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Home My WebLink About20150375.tiff LAND USE APPLICATION SUMMARY SHEET C 1' Planner: Kim Ogle Case Number: USR14-0067 Hearing Date: January 20, 2015 Applicant: Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc., do Selina Koler Address: 1100 West 116th Avenue, Westminster, Colorado 80233 Request: A Site Specific Development Plan And Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility--a new 230/115/69/34.5-Kilovolt (kV) substation located adjacent to Tri-State's existing J.M. Shafer Generating Station called the Greenhouse Substation; approximately 5 miles of 115-kV transmission line from Tri-State's existing Davis Substation to the new Greenhouse Substation; less than 0.1 mile of new 230-kV tie-line between the new Greenhouse Substation and the existing J.M. Shafer Substation; approximately 6.5 miles of single-circuit 230-kV transmission line from the new Greenhouse Substation south to Tri- State's existing Henry Lake Substation, subject to the provisions of Section 23-3- 420 of the Weld County Code, and facility construction laydown yards at the Henry Lake, Davis and Greenhouse Substations (consisting of two construction trailers, multiple storage containers, and other associated equipment) in the A (Agricultural)Zone District-Tri-State Generation &Transmission Association / Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase I Legal Description: The new transmission line commences at the Henry Lake Substation located in Section 27, Township 1 North, Range 66 West heading north into Section 22, 15, 10, 3 Township 1 North, Range 66 West to the Greenhouse Substation located in Section 34 Township 2 North, Range 66 West continuing north into Section 35, 26, 23 and terminating at the Davis Substation located in Section 14 Township 2 North, Range 66 West of the 6th P.M. Weld County Colorado Location: Generally located South of and adjacent to County Road 22; West of County Road 35; East of County Road 31 and North of and adjacent to County Road 4 Parcel Numbers: Multiple Size of Parcel: Approximately 20 acres within transmission line easement and substation POSSIBLE ISSUES SUMMARIZED FROM APPLICATION MATERIALS The criteria for review of this Special Review Permit is listed in Chapter 21 of the Weld County Code The Department of Planning Services' staff has received responses with comments from the following agencies: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, referral dated October 10, 2014 • Fort Lupton Fire Protection District, referral dated October 14, 2014 Weld County Department of Building Inspection, referral dated October 14, 2014 Public Service Company of Colorado, referral dated November 11, 2014 USR14-0067,page 1 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 • Xcel Energy, referral dated November 11, 2014 • Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, referral dated November 12, 2014 • Weld County Department of Planning Services- Engineer, referral dated November 13, 2014 The Department of Planning Services' staff has received responses without comments from the following agencies: • Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife referral dated November 5, 2014 • Weld County Zoning Compliance, referral dated October 14, 2014 • City of Fort Lupton - Planning, referral dated November 7, 2014 The Department of Planning Services' staff has not received responses from the following agencies: • K.P. Kauffman • Adams County Planning • City of Brighton Planning • Town of Lochbuie Planning Weld County Sheriffs Office • US Army Corps of Engineers • Encana Oil & Gas Corporation • Foundation Energy Management Colorado Department of Transportation Greater Brighton Fire Protection District Weld County Office of Emergency Management Weld County Public Works Department—Access USR14-0067,page 2 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 Vt. gb AP SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW tf Planner: Kim Ogle Case Number: USR14-0067 Hearing Date: January 20, 2015 Applicant: Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc., do Selina Koler Address: 1100 West 116th Avenue, Westminster, Colorado 80233 Request: A Site Specific Development Plan And Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility--a new 230/115/69/34.5-Kilovolt (kV) substation located adjacent to Tri-State's existing J.M. Shafer Generating Station called the Greenhouse Substation; approximately 5 miles of 115-kV transmission line from Tri-State's existing Davis Substation to the new Greenhouse Substatio; less than 0.1 mile of new 230-kV tie-line between the new Greenhouse Substation and the existing J.M. Shafer Substation; approximately 6.5 miles of single-circuit 230-kV transmission line from the new Greenhouse Substation south to Tri-State's existing Henry Lake Substation, subject to the provisions of Section 23-3-420 of the Weld County Code, and facility construction laydown yards at the Henry Lake, Davis and Greenhouse Substations (consisting of two construction trailers, multiple storage containers, and other associated equipment) in the A (Agricultural)Zone District-Tri-State Generation &Transmission Association / Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase I Legal Description: The new transmission line commences at the Henry Lake Substation located in Section 27, Township 1 North, Range 66 West heading north into Section 22, 15, 10, 3 Township 1 North, Range 66 West to the Greenhouse Substation located in Section 34 Township 2 North, Range 66 West continuing north into Section 35, 26, 23 and terminating at the Davis Substation located in Section 14 Township 2 North, Range 66 West of the 6th P.M. Weld County Colorado Location: Generally located South of and adjacent to County Road 22; West of County Road 35; East of County Road 31 and North of and adjacent to County Road 4 Parcel Numbers: Multiple Size of Parcel: Approximately 20 acres within transmission line easement and substation Narrative: United Power, one of Tri-State's Member Systems, has received formal requests for new service to several large industrial loads in southwest Weld County primarily for oil and gas extraction, processing, and transportation. These load requests include approximately 100 megawatts (MW) for oil and gas production facilities, 90 MW for gas processing plants, and 120 MW for oil and gas transportation. The transportation loads consist of twelve compressor sites each with a demand of 10-12 MW. Additionally, United Power anticipates a significant amount of native residential load growth in support of oil and gas development. Together, these retail load requests exceed 300 MW and cannot be accommodated by United Power's existing 34.5-kV sub-transmission and distribution systems in the area. USR14-0067,page 3 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 As a result of the requested service needs, Tri-State is proposing to construct a series of new transmission lines and substations, called the Southwest Weld Expansion Project, to establish new delivery points for its Member System, United Power. The Project will be located in rural Weld County, east of Fort Lupton, Colorado, and is primarily intended to serve existing load and the growing oil and gas development in the area. The substation and transmission line construction would begin in mid- to late-2015 and the facilities are expected to be in-service in early 2016. The proposed transmission lines will be approximately 11.5 miles in length and located entirely on private lands. The new 115-kV and 230-kV transmission lines will be constructed out of wood and self-weathering steel. The right-of-way for the 115-kV transmission line will be between 75 and 100 feet wide and between 125 and 150 feet wide for the 230-kV line. The Project occurs primarily in unincorporated Weld County. The Greenhouse Substation and the transmission lines coming out of the substation would be located within the City of Fort Lupton. The Henry Lake Substation and approximately 525 feet of transmission line would be located within the City of Brighton. THE 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 Chapter 21 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 21-3-340. A of the Weld County Code, as follows: Section 21-3-340.A.1 — The health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the County will be protected and served. The Design Standards (Section 23-2-240), Operation Standards (Section 23-2-250), Conditions of Approval, and Development Standards ensure that there are adequate provisions for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and County. Section 21-3-340.A.2-The natural and socio-economic environment of the County will be protected and enhanced. There are no significant prevalent natural hazards in the area that will affect, or be affected by, the project. Historically the area has been dominated by agricultural uses, residential development and oil and gas activities. The communities nearest to the Project area are Brighton and Fort Lupton. Larger nearby cities include Loveland, Greeley, Longmont and Thornton. It is anticipated that the Project would have a small beneficial impact to the local economies of these towns and the larger metropolitan cities. Construction contractors, regardless of origin, would likely spend some money in these communities for fuel, food, or other supplies. During the construction period, the local economy may see a small influx of dollars and a small increase in sales tax revenue. The footprints of the proposed structures would be the only land removed from current use. Land between the transmission structures would remain available for farming, grazing, or other activities. Land at the substation site is currently impacted by demolished greenhouses. There are no adverse socio-economic constraints associated with the project. The Project would generate additional tax revenue for Weld County. This Project is not inconsistent with the Economic Development Goals and Policies described in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan (Weld County 2008). USR14-0067,page 4 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 Section 21-3-340.A.3 -- All reasonable alternatives to the proposed action, including use of existing rights-of-way and joint use of rights-of-way wherever uses are compatible, have been adequately assessed and the proposed action is compatible with and represents the best interests of the people of the County and represents a fair and reasonable utilization of resources in the impact area. The transmission line corridor alternatives were evaluated to address the needs of the Project. Scenario A: Taking no action would result in no power delivery to our Members and their customers. The No Action Alternative does not meet the needs of the Project. Scenario B: This alternative would involve the construction of approximately 11.5 miles of transmission line and one new substation. Alternative B would provide the necessary power to supply oil and gas facilities in the area, as requested by Member customers. The preferred system alternative is Alternative B. Alternative B meets the Project's purpose and need and provides a cost-effective, secure, and reliable source of power for Tri-State's Members, United Power, and their customers. The process used to identify alternative locations for the transmission lines began with delineating the Study Area. The general location for the substation site and the transmission lines were initially identified based on the location of the oil and gas facilities, interconnection considerations, existing infrastructure, and residences. The locations of these features heavily influenced the area of consideration for the transmission line and substation. Four potential routes from the proposed Greenhouse Substation to Henry Lake Substation were evaluated. The preliminary routes for the proposed 230-kV Greenhouse—Henry Lake transmission line were identified along existing transmission lines and pipelines as well as field lines. An existing utility corridor, which is located directly north of the Henry Lake Substation and going north toward Fort Lupton, presented an opportunity for routing, although a communication facility is located within the corridor and another transmission line running east-west crosses the corridor. This route along the central utility corridor was adjusted slightly to accommodate separation to the communication facility and crossing of the existing transmission line. An additional route was identified to the west that makes use of less populated areas and field lines to proceed north to the proposed Greenhouse Substation site. A route to the east was not evaluated because of the extensive residential development. Variations of the two routes were combined for a third alternative. Greenhouse— Henry Lake Preferred Route Alternative: The Preferred route makes use of the existing utility corridor between the Henry Lake Substation and the southern Fort Lupton area. The route has the shortest length and has the highest percentage of its length adjacent to existing linear features. This route also has the fewest number of oil and gas wells within 200 feet of the centerline and the fewest number of center pivots within 75 feet of the centerline. It has the fewest residences within both 200 feet of the line and 500 feet of centerline and the fewest number of parcels within the 150-foot right-of-way (ROW). The Preferred route also has the fewest number of communications facilities within 200 feet of the centerline. Greenhouse— Henry Lake Alternative 1: Alternative 1 starts at the Greenhouse Substation and goes directly south out of the substation site, paralleling Weld County Road 31 for a short distance, and turns east to parallel the northern side of 9`h Street/Weld County Road 14. Alternative 1 then turns south mid-field for approximately 2 miles. The route angles southeast to avoid a residence and outbuildings before continuing south for 0.8 mile. The route then turns west and parallels a property line for 0.3 mile before continuing south approximately 1.5 miles mid-field. The route turns east to parallel the northern side of Weld County Road 4 and into the Henry Lake Substation from the western property line. Only a small portion of this USR14-0067,page 5 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 route is adjacent to linear facilities, and it crosses through the center of seven parcels. It would create an additional corridor approximately 0.5 mile from the existing corridor. Greenhouse— Henry Lake Alternative 2: Alternative 2 follows the alignment of Alternative 1 for the majority of the route before it turns due west to follow a property line and join with the southern segment of the Preferred route and enter into the Henry Lake Substation from the north. This route was the longest and had the most residences within 500 feet of the centerline and a residence within 200 feet of the line. It also had the most communication facilities within 200 feet of the centerline and crossed the most parcels. Greenhouse Substation to Davis Substation The area between the Greenhouse Substation site and the Davis Substation is heavily congested with existing gas pipelines, electric transmission lines, subdivided residential properties, and oil and gas wells and facilities. Portions of the preliminary routes for the Greenhouse Substation to Davis Substation were identified along the existing Public Service Davis to Fort Lupton transmission line. An additional route segment was identified to the east that uses a less populated area away from the subdivision on the eastern side of Fort Lupton. A route even further to the east is limited by its proximity to the Platte Valley Airpark. A route to the west is limited by existing electric transmission lines and residences (Aristocrat Ranchettes). The Preferred route and both of the alternatives occur partially within the City of Fort Lupton. Greenhouse— Davis Preferred Route Alternative: The Preferred route begins at the proposed Greenhouse Substation site and heads due south for a short distance before turning east and heading across open field approximately one mile before turning north for 0.5 mile and then east for 0.5 mile and following the existing transmission lines. The route proceeds north for approximately 0.8 mile on the eastern side of Grant Street, adjacent to the existing transmission line, before making a slight jog to the east and back to the existing transmission alignment to avoid an oil and gas facility. The Preferred route proceeds an additional 2.3 miles north along the eastern side of the parcel lines to the Davis Substation. This route is the shortest length of the Greenhouse—Davis alternatives, and has the most percentage of its route adjacent to existing linear features. It also has the fewest parcels within 75 feet of the centerline. There are no residences within 75 feet of the centerline, but one residence is within 200 feet. Nearly half of this route occurs on parcels owned by one private landowner and Anadarko Petroleum. Selection of this route was based largely on the private landowner's preference for the line to be on the west side of his parcel along the existing transmission line. Greenhouse—Davis Alternative 1 Alternative 1 follows the same path as the Preferred route out of the Greenhouse Substation. There was no alternative to exiting the Greenhouse Substation due to existing transmission and pipelines on the north. Alternative 1 deviates from the Preferred route where it turns north further to the east to avoid an area congested with pipelines and oil and gas facilities. It also diverges from the Preferred route through a parcel owned by Anadarko and proposed for oil and gas development. This route would be preferable from an engineering perspective because it would have fewer corners and fewer constraints, but was not favored by the private majority landowner. Greenhouse—Davis Alternative 2 This route follows the Preferred route and Alternative 1 out of the Greenhouse Substation and follows Alternative 1 to the north, east of the congested corridor. Rather than turn back to the west like the Preferred route, Alternative 1 continues along the east side all the way to the Davis Substation. This alternative was evaluated in order to provide an alternative route through a property owned by Anadarko and proposed for oil and gas development. This route would also be preferable to Tri-State USR14-0067,page 6 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 from an engineering perspective because it would have fewer corners and fewer constraints; however, it was not favored by the majority landowner as it crosses behind his house. Greenhouse Substation to J.M. Shafer Substation (Greenhouse—J.M. Shafer) A routing analysis was not conducted for the 230-kV tie-line between the new Greenhouse Substation and the existing J.M. Shafer Substation because it is less than 0.1 mile long and it would be located entirely on property owned by a Tri-State subsidiary. Public Outreach Tri-State and their contractor, HDR, contacted landowners along the Preferred and alternative routes per ownership information derived from Weld County property records. This contact has been in various forms including project introduction phone calls; project introduction and access permission letter mailings; and project introduction and access permission meetings with landowners. In addition, negotiations are in process with affected landowners to obtain Options for the purchase of easements along the Preferred routes. Landowner contacts began in early April 2014 and are on-going. The new 11.5 miles of transmission line would consist of approximately 79-124 structures. The structures would be wood and steel pole construction spaced approximately 400-600 feet apart for the 115-kV lines and 6,000-1,000 feet apart for the 230-kV line. Structures would primarily be single pole design, but wood H-frame structures may be used at transmission line crossings or other areas where engineering design indicates they are preferable. The transmission lines would have three conductors per circuit, an overhead optical ground wire for internal Tri-State communications, and one shield wire. Steel transmission poles would be set in concrete foundations. Section 21-3-340.A.4--A satisfactory program to mitigate and minimize adverse impacts has been presented. Colorado Parks and Wildlife returned a referral indicating no conflicts with their interests, and the State Historical Society did not return a referral response. The Project area is characterized by agricultural lands, oil and gas development, and residential use. The surrounding vegetation is primarily disturbed grassland. Permanent removal of vegetation would occur at structure sites. Vegetation has already been permanently removed at the Greenhouse Substation for the historic greenhouses now demolished. Construction would occur primarily in areas that have been previously disturbed, and impacts to native vegetation communities are expected to be minimal. Most access would be overland or along existing municipal or County roads, and minimal vegetation would be disturbed from roads. No drainages or wetlands would be impacted by the transmission lines or substation. The agriculture areas are likely to support a variety of common wildlife such as coyote, fox, skunk, rabbits, and various birds. There is no designated critical wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the project although suitable habitat may exist for the state-listed Western burrowing owl. Prior to construction, Tri-State will conduct surveys for migratory birds and Western Burrowing Owls (in prairie dog towns in the vicinity of the transmission lines and substation). If any nests for migratory birds or any listed species are found, appropriate construction timing limitations will be enforced, as feasible, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommendations. Where timing limitations or setback cannot be applied due to timing constraints, other alternative mitigation measures would be considered and vetted with CPW. If any federally-listed species are found, Tri-State will consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding avoidance and mitigation. To preclude avian electrocutions and minimize collision risk, Tri-State would incorporate Avian Protection Plan (APP)standards developed by the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC USR14-0067,page 7 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 2006)and the APP guidelines (APLIC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 2005)to protect birds on power lines, as well as NESC-specified electric conductor clearances. Project impacts to wildlife are expected to be minimal and limited to temporary disturbance from construction activities. As part of the project, Tri-State will conduct a Class I archaeological database search of the Project area, as well as a Class III pedestrian survey on properties where survey permission has been granted and where significant disturbance has previously not occurred. Any sites found to be eligible for listing on the National Heritage Research Partnership (NRHP)will be spanned and avoided by the Project. There are no areas of geologic importance in the vicinity of the project. Section 21-3-340.A.5--The nature and location or expansion of the facility complies with all applicable provisions of the master plan of this County, and other applicable regional, metropolitan, state and national plans. The preferred transmission line alignment and substation location is within the three mile referral area for the City of Fort Lupton, the City of Brighton, the Town of Lochbuie and Adams County. The City of Fort Lupton in their referral dated November 7, 2014; stated"A portion of this project is within Fort Lupton's limits and is going through the City's public hearing process. Fort Lupton would like to ensure the project is coordinated between the County and the City as the project moves forward and requests that a meeting be scheduled with the Weld Planning Department." Planning staff discussed the timing issues with the City concerning the permitting of the transmission line into and out of the Greenhouse substation located within the corporate limits of the City. The City of Fort Lupton approved the proposal at their December 16, 2014 meeting. The City of Brighton, the Town of Lochbuie and Adams County did not respond. Section 21-3-340.A.6 --The nature and location or expansion of the facility does not unduly or unreasonably impact existing community services. The applicant states careful site planning can be developed with only a localized loss of agricultural land quality. Ground disturbance for the transmission line is generally limited to the area immediately around the base of each pole. The substation would occur on lands previous removed from agricultural use for historic greenhouses that have since be demolished. Agricultural practices could continue on adjacent lands. Approximately 68 construction workers would be employed during the course of the approximately 4-5 month construction period. The Project would generate infrequent trips to the transmission line and substations during operation; the line would be inspected annually and occasionally for maintenance. No adverse effects on county roads are anticipated. Tri-State will work with the Weld County Public Works Department to determine the appropriate access to the construction area. All mobile construction equipment would be certified to operate on Interstate highways. There may be short periods of time when traffic would be halted on County Roads to allow construction vehicles to enter and exit the construction area. No improvements to Weld County roads would be required. Given the relatively short construction schedule, the site will not generate significant demands on community services such as the school district. Section 21-3-340.A.7--The nature and location or expansion of the facility will not create an expansion of the demand for government services beyond the reasonable capacity of the community or region to provide such services, as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. USR14-0067,page 8 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 It is anticipated that the Project would have a small beneficial impact to the nearby communities of Brighton and Fort Lupton, and larger nearby communities of Loveland, Greeley, Longmont and Thornton. Construction contractors, regardless of origin, would likely spend some money in Cheyenne or Greeley for fuel, food, or other supplies. During the construction period, the local economy may see a small influx of dollars and a small increase in sales tax revenue. The footprints of the proposed structures would be the only land removed from current use. Land between the transmission structures would remain available for farming, grazing, or other operations that do not interfere with safe and reliable operation of the transmission line. The Project area is located within District 1 of the Weld County Sheriffs Department and is within the jurisdiction of the Greater Brighton and Fort Lupton Fire Protection Districts. Public roads are maintained by the Weld County Department of Public Works and the respective municipalities. The nearest hospital to the northern side of the Project area is in the City of Longmont (Longmont United Hospital) and the nearest hospital to the southern side of the Project area is in the City of Westminster (St. Anthony North Medical Pavilion). None of these services is expected to be affected, unless emergency situations occur. There are no adverse socioeconomic impacts associated with the Project. The Project would not cause any residents or businesses to be displaced. The Project would generate additional tax revenue for Weld County. Section 21-3-340.A.8-- The facility site or expansion area is not in an area with general meteorological and climatological conditions which would unreasonably interfere with or obstruct normal operations and maintenance. The proposed site was selected because it does not affect the meteorological and climatological conditions. Section 21-3-340.A.9--The nature and location of the facility or expansion will not adversely affect the water rights of any upstream, downstream or agricultural users, adjacent communities or other water users. The application states that the project will not impact hydrologic flow of either surface of either surface water or groundwater, nor will it affect groundwater recharge. Existing drainage patterns will be preserved. Permanent facilities would not be located in stream channels, appropriately sized culverts will be installed to maintain channel flow and morphology. The Project would have no impacts on vested water rights. Construction water and water to suppress dust during construction activities would be trucked into the site. Section 21-3-340.A.10--Adequate water supplies are available for facility needs. Bottled water will be used during construction of the transmission line and substation. Section 21-3-340.A.11— The nature and location of the facility or expansion will not unduly interfere with existing easements, rights-of-way, other utilities, canals, mineral claims or roads. The applicants have negotiated land lease and easement agreements with property owners within the preferred transmission line corridor and at the proposed Greenhouse substation. If any remaining agreements are required, these agreements will be obtained once the Weld County permitting processes are complete. Section 21-3-340.A.12--Adequate electric, gas, telephone, water, sewage and other utilities exist or shall be developed to service the site. USR14-0067,page 9 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 This is an unmanned facility consisting of a new 230/115/69/34.5-Kilovolt (kV) substation; approximately 5 miles of 115-kV transmission line from Tri-State's existing Davis Substation to the new Greenhouse Substation; less than 0.1 mile of new 230-kV tie-line between the new Greenhouse Substation and the existing J.M. Shafer Substation; approximately 6.5 miles of single-circuit 230-kV transmission line from the new Greenhouse Substation south to Tri-State's existing Henry Lake Substation, therefore utility services are not required post construction. Section 21-3-340.A.13-The nature and location for expansion of the facility will not unduly interfere with any significant wildlife habitat or adversely affect any endangered wildlife species, unique natural resource or historic landmark within the impact area. Colorado Parks and Wildlife returned a referral indicating no conflicts with their interests, and the State Historical Society did not return a referral response. The Project area is characterized by agricultural lands, oil and gas development, and residential use. The surrounding vegetation is primarily disturbed grassland. Permanent removal of vegetation would occur at structure sites. Vegetation has already been permanently removed at the Greenhouse Substation for the historic greenhouses now demolished. Construction would occur primarily in areas that have been previously disturbed, and impacts to native vegetation communities are expected to be minimal. Most access would be overland or along existing municipal or County roads, and minimal vegetation would be disturbed from roads. No drainages or wetlands would be impacted by the transmission lines or substation. The agriculture areas are likely to support a variety of common wildlife such as coyote, fox, skunk, rabbits, and various birds. There is no designated critical wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the project although suitable habitat may exist for the state-listed Western burrowing owl. Prior to construction, Tri-State will conduct surveys for migratory birds and Western Burrowing Owls (in prairie dog towns in the vicinity of the transmission lines and substation). If any nests for migratory birds or any listed species are found, appropriate construction timing limitations will be enforced, as feasible, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommendations. Where timing limitations or setback cannot be applied due to timing constraints, other alternative mitigation measures would be considered and vetted with CPW. If any federally-listed species are found, Tri-State will consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding avoidance and mitigation. To preclude avian electrocutions and minimize collision risk, Tri-State would incorporate Avian Protection Plan (APP) standards developed by the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC 2006)and the APP guidelines (APLIC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 2005)to protect birds on power lines, as well as NESC-specified electric conductor clearances. Project impacts to wildlife are expected to be minimal and limited to temporary disturbance from construction activities. As part of the project, Tri-State will conduct a Class I archaeological database search of the Project area, as well as a Class Ill pedestrian survey on properties where survey permission has been granted and where significant disturbance has previously not occurred. Any sites found to be eligible for listing on the National Heritage Research Partnership (NRHP)will be spanned and avoided by the Project. There are no areas of geologic importance in the vicinity of the project. Section 21-3-340.A.14 — The nature and location or expansion of the facility, including expected growth and development related to the operation and provision of service, will not significantly deteriorate water or air quality in the impact area. USR14-0067,page 10 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 Construction would last approximately four to five months. Construction activities associated with the proposed transmission line and substations would generate less than significant amounts of particulate matter from soil disturbances and diesel-powered equipment, and less than significant amounts of carbon monoxide and the precursor pollutants to ozone formation from tailpipe emissions. Any air pollutants generated would be widely dispersed across the Project area, short term in duration, and minimized by the small scale of construction operations for the substations, and excavating foundations and placing single pole transmission structures. Air pollutants also would be minimized through implementation of dust suppression and proper vehicle maintenance. Therefore, Project construction is not expected to contribute to the air quality status in the area. There would be no long-term air quality effects associated with routine operation and maintenance of the proposed transmission line and substations. Once construction activities have been completed, but before vegetation has been re-established, some minor amount of additional dust could occur. The generation of dust would be monitored by Tri-State, and the appropriate action would be taken to control the dust and ensure that potential wind erosion is minimized. Weld County is an attainment area for all measured pollutants, including particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10). No air emissions would result from operation of the transmission line or substations. There would be no alteration in the pattern or intensity of surface drainage as a result of construction or operation of the transmission line and substations. Section 21-3-340.A.15 — The geological and topographic features of the site are adequate for all construction, clearing, grading, drainage, vegetation and other needs of the facility construction or expansion. The vicinity of the Project site is characterized by agricultural purposes, oil and gas development, and rural residences. The surrounding vegetation is primarily disturbed grassland. Permanent removal of vegetation would occur at structure sites. Vegetation has already been permanently removed at the Greenhouse Substation for the historic greenhouses. Construction would occur primarily in areas that have been previously disturbed, and impacts to native vegetation communities are expected to be minimal. Section 21-3-340.A.16— The existing water quality of affected state waters will not be degraded below state and federal standards or established baseline levels. There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with the regular operation or maintenance of the transmission line. The existing water quality of affected state waters will not be degraded below state and federal standards or established baseline levels by the project. Section 21-3-340.A.17 — The proposed project will not have a significantly adverse net effect on the capacities or functioning of streams, lakes and reservoirs in the impact area, nor on the permeability, volume, recharge capability and depth of aquifers in the impact area. According to the application, construction and maintenance of the transmission line would not measurably impact surface water or groundwater quality. Additionally, there would be no long-term impacts to surface water or groundwater hydrology as a result of construction or operation of the transmission line. The Project would not impact hydrologic flow of either surface water or groundwater, nor would it affect groundwater recharge. Further, subsurface drainage would not be impacted by the proposed transmission line. There would be no direct impacts to water quality associated with regular operation or maintenance of the transmission line. Project construction would not create runoff in excess of previous site levels and would not change existing topography or adversely affect drainage. There would be no alteration in the USR14-0067,page 11 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 pattern or intensity of surface drainage as a result of construction or operation of the transmission line facility. Therefore, a Drainage Report is not required. A range of measures ensuring the Project does not impact water quality is will be implemented prior to construction, including a Storm Water Permit for Construction Activities would be acquired from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Section 21-3-340.A.18 — The benefits of the proposed developments outweigh the losses of any natural resources or reduction of productivity of agricultural lands as a result of the proposed development. The majority of the site consists of agricultural purposes, oil and gas development, and rural residences. The facility will have limited impact on agricultural lands within the transmission line corridor project site and minimal impact on future land use. Permanent facilities upon completion will only cover approximately 20 acres. Section 21-3-340.A.19 — The applicant has obtained or will obtain all property rights, permits and approvals necessary for the proposed project, including surface, mineral and water rights and easements for drainage, disposal, utilities, access, etc. If the applicant has not obtained all necessary property rights, permits and approvals, the Board may, at its discretion, grant the permit conditioned upon completion of the acquisition of such rights prior to issuance of a zoning or building permit by the County. The application indicates that individual land lease agreements have been obtained or will be acquired between Tri-State and the affected property owners. The applicant has obtained or will obtain all property rights, permits and approvals necessary for the proposed project, including surface, mineral and water rights and easements for drainage, disposal, utilities, access, et cetera, with approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Section 21-3-340.A.20 — The proposed project (nonlinear facilities) will not present an unreasonable risk of exposure to or release of toxic or hazardous substances within the impact area. The determination of effects of the project shall include the following considerations: a. The means by which outdoor storage facilities for fuel, raw materials, equipment and related items are adequately enclosed by a fence or wall. b. The likelihood of hazardous materials or wastes being moved off the site by natural causes or forces. c. Containment of inflammable or explosive liquids, solids or gases. There would be temporary storage of construction materials at the proposed Project site. Construction, operation, and maintenance activities would comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of hazardous substances. The only hazardous chemicals anticipated to be used on site are those found in diesel fuel, gasoline, coolant (ethylene glycol), and lubricants in machinery. Hazardous materials would not be drained onto the ground or into streams or drainage areas. In its contract with the construction contractor, Tri-State will specify that it will hold a required pre-construction meeting with the contractor to ensure that all applicable laws and Tri-State's procedures will be followed. Enclosed containment would be provided for all trash. All construction waste, including trash and litter, garbage, other solid waste, petroleum products, and other potentially hazardous materials would be removed to a disposal facility authorized to accept such materials. The Health Department is requiring that a waste handling plan be submitted as a condition of approval. usR14-0067,page 12 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 Section 21-3-340.A.21 — The scope and nature of the proposed project will not unnecessarily duplicate existing services within the County. The scope and nature of the proposed project will not unnecessarily duplicate existing services within the county. The proposed transmission line and associated new substation will address a specific demand for electricity from twelve compressor facilities to meet their long term air attainment requirements. Further, there is a vast development potential for oil and gas in this region, and this development is very dynamic and evolving. Several different companies have indicated sizeable potential electrical loads in the area beyond what is currently being considered. The applicant believes this line and associated substation will serve the additional electrical loads in the area and would provide for future reliability needs and operational flexibility under transmission contingencies, increasing the reliability to the loads in the area. Section 21-3-340.A.22— If the purpose and need for the proposed project are to meet the needs of an increasing population within the County, the area and community development plans and population trends demonstrate clearly a need for such development. The purpose of the new transmission line and substation is to provide electric service the oil field and anticipated residential development with electric energy that is reliable and operates efficiently while helping to ensure an adequate and dependable supply of electrical power to meet the needs of for future development. This recommendation for a new 230/115/69/34.5-Kilovolt (kV) substation, approximately 5 miles of 115-kV transmission line and approximately 6.5 miles of 235kV transmission line 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. The applicant shall address the comments from the Department of Planning Services - Engineer as stated in the referral dated November 13, 2014. (Department of Planning Services) B. A copy of the signed and recorded (construction and post-construction) lease agreements (or other acceptable authorization from property owners) shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) C. The applicant shall submit an application with the FAA for a "Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation" for the Greenhouse—Davis Substation transmission line due to its proximity to the Platte Valley Airpark. Evidence of such shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) D. County Road 4 has been annexed by the City of Brighton. The City has jurisdiction over all accesses within their jurisdiction. Please contact City to verify the access permit or for any additional requirement that may be needed to obtain or upgrade the permit. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) E. County Road 14 and 16 have been annexed by the City of Fort Lupton. The City has jurisdiction over all accesses within their jurisdiction. Please contact the City to verify the access permit or for any additional requirement that may be needed to obtain or upgrade the permit. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) F. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has jurisdiction over all accesses to USR14-0067,page 13 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 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 (SH52). (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) G The map shall be amended to delineate the following: 1. All sheets of the map shall be labeled USR14-0067. (Department of Planning Services) 2. The map shall be prepared in accordance with Section 23-2-260.D of the Weld County Code. (Department of Planning Services) 3. The attached Development Standards. (Department of Planning Services) 4. The final location of the permanent 100 to 150 foot transmission line easement with dimension of permanent right-of-way, property ownership, parcel number, all easements of record, and all physical encumbrances. (Department of Planning Services) 5. County Roads 6, 10, 12, 18, and 20 are designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as gravel local roads, which require 60 feet of right-of-way at full build out. 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 map. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of future right-of-way. These roads are maintained by Weld County. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 6. County Road 8 is 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 Road 8 right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of future right-of-way. 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 plat. If the right-of-way cannot be verified, it shall be dedicated. This road is maintained by Weld County (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 7. County Road 22 is designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as a arterial road, which requires 140 feet of right-of-way at full build out. There is presently 60 feet of right-of-way. An additional 40 feet shall be delineated on the plat as future County Road 22 right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of future right-of-way. 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 plat. If the right-of-way cannot be verified, it shall be dedicated. This road is maintained by Weld County. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 8. There is 30 feet of unmaintained County section line right-of-way along County Road 33 Section Line which must be delineated on the map. 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 map. (Department of Planning Services — Engineer) 9. Please delineate the Davis, Henry Lake and proposed Greenhouse substation sites to be utilized for the base of operations and construction staging areas associated with this application. (Department of Planning Services) 10. The applicant shall verify the existing or vacated right-of-way and the documents creating uSR14-0067,page 14 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 or vacating the right-of-way and this information shall be noted on the map (County Road 14.5, County Road 31.25, County Road 33 and County Road 33.5). (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 11. Show the Weld County approved access(es) on the map and label with the approved access permit number(will be provided) (Department of Planning Services—Engineer) 12. Label the approved City of Brighton and City of Fort Lupton accesses on the map with access permit number if applicable. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 13. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has jurisdiction over all accesses to state highways. Show the approved CDOT accesses on the map and label with access permit number if applicable (SH 52). (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 14. Show and label standard tracking control onto publically maintained roadways on the map. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) 15. The applicant shall attempt to address the requirements of the Anadarko Land Corporation, Anadarko E&P OnShore, LLC and leasehold interests owned by Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas OnShore, LP as stated in their letter dated November 10, 2014 and submit evidence of an agreement to the Department of planning Services. Alternately, the applicant can provide evidence that they are not subject to these requirements. (Department of Planning Services) 16. The applicant shall attempt to address the requirements of the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District as stated in their referral dated October 14, 2014. Evidence of such shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) 2. One month prior to construction activities: A. Contact the Permitting/Inspection agent for Weld County Public Works, for a Right-of-Way permit for any work that may be required in the right-of-way. A special transport permit will be required for any oversized or overweight vehicles that may access the site and may also be obtained through the same office. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) B. A vehicle tracking pad will be required at all crossings to keep from tracking mud or debris on to Weld County roads, and at the substation location. (Department of Planning Services — Engineer) C. If more than 1 acre is to be disturbed for construction of non linear transmission line items such as structures, parking lots, laydown yards etc..., a Weld County grading permit will be required prior to the start of construction. (Department of Planning Services— Engineer) D. The applicant shall submit evidence of an Air Pollution Emission Notice (APEN) application from the Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Alternately, the applicant can provide evidence from the APCD that they are not subject to these requirements. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 3. The applicant shall submit one (1) paper copy or one (1) electronic (.pdf) copy of the map for preliminary approval to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) 4. Upon completion of Conditions of Approval numbers 1. and 2., above 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 Department of Planning USR14-0067,page 15 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 Services' Staff. The map shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 23-2- 390 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) 5. In accordance with Weld County Code Ordinance 2005-7 approved June 1, 2005, should the map not be recorded within the required one hundred twenty (120) days from the date the Board of County Commissioners Resolution was signed a $50.00 recording continuance charge may be added for each additional 3 month period. 6. The Department of Planning Services respectively requests the surveyor provide a digital copy of this Use by Special Review. Acceptable CAD formats are .dwg, .dxf, and .dgn (Microstation); acceptable GIS formats are ArcView shapefiles, Arclnfo Coverages and Arclnfo Export files format type is .e00. The preferred format for Images is .tif (Group 4). (Group 6 is not acceptable). This digital file may be sent to maps(a).co.weld.co.us. (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 Special Review map is ready to be recorded in the office of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder. (Department of Planning Services) usR14-0067,page 16 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc. USR14-0067 1. A Site Specific Development Plan And Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility -- a new 230/115/69/34.5-Kilovolt (kV) substation located adjacent to Tri-State's existing J.M. Shafer Generating Station called the Greenhouse Substation; approximately 5 miles of 115- kV transmission line from Tri-State's existing Davis Substation to the new Greenhouse Substation; less than 0.1 mile of new 230-kV tie-line between the new Greenhouse Substation and the existing J.M. Shafer Substation; approximately 6.5 miles of single-circuit 230-kV transmission line from the new Greenhouse Substation south to Tri-State's existing Henry Lake Substation, subject to the provisions of Section 23-3-420 of the Weld County Code, and facility construction laydown yards at the Henry Lake, Davis and Greenhouse Substations (consisting of two construction trailers, multiple storage containers, and other associated equipment) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, subject to the Development Standards stated hereon, - Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association / Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase I (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 Planning Services) 3. A vehicle tracking pad will be required at all crossings to keep from tracking mud or debris on to Weld County roads, and at the substation location. (Department of Planning Services) 4. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts will be maintained on site. (Department of Planning Services - Engineer) 5. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on County Roads. On-site parking shall be utilized. (Department of Planning Services- Engineer) 6. Should noxious weeds exist on the property or become established as a result of the proposed development, the applicant/landowner shall be responsible for controlling the noxious weeds, pursuant to Section 15-1-180 of the Weld County Code. (Department of Planning Services - Engineer) 7. The contractor will utilize Davis, Henry Lake and proposed Greenhouse substation sites for its base of operations and construction staging areas. (Department of Planning Services) 8. A Right-of-Way Permit will be required at each County Road crossing, along with approved signing details. (Department of Planning Services) 9. Construction office trailers and storage trailers and electrical services to the trailers are subject to building permits per Section 29-3-10 of the Weld County Code. (Department of Building Inspection) 10. All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S., as amended) shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater contamination. (Department of Public Health and Environment) USR14-0067,page 17 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 11. 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., as amended. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 12. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and other potential nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in accordance with the approved "waste handling plan", at all times. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 13. Fugitive dust and fugitive particulate emissions shall be controlled along the construction route. The facility shall operate in accordance with the approved "dust abatement plan", at all times. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 14. Adequate toilet facilities (portable toilets) and handwashing units shall be provided during construction of the project. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 15. Environmental Protection Measures for Construction Projects, as identified in Appendix C of the application, shall be adhered to by Tri-State Generation and Transmission and successors. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 16. This facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the Non-Specified Zone as delineated in Section 14-9-30 of the Weld County Code. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 17. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the State and Federal agencies and the Weld County Code. (Department of Public Health and Environment) 18. Building Permits issued on the proposed lots will be required to adhere to the fee structure of the County-wide Road Impact Fee Program. (Department of Planning Services) 19. Building Permits issued on the proposed lots, will be required to adhere to the fee structure of the County Facility Fee and Drainage Impact Fee Programs. (Department of Planning Services) 20. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Design Standards of Section 23-2-240, Weld County Code. (Department of Planning Services) 21. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Operation Standards of Section 23-2-250, Weld County Code. (Department of Planning Services) 22. 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. (Department of Planning Services) 23. 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. (Department of Planning Services) USR14-0067,page 18 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 24. 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. (Department of Planning Services) 25. 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 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. USR14-0067,page 19 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Southwest Weld Expansion Project Phase 1 i a t86t i DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES 1555 N 17th AVE GREELEY, CO 80631 WEBSITE:www.co.weld.co.us E-MAIL:AIL: kogle©co.weld.co.us ,JJ PHONE: (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3549 C C : 1 ' 7 FAX: (970)304-6498 r December 31, 2014 KOLER SELINA 1100 W 116TH AVE WESTMINSTER CO 80234 Subject: USR14-0067 - A SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT FOR A MAJOR FACILITY OF A PUBLIC UTILITY OR PUBLIC AGENCY (A NEW 230/115/69/34.5-KILOVOLT (KV) SUBSTATION LOCATED ADJACENT TO TRI-STATE'S EXISTING J.M. SHAFER GENERATING STATION CALLED THE GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION; APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OF 115-KV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM TRI-STATE'S EXISTING DAVIS SUBSTATION TO THE NEW GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION ; LESS THAN 0.1 MILE OF NEW 230-KV TIE-LINE BETWEEN THE NEW GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION AND THE EXISTING J.M. SHAFER SUBSTATION; APPROXIMATELY 6.5 MILES OF SINGLE-CIRCUIT 230-KV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THE NEW GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION SOUTH TO TRI-STATE'S EXISTING HENRY LAKE SUBSTATION, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 23-3-420 OF THE WELD COUNTY CODE, AND FACILITY CONSTRUCTION LAYDOWN YARDS AT THE HENRY LAKE, DAVIS AND GREENHOUSE SUBSTATIONS (CONSISTING OF TWO CONSTRUCTION TRAILERS, MULTIPLE STORAGE CONTAINERS, AND OTHER ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT) IN THE A (AGRICULTURAL) ZONE DISTRICT On parcel(s) of land described as: COMMENCING AT THE HENRY LAKE SUBSTATION LOCATED IN SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST HEADING NORTH INTO SECTION 22, 15, 10, 3 TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST TO THE GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION LOCATED IN SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST CONTINUING NORTH INTO SECTION 35, 26, 23 AND TERMINATING AT THE DAVIS SUBSTATION LOCATED IN SECTION 14 TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST OF THE 6TH P.M.WELD COUNTY COLORADO Dear Applicants: I have scheduled a meeting with the Weld County Planning Commission on January 20, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. A subsequent hearing with the Board of County Commissioners will be held on February 4, 2015 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.weldcouatyplanningcases.arg Page 2 of 2 If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call. Respectfully. Kim Ogic Planner N DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES t`y 1555 N 17th AVE GREELEY, CO 80631 WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us � E-MAIL: kogle@co.weld.co.us 1 r. PHONE: (970) 353-6100, Ext. 3549 C V T FAX: (970) 304-6498 October 14, 2014 KOLER SELINA 1100 W. 116th AVENUE WESTMINSTER, CO 80234 Subject: USR14-0067 - A SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT FOR A MAJOR FACILITY OF A PUBLIC UTILITY OR PUBLIC AGENCY (A NEW 230/115/69/34.5-KILOVOLT (KV) SUBSTATION LOCATED ADJACENT TO TRI-STATE'S EXISTING J.M. SHAFER GENERATING STATION CALLED THE GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION; APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES OF 115-KV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM TRI-STATE'S EXISTING DAVIS SUBSTATION TO THE NEW GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION ; LESS THAN 0.1 MILE OF NEW 230-KV TIE-LINE BETWEEN THE NEW GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION AND THE EXISTING J.M. SHAFER SUBSTATION; APPROXIMATELY 6.5 MILES OF SINGLE-CIRCUIT 230-KV TRANSMISSION LINE FROM THE NEW GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION SOUTH TO TRI-STATE'S EXISTING HENRY LAKE SUBSTATION, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 23-3-420 OF THE WELD COUNTY CODE, AND FACILITY CONSTRUCTION LAYDOWN YARDS AT THE HENRY LAKE, DAVIS AND GREENHOUSE SUBSTATIONS (CONSISTING OF TWO CONSTRUCTION TRAILERS, MULTIPLE STORAGE CONTAINERS, AND OTHER ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT) IN THE A (AGRICULTURAL) ZONE DISTRICT - TRI-STATE GENERATION & TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION / SOUTHWEST WELD EXPANSION PROJECT PHASE I On parcel(s) of land described as: COMMENCING AT THE HENRY LAKE SUBSTATION LOCATED IN SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST HEADING NORTH INTO SECTION 22, 15, 10, 3 TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST TO THE GREENHOUSE SUBSTATION LOCATED IN SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST CONTINUING NORTH INTO SECTION 35, 26, 23 AND TERMINATING AT THE DAVIS SUBSTATION LOCATED IN SECTION 14 TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 66 WEST 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 Commission(s)for their review and comments: Fort Lupton at Phone Number 303-857-6694 Brighton at Phone Number 303-655-2000 Lochbuie at Phone Number 303-655-9308 Page 2 of 4 Please call the listed Planning Commissions, for information regarding the date, time and place of the meeting and the review process. It is recommended that you and/or a representative be in attendance at each of the meetings described above in order to answer any questions that might arise with respect to your application. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call. Respectfully, Diolly signed by Kristineof Ra iem Reason:lam the author of this document Date:2014.10.14 08:04:29-06'00' Kim Ogle Planner Hello