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer and adhere to the drainage related sections of the Weld County Code. b. The Drainage Report must include a certification of compliance, which can be found on the Public Works website, stamped and signed by the PE. c. See the attached Drainage Report Review Checklist. Response: Not applicable as the staging areas will not be located in unincorporated Wcld County. Exceptions to stormwater detention requirements: 1. Towers including, but not limited to, wind and telecommunication towers. 2. Pipelines or transmission lines, excluding laydown yards, metering sites, substations, and any other above ground appurtenances. 3. Gravel pits if the stormwater drains into the gravel pit. Releases from the site shall comply with the Weld County Storm Drainage Criteria, including dewatering. Topographical information shall be provided. 4. Development of sites where the change of use does not increase the imperviousness of the site. 5. Non -Urbanizing areas where the total pre-existing and post development impervious area produces stormwatcr runoff of less than, or equal to, 5.0 cubic feet per second for the 1 -hour, 100 -year, storm event. This exception shall be supported by calculations signed and stamped by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer. 6. Parcels with total area less than, or equal to, 1.0 gross acre. 7. An individual parcel with an unobstructed flow path and no other parcel(s) between the Federal Emergency Management Agency regulatory floodplain channel and the project. APPENDIX N 8. A parcel greater than 1.0 gross acrc and less than, or equal to, 5.0 gross acres in size is allowed a one-time exception for a new 2,000 -square -foot building or equivalent imperviousness. 9. A parcel greater than 5.0 gross acres in size is allowed a one-time exception for a new 4,500 -square - foot building or equivalent imperviousness. Building Questions: 970-400-6100 1. List the type, size (square footage), and number of existing and proposed structures. Show and label all existing and proposed structures on the USR drawing. Label the use of the building and the square footage. Response: The Project's facilities include an electric power transmission lint, the proposed locations of which are shown on the Plot Plan in Appendix F. 2. Explain how the existing structures will be used for this USR. Response: Not applicable. 3. List the proposed use(s) of each structure. Response: Electric power transmission. APPENDIX N XcelEnergy° Northern Colorado Area Plan: Ault to Cloverly Transmission Project 12.07.2021 Today's Presenters Rita Ruderman Xcel Energy Senior Agent —Siting and Land Rights ©2021 Xcel Energy Jonathan Urrutia Xcel Energy Transmission Project Manager Parker Wrozek Xcel Energy Sr. Manager, Transmission Line Engineering Kyle Lennon Xcel Energy Agent —Siting and Land Rights Andrew Holder Xcel Energy Community and Local Government Affairs Company O 2021 Xcel Energy XcelEnergy 3 Xcel Energy Serving eight states 3.7 million electricity customers 2.1 million natural gas customers Nationally recognized leader: Energy efficiency Carbon emissions reductions Innovative technology Storm restoration © 2021 Xcel Energy 4 Xcel Energy Colorado Customers Weld County Xcel Energy serves 87,000 electric customers in Weld County © 2021 Xcel Energy 5 ect Need and Benefits O 2021 Xcel Energy XcelEnergy 6 Existing System in ` WAPA AULT Northern Colorado 87 SUBSTATION AULT SUBSTATION EATON 'ii SUBSTATION 51 % ! CLOVERLY TAP POINT 39 7�+ ` Greeley 44 kV Transmission - - - 115 kV Transmission � � �_ - - - 230 kV Transmission - 345 kV Transmission y ` A Substation ,6 j Y I ■ @)2021 Xcel Energy Modernizing the System, Investing in The Future Replacing and improving facilities in the current aging system to: • Increase electric power transmission capacity to serve existing and future customers in northern Colorado • Improve electric power service reliability and safety given current and anticipated demand • Meet energy needs of Ault, Eaton, northern Greeley, and surrounding unincorporated Weld County We're accomplishing this by: • Replacing two existing 44 kV substations in Ault and Eaton and making improvements to two others • Replacing the current 44 kV transmission lines with new 115 kV and 230 kV lines that will connect Ault, Eaton, and northern Greeley KD2021 Xcel Energy p C7 Modernizing the System, Investing in The Future @2021 Xcel Energy 44 kV Transmission System Outage Data from 2016=2020 Number of Outage Events Per Year 2016-2020 • In 2020, 59 outages occurred. In 2021, 35 outages have occurred to date. • Outage Durations: Less than 30 seconds to more than 7 hours • Between 2016-2020, a total of 326 outages have occurred affecting 300,120 customers Reasons for Outages: 120 • Environment Ice Falling • Conductor Contact - Floating 100 • Pole Fire 80 • Terminator Failure PH Porcelain • Pole Broken 60 • Conductor Contact - Galloping 40 • Lightning Strike • Debris in Line 20 • Insulator Flash • Unknown Cause/Not Determined 0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ©2021 Xcel Energy 10 Benefits to Your Community A newer, more robust system will reduce the number and scale of future electric service outages I 1 Availability to accommodate growing and changing energy needs Economic growth through future business investment resulting from increased capacity Availability to attract new employers and create more local jobs © 2021 Xcel Energy 11 ig Study for te Identification 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 12 Routing and Siting Considerations G a -o U Acquisition of Substation Transmission Electric System Economics Environmental Public Community Regulatory Land Rights Engineering Engineering Planning Factors Involvement Leader Input Compliance Routing Studies Study Area 0 �;J •� N - - - - ® j..-- - ! Determine Project Need and Objectives O Identify and Compare Alternative Routes Determine Preferred Route ©2021 Xcel Energy 13 Narrowing the Routes The diagram demonstrates the narrowing process over 18 months: • 125 route miles narrowed to • 47 individual route segments to • 18 potential route options to • 1 end -to -end proposed route and 1 end -to -end alternative route — both connecting to two Eaton substation options • One substation location and the alternative route selected as Proposed Route to be presented in the land use permit applications to Weld County and the Town of Eaton 125 route miles individual route segments routes: preferred and alternative © 2021 Xcel Energy 14 lic Outreach and imunity Engagement 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 15 Participation and Input 13 CWG members representing agriculture, small business, oil & gas, towns of Ault and Eaton, areas east and west of U.S. B5, trails and wildlife, schools and landowners 23,00x0+ Mailers Sent 280 Comments Submitted •4 356 Participants in EventslMeetings �Qa 8 Public Open Houses and Virtual Town Halls 24+ More than 2 dozen meetings in the community 2,614 Unique Website Visitors @)2021 Xcel Energy 16 Community Working Group Member Name Arlen Anderson Cody Ball Greg Biehl Ryan Fagerberg Troy Florian Dawn Hass Jordan Hungenberg Andy Nagel Doug O'Connell Scott Randel Jeff Schreier Sharon Sullivan Representing Landowner Oil and Gas Small Local Business Landowner, Agribusiness Environmental — Colorado Parks and Wildlife Eaton Chamber of Commerce; Small Local Business Landowner, Agribusiness Great Western Trail Landowner School District Local Government — Town of Eaton Local Government — Town of Ault Landowner, Agribusiness ©2021 Xcel Energy 1 7 Summary► of Public Comments Primary categories of comments received: • Impacts on property and operations • Health and safety • Feedback on route alternatives © 2021 Xcel Energy Project Need 1% Agriculture 14% General Concern 3% Property Value 20% Route -Specific Comments 19% Noise from Transmission Line 5% Health and Safety 19% Visual Effect 7% Land Use/Rights-of-Way 12% Discussions with Union Pacific Railroad • Summer 2020 - Tentatively identified Preferred Route parallel to 11 miles of UP Railroad through Ault, Eaton, and unincorporated Weld County • August 2020 - Submitted application for utility encroachment to UP Railroad • August 2020 - March 2021 - UP Railroad review of PSCo's application and evaluation • December 2020 - March 2021 - Meetings, engineering coordination, and multiple counter proposals made by PSCo to address technical requirements ©2021 Xcel Energy Image Captured from Google Earth Street View Viewing South at railroad crossing of 2nd Street, Eaton 19 Discussions with Union Pacific Railroad (cont'd) • March 2021 - Union Pacific and PSCo conclude technical issues associated with paralleling the railroad within the UP right-of-way are unresolvable U due to: a.-eL' • 11 Ecru • UP operational requirements "'" "_ :/ I S" '"`" • Possible future track expansions= -* �w' =-. • Other key engineering issues . ` rr n. r � �.-q9 �f 'b'b� �� :r � A � . • Safety issues • July 2021 — After thoughtful partnership with - Ht.uzsr.,i. Union Pacific and a thorough examination of PSCo's application with Union Pacific Railroad, V.rT"w.Y` Union Pacific issues final letter to PSCO " ... documenting the mutual conclusion that the UP right-of-way is not a feasible or safe route 1.. 'i 1f! • :.PY '.. a p v�r'� l.r: _ ©2021 Xcel Energy Image Captured from Google Earth Street View Viewing South at railroad crossing of Collins Street, Eaton 2d )osed Route 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 21 Proposed Route AULT m ° PROPOSED COLLINS STREET SUDSTATiON 72 PROPOSED ROUTE 39 EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINE 70 • EXISTING SUBSTATION ■ PROPOSED SUBSTATION 392 LUCERNE 392 CLOVERLYTAP PDINT y � • PERMITTED SUBSTATION 6G • RAILROAD @2021 Xcel Energy 22 Flyover Video NCAP - Proposed Route Fly (vimeo.com 23 Application Submittal 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 24 Proceeding with Final Route (Landowner Negotiations) Property negotiations and land acquisition for both transmission line and substation C� Submit permit applications to Weld County and the Town of Eaton Presentation to and public hearings before Weld County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners Permit application review by Town of Eaton for transmission line and substation Final Design and Engi rn Substation Construction Begins FalllWinler 2021 A Transmission Line Construction Begins Fall 2022 In Service Summer 2023 ©2021 Xcel Energy 25 Weld County Review of Project Referring Agency Support Oil and Gas Energy Department (Amanda Petzoid) Planning Services (Diana Aungst) Town of Greeley Office of Emergency Management (Dave Burns) Eaton School District Colorado Department of Transportation Public Health and Environment (Lauren Light) Town of Pierce Colorado Parks and Wildlife ©2021 Xcel Energy 26 Weld County Review of Project Referring Agency Support (continued) Cache La Poudre Irrigating Company Pierce Lateral Ditch Company Larimer and Weld Irrigation Company Mead Lateral Ditch Company Cross Cut Ditch Company ©2021 Xcel Energy 27 I County 1041 lication Requirements 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 28 Approval of Permit Application - Decision Criteria 1: Section 21-3-340(A).1 - Protect citizen health, safety, welfare 2 Section 21-3-340(A).2 - Enhanced County environment., economy 3: Section 21-3-340(A).3 - Proposed action represents county's best interests 4: Section 21-3-340(A).4 - Measures to mitigate adverse impacts 5: Section 21-3-340(A).5 - Complies with applicable land use plans 7. Section 21-3-340(A).7 - No unreasonable demand on government services 8: Section 21-3-340(A).8 - No meteorogical climate conditions in project area 9: Section 21-3-340(A).9 - No adverse affects on water rights 10: Section 21-3-340(A).10 - Adequate water suppko 11: Section 21-3-340(A).11 - Compatible with existing infrastructure 12 Section 21-3-340(A).12 - Adequate service utilities 13: Section 21-3-340(A).13 - No adverse affects on natural, historic resources 14: Section 21-3-340(A).14 - No deterioration of wafer, air quality 15: Section 21-3-340(A).15 - Compatible with geography, topography 16: Section 21-3-340(A).10 - No degredation of state waters 18: Section 21-3-340(A).18 - Benefits outweigh resource losses IBC Sectiofi-3-340(A). 99 -All property fights, permits, approvals w.11 be obtained 2C: Section 21-3-340(A).20 - No risk of toxic, hazardous chemical exposure 21 ...... '.340+A)2i-Nori_ipliratin,nn<(?!Th 22: Section 21-3-340(A).22 - Demonstrated need for project 0 o -o (DECISION '- ARIA e �! 29 Weld County Section 1041 Permit Application Submittal Requirements .. Section 21-3-330.8.1 .. Map Requirements Section 21-3-330.B.2 Title Information Section 21-3-330.8.3 Section 1041 Permit Maps Section 21-3-330.B.4 Plot Plan Section 21-3-330.B.5 Other Items and Information V Section 21-3-330.8.6 Summary of Major Constraints V Section 21-3-330.B.7 Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts Section 21-3-330.B.8 Long -Term Effects upon Physical/Economic Development V Section 21-3-330.8.9 Mitigation of Adverse ImpactsIMaximization of Positive Impacts , 30 clusion 0O 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 31 Summary Timeline Previous Study Public Open Public Open House House •PSCo's submits permit application to Weld County CPUC approves 'PSCc's CPCN application "Public Se"ne Company o' Colorado doing business as Xcel Eresgy. "CommuriN Working Group Weld County Planning Commission hearing on permit application PSCo requests withdrawal of permit application 1 Re-evaluate Approach PSCo re-evaluates approach and develops new approach with New Study Begins Public Open House #1 Identify Preliminary Alternatives Public Open House #2 "CWG Meeting #1 Meeting #2 Identify Preferred Alternatives Virtual Open Virtual Open Virtual Open House #3 House #4 House #5 Proposed route and substation site identifed "CWG Meeting #4 **CWG Meeting #3 •`CWG Meeting #5 Permit applications submitted to Weld County and Town of Eaton @)2021 Xcel Energy 32 XcelEnergy (Iffi Additional Slides to Use as Needed During Q&A ©2021 Xcel Energy 34 Transmission Structure Types 120 40 0 120 feet Average Structure Height (Range 80 to 160 feet) Dead-end © 2021 Xcel Energy 35 to Simulations 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 36 Photo Simulation yam ©2021 Xcel Energy PHOTO VIEWPOINT 1 PHOTO TAKEN: 10/28(2020 TIME: 12:49 PM DIRECTION: WEST LAT.. 46°36'8.64'N LONG: 164°46'58.80"W PHOTO LOCATION PROPOSED ROUTE Xcel Energy 37 Photo Simulation PHOTO VIEWPOINT 2 PHOTO TAKEN: 1012812020 TIME: 12:18 PM ^=•,fir • ____^ --- - DIRECTION: WEST a" LAT: 40°35'49.72N IDNG: 104M 11.OOW _ Y .--4... - - mac: .= ;_" *__.w ©2021 Xcel Energy PHOTO LOCATION PROPOSED ROUTE Xcel Energy 38 4 9i EXISTING CONDITIONS a 52GgY 0i f5... In11P�-.. ..-. 4T. 4 • rY PROPOSED CONDITIONS - - . � ♦ pit ..: - .. ,-PS. �' �� rosy;-._ 2:.•I ^;r'�?�1'... ._F ' �. �. ,.�: �.� LUSTING AULTSIIBS.�TI]N CBE FEh`.C•1EN RS FAPT OF PRGECT "•.r FNCTO SIMIilA1ONS ARE FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY. FINAL DESIGN IS SURJECT TOCN GE NORTHERN COLORADO AREA PLAN AULT TO CLOVERLY TRANSMISSION PROJECT I• Photo Simulation PHOTO VIEWPOINT PHOTO TAKEN: 12!17/2019 TIME: 3:56 PM DIRECTION: NORTH LAT. 4P°33'Y3.01'N LONG; 104°43'18.26"W QPHOTO LOCATION � PROPOSED ROUTE tXcelEnergy @2021 Xcel Energy 40 .:: !!.!L EXISTING CONDITIONS PROPOSED CONDITIONS - _ •-"fib- -.. P'UPPOSES 3j'_Y FINAL OESGr4'S SUREST TO CHANGE NORTHERN COLORADO AREA PLAN AULT TO CLOVERLY TRANSMISSION PROJECT PO COLLINS STREET SUBSTA TION SITE Photo Simulation PHOTO VIEWPOINT PHOTO TAKEN: 572412021 TIME: 2:24 PM DIRECTION: NORTH LAT.. 40°27'59.46"N LONG: 104°4152.21 "W" • e ITt' II LUCERNE! i' _0 ... . PROP, ,., I'f M ru+.TnJ. PROF05ED CONDITIONS " '' = ._ rxmosnuunons nrso= wrsolscusslon wlmasrs arar. Flrvu DESIGNS suescr TO CHANGE ©2021 Xcel Energy 42 ergrounding 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 43 S 9 h' 1 1 y + 4 N _ M 1 � r r1 rfv +•F I.�.rsnsr eta w _ t'IPA i' i.•J- __ q- cultural Impact ration Plan 2021 Xcel Energy Xcet Energy 45 Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan • PSCo developed a plan to mitigate agricultural impacts during construction. • The plan addresses: • Pre -construction activities • Construction activities and methods • Post -construction reclamation • Organic farm standards • CWG input and comments on the draft plan were requested and encouraged • Revisions made to clearly outline drip, flood, and center pivot irrigation operations ©2021 Xcel Energy 46 :r Permits and rnrizations 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 47 Permits and Authorizations • Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from Colorado Public Utilities Commission • Weld County Section 1041 Permit • Town of Ault site plan approval for Husky Substation • Town of Eaton land use permitting • Special Review Use application for transmission line • Site Plan application for Collins Street Substation ©2021 Xcel Energy 48 iew and Exceptions 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 49 Review a n d Exceptions • Section 21 -3 -330.B.2 —Title Information • Section 21 -3 -330.B.3 -Section 1041 Permit Map • Section 21 -3 -330.B.4 —Plot Plan • Section 21 -3 -330.B.17 —Decommissioning Plan ©2021 Xcel Energy 50 New Substations Two new substations will be needed: • Husky Substation • Site plan for new Husky Substation in the Town of Ault was submitted in November 2018 and was approved by the Town of Ault in February 2019. • Collins Street Substation • Approximately 10 acres will be graded and fenced for the new substation. A site was identified through the planning process. • Substations will contain: • Equipment (transformer, capacitor bank, and switched to support the distribution feeders) • Dead-end structures and static masts are approximately 55 to 62 feet tall • Typical buses approximately 35 feet tall; electrical equipment enclosures approximately 15 feet tall? ©2021 Xcel Energy 51 ig Study 0O 2021 Xcel Energy Xcel Energy 52 . ` . a - Identity Siting Opportunists Composts. Environmental and Existing Transmission Li nab Engineering Opportunrliss and Surnmary Comparison Existing Transmission Cnnstra3nts Map Table Unes Finalize Alternative DeslgnatedlPrcposea Utility IdendN Preliminary Routes Routes and Substation jump Corridor Idenety PlSiting Areas Other Maior Linear Faciflties R e Review and Cuss and Rurrre Study Objecd n Area gA Jurisdiction and Land Ownership Land Use Resources Land Use Sensitivity Visual RosouIuai Resource Sensitnvity Biological Rcse Biological Sensitivity Composite Environmental and Engineering Sensitivity Cultural ResouCultural Sensitivity PhygingraphyIGenhan Engineering and Construction Sensitivity Community Lceder • Community Working Group Community Community Community Working Group Meeting*3 Engagement • Community Waking Group Heeling #2 •Open House #3 Heating #1 Oport House #2 • Community Working Group • Open House et Meeting#4 Open House d4 • Weld County • Town of Eaton Environmental Studies Land use • Existing and future land use • Zoning and comprehensive plans • Conceptual, planned and approved developments Visual • Scenic quality • Sensitive viewers Cultural Resources • Archaeology • Sites listed on or eligible for listing on the Nationa Historic Places Biological Resources • Wildlife • Vegetation • Special -status species • Critical habitat Register of ©2021 Xcel Energy 54 Preliminary Transmission Line Route & Substation Site Alternatives • Minimize areas of high sensitivity; maximize areas of opportunity or areas of low sensitivity • Preliminary Route Alternatives • Locate along county roads or 1/2 -mile section lines • Avoid bisecting agricultural fields and oil -and -gas operations • Parallel existing linear features — US Highway 85, canals, railroad, 44 kV lines • Preliminary Substation Sites • Approximate 10 -acre parcel size • Compatible land use — agricultural land, undeveloped, or industrial property • Adjacent to a road • Avoid 100 -year floodplain • Within substation target area ©2021 Xcel Energy 55 Preliminary Substation Sites ©2021 Xcel Energy • PSCo system planners identified preferred and acceptable target areas in which to site a new substation • Initial list of sites compiled • PSCo land agents contacted property owners to discuss purchase options • 4 viable sites identified (one site fell out of contention due to landowner decision) • 3 sites compared 56 Electric Utilities are required to plan short-term and long-term for System reliable, economic, and prudent service Planning System planners must consider and follow a process of: Process • Forecasting load growth based on projections of population and development • Identifying facility overloads • Evaluating alternative solutions • Initiating plans • Identifying timing and general locations of project plans • Identifying, evaluating, and selecting alternative sites and routes • Permitting and constructing selected sites and routes (by needed in-service date) ©2021 Xcel Energy 57 Reliability Planning for Transmission • Reliability council history • North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) • Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) • Colorado Coordinated Planning Group (CCPG) • Responsibilities • Coordinate and promote electric system reliability • Coordinate activities of its members • Ensure compliance with NERC standards ©2021 Xcel Energy 58 Weld County Review of Project Letters of Support © 2021 Xcel Energy 59 Weld County Review of Project Letters of Support © 2021 Xcel Energy 60 Notice of Inquiry Development within an Intergovernmental Agreement Urban Growth Boundary Pre -application Case it PRE200220 Date of Inquiry 12/10/2020 Municipality with CPA or IGA Town of Ault Name of Person Inquiring Rita Ruderman — XCEL Energy Property Owner Multiple Parcels Planner Chris Gathman Planner Phone Number 970-400-3537 Planner Email Address cgathman@weidgov.com Legal Description Part E2 of Section 25, T7N, R66W of the 6`h PM Parcel Number 070725000031 (preferred substation site) —transmission line will cross multiple parcels Nearest Intersection West of and adjacent to CR 37 and south of County Road 78 (preferred substation site) Type of Inquiry 1041 USR for Electric Transmission Line and substation The above person met with County Planning staff about developing a parcel of land inside your designated Intergovernmental Agreement/Coordinated Planning Agreement Boundary. In accordance with the IGA, found in Chapter 19 of the Weld County Code, the applicant has been notified of the IGA and the County will not accept an application for development sooner than 21 days from the date they contact you unless this signed form is returned with the box checked below indicating you do not wish to pursue annexation at this time. You are asked to sign below to acknowledge that the applicant has contacted you. Date of Contact with Municipality: o..�?t9F F. - 2Q� -L . _ . . )S We are not interested in pursuing annexation with this applicant at this time. O We request 21 days om the date of contact to pursue annexation with this applicant. ignature of Municipality Representative Title Date Weld County Planning Department 1555 N 17'" Ave, Greeley, CO 80631 -(970) 400-6100 -(970) 304-6498 Fax Notice of Inquiry Development within an Intergovernmental Agreement Urban Growth Boundary Pre -application Case # PRE20-0220 Date of Inquiry 12/10/2020 Municipality with CPA or IGA Town of Eaton Name of Person Inquiring Rita Ruderman —XCEL Energy Property Owner Multiple Parcels Planner Chris Gathman Planner Phone Number 970-400-3537 Planner Email Address cgathman@weldgov.com Legal Description Part E2 of Section 25, T7N, R66W of the 6th PM Parcel Number 070725000031 (preferred substation site) —transmission line will cross multiple parcels Nearest Intersection West of and adjacent to CR 37 and south of County Road 78 (preferred substation site) Type of Inquiry 1041 USR for Electric Transmission Line and substation The above person met with County Planning staff about developing a parcel of land inside your designated Intergovernmental Agreement/Coordinated Planning Agreement Boundary. In accordance with the IGA, found in Chapter 19 of the Weld County Code, the applicant has been notified of the IGA and the County will not accept an application for development sooner than 21 days from the date they contact you unless this signed form is returned with the Nov checked below indicating you do not wish to pursue annexation at this time. You are asked to sign below to acknowledge that the applicant has contacted you. Date of Contact with Municipality: ❑ We are not interested in pursuing annexation with this applicant at this time. O We request 21 days from the date of contact to pursue annexation with this applicant. 09/08/2021 Contract Planner for Town of Eaton Baseline Engineering Corporation Signature of Municipality Representative Title weld County Planning Department 1555 N 'iv Ave, Greeley, CO 80631 - (970) 400-6100 - (970) 304-6498 Fax 09/09/2021 Date Hello