HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180726.tiffUSE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (USR) APPLICATION
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES * 1555 N. 17TH AVENUE * GREELEY, CO 80631
+rvww welcl::Iov corn * 970-353-6100 EXT 3540 * FAX 970-304-6498
FOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT USE:
AMOUNT $
APPLICATION RECEIVED BY
DATE RECEIVED:
CASE # ASSIGNED:
PLANNER ASSIGNED:
See attached Parcels Crossed list
Parcel Number*:
Address of site: Weld County, CO
Legal Description:
Sections 18,19, R4N, R64W; Sections 24,25,36 T4N, R65W; and Sections 1, 12, T3N, R65W
Zone District: A Acreage: Floodplain:YON® Geological Hazard. OYON Airport Overlay: OY tN
1 CC OWNERS) OF THE PROPERTY: EASEMENTS
Name. Erik T. Van Decar
Company: Green River DevCo LP
Phone #4 720-587-2462
Street Address: 1625 Broadway #2200
City/State/Zip Code: Denver, CO 80202
Email: erik.vandecan@nblenergy.com
Name:
Company:
Phone #: Email:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip Code:
Name: _
Company:
Phone #:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip Code:
Email:
APPLICANT OR AUTHORIZED AGENT: (See below. Authorization must accompanyallapplications signed byAutharizedAgents)
Name. Erik T. Van Decar
Company: Green River DevCo LP
Phone #: 303-228-4179 Email: robert.smetana(cDnblenerciv.cam
Street Address: 1625 Broadway #2200
City/State/Zip Code: Denver, CO 80202
PROPOSED USE:
Construction of one 24" natural gas pipeline.
I (We) hereby depose and state under penalties of perjury that all statements, proposals, and/or plans submitted with or
contained within the application are true and correct to the best of my (our)knowledge. Signatures of all fee owners of property
must sign this application. If an Authorized Agent signs, a fetter of authorization from all fee owners must be included with the
application. If a corporation is the fee owner, notarized evidence must be included indicating that the signatory has to legal
authority lg•rrfcrlhecorporation.
Signature. Owner or Authorized Agent Date Signature: Owner or Authorized Agent Date
Print Name
Print Name
Rev 4/2016
1625 Broaday, Suite 2204
Denver, Colorado 80202
1. noble
MIDSTREAM 'A I NF V2 303.228.AD00
December 5, 2017
Mr. Kim Ogle
Weld County Planning
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
RE: Authorized Agent for Green River DevCo LP
Dear Mr. Ogle:
I am the designated Attorney -In -Fact for the Green River DevCo LP. On behalf of Green River
DevCo LP, I authorize Robert Smetana to serve as the Authorized Agent for Green River
DevCo LP related to any application with Weld County for the Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline
Project.
Sincerely,
Green River DevCo LP
By: Green River DevCo GP LLC, its general partner
By: Noble Midstream Services, LLC, its sole member
Erik T. Van Decar
Attorney -In -Fact
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES
BUILDING INSPECTION DIVISION
1555 N 17TH AVENUE, GREELEY, CO 80631
(970) 353-6100 X3540
AUTHORIZATION FORM
I Pam Hora with Tetra Tech represent Erik T. Van Decar with Green River DevCo LP for the
(Consultant) (Owner)
property located at See attached "Parcels Crossed List"
Legal Description: Qtr/Qtr Section , Township N, Range
Subdivision Name: Lot Block
Email
I can be contacted at the following phone #'s: I lomc
Work _
Cell
Pam.Hora@tetratech.com
W
720-864-4507
720-201-0173
Correspondence mailed to (only one): `m7.Consultant ❑ Property Owner
Owner's Signature
Date 1,
/1/AA
COLT TO CROSSROADS GAS PIPELINE PARCELS CROSSED LIST
PARCEL
NAME
ADDRESS1
ADDRESS2
CITY
STATE
ZIPCODE
TOWNSHIP
RANGE
SECTION
105318300001
WELD COUNTY
1150 O ST
GREELEY
CO
806329596
4
64
18
105318300002
DCP MIDSTREAM LP
370 17TH ST STE 2500
DENVER
CO
802025604
4
64
18
105319200007
WELD COUNTY OF
1150 O ST
GREELEY
CO
806319596
4
64
19
105319200008
BROOMFIELD CITY OF
1 DESCOMBES DR
BROOMFIELD
CO
800202495
4
64
19
105524100005
WELD COUNTY OF
1150 O ST
GREELEY
CO
806319596
4
65
24
105524100006
BROOMFIELD CITY OF
1 DESCOMBES DR
BROOMFIELD
CO
800202495
4
65
24
105525200016
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
4
65
25
105525400014
HEARTLAND BIOGAS LLC
15445 INNOVATION DR
SAN DIEGO
CA
921283432
4
65
25
105525400017
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
4
65
25
105536100004
COLORADO STATE OF
1127 N SHERMAN ST STE 300
DENVER
CO
802032398
4
65
36
121301000009
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
3
65
1
121301100017
HOUNDSKEEPER LTD (33% INT)
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
121301100017
COLLINS PATRICK (33% INT)
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
121301100017
COLLINS LENORA (33% INT)
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
121301100018
HOUNDSKEEPER LTD
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
121312100004
STROH FAMILY TRUST (50% INT)
C/O JERRY ANDERSON
1004 RICHMOND RD
EDMOND
OK
730343230
3
65
12
121312100004
OGG & S LLC (50% INT)
C/O JERRY ANDERSON
1004 RICHMOND RD
EDMOND
OK
730343230
3
65
12
105525300010
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
4
65
25
Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline Summary Statement
Following in bold are bullet points of the topics Weld County asked be explained within the Summary
Statement for the project. Following each bullet point is an explanation of how the point has been
addressed.
• Source, capacity, size destination and type of facilities, support structures, lines, etc.
• Description of pipeline.
The Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline is an extension of the South Area Gas Pipeline project recently
approved by Weld County as USR17-0034 and USR17-0040. The pipeline is proposed by Green River
DevCo LP (Green River). Noble Midstream Services, LLC is the sole member of Green River DevCo GP
LLC, which is the general partner of Green River DevCo LP.
The Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline is a proposed 24" natural gas pipeline that will connect to the north
end of the South Area Gas Pipeline and then travel approximately four to four and a half miles north to
connect into DCP's Crossroads Compressor Station located at the northeast corner of WCR49 and
WCR44. Attached is a map which illustrates the proposed location of the proposed pipeline. The
proposed pipeline will have a wall thickness of at least 0.375 of an inch; increased wall thickness or an
increase in steel hoop strength will be used where engineering design determines it is needed. The
pipeline will be coated with fusion -bonded epoxy (FBE) and will have a maximum operating pressure of
740 per square inch gauge (psig) at 100°F. The pipeline flow measurement will be monitored by a
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The natural gas that flows into the pipeline
will be the gas that is collected from Econodes and fed into the South Area Gas Pipeline. This stretch of
pipeline will convey the gas all the way to the DCP Compressor Station because there is currently no
compressor station at the end of the South Area Gas Pipeline, as was originally planned when the South
Area Gas Pipeline was permitted.
In order to minimize the impact of pipelines on the land in the area, the alignment of the proposed pipeline
is immediately adjacent to and runs parallel to an existing oil and gas pipeline corridor used by other oil
and gas companies. A quarter mile section of the proposed route through Section 25, Township 4 North,
Range 65 West may be moved to the west approximately one -quarter of a mile to ensure that the pipeline
avoids significant surface features and to better address landowner concerns. Therefore, on Sheet 3 of
the USR plan set, an Option 1 and Option 2 route are shown. The property owners impacted by both
routes have been consulted. While the Option 1 route is preferable because it is more direct, the owner
of the land of Option 2 route is amenable to granting an easement to Green River if the details do not
work out to follow the Option 1 route alignment. In order to keep the application moving forward, Green
River has decided to show both potential routes to provide some flexibility. Whether Green River goes
with Option 1 or Option 2, there will be no neighboring landowners within 150' of the alignment because
all land within 150' of both alignments is owned by the landowner who would be granting the easement
for the pipeline.
The typical easement agreement that Green River will be acquiring from landowners will include
provisions for both a 30' wide permanent easement and an additional 40' wide temporary construction
easement. Temporary construction easements are needed so that contractors have adequate space to
work during pipeline installation.
When the proposed natural gas pipeline is constructed, the depth of the pipeline will vary depending on
surface conditions; but, at minimum pipeline depth will be compliant with DOT requirements. DOT
192.327 code requires the pipeline to have at least 30 inches of cover in Class 1 locations and 36 inches
of cover in Class 2, 3, and 4 locations. Where it crosses under County roads, the pipeline will have 10'-
20' of cover depending on the road. The pipeline is planned to pass under WCRs 38 and 42 (local roads)
which require 10' of cover, under WCR 44 (collector road) which requires 15' of cover and under 49
(arterial road) which requires 20' of cover. Permits will be acquired from Weld County to cross each of
1
these rights -of -way. In addition, if the pipeline should cross any ditches, ditch crossing agreements
permits will be obtained from the appropriate ditch company.
• Description of the preferred route or site and reasons for its selection.
• A description of the method or procedures to be employed to avoid or minimize the impacts
on irrigated agricultural land.
• An explanation of how the design of the pipeline mitigates negative impacts on the
surrounding area to the greatest extent feasible.
The route selected is the shortest and most direct route to transport collected gas from the north end of
the South Area Gas Pipeline to DCP's Crossroads Compressor Station. In addition, the alignment of the
proposed pipeline is immediately adjacent to and runs parallel to an existing oil and gas pipeline corridor
used by other oil and gas companies in order to minimize the impact of pipelines on the land in the area.
A quarter mile section of the proposed route through Section 25, Township 4 North, Range 65 West may
be moved to the west approximately one -quarter of a mile to ensure that the pipeline avoids significant
surface features and to better address landowner concerns. Therefore, on Sheet 3 of the USR plan set,
an Option 1 and Option 2 route are shown. The property owners impacted by both routes have been
consulted. While the Option 1 route is preferable because it is more direct, the owner of the land of
Option 2 route is amenable to granting an easement to Green River if the details do not work out to follow
the Option 1 route alignment. In order to keep the application moving forward, Green River has decided to
show both potential routes as the change in location between the pipeline routes is minimal and does not
impact any new landowners within 150' of either route.
Procedures to be employed in mitigating adverse impacts of the proposed route.
The route selected was deemed to be the most direct and is immediately adjacent to and runs parallel to
an existing oil and gas pipeline corridor. This alignment will minimize the impact of pipelines on the land
in the area. In addition, the route selected will minimize impacts on the community, minimize cost, and
maximize safety during construction by crossing as few roads as possible. Temporary and permanent
access points to the County Road from the pipeline easement will be planned out during the design
process and permitted with the County Public Works Department. These access points will be
constructed in locations with adequate visibility, and will be designed with tracking control to keep mud off
the county roads. Noble will work to find access locations into properties where fencing and gates are
placed far enough away from the county road to ensure that vehicles entering the site are completely off
the road when they stop to open a gate. If needed, they will work with landowners to temporarily modify
fencing or gates during construction to prevent problems with vehicles blocking county roads as they
access properties.
Physical facilities such as valves and pig launchers/receivers will be located off of the County Road ROW,
and laid out to allow safe access by Green River maintenance technicians.
In late 2016 and early 2017, Noble contracted with SWCA Environmental Consultants to complete an
Aquatic Resource Inventory Report, Desktop Environmental Review, and Field Assessment to look for
wildlife along the pipeline route for another pipeline referred to as the Empire or Synergy Pipeline. The
Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline follows the same route as the Empire or Synergy Pipeline. Because the
reports were prepared very recently, new reports were not prepared for this same corridor area. Attached
are copies of the reports that were prepared. The reports determined that there will be no significant
impact on sensitive wildlife or vegetation by placing the alignment along the proposed route.
• A description of the plan for controlling soil erosion, dust, and the growth of noxious weeds.
• A statement addressing how there will be no adverse impact from stormwater runoff to the
public rights -of -way or surrounding properties as a result of the pipeline.
Grading, erosion, and sediment control plans and details will be included in the design plans for the
pipeline. Dust mitigation will be conducted by watering the disturbed area several times a day during
2
construction with a watering truck, using water purchased from the local water district. Revegetation of
disturbed areas will occur following placement of the pipe. The surface will be graded to minimize erosion
and then replanted with the vegetation that existed prior to pipeline construction. Revegetation will be
required for grassland and fallow land using native seed mixes specified by the local soil conservation
service. Cultivated land will be graded to minimize erosion and then planted by the landowner for the next
growing season.
• An outline of the planned construction, including startup and commissioning schedule, to
include the number of stages and timing of each.
It is estimated that the pipeline will be constructed and commissioned in 2018.
• Information of any public meeting conducted, to include the location, date, time, attendance,
and method of advertising.
Because the pipeline route is planned to be constructed within an existing pipeline corridor that is space
constricted, the route is pretty well set. There is only one quarter of a mile segment of pipeline through
Section 25, Township 4 North, Range 65 West that may need to shift a quarter mile to west and so an
Option 1 and Option 2 alignment are shown in this area. If the alignment were to need to shift from the
preferred Option 1 alignment to the Option 2 alignment, the pipeline would be shifting onto a parcel
owned by a landowner who is willing to grant an easement to Green River. With both alignments, the
landowners within 150 feet of the proposed pipeline are the same landowner that will be granting the
pipeline easement so there aren't any new neighbors within 150' who will be impacted. Property owners
within 150' of the proposed alignment (including Options 1 and 2) will be sent a packet of information
about the project and its purpose within the Mustang IDP area. Landowners will be directed to contact
Noble Energy if they have any concerns. Depending on the response received to the information mailed
out, Noble will determine whether or not they will host a meeting with neighbors. Noble will track any
feedback received from neighbors and then share the information with the County. If a community
meeting is scheduled, Weld County staff will be invited.
• A description of any hazards, if any, of fire, explosion, and other dangers to the health, safety,
and welfare of employees and the general public.
Gas pipelines are inherently dangerous due to the presence of pressurized hydrocarbons being conveyed
within the pipeline. However, the risks associated with pipelines are much lower than alternative means of
delivery, such as trucking and railroads. These risks are mitigated by:
• Locating the pipelines, wherever feasible, away from heavily populated areas and sensitive areas
such as schools and hospitals.
• Classifying pipeline segments according to federal regulations in accordance with proximity to
populated areas, schools, and hospitals and upgrading Factors of Safety associated with the
pipeline strength with respect to pipeline volume and allowable pressures.
• Burying pipelines to appropriate depths and using adequate engineering and construction
principals to prevent geological damage to the lines.
• Engineering valves and shut-off controls required to depressurize the pipeline when required for
emergency situations.
• Marking and identifying pipeline routes with appropriate warnings.
• At locations where the proposed pipeline will cross existing pipelines (including County and public
utility infrastructure), the existing pipeline owners will be contacted and plans and construction
details will be approved for each crossing. Timber mats are typically used to protect existing
pipelines at locations where the Green River's construction vehicles must cross over the
infrastructure.
• Green River has rigorous procedures for One -Call Notification that is uniformly enforced with both
in-house personnel and contracted construction crews. Additionally, sweeping of the ROW also
occurs to identify any additional pipelines not identified with the 811 One Call Notification
process.
3
• The pipeline route design will be mapped and field -located by crews working under the direction
of a Licensed Surveyor. Immediately prior to construction, the survey crews will stake out the
pipeline centerline and easement boundaries based upon the approved and permitted
construction drawings.
• A description of emergency procedures to be followed in case of a reported failure or accident
involving the proposed pipeline. We would suggest developing an emergency action plan
consistent with what is typically required for other USR sites.
An Emergency Action Plan will be developed and submitted to the County prior to construction and
operation of this pipeline.
• A discussion of how the proposal conforms to the guidelines of Chapter 22 of the Code and
any other applicable code provision or ordinance in effect.
The Colt to Crossroads USR application is consistent with the intent of Chapter 22 Weld County Code
and Comprehensive Plan in the following ways:
O.G. Goal 1. Promote the reasonable and orderly exploration and development of oil and gas mineral
resources.
The Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline is located in an area where there is already a significant amount
of oil and gas development. By locating the pipeline in this area, Green River will be able to lower the
overall impact of oil and gas development in the area by providing the safest, cleanest, and most
efficient means of resource transportation. Pipelines remove trucks from county roads and allow for a
more orderly development of oil and gas exploration in the area.
O.G. Policy 1.1 The County should encourage cooperation, coordination and communication between
the surface owner and the mineral owner/operations with respect to any developments of either the
surface or the mineral estate.
The Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline is surrounded by land uses primarily associated with the
Agriculture Zone. Land uses near the pipeline include existing oil and gas facilities including other
pipelines, existing agricultural facilities, and a few existing residential properties. Residential
properties surrounding the pipeline are sparsely distributed and consist mainly of range homes and
large lot single family homes. Other than County roads, the pipeline will not travel through or
underneath any significant structure. Green River will agree to an easement with each property owner
that the pipeline crosses in order to ensure that the pipeline is compatible with the land the pipeline
crosses. By agreeing to an easement with each landowner, Green River is committed to working with
all landowners along the pipeline route to ensure that the pipeline will not adversely impact any
property along the route.
O.G. Goal 2. Ensure that the extraction of oil and gas resources conserves the land and minimizes
the impact on surrounding land and the existing surrounding land uses.
The proposed route of the Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline will minimize surface impact by placing
the pipeline within an existing pipeline easement corridor.
O.G. Policy 2.1 Encourage oil- and gas -drilling activities to be coordinated with seasonal production
schedules associated with agricultural activities. Promote and encourage the use of directional drilling
to protect surface rights of agricultural lands and possible future land uses.
Green River has worked with each landowner to minimize impact to agricultural land. The proposed
pipeline route minimizes surface impact and Green River will work with each land owner to best
minimize impact during pipeline installation. Green River's easement agreements with each
landowner stipulate that they will provide compensation for loss of production as a result of the
pipeline installation.
4
• A decommissioning plan.
Included in the application package is the Decommissioning Plan for the project.
• A description of any haul routes during construction, identifying the roads and bridges
involved and the weight of the loads.
The haul routes selected for the project will depend on which portion of the pipeline is being constructed.
Green River and its contractors will likely use WCR 49 and the local County roads off of it to get over to
the pipeline alignment area during construction. Green River does not anticipate needing laydown yard
locations during construction of the pipe; however, if one is needed, only approved/permitted laydown
yards will be used. Green River will identify access points for getting trucks into sites and then back onto
the ROW. The locations will be primarily selected based on the ease and safety of getting semi -
truckloads of piping off of the County Road and onto the pipeline corridor with minimal disruption to traffic
patterns on the road. The access points will be constructed to County standards with respect to visibility,
drainage, mud tracking, and safe egress without stopping on the County Roads to unlock any gates.
The haul routes selected will be documented on maps that will be provided to Contractors and truck
drivers to direct them on how to get each truckload to its intended destination with minimal disturbance to
other road users, with maximum safety to both Contractors and the public, and with minimal damage to
existing County infrastructure.
• An explanation of how the pipeline will not have an undue effect on existing and future
development of the surrounding area as set forth in applicable Master Plans.
The Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline does not intersect with Weld County intergovernmental agreement
(IGA) planning areas. The route selected generally parallels existing County Roads and is the shortest
and most direct route between the beginning sources of the pipeline system and the delivery termination
of the pipeline system without bisecting parcels of land. The selected route also minimizes disturbance to
the land to allow landowners to continue their farming practices while also protecting the surface so that it
can be used for possible future development.
• An explanation as to how reasonable alternatives to the proposal have been adequately
addressed and why the proposed proposal is consistent with the best interests of the people
of the County and represents a balanced use of resources in the affected area.
Noble Energy developed IDPs to design and coordinate production activities in a manner that is less
disruptive to residents and the communities in which the drilling is occurring. An IDP results in a smaller
operational footprint, reduced emissions, less truck traffic, and increased water management. This is
accomplished by drilling multiple wells from a single well -site (Econodes), which creates greater
efficiencies throughout the exploration, drilling, and production phases of production. The use of IDPs
also reduces the number and overall miles of pipelines required to collect and deliver the resources to
consumers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines are the safest mode of
transportation for natural gas, crude oil, and other energy resources. Pipelines are able to transport vast
quantities of these resources more efficiently and cost effectively; for natural gas, pipelines are the only
manner to transport it in large quantities over land, lowering traffic on the roads and reducing emissions.
5
Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline
Easement Status Report (Revised 2/9/18)
Attached is the Easement Status Report for the Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline. The Easement Status
Report provides information on how many easements have been signed and the most current estimate of
when all easements will be signed. The Easement Status Report was created on February 9, 2018.
COLT TO CROSSROADS GAS PIPELINE PARCELS EASEMENT STATUS REPORT
PARCEL
NAME
ADDRESS1
ADDRESS2
CITY
STATE
ZIPCODE
TOWNSHIP
RANGE
SECTION
EASEMENT STATUS
105318300001
WELD COUNTY
1150 O ST
GREELEY
CO
806329596
4
64
18
Crossing permit; will apply soon
105318300002
DCP MIDSTREAM LP
370 17TH ST STE 2500
DENVER
CO
802025604
4
64
18
Negotiating; expected by 2/10/18
105319200007
WELD COUNTY OF
1150 O ST
GREELEY
CO
806319596
4
64
19
Crossing permit; will apply soon
105319200008
BROOMFIELD CITY OF
1 DESCOMBES DR
BROOMFIELD
CO
800202495
4
64
19
Negotiating; expected by 2/25/18
105524100005
WELD COUNTY OF
1150 O ST
GREELEY
CO
806319596
4
65
24
Crossing permit; will apply soon
105524100006
BROOMFIELD CITY OF
1 DESCOMBES DR
BROOMFIELD
CO
800202495
4
65
24
Negotiating; expected by 2/25/18
105525200016
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
4
65
25
Negotiating; expected by 2/15/18
105525400014
HEARTLAND BIOGAS LLC
15445 INNOVATION DR
SAN DIEGO
CA
921283432
4
65
25
Negotiating; expected by 2/25/18
105525400017
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
4
65
25
Negotiating; expected by 2/20/18
105536100004
COLORADO STATE OF
1127 N SHERMAN ST
STE 300
DENVER
CO
802032398
4
65
36
Negotiating; expected by 2/25/18
121301000009
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
3
65
1
Negotiating; expected by 2/20/18
121301100017
HOUNDSKEEPER LTD (33% INT)
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
Negotiating; expected by 2/15/18
121301100017
COLLINS PATRICK (33% INT)
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
Negotiating; expected by 2/15/18
121301100017
COLLINS LENORA (33% INT)
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
Negotiating; expected by 2/15/18
121301100018
HOUNDSKEEPER LTD
10141 COUNTY ROAD 13
LONGMONT
CO
805049449
3
65
1
Negotiating; expected by 2/15/18
121312100004
STROH FAMILY TRUST (50% INT)
C/O JERRY ANDERSON
1004 RICHMOND RD
EDMOND
OK
730343230
3
65
12
Negotiating; expected by 2/10/18
121312100004
OGG & S LLC (50% INT)
C/O JERRY ANDERSON
1004 RICHMOND RD
EDMOND
OK
730343230
3
65
12
Negotiating; expected by 2/10/18
105525300010
SHELTON LAND & CATTLE LTD
PO BOX 65
ROGGEN
CO
806520065
4
65
25
Negotiating; expected by 2/10/18
Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline
Emergency Action Plan
Green River DevCo is in the process of preparing an Emergency Action Plan for this project. They
understand that it will be need to be finalized and signed off by the County's OEM and the Fire District
prior to construction of the pipeline.
Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline
Decommissioning Plan
The pipeline will be designed to be safely used for hydrocarbon delivery for a projected lifetime of
approximately 40 to 50 years. Corrosion of the pipeline will be regularly monitored during the life of the
pipeline to ensure the thickness of the pipe is maintained at a level required to withstand pressures within
the pipeline, with adequate Factors of Safety included.
When the decision is made by the Owner that the pipeline must be taken out of service, the typical
process is that the pipeline is cleaned of all hydrocarbons and repeatedly flushed to achieve a condition
to minimize any off -gassing or leaking, then the terminations of the pipe segments are sealed shut. The
pipeline is typically idled or abandoned in place, and well -marked to show where it is located. If the
pipeline is idled and empty, all operations and maintenance activities under DOT Part 192 will continue.
If required by Weld County, the pipeline can be dug up and the disturbed earth re -graded and restored. In
such cases, the steel would be recycled. The restoration requirements would include final grading to
match pre-existing conditions, and to prevent any increased drainage runoff. The disturbed areas are
seeded with native grass mixes matching the construction restoration specifications for non -cultivated
areas (including rangeland and fallow areas). For cultivated areas, the disturbed area would be re-
graded and then replanted by the landowner in the next growing season. In all cases, temporary erosion
and sediment control Best Management Practices (BMP's) would be put in place to control erosion until
the native and cultivated plants are established.
Note that removal of the pipeline is ideal from the standpoint of safety issues in congested areas.
However, some pipelines achieve a productive secondary use if cleaned out and used as a conduit for
other utilities, including fiber optic lines. Similarly, the segments of the pipeline crossing under existing
county roads can be left in place and used for future utility crossings, thereby reducing the damage and
inconvenience associated with those future crossings. For longer segments of abandoned steel pipeline
in places where fiber optic lines are being installed, the pipeline has a residual value and may be sold to
the telecommunications carrier. In cases where the piping at road crossings is left in place, the piping
can be donated to the County and/or future utility(ies) to offset the costs and requirements of digging up
and restoring the roads.
Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline
Environmental Reports (Revised 2/13/18)
The following two reports were prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants in January 2018
specifically for the Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project:
• Aquatic Resource Inventory Report
• Biological Survey Report
SWCA
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
SowId Science, Creative Solutio
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
for the Colt to Crossroads Pipeline
Project, Weld County, Colorado
Prepared for
Noble Energy, Inc.
Prepared by
SWCA Environmental Consultants
January 2018
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report for the
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project,
Weld County, Colorado
Prepared for
Noble Energy, Inc.
1625 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
Prepared by
SWCA Environmental Consultants
295 Interlocken Boulevard, Suite 300
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
303.487.1183
January 30, 2018
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 METHODS , l
2.1 Existing Data Review 1
2.2 Field Methodology 2
2.2.1 Wetlands 2
2.2.2 Streams and Other Waterbodies 3
2.3 Site Documentation 3
3.0 RESULTS 4
3.1 Wetlands 4
3.1.1 vegetation.,
3.1.2 Noxious Weeds
3.1.3 Soils
3.1.4 Soil Erosion Potential 7
3.1.5 Hydrology '
3.2 Streams and Other Waterbodies 7
4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 8
5.0 REFERENCE 9
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Monthly Recorded Precipitation at the Greeley Weather Station 4
2 Dominant Plant Species in the Survey Area.6
3 Soil Map Units in the Survey Area
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
A Aquatic Resources Inventory Maps
B Wetland Determination Forms
C Wetland and Waterbody Photographs
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
This page intentionally left blank.
i SC
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
1.0 INTRODUCTION
On behalf of Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA)
completed a delineation of potential waters of the U.S., commonly referred to as a "wetland
delineation," for the proposed 4.7 -mile -long Colt to Crossroads Pipeline (project) near the city
of Auburn in Weld County, Colorado (Figure 1 in Appendix A). To comply with the Clean
Water Act (CWA) of 1972, SWCA conducted the wetland delineation within a 200 -foot -wide
survey corridor generally centered on the centerline of the proposed project (survey area). The
pipeline right-of-way (ROW) will include a 30 -foot -wide permanent ROW and an additional
40 feet as temporary workspace. An updated centerline (dated January 15, 2018) including two
reroutes was surveyed and is included in this report.
The wetland delineation includes the identification and recording of physical features that may
be considered waters of the U.S. As defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE),
`eaters of the U.S. include most rivers, creeks, streams, arroyos, lakes, and their associated
special aquatic sites. Special aquatic sites include sanctuaries, refuges, wetlands, mud flats,
vegetated shallows, coral reefs, and riffle and pool complexes (USACE 1987). When applying
for a CWA. permit, the USACE requires special aquatic sites, including wetlands, to be
addressed separately from other waters of the U.S.
Wetlands are the most common special aquatic site and are defined by the USACE as, areas
that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient
to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions (USACE 1987). According to the USACE (1987),
in order for an area to be considered a wetland. it must contain the following three parameters
under normal circumstances: 1) the presence of hydrology showing regular inundation; 2) a
predominance of hydrophytic (water -loving) vegetation; and 3) soils characteristic of frequent
saturation (i.e., hydric soils).
2.0 METHODS
The wetland delineation included an initial review of existing publically available data to
determine where waters of the U.S. might occur, followed by field surveys. Existing data were
used to determine locations in the field which may require a more detailed survey of existing
conditions, although the entire survey areawas evaluated during both the data review and field
surveys.
2.1 EXISTING DATA REVIEW
A review of existing data was performed in the office prior to the field surveys to identify areas
with the greatest potential for aquatic resources. The existing data reviewed included U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 -minute quadrangles (USGS 2016), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps (USFWS 2015), the National Hydrography
Dataset (NHD) (USGS 2015), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey
maps (NRCS 2017), and historic and current aerial photographs of the survey area (Google
Earth 2017).
1 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
2.2 FIELD METHODOLOGY
Pedestrian field sun eys were conducted on January 11 and 19, 2018, by a qualified SWCA
biologist to identify the presence/absence of aquatic resources, including wetlands, streams, and
other waterbodies, within the survey area. The survey area includes a 200 -foot -wide survey
corridor, centered on the proposed pipeline centerline as illustrated on the maps in Appendix
A.
2.2.1 Wetlands
The presence./absence of wetlands is determined in the field using routine on -site delineation
methods outlined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and
the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Great Plains
Region (Version 2.0) (USACE 2010). Data at each potential wetland are recorded on a USACE
wetland determination data form (datasheet) and are provided in Appendix B. Determination of
wetland habitat (type) is based on the classification system developed by Cowardin et al. (1979).
Wetland boundaries are delineated where all three fundamental characteristics of hydrophytic
vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology were present. One data point is recorded for each
potential wetland and corresponding upland data points are recorded to document upland
boundaries and conditions surrounding the wetland. Representative photographs of each
wetland are provided in Appendix C.
2.2.1.1 Vegetation
If a shift in vegetation suggests the potential for hydrophytic plants, species are documented
along with percent cover and the wetland indicator status, as recorded in The National Wetland
Plant List: 2016 Wetland Ratings (Lichvar 2016), is assigned to each species. Hydrophytic and
non-hydrophytic (or upland) plant species are differentiated by their respective indicator status,
such as facultative (FAC), facultative wetland (FACW), obligate (OBL), facultative upland
(FACU), and upland (UPL). A. plant community with greater than 50% dominant hydrophytes
(FAC or wetter) is determined to meet the USACE criteria of a hydrophytic community.
2.2.1.2 Soils
Hydric soil determinations are made according to criteria listed in the appropriate wetland
delineation manual/supplement and Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States: A
Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils, Version 7.0 (U.S. Department of
Agriculture 2010). Soil pits are excavated to a depth of at least 20 inches, and the soil profile is
then described by horizon. Each horizon is evaluated for soil color; thickness; the color,
abundance, and contrast of redoximorphic features (e.g., mottles); and soil texture. Munsell Soil
Color Charts are used to determine the color of the soil matrix and redoximorphic features. The
"feel" or "ribbon" test is used to determine soil texture. The soil profile is studied for hydric
soil indicators listed in the appropriate wetland delineation manual/supplement. If the soil
profile displays one or more hydric soil indicator, a positive hydric soil determination is made.
2.2.1.3 Hydrology
Wetland hydrology is determined in the field by considering the frequency and duration of
inundation; visual observation of saturation in the upper 12 inches of the soil profile; and the
2 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
presence of other primary wetland hydrology indicators, such as oxidized root channels, water -
stained leaves, water marks, sediment deposits, or algal matting. Secondary indicators used to
determine wetland hydrology include surface soil cracks, crayfish burrows, drift deposits,
drainage patterns, and saturation visible on aerial imagery. If the area displays one or more
primary hydrology indicator, or two or more secondary hydrology indicators, a positive
hydrology determination is made.
2.2.2 Streams and Other Waterbodies
The presence/absence of lotic systems (e.g., creeks, rivers, arroyos, human -made ditches;
collectively "streams") is determined in the field using the methods outlined in A Field Guide
to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the
Western United States (USAGE 2008). An ordinary high water mark (OiIWM) is a line on a
shore established by fluctuations of water and indicated by physicalcharacteristics such as a
clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction
of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that
consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas. The OHWM is a defining element for
identifying the lateral limits of non -wetland waters. Federal jurisdiction over a non -wetland
water of the U.S. typically extends to the OHWM.
Identified streams are characterized by seasonal persistence as perennial, intermittent, or
ephemeral based on field observations. Perennial streams typically flow year-round because the
water table is located above the stream bed, which causes groundwater to be the primary source
of water. By contrast, intermittent streams only flow seasonally when rising groundwater
discharges into the stream channel. Finally, ephemeral streams only flow during and shortly
after precipitation events in a year with typical rainfall. Ephemeral stream beds are geologically
higher than the water table throughout the year and, therefore, rainfall is the primary source of
water for stream flow.
The presence/absence of lentic systems (e.g., ponds, lakes, oxbows) and other open water areas
(e.g., outflows, deltas) is determined by identifying the presence of O1-IWMs.
2.3 SITE DOCUMENTATION
A Trimble global positioning system (PS) unit with submeter accuracy is used to record the
spatial extent of features, geographically reference data points, and demarcate wetland and
waterbody boundaries during the field survey. Geographic information system (IS) software
is used to analyze recorded features, calculate areas, and generate the survey area maps. The
expected acreage of potential waters of the U.S. is obtained by calculating the area where such
waters overlap the proposed project footprint.
Additionally, representative photographs are taken at each wetland, stream, or waterbody
feature delineated in the field. Photographs of wetlands and waterbodies are labeled with the
feature identification number, photograph number, and cardinal direction of the photograph.
3 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
3.0 RESULTS
The survey area is located entirely within the Middle South Platte -Cherry Creek Watershed,
Hydrologic Unit Code 10190003 (NRCS 2009), which drains an area of approximately
1,840,907 acres. In total, 40.7% of Weld County acreage (748,688 acres) is located within this
watershed, with 29.1% of the watershed occurring in Weld County (NRCS 2009).
According to the existing datareview, one NWI-mapped freshwater emergent wetland was
identified within the survey area (USFWS 2015); however, no NHD-mapped waterbodies were
identified that cross the survey area (USGS 2015). A pedestrian survey was conducted on
January 11 and 19, 2018, by a qualified SWCA biologist. Data were recorded in the field at any
wetland or waterbody containing an OHWM to determine its potential as a water of the U.S.
Wetland determination data forms are provided in Appendix B and representative photographs
of mapped NHD and NWI features are provided in Appendix C.
Normal climatic/hydrologic conditions existed at the time of the surveys. Table 1 summarizes
the recorded and normal rainfall amounts for September through December 2017. According
to data obtained from the U.S. Climate Data Greeley Weather Station (2018), the survey area
experienced rainfall amounts slightly below average in the 4 months prior to the field surveys;
however, September and October were slightly above average on a monthly basis.
Table 1. Monthly Recorded Precipitation at the Greeley Weather Station
MonthRecorded
(inches)
Rainfall
Normal
Rainfall
(inches)
Difference
(inches)
September 2017
1.29
1.10
0.19
October 2017
1.64
1.02
0.62
November
20 17
0.37
0.7.5
-0.38
December 2017
0.00
0.55
-0.55
Total
3.30
3.42
-0.12
Source: U.S. Climate Data (2018)
3.1 WETLANDS
According to baseline data, one freshwater emergent wetland was identified by the NWI
(USFWS 2015) at the north end of the survey area. During field investigations, secondary
wetland hydrology indicators were observed (geomorphic position and a positive FAC neutral
test), but the area was ultimately identified as an upland swale due to tack of hydrophytic
vegetation and hydric soils.
One small palustrine emergent (PEM) wetland (0.82 acre within the survey area) containing
dominant hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology was delineated within
the original survey area provided by Noble on December 8, 2017. This depressional feature was
located in an actively farmed corn (Zea mays) field, and was dominated by herbaceous species,
such as common threesquare (Schoenoplectus pungens), common rush (Juncus effusus), Baltic
rush (Juncus balticus), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).
4 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Soils within wetland soil pits primarily exhibited a hue of 1 OYR, a value of 4, and a chroma of
2 (reported as 1OYR 4/2). Gley characteristics were observed deeper in the soil profile (Gley 1
2.5/N greater than 3 inches below ground surface), and redox concentrations of 1 OYR 5/8 were
observed in the matrix greater than 3 inches below ground surface. Color characteristics of the
associated upland pit were recorded as 1 0YR 4/2. Soil textures were predominantly clay loam.
Primary indicators of wetland hydrology presented as oxidized rhizospheres on living roots and
presence of reduced iron. More detailed information regarding this wetland is provided in
Appendix B.
Representative photographs of the delineated wetland feature and NWI-snapped wetland feature
are provided in Appendix C. No additional surface water features were delineated during the
field surveys.
3.1.1 Vegetation
As observed in the USGS Gap Analysis Program data (USGS 2018), the ecosystem in the
survey area is dominated by cultivated cropland and Western Great Plains Shortgrass
Prairie/Sandhill Steppe. The primary land uses in the survey area are agriculture,
livestock/grazing, and oil and gas development.
The survey area is located in a rural area within an upland landscape dominated by center -pivot
cropland, livestock grazing, and oil and gas development, and is bisected by county roads.
Dominant species within the survey area include western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii),
sand sage (Artemisia filifolia), corn, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), smooth brome (Bromus
inermis), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and kochia (Bassia scoparia).
Additional plant species that were identified throughout the survey area are listed in Table 2.
Representative photographs of the survey area are included in Appendix C.
5 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Table 2. Dominant Plant Species in the Survey Area
Common Name
Scientific Name
Indicator
Great
Plains
Status
Sand
sage
Arternisia f lifolia
UPL
Kochia
Bassia scoparia
FACU
Blue
grama
Bouteloua
gracilis
UPL
Smooth
brome
Bromus inermis
U
P
L
Cheatgrass*
Bromus tectorum
UPL
Canada
thistle*
Cirsium arvense
F
AC
Field
bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis
UPL
Common
wheat
Triticum aestivum stivum
UPL
Western
ragweed
Ambrosia
pilostachya
FACU
Saltgrass
Distichiis
spicata
FACW
Common
sunflower
Helianthus
annuus
FACU
Kentucky
bluegrass
Poa
pratensis
FACU
Prickly
lettuce
Lactuca serriola
FAC
Alfalfa
Medicago saliva
U
P
L
Western
wheatgrass
Pascopyrum
smithii
FACU
Russian thistle
Salsola
tra gus
FACU
Sisymbrium
ium altissimum
FACU
Tall tumblemustard
Sand
dropseed
Sporobolus
cryptandrus
FACU
Thinopyrum
ponticum
UPL
Tall
wheatgrass
Indian
ricegrass
Achnatherum
hymenoides
FACU
Corn
Zea mays
UPL
Colorado noxious weed
PAC — facultative, FACU = facultative upland, FACW = facultative wetland, OBL = obligate, UPL = upland
3.1,2 Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds are non-native invasive plants that displace desirable vegetation and degrade
natural and agricultural lands. Noxious weeds observed in the survey area include cheatgrass
(Bromus tectorum), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and field bindweed (Convolvulus
arvensis). Canada thistle (List B species) populations were found throughout the survey area
on roadsides and within previously disturbed areas. Cheatgrass and field bindweed (List C
species) were found throughout the survey area on roadsides and in grazed rangeland. List B
species are managed by the state noxious weed advisory committee and local governments to
stop the continued spread of these species. List C species are widespread and common
throughout the state (Colorado Weed Management Association 2017).
3.1.3 Soils
According to the NRCS soil surveys for Weld County, Colorado, none of the eight soil map
units within the survey area (Table 3) are on the hydric soil list and do not have a strong potential
to satisfy the hydric soil criteria (NRCS 2018).
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Table 3. Soil Map Units in the Survey Area
Soil Map
Units
Hvdric
Ratin
Soil
Acres in
Survey Area
Erosion
Hazard
Rating
Nelson
fine sandy loam,
3
to 9
percent
slopes
Slight
No
4.1
Olney
loamy sand, 1
to 3 percent slopes
Slight
No
5.0
Olney fine sandy
loam, 1 to 3
percent slopes
Slight
No
2.9
Otero sandy
loam, 3
to 5
percent slopes
Slight
No
0.2
Valent
sand,
3
to 9 percent slopes
Slight
No
22.4
Vona loamy sand,
0 to 3 percent
slopes
Slight
No
7.3
Vona loamy sand.
3 to 5
percent
slopes
Slight
No
4.9
Vona loamy sand.
5 to 9 percent slopes
Slight
No
1.8
3.1.4 Soil Erosion Potential
The soil erosion potential or erosion hazard rating indicates the hazard of soil loss from
undisturbed areas after disturbance activities that expose the soil surface. The ratings are based
on slope and soil erosion factor K. The soil loss is caused by sheet or rill erosion in off -road or
off -trail areas where 50% to 75% of the surface has been exposed by logging, grazing, mining,
or other kinds of disturbance. A rating of "slight" indicates that erosion is unlikely under
ordinary climatic conditions. All of the eight mapped soil units within the survey area given an
erosion hazard rating of slight (NRCS 2018).
3.1.5 Hydrology
According to the NHD (USGS 2014), Box Elder Creek is the closest perennial stream to the
survey area, flowing approximately 2.84 miles east of the southern project terminus. No mapped
NHD flowlines are present within the survey area, and no additional features exhibiting
OHWMs were delineated during the January 2018 surveys. Surface waters with downstream
connectivity are likely considered jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and subject to Section 404
of the CWA. Therefore, all potential conveyances of surface waters were field -verified.
The survey area was determined to be outside of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
100 -year flood hazard zone for Box Elder Creek (Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018). The survey area was also found to be outside of all mapped unconfined aquifers or
recharge zones (Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission 2018).
3.2 STREAMS AND OTHER WATERBODIES
According to available data, no features mapped by the NHD (USGS 2014) intersect the survey
area and surface water features containing an OHWM were observed during the January 2018
surveys.
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
4.4 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Following a review of baseline data and field surveys, SWCA biologists determined that
one wetland comprising approximately 0.82 acre is present within the initial Colt to
Crossroads Pipeline survey area. The potential impact from construction of the initial ROW
is 0.18 acre (initial ROW provided on December 8, 2017). However, based on Noble's
construction plans provided on January 19, 2018, the new northern extension of the
pipeline does not cross this wetland and therefore this area will no longer be impacted
(Appendix A, Figure 2).
If all disturbances from the final project design are limited to the 200 -foot -wide survey area
around the new centerline outlined in Appendix A, Figure 2, there will be no impacts to
potentially jurisdictional waters of the U.S. or associated special aquatic sites (wetlands).
No permitting will be required for the planned construction of the Colt to Crossroads
Pipeline and the project will comply with the CWA. of 1972. The findings presented in this
report are restricted to and based on SWCA's professional opinion.
If disturbances from the final project design include construction of the originally proposed
centerline and ROW, and final project design is limited to temporary impacts, then the
project would be authorized under Nationwide Permit 12 for Utility Line Activities without
the need for pre -construction notification. Additionally, to qualify for Nationwide Permit
authorization, the project would need to be constructed in accordance with the Nationwide
Permit General and Regional Conditions. This includes compliance with general
conditions 18 and 20 regarding compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the
National Historic Preservation Act. Only the USACE and/or U.S.. Environmental
Protection Agency have final and legal authority in determining the absence/presence of
jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and the extent of their boundaries.
$SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
5.0 REFERENCES
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. 2018. COGCC Interactive Map. Available
at: http://cogcc.state.co.us/maps.html##/gisonline. Accessed January 2018.
Colorado Weed Management Association. 2017. Noxious Weed Information. Available at:
http://www.cwma.orginoxweeds.html. Accessed January 2018.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter,. F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. -79/31. Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2018. National Flood Hazard Layer. Available at:
https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-hazard-layer-nfhl. Accessed January 2018.
Google Earth. 2017. Source: Auburn, Colorado. Available at: hops://www.google.comlearthl.
Accessed January 29, 2018.
Lichvar, R.W. 2016. The National Wetland Plant List: 2016 Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron
2016(49):1- 241.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2009. USDA Middle South Platte -Cherry
Creek: Hydrologic Unit Code 1019003: Rapid Assessment. Lakewood, Colorado:
Colorado Department of Agriculture, State Conservation Board. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2018. Natural Resources Conservation
Service, National Lists of Hydric Soils (December 2015). Available at:
http:///www.nres.usda..gov/wps/portal/nres/main/soils/rise/hydricl. Accessed January
2018.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (DACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineers
Waterways Experiment Station.
2008. A Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM
in the Arid West Region of the Western United States, edited by R.W. Lichvar and
S.M. McColley. ERDC/CRREL TR-O8-12. Hanover, New Hampshire: U.S. Army
Engineer Research and Development Center.
. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:
Great Plains Region (Version 2.0), edited by J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V.
Noble. ERDC/EL TR-08-12. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineer Research
and Development Center.
9 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
U.S. Climate Data. 2018. Online Climate Data. Available at:
https://www.usclimatedata.com/clingy.ate/greeley/colorado/united-
states/usco0170/2017/9/. Accessed January 22, 2018.
T.S. Department of Agriculture. 2010. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States: A
Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils, Version 7.0. Available at:
http://w w.nres.0 sda. gov/wps/portal/nres/rnain/soils/use/hydric/. Accessed October
2016.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.. 2015. National Wetlands Inventory. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Ecological Services. Available at: http://www.fws.ov/wetlands/Data/State-
Downloads.httnl. Accessed May 2017.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2015. National Hydrography Dataset. Available at:
http://nhd.usgs.gov/index.html. Accessed May 2017.
. 2016. Valley View School, CO, 7.5 -minute topographic quadrangle map.
. 2018. National Gap Analysis Program (GAP) Land Cover Data Viewer. Available at:
https://gis l .usgs..gov/csaslgap/viewer/land cover/Map.aspx. Accessed January 2018.
10 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
APPENDIX A
Aquatic Resources Inventory Maps
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Figure 1. Project location.
f:tiPraj eots14s040-48%F, Al'bv3R 1134 ossroaCiPiae!ine\fil D Repnr[tiNR\NR_Prcjeoi j.ccaaun.mxa
Base Map Warld_Imagery, Es-i Online Service
So ace: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS,
AFX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, ICN IGP, misstep,
and the GIS User Community
Weld County, CC)
A-1
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
0
500
Noble Colt to Crossroads Pipeline
Current Centerline
Original Centerlire
I Mapped NW Wetland
Delineated Wetland Boundary
Additional Survey
Original Survey
a
4:5,000
143
200
1,030
Feet
300
Meters
Base Map: World_Ifnagery, Esri Online Sensice
Source_ Esri_ DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, incubed. USDA USGS.
AEX, Gctrnopping, Aorogrid, ION, IOP, s`M aslopo,
and the GIS User Community!
Weld County CO
NAD 1982 UM Zone 13N
'130120'18
SWCA
ENYIR41MVITAL CON5ULTANT-$
295 I rterlocken Blvd., Suite 3D0
Erocmfleld, CO 30021
rhone: 303.487.1183
vimew.swe .COfl
Figure 2. Wetlands and waterbodies.
A-2
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
APPENDIX B
Wetland Determination Forms
Wetland data forms attached separately
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
APPENDIX C
Wetland and Waterbod7 Photographs
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 1. NWI—mapped wetland determined to be vegetated upland swale, facing
northwest.
Photograph 2. Overview of project area, facing east.
C-1 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 5. Paired upland DP0►2, facing east.
Photograph 6. Upland soil pit associated with WETO1 (DPO2).
C-3 SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 7. Overview of project area, facing north.
Photograph 8. Overview of project area, facing west.
C-4
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 9. Overview of project area, facing south.
-5
SWCA
Aquatic Resources Inventory Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
This page intentionally left blank,
C-6 SWCA
SWCA
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
Sound Science. Creative Solutions7
Biological Survey Report for the
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project,
Weld County, Colorado
Prepared for
Noble Energy, Inc.
Prepared by
SWCA Environmental Consultants
January 2018
Biological Survey Report for the
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project,
Weld County, Colorado
Prepared for:
Noble Energy, Inc.
1625 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
Prepared by:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
295 interlocken Boulevard, Suite 300
Broomfield, Colorado 80021
303.4 7.1183
www.swca.com
January 30, 2018
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pa c
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 METHODS 3
2.1 Desktop Analysis 3
2.2 On -Site Surveys3
2.2.1 Potential Waters of the U.S 3
2.2.2 Wildlife Habitat and Listed Species 3
3.0 RESULTS 4
3.1 Land Use and Habitat 4
3.2 Surface Waters and Wetlands
3.3 Big Game
3.4 Threatened and Endangered Species 6
3.4.1 Black -footed Ferret 11
3.4.2 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse 1 1
3.4.3 Black -tailed Prairie Dog 11
3.4.4 Swift Fox 11
3.4.5 Mexican Spotted Owl.... 11
3.4.6 Bald Eagle .... 12
3.4.7 Ferruginous Hawk .12
3.4.8 Burrowing owl 12
3.4.9 Mountain Plover 12
3.4.10 Platte River Species . 12
3.4.11 Ute Ladies' -tresses and Colorado Butterfly Plant 13
3.5 Migratory Birds . 13
4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS .14
5.0 REFERENCES CITED 15
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 Proposed Colt to Crossroads Pipeline overview 2
2 Wildlife recorded in the northern portion of the survey area. 8
3 Wildlife recorded in the central portion of the survey area9
4 Wildlife recorded in the southern portion of the survey area. 1 0
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Plant Species Identified in the Survey Area
2 Listed Species for Weld County and Their Potential to Occur 6
3 Raptor Nest Locations Recorded in January 2018 13
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
A Photographs
ii SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
1.0 INTRODUCTION
on behalf of Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA)
conducted a biological resources desktop analysis and field surveys for the proposed 4.7 -mile -
long Colt to Crossroads Pipeline (project) near the city of Auburn in Weld County, Colorado
(Figure 1). The initial pipeline right-of-way(ROW) (provided on December 8, 2017) will
include a 30 -foot -wide permanent ROW and an additional 40 feet as temporary workspace. An
updated centerline (dated January 15, 2018) including two reroutes was surveyed and is
included in this report. SWCA conducted the surveys within a 200 -foot -wide survey corridor
generally centered on the centerline of the proposed project (survey area). The purpose of the
biological resources desktop analysis and field surveys was to identify protected natural
resources that could be affected by ground -disturbing activities. This report documents the
general habitat, wildlife, water resources, and special -status species that occur, or have potential
to occur, in the survey area.
1 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
3
I
2
Noble Colt to Crossroads Pipeline
New Centerline
a Original Centerline
Additional Survey
0 Original Survey
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and :he G IS User Corr mur ity
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SWCA
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
295Intericcken Blvd., Suite 300
Broo nfielc. 8007
hone 303.4871183
WWW.sw a.ccm
Figure 1. Proposed Colt to Crossroads Pipeline overview.
2
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
2.0 METHODS
2.1 DESKTOP ANALYSIS
Prior to visiting the survey area, SWCA conducted a desktop review of environmental resources
in the general vicinity of the survey area. This included review of aerial imagery; U.S.
Geological Survey (USES) topographic quadrangle maps; USGS National Gap Analysis
Program (GAP) vegetation data (USGS 2018); Natural Resources Conservation Service
(MRCS) soil survey maps (NRCS 2016); NRCS hydric soils lists (NRCS 2015); U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NW!) maps (USFWS 2017a);
National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) (USGS 2017); USFWS lists of threatened and
endangered species within the county (USFWS 2017b, 2017c); Colorado Parks and Wildlife
(CPW) state -listed species (CPW 2017a); and CPW species profiles (CPW 2017b).
2.2 ON -SITE SURVEYS
Biological resources surveys were conducted on January 11 and 19, 2018, to document general
habitat, aquatic resources including wetlands, vegetation communities, noxious weeds, wildlife,
and habitat for special -status species within the survey area. Binoculars were used to survey for
raptor nests within 0.5 mile of the survey area.
2.2.1 Potential Waters of the U.S.
The presence/absence of wetlands was determined in the field using routine on -site delineation
methods outlined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers [USACE] 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Great Plains Region (version 2.0) (USACE 2010). The presence/absence
of lotic systems (e.g., creeks, rivers, arroyos, human -made ditches; collectively "streams") was
determined in the field using the ordinary high water mark (GHQ) identification methods
described in the USACE Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05 (USACE 2005).
2.2.2 Wildlife Habitat and Listed Species
Biologists recorded generals ildlife habitat, vegetation communities, and habitat suitable for
special -status species within the survey area. The special -status species evaluated in this report
consist of 1) all federally protected (i.e., endangered and threatened) species; 2) additional
species listed by the USFWS as candidate and proposed species, and species under review; 3)
state protected species; and 4) migratory birds and raptors.
The potential for wildlife species occurrence was based on 1) existing information on
distribution; and 2) qualitative comparisons of the habitat requirements of each species with
vegetation communities, landscape features, and/or water quality conditions in the survey area,
The potential for occurrence was summarized according to the categories listed below.
3 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
• Known to occur the species was documented either during or prior to the field surveys
by a reliable observer.
• May occur within the species' currently known range, and vegetation communities,
soils, water quality conditions, etc., resemble those known to be used by the species.
• Unlikely to occur within the species' currently known range, but vegetation
communities, soils, water quality conditions, etc., do not resemble those known to be
used by the species.
None the project is clearly outside the species' currently known range and vegetation
communities, soils, water quality conditions, etc., do not resemble those known to be
used by the species.
Possible impacts to these species were evaluated based on reasonably foreseeable project -
related activities and the temporary toss of habitat.
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 LAND USE AND HABITAT
As observed in the USGS (2018) GAP data, the ecosystem in the survey area is dominated by
cultivated cropland and Western Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie/Sandhill Steppe. The primary
land uses in the survey area are agriculture, livestock/grazing, residential, and oil and gas
development.
The survey area is located in a rural area within an upland landscape dominated by center -pivot
cropland, livestock grazing, and oil and gas development, and is bisected by county roads.
Dominant upland species on roadsides and in uncultivated areas include western wheatgrass
(Pascopyrum smithii), sand sage (Artemisia filifolia), corn (Zea mays), alfalfa (Medicago
sativa), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and kochia (Bassin
scoparia). Table 1 lists the common plant species that were identified during field surveys
throughout the survey area.
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Table 1. Plant Species Identified in the Survey Area
Common
Name
Scientific
Name
Sand sage
Artemisia filifolia
Kochia
Bassia seoparia
Blue
grama
Bouteloua gracilis
Smooth
bromic
Bromus inermis
Cheatgrass*
Bros: us
tectorum
Canada
thistle*
Cirsium arvense
Field
bindweed*
Convolvulus arvensis
Common wheat
Triticum aestivum
tivum
Western ragweed
Ambrosia pilostachya
Saltgrass
Distichlis Spica
to
Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Kentucky bluegrass
Poa pratensis
Prickly lettuce
Lactuca serriola
Alfalfa
Medicago
sativa
Western
wheatgrass
Pascolyrum
smithii
Russian thistle
Sa
sofa
tragus
Tall tumblemustard
Sisymbrium
altissimum
Sand
dropseed
Sporobolus cryptandrus
Thinopyrum
ponticum
Tall
wheatgrass
Indian ricegrass
Achnatherum
hymenoides
Corn
Zea mays
* Colorado noxious weed
Noxious weeds are non-native invasive plants that displace desirable vegetation and degrade
natural and agricultural lands. Noxious weeds observed in the survey area include cheatgrass
(Brornus tectorum), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and field bindweed (Convolvulus
arvensis). Canada thistle (List B species) populations were found throughout the survey area
on roadsides and within previously disturbed areas. Cheatgrass and field bindweed (List C
species) were found throughout the survey area on roadsides and in grazed rangeland. List B
species are managed by the state noxious weed advisory committee and local governments to
stop the continued spread of these species. List C species are widespread and common
throughout the state (Colorado Weed Management Association 2017).
3.2 SURFACE WATERS AND WETLANDS
According to the desktop analysis, one potential wetland was identified by the N WI (USFWS
2017a); during field surveys, however, this area was identified as an upland swale. Further, no
drainages were identified by the NHD (USGS 2017) within the survey area. During the January
2018 field surveys, no waterbodies (e.g., streams, ponds, agricultural ditches) containing an
OHWM were observed. One wetland associated with an actively farmed field was delineated
within the original ROW provided by Noble (dated December 8, 2017). The full results of the
wetland delineation are detailed in the aquatic resources inventory report (SWCA 2018).
Representative photographs of the survey area and all recorded features are provided in
Appendix A.
5 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
3.3 BIG GAME
The survey area is within the overall ranges of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-
tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Mule deer critical winter range and white-tailed deer
winter concentration areas do not overlap the survey area (CPW 2016). No big game were
observed during the field surveys.
3.4 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
SWCA reviewed and analyzed the likeliness for federal and state -listed species to occur in the
survey area. The federal -listed (USFWS 2017b, 2017c) and state -listed (CPW 2017a) species
for Weld County and their potential to occur in the survey area are provided in Table 2 and are
summarized in the following sections. Locations of wildlife habitat recorded in the field are
illustrated in Figures 2 through 4.
Table 2. Listed Species for Weld County and Their Potential to Occur
Common
(Scientific
Name
Name)
Status
Potential
to Occur in Survey Area
Mammals
Black
(Mustela
-footed
nigripes)
ferret
FE.
SE
None.
Species is extirpated
in eastern Colorado.
Preble's meadow jumping mouse
(Zapus hudsonius preblei)
FT,
Unlikely. No
suitable riparian
habitat.
ST
Black -tailed prairie
(Cynomys ludovicianus)
dog
SC
Present.
within
Five prairie dog towns were mapped
the survey area.
Swift
(Vulpes
fox
velox)
SC
Unlikely.
surrounded
gas
facilities.
Majority of
by developed
survey
area is within and
cropland and oil and
Birds
Mexican
(Strix
spotted
occidentalis
owl
lucida)
Unlikely.
Lack of suitable
forested
habitat.
FT, ST
Whooping
(Grus
americana)
crane
FE, SE
None.
species
depletions
Lack
of suitable
expected
in the
range.
South
habitat.
No
Platte
Outside
proposed
River.
of
water
Piping plover
(Charadrius
melodus)
None.
in
Lack
northern
of
Colorado.
in
suitable
the South
No
habitat.
Platte
proposed
Very
River.
rare
water
migrant
FT, ST
depletions
Least
(Sterna
tern
antillarum)
FE, SE
None.
to
depletions
northern
Lack of
Colorado.
in
the
suitable
South
No
habitat.
Platte
proposed
Very
River.
rare
water
visitor
Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus
leucocephalus)
SC
May
habitat
miles
occur.
at
west
Milton
Closest
of
active nest
Reservoir, approximately
survey area.
and
roosting
1.3
Ferruginous
(Buteo
hawk
SC
May
grazed,
nesting
occur.
Within known range.
short -grass prairie habitat
site identified.
Suitable
and potential
regalis)
6
SWCA.
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Common
(Scientific
Name
Name)
Status
Potential
to Occur in Survey Area
Burrowing
(Athene
owl
cunicularia)
ST
May
2018
present
occur.
surveys,
within
No
birds
but
survey
active
observed
prairie
area.
during
dog
January
towns
Mountain
(Charadrius
plover
montanus)
SC
May occur. Suitable
towns are present within
habitat
and
the survey
prairie dog
area.
Fish
Pallid sturgeon
(Scaphirhynchus a lbus)
FE
None.
Lack
Survey
of suitable
in
area is
habitat.
the South
outside
Platte
No
of
proposed
River.
known
range.
water
depletions
Plants
Flowering
Western
(Platanthera
prairie fringed orchid
praeclara)
FT
None.
Lack
depletions
Survey
of suitable
in
area is
habitat.
the South
outside
No
Platte
of
proposed
known range.
water
River.
Ute
(Spiranthes
ladies'
-tresses
diluvialis)
FT
Unlikely. No
suitable
wetland
habitat.
Colorado
(Guara
colorade
neomexicana
psis)
butterfly
plant
spp.
FT
Unlikely.
No
suitable wetland
habitat.
* FE = Federally Endangered; FT = Federally Threatened: SC - State Special Concern; SE = State Endangered;
ST = State Threatened
7 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
0
800
1,600
Noble Colt to Crossroads Pipeline
* Raptor Nest
Current Centerline
de Original Centerline
Additional Survey
0 Original Survey
0
1:12,000
200
400
Feet
600
Base Map. 'AblrIJ_lrnagery, Esti Online Servie
Source: Eeri, Digit.elGlcbe, GecEye, i cubed, JSDI, USGS,
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and the G S User G rnmunity
Weld County, CO
NAC) 1983 UTM zone - "N
1/3012018
30C
t, Meters
SWCA
iMMRDNh4GMTAL CQN6t'LTANTS
295 Interaken Blvd.. Suite 300
BrDernfted, CO 80021
Phone: 3.18.48/.11b:,
www.svvca.com
Figure 2. Wildlife recorded in the northern portion of the survey area.
8
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
tit
800
1,6C0
Noble Colt to Crossroads Pipeline
• Raptor Nest
Nima Current Centerline
aOriginal Centerline
Prairie Dog Colony
Additional Survey
Original Survey
0
1:12,000
200
Base Map: World_Imagery, Esri Online Service
Source: Esri, DiGitelG obe, GeoCye i-cubed, USDA, USGS,
AEX, Getrnapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP swisstapo,
and the GIS User C nnrrunity
Weld County, CO
NA1) 1983 U I M Zone 13N
1 /3C/2C16
800
Meters
SWCA
ENVIi0HMEHTM. COM1I3l:LTA NTS
293 I nterlocken Blvd.. Suite 300
Broomfield, CO 80021
Phone: 303A87 1182
wrwvv-svvca-corn
Figure 3. Wildlife recorded in the central portion of the survey area.
9
SWCA
Figure 4. Wildlife recorded in the southern portion of the survey area.
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
I
!!
r
H
rian90r
a
Noble Colt to Crossroads Pipeline
+ Cure nt Centerline
original Centerline
Prairie Dog Colony
Original Survey
Base Map: World_Imagery, Esri Online Service
Source: Esri, DiGitalGobe, GeoCye i-cubed, USDA, US,
AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, I+GP swisstapo,
and the GIS User C nnrrunity
Weld County, CO
10
YWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
3.4.1 Black -footed Ferret
Black -footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) depends exclusively on prairie dog (Cynornys sp.)
burrows for shelter and prairie dogs make up more than 90% of the ferret's diet. The USFWS
has block -cleared all prairie dog habitat in eastern Colorado after determining that these areas
no longer contain any wild black -footed ferrets (USFWS 2009). Therefore, this species is not
expected to occur in the survey area.
3.4.2 Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse
The Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) is generally found within the
North Platte, South Platte, and Arkansas River drainages of Colorado and Wyoming (USFWS
2008). This species inhabits heavily vegetated, shrub -dominated riparian habitats and
immediately adjacent undisturbed grassland communities up to 100 meters beyond the 100 -
year floodplain. Critical habitat has been designated, although these areas are generally along
the foothills of the Colorado Front Range and none include Weld County (USFWS 2013). The
project is located within the mapped overall range boundary for Preble's meadow jumping
mouse, but outside of occupied range (CPW 2016). The survey area lacks heavily vegetated,
shrub -dominated riparian habitats; therefore, this species is unlikely to occur.
3.4.3 Black -tailed Prairie Dog
In Colorado, black -tailed prairie dogs (C • omys ludovieianus) occur east of the foothills in
short- or mixed -grass prairie. These burrowing ground squirrels live in "towns" or "colonies"
made up of territorial family groups. Prairie dog towns can provide habitat for other sensitive
species, including black -footed ferret, mountain plover (Charadrius montanus), and burrowing
owl (Athene cunicularia). The population has declined throughout its range partially due to
agriculture and urban development which have fragmented their habitat. Active and inactive
prairie dog towns were mapped within the survey area.
3.4.4 Swift Fox
The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is native to the shortgrass and mixed -grass prairie ecosystems of
the Great Plains and is often associated with prairie dog colonies. The survey area is not within
the known range of swift fox; further, the lack of suitable grassland habitat significantly limits
the likelihood of presence and suitable habitat for this species. Significant agricultural and oil
and gas development within the survey area limits habitat suitability for swift fox. No burrows
were observed within the survey area. Project activities would not preclude use of the
surrounding area by the swift fox.
3.4.5 Mexican Spotted Owl
Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) occurs in varied habitat consisting of mature
montane forest and woodland, shady wooded canyons, and steep canyons. They typically nest
in older forests of mixed conifer or ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). There is no forested
habitat for Mexican spotted owl in the survey area or vicinity and this species is not expected
to occur.
11 YWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
3.4.6 Bald Eagle
Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) feed on fish and carrion and typically roostin large
trees near a water source. In Colorado, they are often found near reservoirs, especially in areas
of abundant fish. In winter, they may also occur in semi -deserts and grasslands, especially near
prairie dog towns. CPW recommends no surface occupancy within 0.25 mile of nests and
roosts. If active, nests should be avoided by 0.5 mile from November 15 to July 31 and roosts
by 0.5 mile from November 15 through March 15.
The survey area is not within bald eagle winter range (CPW 2016) and the closest active nest
and suitable roosting habitat is approximately 1.3 miles west of the survey area at Milton
Reservoir. Bald eagles may fly over and forage within the survey area but are unlikely to nest
or roost there.
3.4.7 Ferruginous Hawk
Ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) inhabit open grasslands and shrub steppe communities,
nesting in isolated trees, on elevated rock outcrops, or on the ground. Wintering and migrating
hawks prefer grasslands where ground squirrels and prairie dogs are present. Black -tailed
prairie dog is an important prey species for the hawk in Colorado, and ferruginous hawk
occurrence is positively correlated with proximity to prairie dog colonies. Although no
ferruginous hawks were observed during the survey, active prairie dog colonies were delineated
within the survey area. As such, ferruginous hawks may migrate through or forage in the survey
area, and trees identified within the survey area may provide the hawks with suitable nesting
habitat.
3.4.8 Burrowing Owl
In Colorado, burrowing owls are a migratory species and are typically found in prairie dog
towns from March through October. Burrowing owls are known to breed in Weld County (Flute
et al. 2003) and nest in active and inactive prairie dog burrows. Active and inactive prairie dog
towns were observed and mapped within the survey area; as such, the survey area provides
suitable habitat for nesting burrowing owls.
3.4.9 Mountain Plover
Mountain plovers nest in flat, open areas with low, sparse vegetation including shortgrass
prairies and grazed fields. In shortgrass prairies, they tend to use prairie dog towns or fields
grazed by livestock. Mountain plovers are known to occur in Weld County. Active and inactive
prairie dog towns were mapped within the survey area, thus providing potentially suitable
habitat for mountain plovers during the breeding season. Therefore, this species may occur
within the survey area.
3.4.10 Platte River Species
Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus), western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara),
whooping crane (Grus americana), least tern (Sterna antillarurn), and piping plover
(Charadrius melodus) are listed for Weld County since water depletions may affect the species
and/or critical habitat in downstream, out-of-state reaches of the South Platte River. These
12 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
species are not expected to occur in the survey area based on the lack of suitable habitat and the
known range of the species. No water depletions are proposed with this project.
3.4.11 Ute Ladies' -tresses and Colorado Butterfly Plant
Ute ladies' -tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) and Colorado butterfly plant (Laura neornexicana
ssp. coloradensis) depend primarily on wetland and/or subirrigated fields adjacent to perennial
waters that remain moist through most of the growing season (Fertig 2000; Fertig et al. 2005).
In WeldCounty, suitable habitat for these species may occur along the South Platte, Big
Thompson, and Cache la Poudre Rivers. Based on the field surveys, no suitable habitatis
present for these species within the survey area.
3.5 MIGRATORY BIRDS
The USFWS protects most avian species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Act makes
it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for
sale, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a
valid permit issued by the USFWS. Passerine bird species associated with agriculture and open
lands include horned lark (Eremophula alpestris), str i s ), McCown's longspur (Rhynchophanes
mccownii), lark bunting (Calarnospiza melanocorys), and vesper sparrow (Pooecetes
gramineus). Raptor species known to nest in or near WeldCounty include golden eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus),Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi), Swainson's
hawk (Buteo swainsoni), red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis), American kestrel (Falco
sparverius), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), ferruginous hawk, and burrowing owl
(Kingery 1998).
The survey area contains potential habitat for ground- and tree -nesting migratory birds.
Additionally, three raptor nests were recorded within 0.5 mile of the survey areaduring the
surveys (see Figures 2 and 3). All three nests were unoccupied at the time of the field surveys,
and based on size andsubstrate, are assumed to be hawk nests. The nests are located
approximately 0.18 mile west of the survey area along Neres Canal, approximately 0.21 mile
east of the survey area on County Road 42, and approximately 0.28 mile east of the survey area
along County Road 49. Nestlocations are summarized in Table 3.
Table 3. Raptor Nest Locations Recorded in January 2018
Nest
Number
Species
Latitude
Longitude
Substrate
Status
RN
-01
Unknown
raptor
40.3042
-104.5910
Inactive
Tree
RN
-02
Unknown
raptor
40.2909
-104.6038
Tree
Inactive
RN
-03
Unknown
Raptor
40.2723
-104.6012
Tree
Inactive
13
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt toCrossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In January 2018, SWCA conducted a desktop review and on -site surveys to determine if
protected natural resources occur within the Colt to Crossroads Pipeline ROW. Wetlands and
other potential waters of the U.S. are present within the survey area as detailed in the aquatic
resources report (SWCA 2018). Swift fox, mountain plover, burrowing owl, bald eagle, and
ferruginous hawk have the potential to occasionally occur within the survey area; black -tailed
prairie dog colonies are present within the survey area. Other species listed under the
Endangered Species Act and by the State of Colorado for Weld County are unlikely to occur
due to lack of suitable habitat.
Three inactive raptor nests were observed within 0.5 mile of the survey area. It is recommended
that Noble implement CPW's recommended nest buffer zones and seasonal restrictions or
contact SWCA to identify other ways to avoid a take and ensure compliance with the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act. To protect nesting raptors, the project should adhere to the following nest
buffer zones and seasonal restrictions recommended by CPW (2008).
Bald eagle: 0.50 -mile buffer from November 15 through July 31
• Golden eagle: 0.50 -mile buffer December 15 through July 15
• Ferruginous hawk: 0.50 -mile buffer February 1 through July 15
• Red-tailed hawk: 0.33 -mile buffer February 15 through July 15
• Swainson's hawk: 0.25 -mile buffer April 1 through July 15
• Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus): 0.50 -mile buffer March 15 through July 15
• Burrowing owl: 150 -foot buffer March 15 through October 31
Additionally, migratory (passerine) nest surveys are recommended within 1 week of
commencing work, particularly ground clearing, within the migratory bird nesting season of
approximately March 15 through July 15.
14 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
5.0 REFERENCES CITED
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2008. Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal
Restrictions for Colorado Raptors. Available at: http://cpw.state.co.us/
Documents'WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/RaptorBufferGuide lines2008 .pdf
Accessed January 2018.
. 2016. Species Activity Mapping (SAM). Available at: http://arcg.is/UtvBHE.
Accessed January 2018.
. 2017a. Threatened and Endangered List. Available at:
http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SOC-ThreatenedEndangeredList.aspx. Accessed
January 2018.
. 2017b. Species Profiles. Available at:
http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/SpeciesProfiles.aspx. Accessed January 2018.
Colorado Weed Management Association. 2017. Noxious Weed Information. Available at:
http://www.ewma.org/noxweeds.html. Accessed January 2018.
Fertig, W. 2000. Status Review of the Colorado Butterfly Plant (Laura neomexicana ssp.
coloradensis). Report prepared for the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wyoming Game and Fish
Department. Laramie: Wyoming Natural Diversity Database.
Fertig, W., R. Black, and P. Wolken. 2005. Rangewide Status Review of Ute ladies' -tresses
(Spiranthes diluvialis). Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Central Utah
Water Conservancy District.
Kingery, H.E. (ed.). 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Denver: Colorado Bird Atlas
Partnership and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
K
ute, D.S., L.W. Ayers, M.T. Green, WE. Howe, S.L. Jones, J.A. Shaffer, S.R. Sheffiedl,
and T.S. Zimmerman. 2003. Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for the Western
Burrowing Owl in the United States. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service, Biological Technical Publication FWS/BTP-86001-2003, Washington, D.C.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015. Natural Resources Conservation
Service, National Lists of Ilydric Soils (December 2015). Available at:
http://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/main/soils/use/hydric!. Accessed January
2018.
. 2016. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Survey of Weld County
Southern Part, Colorado. Available at:
http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.. Accessed January
2018.
15 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA). 2018. Aquatic Resources Inventory Report for
the Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project, Weld County, Colorado. Prepared for Noble
Energy, Inc. January 2018.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineers
Waterways Experiment Station.
. 2005. Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05, Ordinary High Water Mark
Identification. Available at: http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civ1lWorks/
RegulatoryProgramandPermits/GuidanceLetters.aspx. Accessed January 2018.
. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:
Great Plains Region (Version 2.0), edited by J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V.
Noble. ERDC/EL TR-08-12. Vicksburg, Mississippi: U.S. Army Engineer Research
and Development Center.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2008. Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus
hudsonius preblei) 5 -year Review, Short Form Summary. Region 6.
. 2009. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Department of Wildlife block
clear eastern Colorado's black -tailed prairie dog habitat. Available at:
http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pressrel/09-60.htm. Accessed January 2018.
. 2013. Endangered Species: Preble's meadow jumping mouse critical habitat.
Available at: http://www.fws.govlmountain-prairie/species/mammals!
preble/CRITICAL HABITAT/CRITICALFIABITATindex.htm. Accessed January
2018.
. 2017a. National Wetlands Inventory Data. Available at:
http://www.fws.goviwetlandsidataiData-Download.html. Accessed January 2018.
. 2017b. USFWS Endangered Species Program. Environmental Conservation Online
System, Species by County Report. Available at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered.
Accessed January 2018.
. 2017c. IPaC - Information, Planning, and Conservation System. Available at:
http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac!. Accessed January 2018.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2017. Hydrography — Get NHD Data. Available at:
http://nhd.usgs.gov/data.html. Accessed January 2018.
. 2018. National Gap Analysis Program, National Land Cover, Version 2. Available at:
http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/gaplandcover/viewer/. Accessed January 2018.
16 SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
APPENDIX
Photographs
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 1. Inactive raptor nest RN -01 on Neres Canal, facing south.
Photograph 2. Inactive raptor nest RN -02 on Count T Road 42, facing north.
A --1
\\ CA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 3. Inactive raptor nest RN -03 on County Road 49, facing east.
Photograph 4. Active prairie dog colony PUo1, facing west.
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 5. Active prairie dog colony PD02, facing northwest.
Photograph 6. Active prairie dog colony PD03, facing west.
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 7. Inactive prairie dog colonyPDo4, facing east.
Photograph 8. Active prairie dog colony PD0S, facing southwest.
A-4
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
Photograph 9. Overview of survey area, facing southwest.
Photograph 10. Overview of survey area, facing north.
SWCA
Biological Survey Report
Colt to Crossroads Pipeline Project
Weld County, Colorado
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A-6 YWCA
MEMORANDUM
TO: PRE17-0298; Case File, pre -application
DATE: November 16, 2017
FROM: Kris Ranslem, Planning Technician
SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting prior to submitting
Attendees:
Pam Hora, Tetra Tech
Ryan Kacierk, Tetra Tech
Robert Smetana, Noble Midstream Services
Jose Gonzalez, Building
Kim Ogle, Planning
Hayley Balzano, Engineering
Kris Ranslem, Planning
Evan Pinkham, Public Works
Dawn Anderson, PublicWorks
On Thursday, November 16, 2017 an informal discussion took place at the Greeley Administrative Offices
Conference Room regarding a proposed high pressure natural gas pipeline.
Background Information:
The Colt to Crossroads Gas Pipeline is an extension of the South Area Gas Pipeline project recently approved
under USR17-0034. The pipeline is a proposed 24 inch natural gas pipeline that will connect to the north end
of the South Area Gas Pipeline and then travel approximately 4 miles north to connect into DCP's Crossroads
Compressor Station located at the northeast corner of CR 49 and CR 44. The applicants hope to have
operation of the pipeline by July 1, 2018.
Building Department
Staff was unavailable: however please contact Jose Gonzalez at 970-353-6100 ext. 3540 for further direction.
All building permit requirements can be found on the Weld County web -site:
www.weldwv.com/departments/buildino/bulking pernmt/permit applications/.
J-lealth Department
Staff was unavailable; however please contact Lauren Light at 970-400-2211 for further direction.
Onsite dust: Fugitive dust should attempt to be confined on the property. Uses on the property should comply
with the Colorado Air Quality Commission's air quality regulations.
Sewage disposal information: Include in application how sewage disposal will be accommodated. If using a
septic system provide a copy of the septic permit. Either utilize the County website
www.co weld.co us/maps/orooertyportal/ or call (970-304-6415) or stop by EH front counter and request a
copy.
Potable water information: Include in application how potable water will be provided. Provide a will serve letter
or water bill from the water district or provide a copy of well permit.
Portable toilets and Bottled water can be used for employees and customers per policy below:
TO DEFINE WHEN PORTABLE TOILETS AND COMMERCIALLY BOTTLED WATER ARE ALLOWED
Purpose: To define when portable toilets and commercially bottled water are allowed.
Policy: Bottled water from a commercial source is allowed in the following circumstances:
1. Temporary or seasonal uses that are utilized 6 months or less per year (for example
recreational facilities, firework stands, farmers markets)
2. Gravel mines
3. 10 or less customers or visitors per day
And/or one of the following:
4. 2 or less full time (40 hour week) employees located on site
5. 4 or less part time (20 hour week) employees located on site
6. Employees or contractors that are on site for less than 2 consecutive hours aday
Policy: portable toilets are allowed in the following circumstances:
1. Temporary or seasonal uses that are utilized 6 months or less per year (for example
recreational facilities, firework stands, farmers markets)
2. Gravel mines
3. 10 or less customers or visitors per day
And/or one of the following:
4. 2 or less full time (40 hour week) employees located on site
5. 4 or less part time (20 hour week) employees located on site
6. Employees or contractors that are on site for less than 2 consecutive hours aday
Public Works
County Road 44 is a paved road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a(n) collector road, which requires 80 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate
on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-
way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County Code,
Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be
aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County.
County Road 42 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a(n) local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate on
the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-way
cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County Code,
Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be
aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County.
County Road 38 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code
Ordinance 2017-01) as a(n) local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate on
the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way and the physical location of the road. If the right-of-way
cannot be verified it shall be dedicated. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld County Code,
Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. Be
aware that physical roadways may not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld
County.
County Road 40 is a section line road. Section line right-of-way does not exist in all sections in Weld County
and should be verified before a decision to utilize it is made. Weld County commonly refers to these as "Non -
Maintained Section Line Right -of -Way." The existence of a physical road does not imply public right-of-way
and the road may be located on private property. All right-of-way should be verified and physical roads located
in relationship to the public right-of-way to ensure trespassing does not occur. The applicant shall verify the
existing right-of-way and the documents creating the right-of-way and this information shall be noted on the
site plan or plat. The applicant shall delineate on the site map or plat the existing right-of-way and physical
location of roads to be used. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated or an adequate
easement between property owners shall be provided. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld
County Code, Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, the required setback is measured from the future right-
of-way line. Be aware that physical roadway many not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is NOT
maintained by Weld County.
County Road 36 is a section line road. Section line right-of-way does not exist in all sections in Weld County
and should be verified before a decision to utilize it is made. Weld County commonly refers to these as "Non -
Maintained Section Line Right -of -Way." The existence of a physical road does not imply public right-of-way
and the road may be located on private property. All right-of-way should be verified and physical roads located
in relationship to the public right-of-way to ensure trespassing does not occur. The applicant shall verify the
existing right-of-way and the documents creating the right-of-way and this information shall be noted on the
site plan or plat. The applicant shall delineate on the site map or plat the existing right-of-way and physical
location of roads to be used. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be dedicated or an adequate
easement between property owners shall be provided. Pursuant to the definition of setback in the Weld
County Code, Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, the required setback is measured from the future right-
of-way line. Be aware that physical roadway many not be centered in the right-of-way. This road is NOT
maintained by Weld County.
County Road 49 is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification Map (Code Ordinance 2017-01)
as an arterial road, which requires a minimum of 140 feet of right-of-way, or 180 feet of right-of-way in some
locations. Weld County is currently in the process of widening this corridor, which is anticipated to be
completed at the end of 2017. Contact Public Works for the location of the current right-of-way alignment and
easements so they can be delineated accurately on the map. If the right-of-way cannot be verified it shall be
dedicated. The applicant shall also delineate the physical location of the road. Pursuant to the definition of
setback in the Weld County Code, Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23-3-50, the required setback is measured
from the future right-of-way line. This road is maintained by Weld County.
Weld County will not replace overlapping easements located within existing right-of-way or pay to relocate
existing utilities within the County right-of-way.
ACCESS
Table 12A.2 Minimum Access Spacing Criteria (Feet)
Access Element
Arterial
Collector
Local
Distance between intersections
Signalized
Unsignalized
2,640
1,320
N/A
1,320
N/A
330
Distance between accesses and intersections
660
660
330
Distance between access points
660
330
150
Distance between access points in subdivisions
660
330
75
Per Chapter 12, Article 5, Section 12-5-30, an Access Permit is required for access to Weld County
maintained roadways. We strongly encourage you to discuss your access with Public Works prior to laying out
your site plan to ensure the approved accesses are compatible with your layout.
For new accesses and/or change of use of an existing access, the fee and photos are required (photo looking
left and right along roadway from the access point and looking in to and out of the access point). These photos
are used to evaluate the safety of the access location. Access permit instructions and application can be found
at https://www.weldgov.com/departmentslpublic works/permits/. Chapter 6, Sections 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 of the
Weld County Engineering and Construction Criteria offer access design guidance, which can be accessed at:
https://www weldgov corn/departments/public works/engineering/.
Appendix 12-A of the county code can also be referenced. Existing access points with change of use or new
access points may or may not be granted. Questions pertaining to access permits or access design shall be
directed to the Public Works Department. Application Fee: temporary $75, single residential $75, small
commercial $75, industrial $150, field $0, large commercial $150, subdivision $150. This can be accessed at:
https://www.weldgov cam/departments/public works/enclineerinq/.
For shared accesses, Public Works strongly recommends the property owner establish an access road
maintenance agreement so future owners of the properties will be aware of their requirements for shared
maintenance of the access road. This is not a requirement for the recorded exemption but is recommended to
avoid property owner conflicts in the future.
Per Chapter 12, Appendix 12A.4.1 of the Weld County Code, an access approach that is gated shall be
designed so that the longest vehicle (including trailers) using the access can completely clear the traveled way
when the gate is closed. In no event, shall the distance from the gate to the edge of the traveled surface be
less than 35 feet.
As part of the development review process, all new commercial or residential developments will be required to
submit a TIS that is prepared, stamped, and signed by a professional engineer licensed in the State of
Colorado, unless the TIS is waived by Public Works.
Traffic Narrative
1. Describe how many roundtrips/day are expected for each vehicle type: Passenger Cars/Pickups,
Tandem Trucks, Semi-Truck/Trailer/RV (Roundtrip = 1 trip in and 1 trip out of site)
2. Describe the expected travel routes or haul routes for site traffic.
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.)
4. Describe the time of day that you expect the highest traffic volumes.
Public Works may require an Improvements Agreement for one or all the following reasons:
• Off -Site Public Improvements
• Road Maintenance Agreement
• Construction Maintenance Agreement
• Access Improvements Agreement
An Improvements Agreement is required for sites with required offsite improvements per Chapter 12, Article V,
Section 12-5-60. Collateral is required to ensure the improvements are completed, and maintained.
Improvements/Road Maintenance Agreement: An example agreement is available at:
https://www.welddov.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server 6/FIle/Departments/Public%20Works/DevelopmentRevie
w/sprusr pdf. It will detail the approved haul route(s), outline when offsite improvements will be triggered, and
include a maintenance agreement for the haul routes. Possible mitigations included in the road maintenance
agreement may include but are not limited to: dust control, specified haul routes, damage repairs, and future
improvement triggers.
A Site Plan will be required identifying the following (if applicable):
o Show and label location of existing road, existing road right-of-way, future road right-of-way, and
easements
o Show and label the unmaintained section line right-of-way
o Show and label location of the access(es) and label with access permit number
o Show and label the access turning radii (Residential - 25' Commercial - 60')
o Show and label the approved tracking control
Please contact the following staff regarding the following Public Works issues:
Access Permits: Morgan Gabbert mgabbert@weldgov.com 970-400-3778
Improvements Agreements: Evan Pinkham epinkham@weldgov corn 970-400-3727
Traffic Studies: Dawn Anderson dranderson(a�weldgov com 970-400-3736
M54 Areas: Lyndsay Holbrook Iholbrook@weldgov.com 970-400-3788
Right -of -Way Permits: Amy Joseph ajoseph@weldgov com 970-400-3764
Engineering Department
Weld County has recently adopted a new stormwater drainage code located under Chapter 23, Article 12
Storm Drainage Criteria.
A list of professional engineering consultants is available if you need help finding an engineer to assist you
with your project at the following link http://www.co.weld.co.us/Departments/PlanningZoning/Engineering.html.
Please contact the Department of Planning Services/Development Review Engineering for questions or
assistance 970-353-6100.
This area IS within a Non -Urbanizing Drainage Area: Non -Urbanizing Drainage Areas generally require
detention of runoff from the 1 -hour, 100 -year, storm falling on the developed site and release of the detained
water at the historic runoff rate of the 1 -hour, 10 -year storm falling on the undeveloped site.
1. Drainage Narrative requirements with exception from detention pond.
The Drainage Narrative must describe at a minimum:
i. Which exception is being applied for and include supporting documentation
5. Pipelines or transmission lines.
ii. Where the water originates if it flows onto the property from an offsite source
iii. Where it flows to as it leaves the property
iv. The direction of flow across the property
v. If there have been previous drainage problems with the property
The applicants will be required to maintain the historic drainage flows and run-off amounts that exist from the
property.
If more than 1 acre is to be disturbed for construction of non pipeline or non -gravel pit items such as
structures, parking lots, laydown yards etc..., a Weld County Grading Permit will be required prior to the start
of construction. Grading Permit applications are accepted after the planning process is complete (map
recorded). An Early Release Request Form may be entertained only after the applicant and Planning
Department have reviewed the referral and surrounding property owner comments. The Early Release
Request may or may not be granted depending on referral comments and surrounding property owner
concerns. Contact an Engineering representative from the Planning Department for more information.
Application Fees: 1-5 Acres/ $50, 5.1 - 20 Acres/$100, 20.1 Acres or Greater/$200 + $1 per acre over 20.
A Construction Stormwater Permit is also required with the State for disturbing more than 1 acre. Contact:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division, Rik Gay, 303-692-
3575.
This site IS NOT in a Geologic HazardArea.
This site IS NOT in a FEMA regulatory floodplain.
A Site Plan will be required identifying the following (if applicable):
• Show and label location of drainage related features i.e. detention pond(s), ditches, etc... Detention
ponds shall be labeled as "No Build/Storage Area" and include design volume
• Show and label the drainage flow arrows showing how the stormwater flows across the property
• Show and label the parking and traffic circulation flow arrows showing how the traffic moves around
the property
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hayley Balzano
Department of Planning Services Engineer
hbalzano@weldgov.com
970-400-3552
planning Department
Staff urged the applicant to contact staff for any questions:
Planner On Call available Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or contact Kim Ogle at 970-400-3549
or kogle(a�weldgov.com
Staff explained the USR process. The applicant shall submit 1 packet for a 7 -day completeness review. After
the 7 -day completeness review the applicant will be informed of what items are still required to make the
application complete. Staff requested that the applicant submit the remaining material in electronic form.
Upon submittal of a completed application it will be sent out for referral for 28 days. The applicant will then
meet with their Planner to discuss the referrals and address as many of the referrals as possible. At that
meeting the Planning Commission hearing will be scheduled. The Board of County Commissioners hearing
typically follows approximately 3 weeks after the Planning Commission hearing.
The above notes are provided as a courtesy to the applicant. While we strive to help identify as many
potential issues upfront during the pre -application meeting we cannot anticipate every issue that may come up
during the formal application process. The information contained herein has been placed on file with the
Department of Planning Services. The pre -application is valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of pre -
application. If a formal application is not received following the time period specified herein the Planning
Department reserves the right to require a new pre -application meeting. Please note that all land use, building
and impact fees are subject to change throughout this time period.
End memorandum.
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