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Home My WebLink About20193046.tiffMarch 29, 2019 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 1041 Areas and Activities of State Interest Major Facilities of a Public Utility Amended Section 1041 Permit Application Submitted to Weld County Submitted to: Submitted by: Prepared by: Weld County Planning and Zoning Department of Planning Services 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 Public Service Company of Colorado Logan Simpson 213 Linden Street, suite 300 Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 A w y L O0 A NSIMPSON Amended Weld County Section 1041 Permit Application for Areas and Activities of State Interest Northern Colorado Area Plan 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Submitted by Public Service Company of Colorado 1800 Larimer Street, 4th Floor Denver, Colorado 80202 NOTICE OF APPLICATION AMENDMENT On behalf of Public Service Company of Colorado ("PSCo" or "Company"), I am writing to amend the Section 1041 Permit Application ("1041 Application") (USRI8-0100) submitted on August 13, 2018 regarding the Company's Northern Colorado Area Plan ("Project"). Additional information requested by Weld County was submitted on September 11, 2018 which resulted in a determination by County staff on September 24, 2018 that the 1041 Application was complete. Weld County subsequently distributed the 1041 Application for referral agency comments. Weld County and PSCo received a total of 20 comment letters on the application. In a meeting held on March 7, 2019 and in response to agency and landowner comments, PSCo and the Weld County Planning Staff agreed to continue the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners public hearings set for the 1041 Application to allow PSCo sufficient time to amend the application. Appendix I contains a summary of PSCO's responses to the agency and landowner comment letters. This amended 1041 Permit Application ("Amended 1041 Application") reduces the scope of the Project to the section from the existing Western Area Power Administration ("WAPA") Ault substation to, and including, the new proposed Graham Creek Substation as reflected on Appendix A, Map 1. PSCo has removed from the 1041 Application the section of transmission line from the new Graham Creek Substation to the Cloverly Tap. The Amended 1041 Application remains unchanged from the August 2018 application for the WAPA Ault to Husky and Husky to Graham Creek transmission line segments, and the Graham Creek Substation. Through the Amended 1041 Application, PSCo respectfully requests that the Weld County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners review and approve a Section 1041 Permit to construct, operate, and maintain approximately 10.4 miles of 230kV transmission line and one new substation in Weld County. Two other items of note for this amended application: • As discussed in our consultation meeting on January 18, 2018 with County staff, the Project is part of the long-term transmission plan for northern Colorado. On March 9, 2017, PSCo filed an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to construct and operate the Project. On March 1, 2018, PSCo's Application for a CPCN was granted by the PUC. Details about the PUC's decision can be found on the Colorado PUC website under Proceeding #17A - 0140E. • Additionally, the Husky Substation application was approved on February 13, 2019 by the Town of Ault Board of Trustees and is not part of this Amended 1041 Application. PSCo appreciates the county's consideration of this Amended 1041 Application and we look forward to continuing to work together on the permitting process. Please let me know if I can provide additional information or assistance. I can be contacted directly via telephone at 303-571- 7089 or email at larry.claxton@xcelenergy.com. Kindest regards, Larry Claxton Xcel Energy I Responsible by Nature Siting and Land Rights, Principal Agent 1800 Larimer r street, suite 400 Denver, CO 80202 P: 303-571-7089 C: 303-887-8402 E: larry.claxton@xcelenergy.com Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Table of Contents List of Acronyms vi Executive Summary vii Project Description 1 Introduction .1 Public Service Company of Colorado 1 Purpose and Need 1 Project Description 1 Alternatives to the Project 7 Transmission System Alternatives 7 Transmission Line and Substation Siting Alternatives ? Use by Special Review (USR) Questionnaire Planning Questions 0 Engineering Questions 12 Environmental Health Questions 13 Building Questions 14 Areas and Activities of State Interest — 1041 Application Requirements 15 21-3-330 Application Submittal Requirements 15 21 -3 -330.A —Application Requirements fora Major Facility of a Public Utility 15 21 -3 -330.B —Application Submittal Requirements ..15 21-3-330.B.1 Map Requirements 15 21-3-330.B.1.a Name and Acreage of Proposed Use ..15 21-3-330.B.1.b Map Requirements ..15 21-3-330.B.1.c Applicant and Consultants 15 21-3-330.B.2 Title Information 15 21-3-330.B.2.a Surface Property Owners and Real Property Interests 15 21-3-330.B.2.b Project Access 16 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21-3-330.B.2.c Real Property Interests 21-3-330.B.2.d Mineral Interests 21-3-330.B.3 Application Submittal Requirements 21-3-330.B.3.a-c Map Requirements 21-3-330.B.3.d Section 1041 Permit Map and Vicinity Map 21 -3 -3303.4 —Plot Plan 21-3-3303.5 Other Items and Information 21-3-330.B.5.a Present Use and Zoning 21-3-330.B.5.b-d Sketch or Map 21-3-330.B.5.e 21-3-330.B.5.f- 21-3-330. B.5 .g 21-3-330.B.5.h -Type of Facility Projected Development Schedule .. -Hazards and Emergency Procedures -Name, Address, and Telephone of Applicant 21-3-330.B5.i—Name and Address of the Fee Owners of the Property 21-3-330.B.5.j Legal Description of the Property under Consideration 21-3-330.B.5.k Total Acreage of the Parcel, ROW, or Corridor under Consideration 21-3-330.8.5.1 Existing Land Use 21-3-330.B.5.m Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcels 21-3-330.B.5.n Zoning and Overlay Zones .20 21-3-330.B.5.o Signatures of the Applicant and Fee Owners or Their Authorized Legal Agent ....20 21-3-330.B.6 Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site Selection and Construction 20 21 -3 -330.B.7 —Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts Due to Site Selection and Construction of the Project 21 21 -3 -330.B.8 —Long -Term Effects upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 18 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 31 21-3-330.B.9 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts / Maximization of Positive Impacts .31 21-3-330.B.10 Non -Structural Alternatives 31 21-3-330.B.11 Structural Alternatives 31 ii Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21-3-330.B.12 Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives 31 21-3-330.B.13 Design Alternatives: Access, Landscaping, and Architecture 32 21-3-330.B.14 New or Upgraded Services 32 21-3-330.B.15 - Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Redologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts 32 21-3-330.B.10 - Surface and Subsurface Drainage 33 21-3-3303.17 - Decommissioning Plan 33 21-3-3303.18 - Other Information 33 21 -3 -330.C -Specific Submittal Requirements 34 21-3-330.D- Waiver of Submittal Requirements 34 List of Future Permits and Plans 34 Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan Policies 35 Compliance with Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan 37 Conformance with 1041 Permit Decision Criteria 38 Sec. 21-3-340.A - Approval of Permit Application 38 References 43 iii Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project List of Appendices Appendix A 1041 Maps Map 1 Vicinity Map Map 2 Recreation M.ap Map 3 Zoning, Special Districts, and Parcels Map 4 Existing Land Uses Map 5 Prime Farmland and Slope Map 6 Wetlands and Surface Hydrology Map 7 Floodplains Map 8 Land Cover Map 9 Soil Erodibility by Water Map 10 Soil Erodibility by Wind Map 11 Soil Shrink/Swell Potential in the Project Siting Area Map 12a Graham Creek Substation Plot Plan Map 12b Graham Creek Substation General Arrangement Drawing Appendix B Transmission Routing and Substation Siting Study Appendix C Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects Appendix D 2017 Biological Resources Report Appendix E 2016 Raptor Nest Survey Report Appendix F Emergency Management Plan Appendix G Graham Creek Substation Preliminary Drainage Assessment Appendix H List of Surface Property Owners, Real Property Interests, Title Commitment, and Mineral Interests Appendix I Summary of PSCo's Responses to Referral Agency and Landowner Comment Letters iv Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project List of Tables Table 1 Project Schedule 18 Table 2 Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies .. 36 List of Figures Figure 1 Photograph of Typical 230kV Structure (Illustrative only) ....4 Figure 2 Typical Structure Type - 23OkV Double Circuit Tangent (Illustrative only) ....6 Figure 3 Typical Structure Type - 23OkV Double Circuit Deadend (Illustrative only) 6 Figure 4. Land Use Conflict Avoidance Examples 22 Figure 5. Land Use Conflict Avoidance Examples (continued) 23 Figure 6 Simulation Photograph Location 28 Figure 7 Existing Proposed Transmission Line Area 29 Figure 8 Proposed Transmission Line Area 29 V Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project List of Acronyms APLIC Applicant BMP CDPHE CNHP CPCN CPW CR dBA EMF FAA FPD Hwy kV MVA MVAr Project PSCo PUC ROW UDFCD USFWS USR WAPA Avian Power Line Interaction Committee Public Service Company of Colorado Best Management Practice Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Colorado Natural Heritage Program Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Colorado Parks and Wildlife (formerly CDOW) County Road A -weighted Decibels Electromagnetic field Federal Aviation Administration Fire Protection District Highway Kilovolt Megavolt ampere Mega Volt ampere reactive Northern Colorado Area Plan Public Service Company of Colorado Public Utilities Commission Right -of -Way Urban Drainage Flood Control District U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Use by Special Review Western Area Power Administration vi Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Executive Summary Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), dba Xcel Energy, is amending the 1041 Application for the Northern Colorado Area Plan, which is being proposed to increase safety and service reliability in Weld County, including the communities of Ault and Eaton. The primary objective of the Project is to replace the existing, antiquated, and non-standard 44kV system in northern Weld County. PSCo anticipates continuing electrical load growth resulting from oil and gas production and development of residential and commercial areas in this transmission -constrained region. The Project includes improvements to the existing WAPA Ault Substation, a new WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation 230kV Transmission Line, a new Husky Substation (within the Town of Ault), a new Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 115kV/230 kV Transmission Line, and a new Graham Creek Substation, as described further under Project Description on page 1. The 1041 Application only addresses the Project components located in unincorporated Weld County (County) near the towns of Ault and Eaton. The Husky Substation and a total of 1.05 miles of transmission line are located within the Town of Ault and have been approved by the town. The existing PSCo Ault and Eaton Substations will be decommissioned after the new transmission line and substations are constructed and operational. As defined in the Weld County Charter and County Code ("Code"), the Project is a Major Facility of a Public Utility and subject to Chapter 21 - Areas and Activities of State Interest (Section 1041 Regulations) of the Code. This submittal provides Project information, appendices, and materials, which are hereby incorporated into and made part of the Amended 1041 Application package in order to comply with the County's Section 1041 Permit approval requirements. The existing 44kV transmission system has reached its capacity limit and is experiencing reliability and performance issues due to aging transmission infrastructure and increasing customer demand for electricity. Due to the age of the system, it is also at a higher risk of damage in the event of severe weather conditions, which are common in Colorado. The Project also will allow for a future interconnected grid system to other planned transmission and generation facilities in the area by creating a higher voltage "backbone" transmission system, as described in Colorado Revised Statutes § 29-20-108. The transmission line route would originate at the WAPA Ault Substation, which is located approximately 14 miles east of 1-25 between county roads (CR) 84 and 86, and connect to the Graham Creek Substation at CR 74'%2 and 33. A Project siting area that is approximately 10 miles wide and 12 miles long was defined to identify and evaluate suitable locations for the Project alternatives (Appendix A, Map 1, Vicinity Map). Following a thorough siting study analysis, PSCo has identified a preferred Project substation location and transmission line route in unincorporated Weld County. This Amended 1041 Application provides the required information pursuant to the Code on the substation location and transmission line route. All maps associated with this application are contained in Appendix A, and the Siting Study in Appendix B. Subject to County approval, construction is anticipated to begin in 2019. Please contact the following party with questions concerning the submittal or other considerations related to this Amended 1041 Application: Applicant Applicant Representative vii i Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Public Service Company of Colorado 1800 Larimer Street, Suite 400 Denver, Colorado 80202 Mr. Larry Claxton Siting and Land Rights, Principal Agent Xcel Energy P: 303.571.7089 C: 303-887-8402 E: larry.claxtonxcelenergy.com Viii Xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Project Description Introduction This application is being submitted by PSCo to request review of the Project under the provisions of the Weld County Section 1041 Regulations. This submittal includes the purpose, need and description of the Project, which is situated on privately -owned and municipal properties (e.g., City of Thornton) in Weld County, Colorado. Public Service Company of Colorado Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company, 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. Purpose and Need The Project is an electric transmission line and substation project designed to increase safety and reliability in Weld County, including the communities of Ault and Eaton. The Project will replace the existing aging 44kV electric infrastructure throughout the region with higher voltage facilities. The 44kV system is one of the oldest transmission assets owned by PSCo, with infrastructure dating back to the early 1900's. PSCo anticipates continuing load growth resulting from oil and gas production and development of residential and commercial areas in this transmission -constrained region. If the Project is not constructed, PSCo will continue to have electric safety and reliability issues with the existing 44kV transmission system resulting in intermittent power interruptions to customers, higher operations and maintenance costs during outages, and reduced reliability. Project Description The overall Northern Colorado Area Plan has been a part of PSCo long-range transmission plans since 2013, and documented in a CPCN and annual Rule 3206 Reports and Rule 3627 Plans pursuant to Colorado PUC requirements. Public outreach in the form of introductory phone calls; plan introduction and access permission letter mailings; and public open house meetings with landowners have been ongoing since 2013. A website for the Northern Colorado Area Plan was established by PSCo in October 2017. Additional information about the Project can be found at www.xcelenergy.cominortherncolorado. The Project is located within unincorporated Weld County. PSCo has obtained development permit approvals with the Town of Ault for the Husky Substation. No Project facilities are located within the incorporated area of the Town of Eaton; therefore, no land use permit is required from this community. The Project includes the following: • Overhead electrical transmission lines, transmission line structures, electric substation improvements at the WAPA Ault substation, two new electric substations (Husky and Graham Creek), and other necessary interconnection facilities; • Decommissioning and removal of the existing (PSCo) Ault and Eaton Substations; • Construction and maintenance access roads; and • Temporary construction material storage and assembly yards. 1 xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project After approval of the Project, PSCo will commence negotiations for non-exclusive easements to permit construction, operation, and maintenance of the transmission line. Upon execution, the transmission line easements will be recorded with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder. In addition to acquiring non-exclusive easements for the transmission line, PSCo will purchase in fee property for the Graham Creek substation. The Project will connect the WAPA Ault Substation to the Graham Creek Substation (Appendix A, Map 1, Vicinity Map). This includes approximately 10.4 miles of new 230kV capable transmission line in unincorporated Weld County between the WAPA Ault Substation, located approximately five miles northwest of the Town of Ault, and connecting to the Graham Creek Substation. The Project consists of the following components: WAPA Ault Substation • Improvements will be made within the fence to upgrade the existing WAPA Ault Substation to accommodate the double -circuit 230kV transmission line. WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation 230kV Transmission Line • The transmission line will be built from the existing WAPA Ault Substation to a new PSCo Husky Substation. The transmission line will be approximately 3.65 miles long in unincorporated Weld County and built double -circuit 230kV capable. Only one circuit will initially be operated at 230kV. • This new Husky Substation is located within the Town of Ault and is not subject to review and approval by Weld County. Therefore, the Husky Substation is not a part of this application. • The existing PSCo Ault Substation will be decommissioned because its use will no longer be needed at the completion of the Project. The decommissioning of transmission lines is dependent on an evaluation of the line condition and electrical system needs. Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 115k'V/230 kV Transmission Line • The transmission line between the Husky and Graham Creek substations would be approximately 6.77 miles long in unincorporated Weld County and would be built double - circuit 230kV capable. Only one circuit would initially operate at 115kV. Graham Creek Substation • The Graham Creek Substation will be located near the Town of Eaton in unincorporated Weld County. • This substation will replace PSCo's 44kV Eaton Substation (within the Town of Eaton municipal boundary), which would be decommissioned because its use will no longer be required at the completion of the Project. The decommissioning of transmission lines is dependent on an evaluation of the line condition and electrical system needs. • The Graham Creek Substation will be constructed to accommodate distribution upgrades and improve system safety and reliability. Steel monopole structures are planned for the Project because steel has a longer lifespan than wood, and is more suited for the engineering design criteria of the transmission line. The structures 2 xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project will range in height from 80 to 130 feet. Monopoles generally have a smaller footprint area than other types of support structures. The transmission line easement will be 100- to 150 -feet -wide. The typical span length between transmission line structures is 800 feet, but longer spans of up to 1,000 feet can be achieved to traverse environmental or sensitive resources or certain land uses. The new transmission structures will be constructed of galvanized steel. Typical structures are illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The Project will also include the decommissioning of the old 44kV substations in the area. This includes the existing (PSCo) Ault Substation near the Town of Ault, and Eaton Substation within the town of Eaton. Decommissioning will result in all assets at these facilities being fully retired or brought out of service. Electric distribution substations are a key component of any electric delivery system because they are the main transition point between the high voltage transmission levels and lower voltage distribution levels. Distribution substations receive electric power from high voltage transmission lines and "step-down" high voltage levels to lower voltage levels. Once the voltage is reduced, it is distributed to customers by way of electric distribution lines or "feeders." Two new substations would replace PSCo's Ault 44kV Substation and PSCo's Eaton 44kV Substation. These two existing substations will no longer be needed upon completion of the Project. Reuse and upgrading of the facilities were not considered due to the need for larger parcels to accommodate the special needs of the new higher voltage equipment and their proximity to existing development. Substations typically contain a number of electrical components and related physical supporting structures including: 1) dead-end structures and static masts; 2) voltage modification devices called transformers, regulators, and capacitors; 3) circuit protection and control devices called switches, relays, and circuit breakers; and 4) high voltage cables or rigid tubing typically referred to as a bus, which carry electricity between components of the substation. The heart of all substations is the transformer. The transformer and all other associated equipment are referred to as a transformer bay. To accommodate the substation components, up to 10 acres will be graded and fenced at the Graham Creek Substation (see Plot Plan). The substation will contain an electric equipment enclosure, transformer, capacitor bank, bus, switches to support the distribution feeders and a security fence. Typically, approximate heights for the structures inside the substation yard are 60 feet for dead-end structures and static masts, 35 feet for bus structures and 15 feet for the electrical enclosures. A bus structure is the most basic structure found inside a substation. Its main purpose is to provide support for switching equipment. These heights are required to meet all applicable industry standards to assure safe operation of the facility. The total site footprint depends on the existing topography, required offsets from existing easements (e.g., pipeline and road), and visual screening requirements. The substation will require access from a public road capable of supporting delivery of the transformers, which can weigh in excess of 135,000 lbs. The typical substation access road width is 24 feet, with maximum slopes of 6 to 8 percent. The anticipated start of construction for the Project is 2019. 3 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Figure 1 Photograph of Typical 230kV Structure (Illustrative only) 4 Xcel Energy° Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Figure 2 Typical Structure Type — 230kV Double Circuit Tangent (Illustrative only) z 0 a O CO Cl) 9 U, U) Cl)pN C d O Liu" z Ltd co per O 0 5/4/2015 4:00:07 PM MOTE 0* -0", 9'—gs 5 —a" 51-0* 4- 0` —ate MRK -HOT-OO3- 001 INY-SUS 120-001 10#-cr NOTE a9.6-1 m002 7' -10 r D" i a IL 15" -,0. INY-l.P-11O-0101 CND -loft -255-002 GNO-OO1 ASSEMBLY STR-SRSAHBOO FOR STEEL POLE 01Y SU BASSOMBLIES l ET; 4 2 1 _ CiND-WIR-255-001 LNt-HLP-110-0D1 [NY -SUS -120-001 DIY -SUS -120•-002 M RICH DT4bf 3 n 1 A NO I. F11-96- 020-008 (oTt 2) 0R FYf- -212-0001 (Olt 0 OR 1) DEPENDING 01 WELDITIRE TYPE �6 F11-92S-101X-XXX (OTY 6) OEPENCINO ON CONDUCTOR TYPE THIS MAPIDOCUMEN1 IS A TOOL TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES IN THE PERFORMANCE CF THEIR JOBS.YOUR DLFR PERSONAL SAFES IS PWVIDED FOR BY USING QTY PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND EQu!IPI4IEf4TAs QE RI BED IN THE SAFE TRAINING PROGRAM S„ InNuALS AND SPARS, INTERNAL INFORMATION: DO NOT COPY'DR DISTRIBUTE WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT FROM XCEL ENERGY 230kV DOUBLE CIRCUIT TANGENT VERTICAL BRACED LINE POST, ANCHOR BOLT FOUNDATION XcefEnergy SRSAHBOO SCALE REV a 5 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Figure 3 Typical Structure Type — 230kV Double Circuit Deadend (Illustrative only) z O 0 o Q {D fl? 2 O Lu LA ce r+w . w 5/20/2015 9:34:56 AM S'-Vw- 5' -ow 16-0" } A NOTE 1 MRK-HDT-€103-001 10' -Ow ASSEMBLY STR-SRDAHS00 FOR STEEL POLE OT1 SUBASSEMBLIES 1 GND- WIR-255-001 10 C;ND-WIR-2SS-007 6 INY-HLP-112-001 12 ING-BEL-004-076 6 1 MRIC-H DT -003-001 VIEW A -A STATIC DEADEND INC-ECL- -OT6 VI EW B - B CONDUCTOR DEADEND NOTES; 1. F T- -01D-015 (01? 2 OR 4) OR F1T-UES-XXX-XXX (01? 0 OR 2) DEPENDSiC ON SH ELDINRE TYPE 7. FYi--xx7C-UX (Ca 12) OR Fff-DEC-xxx-xfx (QTY 12) FOR 5.30 KCnn. AND A90WIE AND FIT-TRN-XXX-XXil (OW 6) DEPENDING ON CO*4OUCTOR TYPE THIS MAR,'GOCUMENT IS A TOOL TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR JOBS.YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IS PRCV DED FOR BY USING SAFETY PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT AS DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS, MANUALS AND SPARS. INTERNAL INFORMATION: DO NOT COPY OR DISTRIBUTE WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT FROM XCEL ENERGY 230kV DOUBLE CIRCUIT DEADEND VERITCAL WITH ARMS, ANCHOR BOLT FOUNDATION XcelEnergy' SRDAHS00 SCALE REV 0 6 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Alternatives to the Project This section satisfies 21-3-330.B.11 and 21-3-330.C.2 of the Code. Transmission System Alternatives The No Action Alternative would not meet the purpose and need for the Project. No viable alternatives exist to increase the capacity of the existing 44kV transmission line in the area. 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. Transmission Line and Substation Siting Alternatives Transmission line and substation site alternatives are thoroughly discussed in the Transmission Routing and Substation Siting Study (Appendix B). PSCo uses an open and comprehensive process when siting new substations and transmission lines. This process considers electric system planning, economics, the natural, cultural, and visual environment, public involvement, regulatory issues, land rights, and engineering criteria. Typically substations are sited first, and are located close to existing substations and to the existing and projected energy load, which is described as the current and anticipated energy use areas. Site selection is followed by development and evaluation of potential transmission routes. The overall siting study process for defining and analyzing substation site and transmission route alternatives is summarized below and presented in detail in Appendix B. The Siting Study process includes the following steps: • Step 1: Develop utility engineering requirements and establish the siting area; • Step 2: Analyze existing policy framework and guidance; • Step 3: Collect relevant land use and environmental data; • Step 4: Develop opportunities and constraints; • Step 5: Define preliminary substation sites and alternative transmission routes; • Step 6: Gather public input; • Step 7: Develop community -based evaluation criteria; • Step 8: Additional data collection, substation site and transmission route refinement; and • Step 9: Rank and document results. Following a review of relevant policy guidance and data, including the Weld County Comprehensive Plan 1041 regulations, the Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan, and 2018 Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan, a series of siting guidelines were applied. These include the following: • Avoid removal of occupied buildings; • Minimize transmission line and substation encroachment in established residential areas and proximity to individual residences; • Minimize the number of agricultural pivot and drip irrigation systems potentially affected; • Minimize affecting existing infrastructure including operational oil and gas facilities; 7 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project • Use existing rights -of -way (ROWS) and joint use of ROWs wherever uses are compatible; • Minimize impacts on wetlands and other sensitive habitats; and • Minimize the length and number of angles in the transmission line alignment, which not only increase Project costs but also result in increased land use impacts and increased visual effects due to taller and/or bulkier structures. Consider sensitive and constrained land uses and natural and cultural resources once the preferred substation sites are identified, to shape a reasonable range of transmission route alternatives. These alternatives achieve the required connections between each of the preferred substations. Once the substation sites and a network of alternative transmission routes had been defined, they were evaluated against a set of comparative criteria to identify the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. Factors considered included effects on agricultural and residential uses, wetlands and other habitat values, and conflicts with other developed land uses, including operational oil and gas development. A large number of preliminary alternatives were considered but subsequently eliminated upon determining that they had land use or resource conflicts that could not be readily avoided or otherwise satisfactorily mitigated. A complete discussion of the alternative evaluation process and the results of that evaluation are presented in Appendix B. Based on the evaluation results, the preferred transmission line route and substation sites were identified. The preferred alternatives have a lower level of adverse effects on important land use and resource conditions, and comply with the guidance identified in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan and the decision criteria contained in Weld County's Section 1041 Regulations. Appendix B, Maps 4 and 5 show the preferred and alternative substation sites that were considered for both the Husky and Graham Creek sites. In total, 8 sites were considered for the Husky Substation and 6 sites for Graham Creek. Below are details on the number of routes evaluated for each transmission line segment. • WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation: Three routes were studied (Segment 1 maps in Appendix B). Route AH 1 is the preferred alternative because it has the lowest number of conflicts with existing agricultural and residential uses, and it also offers the most engineering advantages, including the lowest number of transmission line angles >45 degrees. Alternative AH 1 extends to the east from the WAPA Ault Substation and follows the half - section line for the first mile before making a slight turn to the north to avoid proximity to a residence. For approximately the next 0.75 mile the route continues to the east, turning southeast to the half -section line after crossing the Collins Lateral. For the remaining 1.6 miles east, the transmission route generally follows the half -section line to its termination point at the Husky Substation. • Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation: Several routes were studied (Segment 2 maps in Appendix B). Routes located north and east of the towns of Ault and Eaton exhibited a substantially greater number of conflicts with existing agricultural and residential uses. One alternative east of the Town of Ault and three alternatives located west of the 8 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Town of Ault were carried forward for further analysis. Route HGC1 is the preferred alternative with the lowest number of existing residences within 200 feet and within 0.25 of the potential transmission route centerline. After exiting the Husky Substation site, Alternative HGC1 heads south before turning west to follow a route along the north side of CR 84, then turning south. For the next 3.5 miles, Alternative HGC1 generally follows the half -section line, diverting only once to avoid proximity to a group of residences located along CR 82. At a point 0.5 mile south of CR 78, the route turns to the east for 0.5 mile before turning south to follow CR 33 for most of the remaining distance to the Graham Creek Substation site. Use by Special Review (USR) Questionnaire This information is being provided at the request of the Weld County Planning Department and is supplemental information to the Section 1041 Regulations. Planning Questions 1. Explain, in detail, the proposed use of the property. See the Project Description above. 2. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code, Chapter 22 of the Comprehensive Plan. 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 ordinances, 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 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 2. In addition, a comprehensive set of environmental protection measures will be applied to the Project (Appendix C). 3. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code, Chapter 23 (Zoning) and the zone district in which it is located. 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. All of the land crossed by the proposed transmission line in unincorporated Weld County is zoned for Agriculture. Utility facilities, including electric transmission lines and substations, are an allowed use in this zone district subject to the requirements of Section 23-3-40, Uses by Special Review and Section 23-4-420 Public Utilities Facilities. See Section 21-3- 330.D.5.a— Present Use and Zoning. 4. Describe what type of land uses surround the site. Explain how the proposed use is consistent with and compatible with surrounding land uses. The majority of the land use crossed by the proposed transmission line is agricultural. Secondary land uses in the siting area include oil and gas development, rural residential uses, 9 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project and existing utility transmission and distribution lines. The Graham Creek Substation and preferred route is outside of the Town of Eaton's Urban Growth Area and approximately .5 mile west of planned residential uses within the annexed northwest portion of that community (Comprehensive Plan, 2018). Irrigation canals are present throughout the siting 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 incompatible. More details on land uses in areas crossed by the proposed transmission lines are provided in Appendix B. The Graham Creek Substation site is also currently in agricultural use. The Plot Plan for the Graham Creek Substation site demonstrates that the substation has been configured to maintain use of the existing agricultural pivot irrigation system with minor, if any, adjustments (Appendix A, Maps 12A and 12B, Graham Creek Substation Plot Plan). 5. What are the hours and days of operation? (e.g., Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Not applicable. Note that the Project will be operated continuously; however, neither the transmission line nor the substations require on -site staffing. Instead, the facilities will be operated remotely from existing, centralized operations centers. Construction of the Project will typically occur during daylight hours. 6. List the number of full time and/or part time employees proposed to work at this site. Not applicable; see response to number 5. 7. If shift work is proposed include the number of employees per shift. Not applicable. 8. List the number of people who will use this site. Include contractors, truck drivers, customers, volunteers, etc. Not applicable; see response to number 5. 9. If this is a dairy, livestock confinement operation, kennel, etc., list the number and type of animals. Not applicable. 10. Describe the type of lot surface and the square footage of each type. (e.g. asphalt, gravel, landscaping, dirt, grass, buildings) The transmission line will be built within a non-exclusive easement that provides for construction, operation and maintenance of the Project. The base of each transmission structure will occupy approximately 64 square feet. At 5 to 6 structures per mile and a total distance of approximately 10.4 miles, the transmission line structure will occupy less than 0.1 acre over the entire length of the line. Apart from substations, no other buildings or structures are required for the transmission line and the land within the non-exclusive easement (ROW) would typically continue in its current use. The Graham Creek Substation site, which consists of up to 10 acres, will have a variety of surface types, including gravel (see the Plot Plan). Much of the site will be occupied by substation equipment, (e.g., transformers, switches and breakers). 10 Xcel Energy '0, Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 11. How many parking spaces are proposed? How many handicapped (ADA) parking spaces are proposed? Not applicable. 12. Explain the existing and proposed landscaping for the site. 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 conductors. During construction, this is accomplished through tree 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 are 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, maintenance cycle length, etc. to determine the amount of clearance required at the time of the work. The Graham Creek Substation site is currently used for agricultural purposes and is not landscaped. No landscaping is proposed at the Graham Creek Substation site. 13. Describe the type of fence proposed for the site (e.g., 6 -foot chain link with earth tone slats) Not applicable with respect to the transmission line. The perimeter of the Graham Creek Substation will have a 10 -foot chain link fence. 14. Describe the proposed screening for all parking and outdoor storage areas. If the site is located in a floodplain outdoor storage is restricted. Not applicable with respect to the transmission line. No outdoor storage areas or parking will be located at the Graham Creek Substation site and the site is not within a designated floodplain. 15. Explain any proposed reclamation procedures when termination of the USR activity occurs. 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 11 Xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project would mean continuing agricultural use. If the transmission line structures were removed and the easement 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 requirements. 16. Who will provide fire protection to the site? 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). The need for fire protection for steel transmission line structures is non-existent. In the event of an emergency at the Graham Creek Substation,. (e.g., a fire or other emergency situation), PSCo crews will respond immediately and local fire personnel are encouraged not to go into the substation. See Appendix F, Emergency Management Plan. 17. List all proposed on -site and off -site improvements associated with the use (e.g., landscaping, fencing, buildings, drainage, turn lanes, etc.) and a timeline of when you will have each one of the improvements completed. Appendix A, Map 12A is a plot plan for the Graham Creek Substation. In addition to an outline of the substation footprint, Map 12A lists adjacent landowners, topography at 1 -foot contour intervals, existing ROWs, easements, hydrographic features, and other information enumerated in the 1041 submittal requirements. As shown on Maps 9, 10, and 11 (Appendix A), the site has low to moderate soil erodibility and low shrink swell potential. The site is not located in a flood hazard area (See Appendix A, Map 7, Floodplains). Appendix A, Map 12B is a more detailed map showing the arrangement of substation equipment, site ingress and egress, and site circulation. Also shown on Map 12B is the location of the extended detention basin; a Storm Water Management Plan for the site is provided in Appendix G. Engineering Questions 1. Describe how many roundtripslday 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) Estimated construction traffic will be approximately 15 to 20 vehicles per day. Because of the low number of vehicles requiring access to the transmission line, minimal impacts are anticipated. County road use and crossings would be coordinated with the Weld County 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. 2. Describe the expected travel routes for site traffic. During the construction phase of the Project, 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 vehicles, when required, and occasional patrol trucks to inspect the Project facilities. 3. Describe the travel distribution along the routes (e.g., 50% of traffic will come from the north, 20% from the south, 30% from the east, etc.) 12 xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project See response to 2, above. 4. Describe the time of day that you expect the highest traffic volumes from above. During the construction phase of the Project, traffic will be higher 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). 5. Describe where the access to the site is planned. As shown on the Plot Plan (Appendix A, Maps 12A and 12B, Plot Plan), access to the Graham Creek Substation site will extend off of CFA 33. 6. Drainage Design: Detention pond summarized in a drainage report is required unless the project falls under an exception to stormwater detention requirements per code section 23-12-30 F.1. A. Does your site qualify for an exception to stormwater detention? The site does not qualify for an exception to Stormwater detention. B. Does your site require a stormwater detention pond? If so, the following applies: 1. A drainage report summarizing the detention pond design with construction drawings and a maintenance plan shall be completed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and adhere to the drainage related sections of the Weld County Code. A preliminary drainage assessment is included with this application as Appendix G. All drainage design has been completed in accordance with this criteria set forth in the Weld County Drainage Criteria and the UDFCD. 2. The drainage report must include a certification of compliance stamped and signed by the PE which can be found on the engineering website. A final drainage report, stamped and signed by the PE will be submitted at the time final design has been completed in conjunction with an application for a building permit. Environmental Health Questions 1. What is the drinking water source on the property? Not applicable. During construction, bottled water would be located on site. During operations, the facilities will not be staffed and a permanent drinking water source is not required. 2. What type of sewage disposal system is on the property? Not applicable. During construction, portable toilets would be located on site. During operations, the facilities 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? Not applicable. 13 xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 4. Describe where and how storage and/or stockpile of wastes, chemicals, and/or petroleum will occur on this site. Oil is used in substation equipment such as transformers. Appropriate storage and safety precautions are described in Appendix F, Emergency Management Plan. Secondary containment is provided in appropriate areas with berms and other methods. 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. Not applicable. 6. If there will be washing of vehicles or equipment on site indicate how the wash water will be contained. Not applicable. 7. If there will be floor drains indicate how the fluids will be contained. Not applicable. 8. Indicate if there will be any air emissions. (e.g., painting, oil storage, etc.) Not applicable. 9. Provide a design and operations plan if applicable. (e.g., composting, landfills, etc.) Not applicable. 10. Provide a nuisance management plan if applicable. (e.g., dairies, feedlots, etc.) Not applicable. 11. Additional information may be requested depending on type of land use requested. See additional information provided for the Areas and Activities of State Interest 1041 Application Requirements. Building Questions 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. The Graham Creek Substation is described in Section 21-3-330.B.5.e and on the Plot Plan, Maps 12A and 12B in Appendix A. 2. Explain how the existing structures will be used for this USR? Not applicable. 3. List the proposed use(s) of each structure. Not applicable. 14 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Areas and Activities of State Interest 1041 Application Requirements 21-3-330 Application Submittal Requirements 21 -3 -330.A —Application Requirements for a Major Facility of a Public Utility These submittal requirements apply to this application for a development permit for a major facility of a public utility, as defined in Chapter 21-3-20 of the Weld County Code. 21 -3 -330.B —Application Submittal Requirements 21 -3 -330.B.1 —Map Requirements 21-3-330.B.1 .a —Name and Acreage of Proposed Use The Project's proposed use includes approximately 10.4 miles of 230kV transmission line that would connect from the WAPA Ault Substation to the Graham Creek Substation (Appendix A, Map 1, Vicinity Map). The permanent surface area for the newly constructed transmission structures and substations would total approximately 11 acres (up to 10 acres for the Graham Creek Substation; and less than 1 acre for structure locations along the transmission lines). Between 126-189 acres will be required for the transmission line easement ROW in unincorporated Weld County, depending upon site specific conditions that will determine ROW width, which will vary from 100 to 150 feet. The Project also requires temporary staging areas used for the duration ofconstruction to store equipment and stage construction activities. The locations of temporary staging areas are yet to be determined. Each staging area will house construction trailers, multiple storage containers, and other associated equipment. 21-3-330.B.1.b Map Requirements All map requirements, including scale and content required by Weld County, have been met. 2'1-3-330.B.1.c Applicant and Consultants Applicant: Public Service Company of Colorado Larry Claxton Siting and Land Rights, Principal Agent 1800 Larimer Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80202 P: 303-571-7089 C: 303-887-8402 E: larry.claxton@xcelenergy.com Consultant: Logan Simpson Attention: Jeremy Call 213 Linden Street, Suite 300 Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 P: 970-449-4100 E: jcall@logansimpson.com 21-3-330.B.2 Title Information 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 transmission line alignment and 1,320 feet of the Graham Creek Substation are presented in Appendix H. 15 xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21-3-330.B.2.b Project Access Substation- The Graham Creek Substation will require permanent access from the adjoining Weld County Road 33. Following approval of this permit application, PSCo will submit an Access Road Permit application that will comply with all County design standards. Transmission Line - Construction and maintenance access for the transmission line will be determined following approval of this permit application. Only a small portion of the transmission line ROW would be disturbed for structure installation and vehicle access. Much of the proposed ROW can be accessed from existing county roads. Once in the ROW, the access will follow the ROW when possible. In areas where construction access is required outside of the ROW, temporary construction easements will be secured to support construction. No easements or other forms of access agreements have been acquired at this time. The transmission line route will cross and be parallel to portions of 8 County Roads. The following County Roads would be crossed: CR29, CR31, CR33, CR82 (also Hwy14), and CR84. The transmission line route will be parallel to the following County Roads: CR29 (<0.12 mile), CR 78 (0.5 mile on section line), and CR 84 (1 mile). Of these, CR 29 is proposed for ROW expansion; specifically to a width of 140 feet. 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 by the Graham Creek Substation and within 500 feet of the transmission line are provided in Appendix H. 21-3-330.B.2.d Mineral Interests The mineral interests requirement is not applicable to electric transmission line projects pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-65.5-102(2)(a). Mineral interests for the Graham Creek Substation are provided below: The mineral estate is vested in the surface owner: KTC Farm, LLC, by virtue of the Personal Representatives Deed from the estate of Duane A. Wilson, deceased, to KTC Farm LLC, recorded April 4, 2016 at Reception No. 4192874. The following documents affect the mineral interests: Oil and Gas Lease, granted to Duane A. Wilson and Frances E. Wilson to T. S. Pace, dated May 5, 1970 and recorded July 13, 1970 in Book 629 at Reception No. 1551149-2. Oil and Gas Lease by Duane A. Wilson and Frances E. Wilson to Carbonit Exploration, Inc., dated February 2, 1981 and recorded April 10, 1981 in Book 933 at Reception No. 185766. Affidavit of Production, recorded June 4, 1984 at Reception No. 1969169. Ratification of Oil and Gas Lease, recorded June 21, 1984 at Reception No. 1971371. Affidavit of Production, recorded October 6, 2006 at Reception No. 3425584. Affidavit of Production, recorded October 6, 2006 at Reception No. 3425585. Affidavit of Extension of Oil and Gas Lease(s) by Production, recorded April 6, 2011 at Reception No. 3760693. 16 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21-3-330.B.3 Application Submittal Requirements 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 24 inches x 36 inches. These maps will be delineated on reproducible material upon the County's request. The maps are consistent with the requirements of Section 21-3- 330.B.3 and the relevant subsections thereof. 21-3-330.B.3.d Section 1041 Permit Map and Vicinity Map The Project Section 1041 Permit Map f Vicinity Map is provided in Appendix A, Map 1, Vicinity Map. 21 -3 -330.B.4 —Plot Plan The Plot Plan of the Graham Creek Substation is included in Appendix A, Maps 12A and 12B, Graham Creek Substation Plot Plan. For purposes of analysis, a preliminary centerline was defined for each of the alternative transmission routes. The preliminary centerlines were used to calculate distances from operational oil and gas facilities, residences, and the other considerations included in the route evaluation criteria (See Table 4-1 in Appendix B). It should be recognized that these preliminary centerlines are subject to adjustment following further consultation with landowners and more detailed Project design. In order to provide a reasonable degree of flexibility to accommodate landowner preferences and minimize potential conflicts, a corridor was defined with a width of 500 feet on either side of the preliminary centerlines (See Appendix A, Map 1, Vicinity Map). This application to Weld County under the Section 1041 Regulations requests approval of the proposed corridors with an allowance for centerline adjustments within these defined corridors, if merited. 21-3-330.B.5 Other Items and Information 21-3-330.B.5.a Present Use and Zoning The Project is located almost entirely within unincorporated Weld County on property in the A (Agricultural) Zone District (Appendix A, Map 3, Zoning, Special Districts, and Parcels Map). The Husky Substation will be within the limits of the Town of Ault and will be permitted through the Town's CUP. Section 23-3-40.D.3 of the Code identifies Major Facilities or Public Utilities as a USR. Existing land uses in the Project siting area are primarily agricultural, residential, and energy development (oil and gas facilities), depicted in Appendix A, Map 4, Existing Land Uses. 21-3-330.B.5.b-d Sketch or Map In Appendix A, Map 4, the Existing Land Uses Map shows existing transmission lines of 115kV or greater within 2 miles of the siting area. There are no existing electric substations within five miles of the Graham Creek Substation or the proposed Husky Substation. 21-3-330.B.5.e Type of Facility The Project would involve construction of approximately 10.4 miles of new 230kV double -circuit transmission line originating at the existing WAPA Ault Substation and terminating at the Graham Creek Substation. The new transmission line would be constructed on monopole steel structures within a 100- to 150 -foot ROW. The transmission line would consist of approximately 62 structures, 17 0 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project with up to six conductors, a shield wire, and an optical ground wire for internal PSCo communications. One circuit between the proposed Husky Substation and the Graham Creek Substation will be operated at 115kV. The Graham Creek Substation is an approximately 10 -acre site and would convert the 115kV transmission voltage to 12.47kV distribution voltage. The lower voltage electric energy would then be distributed to the community from the substation via electric distribution lines. Improvements within the fence of the WAPA Ault Substation will convert electric power to 230kV voltage and then transmit to the Project transmission line. At full build -out, the Graham Creek Substation will have the necessary capacity to accommodate 115kV terminations and equipment including: • Up to three new 115kV/12.47kV, 50 MVA distribution transformers; • Termination equipment for the 115kV transmission line to the proposed Husky Substation; • Termination equipment for the 115kV transmission line to the transmission line to Cloverly Substation; • Termination equipment for the 115kV line to the Retail Customer; and • Miscellaneous substation equipment associated with protection, communication, etc. Project approval will also include up to four staging areas used for the duration of construction to store equipment and stage construction activities. Storage for the Project related to the construction of Husky Substation may also require a staging area in Weld County jurisdiction. Each staging area would house any necessary construction trailers, multiple storage containers, and other associated equipment. The locations of the staging areas will be determined following approval of this application. 21-3-330.B.5.f Projected Development Schedule A tentative Project schedule is presented in Table 1. Table 1 Project Schedule Milestone Date File Local, State, and Federal Permits 2019 Begin Construction of Substation 2019 Begin Construction of Transmission Line 2020 Project Completed 2021 Decommissioning of Existing 44kV Substations 2022 18 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21-3-330.B.5.g Hazards and Emergency Procedures The Project involves the use of voltages up to 230kV. In order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, the substations and transmission lines will be constructed in accordance with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. Appendix F presents the information regarding response procedures for utility emergencies. Substation equipment can contain a great deal of oil. The hazards are the flammability of heated oils and the danger of energized equipment. Secondary containment will be implemented in appropriate areas with berms and other appropriate measures. The Project will be in compliance with Colorado PUC requirements regarding EMF levels adjacent to the transmission line ROW. The Colorado PUC EMF limits are 150 mG (milligauss) at the edge of the ROW, one meter above ground. The Project's transmission line alignments have been designed to limit potential human exposure to EMF. 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. 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. The PSCo contract with the construction contractor will specify that it will hold a required pre -construction meeting with the contractor to ensure all applicable laws and PSCo procedures will be followed. PSCo Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects are included in Appendix C. Any use of hazardous material during construction or operations and maintenance activities will be temporary and stored in a safe manner according to all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations. In the event of an emergency within the Project substations that may endanger the public health, safety and welfare, PSCo crews will respond immediately and local fire personnel are encouraged not to go into the substation. No known natural hazards are present within the Project limits. 21-3-330.B.5.h Name, Address, and Telephone of Applicant Public Service Company of Colorado Larry Claxton Siting and Land Rights, Principal Agent 1 800 Larimer Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80202 P: 303-571-7089 C: 303-887-8402 E: larry.claxtonxcelenergy.com 21-3-330.B5.i Name and Address of the Fee Owners of the Property The fee owners are the same as those listed in section 21-3-330.B.2.c of this application. 19 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21-3-330.B.5.j Legal Description of the Property under Consideration The final legal descriptions for properties impacted by the Project will be provided after approval of the Project, but no later than the start of construction. The legal descriptions for the non-exclusive electric transmission line easements will be recorded with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder before construction commences. A conveyance deed will also be recorded for the property required to construct the Graham Creek substation. Since the property for the Graham Creek substation is under a purchase option and a final legal description has not yet been generated, below is an approximate legal description. Between 8 and 10 acres located in the Southwest Quarter (Sell' IV) of the Northwest Quarter (NW Y) of Section 35, Township 7 North, Range 66 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Weld County, State of Colorado. 21-3-330.B.5.k Total Acreage of the Parcel, ROW, or Corridor under Consideration The surface area for the newly constructed transmission line structures and Graham Creek Substation on private and municipal land (e.g.,. City of Thornton) would total approximately 10 acres. Between 126 and 189 acres will be required for the 100- to 150 -foot transmission line ROW. 21-3-330.B.5.1 Existing Land Use The Project would be constructed on private and municipal land (e.g., City of Thornton). Land uses in the siting area are agricultural and also include exempt (municipally -owned, current use is agriculture), electric transmission, and oil and gas production and storage. 21-3-330.B.5.m Existing Land Uses of All Properties Adjacent to Parcels The primary land use on adjacent parcels is agricultural. For the Graham Creek Substation, one adjacent property is in commercial use (oil and gas; rural occupation). For the transmission route, supporting residential uses are present, including farmsteads and smaller acreage estates. There are multiple existing electrical distribution and transmission lines on the properties, as well (Appendix A, Map 4, Existing Land Uses). More details on land uses in areas crossed by the proposed transmission line or occupied by the new substation are provided in Appendix B. 21-3-330.B.5.n Zoning and Overlay Zones All of the parcels within the transmission route corridor and Graham Creek Substation are zoned Agricultural. 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 —Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Constraints Affecting Site Selection and Construction As previously discussed under "Alternatives to the Project", a variety of natural, land use, and other constraints were considered and avoided in the development and selection of proposed routes and sites for the Project. These included residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural uses as well as a variety of natural and cultural resource considerations. 20 xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 211 -3 -330.B.7 —Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts Due to Site Selection and Construction of the Project 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 B and Appendix C. Further, PSCO will work with all landowners to microsite the transmission facilities and easement to minimize negative impacts on residential and commercial uses and agricultural and oil and gas operations. Typical examples of how PSCo will work to avoid conflicts are shown in Figure 4. a. Land Use Impacts The Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan, has been reviewed and the Project is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan, including land use and environmental resources. The Project would be located in an area that is primarily used for agriculture. Project facilities have been sited to minimize effects on agricultural uses and to assure that only a minor, localized effect would occur. Where possible, the transmission line was sited along the edge of cultivated areas, following road edges, fence lines, and other linear features in order to minimize effects on cultivation, particularly in areas irrigated with center pivot. Agricultural activities can continue within the transmission line ROW and only a small amount of land would be taken out of production as a result of Project construction and operation. In total, the Project would result in the location of approximately 31 transmission structures within or at the edge of cultivated lands. Each transmission structure would occupy an area of approximately 64 square feet around each pole (8 feet x 8 feet), which amounts to less than 0.1 acre of land lost to cultivation. As shown in Appendix A, Map 5, Prime Farmland and Slope, some of the lands affected by the Project are designated as farmlands of statewide importance and prime farmlands (if irrigated), both of which are randomly distributed throughout the siting area. As noted above, only a small amount of these types of designated farmlands would be affected by the Project. Additional effects on agricultural use would result from the construction of the Graham Creek Substation. This substation, located near the town of Eaton, is currently in agricultural use. Development of a substation at this site would remove up to 10 acres from non -irrigated agricultural production. The substation has been uniquely designed to minimize impacts to the existing pivot irrigated area as shown on the Plot Plan. 21 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 5) Oil/Gas and Pivot Irrigation Avoidance 6) Oil/Gas and Pivot Irrigation Avoidance N ,--a. i T Pik tit `4� , /5<-----1---:\‘) ----A. N' a l ! -- r 1 � \ �It - Setback , a _y^, $er I \� �4 •—,�.%A% I _a-- • tiky e sue` i L. vi*tti ------r♦ J.'/ F0' Tank aft xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project In all cases, landowners will be compensated for any land rights acquired for the Project and other damages, when appropriate, resulting from Project construction. Impacts on agricultural operations would be further reduced by implementing the following mitigation measures: Modify Structure/ROW Location and Construction Timing • Mitigation measures will be implemented as necessary to avoid cultivated areas and other land use conflicts. Typically, micro -siting and spanning can be used to reduce potential operational and maintenance impacts. Construction will also be timed, where 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 • 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 are removed, damaged, or destroyed by construction activities. Temporary gates or enclosures will be installed in cooperation with landowners or land management agency, and will be removed following construction. Temporary gates will be kept closed and locked, depending on agreements with the landowners. Coordinated Livestock Management • During Project construction, it may be necessary to relocate livestock from areas where heavy equipment operations are 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 C presents Environmental Protection Measures for the Project. Through careful siting of Project features, direct effects to residential, commercial, institutional, and other land uses were minimized. Over the entire distance between the WAPA Ault Substation and the Graham Creek Substation, only one residence would be located within 200 feet of the transmission line. Crossings of other land uses, including feedlots and industrial areas, were also minimized; no major conflicts with these uses would result from Project construction and operation. No direct impacts on any State or local parks, trails, or other recreational use areas will occur as a result of the Project. 24 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project b. Water Resources Impacts Wetlands and surface hydrology features are shown in Appendix A, Map 6, Wetlands and Surface Hydrology Map. Construction and maintenance of the Project would not measurably impact surface water or groundwater quality. Additionally, there would be no long-term impacts to surface water or groundwater hydrology as a result of construction or 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 acquired from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), where required. 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 revegetation 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 or substations. 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 Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be implemented during construction. Techniques to avoid and minimize groundwater impacts would include properly maintaining equipment and cleaning up any spills. After application of mitigation measures and BMPs, impacts to groundwater will be negligible and temporary in duration. Wetlands, flood plains, streambed meander limits, recharge areas, and riparian areas: Wetlands, floodplains and related information are shown in Appendix A, Map 7, Floodplains Map. Transmission line and substation structures will not be placed in wetlands, streambeds, recharge areas, or riparian areas. Therefore, little to no anticipated adverse impacts would occur to surface water resources. Potential indirect impacts to water resources could occur from construction -related erosion and sediment movement, which are covered by BM Ps and the applicable Stormwater Management Plan. The potential impacts would range from negligible to minor due to the ability to span water features and avoid impacts during construction. Regulated floodplains have been avoided by the preferred route. Project structures will also be designed to withstand unforeseeable flood events. The Project is not anticipated to impact vested water rights because minimal water will be utilized. All water used for Project construction will come from existing, commercial sources, which will be identified and secured prior to construction. c. Discussion of Impacts on Additional Resources Including Significant Environmentally Sensitive Factors (satisfies 21-3-330.C.2c and 21-3-330.C.2e) Vegetation Land cover within the siting area is shown in Appendix A, Map 8, Land Cover Map. As previously noted, the great majority of the area is comprised of cropland with minor amounts of other cover 25 Xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project types, including hay/pasture, urban development, open water and several other types. Effects to vegetation will be minimal and largely short-term during the construction phase of the Project. • Construction will occur primarily in areas that have been previously disturbed and impacts to native vegetation communities are expected to be minimal. • Access for construction and maintenance activities will primarily be via existing roads. The availability of access roads combined with the fact that very little native vegetation remains in the siting area assure that vegetation disturbance would be minimal. No drainages or wetlands will be impacted by the Project. • A minimal amount of vegetation removal will occur at the base of each transmission structure and within the fenced portion of the substations. • Temporary impacts to vegetation will also result in periodic compaction of existing vegetation and soil from construction and maintenance traffic within the transmission line ROW and designated access roads. These impacts will be short-term in duration and focused in location, and the disturbed areas will be re -seeded with approved local, native seed mixes after clearing. Wildlife The siting area supports a variety of common wildlife, such as big game, small predators (e.g., coyote, fox), prey species (e.g., rabbits, black -tailed prairie dogs) and birds (e.g., waterfowl, raptors, passerines). In addition, a variety of special status species have potential to occur in the siting area. There is no designated critical wildlife habitat in the siting area, although suitable habitat may exist for the state -listed (threatened) western burrowing owl. Chapter 3 of Appendix B presents a thorough discussion of wildlife and special status species. Appendix C also presents avoidance and mitigation measures implemented by PSCo to protect wildlife species and habitats. Appendix D presents the 2017 Biological Resources Report and Appendix E presents the 2016 Raptor Survey Report. Seeley Lake was formerly leased by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now CPW) and was maintained as a State Wildlife Area. The area is now closed to the public but continues to provide important wildlife habitat even though it is no longer a designated State Wildlife Area. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program identifies a network of Conservation Areas and Potential Conservation Areas in the State. The siting area contains a part of the South Platte River Potential Conservation Area at Seeley Lake. The Western High Plains and Pawnee Grassland Conservation Areas are close to the siting area to the north and east (CNHP 2017). PSCo will follow applicable CPW and USFWS guidelines to minimize impacts on wildlife, such as conducting pre -construction nest surveys, establishing appropriate nest buffer zones, and conducting pre -construction presence/absence surveys for state -listed species. Impacts to surface vegetation can reduce foraging habitat from direct disturbance as well as indirectly from increases in noxious weeds; and habitat fragmentation. However, the potential for the introduction and/or spread of noxious weeds will be minimized by implementing BMPs such as ensuring construction equipment is cleaned, using weed -free seed mixes and controlling noxious weeds within the ROW and substation areas. The potential for the introduction and/or spread of invasive non-native species (including noxious weeds) will be minimized by the implementation of BMPs during the construction period and reclamation efforts. 26 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Impacts to Soil Resources The Project would create short-term, localized impacts on soil resources, which 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. Impacts may result from soil disturbance due to heavy machinery traveling along the transmission line ROW and substation parcels. General construction traffic would be limited to designated access roads in an effort to minimize impacts to soils. The areas affected by construction will be reclaimed as soon as possible, which may include regrading and revegetation with an approved seed mix, per the requirements under the applicable Stormwater Management Plan. Implementation of a Stormwater Management Plan and use of appropriate soil mitigation measures and BMPs would be used to reduce the effects of erosion. In Appendix A, Maps 9 and 10, the Soil Erodibility by Water and Soil Erodibility by Wind Maps display the soil erodibility by water and wind, respectively, based on factor K within the siting 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 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. As shown in Appendix A, Soil Erodibility by Water, most soils in the siting area have low to moderate risk of erosion from water. However, soils in the siting area have a higher degree of susceptibility to wind erosion. The BMPs provided in Appendix C are intended to minimize erosion. Map 11 in Appendix A, the Soil Shrink/Swell Potential Map displays the linear extensibility, or soil shrink/swell potential, in the siting area. 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 majority of the soils in the siting area have a high shrink/swell potential, which can be readily addressed with proper foundation design. Unique Areas of Geologic, Historic, or Archaeological Importance Impacts PSCo conducted a file search through the Colorado State Historical Protection Office database to identify previously recorded cultural resource sites within the siting area. A pedestrian survey was also conducted on selected properties where survey permission had been granted. No effects to any historic properties are anticipated to result from Project construction or operation. There are no areas of geologic importance in the siting area. d. Visual Impacts Priority consideration was given to siting the Project away from residences, planned residential areas, and recreation areas to the extent possible to reduce visibility. The preferred transmission line route has the lowest number of residences located within 200 feet and within 0.25 mile of all alternatives considered. Only one residence is located within 200 feet and 24 residences are located within 0.25 mile of the alignment over the entire distance between the WAPA Ault Substation to the Graham Creek Substation. The preferred route also does not cross through any planned residential subdivision, an evaluation criteria accounting for future foreseeable visual impacts, or the potential for ROW restrictions to reduce the number of buildable lots or complicate site planning. "Planned residential subdivisions" are defined as locations within or through residential areas according to Comprehensive Plans, 27 Ve, Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project zoning, and entitled yet undeveloped subdivisions. While it is common for agricultural landowners to speculate about the potential of future residential growth on their properties; their speculation is both unquantifiable and undocumentable in a siting study without local governmental approval. The Project will contribute incrementally to alteration of the visual quality of the siting area. Extensive oil and gas development, existing transmission lines, and other types of development have already occurred and are prominent elements of the landscape in many locations. Figure 4 presents the photographic point location. Figures 5 and 6 present the photographic simulation of the proposed transmission line from a point looking west/southwest from the Great Western Trail on the north side of the Eaton Recreation Center. Structures shown are 130 feet tall, the actual height would be between 80 and 130 feet tall. Final design and construction may result in slight changes to pole locations and/or spans along the preferred route. The simulated transmission line is approximately 0.5 miles from the viewer. The Project will not be located within any designated scenic areas or other areas protected to maintain their natural qualities. One Scenic Byway, the Pawnee Pioneer Trails, begins at U.S. Hwy 85 and extends east along State Hwy 14. The Project is located west of U.S. Hwy 85 in the vicinity of the Town of Ault and would have little or no visibility from this Scenic Byway. Visual impacts will be reduced through the use of non-specular conductors that will reduce potential glint and glare associated with standard aluminum conductors (wires). Figure 6 Simulation Photograph Location a :. Proposed Preferred Route Photo Location Graham Creek Substation Site 28 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Figure 7 Existing Proposed Transmission Line Area a Iiirkrsithas Figure 8 Proposed Transmission Line Area I 29 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project e. Transportation Impacts Minimal additional vehicular traffic will occur on public roads in the siting area 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 line construction. Because of the low number of vehicles requiring access to the transmission line ROW, minimal impacts are anticipated. County road use and crossings will be coordinated with the Weld County Department of Public Works, as appropriate. 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, the Project may request sharing county road ROWs. PSCo will work closely with the Weld County Department of Public Works to assure that the Project is compatible with current and planned county road ROWs and consistent with all relevant policies and procedures. No adverse effects on county roads are anticipated. PSCo would 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. There may be short periods of time when traffic would be halted on county roads to allow construction vehicles to enter and exit the construction area. No improvements to Weld County roads would be required. f. Socioeconomic Impacts The communities nearest to the siting area are 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 projected population and employment growth. This Project is consistent with the Economic Development Goals and Policies described in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan (Weld County 2008). It is anticipated that construction of the Project will also have a beneficial impact to the local economies of these municipalities. Construction contractors would likely spend money in these communities for fuel,food, lodging, and other supplies. During the construction period, the local economy may see a small increase in sales tax revenue. The footprint of the transmission structures and up to 10 acres at Graham Creek Substation will be the only land removed from current use. Land between the transmission structures would remain available for farming, grazing, or other operations that do not interfere with safe and reliable operation of the Project. The Project will not cause adverse economic effects in Weld County. Additional tax revenues would be generated by the Project through the local purchase of materials, fuel, food, and housing during the construction period. An upgrade to electrical system capacity and reliability will enhance long-term economic development for the region. Landowners with the transmission line on their property would receive a lump sum payment in exchange for the executed easement. PSCo would be responsible for maintenance, repair, upgrades, or decommissioning of the transmission and substation assets associated with the Project. 30 Xcel Energy° '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 23Okv Transmission/Substation Project The siting area is located within District 1 of the Weld County Sheriffs Department and is within the jurisdiction of the following Fire Protection Districts (FPD): • Eaton FPD • Ault -Pierce Fire Department The nearest hospitals to the siting area are in Greeley. None of these services is expected to be affected, unless emergency situations occur. 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 ROW. After construction, the Project would generate infrequent trips to the transmission line and substations during operation; the line would be inspected annually and occasionally for maintenance. 21 -3 -330.B.8 —Long -Term Effects upon Physical and Socioeconomic Development Long-term effects of the Project would be beneficial to economic development as the increased reliability and capacity would support increased employment and population. Long-term effects of the Project's site selection and construction are expected to be minimal or negligible for the majority of the physical and socioeconomic resources due to the implementation of BMPs and mitigation measures described above. As further described in this Application, 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 Project corridor as a result of the transmission line's visibility against the landscape. 21-3-33O.B.9 Mitigation of Adverse Impacts / Maximization of Positive Impacts PSCo's Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects, included as Appendix C, addresses site reclamation of disturbed areas. 21 -3 -330.B.10 —Non -Structural Alternatives There are currently no viable contingency plans; therefore, reliable electric service will not be available to the region for existing and proposed developments under varying scenarios of growth and outages without a structural (facilities) solution. 21 -3 -330.B.11 —Structural Alternatives See the section Alternatives to the Project. 21 -3 -330.B.12 —Air and Water Pollution Impacts and Control Alternatives Project construction would last for approximately 24 to 36 months. Construction activities associated with the Project 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 siting area, short-term in duration, and minimized by the small scale of construction operations for the substation, and excavating foundations for transmission structures. Air pollutants also would be minimized through 31 xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project implementation of dust suppression and proper vehicle maintenance. Therefore, Project construction is not expected to impact the air quality status in the area. There would be no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation and maintenance of the Project. Once construction activities have been completed, but before vegetation has been re-established, some minor amount of additional dust could occur. Weld County is an attainment area for all measured pollutants, including particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter. Effects on water resources were previously discussed under Section 21 -3-330.B.7.a. 21-3-330.B.13 Design Alternatives: Access, Landscaping, and Architecture Potential construction and permanent access roads were analyzed as part of the Project siting/routing study. The preferred alternative was selected in part because it is located in proximity to many public roads in order to facilitate access to the Project ROW and substations. PSCo will establish two -track roads in the ROW from the County Roads. From these points this will be the only road allowed for construction traffic use in the ROW. PSCo will use mats in areas that are prone to water retention. It is PSCo's preference to keep the two -track roads intact after construction to use for patrolling the line. If it is necessary to restore the road, PSCo will coordinate with the landowner on the method, as long as the request does not violate the Stormwater 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. 21 -3 -330.B.14 —New or Upgraded Services New or upgraded services are not applicable to and not required for the Project. 21-3-330.B.15 — Hydrologic, Atmospheric, Geologic, Pedologic, Biotic, Visual, and Noise Impacts Hydrologic Surface water, riparian areas, wetlands, and floodplains are discussed in Section 21-3-330..0, Part b, Water Resources Impacts. Hydrology is also addressed in Appendix B. Atmospheric Construction activities associated with the Project would not generate significant amounts of air pollution or particulate matter from soil disturbances. There will be no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation and maintenance of the proposed transmission line and substation. Geologic Construction and operation of the transmission line and substation would not affect the geology of the Project area. The Project does not occur within a Geologic Hazard Area. Pedologic The Project would not adversely affect any of the soil types in the Siting Area. Construction of the Project would cause some localized soil compaction and potential erosion. Long-term impacts would be avoided or minimized through implementation of Environmental Conservation Measures (Appendix C). Also see Appendix A, Maps 9, 10, and 11, Soil Erodibility by Water and Soil Erodibility by Wind and the Soil Shrink/Swell Potential, respectively. 32 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Biotic Appendix B presents a thorough discussion of wildlife, special status species, and other natural resource considerations. Appendix D presents the 2017 Biological Resources Survey Report. Appendix E presents the 2016 Raptor Survey Report. Visual See 21 -3 -330.B.7 —Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of the Project. Noise The Project would be constructed and maintained in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes 25-12-101 et seq. (Noise Abatement) and Article IX, Section 14-9-10 et seq. of the Weld County Code. However, corona may result in audible noise being produced by the transmission lines. Corona is the electrical ionization of the air that occurs near the surface of the energized conductor due to very high electric 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 the 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 thus increase the electric 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 are expected to be below 14 decibels (dBA) (roughly comparable to normal breathing) at the edge of the 115kV ROW in rainy conditions, and below 45 dBA (roughly comparable to a refrigerator humming) at the edge of the 230kV ROW in rainy conditions. The audible noise in fair conditions would be negligible at the edge of the 115kV ROW and below 20 dBA at the edge of the 230kV ROW. Odor The Project will not contribute to odor impacts in Weld County. 21-3-330.B.16 — Surface and Subsurface Drainage Subsurface drainage will not be impacted by the transmission line or substation. Project construction would not create runoff in excess of previous levels and would not adversely affect drainage. Appendix C presents Environmental Protection measures for the Project. Prior to construction, a Stormwater Management Plan will be acquired from the CDPHE, where required. Appendix G presents the Preliminary Drainage Report and Detention Pond Design for the Graham Creek Substation. 21-3-330.B.17 — Decommissioning Plan When a substation is decommissioned, the equipment is removed and the site is restored according to current business practices. No decommissioning plan is provided with this application. 21-3-330.B.18 — Other Information (See USR Questionnaire, attached) 33 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project 21 -3 -330.O -Specific Submittal Requirements Not applicable. 21-3-330.D- Waiver of Submittal Requirements Not applicable. List of Future Permits and Plans State of Colorado • Colorado Discharge Permit • Stormwater Management Plan • Colorado Department of Transportation Utility Crossing Permit Weld County • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan • Final Drainage Plan • County Road ROW Access / Driveway Permits • Grading Permit • Improvement and Road Maintenance Agreements • Final ROW Transmission Plats • Recorded Exemption for Graham Creek Substation Town of Ault • Town Road ROW Access I Driveway Permits • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan • Conditional Use Permit for Husky Substation • Site Plan for Husky Substation Western Area Power Administration • Categorical Exclusion • National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Review Other Development Permits / Reviews • Railroad Crossing Permit • Pipeline Coordination • Irrigation Ditch District Coordination • Migratory Bird Treaty Act 34 Xcel Energy '0, Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan Policies Table 2 presents Project compliance with applicable Weld County Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies. Table 2Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies Goals and Policies Discussion E. The intent of the agricultural goals is to support all forms of the agricultural industry and, at the same time, to protect the rights of the private property owners to convert their agricultural lands to other appropriate land uses. The Project will provide improved electrical capacity and reliability for both current agricultural uses and potential development on private agricultural lands. C. Land use regulations in the County should protect the infrastructure used for the delivery of water to users. The Project will use micro -siting to avoid impacts to canals, access to water infrastructure, wells, irrigation systems, and water pipelines. F. Land use policies should support a high -quality rural character which respects the agricultural heritage and traditional agricultural land uses of the County. The Project will provide electricity to residential and other land development in the County. F. The natural landscape and vegetation predominate over the built environment. The Project was sited to minimize visibility from residences and other sensitive viewpoints. Land crossed by the transmission line will remain in agricultural use. F. Agricultural land uses and development provide the visual landscapes traditionally found in rural areas and communities. The Project will be designed to blend with the natural landscape as much as possible. Less intrusive tubular steel structures will be used on the Project. B. A. Goal 2. Continue the commitment to viable agriculture in Weld County through mitigated protection of established (and potentially expanding) agricultural uses from other proposed new uses that would hinder the operations of the agricultural enterprises. PSCo will work with affected landowners to reduce effects in agricultural uses. H. A. Goal 8. Ensure that adequate services and facilities are currently available or reasonably obtainable to accommodate the requested new land use change for more intensive development. The Project will provide improved electrical capacity and reliability for development. Right to Farm Statement: Agricultural users of the land should not be expected to change their long-established agricultural practices to accommodate the intrusions of urban users into a rural area. PSCo will work with affected landowners to reduce effects in agricultural uses. Section 22-2-110 - Residential Development C. Supporting utilities and public services and related facilities are essential to any residential development. The Project will provide improved electrical capacity and reliability for development. 35 Xcel Energy '0, Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Table 2 Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies Goals and Policies Discussion Section 22-2-120 - Residential Development Goals and Policies A. R. Goal 2. Promote cost-effective delivery of facilities and services to residential development. The Project will provide improved electrical capacity and reliability for development. Article Ill Land Use Section 22-3-40 - Public Facility and Services A. P. Goal 1. Promote efficient and cost-effective delivery of public facilities and services. The Project will provide improved electrical capacity and reliability for development. B. P. Goal 2. Require adequate facilities and services to assure the health, safety and welfare of the present and future residents of the County. The Project will provide improved electrical capacity and reliability for Weld County. Article IV - Environmental Resources Section 22-4-10 - A. Air, water, waste, noise and other public health impacts from proposed land uses should be considered. The Project will implement BMPs relative to noise and public health considerations in the immediate vicinity of the transmission lines. The Project will use micro - siting to avoid impacts to public health or incremental contributions to noise pollution. Section 22-4-60 - Noise. Noise is a source of environmental pollution. Exposure to excessive noise levels over prolonged periods can be a threat to public health. The Project will implement BMPs relative to noise and public health considerations in the immediate vicinity of the transmission lines. The Project will use micro - siting to avoid impacts to public health or incremental contributions to noise pollution. Article V — Natural Resources Section 22-5-20 - Wildlife A. W. Goal 1. New development should be located and designed to conserve critical ecosystem components, including wetlands, significant wildlife habitats and migration corridors. The Project will implement BMPs, Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) guidelines, pre - construction surveys, avoidance measures, and micro -siting to avoid impacts to wildlife species and habitats. Mitigation and monitoring measures will be implemented, as appropriate. The Project will have minor impacts on wildlife species and habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. W.Policy 1.2. Conflicts with fish and wildlife habitats and migration routes should be considered in land development. Developments adjacent to rivers and streams, waterfowl areas and important or critical wildlife areas should incorporate reduced densities, adequate setbacks and buffered areas. The Project will implement BMPs, APLIC guidelines, pre -construction surveys, avoidance measures, and micro -siting to avoid impacts to wildlife species and habitats. Mitigation and monitoring measures will be implemented, as appropriate. The Project will have minor impacts on wildlife species and habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. W.Policy 1.3. Identify and attempt to protect critical or unique habitat areas of high public value, such as habitats of endangered or unique species, significant viewing areas and breeding and spawning areas. The Project will not impact any identified unique habitat areas or endangered species. 36 Xcel Energy '0, Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project Table 2 Compliance with Weld County Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies Goals and Policies Discussion Section and C. NR. limit 22-5-120 - Other Natural Policies Goal 3. 1. NR.Policy 3.1. the loss of soil through wind Resources Support and water efforts erosion. Goals to The Project avoid impacts soil resources and maintenance. will incorporate to soil will occur BMPs and resources. Potential during Project micro impacts construction -siting to to F. NR. Goal 6. Support preserve archeological, resources. efforts to record and cultural and historic The Project will use appropriate surveys and micro -siting archeological, cultural to and avoid historic field impacts resources. and desktop to Section and expansion of opportunities new 22-6-20. Policies. industries Economic A. ECON. Goal of existing businesses that will in the County. Development 1. Encourage and provide employment the Goals location the The and employment Project will reliability for opportunities. provide development improved electrical and creation capacity of new 3. ECON.Policy County services ensure that attracting businesses, 1.3. Maintain and infrastructure, the County is labor and improve a viable candidate and capital. in basic order to for The Project will and reliability for businesses, labor, provide development and capital. improved electrical and attraction capacity of new B. ECON. private consistent County. Goal economic with 2. Support development the Goals and and facilitate efforts Policies that of public the and are The Project will and reliability for businesses, labor, provide development and capital. improved electrical and attraction capacity of new Compliance with Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan In August 2018 the Town of Eaton updated and adopted their Comprehensive Plan. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan at the time of this application submittal, the Project does not enter either the Town of Eaton's municipal boundary or Urban Growth Boundary. The preferred and alternative Graham Creek Substation sites and supporting transmission lines would lie within the Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Planning Area. While there is no mention of transmission lines, electric lines, or substations in the plan, the Project is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan's goals and policies, which include the following: • Per the Land Use Map, future urban land uses are only proposed within the Urban Growth Area. o The Project lies outside of the Urban Growth Area in the Comprehensive Plan. • Goal 4.6: "Support the preservation of prime agricultural lands outside the Town of Eaton Urban Growth Boundary (p. 22)." o The Project is compatible and seeks to minimize effects to agricultural lands outside of the Urban Growth Boundary. • The Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Plan recommends that "areas designated Agricultural in the Planning Area (and outside the Urban Growth Area) should remain as agricultural and should not be annexed into the Town of Eaton. Outside of the Urban Growth Area, this Plan recommends a continuance of the existing non -urban agricultural uses. More 37 Xcel Energy° '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project intensive urban and suburban uses should only be allowed inside the Urban Growth Area" (page 43). o The Project does not propose annexation into the Town of Eaton. • "The Urban Growth Boundary is land that the community has determined to be appropriate for urban growth and annexation. Development outside of the designated Urban Growth Boundary is strongly discouraged" (p. 47). o The Project has been sited to avoid areas designated for urban growth and annexation. • "To ensure that annexations are in keeping with State statute, the Land Use Plan, and the goals and policies established in this Comprehensive Plan, the Town should require proposed development to meet the following criteria: It lies within the Urban Growth Boundary" (p. 48). o The Project has been sited outside of the Urban Growth Boundary and does not propose annexation into the Town of Eaton. • Goal 3: "Develop gateways into Eaton that will strengthen the identity of the Town and create a strong, favorable visual impression for those entering Eaton (p. 11)... The intersection of U.S. 85 and Collins St. should be developed as the primary southern gateway into Eaton...Additional secondary gateways should be developed on the northern end of Town at the intersection of U.S. 85 and County Road 76 and at the west end at the intersection of Collins St. and Fall Line Rd. (WCR 74 & 35)." o The Project is sited away from primary and secondary gateways near Highway 85. The Graham Creek Substation would be located more than one mile northwest of Collins St. and Fall Line Rd. (WCR 74 & 35). Policy 4.1.3: Prohibit the development of permanent structures within the floodway (p. 21). o No structures would be located within the floodway. In summary, the Project is compatible with the Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Plan. During the Comprehensive Plan's timeframe (5 to 7 years), private lands along the preferred route would not be annexed or subdivided into the Town of Eaton. Conformance with 1041 Permit Decision Criteria Sec. 21-3-340.A — Approval of Permit Application. 1. The health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the County will be protected and served. The Project is entirely based on the need to enhance electric service for residents of Weld County and its communities. This enhancement will be accomplished in a manner that does not adversely affect the health, welfare and safety of county residents. 2. The natural and socio-economic environment of the County will be protected and enhanced. A comprehensive effort was made to identify alternative transmission line routes and substation sites that would have the least potential impact on natural and socio-economic 38 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project conditions (Appendix B). In addition, the Project will be constructed and operated in a manner that will further reduce potential impacts (Appendix C). 3. All reasonable alternatives to the proposed action, including use of existing rights -of -way and joint use of rights -of -way 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. A complete discussion of the alternatives development and evaluation process is presented in Appendix B. Multiple alternatives were identified for all Project components and these alternatives were evaluated against a set of criteria that reflect the policy guidance contained in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan and Section 1041 regulations. The preferred routes follow existing public ROWS to the extent practical and were sited in a manner that minimizes adverse effects on agriculture, residential uses, and the natural setting. The alternatives represent a fair and reasonable utilization of resources in the impact area. 4. A satisfactory program to mitigate and minimize adverse impacts has been presented. See Appendices B and C. 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. The Project complies with applicable provisions of the Weld County Master Plan (Table 2) and the comprehensive plans of the communities of Ault and Eaton. The Project is necessary to accommodate residential and commercial growth proposed by Weld County and the communities of Ault and Eaton in their comprehensive plans. In addition, other local plans were reviewed, including the Weld County Transportation Plan. 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. The Project will enhance community services through the provision of safe and reliable electric energy, and greater capacity to support residential and commercial growth in Weld County. During both the construction and operational phases the Project will have minimal effects on community services. 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. The Project will have little demand for government services, including water, sewer, roads, and other services. Employment demands on government services to construct and operate the Project will be minimal. 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. The Project will be designed to effectively and safely operate under expected meteorological conditions. The preferred Graham Creek Substation is outside of the 500 -year floodplain. The 39 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project preferred transmission line would not cross or be located at the edge of any defined 100 year floodplain. 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. The Project has minimal water needs and its construction and operation will not adversely affect any water rights. 10. Adequate water supplies are available for facility needs. See number 9 above. 11. The nature and location of the facility or expansion will not unduly interfere with existing easements, rights -of -way, other utilities, canals, mineral claims or roads. PSCo does not anticipate that the Project will interfere with existing easement, ROWs, other utilities, canals, or mineral interest. PSCo will consult with utilities, easement holders, and canal ownership bodies to not unduly interfere with use of the property subject to the crossing. Refer to Section 21-3-330.B.2.b Project Access for additional information regarding County Road ROWs. 12. Adequate electric, gas, telephone, water, sewage and other utilities exist or shall be developed to service the site. The Project is critical to enhancing the safety, reliability and capacity of electrical utilities in Weld County. As previously discussed, the Project, including the new substations, will have no need for utility services. 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. A careful inventory of wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and other sensitive areas was conducted. The Project avoids all locations with sensitive resources and no effects on these resources are anticipated (see 21 -3 -330.B.7 —Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of the Project). No designated or high quality habitat areas will be impacted by the Project. No federally or state listed species are known to occur in the siting area and impacts are not anticipated. Appropriate avoidance measures and Environmental Protection Measures (Appendix C) will be implemented during construction to avoid sensitive wildlife habitats such as raptor or migratory bird nests and wetland areas. The Project is designed to implement, as necessary, APLIC electrocution and collision guidelines during operation. 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. No long-term effects to water or air quality will result from construction and operation of the Project. The Project will be designed to minimize the risk of adverse effects on water and air quality resources during construction (Appendix C). 15. The geological and topographic features of the site are adequate for all construction, clearing, grading, drainage, vegetation and other needs of the facility construction or expansion. 40 xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project No geologic hazards or steep slopes occur within the siting area. The Project will be designed to minimize adverse effects on soil, vegetation and agricultural resources (Appendix C) and all Project structures will be designed to accommodate the geotechnical and soil conditions that occur within the Project area. 16. The existing water quality of affected state waters will not be degraded below state and federal standards or established baseline levels. The Project will have no direct stormwater discharges. Construction and operation of the Project will incorporate measures intended to minimize accidental discharges or any adverse effects on water quality. See 21-3-330.B.16 - Surface and Subsurface Drainage and Appendix C. A detention pond has been incorporated into the Graham Creek Substation design for County review. 17. The proposed project 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. The Project has minimal water needs during construction and no water needs during operations. The Project will not result in any direct discharges, and will not result in disturbance to any streams, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface drainage features will be spanned and no effects to groundwater or aquifers will result from Project construction or operation. 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 development. The Project will have only minimal effects on natural resources, including wildlife habitat, wetlands, and other natural features (see 21 -3 -330.B.7 —Natural and Socioeconomic Environmental Impacts from Construction of the Project). The Graham Creek Substation site is currently in agricultural use in an urbanizing area of the County, and development of the substation will result in the conversion of less than 11 acres of cultivated land to an industrial use. The transmission line component of the Project will have minor effects on agricultural use. To the extent practical, the transmission line has been sited to avoid conflicts with agricultural center pivot irrigation systems, locating structures at the edge of the pivot where structures would not interfere with operation of the system. Further, PSCo will work with affected landowners in an effort to minimize adverse effects on agricultural use, including transmission structure placement and other construction and operational practices. The risk of adverse effects to natural resources and agricultural lands would be mitigated through application of Environmental Protection Measures (Appendix C). 19. The applicant has obtained or will obtain all property rights, permits and approvals necessary for the proposed project, including surface, mineral and water rights and easements 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. PSCo has acquired a land right for the Graham Creek Substation in the form of an option to purchase. PSCo has not acquired the necessary land rights for the Project transmission lines. Following the Board's approval of this Section 1041 Permit application PSCo will acquire all land rights needed to construct and operate the Project. All of the land rights will be recorded 41 xcel Energy° '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder prior to the start of the construction. PSCo cannot commence construction until the necessary land rights have been secured. 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: The means by which outdoor storage facilities for fuel, raw materials, equipment and related items are adequately enclosed by a fence or wall. The likelihood of hazardous materials or wastes being moved off the site by natural causes or forces. Containment of inflammable or explosive liquids, solids or gases. The Graham Creek Substation will not store toxic or hazardous substances and does not present an unreasonable risk of exposure to or release of these substances. The substation will be surrounded by a 10 -foot fence. See Section 21-8-330. B.5.g Hazards and Emergency Procedures. The Project transmission line is a linear facility; therefore, not applicable. See Appendix C and Appendix F for applicable protection measures. 21. The scope and nature of the proposed Project will not unnecessarily duplicate existing services within the County. No duplication of existing services would result from the Project. 22. If the purpose and need for the proposed project are 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. The population of Weld County has grown by approximately 28 percent per decade since the mid -1900's, which is more than triple the national average. Between 2000 and 2010, the county's population increased by almost 40 percent. Weld County was the fastest growing county in the nation during the period from 2000 to 2004 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population of Weld County is predicted to increase to over 500,000 by the year 2035, adding approximately 215,000 people over the current level (Weld County 2016). The Project will serve the increasing population of Weld County as well as growing energy demands associated with the expansion of business and commerce, including oil and gas operations and pivot irrigation. The Colorado PUC certified the need for the Project through issuance of a CPCN (Proceeding 17A -0146E). 42 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault Substation to Graham Creek Substation 230kV Transmission/Substation Project References Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2017. Potential Conservation Area and Network of Conservation GIS data. Available online at: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/download/gis.asp. Accessed January 24, 2018. Weld County. 2017. Assessor's Parcel Data, GIS data. Available online at: https://www.weldgov.com/departments/assessor. Accessed January 2, 2018. Weld County. 2017. Charter and County Code. Chapter 21 - Areas and Activities of State Interest. Available online at: https://library.municode.com/co/weld_county/codes/ charter _and _county code?nodeld=CH21ARACSTIN. Accessed January 16, 2018. Weld County. 2016. The Weld County Population and Development Report. Demographic Statistics and Trends for Weld County, Colorado. Maintained in compliance with Section 22-1-20.C of the Weld County Code. Updated September 26, 2016. 43 March 29, 2018 Appendix B: Amended Northern Colorado Area Plan: WAPA Ault to Graham Creek Transmission Routing and Substation Siting Study Public Service Company of Colorado In Support of a Section 1041 Areas and Activities of State Interest Major Facilities of a Public Utility Permit Application Weld County, Colorado Submitted by Logan Simpson 213 Linden Street, Suite 300 Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 IVY 0 G A N S I M P S C N 0 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study List of Acronyms APLIC BGEPA BMP CDOT CDOW CNHP C PW CR FAA Hwy Ifs kV MBTA NA NEPA NRCS NWI OAHP PSCo ROW SGCN USFWS USGS WAPA Avian Power Line Interaction Committee Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Best Management Practices Colorado Department of Transportation Colorado Division of Wildlife Colorado Natural Heritage Program Colorado Parks and Wildlife County Road Federal Aviation Administration Highway Isolated Find/Features Kilovolt Migratory Bird Treaty Act Not Applicable National Environmental Policy Act Natural Resource Conservation Service National Wetlands Inventory Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Public Service Company of Colorado Right -of -Way Species of Greatest Conservation Need U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey Western Area Power Authority ii Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Contents 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Project overview 1-3 1.2 Project Components 1-3 1.2.1 Structure Type ..1 -*4 1.2.2 Substation Design 14 1.2.3 Right -of -Way Requirements 1-5 2.0 Siting Study Process 2-9 2.1 Step 1: Establish the Siting Area 2-9 2.2 Step 2: Analyze Existing Policy Framework and Guidance .2-9 2.3 Step 3: Collect Relevant Land Use and Environmental Data 2-10 2.4 Step 4: Develop Opportunities and Constraints 2-11 2.5 Step 5: Define Preliminary Substation Sites and Alternative Transmission Routes 2-14 2.6 Step 6: Gather Public Input 2-16 2.7 Step 7: Develop Community -Based Evaluation Criteria 2-18 2.8 Step 8: Additional Data Collection, Substation Site and Transmission Route Refinement 2-18 2.9 Step 9: Rank and Document Results 2-22 3.0 Overview of the Project Siting Area Resources and Land Uses 3-23 3.1 Agricultural Uses 3-23 3.2 Residential Land Uses 3-24 3.3 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses 3-25 3.4 Recreational Land Uses 3-26 3.5 Institutional/Special Land Uses 3-26 3.6 Natural Resources 3-27 3.6.1 Surface Water, Riparian Areas, Wetlands, and Floodplains 3-27 3.6.2 Native and Landscape Trees 3-28 3.6.3 Environmental Conservation Areas 3-28 3.6.4 Wildlife 3-28 3.6.5 Special Status Species 3-31 3.6.6 Open Space and Conservation Easements 3-34 Historic and Cultural Resources ...3-34 Xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.0 Development and Evaluation of Alternative Substation Sites and Transmission Routes 4-1 4.1 Evaluation Criteria 4-1 4.1.1 Agricultural Uses ...4-5 4.1.2 Residential Land Uses ...4-5 4.1.3 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses 4-5 4.1.4 Recreational Land Uses 4-5 4.1.5 Institutional/Special Land Uses 4-5 4.1.6 Natural and Cultural Resources 4-6 4.1.7 Engineering Criteria 4-6 4.2 Substation Ranking and Results ...4-6 4.2.1 Graham Creek Substation Site 4-7 4.3 Alternative Transmission Route Ranking and Results 4-10 4.3.1 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Alternative Routes 4-10 4.3.2 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Route Evaluation Results 4-14 4.3.3 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Alternative Routes 4-17 4.3.4 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Route Evaluation Results4-17 4.4 Conclusions 4-23 4.4.1 Substation Results 4-24 4.4.2 Transmission Route Results 4-24 5.0 References 5-1 List of Tables Table 2-1 Table 3-1 Table 3-2 Table 3-3 Table 3-4 Table 3-5 Table 3-6 Table 3-7 Table 3-8 Table 4-1 Table 4-2 Table 4-3 Opportunities and Constraints Matrix 2-11 Main Crops Produced in the Siting Area 3-24 Significant Agricultural Lands in the Siting Area 3-24 Population Data for the Siting Area 3-25 Well Status 3-27 Wetland/Waterbody Features in the Siting Area 3-27 Raptor and Migratory Bird Species with Potential to Occur in the Siting Area 3-29 Historic Raptor Nests in the Survey Area 3-30 Special Status Species with Potential to Occur in the Siting Area 3-31 Evaluation Criteria 4-2 Graham Creek Substation Site Evaluation Results 4-9 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Route Evaluation Results 4-15 iv 0 Xcel Energy° Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-4 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Route Evaluation Results 4-22 List of Figures Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 6. Typical Transmission Structure - 230kV Double Circuit Tangent 1-4 Typical Transmission Structure - 230kV Double Circuit Tangent (Illustrative Only)1-6 Typical 230kV Double Circuit Deadend Structure (Illustrative Only) 1-7 General Arrangement of Graham Creek Substation (Illustrative Only) 1-8 Public Issue Importance to Transmission Line Siting 2-17 List of Maps Map 1. Map 2. Map 3. Map 4. Map 5. Map 6. Map 7 Map 8. Map 9. Map 10. Map 11. Map 12. Map 13. Project Component Overview 1-2 Opportunity and Constraints Composite 2-13 Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives 2-15 Residential Density, Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives 2-19 Oil and Gas Facility Density, Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives2-20 Combined Residential and Oil and Gas Density, Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives 2-21 Graham Creek Substation Alternative Sites 4-8 Alternative Routes and Substation Sites for Segment 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation 4-11 Agricultural Areas and Hydrology for Segment 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation .4-12 Existing Development in the Siting Area for Segment 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation .4-13 Alternative Transmission Routes and Substation Sites for Segment 2: Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 4-19 Agricultural Areas and Hydrology for Segment 2: Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 4-20 Existing Development in the Siting Area for Segment 2: Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 4-21 V Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Appendices Note to Reviewers: This Siting Study serves as Appendix B to the Weld County Section 1041 Permit application. The appendices listed below and cited within this Siting Study are components of the 1041 application. Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix 1041 Maps Transmission Routing and Substation Siting Study Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects 2017 Biological Resources Report 2016 Raptor Nest Survey Report Emergency Management Plan Graham Creek Substation Preliminary Drainage Assessment List of Surface Property Owners, Real Property Interests, and Title Commitment Summary of PSCo's Responses to Agency and Landowner Comment Letters vi Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 1.0 Introduction The purpose of this Siting Study is to present the alternative development and selection process for approximately 11.5 miles of electrical transmission line from the existing Western Area Power Authority (WAPA) Ault Substation to the proposed Graham Creek Substation. The Siting Study serves as an appendix to the Weld County Section 1041 Permit Application that is required for transmission line and substation project construction and operation. The Project, as defined in the Section 1041 Permit Application, includes improvements to the existing WAPA Ault Substation, a n ew WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation 230kV Transmission Line, a new Husky Substation (within the Town of Ault), a new Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 115kv/230 kV transmission line, and a new Graham Creek Substation. The Project will enhance electric safety and reliability of the Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) electric transmission system n orth of Greeley to better serve local needs. When the Project is complete, the existing PSCo Ault Substation and Eaton Substation will be decommissioned. The overall purpose of the Siting Study is to demonstrate to applicable municipal and county jurisdictions and the public that reasonable alternative locations for the transmission route and substations were fully considered. Selection of the preferred transmission route and substation sites was based on a careful review of adopted plans, current land uses, potential impacts on n atural and cultural resources, and engineering and cost criteria. Public input was solicited and considered in project planning and a summary is provided in Section 2.7 of this report. The general location for the Project was initially identified based on the need for transmission infrastructure upgrades. The siting area is an area of sufficient size to include all reasonable alternative transmission routes and substation sites. All analyses for the project background and evaluation criteria are limited in geographic scope to this siting area. The siting area is in northern Colorado, north of Greeley. An overview of the siting area and Project components are presented in Map 1. The locations of existing land uses, including buildings,. residences, agricultural irrigation systems, roads, infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities within the siting area were considered in both alternative development and evaluation. In addition, natural and cultural resources were evaluated. This report begins with a project overview that includes the purpose and need and the Project design criteria. Chapter 2 then describes the siting study process, including an analysis of existing policy framework and guidance; data collection; development of evaluation criteria, development of alternatives, and evaluation of alternatives based on the evaluation criteria. Chapter 3 presents an overview of the siting area and background data for a variety of land uses, and natural and cultural resources. Finally, the evaluation criteria are defined, and results of the evaluation are presented and summarized with detailed mapping for alternative transmission routes and substation sites in Chapter 4. The Siting Study concludes with recommendations for a preferred transmission route and two new substation sites. 11 Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 1. Project Component Overview :t 4 0 X L S 7 3 n OI Ere CZ ll m 3 n r e. f 1� �t We R GNV r.� + e r) C • Segment : ---i7VVAPA A int to Husk NUNN cti' eke ,v Like • 411^ -A le �:.. SEVERANCE WINDSOR y 1 La r` J 41 1 a n M e; " Lax'f>:•=cuuldy'Rcl-74 M'QckarLaKe� — i7 _ ta l s _ • . _ _ -r a An"t&/ope R.9crvair PIERCE (OJrltyR&M- Pre. 1 u r Lone vJ Segm n tp 2 u --. .-_ --s, 'Husky to Graham C eek I C22 ' curityr.d-90-- Neff 'Mice i I 1 Seers vt Lak9 G RE E LEY Irrt t A"_4i th.c i Sy A't a‘t911 a 1 era Li, eL Courty kc-7S EATON r~ 4,1 -- 1 EVANS /r' 4 0 C,71. *Gr!w Rasgiironuc t t Otte/ Creek RAEileir d Deitig ttr 131 Fort Col in;.ii 1-r5,1 GreeVy Sterling Fort Morgan Proposed Transmissicri Siting Aso.: Existing Substations Other Substations Xcel Energy Seim -Latium Existing Tranemiseion (Voltage) 230 kV 115 kV 44 kV Cities Urban Growth Spun& r/ 05 2 Romelem 3 INAPA AULT TO GRAHAM CREEK Project Area Overview Xcel Energy 1-2 0 Xcel Energy° Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 1.1 Project Overview The Project will replace the existing aging 44kV electric infrastructure throughout the region with higher voltage facilities. The 44kV system is one of the oldest transmission assets owned by PSCo, with infrastructure dating back to the early 1900's. If the Project is not constructed, PSCo will continue to have electric safety and reliability issues with the 44kV transmission system resulting in intermittent power interruptions to customers, higher operations and maintenance costs during outages, and reduced reliability. 1.2 Project Components The Project includes a transmission line and related substations designed to increase safety, reliability, load -serving capability, and resource accommodation in Weld County, including the communities of Ault and Eaton. The Project consists of the following components: WAPA Ault Substation • Improvements will be made within the perimeter fence to upgrade the existing WAPA Ault Substation to accommodate the double -circuit 230kV transmission line. WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation 230kV Transmission Line • The transmission line will be built from the existing WAPA Ault Substation to a new PSCo Husky Substation. The transmission line will be approximately 3.7 miles long and built double -circuit 230kV capable. Only one circuit will initially be operated at 230kV. • This new Husky Substation will be located within the Town of Ault and will be subject to review and approval by the Town of Ault. The Husky Substation is planned to be located west of the existing PSCo 44kV Ault Substation (different than the substation of the same name operated by WAPA in unincorporated Weld County). • The existing PSCo Ault Substation will be decommissioned because its use will no longer be needed at the completion of the Project. The decommissioning of transmission lines is dependent on an evaluation of the line condition and electrical system needs. Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 115kV/230 kV Transmission Line • The transmission line between the Husky and Graham Creek substations will be approximately 7.7 miles long and will be built double -circuit 230kV capable. Only one circuit will initially operate at 115kV. Graham Creek Substation • The Graham Creek Substation will be located near the Town of Eaton in unincorporated Weld County. • This substation would replace PSCo's 44kV Eaton Substation (within the Town of Eaton municipal boundary), which would be decommissioned because its use will no longer be required at the completion of the Project. The decommissioning of transmission lines is dependent on an evaluation of the line condition and electrical system needs. 1-3 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study • The Graham Creek Substation will be constructed to accommodate distribution upgrades and improve system safety and reliability. Typical transmission structures are illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The Project will also include the decommissioning of the old 44kV substations in the area. This includes the existing Ault Substation near the Town of Ault, and Eaton Substation within the town of Eaton. Decommissioning will result in all assets at these facilities being fully retired or brought out of service. 1.2.1 Structure Type The transmission line will be constructed using double -circuit, single -pole self-supporting steel structures. The structures will range in height from 80 to 130 feet. Steel monopole structures are planned for the Project because steel has a longer lifespan than wood and they are better suited for the engineering design criteria of the transmission line. Figure 1 illustrates a typical monopole structure. Monopole structures also generally have a smaller footprint than other types of transmission structures. The selected finish will be galvanized steel. Figures 2 and 3 present transmission line structure cross -sections. The typical span length between structures is 800 to 900 feet, but longer spans of 1,000 feet or more can be achieved to traverse sensitive areas such as wetlands and pivot irrigation systems. Figure 1. Typical Transmission Structure - 230kV Double Circuit Tangent All angle and corner structures will typically be placed on drilled pier foundations while tangent structures will typically be directly embedded. All design criteria will comply with applicable state and federal statutes and codes, including the design of the National Electrical Safety Code and PSCo's design standards. 1.2.2 Substation Design Electric distribution substations are a key component of any electric delivery system because they are the main transition point between the high voltage transmission levels and lower voltage distribution levels. Distribution substations receive electric power from high voltage transmission lines and serve to reduce, or "step-down", these higher voltage levels to lower voltage levels. Once the voltage is reduced, it is distributed to customers by way of electric distribution lines or "feeders." Substations typically contain a number of electrical components and related physical supporting structures including: 1) dead-end structures and static masts; 2) voltage modification devices 1-4 xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting study called transformers, regulators, and capacitors; 3) circuit protection and control devices called switches, relays, and circuit breakers; and 4) high voltage cables or rigid tubing typically referred to as a bus, which carry electricity between components of the substation. The heart of all substations is the transformer. The transformer and all other associated equipment are referred to as a transformer bay. To accommodate the substation components, approximately 10 acres will be graded and fenced at the Graham Creek Substation (Figures 4). Both substations will contain an equipment enclosure, transformer, capacitor bank and switches to support the distribution feeders. Typically, dead-end structures and static masts are approximately 55 to 62 feet tall. Typical busses are approximately 35 feet tall and electrical equipment enclosures are generally no taller than 15 feet. Grading and landscaping amenities can require additional area, typically increasing the substation site size. Design details will be determined through future engineering efforts. The total site size depends on the existing topography and visual screening opportunities. The substations will require access roads capable of supporting the transformers, which can weigh in excess of 135,000 lbs. The typical access road width is 24 feet with maximum slopes of 6 to 8 percent. 1.2.3 Rig ht -of -Way Requirements To construct, operate, and maintain the transmission lines, PSCo will negotiate and acquire a non- exclusive electric transmission line easement. The transmission line will require an easement width ranging from 100 to 150 feet. The transmission facilities will be constructed entirely within newly acquired easement. Trees within the easement will be removed if they impede safe construction and operations of the transmission line. Substations will be constructed and operated entirely within properties acquired under Fee Title by PSCo. Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study z 0 1D 0 CO T Ul7 (1) ZCI U) 9 W 2 tY 0 cn o_ O O 11 5/412015 4:00:07 PM NOTE 9. _,9- 54-0# 2" 11-0" I MRK- HOT -OO3-DO1 INY-SLIS-120-0O1 NOTE 2 INY-SETS-120-002 -10"--I 24-0" INY-SUS -120-001 WY-HLP-11O-001 GND-IRR -255- 002 GNO-W1R-255-O01 ASSEMBLY STR-SRSAHBOO FCR STEEL POLE QTY SUBASSEMBLIES 1 6 6 4 2 1 1N D -\M R-255-001 G'N ❑-WI R-2 5.S -1n; INY-N LP -110-001 INY-SUS-12O-001 INY-SUS-12O-002 MRK-FIDT-003-001 15.-O` 154-0* NOTES: 1_ FIT -SUS -020 -ODOR (OW 2) OR 1I1 -SIDS -212-001 (01Y 0 OR 1) DEPENDING ON SHIELDISRE TYPE 2. FIT -SUS- -Xat (OW 6) XPEIVI1NO ON CONDUCTOR TYPE THIS MAP/DOCUMENT S A TOOL TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR JOBS.YO lR PERSONAL SAFETY IS PROVIDED FOR BY USING SAFETY PRACT.CES, PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT AS DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS, MANUALS AND SPARS. INTERNAL INFORMATION: DO NOT COPY OR DISTRIBUTE WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT FROM XCEL ENERGY 230kV DOUBLE CIRCUIT TANGENT VERTICAL BRACED LINE POST, ANCHOR BOLT FOUNDATION XcelEnergy° SRSAHBOO SCALE REV 0 Figure 2. Typical Transmission Structure - 230kV Double Circuit Tangent (Illustrative Only) 1-6 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 5/20/2015 9:34:56 AW V-0" -I r- V -0w 1_w NOTE A Iy1IC-HOT -003-001 1a-C- CND--W --255-002 NOTE 2 B CND -wry -255-O02 CPC -WIR-255-O01 1 Er-i3- INY'-IHIP-1 12-001 ASSEMBLY STR-SRDAHS0O FOR STEEL POLE QTY SUBASSEMBLIES 1 10 6 12 1 r G MD -WI R-2.55.001. G NJD-WI R -2550O2 I NY -H LP -112-O01 I NG-BEL-004-O76 MRK-H DT -303-0O1 VIEW A -A STATIC DEADEND INC-etL-004-070 VIEW B -B CONDUCTOR DEADEND NOTES; 1. ITT -DES-010-016 (OTT 2 CO 4) OR F1T-DES-XXX-DUI (OTY 0 OR 2) DEPENDING ON %BELQAMRE TYPE PIT-CES- XXX -xxx (OTT 12) OR rn- DEC -la c-xxx (OTAY 12) FOR 636 CML MO AMIE MO SIT-CRN-XXX-XXX ON 6) DEMONIC ON CONDUCTOR TYPE THIS MAP/DOCUMENT IS A TOOL TO ASSIST EMPLOYEES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR JOBSXOIJR PERSONAL SAFETY IS PROVIDED FOR BY USING SAFETY PRACTICES, PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT AS DESCRIBED IN THE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMS, MANUALS AND SPARS. INTERNAL INFORMATION: DO NOT COPY OR DISTRIBUTE WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT FROM XCEL ENERGY 230kV DOUBLE CIRCUIT DEADEND VERITCAL WITH ARMS, ANCHOR BOLT FOUNDATION XcelEnergy° SRDAHSOO SCALE REV 0 Figure 3. Typical 230kV Double Circuit Deadend Structure (Illustrative Only) 1-7 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 7 p r I i I • J .4. rt R - r III � { . 4 �Jf .J in -a-. zratethr" ,warch -Sart flp-3 lL ,L:11• t e -7-- 3 I a +' 1 4 a 3 S W. fr r1• Fit): f E flbJd . AC.0 rrf. P1.1pilr I I 1 I a 03 0 r IN N N N I E 1 Ia IL Y` Figure 4. General Arrangement of Graham Creek Substation (Illustrative Only) Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 2.0 Siting Study Process PSCo uses an open and comprehensive process when siting new substations and transmission routes. This process considers electric system planning, economics, the natural and cultural environment, public involvement, regulatory issues, land rights, and engineering criteria. The substations were sited first, located close to existing substations and to the existing and projected energy load, followed by development and evaluation of potential transmission routes. The overall siting study process for defining and analyzing alternatives is summarized below. The process is fluid and refinements are incorporated at all stages of project development. Each step in the Siting Study relies on accurate data. Step 3 below presents data sources and collection methods. Data collected during this step were initially used to inform the substation site and transmission route development process and is summarized in Chapter 3. The data were then used to locate and then evaluate each of the alternatives. Maps showing the alternatives and their relationship to each of the data categories are included in Chapter 4. Chapter 4 also provides a more detailed discussion of how each route interacts with the mapped resource occurrences. A detailed discussion of Siting Study results is presented in Section 4.4. The Siting study process followed these iterative steps: • Step 1: Develop utility engineering requirements and establish the siting area; • Step 2: Analyze existing policy framework and guidance; • Step 3: Collect relevant land use and environmental data; • Step 4: Develop opportunities and constraints; • Step 5: Define preliminary substation sites and alternative transmission routes; • Step 6: Gather public input; • Step 7: Develop community -based evaluation criteria; • Step 8: Additional data collection,. substation site and transmission route refinement; and • Step 9►: Rank and document results. .1 Step 1: Establish the Siting Area A siting area was defined with sufficient area to accomplish electrical system objectives and encompass a reasonable range of transmission routing and substation siting alternatives. The overall siting area extends from the vicinity of the WAPA Ault Substation in the northwest to the Cloverly Substation vicinity in the southeast, an area approximately 10 miles wide from east to west and 12 miles long from north to south (Map 1). 2.2 Step 2: Analyze Existing Policy Framework and Guidance The Weld County Code, Chapter 22, Comprehensive Plan (Weld County 2O17a), the Town of Ault Comprehensive Plan (Town of Ault 2Oo8) and 2018 Town of Eaton Comprehensive Plan (Town of Eaton 2003) have been reviewed, and the Project is consistent with the intent of these Comprehensive Plans, including land use, natural resources, and cultural resources. The guidance in Weld County's adopted 1041 regulations and Town of Ault's adopted Conditional Use Plan and Site Plan regulations are the primary focus for this Siting Study and the associated permit 2-9 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study applications. Key points from these land use policies and regulations include consideration of and minimizing effects on key natural and cultural resources and land uses through a study of alternative transmission routes and substation sites including: • Agricultural lands, infrastructure, and uses; • Residential land uses; • Industrial and commercial uses; • Recreational land uses; • Institutional land uses; • Natural and cultural resources; and • Engineering criteria. While the Project does not enter either the Town of Eaton's municipal boundary or Urban Growth Boundary, the preferred and alternative Graham Creek Substation sites and supporting transmission lines would lie within the Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Planning Area. The Town of Eaton's Comprehensive Plan recommends that areas designated Agricultural in the Planning Area (and outside the Urban Growth Area) should remain as agricultural and should not be annexed into the Town of Eaton" (page 43). Agricultural land in the Planning Area (and outside the Urban Growth Area) should remain as agricultural and should not be annexed into the Town of Eaton" (page 43). 2.3 Step 3: Collect Relevant Land Use and Environmental Data Relevant information on land use, natural resources, and other criteria was collected within an overall siting area (Chapter 1). Within this broad siting area, initial data collection was completed, including jurisdictional boundaries, land uses, oil and gas facilities, existing transmission lines, and other relevant data needed to provide an overall characterization of the siting area and define initial siting criteria and opportunities. Baseline GIS data was collected using a number of sources, including, but not limited to: • The towns of Ault and Eaton; • Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT); • Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP); • Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; • Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW); • Digitized data from aerial imagery, including orthographic imagery flown in February 2018; • Greeley - Weld County Airport and Crop Air, Inc. Airport • Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soils data; • Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP); • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; 2-10 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); • Weld County; and • PSCo. Some data was field verified; however, the extent of this effort was limited since much of the siting area is comprised of privately owned land, which without landowner permission, can only be viewed from county roads. LiDAR aerial imagery was collected with features digitized in spring 2018. Additional information on land use and resources found within the siting area is provided in Chapter 3. 2.4 Step 4: Develop Opportunities and Constraints The intent of the opportunities and constraints step is to demonstrate that sensitive and constrained land uses and resources shaped a reasonable range of transmission route and substation site alternatives. The data was synthesized into a set of opportunity, sensitive and constraint values, shown in Table 2-1. The Opportunities and Constraints Map is provided as Map 2 Table 2-1 Opportunities and Constraints Matrix Criteria Opportunity Areas Sensitive Areas Constraint Areas Agricultural Land Use Agricultural Land Use Rangeland/Uncultivated Cultivated lands Center irrigation pivot systems and drip Residential Land Use Residential Land Use NA Residences 200 feet (within of buildings) Residential subdivisions areas and Industrial/Commercial Land Use Industrial/Commercial Buildings NA Within industrial/commercial 100 buildings feet of NA Feedlots NA Crosses a feedlot Recreational Land Use Parks/Recreation Sites NA Within 500 feet Park and properties recreation Institutional/Special Land Use Airports NA N/A County (FAA Within Within private Greeley Airport Part 1,000 77 airports Surfaces), -Weld Airspace feet of Surface Ownership NA Parks, cemeteries Conservation Easements Oil and Gas Wells NA NA Within 200 other feet facility of well or 2-11 Xcel Energy '01 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 2-1 Opportunities and Constraints Matrix Criteria Opportunity Areas Sensitive Areas Constraint Areas Natural and Cultural Resources Historic and Cultural Sites NA Centennial Farm Within cultural 100 feet site of a Surface Water Lake/Reservoir River/ NA Within 0.125 mile of water body NA Wetlands NA NA Within (NWI wetland Database) boundary Floodplains NA Within boundary 100 year floodplain of Substation only Threatened Endangered Critical Species Habitat and NA NA Within specified of habitat distance Avian (e.g., Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk nests or roosts) NA Within roosting 0.5 mile of or nesting sites Bald Concentration, Roost Eagle Areas Winter Engineering Criteria' Roads Adjacent to existing ROW NA NA Railroads Adjacent (beyond 200 to ROW feet) NA 200 Parallel feet of and existing within ROW Transmission Lines Adjacent transmission to use existing to existing lines or ROW ability NA NA Not Applicable (NA) 1 Floodplains, adjacent land use, surface water are also considered with engineering criteria. Of these constraints, two in particular influenced alternatives due to their prevalence throughout the siting area: residences and subdivisions; and oil and gas facilities. Maps 4, 5 and 6 present these two constraints in a different format. These "density maps" highlight the complexity of the project siting area and the challenges of siting a transmission line through this area. The density of development, both residential and oil and gas facilities, is high in many portions of the siting area, which results in only a few areas with a lower level conflicts. The route alternatives that were identified and evaluated avoid higher density development to the extent practical. Also evident in a review of the density maps is the fact that the density of residential and oil and gas development is not limited to the area immediately surrounding the Town of Eaton. In fact, areas of higher density development extend several miles to the east and preclude the opportunity to minimize conflicts by simply heading further east. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 2. Opportunity and Constraints Composite a 31S Y9 P x u1t S t!thstatio rw4J 0TH TWN 0 R14G 66Iti as-- i• aroma Tow'n1of Eat n TIME! RAry NG6w L•'\R1hAENR M&O1Ri0'A ADAMS • ', Proposed Transrn ssion Siting Area Existing Features Canals Railroad • Constraint Sensitive Area Cultivated Agriculture Cities Existing Transmission (Voltage) 230kV 115kV e— 44kV Kilcmetas 0 0!. 1:100,000 WARA AU LT TO GRAHAM CREEK Opportunities and Constraints Xcel Energy 2-13 Xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 2$ Step 5: Define Preliminary Substation Sites and Alternative Transmission Routes During this step, an exhaustive range of alternative substation sites and transmission routes was contemplated and subsequently defined. The opportunity, sensitive, and constraint values shown in Table 2-1 were considered to the extent possible. Map 3 provides an overview of the transmission route and substation site alternatives, including several that were considered but eliminated. The Project is being driven by electrical transmission and the need to improve the safety and reliability of the transmission system which has a higher failure rate due to the age and condition of the existing 44kV lines and is resulted in lower reliability for the customers served by these substations. The location of transmission routes and substations is determined by engineering criteria, including the ability to cost effectively connect substations and serve load centers, while considering all of opportunity and constraints above and the evaluation criteria defined in Step 7. For purposes of the analysis in this siting study, a preliminary centerline was defined for all potential alternative transmission routes. The preliminary centerlines were used to calculate distances from oil and gas facilities, residences, and the other considerations included in the route evaluation criteria (Table 4-1). It should be recognized that these preliminary centerlines are subject to adjustment following further consultation with landowners and more detailed project design. In order to provide a reasonable degree of flexibility to accommodate landowner preferences and minimize potential impacts, a corridor was defined with a width of 500 feet on either side of the preliminary centerlines. The application to Weld County under their Section 1041 regulations requests approval of the preferred route with an allowance for centerline adjustments within these defined corridors if merited. The location of new substations is driven by the ability to provide electrical capacity and acceptable voltage to customers both normally and as backup support to other substations and feeders when there is a failure. Locations were identified within the designated siting area that met this technical capability in combination with the opportunity and constraints above and the evaluation criteria defined in Step 7. Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 3. Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives ]FW'pessusp.I:iiapsiep-sits K.tS6:JCW U411l10: piss C UnSlilarcEl£ 8'SI38]1FuIf44 Atswj pidy, d -x � 8Y14Pi PULP:Iterate c. 4 —4 l (A'41 • frS `-,• 1 • r i • I S -a 7 Woods •. Lake � I cm C- a 8 courty da71 :y r • • atilt+ Rd:Fi Husky 85 Graham r Graham w II N GREELEY t r . ram sale 'II b An16'e©p PaDewar, 0 0 CounlyR:d=88 A a • erahars.4 Q rahara ? C.caz2eus rY. I I 0E-77. y, J ar ' ti c 7 ._ .T r-- 263) CR Che \tit Pit! r^ STATION v4. to. • a CreV r1'lei! ., - 47.-717-2==n=-71 • \ L.4 R I P:1 'E R " 1/k. E - ry 1Fort€ollins Sterling -A VrGree y ,-• Fort Morgan"�� by (�u R,$,4! 17 J rim b_ De1L�I^A RAF iiE F�iti RI".h. I C D C r .- I C. I Preferred Route Alternative Route Route Considered but Dismissed Proposed Substation Alternative Substation nProposed Transmission Siting Area Existing Substations Other Substations Xcel Energy Substations Existing Transmission (Voltage) *— 230 kV 115 kV 0 ,1i sys 44 k'V Cries Urban Growth 3aundery 03 1 0 1 1.112,C'01 2 f`iwner. �: �k WAPAAULT TO GRAHAM CREEK Routes Considered and Dismissed Xcel Energy° Erpcsrtnu on: d11iOR'§ 2-15 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 2.6 Step 6: Gather Public Input Three public meetings were held on October 25, 2017 in Ault, on January 24,. 2018 in Eaton, and on May 16, 2018 in Eaton. PSCo has been taking public comments since then for the following p urposes. • To introduce the community to the Project; • To gather comments to aid in refinement of evaluation criteria used in the Siting Study; • To refine transmission route alternatives through community comments; • To refine substation site alternatives through community comments; • To identify additional issues that the permit applications should address; and • To satisfy Weld County 1041 and Town of Ault Conditional Use Permit / Site Plan requirements. The Weld County Section 1041 Permit application process requires notification of landowners within 500 feet of the property boundary or corridor under development review. PSCo expanded upon this requirement and notified landowners within 0.5 miles of the alternative corridors about each meeting via a direct mailed flyer. Meetings were also publicized via a newspaper advertisement in the Greeley Tribune and on PSCo's Project website: xcelenergy.com/northerncolorado. In addition, a number of interested individuals and entities, including local governments, were contacted directly by PSCo by email and phone prior to the meetings. A total of 12 community members attended and signed in for the October 2017 open house. A total of 73 community members attended and signed in for the January 2018 open house. A total of 58 community members attended and signed in for the May 2018 open house. These people viewed information materials and maps, both hard copy and at interactive GIS stations. Representatives from PSCo and Logan Simpson were available and answered questions. One GIS station was available at the January 2018 open house for community members to view specific areas of the Project and make comments electronically. If desired, hard copy maps were created for these people to take with them. Two such GIS stations were available at the May 2018 open house. In addition to verbal input, a total of seven comments were received from the public during and immediately following the October 2017 open house. Nearly 50 comments and email correspondence were received from the public during and immediately following the January 2018 meeting. Approximately 66 comments were received during and immediately following the May 2018 open house. Comments were submitted on hard copy comment forms, in emails, and electronically at the interactive GIS stations. Comment forms included an option to select the issues that are important to participants in transmission line siting, or write in their own (Figure 6). Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Figure 5. Public Issue Importance to Transmission Line Siting The primary concerns and comments raised through public participation include: • Benefits from the Project would include improved electric reliability and fewer outages; • Benefits from the Project ►would include increased electriccapacity in the area; • Concerns about the transmission line and substation in proximity to residences; • Concerns about the potential impacts from high -voltage transmission lines on human health and lifestyles; • Concerns about noise caused by an overhead high -voltage transmission line; • Concerns about visual impacts from the transmission line and substations; • Concerns that property values will be negatively impacted by the presence of an overhead high -voltage transmission line; • Concerns about impacts from transmission structures to farming operations such as aerial spraying and tractors, farmland and irrigation systems, and access to agricultural areas and infrastructure; • Concerns about siting the transmission line through a property, rather than along a property boundary; • Concerns about impacts to future development and development potential by the presence of an overhead high -voltage transmission line; • Concerns about impacts from an overhead high -voltage transmission line to historic farms and buildings. • Concerns about impacts on oil and gas facilities, pipelines, canals, access to farmland and agricultural infrastructure. • Concerns about fair compensation for loss of crops and future use of farmland. 2-17 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study • Concerns about traffic and maintenance activities. • Concerns about EMF impacts to cattle in feedlots and livestock, in general. • Preference to locate transmission line and substations on property owned by the City of Thornton in Weld County because it is gradually removing irrigation from their properties and possibly ceasing cultivation. All attendees were encouraged to provide additional comments to PSCo by phone, email, or on the hard -copy comment forms that were provided at the meetings. Specific comments were logged in a contact database. PSCo representatives offered to make personal visits to concerned landowners. Several contacts and appointments were conducted to follow up with these individuals, including property visits. As a result of public comments new routes, route segments, and micrositing adjustments were developed and analyzed. 2.7 Step 7: Develop Community -Based Evaluation Criteria Through the above review of community plans and public input, criteria categories were identified that allowed an evaluation of potential impacts of the Project. Within each category, measurable parameters were determined to allow a comparison of alternatives relative to one another. Siting criteria are shown in Table 4-1 and explained further in Chapter 4. A series of tables in Chapter 4 presents the results of the criteria evaluation process for both substation sites and transmission routes in two separate substation -to -substation segments, as shown on Map 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation and Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation. 2.8 Step 8: Additional Data Collection, Substation Site and Transmission Route Refinement Once preliminary alternative transmission routes and substation sites had been identified, additional information was collected to create a consistent database for their evaluation. Through this process,. which included field visits and review of aerial imagery, new information was obtained, including the locations of residences, oil and gas facilities, and other relevant data. This information was then used to refine possible transmission routes, resulting in the adjustment of alternative routes where practical, and in some cases elimination of an alternative when an impact could not be adequately mitigated. Routes carried forward for detailed analysis are shown on the density maps (Maps 4, 5 and 6). More detailed mapping of the transmission route and substation site alternatives carried forward for detailed analysis is presented in Chapter 4. Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 4. Residential Density, Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives p audempiscrpria tsulce aaeoleet ieinev cs itg it.itWd5&Je.Y:c_+tdewMinna: pleCuf-ISIllarcE1£9'SID931Furp-cbAtsiujPita%d,x 8 4LSIUL'O'r-efal-5Sl t I assareaPols } f at I ►- County Rd -!a O ti =alai 2144Plidini Graham;, t. '1. He'd Nan Lare cf sr I nasscerwr _Si- Aultult Energy) EATON 5'. Seeey Lake L. GREELEY sic t I!•au Il (l ii • ,x. •1 G County Ro- l. C 0 v 78. 1al) ci h N e I THERMO p44tar1FDRY MONFORTT 2 u` L SUBSTATION 163 R ---------- 'c -- - \LARI WI ;1/ 'NE D Foort Collins Sterling r;;I Gree .,:1�.. Fort Morgan .* -- " '— i . 4.4i f $F�. Ry ' I C _ D c ", 17� Preferred Transmission Route Alternative Transmission Route Proposed Substation Alter na Live Subsea Lion Proposed Transmission Citing Area Existing Substations ® Other Substations Xcel Energy Substations Existing Transmission (Voltage) •- 230 kV 115 kV • 44 kV L..; Urban Growth Boundary Residence Density Is High Low 0 C.4 TS ass 0 0.75 1.112,00D 1.: 3 k WARAAULT TO GRAHAM CREEK Project Area Overvievo Residence Density 7 Xcel Energy° EtttwtAtl on: Q3PR'fl 2-19 Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 5. Oil and Gas Facility Density, Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives 1) 1—aja:147B1SI1aT.5RK; X^a rdlnln Cniny RMA rdiD3CIS,6 3L3yeuLSlUnend routhernarbtA"apsWr[je^.' Ar.ea_fC%orriat_OlCooLUraiy_HeaSAop.-ed a a r I� I a 0 4 V 22. M N CJLn,y Rd -74 Rowe al NO 4 S_ t*J a ti f.ie man Lal:c 1 County z(d &J Enercy) EATON 5ee'ey Lake St 4 a • ;,2.- 9s les IY GREELEY i A. - - 1 l St -'I 1EihrS 3 4 t ountt Rd -9Q 4.1 U Ca me or��rc4 Zirgaai irikfaciligiaNTA gittilriCntlf II cfVrw'teli.::� - 1La.RIl:IER L 'r\'E-2 kFp t Collins Sterling . Vr Gree ey Fort l lorga '- a5 .1,73.601,c n jI J `. 417AMS l y i11C 1 / i — 411 "Ic lc -DCSIT Preferred Transmission Route s Alternative Transmission Route tin Proposed Substation Alternative Substation Proposed Transmission Citing Area Existing Substations Other Substations Xcel Energy Substations Existing Transmission (Voltage) •— 230 kV e— 115 kV le— 44 kV 1---_; Urban Growth Boundary Oil and Gas Density Is High ire Low 0 C.4 TS s 55 0 0.75 1:112, 00 1.: 3 k WARAAULT TO GRAHAM CREEK Project Area Overvieth Oil and Gas Density Xcel Energy EY;ttwftAtl on: Q3PR't! 2-20 Xcel Energy(n� Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 6. Combined Residential and Oil and Gas Density, Transmission Route and Substation Site Alternatives Ruw es Ave r—counly Ri-74 EjYY and On: (ru R't 91 County Rd -88 • GREELEY Gr.!ram 5,, t h Pi :7 C nEii ake THERMO Rey error( ADAMS I *a Preferred Transmission Route Alternative Transmission RoL to Proposed Substation Alternative Substation Proposed Transmission Siting .Ares Existing Substations O Other Substations ® Xcel Energy Substations Existing Transmission (Voltage) 230 IN 115 kVr' •E- 44 I•,4' Urban Growth 3oundary Oil, Gas, and Residence Density High C 4*5 5S5 o 015 1:112,0DD Kilometers 3 WAPAAULT TO GRAHAM CREEK Project Area Overview 2-21 Xcel Energy° Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 2.9 Step 9: Rank and Document Results A systematic and thorough analysis of transmission route and substation site alternatives was conducted to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. The results are presented without weighting to identify which alternative, on balance, offers the greatest advantages while minimizing potential effects. The results of this analysis are documented in Chapter 4. Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 3.0 Overview of the Project Siting Area Resources and Land Uses 3.1 Agricultural Uses The siting area primarily consists of rural and agricultural land. Scattered structures including residences; farm buildings; fences; silos; and center pivot, drip, row, and flood irrigation systems are present throughout. Approximately 29,908 acres of irrigated land, including 161 center pivot irrigation systems, are within the siting area. Maps 9 and 12 present agricultural land in the siting area for Segments 1 and 2, respectively. Both dryland and irrigated cultivation is conducted in the siting area. A complex system of ditches and canals provide water for agriculture. The main crops produced are presented in Table 3-1. In addition, a variety of livestock is maintained in the siting area including cattle,. horses, goats, and sheep. Feedlots for cattle and other livestock are a major land use and are distributed throughout the siting area. The significant agricultural lands spatial dataset identifies agricultural lands of national, state, and local importance. The hierarchy ranks lands of national importance as having the highest significance and lands of local importance as having a lower significance. In general, the more important lands are irrigated and were previously designated by the NRCS as prime farmland. Table 3-2 presents significant agricultural lands in the siting area; Maps 9 and 12 display the distribution of significant agricultural lands. In general, these lands are evenly distributed throughout the siting area with the exception of those areas that have become urbanized. In 1986, the Colorado Centennial Farms program was created by Governor Lamm, the Colorado Historical Society (now History Colorado), and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to recognize the important role agriculture has played in Colorado's history and economic development. The program awards families who have owned and operated their farm or ranch for 100 years or more and have successfully preserved historic buildings on their farms and ranches (State of Colorado 2017). Specific requirements for certification include: • Farming or ranching properties must have remained in the same family continuously for at least 100 years; • Each property must still operate as a working farm or ranch; • Farms or ranches must have a minimum of 160 acres; and • Properties with fewer than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales. Ten Centennial Farms are located within the siting area. One Centennial Farm has been proposed and is under review by OAHP. These farms are located throughout the siting area and are displayed on Maps 9 and 12. Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 3-1 Main Crops Produced in the Siting Area Crop Irrigated Corn Yes Alfalfa Yes Dry Beans Yes Fallow/Idle Cropland No Winter Wheat No Sugar Beets Yes Grass/Pasture Unknown Other Hay/Non Alfalfa Yes Barley Yes Carrots Yes Onions Yes Potatoes Yes Sorghum Yes Oats Yes Spring W heat Unknown Triticale Yes Millet Yes Pumpkins Yes Sunflower Yes Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture 2016 Table 3-2 Significant Agricultural Lands in the Siting Area Farmland Class Total Acres in Siting Area Farmland of local importance 2,592 Farmland of statewide importance 2,322 Prime frequently farmland if drained flooded during and either the growing protected season from flooding or not 782 Prime farmland if irrigated 20,652 Source: NRCS 2011 3.2 Residential Land Uses The towns of Ault and Eaton are within the siting area, which also includes the unincorporated community of Lucerne. In addition, many other types of residential uses are present, including farmsteads, subdivisions, and smaller acreage estates. Planned and built subdivisions include: Agland, Appaloosa Acres, Arrowhead (Eaton), Ault West, Avery Acres, Avery Acres PUD, Centennial (Eaton), Centennial Commons, Conestoga, East Side Add, Eaton Commons, Eaton 3-24 xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Industrial Park, Fagerberg, Faith Estates, G & G, Gilbaughs, Appaloosa Acres, Governors Ranch, Graefes, Griffith, Hawkstone, Homes at Aspen Meadows, Kerr, Kraus, Lone Tree Estates, Maplewood Estates, Marlynn, North Greeley, North Side Add, Northwest, Pinnacle Park, Sonny View Estates, and West Ault. The northernmost alternative would be within approximately 0.5 mile of the northern boundary of the Hawkstone subdivision that is associated with the Eaton Country Club. The population of Weld County has grown by approximately 28 percent per decade since the mid - 1900's, which is more than triple the national average. Between 2000 and 2010, the county's population increased by almost 40 percent. Weld County was the fastest growing county in the nation during the period from 2000 to 2004 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population of Weld County is predicted to increase to over 500,000 by the year 2035, adding approximately 215,000 people over the current level (Weld County 2016). Population trends from 2000 to 2016 are presented in Table 3-3. Overall, the populations of Weld County and the towns of Ault and Eaton have increased significantly and continued growth is anticipated. U.S. Census information is not available for Lucerne. Table 3-3 Population Data for the Siting Area Jurisdiction 2000 2010 2016 Town of Eaton 2,690 4,365 4,791 Town of Ault 11432 1,519 1,869 Weld County 186,936 252,825 294,932 Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2017 3.3 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses A variety of industrial and commercial uses occur in the siting area. Businesses include: United Ready Mix (concrete), All Around Roustabout (oilfield services), Red Coach Inn (Lucerne), Al Organics (fertilizer), Ozzie's Commercial Tires, Northern Plains Trucking (truck storage), and Tanglewood Nurseries (tree farm). One commercially zoned area is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway (Hwy) 85 and State Hwy 392 in Lucerne (Google Maps 2017). The siting area contains a variety of other infrastructure and utilities. It is transected by many roads, including U.S. Hwy 85, State Hwy 14 and Hwy 392, county roads (CR), private roads and driveways, non -paved roads, and a railroad. Existing transmission systems, oil and gas wells, storage tanks, pipelines, and water wells are present throughout. The siting area encompasses Crop Air Incorporated Airport and partially intersects the Greeley -Weld County Airport traffic pattern zone. The area surrounding the Greeley -Weld County Airport is subject to a Weld County's Article 5 Zoning Overlay District. Other land ownership includes: school district lands (no buildings) at the periphery of the siting area in the Eaton RE -2 School District, the Northern Colorado Cowboy Church (Lucerne), a U.S. Post Office (Lucerne), parcels owned by the cities of Thornton and Greeley, parcels owned by the CDOT, and a North Weld County Water District building (Weld County 2017b). The Bethel Family Praise Center is located at the intersection of CR 41 and CR 78, within 200 feet of the centerline for Alternative GCC11. 3-25 0 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 3.4 Recreational Land Uses Developed parks and recreation facilities are confined within municipal limits and are largely avoided within the siting area. Notable exceptions are the Great Western Trail, the Eaton Area Community Center, and the Eaton Country Club and golf course. A portion of the Great Western Trail is within the siting area. This trail is a mixed -use recreation trail that uses the abandoned rail bed of the Great Western Railroad. Sections of this trail connect the Windsor Trail system, the town center of Severance, and the town of Eaton, proceeding west to CR 33. Plans exist to connect the existing sections to complete the 10.5 mile -long Great Western Trail (gwtrail.com 2017). The Great Western Trail's terminus is the Eaton Area Community Center, an indoor and outdoor recreation facility that draws from the region. Located on the western edge of Eaton, the center is operated by the Eaton Area Parks and Recreation District, a special district that serves the greater Eaton area. The Eaton Country Club includes an 18 -hole private golf course northeast of Eaton. The residential neighborhood associated with the Eaton Country Club is part of Eaton, though the golf course remains unincorporated. 3t5 Institutional/Special Land Uses This category accounts for a variety of special land uses - communication facilities/towers, schools, gun clubs and/or shooting ranges, airports, and cemeteries - most of which have little or no occurrence within the siting area. Oil and gas developments are visible throughout the southern and eastern portions of the siting area as wells, tank batteries, compressor stations, regional storage facilities, etc. Less visible are hundreds of underground gathering lines and pipelines, including high pressure gas pipelines. Pipeline locations are not disclosed in this document due to security concerns and data sharing agreements. Metal pipelines and other facilities that would potentially be susceptible to accelerated corrosion from the electromagnetic fields of a transmission line would be installed with cathodic protection to control the corrosion of the metal. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission oversees nearly 40 oil and gas operators in the siting area who operate more than 500 wells. The largest operators are PDC Energy (more than 200 wells), Noble Energy (nearly 100 wells), SRC Energy (approximately 75 wells) and Bayswater (approximately 50 wells) (COGCC 2018). The field is transitioning from vertical wells (traditionally spaced on every eighth of a section) to directional drilling (typically consolidated on a single, larger pad with a dozen or more wells and tank batteries on one square mile or more). Wells, in particular, pose a constraint on transmission lines due to maintenance and possible drilling activities. For the purposes of this siting study, the status of each well was classified as either active or closed as shown in Table 3-4 (COGCC 2018). Generally speaking, closed wells are less likely to be re -drilled, would have less effect on transmission construction or operations, and offer little to no current revenue to a landowner. During the land acquisition and engineering process, due diligence will be conducted to avoid impacts on operating oil and gas wells and facilities. 0 Xcel Energy° Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 3.6 Natural Resources Two biological surveys and corresponding reports were prepared to support the Weld County Section 1041 Permit application. These reports are included as Appendices D and E. Agency recommendations for avoidance and mitigation will beconsidered by PSCo during Project construction together with PSCo's Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects set forth in Appendix C. Table 3-4 Well Status Active Wells Closed Wells AC Active AB Abandoned Wellbore or Completion CM Commingled AL Abandoned Location DC Drilling CL Closed DM Domestic Well DA Dry and Abandoned IJ Injecting PA Plugged and Abandoned PR Producing SI Shut In RC Recom pleted TA Temporarily Abandoned WO Waiting on Completion XX Approved reported includes Permit as expired drill breaking to Drill permits. Well; Not yet ground; Source: COGCC 2018 3.6.1 Surface Water, Riparian Areas, Wetlands, and Floodplains The USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) dataset identifies seven types of wetlandlwaterbody features within the siting area (Table 3-5). Surface water, riparian areas, wetlands, and canals are present throughout the siting area, as shown on Maps 9 and 12. These wetland and waterbody features include perennial and ephemeral streams and drainages, emergent and wooded wetlands, canals, and small ponds. Table 3-5 Wetland/Waterbody Features in the Siting Area Feature Type Total Area or Distance Freshwater Emergent Wetland 100 acres Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland 2 acres Freshwater Pond 89 acres Lake 191 acres Canals 52.5 miles Streams 42.6 miles Other 4 acres Sources: USFWS 2017a, USGS 2017, Aerial imagery 2017 3-27 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study The largest waterbodies within the siting area are Seeley Lake, Clark Lake, Cozzens Lake, and an unnamed lake southwest of Ault. One gravel pit pond with minimal apparent habitat value is located southeast of the intersection of CR 43 and CR66. The only named streams are Sand Creek, Graham Seep, Lone Tree Creek, and Coalbank Creek. Neuman Lake is located just outside the siting area. The southernmost portion of the siting area is approximately 2 miles north of the Cache Ia Poudre River. Floodplains (100 year) exist throughout the siting area, primarily surrounding streams and drainages flowing from the north-northwest to the south and eventually to the Cache Ia Poudre River. Floodplains are displayed on Maps 9 and 12. 3.6.2 Native and Landscape Trees The siting area is located in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem of northern Colorado. Very little native vegetation remains due to agricultural, residential, and other uses. Large trees in the area are typically associated with human habitation, located along roads, near residences and farms, and near wet areas. Stands of trees have been planted as windbreaks, irrigation canal bank stabilization, and as landscaping associated with residential properties throughout the siting area. Large tree species naturally growing in the siting area are primarily plains cottonwood. Various coniferous trees, oaks, maples, and other ornamental species are found near residences and property edges. 3.6.3 Environmental Conservation Areas Seeley Lake was formerly leased by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now CPW) and maintained as a State Wildlife Area. The area is now closed to the public but continues to provide important wildlife habitat even though it is no longer a designated State Wildlife Area. The CNHP identifies a network of Conservation Areas and Potential Conservation Areas in the state. The siting area contains a part of the South Platte River Potential Conservation Area at Seeley Lake. The Western High Plains and Pawnee Grassland Conservation Areas are close to the siting area to the north and east (CNHP 2017). 3.6.4 Wildlife The siting area supports a wide variety of common wildlife, such as small predators (e.g., coyote, fox), prey species (e.g., rabbits, black -tailed prairie dogs), birds (e.g., waterfowl, raptors, passerines), amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Small game species include Canada goose (Branta canadensis), ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Eurasian collared -dove, and duck species. The area is within mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) concentration habitats and winter ranges and the overall range for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) (CPW 2017). There is no designated critical wildlife habitat in the siting area, although suitable habitat exists for the state -listed (threatened) burrowing owl (USFWS 2017b). Raptor and other migratory bird nesting, foraging, and migration habitat is present throughout the siting area. Table 3-6 presents raptor and representative non -raptor species with potential to occur in the siting area. Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 3-6 Raptor and Migratory Bird Species with potential to Occur in the Siting Area Common Name Scientific Name Nesting Habitat Season of Use Raptor Species American kestrel Falco sparverius Cavities in trees and human -made structures Year-round Barn owl Tyto alba Variety of habitats and burrows in walls including old buildings of dry washes Year-round Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia Mammalian burrows Breeding season Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperi Stick nest in trees Year-round Eastern screech -owl Megascops asio Tree cavities Breeding season Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis Stick nest in trees, on rock outcrops Year-round Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Variety of habitats including trees and on human -made structures Year-round Long-eared owl Asio otus Edge habitat in tree shrubs stands or dense Year-round Northern harrier Circus cyaneus Ground nest in grassland and agricultural land Year-round Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Stick nest in trees Year-round Rough -legged hawk Buteo lagopus Breeds elsewhere Winter Short -eared owl Asio flammeus Nests on the ground in grassland and agricultural land Year-round Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni Nests in trees in grassland and agricultural land Breeding season Representative Non -raptor Species American tree sparrow Spizella arborea Breeds elsewhere Winter Barn swallow Hirundo rustics Mud nest on human -made structures Breeding season Black -billed magpie Pica hudsonia Stick nest in trees and shrubs Year-round Canada goose Branta canadensis Ground nest near waterbodies Year-round Eurasian collared -dove Streptopelia decaocto Small stick nest in trees Year-round Horned lark Eremophila alpestris Ground nest in grassland and agricultural land Year-round Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Ground nest in variety of habitats Breeding season Lark sparrow Chondestes grammacus Ground nest in variety of habitats Breeding season Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Cavity nest in trees Year-round Red -winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Wetland and cattail habitat Year-round 3-29 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 3-6 Raptor and Migratory Bird Species with Potential to Occur in the Siting Area Common Name Scientific Name Nesting Habitat Season of Use Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Trees in a variety of habitat types Breeding season Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Shrubs in grassland and agricultural land Year-round Sources: Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas Partnership 2016, Birds of North America online 2017 Two surveys for historic and active raptor nests have been conducted for the Project. In July 2016, a raptor nest and habitat evaluation survey was conducted throughout the siting area. The purpose of the survey was to provide preliminary data regarding the presence of active raptor nests and suitable raptor nesting habitat associated with the transmission routes and substation sites. This survey was conducted by traveling public roads throughout the siting area and along potential transmission routes. Two active raptor nests were identified during the 2016 survey: one red-tailed hawk nest and one American kestrel nest. The survey report for is included as Appendix E. In December 2017, a survey was conducted to identify historic raptor nests along the WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation alternative routes. The purpose of the survey was to provide data to inform siting decisions and to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements for this phase of the Project. This survey was primarily conducted by traveling public roads although access was possible in some areas. A total of four inactive raptor nests were documented during this survey (Table 3-7). The survey report for this effort is included as Appendix D. Table 3-7 Historic Raptor Nests in the Survey Area Nest Location Distance Potential from Centerline N-1 40.604351, -104.753940 42 feet N-2 40.596524, -104.740651 1,900 feet N-3 40.609578, -104.746371 3,379 feet N-4 40.603909, -104.801387 50 feet Prior to construction, PSCo will conduct surveys for raptors and other migratory birds and nests, including burrowing owls (in prairie dog colonies in the vicinity of the transmission lines and substations). If any nests are found, appropriate construction timing limitations or distance buffers will be considered according to CPW and USFWS recommendations. Where timing limitations or setbacks cannot be applied due to timing constraints, other alternative mitigation measures will be considered and vetted with CPW and USFWS on a case -by -case basis. If any federally -listed species are found, PSCo will consult with the USFWS regarding avoidance and mitigation. To preclude avian electrocutions and minimize collision risk, PSCo will incorporate avian friendly standards, where necessary, consistent with the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) guidelines to protect birds from powerlines. These guidelines are presented in Reducing Avian 3-30 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Collisions with Powerlines: The State of the Art in 2012 (APLIC 2012) and Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006 (APLIC 2006). The majority of impacts to wildlife will be localized and short-term, related to the removal of vegetation, compaction of soils, noise disturbance, and human presence associated with construction activities. Direct impacts to wildlife during construction will be minimal. Most wildlife will be able to disperse temporarily into adjacent habitat. The Project will incrementally increase habitat fragmentation in the area. Impacts to surface vegetation can reduce foraging habitat from direct disturbance as well as indirectly from increases in noxious weeds; and habitat fragmentation. However, the potential for the introduction and/or spread of noxious weeds will be minimized by implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as ensuring construction equipment is cleaned, using weed -free seed mixes and controlling noxious weeds within the right-of-way (ROW) and substation areas. The potential for the introduction and/or spread of invasive non-native species (including noxious weeds) will be minimized by the implementation of BMPs during the construction period and reclamation efforts. Impacts to wildlife during maintenance activities will be minimal due to the selection and type of durable materials used for construction of the transmission line and ability to observe the transmission line from the air. 3.6.5 Special Status Species Special Status Species with potential to occur in the siting area are listed in Table 3-8. Table 3-8 Special Status Species with Potential to Occur in the Siting Area Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status' State Status2 Birds Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus BGEPA, MBTA SGCN Tier 2 (resident) Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia MBTA Threatened (migrant) Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis MBTA SGCN Tier 2 (resident) Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos BGEPA, MBTA SGCN Tier 1 (resident) Greater sandhill crane Grus canadensis tabida MBTA SGCN Tier 1(migrant) Mexican spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida Threatened Threatened (variable migrant) Mountain plover Charadrius montanus MBTA SGCN Tier 1(migrant) Mammals Black -tailed prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus SGCN Tier 2 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse Zapus hudsonius preblei Threatened Threatened Swift Fox Vulpes velox SGCN Tier 2 Plants Colorado Butterfly Plant Gaura neomexicana spp. coloradensis Threatened N/A Lite Ladies' -tresses orchid Spiranthes diluvialis Threatened N/A 3-31 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 3-8 Special Status Species with Potential to Occur in the Siting Area Federal Common Name Scientific Name Status1 State Status2 Sources: Birds of North America Online 2017, Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas Partnership 2016, CPW 2015, USFWS 2017b 1 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA); Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) Suitable habitat for the Mexican spotted owl, Preble's meadow jumping mouse and Ute ladies' - tresses orchid is not present in the siting area and no impacts to these species are expected (Torretta and Boyle 2016, Center for Biological Diversity 2017, USEWS 2017b). No populations of Colorado butterfly plant are documented near the siting area (USFWS 2010). No designated critical habitat is present in the siting area (USFWS 2017b). Although bald eagles are not listed under the Endangered Species Act, they have federal protections under the BGEPA and the MBTA. In Weld County, bald eagles typically nest in mature trees in riparian areas (Wickersham 2016a). In winter, bald eagles often congregate in riparian areas near open water, which are called winter roost or concentration areas. Pre -construction surveys will be conducted to identify any active nests and winter concentration areas and appropriate timing or distance restrictions will be implemented to avoid impacts to the species. Winter roost areas also are protected from disturbance. Winter roost areas will be identified prior to construction to allow for appropriate avoidance measures. Within and near the siting area, Seeley Lake, Neuman Lake, and Cozzens Lake provide winter concentration habitat and foraging habitat for bald eagles. In addition, winter concentration habitat is present outside the siting area at Woods Lake, Angel Lake, and along the Cache la Poudre River. One known bald eagle nest is located at Neuman Lake (CPW 2017). Neuman Lake is outside the siting area and is more than a mile west of any of the alternative routes. CPW recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions for a bald eagle nest site and winter concentration area (night roost) are as follows: No surface occupancy (beyond that which historically occurred in the area) within 0.25 mile radius of an active nest. Seasonal restrictions apply to human encroachment within 0.5 mile radius of active nests from October 15 through July 31. This closure is more extensive than the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (USFWS 2007) due to the generally open habitat used by Colorado's nesting bald eagles (C0OW 2008). No human encroachment from November 15 through March 15 within 0.25 mile radius of an active winter night roost if there is no direct line of sight between the roost and the encroachment activities. No human encroachment from November 15 through March 15 within 0.5 mile radius of an active winter night roost if there is a direct line of sight between the roost and the encroachment activities. If periodic visits (such as maintenance work) are required within the buffer zone after development, activity should be restricted to the period between 10:00 and 14:00 hours from November 15 to March 15 (CDOW 2008). The golden eagle is a Colorado SGCN and is protected by the MBTA and BGEPA. In Weld County golden eagles typically nest on cliffs and occasionally in trees (Wickersham 201613). No golden eagle nests are documented in the siting area. However, the species nests to the east on Pawnee 3-32 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study National Grasslands and could potentially forage over the siting area. Pre -construction surveys will be conducted for raptor nests and if any are identified construction timing stipulations will be implemented to avoid impacts to raptors, including golden eagles. CPW recommended buffer zones for active golden eagle nests are as follows: No surface occupancy (beyond that which has historically occurred in the area) within 0.25 mile radius of active nests. Seasonal restriction to human encroachment is recommended within 0.5 mile radius of active nests from December 15 through July 15 (CDOW 2008). The burrowing owl is a state -threatened species and could occur in the siting area. In northeastern Colorado, burrowing owls are typically associated with black -tailed prairie dog colonies. Burrowing owls can excavate their own burrows, but they usually depend on burrows that have been started by colonially burrowing mammals, especially ground squirrels and prairie dogs (Jones 2016). Pre -construction surveys for burrowing owl will be conducted in prairie dog colonies. If the species is documented, timing restrictions will be implemented to avoid impacts to this species. CPW recommended buffer zones for active burrowing owl nests are as follows: No human encroachment within 150 feet of the nest site from March 15 through October 31. Although burrowing owls may not be actively nesting during this entire period, they may be present at burrows up to a month before egg -laying and several months after young have fledges. Because nesting burrowing owls may not be easily visible, it is recommended that targeted surveys be implemented to determine if burrows are occupied. The ferruginous hawk is a SGCN in Colorado and is protected under the MBTA. The species is considered a year-round resident in Colorado and is common in winter on the eastern plains in open grasslands and shrub steppe communities. Ferruginous hawks nest in a variety of open terrain on cliffs or rock outcrops or isolated trees in grasslands (Keeley 2016). Pre -construction surveys will be conducted for raptor nests and if any are identified construction timing stipulations will be implemented to avoid impacts to raptors, including ferruginous hawks. CPW recommended buffer zones for active ferruginous hawk nests are as follows: No surface occupancy (beyond that which historically occurred in the area) within 0.5 mile radius of active nests. Seasonal restriction to human encroachment is recommended within 0.5 mile of an active nest from February 1 through July 15. This species is especially prone to nest abandonment during incubation if disturbed (CDOW 2008). The greater sandhill crane is a SGCN in Colorado and is protected under the MBTA. The species is considered a migrant through Weld County. No sandhill crane nests were reported in Weld County in the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas (Ortega 2016). The mountain plover is a SGCN and is known to occur in suitable habitat in Weld County. More than half of the world's population of this species nests in Colorado. Historically, the species was common on the Pawnee National Grasslands, east of the siting area. However, population numbers there have been declining for decades and most mountain plovers now breed on private land. The species is migratory and inhabits prairie grasslands, arid plains and fields during the breeding season. Nesting areas include sparse grasslands grazed by prairie dogs and cattle, overgrazed grasslands, and fallow fields (Kingery and Dwyer 2016). Presence or absence surveys for mountain plover will be conducted prior to construction in areas identified as suitable habitat. If any nests are found, appropriate construction timing limitations will be coordinated with USFWS and implemented to avoid impacts to the mountain plover. 3-33 xcel Energy° '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study The black -tailed prairie dog is an integral part of prairie ecosystems and many other wildlife species are dependent on prairie dogs and their colonies. These include common species (e.g., rattlesnakes, badgers, weasels, and raptors) and special status species (black -footed ferret, bald and golden eagles, ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, and mountain plover). One small black - tailed prairie dog colony was identified during the December 2017 biological reconnaissance survey. Comprehensive surveys for prairie dog colonies will be conducted prior to construction and CPW will be consulted for avoidance recommendations. The siting area is considered within the overall range for swift fox, which is a SGCN. The species inhabits shortgrass prairie, particularly on the Pawnee National Grassland east of the siting area (CPW 2017). If present, swift fox could be temporarily displaced during construction of the substations and transmission line. As with other terrestrial mammal species in the area, impacts to swift fox are expected to be minimal and primarily consist of temporary disturbance from construction activities. If a swift fox den is encountered during construction, the CPW will be consulted for avoidance recommendations. 3.6.6 Open Space and Conservation Easements A Conservation Easement is a set of restrictions a landowner voluntarily places on his or her property in order to preserve its conservation values. These restrictions apply to the current owner and all future landowners, permanently protecting the property. Land trusts work with landowners to voluntarily put open land under a conservation easement, allowing the land to continue in private ownership while ensuring the benefits of open space to the entire community. Conservation Easements can be established to protect scenic views, important wildlife habitat, clean water, and can benefit Colorado farms and farm families (Colorado Open Lands 2017). One Conservation Easement Legacy Land Trust exists south of Eaton, north of CR 72, between CR 35 and CR 37. 3.7 Historic and Cultural Resources Information on historic and pre -historic resources was gathered using the office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) Compass online database. The National Register Information System (NRIS) database and Bureau of Land Management (BLM.) General Land Office (GLO) maps and title plats were also reviewed electronically. Seventeen previously recorded archaeological sites, five Centennial Farms and nine historic canals were identified within the alternative transmission routes. This file search is referred to as a cultural class I survey. In December 2017, a Class II survey for cultural resources was completed on parcels for which landowner access permission was obtained along the WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation alternative routes. This survey was conducted in support of NEPA analysis for that portion of the Project (Categorical Exclusion). All of the previously recorded sites identified within the siting area have been determined not eligible for listing in the NRHP with State Historic Preservation Office concurrence, and the 2017 survey did not produce significant evidence to re-evaluate the NRHP-eligibility status of these resources. Of the two new sites and three Isolated Find/Features (IFs) identified, one site—FN1 is recommended eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. Site FN1 is recommended NRHP-eligible due to the presence of abundant buried deposits that can contribute important information regarding the historic settlement of the high plains in the Platte River Basin. In addition, because the site is located just to the east of the Collins Lateral (5WL.2993), a known historic canal, site FN1 could also add to the knowledge of the development of a larger water control district. 3-34 Xcel Energy '0 Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study In addition to Centennial Farms, other cultural sites are present throughout the siting area (OAHP 2017). These sites include the following: • Two historic segments of the Pierce Canal; • One historic segment of the Collins Ditch; • The Collins Lateral Canal Bridge B -17-F; • The Collins Lateral Canal Bridge B -17-H; • Ault Substation; • Cheyenne to Richard Lake Transmission Line; • Petit Lateral Canal;. • Historic trash dump; • Isolated Find (Debitage); • Historic habitation/isolated Find; • Hayden Lateral historic water control feature; • Cemetery; and • Segments of the Great Western Railroad. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.0 Development and Evaluation of Alternative Substation Sites and Transmission Routes As described in Chapter 2, the Siting Study process is comprised of the following steps: • Step 1: Develop utility engineering requirements and establish the siting area • Step 2: Analyze existing policy framework and guidance • Step 3: Collect relevant land use and environmental data • Step 4: Develop evaluation criteria • Step 5: Define preliminary substation sites and alternative transmission routes • Step 6: Gather public input • Step 7: Develop community -based evaluation criteria • Step 8: Additional data collection, substation site and transmission route refinement • Step 9: Rank and document results This chapter presents the results of Steps 7 and 9, arriving at a recommendation for preferred transmission routes and substation sites that - on balance - best improves reliability and capacity to the local area while minimizing negative impacts. Alternative Transmission System One alternative to an overhead transmission line is to bury the line. Although this alternative is possible, it is not feasible. An overhead electric transmission line is preferred to a buried line because it is easier to maintain and outages are quicker to address. Burying the transmission line was not developed as an alternative because it creates significant environmental impacts, technological challenges, and costs at least ten times more than an above -ground transmission line The evaluation criteria and results of the ranking of alternative substation sites and transmission routes are presented in this chapter. 4.1 Evaluation Criteria As described in Chapter 2, the evaluation criteria were developed pursuant to the Code, adopted community plans, and system engineering considerations. These criteria were applied to the alternatives and used to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. Substation sites that met the minimum selection criteria such as proximity to load center, adequate parcel size, and relatively gentle topography were identified for further analysis. Evaluation criteria for substations were similar to those for transmission lines with emphasis on site rather than corridor characteristics, as shown in Table 4-1. These evaluation criteria, not in any order of importance, are described in greater detail below. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-1 Evaluation Criteria Category► Substation Site Evaluation Criteria Transmission Corridor Evaluation Criteria Agricultural Lands, Infrastructure, and Uses • Irrigated land that from This includes production would be by land the • Number affected further); of by pivot the irrigation Project systems (1,000 feet potentially and removed Project. irrigated by center irrigation systems. pivot and other• Number cultivated boundary); of land transmission (not structures on edge through or property • N.umber of structures through cultivated land (located on edge or property boundary); • Number of irrigation and canal/ditch crossings; • Number within of secondary 100 feet of potential agricultural centerline. buildings Residential Land Uses • Number of residences removal by the substation; requiring • Number of residences potential centerline; within 200 feet of the • Number of residences within • Number of crossings through planned 200 feet of the substation; (undeveloped) residential subdivisions; and • Number 200 feet substation; of residences between and 0.25 mile of the and • Number of residences within potential centerline. 0.25 mile of the • Located residential within planned areas according to Comprehensive Plans, zoning, and undeveloped subdivisions. Industrial and Commercial • Impacts on existing commercial • Number of industrial or commercial buildings Uses or industrial land uses, including within 100 feet of potential centerline; feedlots; and • Number of crossings through an existing • Impacts areas Comprehensive on planned commercial according to Plans, zoning or industrial impacts and or commercial use with on existing uses, including potential feedlots; for entitlements. • Number industrial of crossings through or commercial areas. planned Recreational Land Uses • Location existing within park/recreation 500 feet of site; an and • Number crossed; of existing parks/recreation sites • Location planned within park/recreation 500 feet of site. a • Number within of existing 500 feet; parks/recreation and sites • Number of and recreation crossings sites. through planned parks Institutional Land Uses • Location within school; 500 feet of • Number of potential communication facilities physical or impacts towers; on • Location cemetery; within 500 feet of • Number of schools within Project; 500 feet of the • Number within of oil 200 feet and gas wells (active); and • Number of 200 feet of active the oil Project; and gas well sites within • Number tanks/batteries of oil and within gas 200 feet. • Number 0.25 mile of active of the oil and gas wells within Project; • N.umber of parcels crossed by the Project; • Number within of gun clubs 0.25 mile of and/or shooting the Project; ranges • N.umber of intersections with flight paths per 4-2 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-1 Evaluation Criteria Category Substation Site Evaluation Criteria Transmission Corridor Evaluation Criteria Federal private Aviation airports Administration within 5,00 feet; (FAA) and • Number of cemeteries crossed by the Project; Natural and Cultural • The number of cultural sites • Number of structures within 100 -year Resources within 100 feet of the Project; floodplain; • Visibility byway from designated from 0.25 mile scenic from the • Distance of waterbodies; in within 660 feet (0.125 mile) miles Project; • Number of structures within potential • Number of trees that would need wetland; to be removed by the Project; • Distance through designated sensitive or • Site 100 contains -year potential floodplain; wetland or important known raptor habitat, nests including and roosts proximity with to • Site floodplain; contains a 500 -year applicable protection the species; buffers appropriate for • Site sensitive im p acts or on deli important g Hated habitat; • • Number centerline; of trees within 75 feet of potential •Site other contains environmental Superfund sites issues; or • Distance Area; within 0.25 mile of State Wildlife • Site contains potentially • Number of Superfund sites crossed; contaminated and soils or landfills; • Number 150 of Centennial farms within -wide ROW; the -foot • Number roosts within of raptor 0.5 nests mile and of the • The disturbed; number of cultural and sites potentially Project. • Number of areas crossed with potentially contaminated soils/landfills. Engineering Criteria • Load center proximity proximity and to existing substations*; • Number of angle structures 45 degrees; greater than • The difficulty access; of transmission • Number of State crossings (State and Federal Highway Hwy 14, U.S. Hwy 85, and • Public road access; State Hwy 392); • Minimum parcel size*; • Impacts on other utilities (e.g., pipelines) • Absence of floodplain; and • Number of railroad crossings; •Relatively gentle topography*. • Number of high pressure crossings(confidential shown as Not Available data, [N/A]); gas pipeline results are • Number of other and transmission line crossings; • Total length. * Criteria used in selecting sites for further evaluation. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Tables 4-2 through 4-4 present the results of the alternative evaluations for the Graham Creek Substation, WAPA Ault to Husky transmission routes and Husky to Graham Creek transmission routes, respectively. It should be noted that Tables 4-2 through 4-4 represent a basis for comparing potential impacts across alternatives. Actual impacts would be reduced through application of standard environmental protection measures, micrositing and continued consultation with landowners. PSCo has and will continue working with landowners to locate facilities on a case by case basis, minimizing construction and operation disruptions to the extent practicable. For example, it is expected that, through more detailed design studies,that actual impacts on pivot circles and drip irrigation could be far less than potential impacts. Potential visual impacts from the Project were a concern repeated by the public. Visual impacts from the Project would result from the addition of two substations and miles of large transmission structures and conductors on a relatively flat and open landscape. The scale of substations, the unique metal equipment placed throughout, and absence of vegetation within the fence (to reduce fire danger) make substations objectionable near sensitive viewing locations. Transmission structures can be seen for more than one mile. Many other transmission lines and components also exist in the siting area, along with oil and gas facilities, as shown on Maps 10 and 13. Individual residences and subdivisions have extended from traditionally clustered towns into agricultural lands, blurring the distinction between urban and rural. Comments further indicate that many residences have been constructed specifically to have unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains, and that these views would be threatened by the Project. The Project will add to these cumulative visual impacts in the siting area. The sitingcriteria below have been developed in part to minimize visual impacts from the Project. Visual concerns are accounted for in several criteria, such as: • Number of residences within 200 feet and with 0.25 mile of the Project; • Locations within or through planned residential and commercial areas according to Comprehensive Plans, zoning, and undeveloped subdivisions; • Sites or crossings through or in proximity to existing and planned parks/recreation sites; • Sites or crossings near schools, cemeteries, gun clubs and/or shooting ranges; • The number of cultural sites affected by the Project; • Visibility of the Project from designated scenic byway (Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway); • Number of trees that would potentially need to be removed by the Project; • Number of Centennial Farms crossed by the Project; • Site impacts on designated sensitive or important habitat, such as State Wildlife Areas; • Number of angle structures greater than 45 degrees (angle structures are typically bulkier than other structures and result in greater visual impacts); • Number of highway crossings; and • The total length, as the above impacts generally increase as length increases. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.1.1 Agricultural Uses Agricultural use is the predominant land use in the siting area. It is an important contributor to the local economy and lifestyle. As shown in Table 4-1, a series of criteria was developed to help identify routes that minimize impacts on agricultural lands and activities. Of these, impacts on center pivot and drip irrigation systems are of special concern due to the potential for transmission structures to interfere with their operation. In addition, the number of structures located on cultivated land was calculated, which reflects the potential complications transmission structures present to cultivation activities and the fact that the structures themselves result in the removal of a small amount of land from production. In general, placing the structures at the edge of a field is preferred to placing them in the middle of a field relative to agricultural operations, though specific locations will be determined case by case in consultation with the landowner. Other criteria account for the potential of the transmission line to complicate ditch cleaning and maintenance activities, as well as proximity of out buildings and sheds to the planned ROW. Permanent buildings are not allowed within the ROW. 4.1.2 Residential Land Uses Residential land uses are distributed throughout the siting area. Proximity to residential uses was used to identify the potential level of impact of each alternative. The criteria included the number of residences within 200 feet of the Project, which relates to both visual prominence, perceptions of quality of life (health and safety), and the potential for ROW restrictions to limit future uses (e.g., tree planting or new building construction). The number of residences within 0.25 mile was also calculated to account for visibility from residences further removed from the transmission route. Finally, the number of crossings through planned residential subdivisions was determined, accounting for the potential for ROW restrictions to reduce the number of buildable lots or complicate site planning. This condition rarely occurred along any of the alternatives considered. "Planned residential subdivisions" are defined as locations within or through residential areas according toComprehensive Plans, zoning, and entitled yet undeveloped subdivisions. It is common for agricultural landowners to speculate about the potential of future residential growth on their properties; however, their interest is both unquantifiable and undocumentable in a siting study without local governmental approval. 4.1.3 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses Non-residential development and other commercial or industrial uses were also considered, including feedlots. Visual issues exist though are of less concern for these land uses but the potential for ROW restrictions limiting current or planned uses exists. Industrial and commercial uses are less widely distributed than residences within the siting area. 4.1.4 Recreational Land Uses Given the rural character of much of the siting area, parks and other recreational facilities are limited. Existing and planned parks, recreation,. and trails, are valued by the community for health, aesthetics, and economic development. 4.1.5 Institutional/Special Land Uses This category accounts for a variety of land uses, most of which have little or no occurrence within the siting area. An exception to this statement is oil and gas development, which is widespread, 4-5 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting study particularly in the southern and eastern portions of the siting area. Current guidelines as of March 2019 (COGCC) call for a 200 -foot separation between transmission lines and active oil and gas facilities. In order to identify routes that minimize potential impacts on oil and gas uses, the number of active sites within 200 feet of each transmission line alternative was calculated. Other land uses included in this category are communication facilities/towers, schools, gun clubs and/or shooting ranges, intersections with flight paths, cemeteries, and the number of parcels crossed. The number of parcels crossed is an indication of the number of landowners that would be affected by ROW acquisition for each alternative. 4.1.6 Natural and Cultural Resources Most of the factors included in this set of evaluation criteria were avoided in the development of alternative routes or do not occur within the siting area. Superfund sites, designated critical habitats, and State Wildlife Areas are examples of criteria that are not present in the siting area. Criteria that are present and help to distinguish alternatives include 100 year and 500 year floodplains, proximity to water bodies, number of trees, and Centennial Farms. Proximity to water bodies, which was defined as within 0.125 mile, indicate a potential for impacts on nesting waterfowl and other species as well as a potential for a higher occurrence of avian collision with transmission structures. Trees, which are generally distributed along roadways and farm/residential complexes, are aesthetic criteria and also provide habitat for avian and other species. Trees within the potential ROW of each alternative and therefore may need to be removed, were counted and used to compare alternatives. Potential effects to Centennial Farms, known cultural sites, scenic byways, and wetlands from each alternative were also determined. 4.1.7 Engineering Criteria Engineering criteria account for electrical system planning considerations, feasibility of construction and operations, compatibility with existing linear infrastructure (railroads, pipelines, transmission lines), and cost. The difficulty of transmission and public road access to substation sites was estimated. The number of transmission line angles, transmission line length, the number of highway crossings, and length adjacent to linear infrastructure also correlate to the magnitude of potential visual impacts. 1 Substation Ranking and Results From a technical perspective, the location of new substations is mainly driven by the ability to provide capacity and acceptable voltage to customers both normally and as backup support to other substations and feeders when there is a failure. The distance between substations is driven by load density with downtown Denver having the closest spacing to areas that are more rural having longer spacing. The distance between the WAPA Ault and the permitted Husky site is 3.7 miles, and the distance between the permitted Husky and the preferred GrahamCreek sites is 7.7 miles. Due to the lower load density of the area there is some flexibility on the location of the new substations. While there was consideration for future loads, there are limited known planned load additions in the area (and as noted in Chapter 2 the Project is driven by transmission), the location criteria for distribution was primarily focused on the ability to cost effectively reconnect feeders from the existing substation to the new substations and to best achieve the evaluation criteria. The most cost effective solution is with the Graham Creek substation being located on the west side of the town of Eaton near the existing substation. 4-6 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.2.1 Husky Substation Site Eight alternative sites for the Husky Substation were evaluated in 2017 and 2018. The results of the evaluation were presented in the Section 1041 Application, Appendix B, submitted to Weld County on August 13, 2018. The preferred Husky Substation site was approved on February 13,. 2019 by the Town of Ault Board of Trustees. 4.2.2 Graham Creek Substation Site A new substation is required to serve the Town of Eaton. The existing substation, which is located on West Collins St. (CR 7(4) in the western portion of the town, is too small to serve current and future needs, is land constrained, and is encompassed by residential land uses. Therefore the existing Eaton 44kV Substation is not a good candidate site for expansion. The existing substation will be decommissioned and replaced by a new substation located on a site of approximately 10 acres. As shown in Map 7, six sites were considered for this substation, including sites both east and west of Hwy 85. Each site was evaluated using the same criteria, which resulted in the rankings shown in Table 4-3. Site 1 is the preferred site for the Graham Creek Substation. This site ranks best among all of the alternatives, having the best or improved results for all of the evaluation criteria. Among other things, the preferred site has a lower number of residences in proximity and no potential impacts on existing oil and gas facilities. The general arrangement also allows for the existing pivot system to continue operating. Site 1 is approximately I mile from the existing Eaton 44kV Substation, offering cost-effectiveness in adjusting the feeder network. 7 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 7 Graham Creek Substation Alternative Sites CO E_0 It reeley -----1 _ I yes" �ADAMS r' -1 Graham Creek Substa]oon Referred AJfematwe Granam Greek Substanan Arternatives Existing Features Railroad — Canal River Lake/Pend c._; MAun capably Existing Transmission (Voltage) �— 230kV .951st/ 44kv r C ).25 0.5 a:03,000 Kicne'er NORTHERN COLORADO AREA PLAN Graham Creek SLbstat€on Alternatives XceiEnergy* Exported On: 06112'7* 4-8 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-2 Graham Creek Substation Site Evaluation Results Siting Criteria GC'I1 GC2 GC3 GC4 GC5 GC6 Agricultural Uses Criteria Results Irrigated land removed from production' 0 1 1 1 1 .1 Residential Land Uses Criteria Results Number of residences removed 0 0 0 0 0 0 Number of residences within 200 feet 2 1 1 2 1 Number of residences between 200 feet and 0.25 mile 3 2 7 24 36 133 Located undeveloped within planned residential areas, including subdivisions* 0 0 0 0 0 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses, Including Feedlots Criteria Results Impacts on an existing use* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Impacts on planned commercial areas* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Recreational Land Uses Location within 500 feet of existing park/recreation site* 0 0 0 e 0 0 0 Location within 500 feet of planned park/recreation site' 0 0 0 0 0 0 Institutional/Special Land Uses Criteria Results Location within 500 feet of school* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Location within 500 feet of cemetery* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Number of oil and gas wells within 200 feet (active) 0 2 1 2 1 0 Number of oil and gas tankslbatteries within 200 feet 0 1 0 0 0 0 Natural and Cultural Resources Criteria Results Number of cultural sites within 100 feet 0 0 0' 0 0 0 Visible from designated scenic byway (0.25 mile)* 0 0 0. 0 0 0 Number of trees removed 0 0 0 0 0, 0 Site contains potential wetland or 100 -year floodplain` 0 0 1 0 0 0 Site contains 500 -year floodplain+ 0 0 0 0 0 Impacts including on designated raptor nests sensitive and roosts* or important habitat, 0 0 0 0 0 Site issues)* i contains Superfund sites (or other environmental 0 0 0 0 0 0 Site contains potentially contaminated soils/landfills* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Number of raptor nests within 0.25 mile 0 0 0 0 0 0 Engineering Criteria Results Difficult transmission access" 0 0 11 Lacks public road access* 0 0 0 0 Lowest Effect Moderate Effect Highest Effect 1 Preferred Site *A score of 0 indicates `no,' a score of '1' indicates `yes.' 4-9 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.3 Alternative Transmission Route Ranking and Results Once the preferred substation sites were identified, alternative transmission routes were defined that achieved the required connections between each of the substations. The transmission route was developed to meet electrical system needs while also taking into account the land use and environmental factors previously described. For clarity and simplicity purposes, these results are presented for each segment rather than as an overall Project consisting of approximately 11.5 miles of transmission routes. The segments are: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation, and Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation. Accordingly, the discussion starts with each of the preferred substation sites followed by the alternative transmission routes required to connect each of the substations. Some key siting guidelines were applied, including the following: • Avoid removal of occupied buildings; • Minimize distance through incorporated areas, established residential areas and proximity to individual residences; • Minimize the number of pivot and drip irrigation systems potentially affected; • Avoid affecting existing infrastructure including oil and gas facilities; • Follow property lines and other land use boundaries when crossing cultivated land; • Use existing ROWs and joint use of ROW wherever uses are compatible; • M.inimize impacts on wetlands and other sensitive habitats; and • Minimize the length and number of angle structures, which not only increases Project costs but also results in increased land use impacts and increased visual effects due to taller and/or bulkier structures and higher visibility. The resulting network of alternative routes is shown in Maps 8 and 11. In addition to these alternatives, a larger number of initial alternatives was also considered but subsequently eliminated upon determining that they had land use or resource impacts that couldn't be readily avoided. These considered but dismissed alternatives are discussed under the relevant segment discussions that follow. 4.3.1 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Alternative Routes This segment consists of the approximately 4 mile distance between the existing WAPA Ault Substation and the Husky Substation. Three alternatives were developed for this segment and evaluated in detail (Maps 8, 9, and 10). Alternative AH1 (preferred) extends to the east from the WAPA Ault Substation and follows the half -section line for the first mile before making a slight turn to the north to avoid proximity to a residence. For approximately the next 0.75 mile the route continues to the east, turning southeast to the half -section line after crossing the Collins Lateral. For the remaining 1.5 miles east, the transmission route generally follows the half -section line to its termination point at the Husky Substation. Exported On: 01129/19 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 8. Alternative Routes and Substation Sites for Segment 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Existing Transmission (Voltage) i— 230kV 1`EkV 44kV Existing Distritution Existing Subslatiun WAPA Ault to Husky Siting Area WA.PA Ault to Husky Route ' (Preferred) .a \NAPA Ault to Husky Route 2 (Alternative) WAPA Ault to Husky Route 3 (Alternative) Hiscy 1O Graham Creek (See Separate Map Set) Preferred Husky Substation Existing Features Canals Cities 0 @25 OS 0 4.25 05 1:44,000 tt WAPA AU LT TO HUSKY SITING AREA P-aposed and Alternative Routes and Substation Sites Xcel Energy 4-11 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 9. Agricultural Areas and Hydrology for Segment 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation ft S. u, ? I ✓ : 4• 1'. 1- 4 z r: at e rt m a O e T r rz L lFP u ,. J A Expo rte d On! 0212)/19 Existing Transmission wattage} 230kV •� 4,1101 Existing SLbstation WAPA Ault tt Husky Siting Area W PAAt It tc Husky Route ' (Preferred) tt! 4'da1PAArtIttc Husky Route 2 (:4lternativet IMP WAPA BLit to Route 3 tAft@rnatille) Husky to s-anan C-eek (5ee 5eoarate Map 5e1) Preferred Husky Subs:atlon [abating Features Canals I_j cities Cubic iv a lams LZ 100yr Flcodpiain It National Welland Inveiior ' z;onsevarun Easement Cultivuttd Land =anntdnd c1luawl irrlputka•t:as =sirniland cr statewide inpertan .e rme=arm and if drained and ether orotectec 110111 iooaing ornot tregLenriy ',coded curing fie growng season Prime "arm and if irrigated :titivated AgricuEure -rto:Itngaiion Mel C.25 0.5 1:44.000 05 •.5lurn: V. n G WAPA AULT TO HUSKY SITING AREA Agricultural Uses and i-Iydrolbgy XcelEnergy& 4-12 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 10. Existing Development in the Siting Area for Segment 1: WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Exported Con: 03120/40 �' pc �, l ,ADAMS I Existing Transmission (Voltage) �- 23nkV 1' 5kV •— 44kV Existing Substation WAPA Ault to Husky Siting Area WA -PA Ault to Husky Raulo'I (Preferred) sap WAPA Ault to Husky Roule 2 (.A tenatve) WAPA Ault to Husky Route 3 (A teriat ve) T- Husky to Graham Creek (Sae separate Map Se:) ! Preferred Husky Substation A 1 Existing Features Non Roraliortioi Buildings Non -Residential 100' buffer • Residences Residential 203' buffer • Oil& Gas Wells Oil & Gas 203' buffer ■ Oil Gas Tank Battery Q Trees Canals Cities Lrban Growth Eoundaryl 11 0 0.25 05 1:44,000 1 Thin WAPA AU LT TO HUSKY SITING AREA Existing Development )�eIEnergy° 4-13 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Alternative AH2 differs from Alternative AH1 only in the portion furthest west, just as it exits the WAPA Ault Substation. Alternative AH2 heads north after exiting the substation and follows the section line 0.5 mile to the north where it intersects CR 86. Alternative AH2 follows CR 86 for the n ext 1.6 miles, generally along the south side of the road, but crossing it once in order to avoid proximity to a group of residences. After crossing the Collins Lateral, the route turns to the south and continues almost 0.5 mile to the intersection with Alternative AH1. From this intersection, Alternative AH2 follows the same route as Alternative AH1 into the Husky Substation site. Alternative AH3 shares the same route as Alternative AH-1 for the initial 1.5 miles after exiting the WAPA Ault Substation but follows a more southerly route for the remainder of its length. Alternative AH3 continues south along CR 29 until it approaches CR 84, which it crosses twice, and generally parallels for a distance of approximately 2 miles to the east before turning to the n orth and terminating at the Husky Substation Site. In addition to the routes described above, several other alternatives were considered for this segment, shown on Map 3. These alternatives were eliminated after an initial evaluation, which revealed some combination of higher impacts on agricultural and residential uses, greater total distance (which typically results in effects to a larger number of landowners), and higher impacts to tree stands and natural resources. 4.3.2 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Route Evaluation Results Based on the analysis results shown in Table 4-4, AH1 is the preferred alternative. None of these alternatives have an impact on center pivot irrigation systems. Alternative AH1 has the lowest n umber of transmission structures located through cultivated land following an edge or land line; however, AH1 has a greater number of transmission structures through cultivated land not following an edge or land line. These criteria are considered to indicate a level of impact on agricultural uses. Although the number of structures located at the edge of cultivated land is lower for Alternative AH1 compared to the other alternatives, the total number of structures in cultivated land is similar for all three alternatives. On balance, Alternative AH1 has a lower level of impact on agricultural use than the other alternatives. In addition, Alternative AH1 has substantially fewer residences within 0.25 mile. For all other evaluation criteria, Alternative AH1 is among the best of the alternatives. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-3 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Route Evaluation Results Siting Criteria AH1 AH2 AH3 Alternative colors shown on maps Green (Preferred) Pink Purple Agricultural Uses Criteria Totals Number (1,000 of pivot feet and irrigation systems further) potentially affected 0 0 0 Number of transmission structures on edge or property boundary) through cultivated land (not 7 0 3 Number or property of structures boundary) through cultivated land (located on edge 5 10i 7 Number of irrigation canal/ditch crossings Number potential of secondary centerline agricultural buildings within 100 feet of 0 0 Residential Land Uses Criteria totals Number of residences within 200 feet of potential centerline 1 2 Number residential of crossings through planned (undeveloped) subdivisions 0 Number of residences between 200 feet potential centerline by segment and 0.25 mile of 7 22 16 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses Criteria Totals Number of industrial/commercial buildings within 100 feet of potential centerline 0 0 0 Number use of crossings feedlots) through an existing industrial/commercial (including Number of crossings areas through planned industrial/commercial 0 Recreational Land Uses Criteria Totals Number of existing parks/recreation sites crossed 0 0 0 Number of existing parks/recreation sites within 500 feet 0 0 0 Number of crossings through planned parks/recreation sites 0 0 0 Institutional/Special Land Uses Criteria Totals Number facilities/towers of potential physical impacts on communication 0 0 0 Number of schools within 500 feet 0 0 0 Number of oil and gas well sites within 200 feet (active) 0 0 0 Number of oil and gas wells within 0.25 mile (active) 1 0 13 Number of parcels crossed 16 19 17 Number of gun clubs and/or shooting ranges within 0.25 mile 0 0 0 Number of intersections with flight paths (per FAA) 0 0 0 Number of cemeteries crossed 0 0 0 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-3 WAPA Ault Substation to Husky Substation Route Evaluation Results Siting Criteria AH1 AH2 AH3 Alternative colors shown on maps Green (Preferred) Pink Purple Natural andCultural Resources Criteria Totals of structures within 100 year floodplain 0 0 01 Number Distance in miles within 0.125 mile of waterbodies 0 0 Number of structures within potential wetland 0 0 0 Distance including through designated raptor nests and sensitive roosts or important habitat, Number of trees within 75 feet of potential centerline 3 3 Distance within 0.25 mile of State Wildlife Area 0 0 0 Number of Centennial Farms within the 150 feet ROW 0 0 0 of cultural sites potentially disturbed 0 0 0 Number Number of Superfund sites crossed 0 0 0 Number of areas crossed with soils/landfills potentially contaminated 0 0 0 Engineering Criteria Totals Number of angle structures greater than 45 degrees ' 9 16 of State major highway crossings (State Hwy 392) Hwy 14, U.S. Hwy ` ` 0 0 Number 85, and Impacts on other utilities (e.g., pipelines) NA NA NA Number of railroad crossings 0 0 0 Number of high pressure gas pipeline crossings NA NA NA Number of other transmission line crossings 1 1 3 Total Length 3.70 4.42 4.26 Lowest Effect Moderate Effect Highest Effect NA: Not Applicable Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.3.3 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Alternative Routes Four alternatives were developed for this segment, which extends over an approximately 7 -mile distance between the Husky Substation and the Graham Creek Substation, which will be constructed at a location immediately southwest of the town of Eaton (Maps 11, 12, and 13). After exiting the Husky Substation site, Alternative HGC1 heads south before turning west to follow a route along the north side of CR 84, then turning south. For the next 3.5 miles, Alternative HGC1 generally follows the half -section line, diverting only once to avoid proximity to a group of residences located along CR 82. At a point 0.5 mile south of CR 78, the route turns to the east for 0.5 mile before turning south to follow CR 33 for most of the remaining distance to the Graham Creek Substation site. Alternative HGC2 follows the same route at Alternative HGC1 but turns south along CR 33, which it follows for approximately 1.5 miles before turning west and rejoining the route of Alternative HGCI at a point 0.5 mile south of CR 33. Alternative HGC2 continues south and follows the half - section line for the next 1.5 miles and then turns east for 0.5 mile and the intersection of CR 33. At the intersection with CR 33, the route turns south for 0.5 miles and turns to the east again before turning south and following the half -section line south for the remaining distance to the Graham Creek Substation site. Alternative HGC3 heads south from the Husky Substation then turns west before intersecting with CR 33. For the next 1.5 miles, Alternative HGC3 follows the same route as Alternative HGC2. The route turns south after intersecting with Alternative HGC1 and follows that route for 1.5 miles. It then follows CR 33 to the Graham Creek Substation. Alternative HGC4 follows a circuitous route, heading directly east from the Husky Substation and generally following the 1/2 section line for the 3.5 miles to CR 41. After intersecting CR 41, the route turns south and continues along CR 41 for approximately 3.5 miles. At the intersection with CR 78, the route heads back to the west for 3.5 miles to a point where it intersects with the alignment of Alternative HGC1, which it follows to the south and west over the remaining distance to the Graham Creek Substation. In addition to the routes described above, several other alternatives were considered for this segment. These alternatives are shown in Map 3. Most of these alternatives, which include several additional options located east of the Town of Ault and U.S. Hwy 85, were eliminated after further evaluation. Routes located east of U.S. Hwy 85 require a substantially greater distance of transmission line construction and a correspondingly higher level of adverse effects on agricultural and residential uses. Nevertheless, one route east of the town of Ault and U.S. Hwy 85 (Alternative HGC4) was carried forward for detailed analysis in order to quantify the higher level of conflicts resulting from a longer and more circuitous routing strategy. 4.3.4 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Route Evaluation Results The results of the analysis are displayed in Table 4-5. Alternative HGC1 has substantially fewer residences located within 0.25 mile of the route as well as the lowest number of residences within 200 feet of the transmission route. On most other evaluation criteria, the alternatives have a similar level of compliance with the criteria, including distance through cultivated land (number of poles) and crossings of parcels with an existing industrial use. For many of the evaluation criteria, there is no difference between the alternatives, often because that particular condition will not be crossed or otherwise affected. For several criteria, including total number of parcels crossed and the 4-17 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study number of trees removed, Alternative HGC1 has some minor disadvantages. For these reasons, Alternative HGC1 was identified as the preferred alternative. 7 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 11. Alternative Transmission Routes and Substation Sites for Segment 2: Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation 5 a £ 9'313sal ucp- x 3 L 3 a Town df Ault a as--f—E,R)e•C Town of Eaton Ettinftnd on: (LirftwiD 1y _ARIMEdl3 F 1u IF P ADAMS Existing Transmission (Voltage) •a 230KV '15O1 • 4e1kV Fxis-ire3 rlistrihlltinn Proposed Husky to Graham Creek Siting Area HLsky to Gra'lam Creek Rcute 1 (Preferred) Risky to Granarri Creak Rcute 2 (Alternative) Hiesky to Caia'iarn Greek Route 3 (Alternative) HLsky to Grailarrl Creek Roste 4 (Alternative) WAPAAuft to Husky (See Separate Nap Sets H1.skyand Gra-tarn Creek Preferred Substaton Graham Creek Subs:a:icn Alternative Existing Features — Canals L _ _; Cities o 025 0.5 bile Kione'en D C.25 0.5 1 1:52,000 HUSKY TO GRAHAM CREEK Proposed and Alternative Ro•i. tes and Substation Sites 4-19 7 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 12. Agricultural Areas and Hydrology for Segment 2: Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation -IM4 Ceti RSV, IJ5W +' 7r: Y.fVG F.sw ' jI _4RIMERA�II ' uIt, i i I Greeley r--- :�=_ ; „ev tir ' I I .E L C ADAMS lI I 7 Existing Transmission (Voltage) 2:3JkV +s 115kV zd k4' Husky to Graham Creek Siting Area - Husky to uranam Creek Route 1 (Prata mod: asHusky to Graham Creek Route 2 (Alleinallve) sHuskyto Graham Creek Route 3 (Atlematve) Husky to Graham Creek Route 4 rAlternative) = WAPAAult to Husky {see Separate Map Set) HUSKY and Gramm' creek Preferred Substatoi Graham Creek SubstationAlternaive Existing Features Canals _; Cities NationaF Wetland Irventary 100yr rbodplain Subdivisions Conservation Fasemant NN Centennial Farms Cultivated Land Farmland of local importance Fannie] of slatevvicls importance Prime farmlard if dra nerd and either protected from flood ng car not rreeuertly flooded during tie growirq sensor Prime farmlard If Irriga:el CuluvutedAgiic;ultue Pi o: I Tigation 0 025 0.5 a>_ Kione'er 0 C.25 Q.5 1:52.000 HUSKY TO GRAHAM CREEK Agricultural Uses and Hydrology XcelEnerqy° Ertrnrtad On: (14Oi1I! 4-20 7 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Map 13. Existing Development in the Siting Area for Segment 2: Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation li rnjw:f4701511%riRicX-a Y RId rnirf:y Fa, tlnjt6C-IS6 3La+yea.uLSI:ln3end routhomapli-irsr3eahamrreehNuat3_Ea 3-ahamens at Emir rg_andelaprrart.flare igiult e,reeley r I O <: r* I. Existing Transmission (Voltage) •s 2:30KV '15kV 4'l kV Husky to Graham Creek Siting Area Hr;skyto Graiam Creek Rcuto 1 (Prrfcrrcoll a Risky to Graiam Creek Roane 2 (Alte-native) a Risky to Graiam Creek Rcute 3 (Alternative) Risky to Graiam Creek Rosie 4 (Alternative) .s WAPAAult 10 Husky tSee Seperaie Map Seti VA H11sky and Sraim Creek Preferred Substatoi `'F1 Graham Creek Subs-piionAlternative Existing Features — Canals Lt.; Cities Trees • Oil it Gas Wells ■ • Oil Gas Tank Battery Oil 8 Gas 200' buffer Residences Residential 200' buffer Mcn-Residential Buiidincs Nrn-Residential 1 Cit' buffer Uroan Growth Boundary 0 025 u.5 0 C.25 A.5 1:52,000 Kione'er 1 HUSKY TO GRAHAM CREEK Existing Development Xcel Energy° affirmed on: r1419p'1 4-21 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-4 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Route Evaluation Results Siting Criteria HGCr1 HGC2 HGC3 HGC4 Alternative colors shown on maps Green (Preferred) Pink Purple Orange Agricultural Uses Criteria Totals Number of pivot (1,000 feet and irrigation further) systems potentially affected 9 Number of transmission (not on edge structures or property boundary) through cultivated land Number of structures edge or property boundary) through cultivated land (located on 8 3`' 3 Number of irrigation canal/ditch crossings 4 3 2 Number potential of secondary centerline agricultural buildings within 100 feet of 1 0 Residential Land Uses Criteria Totals Number of residences within 200 feet of potential centerline 0 1 2 1 Number residential of crossings through planned (undeveloped) subdivisions Number potential of residences centerline, within by segment 200 feet and 0.25 mile of 17 3 35 Industrial/Commercial Land Uses Criteria totals Number of industrial/commercial potential centerline buildings within 100 feet of Number industrial/commercial of crossings through an existing use (including feedlots) 0 0 0 0 Number of crossings through areas planned industrial/commercial 0 0 0 Recreational Land Uses Criteria Totals Number of existing parks/recreation sites crossed 0 0 0 1 Number of existing parks/recreation sites within 500 feet 0 0 0 1 Number of crossings through planned parks/recreation sites 0 0 0 0 Institutional/Special Land Uses Criteria Totals Number facilities/towers of potential physical impacts on communication 0 0 0 0 Number of schools within 500 feet 0 0 0 0 Number of oil and gas well sites within 200 feet (active) 10 2 0 8 Number of oil and gas wells within 0.25 mile (active) 35 44 21 51 Number of parcels crossed 20 16 16 38 Number of gun clubs and/or shooting ranges within 0.25 0 0 0 0 mile Number of intersections with flight paths (per FAA) 0 0 0 0 Number of cemeteries crossed 0 0 0 0 Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study Table 4-4 Husky Substation to Graham Creek Substation Route Evaluation Results Siting Criteria HGCr1 HGC2 HGC3 HGC4 Alternative colors shown on maps Green (Preferred) Pink Purple Orange Natural and Cultural Resources Criteria Totals Number of structures within 100 year floodplain 0 2 1 Distance in miles within 0.125 mile of waterbodies 0.04 0.31 0.31 0.67 Number of structures within potential wetland 0 0 0 0 Distance including through raptor designated nests and sensitive roosts or important habitat, 0 0 0 0 Number of trees within 75 feet of potential centerline 14 4 5 53 Distance within 0.25 mile of State Wildlife Area 0 0 0 0 Number of Centennial Farms within the 150 feet ROW 1 1 1 0 Number of cultural sites potentially disturbed 1 1 0 11 Number of Superfund sites crossed 0 0 0 0 Number of areas crossed with soils/landfills potentially contaminated, 0 0 0 Engineering Criteria Totals Number of angle structures greater than 45 degrees 10 9 6 12 Number of State Hwy 14, U.S. Hwy and Federal 85, and State Highway crossings (State Hwy 392) 1 1 1 3 Impacts on other utilities (e.g., pipelines) NA NA NA Number of railroad crossings 0 0 2 Number of high pressure gas pipeline crossings NA NA NA Number of transmission line crossings 1 1 1 2 Total Length 7.77 7.25 6.30 12.66 Lowest Effect Moderate Effect Highest Effect NA: Not Applicable 4A Conclusions An open and careful process was followed to site new substations and transmission lines in consideration of electric system planning, engineering criteria, environmental resources, regulatory issues, and public comments (Chapter 2). An exhaustive range of potential routes were studied from January 2016 to May 2018 to identify a preferred route between each substation that minimized impacts to the greatest extent practicable. The potential routes were available for public comment at three public open houses and refined through numerous conversations with landowners and local government officials throughout 2017 and 2018. Xcel Energy Northern Colorado Area Plan Revised Siting Study 4.4.1 Substation Results Six sites near the Town of Eaton were evaluated using a robust set of screening criteria. Graham Creek Site 1 is the preferred site, ranking best among all of the alternatives (Table 4-3). Under the Agricultural Uses category, only Site 1 does not remove any irrigated land from production; the remaining sites considered remove irrigated land from production. • Under the Residential Land Use category, Sites 1 and 2 score best on the criteria. • Under the Industrial/Commercial Uses category, all six sites considered score equally. • Under the Recreational Land Uses category, all six sites considered score equally. • Under the Institutional/Special Land Uses category, Site 1 scores the same or better than the other sites considered on the criteria. • Under the Natural and Cultural Resources category, Site 1 scores the same or better than the other sites considered on the criteria. • Under the Engineering Criteria category, Site 1 scores the same or better than the other sites considered on the criteria. 4.4.2 Transmission Route Results Once the preferred substation sites were identified, dozens of potential transmission route configurations were initially identified within the siting area to meet electrical system needs while also taking into account the land use and environmental factors previously described (Map 3). Following the siting process outlined in Chapter 2, most of these potential routes were dismissed due to excessive and impracticable impacts per the evaluation criteria. Three routes were studied further between WAPA Ault Substation and Husky Substation. Route AH1 is the preferred alternative as it has the least impacts on agricultural and residential uses, and also offers the most engineering advantages (Table 4-4). Three alternatives located west of the Town of Ault and one located to the east were carried forward for further analysis. Route HCC1 is the preferred alternative with substantially fewer residences located within 0.25 mile of the route as well as the lowest number of residences within 200 feet of the transmission route (Table 4-5). The preferred electric transmission route and substation locations above will be carried forward into the amended Weld County Section 1041 Permit application. 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