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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20163460.tiffPlanner: Case Number: Applicant: Address: Representative: Request: Legal Description: Location: Size of Parcel: LAND USE APPLICATION SUMMARY SHEET Kim Ogle Hearing Date: November 1, 2016 USR16-0028 Discovery DJ Services, LLC 7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 335, Dallas Texas Zion Engineering, LLC, 8100 E. Maplewood Avenue, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit, USR16-0028 for a greater than 12 -inch high pressure natural gas pipeline approximately eleven and one- half (11.5) miles long commencing at the Discovery DJ Services, LLC Gas Plant (USR16-0031) connecting into the Central Delivery Point located approximately 3 -miles south of Brighton, Colorado in Adams County, Colorado in the A (Agricultural) Zone District The preferred Discovery gas pipeline route will be aligned in a southeasterly direction. The pipeline will cross multiple sections including Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 30, 32 & 33 T1 N, R65W and Sections 25, 26, 27, 22, 23, 14, 15 & 11 TIN, R66W of the 6th P.M.., Weld County, CO Generally located south of County Road 12; west of County Road 43; north of County Road 2 and east of County Road 31 +/- 41.5 acres Parcel No.s: Multiple The criteria for review of this Special Review Permit is listed in Section 23-2-220 of the Weld County Code. The Department of Planning Services' staff has received referral responses with comments from the following agencies: Brighton Fire Rescue District, referral dated September 14, 2016 Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, referral dated October 3, 2016 Weld County Department of Planning Services - Engineer, referral dated October 5, 2016 Weld County Department of Public Works, referral dated October 6, 2016 The Department of Planning Services' staff has received referral responses without comments from the following agencies: Weld County Zoning Compliance, referral dated September 8, 2016 Weld County Department of Planning Services - Floodplain, referral dated September 20, 2016 City of Fort Lupton, referral dated October 6, 2016 The Department of Planning Services' staff has not received responses from the following agencies: FRICO Fulton Ditch USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 1 of 12 V V V V V r! F F f f f f F f f f f Y Adams County Town of Hudson History Colorado Town of Brighton Town of Lochbuie Henrylyn Irrigation District Public Service of Colorado Colorado Parks and Wildlife Weld County Sheriffs Office Hudson Fire Protection District Weld County School District RE -8 Platte Valley Conservation District West Adams Conservation District Fort Lupton Fire Protection District Weld County School District RE -3J Weld County School District RE -27J Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Colorado Department of Transportation Weld County Department of Building Inspection Weld County Office of Emergency Management Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 2 of 12 Planner: SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW Kim Ogle Hearing Date: November 1, 2016 Case Number: USR16-0028 Applicant: Address: Representative: Request: Legal Description: Location: Size of Parcel: Case Summary: Discovery DJ Services, LLC 7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 335, Dallas Texas Zion Engineering, LLC, 8100 E. Maplewood Avenue, Greenwood Village, Co 80111 A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit. USR16-0028 for a greater than 12 -inch high pressure natural gas pipeline approximately eleven and one- half (11.5) miles long commencing at the Discovery DJ Services, LLC Gas Plant (USR16.0031) connecting into the Central Delivery Point located approximately 3 -miles south of Brighton, Colorado in Adams County, Colorado in the A (Agricultural) Zone District The preferred Discovery gas pipeline route will be aligned in a southeasterly direction. The pipeline will cross multiple sections including Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 30, 32 & 33 TIN, R65W and Sections 25, 26, 27, 22, 23, 14, 15 & 11 TIN, R66W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Co Generally located south of County Road 12; west of County Road 43; north of County Road 2 and east of County Road 31 +1- 41.5 acres Parcel No's. Multiple Parcels The proposed route for the greater than 12 -inch high pressure natural gas pipeline designed to operate at a hoop stress of twenty (20) percent or more at the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS) crosses unincorporated Weld County from Adams County. The pipeline will enter into Weld County approximately 5,000 feet east of the intersection of Harvest Road and E. 168th Avenue / County Road 2 where it follows parcel boundaries traveling approximately 0.4 miles north before turning approximately 0.8 miles east, where the route turns north traveling in a general northwesterly direction through agricultural fields crossing the BNSF railroad and Interstate 76 approximately 1,500 feet northeast of mile marker 28 along the Interstate and approximately 3,600 feet southwest of the exit to County Road 8. From the west side of Interstate 76, the pipeline route travels approximately 1.5 miles west following parcel boundaries through agricultural fields before turning south approximately 0.4 miles to County Road 6 at which time the route follows along the south side of County Road 6 to County Road 33 and turns north approximately 2.2 miles before crossing County Road 10 and terminating at the proposed compression and processing facility, USR16-0031 (in review). The preferred route would incorporate an area of disturbance of approximately 11.4 miles long and 80 feet wide, or approximately 110.5 acres, with a permanent easement of 11.4 miles long and 30 feet wide, or approximately 41.5 acres. The route bypasses the City of Brighton, Town of Lochbuie, and the more populated areas of unincorporated Weld County with a lesser impact to local businesses and residential areas. USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 3 of 12 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES' STAFF RECOMMENDS THAT THIS REQUEST BE APPROVED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: 1. The submitted materials are in compliance with the application requirements of Section 23-2-260 of the Weld County Code. 2. It is the opinion of the Department of Planning Services' staff that the applicant has shown compliance with Section 23-2-220 of the Weld County Code as follows: A. Section 23-2-480.A.1 - All reasonable efforts have been made to avoid irrigated cropland or to minimize the negative impacts on agricultural uses and lands. The application indicates that the pipeline will be located to minimize impacts on the operation of irrigation equipment. All soils removed for installation of the pipeline will be returned to their original location and will not be moved offsite. Discovery DJ Services, LLC [Discovery] indicates that they will repair and/or replace any facilities damaged or removed during the placement of the pipeline. The preferred pipeline route minimizes environmental impacts such as wetland areas, water bodies and open space. The preferred route is sited on plowed fields and pivot irrigation systems B. Section 23-2-480.A.2 - The pipeline will not have an undue adverse effect on existing and future development of the surrounding area, as set forth in applicable Master Plans. The pipeline is located within the 3 -mile referral area of the City of Brighton, City of Fort Lupton, Town of Hudson, Town of Lochbuie and Adams County. The City of Fort Lupton returned a referral dated October 6, 2016 indicating no conflict with their interests. A neighborhood meeting was held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at the Eagle View Adult Center, located in Brighton, Colorado. Notification of the neighborhood meeting was mailed to all identified property owners within 500 feet of the proposed pipeline project on May 20, 2016 with a corrected flyer provided on May 23, 2016 concerning the proposed pipeline. Seventeen persons attended with questions generally regarding the proposed pipeline alignment, operating pressure, depth of cover, life term of pipeline, the easement for construction and for operating, the timeline for construction, the ownership of the pipeline and the method for providing maintenance of the pipeline. C. Section 23-2-480.A.3 - The design of the proposed pipeline mitigates negative impacts on the surrounding area to the greatest extent feasible. The applicant indicates that many private easements (rights -of -way without Fee ownership) have been negotiated for the pipeline with private land owners, whereas any alternative alignments would require new easements to be negotiated and involve crossings that may result in greater environmental impacts in certain locations. The preferred pipeline route minimizes environmental surface impacts. The pipeline will cross under the Public Service of Colorado transmission line, under the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks, and under Interstate 76 highway, as well as, the Denver - Hudson Canal and Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company's irrigation ditches. In a referral received from the Weld County Floodplain planner dated September 20, 2016, no conflicts were noted as the pipeline alignment does not appear to cross any regulated floodplains. D Section 23-2-480.A.4 - The site shall be maintained in such a manner so as to control soil erosion, dust and the growth of noxious weeds. The Conditions of Approval and Development Standards will ensure that there is no fugitive dust or erosion and will ensure the control of noxious weeds. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be required for all construction areas, including erosion control USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 4 of 12 methods, dust suppression, et cetera. E Section 23-2-480.A.5 -- The applicant has agreed to implement any reasonable measures deemed necessary by the Board of County Commissioners to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the County will be protected, and to mitigate or minimize any potential adverse impacts from the proposed pipeline. The applicant has proposed a number of measures to mitigate impacts from the pipeline including the boring beneath County roads to avoid damage to the road surface or disruption to traffic flow; if surface waterbodies will be crossed by the pipeline either by boring beneath the bed of the waterbody, or by utilizing an open -cut crossing method. If the open -cut crossing method is used, BM Ps will be installed to protect the waterbody from erosion or sediment runoff; tracking pads will be utilized where heavy equipment is required to cross roads to prevent damage to the road surface; topsoil will be segregated from subsoil during grading activities. All pipelines will be buried to provide a minimum of 48 -inches of cover. The pipeline trench will be excavated mechanically; pipe segments will then be strung along the ditch line and then welded together using welders and weld procedures qualified under the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations; each weld will be examined utilizing industry standard non-destructive examination, or x-ray, procedures by qualified technicians; the coating on the pipeline will be inspected for damage and repaired as necessary and then the line(s) will be lowered into the trench and backfilled. The pipeline(s) will subsequently be pressure tested using water (hydrostatically tested) to industry regulations. The transportation of natural gas via pipeline is generally safer than other potential modes of transport. There is some small risk of an accident in which the integrity of the pipeline may be compromised resulting in a release of natural gas or natural gas liquids. Wet natural gas contains condensed forms of heavier natural gas liquids and produced water and is considered both flammable and combustible. Dry natural gas is a clean burning fuel source, also considered both flammable and combustible. In general, signs of a pipeline leak, include dead or discolored vegetation that is otherwise green along the pipeline right-of-way, along with pools of liquid or clouds of vapor or mist not usually present. Discovery will clearly mark the pipeline centerline with markers placed at line of site intervals and at all road, railroad and canal crossings. The markers will clearly identify the pipeline, and will provide a telephone number and address where a company representative can be reached in an emergency or prior to any excavation in the area. Discovery will also participate in the Colorado "One Call" system, which serves as a clearinghouse for excavation activities that are planned close to pipelines and other underground utilities. Discovery employs highly trained operators and contractors and maintains close working relationship with all emergency response personnel. Each respective pipeline centerline will be clearly identified with markers placed at line -of - sight intervals and at all road, railroad and canal crossings. These markers will clearly identify Discovery as the owner / operator, provide a telephone number and address where a company representative can be reached in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, a call to the number on these markers will go to Discovery's operations and control center located at the gas compression and processing facility. This facility will be staffed 24 hours / day, 7 days / week by trained operators, qualified in both the day-to- day operation of the respective pipelines and associated facilities, and in emergency response procedures. These operators will also have the ability to monitor the operation of the pipeline system through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ("SCADA") USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 5 of 12 system. Through the SCADA system, operators will be able to see key parameters associated with the operation of the respective pipelines, including pressure, temperature, and flow rate. In the event that these parameters, or other critically identified criteria fall outside of pre -determined normal operating allowances, the SCADA system will raise warnings of potential operational upsets or pending emergency conditions, providing the operator with time to make corrections, if possible, to the system operation in order to clear the warning. In the event that the specified parameters, or critically identified criteria reach pre -determined set points within the system operation, the SCADA system will alarm. Upon notification of an emergency, either through the public emergency call number, SCADA system, operator inspection and training, or other originating source, Discovery will have the ability to isolate the respective pipelines by closing remotely operated valves at either end of the pipeline or, on the natural gas trunk line, at the three (3) remote valves located along the line to isolate any potential fuel source and mitigate propagation of the emergency situation. In addition, Discovery operations personnel will have the ability to locally evacuate the natural gas pipeline via blowdowns located at each end of the line and at each respective remote valve site. Depending upon the nature of the emergency, local emergency responders would be notified, and Discovery would implement their internal safety response procedures, including dispatching trained personnel to the site of the emergency. F Section 23-2-480.A.6 - All reasonable alternatives to the proposal have been adequately assessed, and the proposed action is consistent with the best interests of the people of the County and represents a balanced use of resources in the affected area. The applicant reviewed alternative pipeline locations. The preferred route utilizes a pipeline right-of-way corridor negotiated through agreements with private property owners. The alternatives would likely result in additional safety impacts due to the proximity of the four municipalities and other development in the area. C. Section 23-2-480.A.7 - The nature and location or expansion of the pipeline will not unreasonably interfere with any significant wildlife habitat and will not unreasonably affect any endangered wildlife species, unique natural resource, known historic landmark or archaeological site within the affected area. A site assessment of the vegetation, wildlife, wetlands, special status species has been prepared along with a Class I cultural study of the proposed pipeline route. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and History Colorado did not return a referral response indicating a conflict with their interests. H. Section 23-2-480.A.8 - No adverse impact, from stormwater runoff, to the public rights - of -way and/ or surrounding properties as a result of the pipeline. The applicant will be required to maintain historic flow patterns and runoff amounts, per the Department of Planning Services, engineering review stated a drainage plan will be not be required for this project. Section 1.A.5 of the drainage criteria provides an exception for pipelines and transmission lines. Discovery acknowledges in their application that the historical flow patterns and runoff amounts will be maintained on the site or in such a manner that it will reasonably preserve the natural character of the area and prevent property damage of the type generally attributed to run-off rate and velocity increases, diversions, concentration and/or unplanned ponding of storm run-off. The Design Standards (Section 23-2-240, Weld County Code), Operation Standards (Section 23-2-250, Weld County Code), Conditions of Approval and Development Standards can ensure that there are adequate provisions for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and County. USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 6 of 12 This recommendation is based, in part, upon a review of the application materials submitted by the applicant, other relevant information regarding the request, and responses from referral entities. The Department of Planning Services' staff recommendation for approval is conditional upon the following: 1. Prior to recording the map: A. A copy of the signed and recorded (construction and post -construction) lease agreements (or other acceptable authorization from property owner) for pipeline right-of-way (easements) shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) B. A copy of the signed irrigation crossing agreements/ easements from each affected irrigation/ditch company shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) C. A copy of the signed CDOT crossing agreement/ easements shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) D. A copy of the signed Burlington Northern Santa Fe crossing agreements/ easements shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) E. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has jurisdiction over all accesses to the state highways. Please contact CDOT to verify the access permit or for any additional requirement that may be needed to obtain or upgrade the permit. (Department of Public Works) F. The map shall be amended to delineate the following: 1. All sheets of the map shall be labeled USR16-0028 (Department of Planning Services) 2. The attached Development Standards. (Department of Planning Services) 3. The map shall be prepared in accordance with Section 23-2-520 of the Weld County Code. (Department of Planning Services) 4 The final location of the permanent gas pipeline easement with dimension of permanent easement, property ownership, parcel number, all easements of record, and all physical encumbrances. (Department of Planning Services) 5 County Roads 4, 6, 10, 39 and 41 are designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as local roads, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full build out. The applicant shall delineate the existing right-of-way on the site plan. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. (Department of Public Works) 6 County Roads 2 and 8 are designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as a collector road, which requires 80 feet of right-of-way at full build out. There is presently 60 feet of right-of-way. An additional 10 feet shall be delineated on the plat as future County Roads 2 and 8 right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of future right-of-way. The applicant shall delineate the existing right-of-way on the site plan. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. (Department of Public Works) USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 7 of 12 7 County Roads 33, 35 and 37 are designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as a section line road with thirty (30) feet of right-of-way. These roads are not maintained by Weld County. The applicant shall delineate the existing right-of-way on the site plan. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. Show and label the section line Right -of -Way as "CR Section Line Right of Way, not County maintained". (Department of Public Works) The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) crossing agreement reception number for the subsurface high pressure natural gas pipeline. The Burlington Northern Railroad crossing agreement reception number for the subsurface high pressure natural gas pipeline. 10. The crossing agreement reception number for all irrigation ditches and canals. 11. Show the approved access(es) on the map and label with the approved access permit number (will be provided). (Department of Public Works) 12. Show the approved Colorado Department of Transportation, Burlington Northern Railroad and Weld County accesses on the map and label with the approved access permit numbers. (Department of Planning Services, Department of Public Works) 13. Show and label all recorded easements on the map by book and page number or reception number and date on the plan. (Department of Planning Services) 14. The applicant shall show the drainage flow arrows. (Department of Planning Services -Engineer) 2. Upon completion of Condition of Approval #1 above, the applicant shall submit one (1) paper copy or one (1) electronic copy (.pdf) of the map for preliminary approval to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. Upon approval of the map the applicant shall submit a Mylar map along with all other documentation required as Conditions of Approval. The Mylar map shall be recorded in the office of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder by the Department of Planning Services. The map shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 23-2-260.D of the Weld County Code. The Mylar map and additional requirements shall be submitted within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution. The applicant shall be responsible for paying the recording fee. (Department of Planning Services) 3. In accordance with Weld County Code Ordinance #2012-3, approved April 30, 2012, should the map not be recorded within the required one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution, a $50.00 recording continuance charge shall added for each additional three (3) month period. (Department of Planning Services) 4. The Department of Planning Services respectfully requests a digital copy of this "Use by Special Review", as appropriate. Acceptable format is a projected ESRI shapefile (.shp, .shx, .dbf, .prj) with a defined coordinate system (i.e., NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N, WGS 1984, NAD 1983 HARN StatePlane Colorado North FIPS 0501 (US Feet)....etc.). This digital file may be sent to maps@co.weld.co.us. (Department of Planning Services) Prior to Construction: A. If more than 1 acre is to be disturbed for construction of non -pipeline items such as structures, parking lots, laydown yards et cetera, a Weld County grading permit will be required prior to the start of construction. (Department of Planning Services - Engineer) USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 8 of 12 6. Prior to Operation: A. The applicant shall develop an Emergency Action and Safety Plan with the office of Emergency Management and the Fire District. The plan shall be reviewed on an annual basis by the Facility operator, the Fire District and the Weld County Office of Emergency Management. Submit evidence of acceptance to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) 7 The Use by Special Review activity shall not occur, nor shall any building or electrical permits be issued on the property, until the Use by Special Review map is ready to be recorded in the office of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder or the applicant has been approved for an early release agreement. (Department of Planning Services) USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, page 9 of 12 SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Discovery DJ Services, LLC USR16-0028 1. A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit, USR16-0028 for a greater than12-inch high pressure natural gas pipeline approximately eleven and on -half (11.5) miles long commencing at the Discovery DJ Services, LLC Gas Plant (USR16.0031) connecting into the Central Delivery Point located approximately 3 -miles south of Brighton, Colorado in Adams County, in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, subject to the Development Standards stated hereon. (Department of Planning Services) 2. Approval of this plan may create a vested property right pursuant to Section 23-8-10 of the Weld County Code. (Department of PlanningServices) 3. The property owner or operator shall provide written evidence of an approved Emergency Action and Safety Plan on or before March 15th of any given year signed by representatives for the Fire District and the Weld County Office of Emergency Management to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) 4. The property owner shall control noxious weeds on the site. (Department of Planning Services - Engineer) 5. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road including damages and/or offsite tracking. (Department of Public Works) 6. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on public roads. On -site parking shall be utilized. (Department of Public Works) 7. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained. (Department of Planning Services - Engineer) 8. Building permits may be required, per Section 29-3-10 of the Weld County Code. Currently, the following have been adopted by Weld County: 2012 International Codes, 2006 International Energy Code, and 2014 National Electrical Code. A► Building Permit Application must be completed and two (2) complete sets of engineered plans bearing the wet stamp of a Colorado registered architect or engineer must be submitted for review. A Geotechnical Engineering Report performed by a Colorado registered engineer shall be required or an Open Hole Inspection. (Department of Building Inspection) 9. All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.) shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 10. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This is not meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a solid waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 11. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls fugitive dust, blowing debris, and other potential nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in accordance with Chapter 14, Article 1 of the Weld County Code. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 12. 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. (Department of Public Health and Environment) USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, Page 10 of 12 13. The applicant shall submit an Air Pollution Emission Notice (A.P.E.N.) and Emissions Permit Application and obtain a permit from the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, as applicable. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 14. Adequate handwashing and toilet facilities shall be provided. Portable toilets are acceptable. Portable toilets shall be serviced by a cleaner licensed in Weld County and shall contain hand sanitizers. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 15. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of State and Federal agencies and the Weld County Code. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 16. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Design and Operation Standards of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code. 17. Necessary personnel from the Weld County Departments of Planning Services, Public Works, and Public Health and Environment shall be granted access onto the property at any reasonable time in order to ensure the activities carried out on the property comply with the Conditions of Approval and Development Standards stated herein and all applicable Weld County regulations. 18. The Use by Special Review area shall be limited to the plans shown hereon and governed by the foregoing standards and all applicable Weld County regulations. Substantial changes from the plans or Development Standards, as shown or stated, shall require the approval of an amendment of the Permit by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners before such changes from the plans or Development Standards are permitted. Any other changes shall be filed in the office of the Department of Planning Services. 19. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with all of the foregoing Development Standards. Noncompliance with any of the foregoing Development Standards may be reason for revocation of the Permit by the Board of County Commissioners. 20. RIGHT TO EXTRACT MINERAL RESOURCES STATEMENT: Weld County has some of the most abundant mineral resources, including, but not limited to, sand and gravel, oil, natural gas, and coal. Under title 34 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, minerals are vital resources because (a) the state's commercial mineral deposits are essential to the state's economy; (b) the populous counties of the state face a critical shortage of such deposits; and (c) such deposits should be extracted according to a rational plan, calculated to avoid waste of such deposits and cause the least practicable disruption of the ecology and quality of life of the citizens of the populous counties of the state. Mineral resource locations are widespread throughout the County and person moving into these areas must recognize the various impacts associated with this development. Often times, mineral resource sites are fixed to their geographical and geophysical locations. Moreover, these resources are protected property rights and mineral owners should be afforded the opportunity to extract the mineral resource. 21 WELD COUNTY'S RIGHT TO FARM: Weld County is one of the most productive agricultural counties in the United States, typically ranking in the top ten counties in the country in total market value of agricultural products sold. The rural areas of Weld County may be open and spacious, but they are intensively used for agriculture. Persons moving into a rural area must recognize and accept there are drawbacks, including conflicts with long-standing agricultural practices and a lower level of services than in town. Along with the drawbacks come the incentives which attract urban dwellers to relocate to rural areas: open views, spaciousness, wildlife, lack of city noise and congestion, and the rural atmosphere and way of life. Without neighboring farms, those features which attract urban dwellers to rural Weld County would quickly be gone forever. Agricultural users of the land should not be expected to change their long-established agricultural practices to accommodate the intrusions of urban users into a rural area. Well -run agricultural activities will generate off -site impacts, including noise from tractors and equipment; slow -moving USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, Page 11 of 12 farm vehicles on rural roads; dust from animal pens, field work, harvest and gravel roads; odor from animal confinement, silage and manure; smoke from ditch burning; flies and mosquitoes; hunting and trapping activities; shooting sports, legal hazing of nuisance wildlife; and the use of pesticides and fertilizers in the fields, including the use of aerial spraying. It is common practice for agricultural producers to utilize an accumulation of agricultural machinery and supplies to assist in their agricultural operations. A concentration of miscellaneous agricultural materials often produces a visual disparity between rural and urban areas of the County. Section 35-3.5-102, C.R.S., provides that an agricultural operation shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance if the agricultural operation alleged to be a nuisance employs methods or practices that are commonly or reasonably associated with agricultural production. Water has been, and continues to be, the lifeline for the agricultural community. It is unrealistic to assume that ditches and reservoirs may simply be moved "out of the way" of residential development. When moving to the County, property owners and residents must realize they cannot take water from irrigation ditches, lakes, or other structures, unless they have an adjudicated right to the water. Weld County covers a land area of approximately four thousand (4,000) square miles in size (twice the size of the State of Delaware) with more than three thousand seven hundred (3,700) miles of state and county roads outside of municipalities. The sheer magnitude of the area to be served stretches available resources. Law enforcement is based on responses to complaints more than on patrols of the County, and the distances which must be traveled may delay all emergency responses, including law enforcement, ambulance, and fire. Fire protection is usually provided by volunteers who must leave their jobs and families to respond to emergencies. County gravel roads, no matter how often they are bladed, will not provide the same kind of surface expected from a paved road. Snow removal priorities mean that roads from subdivisions to arterials may not be cleared for several days after a major snowstorm. Services in rural areas, in many cases, will not be equivalent to municipal services. Rural dwellers must, by necessity, be more self-sufficient than urban dwellers. People are exposed to different hazards in the County than in an urban or suburban setting. Farm equipment and oil field equipment, ponds and irrigation ditches, electrical power for pumps and center pivot operations, high speed traffic, sandburs, puncture vines, territorial farm dogs and livestock, and open burning present real threats. Controlling children's activities is important, not only for their safety, but also for the protection of the farmer's livelihood. USR16-0028 DISCOVERY DJ SERVICES LLC, Page 12 of 12 October 07, 2016 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES 1555 N 17th AVE GREELEY, CO 80631 WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us E-MAIL: kogle@co.weld.co.us PHONE: (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3549 FAX: (970) 304-6498 SIEGFRIED ANDY 8100 E MAPLEWOOD AVE STE 100 GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111 Subject: USR16-0028 - A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit for a Pipeline (16 -inch diameter natural gas pipeline) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. On parcel(s) of land described as: The proposed pipeline enters Weld County in Section 33, T1 N, R65W and travels north through Sections 28 and 21, turning west into Sections 20 and 19 then south into Section 30 and turning west into Section 25, T1 N, R66W then Section 26 turning north into Section 22 and Section 15 and terminating at the Discovery Gas Plant in Section 11, T1N, R66W of the 6th P.M., Weld County Colorado. Dear Applicants: I have scheduled a meeting with the Weld County Planning Commission on November 1, 2016, at 12:30 p.m. A subsequent hearing with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on November 16, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Both hearings will be held in the Hearing Room, Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, Colorado. It is recommended that you and/or a representative be in attendance to answer any questions the Planning Commission members or Board of County Commissioners may have. Colorado Revised Statute, C.R.S.24-65.5-103 (adopted as part of H.B.01-1088) requires notification of all mineral estate owners 30 days prior to any public hearing. The applicant needs to provide the Weld County Planning Department with written certification indicating the above requirement has been met. A representative from the Department of Planning Services will be out to the property a minimum of ten days prior to the hearing to post a sign adjacent to and visible from a publicly maintained road right-of-way which identifies the hearing time, date, and location. In the event the property is not adjacent to a publicly maintained road right-of-way, one sign will be posted in the most prominent place on the property and a second sign posted at the point at which the driveway (access drive) intersects a publicly maintained road right-of-way. The Department of Planning Services' staff will make a recommendation concerning this application to the Weld County Planning Commission and will be included in the staff report one week prior to the scheduled Planning Commission hearing. You may view the staff report at www.weldcountyplanringcases.orq If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call. Respectfully, Digitally signed by Kristine Ranslem Reason: I am the author of this document Date: 2016.10.0713:42:28 -06'00' Kim Ogle Planner DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES 1555 N 17th AVE GREELEY, CO 80631 WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us E-MAIL: kogle@co.weld.co.us PHONE: (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3549 FAX: (970) 304-6498 September 08, 2016 SIEGFRIED ANDY 8100 E. MAPLEWOOD AVE STE 100 GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111 Subject: USR16-0028 - A Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit for a Pipeline (16 -inch diameter natural gas pipeline) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District On parcel(s) of land described as: The proposed pipeline enters Weld County in Section 33, Township 1 North Range 65 West and travels north through Sections 28 and 21, turning west into Sections 20 and 19 then south into Section 30 and turning west into Section 25, Township 1 Range 66 West then Section 26 turning north into Section 22 and Section 15 and terminating at the Discovery Gas Plant in Section 11, Township 1 North Range 66 W of the 6th P.M., Weld County Colorado. Dear Applicants: Your application and related materials for the request described above are complete and in order at this time. I will schedule a meeting with you at the end of the review period to discuss the referral comments received by our office. It is the policy of Weld County to refer an application of this nature to any town or municipality lying within three miles of the property in question or if the property under consideration is located within the comprehensive planning area of a town or municipality. Therefore, our office has forwarded a copy of the submitted materials to the following Planning Departments for their review and comments: Hudson at Phone Number 303-536-9311 Brighton at Phone Number 303-655-2000 Lochbuie at Phone Number 303-655-9308 Fort Lupton at Phone Number 303-857-6694 It is recommended that you contact the listed Planning Departments for information regarding their process and to answer any questions that might arise with respect to your application. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call. Respectfully, Lc_ Kim Ogle Planner Digitally signed by Kristine Ranslem Reason: I am the author of this document Date: 2016.09.08 11:02:07 -06'00' Hello