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Home My WebLink About770379.tiff_ .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. RESOLUTION RE: APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE AS MODIFIED FOR TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, P. O. BOX 29198 , DENVER, COLORADO 80229 . WHEREAS , the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, held a public hearing on the 24th day of August, 1977, at the hour of 2 : 00 o ' clock p.m. , for the purpose of hearing the application of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, P. O. Box 29198 , Denver, Colorado 80229 , for the granting of a Special Use Permit for the overhead transmission line throughout certain townships and ranges as follows : The proposed alternative route selections for the transmission line fall within the following townships and ranges: Township 12 North, Range 63 West, Town- ship 11 North, Range 63 West; Township 11 North, Range 62 West; Township 11 North, Range 61 West; Township 10 North, Range 63 West; Township 10 North, Range 62 West; Township 10 North, Range 61 West; Township 9 North, Range 63 West; Township 9 North, Range 62 West; Township 9 North, Range 61 West; Township 9 North, Range 60 West, Township 8 North, Range 63 West, Township 8 North, Range 62 West; Township 8 North, Range 61 West; Township 8 North, Range 60 West; Township 8 North, Range 59 West; Township 7 North, Range 63 West; Township 7 North, Range 62 West; Township 7 North, Range 61 West; Township 7 North, Range 60 West; Township 7 North, Range 59 West; Township 6 North, Range 63 West; Township 6 North, Range 62 West; and Township 6 North, Range 61 West WHEREAS, the petitioner was present, and WHEREAS , evidence was presented in support of the grant of the Special Use Permit for overhead transmission line on the above-described Townships and Ranges, and WHEREAS , Section 4-4 (A) (4) of the Weld County Home Rule Charter requires that the placement of utility transmission systems , be reviewed by the Weld County Planning Commission, and the Weld County Board of County Commissioners, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, heard all the testimony and statements of those present, has studied the request of the petitioner and the recommendations of the Weld County Planning Commission and all of the exhibits rAA s7r,.tC 770 37 9 and evidence presented in this matter, and having been fully informed and satisfied that the request for a Special Use Permit for overhead transmission line, on the hereinabove described Townships and Ranges , complies with all the conditions as set out in Section 4-4 (A) (4) of the Weld County Home Rule Charter, and having been fully informed and satisfied that the requested use complies with the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Com- missioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the application of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, P. O. Box 29198 , Denver, Colorado 80229 , for the placement of overhead transmission line in the above described Townships and Ranges , also known as the "most direct" route, as modified by the Planning Commission, be, and hereby is, granted subject to the Development Standards con- tained in the Special Use Permit. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners , that the reasons for approval contained in the Planning Commis- sion recommendations dated July 5, 1977 , be, and hereby are, incorporated as the findings of fact of the Board of County Com- missioners in this matter. The above and foregoing Resolution was , on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 24th day of August, A.D. , 1977 . BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS W COUNTY, COLORADO 7 ,./7: f--i- .-„,-T-H,K ,e,„ ,/c(Efe( ATTEST: C Pt— Weld County Clerk and ecorder vi- c O �� . ti Clerk to the pc rd., (.1-- k----, (if (C/ Deputy Count Clerk / A4PRO D AS TO FORM: �> I C_.— cr County Attorney -2- Date Presented: August 29 , 1977 BEFORE THE _D COUNTY , COLORADO PLANN COMMISSION RESOLUTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Case No . SUP # 333: 77: 7 Date July 5, 1977 APPLICATION OF Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association ADDRESS P.O. Box 29198, Denver, Colorado 80229 Moved by Percy Hiatt that the following resolution be introduced for passage by the Weld County Planning Commission : Be it Resolved by the Weld County Pl annin _ Commi ss i on that tie application for site approval of Overhead -Transmission ineroute — a p p p P Archer—Story .345 KV Project covering the following described property in Weid County , Colorado , to-wit : P 0�G To be located along the route identified as the Most (/ '\1- :),,0 (") -Direct Route as modified by the Planning Commission /1'1 (modification shown on attached map) be recommended ( favorably ) (MMXMNV N i C ) to the Board of County Commissioners for the following reasons : 1. This route as modified is the route most consistent with the policies contained in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. 2. The least impact to cultivated agricultural land will be made along this route as modified both to actual land disturbed and value and damages of land impacted due to its location in non- productive agricultural areas such as gulleys, draws, and washes wherever practical and its location over predominantly rangeland instead of cultivated land. 3. This route as modified is the route with the least visual impact due to its location away from existing population centers (Grover, Keota, and Buckingham) and existing farm improvement areas. Comment : 1. The Planning Commission recommends the Most Direct Route be amended as shown on the attached, a because the amended route would Motion seconded by Harry Asley Vote : For Passage Percy Hiatt _ Against Passage Irma White Ben Nix Chuck Carlson Harry Ashley Bette Kountz The Chairman declared the Resolution passed and ordered that a certified copy be forwarded with the file of this case to the Board of County Commissioners for further proceedings . CERTIFICATION OF COPY I , Shirley A. PhiilipF Recording Secretary of the Weld County Planning Commission , do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution is a true copy of the Resolution of the Planning Commission of Weld County , Colorado , adopted on June 7, 1977 and re- corded in Book No . V _ of the proceedings of the said Planning Commission . Dated the 21 day of June 19 77 Secretary BEFORE THE _D COUNTY , COLORADO PLANN COMMISSION RESOLUTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Case No . SUP # 333: 77:7 Date June 7, 1977 APPLICATION OF Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association ADDRESS P.O. Box 29198, Denver, Colorado 80229 Moved by Percy Hiatt that the following resolution be introduced for passage by the Weld County Planning Commission : Be it Resolved by the Weld County Plannin Commission that the application for site approval of Overhea Transmission Line Route — pp Pp Archer toryW �45 KV Ptroject 1-1-o-wing described property i n- e e Coun y , Colorado , to wit : Tabled be XXZZNNTAXXNX4XXXVOIY43XXXI5XXXXXXXX193 to the Board of County Commissioners for the following reasons : To study the amended route as proposed by the Planning Commission staff and to receive a formal response from the Town of Grover on their recommendations Motion seconded by Ben Nix Vote : For Passage Ben Nix _ Against Passage Ron Heitman Harry Ashley Bette Kountz Chuck Carlson Percy Hiatt The Chairman declared the Resolution passed and ordered that a certified copy be forwarded with the file of this case to the Board of County Commissioners for further proceedings . r • CERTIFICATION OF COPY I Shirley Phillips Recording Secretary of the Weld County Planning Commission , do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution is a true copy of the Resolution of the Planning Commission of Weld County , Colorado , adopted on July 5, 1977 and re- corded in Book No . V _ of the proceedings of the said Planning Commission . Dated the 13 _ day of July _ 19 77 7s.1 Secretary I - The Weld County Planning Commission held a scheduled meeting on July 5 , 1977 , at 1 : 30 p.m. in the Weld County Centennial Center County Commissioners ' Hearing Room, first floor, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado Roll Call was as follows : Ben Nix Present Percy Hiatt Present Bette Kountz Present Harry Ashley Present Irma White Present Chuck Carlson Present Ron Heitman Absent Marge Yost Absent Bill Elliott Absent TAPE 655 - Side I APPLICANT: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association CASE NUMBER: SUP-333 : 77 : 7 LOCATION: Cheyenne to Fort Morgan SUBJECT: Route Selection for Archer-Story 345 KV Overhead �I Electrical Transmission Line Study Corridor APPEARANCE : Larry Vana, Right-of-Way Agent in Charge i DISCUSSION: Mr. Vana briefly reviewed the request from the previous meeting of June 21 , 1977. He also indicated a special meeting had been held by the Town of Grover to review and comment on the proposed routes . Ken McWilliams then read the staff comments and 1 development standards. MOTION: Be it therefore resolved to recommend approval of the Most Direct Route as amended by the Planning Commission staff with the �, development standards to the Board of County Commissioners. Motion by Percy Hiatt , seconded by Harry Ashley. A vote of "aye" by Percy Hiatt , Ben Nix, Chuck Carlson, Harry Ashley , Bette Kountz, Irma White. Motion carried. 1 APPLICANT: Lovemont Investment Corporation TAPE 655 - Side I CASE NUMBER: Z-286 : 77:4 and S-135 : 77 : 8 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Pt . NWi, Section 26, T3N, R68W LOCATION: Southeast corner of junction of I-25 and State Highway 66 SUBJECT: Rezoning - Agricultural to Commercial Unit Development ; Subdivision - Preliminary Plan for Farmer ' s Mart APPEARANCE: Ray Koernig, President of Landaide DISCUSSION: Mr . Koernig explained his request in some detail . The question was raised in regard to seepage and how much more would be created by having a pond on the property. Mr. Nix asked how long they are projecting for the development to begin. Mr. Koernig replied hopefully by fall. Some discussion followed. Ken McWilliams then read the staff comments and development standards for the subdivision and commercial unit development . Mr . Koernig agreed with the comments and development standards , but did say that there is a problem that still needs to be worked out with the State Highway Department regarding the acceleration lane. d - Page 2 MOTION (Z-286: 77 :4) : Be it there resolved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners with the specifications listed by the staff . Motion by Ben Nix, seconded by Percy Hiatt. A vote of "aye" by Percy Hiatt , Ben Nix, Chuck Carlson , Harry Ashley, Bette Kountz, Irma White. Motion carried. MOTION (S-135 : 77: 5) : Be it therefore resolved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners. Motion by Percy Hiatt , seconded by Bette Kountz. A vote of "aye" by Percy Hiatt, Ben Nix, Chuck Carlson, Harry Ashley, Bette Kountz, Irma White. Motion carried. TAPE 655 - Side II A presentation was then given by the Project Manager of the Wyoming Mineral Corporation regarding the status of the Grover in-site uranium test program to date and discussion of the plans for restoring the 25 gpm Grover test plant. The summary of the test site will be presented at the next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 19, 1977. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Shirley A. Phillips _ _ _e: June 7, 1977 CASE NUMBER: SUP-333 : 77: 7 LOCATION: Cheyenne to Fort Morgan LEGAL DESCRIPTION: REQUEST: Approval for Archer-Story 345 Overhead Electrical Transmission Line NAME: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association THE WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION� STAFF RECOMMENDS XXITNXXX 'Xg XXXXXXXXXXXXXXA WX la O }( X i N the proposed Archer-Story 345 KV Overhead Electrical Transmission Line be located along the route identified as the Most Direct Route as modified by the Planning Commission staff for the following reasons : 1. This route as modified is the route most consistent with the policies contained in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. 2. The least impact to cultivated agricultural land will be made along this route as modified both to actual land disturbed and value and damages of land impacted due to its location in non-productive agricultural areas such as gulleys, draws, and washes wherever practical and its location over predominantly rangeland instead of cultivated land. 3. This route as modified is the route with the least visual impact due to its locaticn away from existing population centers (Grover, Keota, and Buckingham) and existing farm improvement areas. Comment : 1. The Planning Commission staff recommends the Most Direct Route be amended as shown on the attached map because the amended route would potentially affect less cultivated land based on field inspection by Planning Commission staff members. Tri-State Archer-Story 345 KV Project DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 1. The route approved for the Tri-State Generation and Trans- mission Association Archer-Story 345 KV Overhead Electrical Transmission Line is the route designated as the Most Direct Route as modified by the Planning Commission staff. The Route corridor is defined as a Z mile wide corridor which is 4 mile each side of the identified route. 2. The applicant shall file for an Underground and Utility Easement Permit with the Weld County Engineering Department prior to construction for any lines being located in or across County right-of-way. 3. No structures shall be placed in County right-of-way unless approved by the Weld County Engineering Department. 4. Tri-State shall comply with the provisions of the Board of County Commissioner' s resolution dated December 27, 1972 entitled "Regulating Installation of Overhead Utility Lines Across County Roads" . 5. Overhead lines must not cross County right-of-way closer than 100 feet from a bridge, drainage or irrigation, structure, or the intersection of a public road. 6. Wherever practical, the structures shall be located on non- productive waste land. 7. The structures shall be placed wherever practical on rangeland rather than on cultivated land; cultivated fields shall be spanned wherever possible. Where structures must be placed on cultivated land, a minimum number of poles will be installed with a maximum spacing between poles. 8. The location for individual structures shall be coordinated with the individual landowners. Particular attention and coordination is needed in cultivated areas and potential irrigable areas. 9. Final review of route locations where the line crosses or parallels State Highway right-of-way is to be made by the State Highway Department. An Interstated Utility Crossing Permit will be required to be filed by the applicant in such instances. 10. Subsequent to Board of County Commissioners route approval the location of the route corridor will be submitted on a 24" x 36" mylar. The document shall include certification to be completed by the Chairman of the Planning Commission and the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and a Certificate of Responsibility to be completed by the applicant. The standards and limitations approved by the Board of County Commissioners shall be affixed to the document. Upon completion of the document and signatures, the document shall be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder. Of [-ICE or [3O!\i1[) Of COUP H' CUMMIYSIU1JE_[1s iv. -{f PHONE 1303) 356-4000 EXT 200 t ''' P O BOX 758 ` w s ' GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 #4 us, 1 + vet ,tiK y COLORADO September 8, 1977 Ms. Edith Phillips Brigcsdale, Colorado 80611 Dear Ms. Phillips: In response to your letter of August 25, 1977, concerning the Tri-State Transmission Line decision, I am forwarding to you the names which you requested. Planning Commission Members : District 1 -- Irma White District 2 -- Harry Ashley Box 343 Windsor 1st National Bank Ault, CO 80610 Windsor, CO 80550 District 3 -- Jerry Kiefer District 4 -- Bette Kountz 2921 17th St. Rd. Rt. 4, Box 262 Greeley, CO 80631 Greeley, CO 80631 District 5 -- Percy D. Hiatt District 6 -- Frank Suckla Rt. 2, Box 1 4468 Weld Co. Rd. 19 Plattevil"e, CO 80651 Fort Lupton, CO 80621 At _arge -- J. Ben Nix At Large -- Marjory Yost Rt. 2, Box 161 1212 8th Avenue Eaton, CO 80615 Greeley, CO 80631 At Large -- Chuck Carlson (Chairman) Rt. 1, Box 30 Eaton, CO 80615 Tri State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. 12076 Grant Street Thornton, CC 80241 Tri-State representatives who attended the hearing were A.J. Ayres and Larry Vana. 16 / 0 t ti Ms. Phillips: 9/7/77 Page Two The Director of Planning Services for Weld County is Mr. Gary Fortner -- 915 10th Street, Greeley. I have forwarded a copy of your letter to Mr. Fortner, as you requested. The public notice of the hearing on this matter was published in ccunty newspapers in accordance with regular legal publication requirements. It is unfortunate that you were not aware of the impending decision; it was not an easy decision for the Board of County Commissioners to reach. However, I can assure you that the steps within the process leading to the Board's decision were in accordance with established procedures. Thank you for contacting us with your concerns. Sincerely, / ) ' .--/Y - / June K. Ste-nmark, Chairperson Board of Weld County Commissioners JKS/clb TRI-STATE ° A ION TRANSMISSION Snr7 TED - - 12O76 GRANT STREET/THORNTON,COLORADO 8O241/(3O3)452-6111 May 23, 1977 Mr. Ken McWilliams Assistant Zoning Administrator Department of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 RE: Archer - Story 345 kV Project Dear Mr. McWilliams: Pursuant to your letter of May 6, 1977, I am enclosing Tri-State's check no. 30785 in the amount of $25.00. This amount is the application fee for approval of an overhead electrical transmission line route for the Archer - Story 345 kV project. I will plan on being present at the hearing by the Weld County Planning Commission scheduled for June 7, 1977, at 1 :30 p.m. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yogis, Lawrence Vana Right-of-Way Agent LV:gs Enclosure: Check AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER GEE ' ATIO , _ _ri R Aru ezza is--14,6aciez , 961z, E,- TRANHSS1O WENDELL J GARWOOD (MThn9 Add':'.'. P O Bcx 29198 o DENVEFz CC'_ORADO c::')`)9 November 8, 1976 Weld County Planning Services - 915 10th Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Attention: Mr. -om Honn Dear Mr. Honn: Attached is a copy of the landowner meeting notice that went out on November 3, 1976. I have also sent an invitation to the meeting to Mr. Bohlender and his associates. See you on the 17th. Very truly yours, 4 '14 L I' Robert L. Hay Project Coordinator Enc. RLH/img 10520 ODY DRIVE•,NOR I NGl E NN.CO_CR/DO^303 ,152-6111 • GENE11h1oN i.sTATE aad Adaceeteaft, vac. TRANSMISSION WENDELL J. GARWOOD (Mailing Address) P.O. Box 29198 • DENVER, COLORADO 80229 EXECUTIVE MANAGER November 1, 1976 Dear Landowner: Tri-State G & T Association, Inc. is proposing to construct a steel tower transmission line in your area. The line is necessary to supply the power needs in the Morgan and Weld County areas. Various routes are being studied in the corridor shown on the back of this notice. On Wednesday, November 17, 1976, at 7:30 p. m. there will be an informa- tional meeting at the Pawnee School in Grover, Colorado. At that time the routes that have been studied to date will be discussed. We will also solicit your input regarding their location. We are mailing this notice from a general ownership list of the area and may, unintentionally, miss your neighbor. Please check with them to be sure they know about this meeting. Thank you, and we will look forward to seeing you on the 17th.. . Sincerely, Robert L. Hay, Project Co-ordinator for Tri-State G & T Assn. , Inc. RLH/sz 10520 MELODY DRIVE•NORTHGLENN,COLORADO•303/452-6111 ter--.IT --1�1.=..._ �•--r�- -.��.....y,,, I-T-7- . i, • .- i .- L ' fl:1,-;I• I /tl., ;). _ I�1 .r1 .�-+• . t S 1 "1 f-'+-t. j _1 1-• ' 'I;,^.+•6'-.1^+.- . Tff I i• : ' " '*.4 I. � - t r `—; _ .;y� 104 ,.a ...: - 1. -r "�*� II. 1 t • Y• t b ,• �. t .• �t • r, s . . 1 i_1S S � 1 I , .♦ • .. 1 I��. I+ , t • `1 ,I• -*I �♦ Z ‘\1-'in �� `t , $ .-7 j.- ' { _ • I . . . t• ,..-.'• ,1. t• I 1•` it-� • •E\�p. y r N-: . I---,---i .Ll� 1 4 m ' - y ,f , _ �4- . + -`iJ� ADS '� 1t-ii ...,, - i • .:--: , ,- • • . : ----L - -- . 7•• • .. I • • , I 1 : • f----r-14-•g L ii} 1 141 • . 1.1 ,,: . * �_t ----,-•, L-N017Mt` -s• - -:-f1,_r Tv--r9o+:--- J• � , . • • "; . 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Nli19�� , �1r , � 21J VI) DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES P .-"c' 4 ,0i 1111 D PHONE (303) 356-4000 EXT.400 915 10TH STREET O GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 C. COLORADO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Weld County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on June 7, 1977 at 1: 30 P.M. to review a request for approval of a 345 KV Overhead Electrical Transmission Line Route Location from Tri-State Generation and Transmis- sion Association, Inc. The proposed alternative route selections for the transmission line fall within the following township and ranges: Township 12 North, Range 63 West; Township 11 North, Range 63 West ; Township 11 North, Range 62 West; Township 11 North, Range 61 West; Township 10 North, Range 63 West; Township 10 North, Range 62 West; Township 10 North, Range 61 West; Township 9 North, Range 63 West; Township 9 North, Range 62 West; Town- ship 9 North, Range 61 West; Township 9 North, Range 60 West Township 8 North, Range 63 West, Township 8 North, Rnage 62 West; Township 8 North, Range 61 West; Township 8 North, Range 60 West ; Township 8 North, Range 59 West; Township 7 North, Range 63 West; Township 7 North, Range 62 West; Township 7 North, Range 61 West; Township 7 North, Range 60 West; Township 7 North, Range 59 West; Township 6 North, Range 63 West; Township 6 North, Rnage 62 West; and Township 6 North, Range 61 West . This public hearing to be held by the Weld County Planning Com- mission for the consideration of the above referenced request will be conducted in the Weld County Commissioners' Hearing Room, First Floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado. Comments or objections related to the above request should be submitted in writing to the Weld County Depart- ment of Planning Services, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colo. 80631, before the above date or presented at the public hearing on June 7, 1977. Copies of the application are available for public inspection in the Department of Planning Services, Room 310, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, CO (356-4000 ext. 404) . Ron Heitman, Chairman Weld County Planning Commission To be published in the Greeley Journal To be published one time by: May 24, 1977 ,•., I i c 1, I7- cC r-NAA:a A //�awsduStM�cAsion7.L4� Ct� c �' .57.0°__ _'''77 -1.� 11 T ♦- Request :App`�'Un_1—�r y0erimpAJ J1naut; ` regal Description — • L,,.t. R4- — Aralter-Sf0 , Date By �y �` 311S ) Pr o4 e t / I Application Received _4477__�- Application Fee - Receipt # 6 3 57 s -2. y_._____I I Recording Fee _ _ I Application Complete SA17 "Ai P.C. Hearing Date : ��- 0C- *71 19-77 Sk/7 , ' Letter to Applicant Drafted Referrals Listed sly -____:ellp______ Public Notice Drafted 5/5 —_Z- Field Check by D.P. S. Staff / NA-- Sign Posted by : �1A-- 5-(0.9-9 __File Assembled Z__ , Referrals Mailed "'5 rn_ T Legal Check to County Attorney kiA- Legal Approved by County Attorney 14 Chaindexed b-(0.f77 PR Notification of Applicant M W_H Public Notice Sent Out by: $'�a. (Cirr?� l Sign for P. C. Meeting Prepared AM _ Surrounding Property Owners Researched Airphoto/Vicinity Map Prepared Al 4 ____ ____ Property Owners Notified by: mg- Agendas Mailed by: -57c2 _ { Referrals - Complete ---_-1- Preliminary D.P . S. Staff Comments Staff Conference D.P. S . Comments � __ P.C. Hearing Action : �,,�''� \ � — �-.ti-- P.C. Resolution Case Sent to Clerk to Board Sign Posted —1 C.C. Hearing ' \�--\ ,T\ Action% w C. C. Resolution Received Q - History Card Complete ' ,-\\\.- _ C�Q D C. C. Resolution Sent to Drafting \ -V\( - -v Drafted on M,;yl ar -- -- _ _-- Document Sent to Clerk f:: Recorder \-\�`� _-- IS`_ P.C. Minutes — Case/File Complete P ( _-__ j S NOTICE Pursuant to the zoning laws of the State of Colorado and the Weld County Land Use Code, a public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the Board of County Couuuissioners of Weld County, Colorado, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado, at the time specified. All persons in any manner interested in Coe Special Use Permit are requested to attend and may be heard. BE IT ALSO KNOWN that the text and maps so certified by the Weld County Planning Commission may be examined in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, located in the Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Third Floor, Greeley, Colorado. Docket No. 77-23 Tri—State Gerneration and Transmission Association P. O. Box 29198 Denver, Colorado 80229 Date- August 24, 1977 Time. 2: 00 P.M. Request: Special Use Permit, Overhead Transmission Line Route - Archer-Story 345 KV Project The proposed alternative route selections for the transmission line fall within the following townships and ranges: Township 12 North, Range 63 West; Township 11 North, Range 63 West; Township 11 North, Range 62 West; Township 11 North, Range 61 West; Township 10 North, Range 63 West; Township 10 North, Rance 62 West; Township 10 North, Range 61 West; Township 9 North, Range 63 West; Township 9 North, Range 62 West; Town- ship 9 North, Range 61 West; Township 9 North, Range 60 West Township 8 North, Range 63 West, Township 8 North, Range 62 West; Township 8 North, Range 61 West; Township 8 North, Range 60 West; Township 8 North, Range 59 West; Township 7 North, Range 63 West; Township 7 North, Range 62 West; Township 7 North, Range 61 West; Township 7 North, Range 60 West; Township 7 North, Range 59 West; Township 6 North, Range 63 West; Township 6 North, Range 62 West; and Township 6 North, Range 61 West. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY: MARY ANN FEUERSTEIN COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND CLERK TO THE BOARD BY: Rita Jo Kummer, Deputy DATED: July 18 , 1977 PUBLISHED: July 20, 1977 and August 10, 1977 in the Greeley Journal 0 N,-r"i C E State u.Co", no laws 01 ttr� icwnsrir 9 North Range 62 Land Use Coo a,idltd lic Weld County r'woSy,i,, 9 North, Range 61 West, and in the o apubIs of theog ow shi; North Range 60 West hld the Chambers of Wei Board or Tnwr s, 8 North Range 63 West County Colorado Weld County Weld Corn- Towns', ' 8 North Range 62 West, Centereth Street CentGrennial Township 8 North, Range 61 West, 915 at the time specified y Township 8ge 60 West Colorado ad m an All Township North, Range 59 West, Seasial Use Permit mannerinterestedinthe Township 7 Nort Range 63 2 Wes attend and be e mit are requested to Township 7 North, Range 62 West BE IT a be heard p 7 North, West and IT ALSO KNOWN that the text TTownship 7 RanRange 61 69 West s so certified by the p 7 North, County macs Commislonma Weld Township Range 59 west examined inp 6 North, West, Board of the Office of the Clerk be and n Tow 5hr 6 No RRange 63 West the ocatBd m l County Commissioners,missioners THE BOARD p 6 North �gg Center n the 10th a Street Third Centennial OFCOLNa7yCOMMlS Greeley Colorado Floor, Docket No 77-23 WELD COUNTYSTONERS Tr Sate Generation and T. B 7 MARY COLORADO monTr, COUN7YCLE ANN FEUERSTEIN Association ansmis- CLERK AND RECORDER nO Box 29193 nty CI FRNT 'Pr QnK Colorado G�, ado 8Q229 " Pit, ",r'a rl ROAR", ' O,rr> jrQ �s+ 4 1977 p,n _ Div 78 '97' �"7y. • hr o e.a Sphciol Use Per o"r--Story 345 t<VrPr i Roo,- C; finThe proposed alternative rout se;r,.- --1 tr dns'nisS,on ire tOiluwl0Q tOwnsh,,,, 'all moves o 'ownsh,p 12 North Range 6,2 Townsp hi 11 North Range 63 West hi Towns 11 North, Range 62 West, Township 11 North, Range 61 West Township 10 North Range 63 West Township 1C Nor,Y 'Iv'''S,p 9 Na ti, Range 61 Vvest (-large L1 es+ prrrn the O ficr of ;4 Greeley, Colorado 'I'fl]? L1)ARl) O1' -COL N'1'1' COMM] SSIONIC,RS WI,LU COUNTY , COL OIU,DO July 20 , 1977 Publisher : Please insert the eilclored notice in your issue the week Of August_15, 1977 __ one time only. Rcgartiinrl payment , ce,npl-ete the enclosed voucher and forward it to u, . 1'.1ien returning the vo,lcher, pl:'ase include an affidavit of publication so 1:.e may complete our files . Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely , • DOCKET 77-23 'VIM 13OARI) OF COUNTY COh1',IISSIONERS WIELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY : Mary Ann Feuerstein County Clerk and Recorder and Clerk to the Board D yuty County Clerk v, 0 SENDER Complete items 1.2,and i. c Add your address in the "RETURN TO" space on 3 reverse m 1. The following service .s requested (check one). _ - ltShow to whom and date d 'zvered 154 - • l _ ❑ Show to whom, date, & address of delivery.. 35¢ Fc W N -c k' 13 .x �'� � as � ,�''t�;� �• sue"`_ RESTRICTED DELIVERS ® =� 0 o o A..ex • s Show to whom aril date delivered _ 65¢ ao \ o a' ` ' `+ ill RESTRICTED DELIVERY. `� o ' w -+a Show to whom, date, and adcress of delivery 85¢ impumpustwariPPINNII ova ---- Illili a mmosmmmmmonswer -,...,,,..-1,-0 2. ARTICLE ADDRESSED TO: r.'Mill I r=11,,g,..-4.-,±,;-,r w:k`s�"•'r r' xLLh•;i':3°'.1'. .,,.`'' I _9" `;,�>r-,,,,e41,,-.4l0)..., .fee•-7 E`? The Greeley Tribune ,c � ;�4� � � , ` A 714 8th Sty ma . 44, z Greeley, CO 80631 ..4,+..d.�.�.{•,+4.--,-- Q_ '". ® ""^''"" "rS"�„>" -' - cmi :; a m 3. ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: a �_ a a n `_- REGISTERED NO. CERTI=IED NO. INSURED NO. O c7j s'�I c.a _ ie' ' co; a z 283866 - a) "72 rUT i �_ 1.- to (Always obtain signature of addressee or agent) � D/�� " _ ' crx® -, ;, 'r. �'1 .;.:4-5,.: TJ _ � l �i�+• 1F.� RI I have received the article described above m ',� Ck_; - t ii �,)® •'', • ' ` m SIGNATURE ❑ Addrets.e ❑ Authorized agent H' . fie" :_ Er.~o e, A DATE OF DELIVERY / cL�"A3Tfif71gllf l , a) o 0 e"" 9 JUL 2 21977 vt,C ),,rn rl- I .-..i`I a 0 _ 00- t , ,, . Z 5 ADDRESS Com lete onl f re uestrc) �•3 a g' c = �' P1 \ 9'7 / c/ ,,'r^ ,. C „; ,. NI - U1 ",- W e 1,- — o-•:., ( -44,'.,„NY_f - , y N �, y n cc� ou sD is mn T 6. UNABLE TO DELIVER BECAUSE' ��C EFtk'S 0 f/ly IALS , f `• , , • •, I -; GPO 1975-0-568-047 D0C 77_2 z _�._ �.,x.rw..•.. _.ear►+w+au.MurY> — _ ___'w�!^D�^.J�/e'- -'Y JIKt.-,,, 7--- ,-"T..- .. • k + j°RV rw,t 5„j"r 1 '`` *y.,yY,y n+s'•y}�rd�iM°)**-`l..,, -Ut.1 j,�y,w`Aii4 gett': __r ;21101‘' iiir max,,s,.101*"*-4 t .». Y�i .t +NJ".' •44,' �y '1 '`,, l* 0.'pM..,, • �yI'54.0.. ., ..1., ,?L''R' 'h . -� �,7 .agr,•'+agR,y,rol 'q 7`+1 "H •'s;�.r Affidavit of Publication STATE OF COLORADO, 1 Iss County ofWeld, 1 S7ephein-D. � s-fiy� (r of said County/of Weld, being duly sworn, say that I am one of the publishers of NOTICE Pursuant to the zoning laws of the THE GREELEY JOURNAL State of Colorado and the Weld County Land Use Code,a public hearing will be that the same is a weekly newspaper of general cir- held in the Chambers of the Board of County Commissioners cf Weld Coun- culation, published in the city of Greeley, in said ty, Colorado Weld County Centennial county and state, that the notice or advertisement, Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley of which the annexed is a true copy, has been pub- Colorado, at the time specified All persons in any manner tnrerested in the Special Use Permit are requested to4140 attend and be may be heard lashed in said weekly newspaper for BE IT ALSO KNOWN that the text -,,,,.,,,,,,,,t,.„ weeks, that the notice was published in and maps so certified by the Weld the regular and entire issue of every number of said County Planning Commission may be during in the Office cf the Clerk to newspaper g the period of time of publication the Board of County Commissioners of said notice, and in the newspaper proper and not located in the Weld County Centennial in a supplement thereof,that the first publication of Center, 915 10th Street, Third Floor, said notice was contained in the issue of said news- Greeley,Colorado Docket No 77-23 Tn-State Generation and Transmis- sion Association paper bearing date the----�0 day of P 0n Box 291 Denver,Colorado g 80229 DTime 200PM, 1977 00 ,AD 1977, and Request Special Use permit, Over- the last publi ton thereof in the issue of said head Transmission Line Route— Ar- cher-Story 345 KV Project The proposed alternative route selec1.4 - tions for the transmission line fall newspaper bearing date the AO day of within the following townships and ranges Township 12 North, Rarge 63 West �J�f Township 11 North, Rarge 63 West, 0Cfr , 19-1_,C_, that the said Township 11 North, Rarge 62 West, The Gre I Journal has been published convnu- Township 11 North, Rarge 61 West, Township 10 North, Rarge 63 West, ously an uninterruptedly during the period of at Township 10 North, Rarge 62 West; least fifty-two consecutive weeks next prior to the Township 10 North, Range 61 West, first issue thereof containing said notice or adver- Township North, Range 63 West, tisement above referred to, that said newspaper has Township North, Range 62 West, been admitted to the United States mails as second- Township North, Range 61 West, class matter under the provisions of the Act of Township North, Range 60 West, March 3, 1879, or any am ment thereof,and that Township North Range 63 West, Township North, Range 62 West, said newspaper is a week ewspaper duly qualified Township North, Range 61 West, for publishing legal note , and advertisements with- Township North, Range 60 West, in the meaning of the la s of the State of C rado Township North, Range 59 West, Township North, Range 63 West, --, i Township North, Range 62 West, �"k--/ Township North, Range 61 West, ---- Township North, Range 60 West, ?n of the Publishers Township North, Range 59 West, Township North, Range 63 West, / Township North, Range 62 West, and Towns ip 6 North Range 61 West Subscribed and sworn to before me this -- THE BOARD OF COUN—Y COMMIS- SIONERS WELD COUNTY COLORADO �7 BY MARY ANN FEUERSTEIN day of ------------ , A D 19---7/ COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND CLERK TOurTHE BOARD /�7� BY Rita Jo Kummer,Deputy DATED Juty 18 1977 My commission xpires -- i Published July The and Aug 10, 5-j,--:Published in The Greeley Journal .9-,t,L4c.,Notary Public 1- -, � I_ ! d August 24 , 1977 I hereby certify that pursuant to a notice dated July 18, 1977, duly published July 20, 1977 and August 10, 1977 in the Greeley Journal, a public hearing was held on the request of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association for a special use permit for an Overhead Transmission Line Route - Archer-Story 345 KV Project. Mr. Lawrence Vana and Mr, A. J. Ayres representing Tri-State were in attendance to present their request and supporting evidence. Several persons in opposition to the special use permit were also in attendance. Commissioner Jacobucci requested not to participate in this hearing as he is a director on the Board of Union Rural Electric Association which is a purchaser of power from Tri-State. Commissioner Dunbar requested not to participate in his capacity as a Commissioner due to the fact that the proposed route runs through approximately one mile of his property. After hearing testimony from both the proponents and opposition of the power line, Commissioner Carlson made a motion to approve the Special Use Permit as recommended by the Planning Commission for the most direct route, as amended by the Planning Commission, with the development standards as listed during the hearing. Commissioner Roe seconded the motion and it carried with all three Commissioners participating voting aye. CH N B RD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO '/6 467 o ATTEST: COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND CLERK TO THE BOARD h 'BY: A_ P' i (/ Deputy Co _ y Cler Docket No. 77-23 Tape #77-84 s- /'i in ='' _ ---- -- Affidavit of Publication NOTICE Pursuant to the zoning laws of the State of Colorado and the Weld County Land Use Code,a public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the Board of County Corn STATE OF COLORADO, missioners of Weld County, Colorado, Bs Weld County Centennial Center,915 10th County of Weld, Street, Greeley, Colorado, at the time specified All persons In any manner in- terested in the Special Use Permit are requested to attend and may be heard Mildred S• Uansen BE IT ALSO KNOWN that the text and I, of maps so certified by the Weld County said County of Weld, being duly sworn, say Planning Commission may be examined that I am the (publisher) (editor) (advertis- In the Office of the Clerk to the Board of ing manager) of County Commissioners, located in the THE GREELEY DAILY TRIBUNE, and Weld County Centennial Center,915 10th THE GREELEY REPUBLICAN Street,Third Floor,Greeley,Colorado Docket No 77 23 that the same is a daily newspaper of general Tr'State Generation circulation and printed and published in the and Transmission Association city of Greeley, in said county and state; that P O Box 29198 the notice or advertisement, of which the an- Denver,Colorado 80229 nexed is a true copy, has been published in Date2 P 24, said ice daily published r for in one the day; egulart and e Time 2 00 P M entire issue of said newspaper, and in the Request Special Use Permit,Overhead newspaper proper and not in a supplement Transmission Line Route Archer-Story thereof; that the publication of said notice 345KV Pro lee was contained in the issue of said newspaper The proposed alternative route selec- bearing date tions for the transmission line fall within the following townships and ranges Township 12 North, Range 63 West, 11day of A.ug zst A.D. 19 77 Township 11 North, Range 63 West, Township 11 North, Range 62 West, Township 11 North, Range 61 West, that said The Greeley Daily Tribune and Township 10 North, Range 63 West, The Greeley Republican, has been published Township 10 North, Range 62 West, continuously and uninterruptedly during Township 10 North, Range 61 West, the period of at least six months next Township 9 North, Range 63 West, prior to the issue thereof containing said Township 9 North, Range 62 West, notice or advertisement above referred to; Township 9 North, Range 61 West, that said newspaper has been admitted to the United States mails as second-class matter Township 9 North, Range 60 West, under the provisions of the Act of March 3, Township 8 North, Range 63 West; 1879, or any amendments thereof, and that Township 8 North, Range 62 West, said newspaper is a daily newspaper duly Township 8 North, Range 61 West, qualified for publishing legal notices and Township 8 North, Range 60 West, advertisements within the meaning of the Township 8 North, Range 59 West; laws of the State of Colorado. Township 7 North, Range 63 West, Township 7 North, Range 62 West, Township 7 North, Range 61 West, Township 7 North, Range 60 West, (Publisher) (Editor) (Advertioiag Mgr.-) Township 7 North, Range 59 West, Township 6 North, Range 63 West, Township 6 North, Range 62 West, and Subscribed and sworn to before me this Township 6 North,Range 61 West. THE BOARDOF 77 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 17_day of August A.D. 19 WELD COUNTY,COLORADO BY MARYANNFEUERSTEIN June 6 �.9/r� COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER My commission ex ires 1 AND CLERK TO THE BOARD BY Rita Jo Kummer,Deputy Dated July 18,1977 The Greeley Daily Tribune Notary Zblic. August 16,1977 a jai TRI--STATE ASKX'IATIU♦ IAIT1NiYltAll 11 1:_::;7;, GRANT STf E P THORN-ON COLORA:C E024' APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT THROUGH WELD COUNTY ARCHER-STORY 345 KV PROJECT TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction i . Part I Section I: Original 230 kV Project I-1 A. Project Description I-3 B. Environmental Impact I-47 C. Favorable Environmental Effects I-55 D. Unavoidable Adverse Environmental Effects . . . I-57 Section II: Current Considerations I-59 Section III: Impact of Increased Line Voltages I-61 A. Visibility of Structures I-62 B. Land Usage I-63 C. Audible Noise I-64 D. Interference I-65 E. Ozone I-65 F. Wildlife I-66 G. Construction I-66 H. REA Approval of Environmental Analysis for 345 kV I-69 Part II Alternative Routing Through Weld County Section I: The Most Direct Route II-1 Section II: The Railroad Route 11-2 Section III : The Straight Drop Route II-3 Part III Section I: Preferred Route III-1 A. Land Use III-2 B. Terrain III-2 C. Impact III-3 D. Land Use Regulations III-4 E. Cost III-4 Section II: Most Direct Route in Comparison with the Other Alternatives III-5 Page Section III: Public Input into Route Selection Process . . III-7 Part IV Section I: Additional Environmental Considerations . . . . IV-1 A. Crop Dusting IV-1 B. Line Siting IV-4 C. Land Use Studies IV-7 D. Supplemental Wildlife Analysis IV-8 E. Water Resources Availability IV-9 Section II: Methodology and Easement Acquisition IV-10 INDEX OF TABLES Table Title Page 1 Summer Peak of Tri-State G & T Colorado Members . . . I-4 2 Numbers of Various Classes of Livestock Weld County and Morgan County I-16 3 Values (Dollars) of Agricultural Products Weld County and Morgan County I-17 4 Value of Crops in Morgan County I-17 5 Value of Crop Production in Weld County I-18 6 Population Changes - 1960 to 1970 I-26 7 Agricultural Activity, Weld and Morgan Counties . . I-27 8 Existing and Projected Population Figures Morgan and Weld County I-28 9 Climatic Data I-33 10 Flight Activities and Traffic I-36 11 Earthquake Recurrence I-42 12 Summary: Differences Between 230 kV and 345 kV Structures I-68 13 Summary of Routes Through Weld County II-5 14 Comparison of all Routes Through Weld County . . . III-6 TABLE OF FIGURES Figure Title Page 1 Seismic Risk Map I-40 2 Strain Release Map I-41 3 Typical Wood Pole Structure - 230 kV - AC I-45 4 Typical Steel Lattice Structure - 345 kV - AC . . . I-46 5 Illustration of Steel Lattice Tower Base I-63 8 Laramie Wyoming to Archer Substation I-12 9 Archer - Story Line Through Weld County I-13 10 Archer - Story Line Through Morgan County I-14 \ INTRODUCTION Tri-State is a non-profit cooperative wholesale power supplier serving 25 member rural electric systems in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Our interconnecting generation and transmission system provides electrical power to more than 125,000 square miles. Our members are electric distribution cooperatives and public power dis- tricts who serve principally farms and ranches, small businessess, a few industries and small communities. Our purpose is to provide first rate electrical service at the lowest possible cost. However, supplying power to Tri-State's members is complex because of the large amount of electrical power involved and fluctuations in demand. Because of this, Tri-State has always maintained cooperative efforts with publicly and privately owned utilities so that resources are used efficiently and economically. In this respect, Tri- State is currently a participant in the Laramie River Generating Station project located at Wheatland, Wyomng. When completed and in service it will serve Tri-State and other affiliates in the Missouri Basin. A portion of Tri-State' s share will provide additional power to the north- eastern Colorado area. Thus Tri-State is taking the necessary steps in planning to assure eastern Colorado rural consumers that adequate, reliable, and economical electrical energy will be provided for years to come. Our Board of Directors are farmers and ranchers and rural electric i / systems manager involved in agriculture and are concerned for the rural people that Tri-State serves. The Board of Directors are dedicated to the goals and philosophy of the cooperative rural electric program. It is within this context that the following application is submitted to Weld County. This application is divided into four parts. Part I of this material discusses the original 230,000 volt line, the reasons for the increase in voltage to 345,000 volts , and the resulting increased impact of a 345,000 volt line. Part II discusses three additional 345,000 volt routes selected through Weld County. Part III narrows the route selection to one preferred route and presents considerations behind the endorsement of that route. Part IV discusses Tri-State methodology in easement acquisition and additional environmental considerations. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. 12076 Grant Street Thornton, Colorado 80241 Telephone: (303) 452-6111 ii Part I When Tri-State had initially proposed to build a transmission line between the Archer and Story substations, a 230 kV line was considered adequate for the purpose. . Later with the advent of the Missouri Basin Power Project, a 345 kV line became a more desirable alternative. The 230 kV plans were then revised and upgraded to meet 345 kV standards. Obviously, this necessitated several design changes such as the type of structure utilized and increased easement width. In Part I of the application the material is divided into three sec- tions. The first section is a presentation of the earlier 230 kV project. The second section of Part I explains how the project de- veloped into a 345 kV line. Finally, the impact of the increased line voltage is presented. It is our hope that by utilizing this approach, the reader may gain an insight into past projections and better un- derstand the current undertaking. SECTION I Original 230 kV Project Tri-State became involved in the Yampa power project in early 1973. As part of this project, a transmission line between the Archer and Story substations was proposed. As discussed above, the Missouri Basin Power Project necessitated a change in planning to enable more flexibility in energy movement. In this regard, and as part of our planning process, Tri-State contracted for an environmental study. The following material is an excerpt from this environmental analysis study completed by Burns I-1 L and McDonnell , a reputable Kansas City consulting firm. Within this material the original 230 project is presented as well as all background environmental considerations relevant to the then-proposed line. This study was prepared in accordance with the Rural Electrification Ad- ministration Bulletin 20-21:320-21 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190) . Note that included in the material is a discussion of the line from the Archer Substation to Laramie, Wyoming. This material could have been deleted but was left intact within the analysis so that a more complete and comprehensive report was available for your inspection. (The following index may serve as a point of reference and/or abbreviate a search for a specific topic) . I-2 INDEX LARAMIE-ARCHER-STORY Page A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION I-3 A.1. SCOPE OF PROJECT I-3 A.2. PURPOSE OF PROJECT AND ;SCOPE OF EXISTING SERVICE I-3 A.3. FACILITIES TO BE CONSTRUCTED I-5 P.P. & L. Substation at Laramie I-5 USBR Substation at Archer I-5 Tri-State Switching Station at Story I-5 A.4. PROJECT LOCATION I-6 Methodology I-6 Line Routing I-6 Laramie-Archer I-7 Archer-Story I-8 Laramie-Archer Line Route Crossings I-15 Archer-Story Line Route Crossings I-15 A.5. LAND USAGE I-16 A.5.1. Present Resources I-16 Agricultural I-16 Recreational I-18 A.5.2. Physiography-Geology I-19 Physiography I-19 Geology I-20 A.5.3. Soils I-21 A.5.4. Flora and Fauna I-22 Flora I-22 Fauna I-23 A.5.5. Socioeconomics I-24 A.5.6. Air and Water I-29 Meteorology I-29 Hydrology I-31 Air Quality I-34 Water Quality I-34 A.5.7. Additional Considerations I-35 Air Travel and Facilities I-35 Historical Interest I-36 Seismologic Activity I-39 A.6 CONSTRUCTION METHODS I-42 B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT I-47 B.1. IMPACT ON SOILS I-47 B.2. IMPACT ON VEGETATION I-49 B.3. IMPACT ON WILDLIFE I-49 B.4. IMPACT ON ESTHETICS I-51 B.5. IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES I-52 B.6. IMPACT ON CLASSIFIED AREAS I-52 B.7. IMPACT OF MAINTENANCE PRACTICES I-52 6.8. IMPACT ON AVIATION 4I-53 B.9. IMPACT ON HUMAN ACTIVITY 'I-53 B.10. IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY OF THE AREA I-53 B.11 .NOISE, RADIO-TV INTERFERENCE I-54 C. FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS I-55 D. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS I-57 A. r©ti t DescrIpti® A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. 1. SCOPE OF PROJECT The construction of the Laramie-Archer-Story 230 kV line will be a coordinated project between Tri-State and Pacific Power & Light. Tri- State proposes to route a 230 kV line from a substation near Laramie (to be built by PP&L) to the existing USBR Archer Substation near Cheyenne, and then southeast to its existing Story Switching Station, near Brush, Colorado. A.2. PURPOSE OF PROJECT AND SCOPE OF EXISTING SERVICE The Laramie-Archer-Story 230 kV line is proposed as a solution for transmission line loading problems in two areas of the Colorado-Wyoming system. These problems involve an overload on the USBR Dave Johnston to Stegall 230 kV line and a heavy north-south flow on the existing inter- connections between Colorado and Wyoming. The USBR has indicated that due to the heavy northwest-southeast flows across the Wyoming system, the Dave Johnston to Stegall line is generally overloaded and an alternate path for these flows must be provided in the near future. Much of this heavy flow to meet Tri- State' s needs is displacement power from the Dave Johnston plant which replaces generation from the Yellowtail hydro plant of the USBR. The construction of the transmission line from Medicine Bow to Laramie to Archer will provide an alternate path which will tend to reduce the heavy loading on the Dave Johnston to Stegall transmission line. The construction of the Archer to Story line will relieve loading (north to south) on the USBR Archer to Ault 230 kV line by causing part I-3 of that flow to be replaced by power from the proposed Yampa Project generation which will be delivered to Ault for use at Story. The heavy north to south flow during the summer season has long been a problem for the USBR. This problem has become worse with added total system dis- placement. This south to north displacement by Tri-State between Ault and Archer would also provide the USBR with some north to south capacity for wheeling arrangements which are now being considered between it and Public Service Company of Colorado. The overall transmission system described will not only enhance the service reliability of parts of the Wyoming system but will provide a much needed second 230 kV line tie at the Story station. This tie will provide additional support to the northeast Colorado system, an addi- tional path for power deliveries to that system, and vastly improved __ j service reliability for that area. As this project will benefit the Tri-State transmission system as a whole, no one member cooperative can be singled out as receiving the benefits of this project. Table 1 shows the existing and projected loads for Tri-State's Colorado members. TABLE 1 TRI-STATE G&T COLORADO MEMBERS Summer Peak (MW) 1966 118.1 1967 123.4 1968 147.5 1969 170.0 1970 195.9 1971 225.7 1972 259.8 1973 283.4 1976 354.8 1981 490.4 1986 677.5 I-4 A.3. FACILITIES TO BE CONSTRUCTED P.P.&L. Substation at Laramie Tri-State proposes to furnish and install the necessary equipment to terminate its 230 kV line. This equipment will consist of a 230 kV Oil Circuit Breaker with its relays, by-pass and disconnecting air-break switches, reactor and metering equipment, protective equipment, and necessary bus work. Necessary steel work to support the bus work and some additional chain link fence may be required. Major items of equipment will be painted a color to harmonize with the landscape. USBR Substation at Archer Tri-State proposes to furnish and install necessary equipment to terminate both 230 kV line segments at Archer. This will consist of two (2) 230 kV Oil Circuit Breakers with relays, by-pass and disconnecting air-break switches, two (2) sets of lightning protection equipment, reactors if needed, voltage regulating equipment, metering equipment, bus work, and steel supporting structures. Also, additional chain link fence will be provided if required. Major items of equipment at this station will be painted a color to harmonize with the landscape and with existing equipment. Tri-State Switching Station at Story Tri-State proposes to furnish and install necessary equipment to terminate its 230 kV line at its Story switching station. The equip- ment will consist of a 230 kV Air Trip Breaker, together with air-break by-pass and disconnecting switches, relaying equipment, metering equip- ment, voltage vegulating equipment, and reactors if needed. Also I-5 included are necessary bus work and steel supports for the bus work. All major items of equipment will be painted desert beige or some other earth color which will blend with the surrounding landscape and the other equipment presently in the switching station. A.4. PROJECT LOCATION Methodology The same basic approach to route selection was followed for this line as described in Part IV of this application under Line Siting (p. IV-5). The following discussion concerns additional considerations that were used in selecting the preferred route for the Laramie-Archer- Story line. The terminal points for the Laramie-Archer-Story transmission line were fixed before selection of line routing began. The line is to run from a new substation that Pacific Power and Light has indicated it will build north o= Laramie to the USBR substation at Archer, Wyoming, to Tri-State's switching stations at Story, Colorado. Figures 8, 9, and 10 show the line routes, both preferred and alternates. The Key to figures, which precedes the individual figure outlines, illustrate the initial study area. Since there are existing transmission lines running between Laramie and Cheyenne it was decided to parallel these lines as much as possible. Consequently the preferred line routing lies adjacent to these lines until they near Cheyenne and this routing then veers off eastward to connect with the Archer substation. Alternates to the line through this area would be only variations on the preferred route which accomplish nothing other than to increase the length (and hence the impact) of the I-6 transmission line. Alternates are therefore not shown for this section of line. Coming out of the Archer Substation the line cuts east and again runs adjace,'t to an existing transmission line until the proposed line turns south. The considerations in routing this transmission line from this point on to the Story substation included all those considerations as outlined in the methodology involving Line Siting in Part IV of this application. No alternates are shown for certain portions of the transmission line. Land use considerations, in this case, outline the corridor for the transmission line. Therefore alternate routes tended to be only a minor variation on the preferred route. The alternate route shown on I Figures 9 and 10 is generally a more direct, and hence shorter, route than the preferred route. This alternate line route crosses more cul- tivated and thus more valuable land that is subjected to more intensive agricultural practices and therefore was not chosen. Line Rout'ng Tri-State proposes to build a 230 kV transmission line in two segments, from Laramie, Wyoming, to Archer, Wyoming, and from Archer to Brush, Colorado. Laramie-Archer The first segment will originate at a substation to be built north- east of Laramie, Wyoming, in Section 26, Township 16 North, Range 73 West by the Pacific Power and Light Company (Figure 8). Two transmission lines owned by the USBR junction at this point and continue parallel to I-7 d each other eastward to Cheyenne. The new Tri-State line will extend east from the point of origin, parallel to and on the north side of the USBR lines approximately 14 miles to a point in Section 30, Township 16 North, Range 70 West. It will then deflect slightly to the south and continue easterly approximately 4-3/4 miles to a point near the west line of Section 25, Township 16 North, Range 70 West. This point is approximately 21 miles west of Chadwick Reservoir No. 3. From there it will extend southeasterly approximately 5 miles to a point in Section 20, Township 15 North, Range 69 West approximately 2 miles east of Mesa Mountain. At this point the line will deflect to the east. It will leave the parallel with the USBR lines and extend eastward approximately 111/2 miles where it will deflect slightly to the north and continue easterly approximately 51/2 miles to a point in Section 30, Township 15 North, Range 66 West. This point lies between Route I-25 and U.S. 85 one mile northeast of the junction of these two routes. It then con- tinues easterly approximately 31/2 miles to a point in Section 27, Township 15 North, Range 66 West, then deflects to the south and con- tinues approximately 61/2 miles to a point in Section 10, Township 14 North, Range 65 West. At this point this 230 kV line will meet the USBR 230kV line extending from Stegall , Nebraska, to the USBR Archer Substation. The new line will then parallel the USBR 230 kV line on the east side for approximately 31/2 miles to the Archer Substation where the first segment will end. Archer-Story The second segment (figures 9 and 10) of the proposed 230 kV line will originate at the USBR Archer Substation and will extend east for I-8 approximately 8-3/4 miles along the south side of the USBR Archer to Sydney 115 kV line to a point at the northwest corner of Section 31, Township 15 North, Range 63 West. At this point the line will turn south and extend approximately four miles south to a point in the northwest corner of Section 19, Township 13 North, Range 63 West where it will deflect to the east. This last named point is approximately one and one-half miles to the southeast corner of Section 16, Township 12 North, Range 63 West. This point is approximately 32 miles west and 34 miles south of Carpenter Station on the Burlington Railroad. It is also on the Wyoming-Colorado Boundary. From the state boundary, the line extends south along the east side of the west line of Section 22, Township 12 North, Range 63 West one mile to a point near the southwest corner of Section 22. There the line deflects to the east and extends southeasterly approximately 51/2 miles to a point near the center of the south boundary of Section 5, Township 11 North, Range 62 West. This point is approximately two miles west and two miles south of the Burling- ton Railroad's Hereford Station. From this point the line extends southeasterly approximately 51/2 miles to a point on the east line of Section 34, Township 11 North, Range 62 West about 3-3/4 miles west of Grover Station. Here the line deflects to the west and continues south- erly approximately 8-3/4 miles to a point near the center of the south line of Section 7, Township 9 North, Range 61 West. This point is approximately half way between Crow Creek and Jackson Creek. The line then deflects to the east and extends southeasterly approximately 81/2 miles to a point in Section 13, Township 8 North, Range 61 West near the center of the section' s south boundary. It then turns to the south and continues south along the section quarter lines approximately 52 I-9 miles to a point near the center of Section 13, Township 7 North, Range 61 West. The line then turns east and extends 52 miles east to the west line of Sectior 13, Township 7 North, Range 60 West where it turns south and extends 22 miles south to a point near the west quarter corner of Section 26, Township 7 North, Range 60 West. This point is approx- imately 5 miles west and one mile north of a tank farm. From this point the line extends southeasterly approximately 24 miles to a point in Section 5, Township 4 North, Range 56 West near the northeast corner of the section. This location is approximately one and one-half miles north and three miles west of the town of Snyder. Here the line deflects to the north and extends easterly approximately 2 miles to the east line of Section 3, Township 4 North, Range 56 West and at the quarter line. The line then extends east along the section quarter lines approximately 4 miles to the north bank of the Platte River. The line then crosses the Platte River at an approximate right angle to the river, the crossing terminating on the east side of the west boundary of Section 4, Township 4 North, Range 55 West. The river crossing will be approximately one- quarter mile long. The line will then extend south along the west boundary of Sections 4, 9, 16, 21 , and 28 to the south side of Route I- 80S. It will then deflect slightly to the west into Section 29, Town- ship 4 North, Range 55 West and continue south across U.S. Route 34 and the Burlington Railroad to a point in Section 5, Township 3 North, Range 55 West approximately on the quarter line. The total distance from the river to this last named point is approximately 6 miles. The line then extends west along the approximate quarter line about 2 miles to the Story Substation. I-10 • • -r- 54. I 4-1 i I _ I v di 1 c s I v I - I _ . I v �I I 5-0 5-0 1-1 " c� I • 2_, 7-9 Insulators 5-0" v I v 1 4 7. 0" 1 Y I • • • � I FIGU TRANSMISSION LINE TANGENT STRUCTURE 115 KV, DAVIT ARM SINGLE POLE SUSPENSION TRI-STATE GENERATION B TRANSMISSION ASSOC. INC. ' Laramie-Archer Line Route Crossings The preferred line route traverses 56 miles from the proposed PP&L substation north of Laramie to the Bureau's substation southeast of Archer. The 100-foot right-of-way for this section covers approximately 700 acres. The actual land removed from productivity will be far less, approximately 9 tenths of an acre. The land use for this route is composed of approximately 52 miles of open rangeland and 4 miles of cropland. The Laramie-Archer route also includes the following: 2 railroad crossings 4 highway crossings (I-80, I-25, US-85, and WY-211) 4 secondary road crossings 25 miles adjacent to a 115 kV corridor 4 miles adjacent to a 230 kV corridor no river crossings Archer-Story Line Route Crossings The preferred line route traverses approximately 100 miles from the Archer Substation to Tri-State's Story Substation east of Brush, Colorado. The 100-foot right-of-way for this section covers approx- imately 1200 acres. The actual land area taken by the pole structures will be far less, approximately 1.5 acres. This route crosses approx- imately 88 miles of open rangeland and 12 miles of cropland. The Archer- Story route also includes the following: 1 river crossing (South Platte River - 4 miles north- northwest of Brush, Colorado) 4 railroad crossings 7 highway crossings (I-80S, US-34, CO-14, CO-52, I-15 CO-71 and CO-217) 29 secondary road crossings 8 miles adjacent to an existing 115 kV corridor 2 miles adjacent to an existing 230 kV corridor A.5. LAND USAGE A.5.1 . Present Resources Agricultural The dominant industry in this area is livestock including sheep, lambs and cattle, calves (Table 2) . The most important is the cow-calf industry. It will be noted that in Weld County the large number of cattle, calves, sheep, and lambs is due primarily to the major feedlot industry in this area. This industry is also very important in Morgan County. Dollar values, although subject to rapid change, give an index to the importance of different agricultural industries in the counties along the proposed line (Table 3) . The livestock industry is shown to be the major source of agricultural revenue. Tables 4 and 5 show the value of crop production in Morgan and Weld Counties, Colorado. Corn, for both grain and silage, and sugar beets are principal agricultural crops. Other crops such as dry beans, rye, hay, potatoes, oats, broomcorn seeds, fruits, and vegetables are also important in this area, especially in Weld County where truck farming is an important industry. TABLE 2 NUMBERS OF VARIOUS CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK Albanyl Laramie1 Weld Morgan Sheep and Lambs 27,000 65,000 395,297 20,666 I-16 Hogs and Pigs --- 2,000 44,262 49,957 Chickens 10,000 44,000 358,810 37,303 Cattle and Calves 43,000 65,000 845,935 312,166 1 - 1965 statistics 2 - 1969 statistics TABLE 3 VALUES (DOLLARS) OF AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS Albany' Laramie2 Weld3 Morgan3 Crops 115,700 2,577,200 36,874,602 11,934,452 Livestock 3,605,200 5,410,600 280,265,689 89,068,454 Total 3,721,900 7,987,800 317,140,291 97,992,906 1 1955 statistics 2 1956 statistics 3 1969 statistics TABLE 4 VALUE OF CROPS IN MORGAN COUNTY 1968-1970 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Crop 1968 1969 1970 All wheat 1 ,530 1,384 2,093 Corn grain & silage 6,969 7,940 9,863 Barley 263 197 259 Sorghum grain 57 107 67 Sugar beets 4,458 2,827 3,517 All other crops' 6,073 6,467 6,328 All crops 19,350 18,922 22,127 I-17 1 Includes dry beans, rye, hay, potatoes, oats, broomcorn seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Note: Tables 3 and 5 both present crop value statistics for Weld County for 1969. These figures were derived from different sources and there is, therefore a difference in the values given for "all crops. " Table 3 statistics came from the Cooperative Extension Service and Table 5 is referenced on the next page. The difference seems to be in the application of the term "crop. " TABLE 5 VALUE OF CROP PRODUCTION IN WELD COUNTY, 1968-1970 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Crop 1968 1969 1970 All wheat 5,025 4,428 6,393 Corn grain & silage 16,663 18,832 24,784 Barley 1,566 1,909 2,556 Sorghum grain 33 25 41 Sugar beets 13,856 9,231 11,146 All other crops1 21 ,272 20,307 19,329 All crops 58,415 54,732 64,249 1 Includes dry beans, rye, hay, potatoes, oats, broomcorn seeds, fruits and vegetables. Recreational There are numerous streams in the area providing good trout fishing. The area is also noted for its antelope hunting, having numerous herds scattered throughout the area. Other types of hunting include deer and various game birds. I-18 Hunting and fishing are the primary outdoor recreational activities in the area between Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Brush, Colorado. Northeast of Cheyenne, Wyoming, lies Curt Gowdy State Park with two small reservoirs which provide for water sports and fishing. The surrounding park invites hiking, snowmobiles, trail bikes and camping. Medicine Bow National Forest, northeast of Cheyenne, provides for camping, fishing, hiking, and includes a two-line lift for skiing. Table 4 - Source: Colorado Agriculture Statistics, 1970, 1971, 1972. Compiled by Colorado Crop & Livestock Reporting Service, 2490 West 26th, Denver, CO. 80211. Table 5: Ibid. A.5.2. Physiography-Geology Physiography The Laramie Basin has very little relief, increasing in altitude from 7,000 feet at the northern end to 7,500 feet at the southern end. It also rises gradually toward the mountain borders. The synclinal structure of the basin and the nature of its rocks make it an artesian basin. To the east of the Laramie Basin lie the Laramie Range. This range of mountains rises 1,000 to 1,500 feet above the basin on the west and the High Plains of the east. The High Plains is a subdivision of the Great Plains Province and extends from the South Dakota border to the Rio Grande. The High Plains are remnants of the former great fluviatile plain which stretched from the mountains on the west of the Central Lowland. The fluviatile character of the Teriary Mantle is important since it determines not only the original topography but the I-19 internal structure of the mass--in this case the distribution of sand, silt, and gravel . This in turn influences the topography and determines the behavior of ground waters and their utilization. The characteristic topography of the High Plains is very flat with thousands of square miles of minor relief. The boundary between the High Plains and the northern edge of the Colorado Piedmont is a south facing escarpment, the Chalk Bluffs. South of here is the more extensively eroded Colorado Piedmont. This region is characterized by much more relief than the High Plains and in areas where the mantle is entirely wasted away, the underlying rocks are much eroded. Geology The Laramie Basin is a complexly downfolded area. The basin is shallowest at the southern part but reaches an extreme depth in the area north of the coal mining community of Hanna. The Laramie Basin is unique because of the great depth to which the sedimentary rocks are depressed. The floor beneath the sedimentary rocks lies about 30,000 feet below sea level . The highest peak in the Laramie Mountains is Laramie Peak (elevation 10,274 feet) and is situated at the northeast corner of the range. The basic geologic structure of the Laramie Range is the large asymmetric arch in the crust of the earth with a steep flank on the eastern side and gentle slope of the rocks to the west. The High Plains in Wyoming are developed for the most part on a series of essentially flat lying rocks of Cenozoic age that had their origin in debris ejected from volcanoes far to the west and carried I-20 eastward by a complex of rivers. Subsequent elevation of the crust allowed streams to cut deeply into these rocks to develop broad floored valleys and to leave broad interstream divides and occasional scarps with small buttes along the margins. The geology of the Colorado Piedmont is much the same as the High Plains of Wyoming with the essentially flat sedimentary rocks being 5,000 to 10,000 feet thick. The major difference between the High Plains and the Colorado Piedmont is the greater degree of erosion characteristic of the latter. A.5.3. Soils The soils of the Laramie Basin over which the transmission line will pass are predominantly aridisols and inceptisols. The parent materials upon which these soils developed are alluvium, colluvium, lacustrine materials from shale, siltstone, and sandstone. The soils of the Laramie Range are aridisols and entisols from colluvial and alluvial parent material from limestone, shale, sandstone, quartzite, rhyolite, and basalt rock sources. Soils of the High Plains and the Colorado Piedmont are mollisols and entisols. The High Plains soils are developed upon alluvium, colluvium, and residuum from basalt, rhyolite, tuff, and sedimentary rock sources pumice and diatomite, whereas the Colorado Piedmont soils are developed on loess, aeolian sands, outwash, and residium from sandstone and shale. The soils of the South Platte River flood plain are mollisols developed upon alluvial and lacustrine sediments. I-21 A.5.4. Flora and Fauna Flora The proposed transmission line passes through four vegetation types. The vegetation of the Laramie Basin is predominantly a mixed . grass prairie type dominated by blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) , needle-and-thread (Stripa comata) , and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii). The Laramie range represents the only major forested region in the route of the transmission line. The dominant species of the Laramie Range are Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) , Douglas fir (Pseudotsyga menziesii ), and Aspen (Populus tremuloides) . Ponderosa pine is by far the most important lumber species of this area. The shortgrass prairie of the High Plains and the Colorado Piedmont makes up the largest area of vegetation traversed by the proposed transmission line. The major species comprising the shortgrass prairie vegetation type are blue gama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) . . The native vegetation of the flood plain of the South Platte River includes the following trees: cottonwood (Populus occidentalis) , several species of willows (Salix sp. ) , box elder (Acer negundo) , and hackberry (Cletis reticultata) as well as many species of shrubs, grasses and forbs. Of the four vegetation types crossed by the proposed transmission line, the flood plain type has undergone the most disturbance by man to date primarily because of the value of the area for agricultural crops. I-22 Fauna Wildlife of the Laramie Basin and the Laramie Range include the following mammals: elk (Cervus canadensis) , mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) , antelope (Antilocapra americana) , fremont squirrel (Sciurus fremonti ) , Colorado chipmunk (Eutamias amoenus operarius), richardsons ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii ) , Wyoming ground squirrel (Citellus elegans) , beaver (Castor canadensis) , jackrabbits (Lepus sp. ) cottontails (Sylvilagus sp. ) , porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) , cougar (Felis corcolor) , bobcat (Lynx rufus) , coyote (Canis sp. ) , red fox (Vulpes vulpes) , skunk (Mephitis sp. ) , mink (Mustela vison) , black- footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) , and black bear (Ursus americanus) . Breeding birds of these areas are: sage hen (Centrocercus upophasianus) , great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) , sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter velox) , rocky mountain hairy woodpecker (Dryobate villosus monticola) , lewis woodpecker (Asyndemus lewisi ) , wright flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii ) , spurred towhee (Pipilomaculatus montanus) , green-tailed towhee (Chlorurachlorura) , white throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) , plumberous vireo (Lanivireo solitarius plumbeus) , macgillivray' s warbler (Oporonis tolmiei) , rocky mountain nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis nelsoni ) , pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmea) , chestnut-backed bluebird (Siglia mexicana bairdi ) , blue grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) , meadowlark (Sturnella sp. ) as well as many species of waterfowl . Mammels common to the shortgrass prairie and flood plain of the South Platte River are shrews (Sorek sp. ) , bats (Myotis sp. ) , jackrabbits (Lepus sp. ) , cottontails (Sylvilagus sp. ) , least chipmunk (Eutamias minimus) , marmots (Marmota flaruiventris) , thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlincatus) , black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys I-23 ludovicianus) , fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) , beaver (Castor canadensis) , porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) , coyote (Canis latrans) , red fox (Vulpes vulpes) , raccoon (Procyon lotor) , ermine (Mustela erminea) , long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) , black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) , badger (Taxidea taxus) , spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) , striped skunk (Mephitus mephitus) , bobcats (Lynx Tutus) , mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) , white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginiana) , and antelope (Antilocapra americana) . One hundred seventy-six species of birds are found in this region. The following is a list of the most common species: lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) , horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) , mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) , killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) , mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura) , great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) , burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia) , common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) , eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) , western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) , black-billed magpie (Pica pica) , starling (Sturnus vulgaris) , and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) . A.5.5. Socioeconomics The proposed transmission line routing will begin in Albany County, Wyoming, pass through Laramie County, Wyoming, and Weld County, Colorado, and terminate near the eastern edge of Morgan County, Colorado. The first two counties through which the proposed transmission line passes are the Wyoming counties of Albany and Laramie. These counties contain terrain that ranges from rolling grassland and prairies to mountains. Elevations along the route vary from approximately 4,500 feet to more than 8,000 feet in the mountains. Laramie County is very I-24 similar to its neighboring counties in Colorado. The terrain is rolling hills and grassland in the eastern portion rising to the foothills of the Laramie Mountains in the far west. Government, industry, and agriculture are the leading sources of income. The county is bisected longitudinally by U.S. Highways 30 and Interstate 80 plus State Highway 210 and 216. It is bisected latitudinally by U.S. Highways 25, 87, and 85, plus State Highways 211, 215, and 214. The State Capitol , Cheyenne, is in the south central portion of the county. Albany County is in an area of mountains and high plains. The heavily forested terrain contains lakes, camping areas, and wilderness regions. Large portions of the county are part of Medicine Bow National Forest. Agricultural and governmental activites are the leading source of income with tourism and forestry also important. The county is bisected longitudinally by U.S. Highways 30 and Interstate 80 plus State Highways 12, 34, 130, 210 and 230. Only local roads bisect it latitudinally. For Albany County, the current land usage is split between agriculture and the lands in Medicine Bow National Forest. The vast majority of the population (87%) is in the City of Laramie, in the south central portion of the county. All other towns have populations of less than 500 people. The county, 4,248 square miles, is 65% privately owned, 27% federally owned, and 8% state owned. For Laramie County, the current land usage is primarily farms, ranches, and open rangeland. The State Capitol , Cheyenne, and the attendant population of this city hold 72% of the people in the county. All other towns in the county are under 1,000 in population. The county, 2,703 square miles, is 88% privately owned, 2% federally owned, and 10% state owned. Most of the state owned property is in non-adjacent plots I-25 scattered throughout the county. Population figures for Laramie County show a decrease of 6% since 1960. Albany County, however, showed an increase of 25%. Population figures are shown in Table 6. TABLE 6 POPULATION CHANGES - 1960 to 1970 Population Population 1970 Urban 1970 Rural County 1960 1970 Population Population Laramie 60,149 56,360 45,441 10,919 Albany 21,290 26,431 23,143 3,288 Table 6 Source: Wyoming 1973 Yearbook, Public Affairs Department, Colorado . Interstate Gas Company. A further decrease in population is not indicated despite the previously mentioned figures from Table 6 above. The functions and personnel of the State Government in Cheyenne should suffice to hold population reasonable steady for many years. If a decrease in the rural areas does not occur, it can be attributed to the nationwide trend of migration from rural to urban areas. As farms become larger and more mechanized, this trend should continue. The population increase of Albany County can be attributed to the urban growth and expansion of the Laramie area. Future development of either Wyoming County will be limited by difficult terrain, lack of available surface water supplies, large amounts of federally owned land, and distances involved in transportation to industrial centers. I-26 The proposed path takes the transmission line next through Weld County and in to Morgan County, both within Colorado. The topography included in both counties is rolling grassland and prairieland inter- rupted by an occasional stream, wooded area, small lake, or reservoir. Several federal and state highways, singly and in combination, bisect each county. Morgan County is bisected longitudinally by U.S. Highways 34, 6, and Interstate 80S, plus State Highway 144 and lati- tudinally by State Highways 52 and 71. Weld County is bisected lati- tudinally by U.S. Highways 25, 85, and 87 plus State Highway 71. It is bisected longitudinally by U.S. Highways 34, 6, and Interstate 80S, plus State Highways 52 and 114. Oil and natural gas production in Morgan County is highly developed with many small and medium-sized fields. However, almost all of these are in the south central and southeast portions of the county. In Weld County this production is limited to isolated areas throughout the County. The great majority of land in Morgan County is under agricultural cultivation. Weld County is also highly developed in this line, but has the large urban area of Greeley encroaching upon available farms and ranchland. Table 7 shows the high extent of land devoted to farms and cropland in both counties. TABLE 7 AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY County Total Land Numbers of Total Farm Total Crops Acreage Farms Acreage Acreage Morgan 820,000 1100 815,000 340,000 Weld 2,563,000 3600 2,290,000 1,050,000 I-27 Table 7 Source: 1973 Colorado Yearbook published by Public Affairs Dept. Colorado Interstate Gas Co. Morgan County is privately owned excepting a few small non-adjoining portions of land held by the State Land Board. In Weld County, both the State Land Board and the National Forest Service have appreciable quantities of land, most of which is in and around the Pawnee National Grassland. This area is in the north central and northeast portions of the county. The immediate area of the proposed routing is more than 90% private land and will not pass through the Pawnee National Grassland. Population figures and predictions for each county are shown in Table 8. Morgan County, like many rural areas nationwide, is expected to decrease in population. The trend of out-migration from rural areas to urban areas should continue as farms increase in size and become more mechanized. Weld County, however, is predicted to increase in population as the Fort Collins-Loveland-Greeley-Longmont urban area continues its rapid and large scale growth in the western portion of the County. TABLE 8 EXISTING AND PROJECTED POPULATION FIGURES County 1970 1980 1990 2000 Morgan 20,105 20,000 20,000 20,000 Weld 89,297 125,000 175,000 225,000 Table 8 Source: 1970 Census of the Population State Planning Office, "Population of Colorado Counties, 1960-2020" I-28 In these two counties, future growth and development in the immediate area of the transmission line routing will be limited by the water resources available. Large scale irrigation is required by many crops because of the semiarid nature of the area. Annual precipitation for both counties averages 10-142 inches per year. A.5.6. Air and Water The proposed transmission line routing will pass through areas possessing varied and occasionally extreme climatic conditions. Begin- ning near Laramie, in Albany County, Wyoming, and ending near Bush, in Morgan County, Colorado, the routing passes through mountains, foothills and plains areas. Meteorology The climate of the area traversed by the transmission line is semiarid in general with moderate climatic differences among the different physiographic regions. The Laramie Basin has the lowest mean annual temperature, 40.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and also the least amount of annual precipitation. No data was available for the Laramie Range. Archer, Wyoming, on the High Plains, receives 14.67 inches of annual precipitation and has a mean annual temperature of 45.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The two weather stations chosen to represent the part of the Colorado Piedmont crossed by the transmission line were Briggsdale and Ft. Morgan. Mean annual temperature was 47. 1 degrees Fahrenheit at Briggsdale and 48.9 degrees Fahrenheit at Ft. Morgan. Annual precipitation at Briggsdale was 13.25 inches and at Ft. Morgan 12.86 inches (Table 9) . In the Great Plains area of Colorado, the climate is that of mild and moderate summers, long and cold winters, "low relative humidity, I-29 moderate to high wind movements, and a large daily range in temperature. "' "The usual winter extremes in the plains are from zero to 10 degrees or 15 degrees below, with the most intense cold in the north and east."2 Summer high temperatures are often 95 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Precipitation in each county averages approximately 12 inches. The greatest portion of this falls during the 145 day (average) growing season and is largely from thunderstorm activity. Strong winds are most likely to occur during winter and spring. In March, for example, northwest winds in excess of 50 miles per hour have been reported in this area. The annual snowfall depth for each county averages between 27 and 33 inches. This average depth can, of course, vary considerably from year to year. 1 Source: Climatography of the United States No. 60-48 "Climates of the States - Wyoming" Wash. D.C. December, 1959 2 Source: Ibid. The climatic conditions along the transmission line route in the Great Plains area of Wyoming are similar to those previously cited. Near to the origin of the transmission line at Laramie, Wyoming, the plains give way to the foothills and mountains typical of the east slope of the Rocky Mountains. The climate of this area is that of many extremes. The plains areas, foothills areas, and mountain areas all have distinctive meteorological conditions. The foothills region is characterized by rapid and frequent changes between mild and cold spells. Chinooks, warm westerly winds, are common along the eastern slopes of the mountains and the majority of I-30 winter cold waves move southward on the east side of the Continental Divide. Annual temperatures of 8 degrees to 32 degrees in Fahrenheit in January, and 52 degrees to 84 degrees in July are regularly experienced. The mountain areas can, of course, record temperature extremes of a much greater magnitude. The annual precipitation figures for Laramie and Albany Counties are 14.7 inches and 11.16 inches respectively. The annual average snowfall depths for Laramie and Albany Counties show similar proportions: 50.3 inches and 40.7 inches respectively. The average snow fall depth will , of course, be much higher in the mountain areas and can vary considerably from year to year. The average growing season for each county averages approximately 130 days. "Wind is an important factor of the Wyoming climate." ". . .most of Wyoming is quite windy, and during the colder months from November through March there are frequent periods when the wind reaches 30 to 40 miles per hour with occasional gusts much higher"2 The prevailing wind speed and direction for Cheyenne, approximately midway between the points of origin and termination, is from the west between 9.5 and 14.7 miles per hour.3 Hydrology From its point of origin in Albany County, Wyoming, to its termination point in Morgan County, Colorado, the proposed transmission line route is entirely in the Platte River Basin; a major drainage basin of the Mississippi River Basin. The high stream flow peaks generally occur during the months of April , May, and June. This can be attributed to annual spring thaws and the attendant runoff from melting snow. I-31 Along the line route are a number of small streams. These streams provide recreation, animal watering and some irrigation. The line, from Laramie to Archer, encounters Spring Creek, Lodgepole Creek, and Crow Creek. South from Archer it encounters Crow Creek and Wildcat Creek again. As it nears the Story end, it must cross the South Platte River. There are no lakes of significant size along the route. 3 Source: Climatology of the United States No. 60-48 "Climates of the States - Wyoming" Wash. D. C. December, 1959 I-32 In CL) LL C.) •--• U) CO CO .--I 01 C r-I N in (NI a) •r ..... v a) c=:) in N. co S-. d' d d' d' • M 1- in C0 0) N L.0 N CO a) > • "O d r-1 d- M N .--1 .--I .-I ri N. CD d- Ol 0 .-1 M d- N Z d d- al CO C0 CD Ol M O O Ol in 1. N CO N.. .--1 O V) N .-1 r-1 N I-1 r-1 N .--1 Q •::1- CO CO COO • r-1 C▪ r) r-1 d- CD CD LC '7 N. CO N 1\ • I— r-1 1-1 d- d- Ln M 7 O Ln d' N Q CO N• N .---1 I--- Q Ol O CT CY)= = l0 1— co CO W C) I— • • J 1--. Z N N CO F— O Q Q = F— = 1-r Q Ln M N— r-I J CO CO Co Ln C) • • r--1 r-I = dl LO M .--1 .--I 1— N N. d- CO in N.. LL .-4 Cr) CD N r--1 7 d Ol In d' d- CO d' M I a) O) 10 � a) > co • O C) • U L.) E O • U O S- >, A C1) C S.... 3 0 a) C � 3 r MS O 3 r- tO 1 w (U p) (Cf O) Ol C)N a) 1D S_ ICS CU •fl S.. CO C h. •r S_ In O S_ •r S- V) O Ol O Ol E a) v) = a) E a) C7) = r- J r- (U t C) rt) -C Q) S_ C) E 5- U ��.1U S_ S- +3 a) rtf S_ S 4) ri N M J ¢ CO LL F- J Q Co LL .--......- 1-33 Air Quality There will be an insignificant increase in air contamination levels occuring from the operation of the proposed project. There can be high particulate levels created during construction activites. This will be a localized condition, however, lasting only as long as construction continues. The revegetation procedures implemented for cleared and modified earth areas will allow a rapid return to existing conditions. Ozone generation, television and radio interference, and physical noise associated with power transmission lines are caused by a phenom- enon known as corona. Corona is a particle discharge creating a highly non-uniform electric field. This corona is present all along the line. Television and radio interference can be created by the corona's non- uniform electric field, and by loose hardware, loose connections, defective insulators, and foreign objects such as a tree in contact with the conductors. During construction all hardware and connections will be insulated properly, and periodic maintenance and inspection will replace defective insulation and remove foreign objects from conductors. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent and could be harmful to the environ- ment, but the quantities produced by the transmission line are such that the ambient background concentrations will not be appreciably increased. Water Quality There will be no significant effect on water quality from the operation of the proposed transmission line and substation. There are no discharges of any kind into any stream or water supply. There is a possibility of short term, localized effects from construction activities for the project. The problems of silting and erosion can be I-34 magnified during construction, especially around stream banks and runoff areas. To alleviate this problem, there will be no deposits or storage areas for chemicals and oils near any stream bank, either wet or dry. With proper construction techniques and the avoidance of erosion prone areas, the problems cited can be significantly reduced, if not com- pletely eliminated. Inclement weather, such as very heavy rainfall and vehicular traffic over problem areas, can create conditions beyond expectations. However, these will be very localized and short term. A.5.7. Additional Considerations Air Travel and Facilities The proposed transmission line routing will pass through the immediate area of four airports as it winds its way from near Laramie, in Albany County, Wyoming, to near Brush in Morgan County, Colorado. At the closest point, it is approximately 1 mile from the Brush airport serving Brush, Colorado. Cheyenne Municipal Airport and General Brees Field, in Laramie, Wyoming, are large, full-facility airports accommodating plane sizes up to and including jets. Brush and Wirth airfields are small , local , limited-facility installations. Table 10 shows air travel figures for Cheyenne Municipal Airport and General Brees Field. The other two airfields are listed as non-controlled and no traffic figures are avail- able for them. Wirth airfield has no lighting facilities for nighttime flights and neither Brush nor Wirth airfields have any form of instrument controls for aircraft. I-35 TABLE 10 FLIGHT ACTIVITIES & TRAFFIC Cheyenne Municipal Brees Field Number of Permanently Based Aircraft 82 20 Number of Enplaned Passengers (annual ) 23,100 4,300 Number of Flight Plans Originated 7,493 2,094 Domestic Air Carriers Frontier Airlines x x Western Airlines x - Number of Daily Stops (Total ) 15 5 Historical Interest The following is a description of the general location of those historic trails, landmarks, and sites along and near the proposed route of the transmission line. In Colorado there are no historic sites within 50 miles of the line route that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There are three sites listed in this publication for Laramie County, Wyoming. Two are located in the state capitol , Cheyenne. The third is Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. As shown on the Route Map, Figure 8, the proposed line route passes more than 11/2 miles north of this air base. Table 10 Sources: FAA 1965 National Airport Plant 1966-1970 FAA Air Traffic Activity Fiscal Year 1970 The line will pass over the old Cheyenne Deadwood Stage Road north I-36 of Cheyenne. This road was established in 1876 to connect the new and rich gold field in the Black Hills of South Dakota with the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne.4 In Colorado the line will pass over four trails near Brush. Fremont Trail (expeditions one and two) was traversed by John C. Fremont as an official explorer for the Federal government in 1842. Villasur Trail is believed to be in the area of the proposed transmission line routing. The trail reflects a trip made by Don Pedro De Villasur in 1720. There is no physical evidence of the trail today, therefore, the routing of the transmission line would not affect the trail . Long Trail is also crossed by the transmission line. In 1820 Major Stephen H. Long led 18 men into Colorado for exploratory purposes. There are no visual remains of his exploration. Finally, the Overland Trail will be crossed. The Overland Trail was developed in the late 1850s. It was a much chosen emigration route during the mid and late 1800s. As with many old trails, the historical value is not in its visual significance. Consequently, the routing of the transmission line will not affect the historic values of the trail . If during construction artifacts are discovered, con- struction in the immediate area will be halted and the State Historical Societies of Colorado and/or Wyoming will be contacted. In Weld County, Colorado, a landmark called Pawnee Buttes rises 4 Wyoming Recreation Commission, "Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails," information Bulletin. approximately 500 feet above the prairie. These prominent Buttes have long been landmarks for travelers and also serve as a lookout point. I-37 Indian artifacts are found in this area. The transmission line is more than 10 miles southwest of the Buttes at the closest point and should not pass close enough to cause significant visual impact. Other historic landmarks and sights near but not in visual range of this proposed transmission line are: (1) Dearfield Ghost Town, Weld County (2) Dent Indian Site, Weld County (3) Ft. St. Vrain, Weld County (4) Frazier Indian Site, Weld County (5) Gerry Grave, Weld County (6) Jurgens Paleo-Indian Site, Weld County (7) Union Colony, Weld County (8) Ft. Russel - Laramie County, Wyo. (9) Deadwood Trail , Laramie County, Wyo. Care will be taken to preserve any historic sites, landmarks, and trails in their natural condition in the vicinity of these proposed transmission lines, along with their natural surroundings. Contact has been made with the State Historical Societies of Colorado and Wyoming for locations of historical and archeological significance that might be affected by this project. The State Historical Society of Colorado has indicated that there are two historic sites in the area (Pawnee Buttes and Ft. Morgan) but neither will be affected (See Appendix A) . If any historical artifacts are unearthed or found, construction in the immediate area will cease and the appropriate interested agency or University will be contacted for consultation. I-38 Seismologic Activity The transmission line and the substation facilities are located in an area that is designated a minor seismic risk area (See Figure 1). In addition, the "strain release," a statistical number related to the energy release of an earthquake, expressed as an equivalent number of magnitude four earthquakes on the Modified Meroalli (MM) scale, is low to moderate for Wyoming and Colorado. Figure 2 shows the strain re- lease statistics for earthquakes that occured from 1900 to 1965. Generally the higher the strain release number, the greater the energy that was released by quakes in the area. All construction for this project will be in an area of minor seismic risk. If earthquakes were to occur, the intensity would be expected to be less than seven on the Modified Meroalli (MM) scale. The Modified Meroalli scale has a minimum value of 12. A seven reading on the MM scale therefore represents only a moderate earthquake causing negligible damage to buildings of good design and construction. Wyoming and Colorado have experienced only intermediate and minor earthquakes of intensities 5 to 8 on the Modified Meroalli (MM) scale from 1852 through 1956. Table 11 indicates the historical frequencies of earthquakes as a function of intensity. Similarly, Wyoming has experienced 13 earthquakes of intensities 5 to 6 on the MM scale. Much of the seismic activity in Wyoming (68%) has been centered in or around the Yellowstone Park area and the western border. This is an area of higher seismic potential (See Figure 2) . I-39 - . mows . i • 1,1:': •I'''''' I • - • - WYOMING I NEBRASKA ..........11\I I I i COLORADO I I I I I SEISMIC RISK MAP DAMAGE KEY 1111 Major Destructive Earthquakes May Occur - Expected Moderate Damage Expected Minor Damage T R I STATE No Reasonable Expectancy of Earthquake Damage GENERATION & TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC. •-•--• Proposed Transmission Lines SEISMIC RISK MAP FIGURE 1 Burns&McDonnell Engineers-Architects-Consultants I-40 KANSAS CITY.MISSOURI 1 UI �. - - - - - • - • - • - • - • - • 1 1I ••• • WYO • MING I in■■■ Z f•e.e, ''f h1f /..,:'. rrf iii fff f r5s ••• ■V■■�. ••••• / ff rr.},/,;',2 ■'�■■� 7 NEBRASKA ■■■■■I • I • I I • •• COLORADO - . - . _ •'•'•'.:.•:::.;.::.. . STRAIN RELEASE MAP KEY: STRAIN RELEASE >64 • ■■■■I 16-64 ■■•■uI 111111111 4-16 T R I STATE GENERATION & TRANSMISSION t7 "<< ASSOCIATION, INC. f J ,r' 1-4 25-1 STRAIN RELEASE MAP <.25 , FIGURE 2 ®----0 Proposed Transmission Lines Barns NOTE: Numbers are unitless. They the express Engineee�®nsu1an1 rs-Arctutects-Consultants energy released by an earthquake. KANSAS CITY,MISSOURI I-41 TABLE 11 EARTHQUAKE RECURRENCE Area Risk Zone Intensity (MM) Earthquakes per 100 yrs. per 1000,000 012 (MM) MM intensity V VI VII VIII Wyoming, Colorado New Mexico 3, 2, 1 32.8 6.85 1.42 0.311 A.6. CONSTRUCTION METHODS The line will consist of three aluminum conductors steel-reinforced and two galvinized-steel overhead ground wires. The conductors will be supported on 2-pole wood H-frames. The basic pole will be 80 feet in length and approximately 18 inches in diameter at the butt and 8 inches in diameter at the top. Poles up to 100 feet in length will be used. The tangent structures will be REA Type TH-230. Figure 3 shows a typical 2-pole structure with pertinent dimensions. Spans in the line will average about 750 feet or approximately seven structures per mile. Span lengths will vary between 700 feet and 1000 feet. Pole heights and span lengths will vary with the roll of the ground and the height of the power and communication lines or other features crossed. The minimum ground clearance at 60 degrees Fahrenheit will be approximately- 29 feet. Clearence from roads, railroads, power and telephone lines, and other specified places will be in compliance with the National Electric Safety Code, the recognized standard for wire line construction. Major items of equipment required for the construction are: I-42 power auger for drilling pole holes, air compressor for tamping back-fill around poles, vehicle with power operated boom for lifting structures into place (structures of this type are normally assembled on the ground and then lifted into place by a boom mounted on a power vehicle) , power-operated tensioner for pulling in conductors under tension lowboy semi-trailers for hauling poles and other materials and trucks and pickups for hauling tools and personnel . Construction of this 155 miles of transmission line will provide temporary employment for 50 to 75 workers. There should be some add- itional operation and maintenance workers required for the project. The estimated cost for both segments of this new line is approx- imately $37,000.00 per mile or $5,800,000.00. This project is to be completed in two segments. The first segment to be completed is the Archer-Story segment. It is necessary to have this line operational by June, 1975. To be avilable at this time, construction will have to begin by February, 1976, and become operational by June, 1976. Clearing the right-of-way for the transmission line will be per- formed in a manner which will preserve the natural beauty of the land- scape, prevent erosion and pollution of waterways, and protect wildlife habitats. A straight swath-approach will be avoided in many locations, and an undulating appearance will be maximized. Only natural vegetation that poses a hazard to the transmission line will be removed. Where necessary, native vegetation will be planted to minimize erosion and enhance the natural beauty. The disposal of brush or trees from the clearing operation can be done by several methods, such as piling on the side of the right-of-way to create wildlife caves, hauling to a refuse I-43 disposal site, or burying. It can also be placed in small gullies for erosion protection. All means of disposal will be carried out in a manner that will not destroy the scenic beauty of the area. An important point is the fact that no new access roads throughout the right-of-way is possible. This will avoid possible rutting and erosion problems. The terrain is such that construction equipment can maneuver across the land without establishing roads. Usually the marks left after construction will disappear within one to a few years if the tracks remain unused after construction. • I-44 ft• I 1 in 21'-0" ' overhead ground wire (typical 2 places) I II 1 rn " / N10'-0" 1! 111 i 1,1,! v ___,.... ____ , ,_,A_. +IA_ it,l .-- 13 insulators f (typical 3 places) (I 1(i • • • 19'-6" 19'-6" 1 m I, \ conductors I (typical 3 places) • \ in . • b -H L co C, . • I 11 in CO I (I •-pj° 19'-6" Ground Line I(il (I 14.1 Ii.;1 • L4 i6 c . tip Fri O CBILIJ 230 kV H-Frame Two-Pole Structure REA Type TH-230 • Environmental Analysis For T he • Electric Transmission This Drawing Not To Scale Facilities of the MISSOURI BASIN POWER f ROIECT TYPICAL WOOD POLE STRUCTURE - 230 kV-AC • - Figure 3 • Burns d MD7o^n:ll • ,MAAS C',• V ..J.•, 14 Ohl I OLIO o • I-45 I • 24'-0" ► I 7.---- Overhead Ground Wires 4 8' " 10'.0" \A/1 4 CD O — 1'-6"- t . • -•--1 i-.1 - ,...--- • I®i® • '251-0" 25'-0" 4 C • • rr O N si O Q (h 0 4 in n • • • • • Grade I , � ` I Concrete Footing 25'-0" ,I Environmental Analysis • for The • ElectricTransmiss;on Facilities of the MISSOURI BASIN POWER PROTECT TYPICAL STEEL LATTICE STRUCTURE - 345 kV-AC Figure 4 Not to Scale Burns&M' onr�l! • • .•111.5•1C.* •.ISSOmit. • • 71 11N 4 4 K•1 1 I-46 . Envar©nmenadd Ornr acit B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT The design, clearing, construction and maintenance of the proposed transmission line and cleanup and restoration of the area will follow the applicable criteria set forth by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior in their publication "Environmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems," and applicable recommendations set forth in "Environmental Guidelines," a publication of the Western Systems Co- ordinating Council , of which Tri-State is a member. B. 1. IMPACT ON SOILS The proposed transmission line will be constructed in a manner that will minimize the possibility of soil erosion. Existing roads in the area and the open agricultural land along the proposed route will possibly enable the line to be built and maintained without having to build an access or construction road. Where the agricultural land will be traversed duing construction, care will be taken to avoid rutting or other damage to prevent wind or water erosion and to prevent inter- ference with the usual agricultural use of the land after construction is completed. Little or no grading is expected to be required. Strip- ping of vegetation should not be necessary for pole structures. At the P.P.&L Substation near Laramie, stripping of vegetation will be nec- essary to enable construction of this substation. As construction activities end, and grading and revegetation procedures are implemented, the area stripped will quickly regain its former vegetative cover. At the other substation locations, no stripping will be done as both I-47 f sites are now existing. If any rutting should occur, the ruts will be filled before the contractor leaves the area. Soil disturbance will be held to a minimum, and where necessary, reseeding will be done to speed restoration and prevent erosion. Should any reseeding or land restoration be necessary, the guidance of appropriate experts, such as the Soil Conservation t Service or others, will be sought in cooperation with private land- owners. No pesticides are planned to be used during construction and maintenance of the line, unless requested by property owners. If any pesticides or herbicides should be used, only those recommended by appropriate authorities, such as the U.S.D.A. , will be employed. t As noted earlier, the proposed route--as well as alternative transmission line routes--will cross irrigated farmland. Special care will be taken during construction and maintenance of the line to avoid damaging or interfering with irrigation and drainage systems. Most of the irrigation, especially for row crops, is done by straight or contour furrows, with water moving down narrow furrows. Great care has been taken to place the proposed route into areas of non-utilized or marginally utilized areas, such as rough drainageways, or existing utility corridors. In placing the line in these drainage- ways, no additional erosion should take place. These drainageways are rather large natural topographic features; primarily rangeland that has a cover of grasses (principally blue gamma and buffalo grass). This r grass cover should prevent excessive soil disturbances and erosion. In periods of inclement weather, Tri-State will work closely with the contractor to revise scheduling. This can possibly prevent moving I-48 vehicles and equipment across the land when severe rutting would occur. In this area of light rainfall , however, this is not expected to be a great problem. B.2. IMPACT ON VEGETATION While the line route avoids areas with trees as much as possible, there are locations where some trees will have to be removed in the right-of-way. This will be held to an absolute minimum consistent with safety and operational requirements, and will be done in a manner con- sistent with applicable criteria in the two publications mentioned on Page I-39. There are no known sensitive, rare or endangered flora, and no wilderness areas along or near the route of the proposed line. The construction and operation of the line along the proposed or alternate routes would not endanger any of the rare flora if they were present. B.3. IMPACT ON WILDLIFE While wildlife will undoubtedly avoid the immediate area during construction, wildlife will not be harmed and the completed line will not interfere with their return and will not impair their habitat. Tri-State is aware of the concern about the possible impact of power lines on eagles and other large predator birds. Colorado has some of the highest nesting and wintering population concentrations of golden eagles in the United States, perhaps second only to Wyoming. Tri- State has therefore been concerned about the potential impact of its I-49 transmission lines on eagles and other raptors. It is Tri-State' s understanding, however, that power lines under which electrocuted eagle carcasses have been found are lower voltage transmission or distribution lines that have energized conductors above the neutral wire, or that have energized conductors fairly close to- gether. It is also Tri-State's understanding that the potential problem is one of "perching" rather than colliding with power lines. Eagles and other large predator birds generally seek the highest point in an area from which to scan the terrain for prey, for most of them hunt from a perch rather than from flight. In the open agricultural land that the proposed line will traverse, the highest perching point might be a power pole. In taking off from this perch, the bird's foot or wing might hit an energized conductor if the conductor is too close to the pole or arm. To the best of Tri-State' s knowledge, however, there is little or no potential for electrocution of birds on the line and poles to be used on the proposed line. This is so because the unenergized ground wire will be the uppermost wire and because the energized conductors will be below the uppermost arm on the poles (See Figure 3) . This potential problem was discussed with biologists at the Colo- rado Division of Wildlife on a previous project. After viewing pictures of the poles to be used, they indicated that they thought the line would not cause any problems for raptors. They recommended the line be kept away from major highways if possible. They noted that poles encourage perching, and perching birds on poles along a highway, as well as in- sulators, become tempting targets for some hunters driving by. (Note: The golden eagle is not an endangered species. The golden I-50 eagle is on the protected list, however, because to most people a young bald eagle is indistinguishable from a golden eagle. Because the bald eagle is an endangered species, protection was, therefore, extended to the golden eagle. ) Also in this area is the black footed ferret, a rare and endangered species. Tri-State' s environmental consultant has indicated the con- struction and operation will not affect this animal in any way. B.4. IMPACT ON ESTHETICS Building a transmission line in any area quite obviously has a visual or esthetic impact. Indeed, the visual or esthetic impact is the primary environmental factor involved in Tri-State's proposed trans- mission line. The question becomes one of how to minimize the visual or esthetic impact of the line for people traveling the roads in the area and re- siding nearby. Tri-State has taken several steps in an effort to minimize the esthetic intrusion of the line on the landscape: 1. The proposed line route stays away from urban areas of Cheyenne and will not affect travelers on I-80. 2. Where possible, the line is run in existing corridors to lessen visual impact. 3. The line avoids high points to decrease visual impact. 4. Near the Archer Substation, the line is run behind a high point in the terrain, thereby shielding itself from view of the area residents. I-51 5. Selection of structures will be harmonious with the landscape. B.5. IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES The proposed project will not affect water quality or water re- sources in the Laramie-Cheyenne-Brush area. The Platte River is the only major water resource to be crossed by the line. No soil erosion into nearby irrigation reservoirs is expected. B.6. IMPACT ON CLASSIFIED AREAS The proposed line will have no impact on formally classified areas. The proposed line route stays out of the Pawnee National Grassland. There are no known archeological sites in the area. However, should any artifacts, burial sites, or other manifestations of an earlier culture be discovered during construction, work at the site will be stopped immediately and the State Historical Societies and Arch- eological Societies of Colorado and Wyoming will be promptly notified. B.7. IMPACT OF MAINTENANCE PRACTICES It is possible that maintenance work will be needed during in- clement weather. This is a time when the soil and vegetation are more susceptible to damage. If damage should occur to an area due to main- tenance work, the affected area will be restored and revegetated. The I-52 recommendations of the Bureau of Land Management and the Soil Conser- vation Service will be followed for the restoration. B.8. IMPACT ON AVIATION The transmission line and facilities will not interfere with navigable airspace. Tri-State will send the route maps and file Form No. 7460-1 with the Federal Aviation Agency. Past experience, however, has shown that projects such as this pose no problem to air flight. B.9. IMPACT ON HUMAN ACTIVITY Except for small land areas to be taken up by the poles along the proposed line, the project will not interfere with normal human activity in the area. Land in the right-of-way will be available for agricult- ural use, as in the past. 6. 10. IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY OF THE AREA The land to be crossed by the proposed transmission line is pri- marily agricultural . During the estimated three-month construction period for each line section, there will be some disruption of agricultural activity directly in the right-of-way. After construction, the com- pleted line will have little impact on the agricultural use of the land in the right-of-way. % Aside from the expenditure of the estimated capital cost of the line (for planning, design, equipment, acquiring rights-of-way, and I-53 construction) , perhaps the major economic impact of the proposed line will be long-range. That is, the proposed line will enable Tri-State to provide adequate and reliable electric service to its consumers in the area. This, in turn, means that the electricity needed by commercial and industrial enterprises, as well as by residential consumers, will be available to sustain the projected population growth and development of the area. B.11. NOISE, RADIO-TV INTERFERENCE The proposed transmission line will not create a noise pollution problem. Proper conductor sizing and bonding to control electric field strengths and careful stringing of the conductors during construction to minimize surface marring will make interference with radio and tele- vision reception in the area highly unlikely. However, should the line cause any radio and television interference, Tri-State will work with residents in the area to trace and eliminate the problem. Tri-State anticipates no problems of induced voltages in pipelines, metal fences, etc. Alternating current lines, such as the proposed line, normally have no corrosive effect on underground or surface pipe- line. Induced voltage into fences has not been a problem under Tri-State i lines. However, Tri-State will investigate the need for grounding fences that are near and parallel to the transmission line. Where the need for grounding is indicated, grounding will be installed. I-54 C . Fav© thf1c ErnArovpmertft0 E ears C. FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS It is generally accepted that adequate and reliable electric service is essential to maintain and enhance living standards, economic vitality, and public health and welfare. In other words, electricity is essential to the quality of life as we know it today. This is no less true of rural areas than of the nation's heavily populated urban regions. Indeed, as the many pressures of life in metropolitan centers increase, it is all the more important to keep rural America as economically healthy and attractive as possible. In 1972, the President said in his message to Congress on rural development that "The vitality of rural America has been at the heart of our nation's strength. " The President added that "It is essential that we preserve and expand that vitality in the years ahead. For America will not be able to look eagerly to the future with a sense of promise and hope unless those who live in the rural areas are able to share in this vision." The President also noted that "the overall growth of economic opportunity in rural America has lagged far behind that of our urban areas. Today, dramatic disparities exist between metropolitan and rural areas in such indices as per capita income, housing standards, educ- ational attainment and access to medical care. " An adequate and reliable supply of electricity for homes, busi- nesses, farms, and industries in rural America is essential if the nation is indeed going to "preserve and expand" the vitality of rural America, as the President declared. Without electricity, the sewer and water facilities, the industrial I-55 parks and community centers--those facilities that, in the President's words, "work directly or indirectly to improve employment opportunities" in rural America--are not possible. The proposed transmission line will increase service reliability and enable Tri-State to meet its consumers ' growing demands for elec- tricity. In providing this essential public service--electric power-- Tri-State will be providing one of the fundamental ingredients needed to "preserve and expand" the vitality of this area. I-56 J . tilini veo alD]a Aduarse Envotr®rrtmeng.all E acts D. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS There are a few short-term disturbances caused by the construction of the transmission lines. Construction during good weather, at the height of the tourist season, is almost mandatory. A negative visual impact and a degradation in scenic quality is possible from construction activities around highways, road crossings, and field entrances. This will , however, be a very localized and short-term effect due to the constant moving as support structures are finished. Fugitive dust raised from construction activities during dry periods can prove a detriment to the scenic quality of an area; but, once again, this will be only a localized condition of short duration. Soil compaction and erosion can result from the repeated use of construction machinery in a small area or along an unpaved construction roadway. This compaction could cause the soil to lose its water holding and vegetation supporting ability. Topsoil can then become fine dust subject to erosion from wind and rain. Silting of streams from runoff and erosion could be possible if this condition occurs. Soil compaction and its related problems are very localized and short term and should not prove detrimental to air or water quality in the area. As the construction activities end, grading and revegetation will be implemented and the ecosystem of the affected area will then return to normal within a very short period. Wildlife in a construction area would be displaced during all activites but should return to the area quite soon after these activi- ties cease. This displacement would be localized, short term, and of a minor nature while workmen and construction equipment are in the area. I-57 The right-of-way required for these transmission lines will be approximately 1900 acres in area. However, since only the land occupied by the pole structures will be unavailable for use, the amount of land removed from its original purpose will be small , less than 3 acres for the entire 155 mile line length. r I-58 SECTION II CURRENT CONSIDERATIONS In this material , we explore the basic question of why the line voltage was increased to 345 _kV and thus necessitating a basic change in tower design, right-of-way width, and tower height. It is apparent from the preceeding material , that at one point in time Tri-State felt that a 230 kV line would be adequate for the power needs in the area. Why then should Tri-State increase the voltage? There are two primary factors which account for this change. Perhaps the foremost consideration for the line size change was the alternating pattern of energy providing for use in northeastern Colo- rado. When the 230 kV line was conceived, it was to carry power from the Yampa generating facility at Craig, Colorado, to the Story Substation near Brush, Colorado. In all respects the line was adequate for its intended use. However, when Tri-State became involved in the Missouri Basin Power Project, the transmission system was adjusted to handle the increased generating capacity of up to 1 ,000 megawatts. Within this system, the 230 kV line would be incapable of handling the increased power flows. Thus, in order to provide for a better grid system, increase the energy capacity, and enable potential wheeling arrangements, the _) Archer-Story line was increased from 230 kV to 345 kV. Based on the above considerations, this is the only course of action available if we are to balance the power needs of eastern Colorado and utilize our generation capacity efficiently. A secondary consideration, perhaps just as important, is the future growth patterns of the northeastern Colorado area and its increased I-59 electrical energy dependence. As is indicated several times throughout the environmental analysis, the 230 kV line was designed to meet the power needs of the area well into the 1980's. However, with the 345 kV facilities, sufficient transmission capacity would be available to meet projected power needs until the turn of the century. This alternative would be a better planning decision then the previously considered 230 kV project proposal . I-60 SECTION III SUPPLEMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS OF 345 kV LINE AS COMPARED TO 230 kV LINE Upon the final analysis of the available alternatives, Tri-State concluded that the 345 kV line was in the best interest of all we serve. Tri-State contracted again with Burns & McDonnell to provide a sup- plemental analysis of the additional impact of a 345 kV line as compared to the then proposed 230 kV line. As in the earlier study, guidelines were established in accordance with the Rural Electrification Administration Bulletin 20-21:320-21 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190) . The results of the study were completed in the last half of 1975. Within the material which follows, several areas are explored regarding the increased line size. The conclusion of the study was that the construction, maintenance, etc. , of the increased tower size would have very little additional impact on the area. To aid the reader, the summary on page I-, contains a key which most dramatically illustrates the differences between a 230 kV and a 345 kV line. In many respects the 345 kV line actually exceeds the 230 kV line in desirability. Examples include structures per mile, ground clearance, and span length. For supplemental purposes, included as Appendix B are two photo- graphs of typical steel lattice transmission towers. These were taken in northeastern Colorado and each represents a specific fact. The first photograph (B-1) illustrates not only the point that in reality very little land is actually taken out of production but also the fact that farmability of the area is not necessarily hindered. The second I-61 photograph (A-2) illustrates that top soil is not permanently disrupted by the tower construction and regeneration of vegetation is rapid after construction. III - A VISIBILITY OF STRUCTURES A major difference exists in the type of structure required for support of the two different transmission lines. The 230 kV line would use wooden two-pole structures, and the 345 kV line would use steel tower structures. The poles for the 230 kV lines would average 70' in height, while support towers for the 345 kV line would average 90' in height. A typical 230 kV structure is shown in Figure 3 and a typical 345 kV structure is shown in Figure 4. The 230 kV structures are located and backfilled into place. The 345 kV lattice steel structure requires four separate concrete footings approximately 4 feet square, thus occupying a total area of approximately 25' x 14' . The wooden two-pole structures for a 230 kV line, being smaller than the steel tower of 345 kV lines, require approximately seven structures per mile on the average, while the 345 kV line requires approximately five structures per mile on the average. The difference in support structures will increase the level of visual impact occurring to the area through which the line passes because of the increased height of the towers and the cross-sectional area. The previously approved route has been soundly routed in terms of visual impact. As noted in the Environmental Impact Statement, filed and approved for 230 kV operation, the line avoids populated areas as I-62 much as possible, recreational areas totally, and avoids high points in the terrain. While the steel tower structures may not be as harmonious to the open rangeland of the area, the avoidance of the above-mentioned potential visual impact sites should make the increase in visual impact slight. III - B LAND USAGE The 230 kV line would have a 100 foot right-of-way. For a distance of 100 miles, this right-of-way would amount to over 1200 acres. On the other hand, the 345 kV line would have a 150 foot right-of-way. This would amount to over 1900 acres for the 100 miles, a difference of 700 acres. While the right-of-way would involve a large amount of land, the land that would actually be consumed by the structures for either voltage line would be much smaller. Assuming that there is a land requirement of 24' x 4' for the wooden pole structures, where the 24' is made up of 20' between poles and a 2' clearance on either side, and the 4' is the width requirement, 700 pole structures would occupy slightly more than 11/2 acres. In comparison, 500 steel towers with a land allow- ance of 29'x18' per tower, where the 29' is the 25' side plus 2' clear- ances for concrete bases on both sides , and the 18' is the 14' width plus two 2' clearances again, the land usage would amount to approxi- mately six acres for the 100 miles of line (See Figure 5). The 230 kV route crosses 12 miles of cropland in its 100-mile length. The difference in acreage taken out of crop production when I-63 changing to 345 kV towers would amount to less than .6 acre. This is based on 2610 sq. ft. per mile for the 345 kV line and 504 sq. ft. per mile for the 230 kV line. III - C AUDIBLE NOISE Corona discharge is a cause of audible noise from power trans- mission lines, especially in foul weather. This is a problem primarily for 500 kV lines and higher.5 Because of the increase in voltage, there will be an increase in noise levels generated by the proposed facilities. However, because of the greater height of the conductors and wider right-of-way, the noise levels at the boundary of the right-of-way will not be significantly higher. • (5) Perry, D.E. "An Analysis of Transmission Line Audible Noise Levels Based Upon Field and Three-Phase Test Line Measurement. " IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol . PAS-91, No. 3, May/June 1972, p. 857 I-64 III - D INTERFERENCE Radio or television interference is anticipated as slightly greater for the higher voltage line. However, the higher voltage line would also be higher in the air and thus farther from any nearby receivers. The area from Archer to Story is sparsely populated and few residences would be near enough to the right-of-way to anticipate major problems. Radio and television interference, then, would be an insignificant influence upon the environment for either type of line. If any problems of interference are encountered, the source of the interference will be investigated with the resident involved and appropriate measures will be taken to reduce or alleviate the interference. III - E OZONE It has been stated that " . . . .high voltage transmission lines up to 756 kV do not generate ozone measurable above the ambient at ground level adjacent to the lines under any weather conditions. "6 Neither transmission line, then would impose any danger to the environ- ment. 6 Fern, W.J. and R.I. Brabets, "Field Investigation of Ozone Adjacent to High Voltage Transmission Lines. " IEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol . PAS93, No. 5, Sept./Oct. 1974, p. 1273 I-65 III - F WILDLIFE The 230 kV wood pole structure is considered by wildlife experts to be safe for perching raptors. This is so because the unenergized ground wire is the uppermost wire and because the energized conductors will be below the uppermost arm on the poles (refer to Figure 3). Because the proposed 345 kV structure retains the same design parameters (uppermost ground wire, etc. , ) and because the distance between conductors is even greater than the 230 kV structure, they may be considered safe also. Construction of either line will displace wildlife from their habitat for as long as men and machinery remain in an area. Wildlife will return to their habitat as soon as construction personnel move along the right-of-way. Construction of the line at either 230 kV or 345 kV will neither create nor destroy any significant amount of wildlife habitat in this area. III - G CONSTRUCTION Construction time would increase from an estimated five months to an estimated eight months for the higher voltage line. This is due to the different methods of construction between the two lines. In the steel tower, sections of the tower are assembled on the ground and then hoisted into place. Stringing of the conductors, however, is the same. 1-66 There will be an increase in impact from construction activities because of the concrete footings and sectional assembly requirements. Corrective measures will be taken should any damage occur. • I-67 SUMMARY The greatest difference between the two lines would be in the aesthetic impact upon the environment. Land usage is different, but so small in either case as to be negligible. Both lines could be con- sidered safe and annoyance minimal . Table 12 follows, which highlights the major features of the 230 kV and 345 kV facilities: TABLE 12 230 kV Wood 345 kV Steel Height 70'-90' 87'-103' Structures/mile (avg) 7 5 Structure area (avg) 72 sq. ft. 522 sq. ft. Structure area/mile 504 sq. ft./mi . 2610 sq. ft./mi. Row Width 100' 150' Construction Employees 50-75 75-110 Line Length 100 miles 100 miles Row Acres 1200 plus 1900 plus Construction Employees 50-75 75-110 Ground Clearance (min) 25' _ 29' 41 Conductor Sag (typical ) 24' 26' Span Length (Range) 500'1 500'-1500' Span Length (Average) 754' 1056' I-68 III - H REA APPROVAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR 345 kV For the purposes of this application it is important to point out the following information. When current considerations necessitated a line change to 345 kV, Tri-State became concerned that the preceeding environmental analysis may require considerable revision in order to meet current 345 kV standards. In regard to this matter, Tri-State submitted to the Rural Electrification Administration a supplemental environmental analysis. On December 11, 1975, we received a "negative determination" from the above agency. Simply, this meant that the existing environmental analysis was considered to be valid for the 345 kV line as well as the original 230 kV project. In part the letter states, "it was our judgement that the incremental environmental affect of changing voltage levels would be insignificant. " A copy of this document is attached as Appendix C. ll I-69 PART II Part I of this application presented our original 230 kV line, environmental issues and analysis, and the resulting impact in the change of line size to 345 kV. In this spirit, Part II of the applica- tion will consider the remaining three routes through Weld County. These routes will not only be discussed but also will be considered as to merit for the final selection process to be presented in Part III. Routing the line through the County was not an easy task. It involved many hours of planning, deliberations, and field work. Because Tri-State utilizes a very sophisticated approach to line siting (see Part IV), we consequently have developed a number of alternative routes in addition to the orginal 230 kV routing. For the sake of clarity, each route has been given a descriptive name. These are the most direct route, the railroad route, and the straight drop route. SECTION I THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE This potential route is shown on the enclosed maps as alternative number 1 . As is the case in all Tri-State planning efforts, this route was developed to avoid as much farmland as possible, both dryland and irrigated. As is illustrated the line passes chiefly through terrain utilizing draws, gulleys, and washes whenever possible. In terms of land use, this route requires easement acquisition of 700.13 acres of rangeland. This is roughly equivalent to 88.5% of the total route II-1 1 length through Weld County. The remaining 11 .5% is dryland farming acreage. This constitutes acquisition of approximately 90.88 acres of land. The estimated total length of alternative number 1 through Weld County is 43.51 mile&. Cost is obviously a factor in any route selection for Tri-State because we are a non-profit corporation. Current estimates per mile for this project are $170,000.00. In addition to the base cost figures, angle structures increase the cost considerably. Prices here ranged from $18,000 more for medium angles to $28,000 more for large angles. This particular alternative route utilizes two medium angles. Total cost then for alternative number 1 is approximately $7,396,700.00. In terms of desirability, this route has the following advantages. It is the least expensive. It has fewer angles than the other alterna- tives. In addition, the relative effect on land usage is minimal . SECTION II THE RAILROAD ROUTE The railroad route is shown on the map as alternative number 2. This particular route was conceived so as to utilize an existing aban- doned railroad bed for a distance of approximately 12 miles. Although the railroad right-of-way extends further north and south, a missile site easement and grain elevators near Grover would interfere with this routing. In terms of land usage, this particular route requires easement acquisition of approximately 736.57 acres of rangeland. This is equivalent I1-2 to 97.4% of the route length. The remaining 2.6% is dry cropland. This encompasses approximately 20 acres. No irrigated farmland is crossed. The overall length of this route through Weld County is 42.77 miles. Alternative number 2 in relation to current estimates , will cost $7,459,500.00. This is based on route length and in consideration of eight medium angle structures along the right-of-way. In addition, in order to utilize the existing railroad easment, Tri-State will have to grade the bed. This increases cost $4,000 per mile for a total of $48,000. However, this cost has been included in the above estimate. In relation to desirability, this route has the following advantages. Since easement acquisition involves purchase of an existing easement, cost will be considerably less. In the same respect, land use impact al _the existing railroad bed will be minimal . One undesirable feature of this route is the fact that one dwelling is located within 500 feet of the easement centerline. This is not uncommon in relation to transmission lines, but there is a visual impact to the landowner involved. SECTION III THE STRAIGHT DROP ROUTE The straight drop route is shown on the map as alternative number 3. This route was selected to illustrate the possibility of a line traversing directly south from Wyoming then with a minimum of angle structures, running due east into Morgan County. II-3 U This route has the greater length of all of the alternatives. The estimated total mileage within Weld County is 54.88. Land usage is as follows. Easement acquisition of rangeland will require 914.3 acres. This is equivalent to 91.6% of the total amount of land needed. 83.62 acres of dryland cultivation will also be traversed should this route be selected. This is approximately 8.4% of the total acreage affected. The cost of alternative number 3 is the greatest of all the possible routes. This is due to the length and the fact that three large angles are required for this route. Currently the cost estimate is $9,413,600.00. This route has many undesirable features. Perhaps the single most undesirable aspect is cost. Alternative number 3 totals $2,016,900.00 more than the base price of the most direct route and $1,954,100.00 more than the railroad route. As discussed above, this is due to angle cost and simply length of the line. In addition to the above, the impact of this line is much more eminent than the other two alternatives presented. Consider the added acreage. This line requires easement acquisition of 997.92 acres compared to 791.01 acres for the most direct route and 756.57 for the railroad route. Also the visual impact is compounded by the increased length of the line. The future growth patterns of Weld County may also be affected as this route is closest to the population centers of the County. In summation, the following table (13) illustrates and compares the most important elements of each alternative discussed in this section. I1-4 I TABLE 13 WELD COUNTY The following estimate is based on these factors : Cost per mile: $170,000.00 Medium angle costs: $18,000.00 more than a tangent structure Large angle costs: $28,000.00 more than a tangent structure Most Direct Route Terrain Acres Percent No. Miles 43.51 Rangeland 700. 13 88.5 No. med. angles 2 Dryland cult. 90.88 11.5 No. lg. angels 0 Irrigated .0 .0 Dwellings 200' to 500' from center line - 0 Dwellings within 200' from center line - 0 Total Cost - R/W $7,396,700.00 Straight Drop Route No. Miles 54.88 Rangeland 914.30 91 .6 No. med. angles 0 Dryland cult. 83.62 8.4 No. lg. angles 3 Irrigated .0 .0 Dwellings 200' to 500' from center line - 0 Dwellings within 200' from center line - 0 Total Cost - R/W $9,413,600.00 Railroad Route No. miles 42.77 Rangeland 736.57 97.4 No. med. angles 8 Dryland cult. 20.00 2.6 No. lg. angles 0 Irrigated .0 .0 Dwellings 200' to 500' from center line - 1 Dwellings within 200' from center line - 0 Total Cost - R/W $7,411,500.00 + $48,000.00* = $7,459,500.00 * Extra cost of leveling railroad grade. Estimated cost per mile is $4,000.00 with approximately four miles to be graded. II-5 PART III Part II of this application explored three alternative routes through Weid County. This was in conjunction with material pertaining to the original 230 kV route as discussed in Part I. The additional route selection process (Part II) was initiated by Tri-State in order to examine viable alternative routes through the County. This is consis- tant with our line-siting approach, environmental considerations, and planning efforts as presented throughout this application. This alter- native route selection process has had the approval of the Weld County Planning Commission in relation to their efforts of effective land use policy within Weld County. Part III of this application recommends a preferred routing through Weld County and presents considerations behind the endorsement of this route. In addition, the preferred route is contrasted and compared to the other alternatives for desirability. Finally, supplemental informa- tion regarding public input is applied to the preferred routing to illustrate why this route was selected over all of the possible alternatives . SECTION I PREFERRED ROUTE After due consideration and analysis of all of the alternatives through Weld County, Tri-State has concluded that the Most Direct Route (alternative number 2) is to be preferred over the other possible routings. This conclusion has been based on compilations of materials III-1 1 and data made available through many sources. Most of that data is presented within this application. Other relevant data, relating to engineering and planning efforts, has not only been presented within this material but also at public hearings held in relation to the project. There are five primary factors responsible for the selection of this route. They are as follows. I-A Land Use As is illustrated in Part II and Part IV, land use is an important consideration in planning for transmission systems. Along this preferred routing, 88.5% of the total route length through Weld County would be rangeland. The remaining 11 . 5% would be dry farmland. These percentages are not only consistant with Tri-State's line-siting policy (See Part IV) but also with accepted land use policies within Weld County (See I-D below) . In relation to this, rangeland utilized by cattle ranch operations for grazing purposes is perhaps the best land over which to traverse. The reason is simple. Tower structures will not hinder effective operation of ranch activities . Cattle are still free to graze everywhere and little actual land is taken out of use. Thus land use is optimum and consistant with Weld County Planning Commission guidelines . I-B Terrain In conjunction with land use as discussed above, the terrain of this area is compatible with the placement of the transmission system. I III-2 As discussed in Part II, the line passes over terrain utilizing draws, gulleys, and washes wherever practical . The reason is simple. Future agricultural growth patterns should not be hindered in most cases, because development of this type of terrain is unlikely. Therefore, this route affords protection to existing agricultural land wherever possible and practical . This is consistant with the Weld County Comprehensive Plan discussed below. (See I-D) I-C Impact Although the descriptive name of this route (the Most Direct) implies this is the shortest route, in reality another alternative is .74 of a mile shorter. However, in the area of impact, this route has several distinct advantages over the other alternatives. For example, as discussed above in terms of land use and terrain this routing is an excellent choice. Another advantage of the Most Direct Route over the next desirable alternative is that this routing avoids population centers within Weld County. This has two apparent advantages . One is that the future growth patterns of population centers within the County will not be affected by the line. The second is that because the route is located in_ an area away from population centers, the visual impact of the transmission system is lessened. In conjunction with visual impact, _this route is located further away from farm units than other alternatives. Thus again the visual impact is lessened. III-3 I-D Land Use Regulations As has been indicated several times in the above analysis, Tri- State has attempted to conform to Weld County land use regulations for the final route selection process. This has been in addition to our own environmental considerations and line-siting policy (See Parts I & IV) . In partial fulfillment of our commitment, Tri-State has followed the guidelines set forth in the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, developed by the Weld County Planning staff. In part these guidelines state, "In order to promote the agricultural economy and to enhance and maintain the quality of life and environment in Weld County, developments that utilize our productive rural land and water surpluses will be encouraged, particularly where productive irrigated farmland can be preserved as agricultural green belts and open space. " The Most Direct Route reflects these considerations. Thus in terms of land use, environmental impact (See Part I & II ) , and in overall desirability for future growth patterns, this routing is the most advantageous. I-E Cost As was previously stated in this application, cost is obviously a factor in any route selection for Tri-State because we are a non-profit corporation. The Most Direct Route is the least expensive alternative through Weld County. However, even though this factor would contribute to our selection process, this was not the sole consideration in selection of this route. For example, another alternative is only $62,800.00 more III-4 based on current estimates. This route, however, would have an impact on population centers in Grover and Keota and thus would be less accept- able according to our standards, as discussed above regarding impact. SECTION II THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE IN COMPARISON WITH THE OTHER ALTERNATIVES In Section A of Part III, we explored the considerations that reflect our reasoning behind endorsement of the Most Direct Route as the preferred routing through Weld County. In this section of the application, we examine the advantages of the preferred route over the other alternatives . A basic overview was begun in Part II when advantages of the various routes were presented in terms of desirability. Within this section, our basic approach in contrasting and comparing the Most Direct Route with the other alternatives is to utilize a chart which will illustrate the basic differences at a glance. III-5 J land resources on which all men depend for life itself; and to pro- tecting historic and esthetic values which, along with our heritage of natural resources, must be maintained if we and generations to follow are to have a quality environment. " In addition to the preceeding considerations, Tri-State has re- peatedly indicated that its line design, location, and construction policies will follow available criteria set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Interior in the publication "Environment Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems". 1 . A general map reconnaissance has been considered in deter- mining the probable location of each of the routes. 2. Generally, the cost estimates provide for a small amount of additional mileage so that added route length can be accommodated should it be necessary to avoid environmentally critical areas when the final field location is determined. Where known areas of probable high environmental impact from construction are involved, full consideration has been given to the probability and cost of avoiding these areas. All alternate routes will be considered in making the final field reconnaissance and location of transmission lines. 3. With full consideration to items 1 and 2, the general location of line routes have been established over the shortest practical distance. This procedure requires less material and will result in less line costs, which in turn provides for a more efficient use of natural resources including construction material and electrical energy. The shortest line route should involve the least exposure to natural weather hazards and provide the greatest re- liability. However, where common corridors are available, these have been considered as possible line routes, notwith- standing their inherent reduction to overall system reliability. 4. Estimated capital costs include the extra expense of providing low profile substation structures; thus enhancing the app- earance of the overall construction. Other beautification IV-6 1 costs, such as colors, minimum soil distrubance, landscaping and revegetation have also been considered in these estimates. ' IV - C LAND USE STUDIES One concern apparent to Tri-State from discussions with Weld County Planning Commission staff was land use along the selected routes. As Part I and Part II illustrate, Tri-State has achieved a minimal impact on land use. In this regard, however, Tri-State has included as Appendix the most recent land use map available for Weld County. As is shown by the route placements, Tri-State has consistently avoided where practical , developed land use areas. This is commensurate with Tri- State's environmental consideration in line siting as discussed in the preceding section. IV-7 IV---: D SUPPLEMENTAL WILDLIFE ANALYSIS At the suggestion of Mr. Tom Honn, Weld County Planning Commission staff member, Tri-State recently contacted the Division of Wildlife for the State of Colorado in relation to raptor nesting site studies. The purpose of the contact was to determine if our routing might interfere with potential or existing nests. After discussions with staff personnel10, we determined that the proposed routing will not interfere with nor hinder any existing or potential nest sites. In addition, the problem of avian electrocution was discussed. In regard to this problem, the staff asserted that electrocution is more often a problem with distribu- tion lines than with transmission lines. In general , department personnel were pleased with our route selections. It should be pointed out that this was not Tri-State's first contact with these problems. In fact, Tri-State partially funded a study on Impacts of 230 kV Transmission Line on Great Plains Wildlife.11 This study was begun in 1973, and observations were made for two years. The emphasis was on avian nesting populations. An abstract of the material summarizes the study content as follows. "Wildlife censuses were conducted between 10 September 1973 and 9 August 1975 along a 230 kV transmission line in southeastern Colorado before, during, and after its construction." "Wildlife vacated the immediate vicinity of construction activity. The presence of construction crews may have caused the abandonment of two Swainson's hawk nests. " (10) Jerry Craig, State Division of Wildlife, State of Colorado. (11 ) Dale Stahlecker, Impact of a 230 kV Transmission Line on Great Plains Wildlife, Colorado State University, 1975. IV-8 "Small mammals were not adversely affected by the line. There was no evidence that the line effected large mammal movement or behavior. Avian populations and diversities on five 1.6 km long line transects were not significantly different from five control transects. Some avian collision mortality was documented, but the total amount and impact of this mortality could not be measured. Avian nesting populations decreased in two aboreal study areas. One decline was due to the removal of nesting trees during construction while the other may have been caused by some non-line factor. The post-construction winter raptor population was concentrated along the line and was significantly greater than the pre-construction population. " Note that raptor population was increased along the line after con- struction. According to Division of Wildlife personnel , this is due to ideal perching conditions for the raptors while hunting for small mammals or rodents. Thus in effect, this line may enhance survival of rapture populations in Weld County. IV Water Resources Availability A request was made that Tri-State contact the Division of Water Resources for the State of Colorado to determine if our routing might adversely affect potential irrigation efforts. This request was the result of studies currently underway to determine water availability in northern Weld County. In relation to this matter, Tri-State recently met with state personne1 .12 It was discovered that these studies were only preliminarily underway and then only in the Crow Creek Drainage Basin. Thus, study data is incomplete and current studies affect only a small portion of the proposed routing. Mr. Jerry Romero of the Water Resources Division (12) John Romero, Andrew Wacinski , Division of Water Resources, State of Colorado. IV-9 stated that this study may not be complete for some time. Thus, no material was available for inclusion within this report. SECTION II Methodology and Easement Acquisition One continuing area of concern that most landowners express when dealing with Tri-State is our methodology of easement acquisition. This concern surfaces when easement negotiations take place. This section discusses Tri-State' s methodology in relation to this matter. Also, attached as Appendix F is a copy of Tri-State's present Easement Form. A preliminary form currently under consideration due to its clear and concise language is also included. Tri-State will utilize the following guidelines in acquiring i easements for the Archer-Story line through Weld County. 1. All easements will be purchased utilizing a formula that is roughly equivalent to 100% of fee value. 2. The easement will be a uniform width of 150 feet (75' from centerline either direction) throughout the route. 3. In compliance with the National Electric Safety Code, the landowner will not be permitted to build or maintain struct- ures, hay stacks, trees, or other similar obstructions within the right-of-way area. The landowner may use the land for all other purposes including farming, grazing, etc. 4. Tri-State will build and maintain standard gates along the line route for construction and maintenance of the line. r Attached as Appendix G is an illustration of this gate structure. It should be mentioned that surveillance of the IV-10 L line will be done by air. Therefore land compaction and soil erosion. from maintenance efforts will be minimal at most. 5. The grantor will retain all mineral rights to the property. 6. Should Tri-State abandon the casement for an electrical transmission line, then the easement will revert to the landowner. 7. Tri-State will pay the landowner for all damages caused by the surveying, construction, and maintenance of the line. This payment is not included within the right-of-way acquisition payment. Settlements for construction and surveying damage will be negotiated after the line is installed. One hundred percent of damage caused by construction is reimbursable. NOTE: Should damage occur because of maintenance anytime in the future, that amount is also reimbursable. The above somewhat simplifies the attached easement form and its inherent legal language. In any respect, each of the above numbered concepts correctly express Tri-State's intentions in easement acqui- sition. IV-11 TABLE OF APPENDIXES Letter A Letter from State Historical Society of Colorado B Photographs of Typical Steel Tower Structures C Letter from United States Department of Agriculture: Rural Electrification Administration D Tri-State's Environmental Considerations E Land Use for Weld County F Current Easement Form and Proposed Easement Form G Illustration of Typical Gate Structure APPENDIX A THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF COLORADO Colorado State Museum, 200 Fourteenth Avenue, Denver 80203 December 27, 1973 R. L. Andrews Environmental Division Burns & McDonnell 4600 East 63rd Street Post Office Box 173 Kansas City, Missouri 64141 Dear Mr. Andrews: I am enclosing the maps for the transmission line pro- jects and have marked those that have historical re- sources near the project area. Enclosed also is a small statement explaining the historical background for each site found within a project area. For the different projects these are: GORE PASS-WINDY GAP Hot Sulphur Springs--sites within the town itself. Gore Canyon Southwest of Kremmling. Grand County. Prehistoric-present. This narrow canyon is now important as a railroad connection between the Moffat Tunnel and the lower Colorado River valley in Colorado. The construction of this link considerably shortened the rail distance from Denver to Salt Lake and the Pacific coast. The early years of the line through the canyon were pla- gued with mud and rock slides, but effective slide fences and signal devices were finally installed to solve that problem. .. \ �•i R. L. Andrews, page 2 Gore Pass Northwest of Kremmling. Grand County. Prehistoric-present. This pass and the range it crosses were named for Sir St. George Gore, an Irish baronet who, with a well-stocked hunting party and guided by Jim Bridger, scoured Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana for game during the mid-1850 ' s . His party killed some 2, 000 buffalo, 1, 600 elk and deer, and more than 100 bears. The 9, 528 foot pass was a trail by 1866, a wagon road by 1874, and a modern highway in recent years. BIG SANDY-BURLINGTON TRAILS AND EXPEDITIONS--not marked and not considered significant unless there are artifacts uncovered during construction. ARCHER, WYOMING-STORY, COLORADO Pawnee Buttes About midway between Buckingham and the Wyoming border. Weld County Prehistoric-present. These prominent Buttes (5, 500) feet have long been landmarks to travelers in northern Colorado. They also served as lookout points. They are on the pawnee National Grasslands. Fort Morgan (Fort Tyler) Near the center of present Fort Morgan. Morgan County. 1864-1868. Established in 1864 to protect the Overland and Platte River trails during Indian troubles, this fort was decommissioned in 1868. Originally called Camp Tyler for the "Tyler Rangers, " Central City volunteers, it was renamed to honor Colonel Christo- pher A. Morgan, Civil War hero and the first commander of the fort. FORT COLLINS-AULT Nothing R. L. Andrews, page 3 We would ask that the projects follow either the preferred route corridors or the Alternates No. 1 in each instance. I do not believe that the sites listed will be effected in an adverse way, with the possible exception of the Gore Pass. We hope that any construc- tion there will be as minimal as possible and would appreciate further information concerning this site. If at any time any sort of historical resources are discovered during construction, we ask that immediate notice be given us, so that we may work out some compatible plans. We have no access to the archeological information that you are probably seeking at this moment for the project areas. We suggest that you get in touch with Dr. Breternitz at the University of Colorado, or Dr. Hester at the Colorado State University. The former is in Boulder, Colorado and the latter in Fort Collins, Colorado. Either gentleman is authorized to give you the information you need. Thank you for contacting us on these projects, for your concern and cooperation in historic preservation. Sincerely, 7.t. Cynthia Emrick Preservation Assistant M CD O O O 0 O O CD O O O O O O CD O O O N O CD O CD CD O 4-) O I— LCD Lf) CD LC) U) IS • O CO (.0 M r 00 61 N U Lf) 61 r r d' LO Q) cr M 'Cr d' d' r— . w n Is .r- 1- N 01 1- + 1- E N4 6R. t+4 H4 64 Q) > r O Q) -al NQ) Oa) C S_ CI—C) C +3 Cd () O •r Q)r 4--) C r >1 Q) C ^•r S- r Q) S_ U 0) 4-) +-) 4-) .I..) r O r > •r C (0 U •r— E rs = 03w.-- E as = O S- U a--) .r- CL (/) Cr) •r CD Q) Q) • X E r r S_ 4-) •r 4-) C 4- 0) �� 0 r-( R) co Q) U > (d ^•r O 4- Q) S- E E •1-) Q) )— R) r- > Q .r .r (L) 4-�-, O4-) r -4-) 0 0 0- C C Q) 4- Q) 0. 0 Cl) Cl) O .0 r0 .r •r. S- (IS V) O Q) 3 Q) M co m C_^ O CL_ Y-0 4— - Q) +-, Q) •r >- L/) Z Q) " O = Cr) V) CD O S- N O M CD Q) U r Cd r- CD N J D) CD p Q) C O J r Cd Li) d" 3 C E 4- r CZ = 0 = .r. (1) Q) V) w -O 1- N C) CO S_ S- Cl) •I- = (3) O D -f-) C) 5 4-) -I-) Cl) (1) CC U U 0 r S S_ U • E r- I- 4-3 4-) r Lil L/) ''o— N co co S- ___t LEJ Q) 4-, C 0) CO I- 4) C 4-) 4) 0 C1 Q = (6 Q) �, �. C C •,- I- O O o O CD O CD O O Q) Q) -F-) 4-) ce •r S- .i `i ✓ CT) Cr) .r V) Q) C C 'O 0 J S_ a rs C 'C U J H...� 4-) 4-) (O cr "O vs rcs its 0) CU LL Q) C 4-3 C) S_ -O C C .r CC5 O C -0 E Z z C.-. O r 4--) -P +-) r a--) N I E C ^ u V) )--I S_ QJ 00 LC) N O -. Q) Q) X Lil d' Q) (CS 0 00 4.0 d- O CO 5— S_ Cl) V) LI_= 0 r M00 ON E E Q) • >,0 61 00 — N.� r Q) O -0 S_— 0 0 •r 10 U rcs CI0 00 E 5.- _J S_ 0) 000 Q) -0—. r N 0 "O C 4) C6 ,R) C M ^ O^ ^ ^ .. C) O r a) r LID M 1.0 LC) d• O S.. Q) U V) .. O r Cn 5- CD CO d"r CO 1� 4-) V) .4- C Q) O CO r 01 M 01 V) 4I-) C) (0 Cd d ^ ✓ 01.-� I- 0 V) h. S- W......., U 0 I— C-) 0) Q) Cl) C r 0) S- •r Q)r Cd r V) O r 00 I— C C) Cl) Q) CO Lf) CO 1- Q C V) > r a) a) •r CO M Cf N E -I--) r d d Lc) •r CD E (4- 53 S- •r- 0 Q) (O +) J V) 4-.' C1 Cl) V) 0 I 0 I 4-' S_ +) U U 0 Cl) Q) Q) (Cl Q) r S_ d-, TJ r S- S- 4-) Cd .r .C (Cl O) S_ 4-) = C O O 0 C = X 0 • lr CL' a) d-) r6 r-- .r.- (j) S- •r S- O 4-) as • C) 5 V) W r N Cr) III-6 SECTION III PUBLIC INPUT INTO ROUTE SELECTION PROCESS As this application illustrates, when TriState began planning for a route through Weld County, conscious efforts were taken to assure proper planning. This included corridor studies, an environmental analysis, and land use studies for line siting that were consistent with acceptable standards for transmission system placement. After all of these steps were completed, Tri-State initiated a program of public input into the finalized route selection process. In this regard, Tri-State has held several landowner meetings in an attempt to inform as many people as possible about the Archer - Story project. The format we utilized was to send written invitations to all landowners on all of the alternative routes. During the course of the meetings, the following subjects were presented: need of a line, discussion of all the possible alternative routes (including aerial photographs) , easement acquisition and methodology, and a question and answer session for informational exchanges. From these meetings Tri-State was able to not only obtain comments and suggestions in line placement, but also valuable information regarding future use plans by the owners. The overall results of these meetings show that the landowners did not favor any one particular routing over another. The general attitude was that they would wait until the final route was selected and then come forth with personal concerns regarding exact placement of lines over their land. III-7 PART IV This section is devoted to an input of additional materials made available to Tri-State through various sources. Also discussed are the basic right-of-way considerations regarding easement acquisition. In addition, parts of the following material reflect several meetings between Tri-State personnel and Weld County Planning Commission staff. SECTION I ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS In relation to planning for the additional 345 kV routes, Tri- State has been guided by several motivating factors. Primary among these were environmental considerations. Therefore, although an adequate environmental analysis has already been presented in Part I, Tri-State has continued to contact individuals and agencies for further refinement of the environmental analysis. The following information correlates additional considerations that were relevant to our planning process. IV- A CROP DUSTING Tri-State has been concerned about the effects of transmission , lines on aerial crop-dusting applications. As early as 1972, Tri-State ! attempted to establish a rapport between crop dusters and Tri-State engineers. Later in 1975 Tri-State contracted for an impact analysis of the inherent hazards of agricultural spraying by air around and about power lines and, where possible, to provide recommendations for design improvements to minimize these hazards.7 In pursuit of this task, (7) C. L. Brooks, Aerial Agricultural Applications vs. Power Transmission Lines, November, 1975. IV-1 licensed agricultural applicators in Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Montana were interviewed. Federal Aviation Administration officials were also contacted. The following is the summary of the results of this study. "Aerial Agriculture Applicators usually referred to "Crop Dusters" were contacted in representative areas of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado served by Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association, Inc. Other applicators were visited in Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and eastern Nebraska in order to compare comments, concerns, and gather recommendations. All of the applicators appeared flattered that a utility would show concern and interest in their operations. When it was explained that preliminary design and location were a concern of the planning and engineering departments, and the concerns of the applicators would be considered, full cooperation was the rule rather than the exception. Every applicator strongly recommended that power transmission lines be placed underground, as did the FAA. After an explanation of the extra costs involved, etc. , all concerned accepted above-ground placement. Applicators usually work in the very early morning or late evening. Winds in excess of 4 mph and high daytime ambient temperatures are unfavorable to reliable applications; therefore, thermal expansion of the lines is not of concern. Applicators recommend that lines remain high, and where possible follow property lines. If multiple transmission systems are involved, they should be grouped together clear of agricultural areas or be separated by at least 2,500 feet, if crossing cultivated areas subject to spray operations. Minimum heights are of concern to provide safe operations beneath the lines. Aerial Agricultual Applicators fly in compliance with Part 37 of the Federal Air Regulations. Throughout an applicator' s operations, safety of flight, safe chemical application, and regard for the rights and property of others is paramount. Power lines and transmission systems are no exception. As a result of these discussions the following recommenda- tions are offered to be considered in the design, placement, engineering, and planning of transmission lines: (1) Consider underground systems where economically feasible. IV-2 (2) Place above-ground systems far away from agricultural lands subject to aerial applications. • (3) Place systems parallel and adjacent to the longest sides of those agricultural areas subject to aerial applications. (4) Group multiple systems wherever possible, or separate by a minimum of 2,500 feet to permit aerial applications between systems. (5) Raise lines to the maximum extent possible. A minimum of 30 feet at the maximum droop point would be desirable to permit safe flight under the lines. (6) When undesirable design considerations exist, a review with the property owners and affected aerial applicators is strongly recommended. A little communication of a utility' s concern may make an undesirable situation acceptable in the eyes of the inconvenienced." In addition to the preceeding impact analysis, Tri-State continues to contact local firms to better coordinate line-siting and crop dusting operations. The following interview of a LaSalle, Colorado, firm examines some of the issues Tri-State regards as important, and character- izes our search for a harmonious balance between crop dusters and power line placement.8 . 1 . How close to the ground is the plane when spraying crops? 3 feet to 4 feet 2. Is it possible to direct the spray of the dusting material? If so, to what degree? No 3. Is it then possible to fly parallel to a transmission line and spray underneath the line? (8) Interview with Loren Kent of Low Level Dusting Company, Inc. , LaSalle, Colorado, 1975. IV-3 To an extent, that is, if there is room to fly underneath the lines and if the wind is blowing in the appropriate direction. 4. How do you determine your fees when asked to dust a field? By the amount of and kind of chemical or seeds to be used. 5. Would a transmission line present on the property affect your fee? No. Not currently. 6. Do you consider transmission lines dangerous to crop dusting? No. 7. Have you ever heard of anyone being injured or killed by an electric line while crop dusting. If so, who? Do you believe it was pilot error that caused the injury or death? No, not in this area. 8. What affect does the wind have when dusting the crops? It may or may not depending on direction. IV - B LINE SITING "From a review of the literature, it is obvious that a utility that wished to site lines in an environmentally compatible manner has suf- ficient options available to do so. Unfortunately, in the past, many routes were selected for strictly economic and engineering reasons; and many routes traversed environmentally sensitive areas as well as visually sensitive areas. However, in recent years methodologies have been developed to upgrade the route selection process. It is now recognized that there are a whole variety of issues that should be considered relating to environmental and socio-economic constraints; topography; IV-4 I soils; ecosystems; hydrology; geology; vegetation; wildlife habitats; unique features of the land; and proximity to visually sensitive areas, residential areas, recreational areas, and areas of historical signifi- cance. " The above material was written by Clark H. Rowell of Cornell University in 1976.9 Since 1971, Tri-State has utilized a policy of giving full consideration to the environmental effects of its construction and operation. This was done to limit any adverse effects on the environ- ment and enhance the total environment in the area which Tri-State serves. Attached as Appendix D is a copy of our Environmental Considerations. Note that the preamble to those considerations states the following position: "Tri-State is dedicated to assuring an abundant and reliable supply of electricity to its Members at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business practices. At the same time, and as a cooperative committed to consumer well-being and the public interest, Tri-State recognized that while the use of electricity has a positive impact on man's environment, the production, transmission and distribution of electricity can cause environmental problems." "Tri- State, therefore; accepts its responsibilities to its Members and to the general public and pledges to fulfill its obligations as a utility in a manner designed to protect and enhance the environment. " "Accordingly, Tri-State dedicates itself to the wisest possible use and conservation of natural resources; to safeguard the air, water, and (9) Clark H. Rowell , The Land Use and Environmental Impacts Associated with Development of High, Extra High, and Ultra High Voltage Transmission Lines, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 1976. i IV-5 • ♦ M f jell I " I • 0 • • , . • f Oil . 4• • • II, I 0... : • • • • I. id o • ; St l I P .. • .1 1 . v .. • 1 I ' • • = 4 i ► ,• mot r A. s $ : . •• I , b.ilopp, . . . . . . la . , .1- • 4 11110 °% . .... MI 1 I. "ftitallilltatimwm.............................................................a.:. 4.1 i r I ,,, •41111411 it , .• • 1 r. lc Ili : . II • G ENERATION TRI-STATE and Associol/on,J i APPENDIX D TRANSMISSION No• PAGE 1 OF POLICY EFFECTIVE DATE April 12, 1971 SUBJECT: SUPERSEDES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS No. DATE NOT£: Bar indicates change PREAMBLE Tri-State is dedicated to assuring an abundant and reliable supply of electricity to its Members at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business practices. At the same time and as a coop- erativa committed to consumer well-being and the public interest, Tri-State recognizes that while the us: of electricity has a positive impact on man's environment, the production, transmission and distribution of electricity can cause environmental problems. Tri-State therefore accepts its responsibilities to its Members and to the general public and pledges to fulfill its obligations as a utility in a manner designed to protect and enhance the environment. Accordingly, Tri-State dedicates itself to the wisest possible use and conservation of natural resources; to safeguard the air, water, and land resources on which all men depend for life itself; and to protecting historic and esthetic values which, along with our heritage of natural resources, must be maintained if we and generations to follow are to have a quality environment. POLICY In planning, construction, and operation of utility facilities, Tri-State will build into its decision-making process appropriate and careful consideration of the environmental effects of its actions. Tri-State will explore alternative actions in order to avoid adverse environmental effects. Tri-State will carefully assess the potential impact of its actions on physical, natural, and esthetic resources in order to avoid adverse environmental effects and to restore or enhance environmental quality to the greatest extent practicable. Tri-State will endeavor to avoid actions which might contribute to pollution of the air, water, or land; threaten health and public welfare; damage ecological systems such as wildlife and fish; curtail the range of beneficial uses of the environment; or serve short-term objectives to the detriment of long-term environmental goals. • Tri-State will endeavor to avoid actions which might be detrimental to or diminish public enjoyment of existing or planned recreation resources, as well as historic and scenic values. Tri-State will endeavor to avoid actions which might conflict with existing or contemplated land-use planning policies of appropriate governmental bodies, or with other public services. In sum, Tri-State will fulfill its utility function in an environmentally-aware and environmentaly-responsible manner. IMPLEMENTATION In implementing this Policy on Environmental Considerations, Tri-State will be guided by the spirit of the National Environmental Policy Act of 2969 which proclaimed a national policy to "encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment". Tri-State will also be guided by the environmental criteria and guidelines issued by agencies of the Federal Government under the National Environmental Policy Act and, where appropriate, by environmental guidelines and criteria which might be issued by State and Local Governments in areas in which Tri-State operates. RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT APPENDIX F No. KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: 1. That we the undersigned (whether one or more) (unmarried) (husband and wife),hereinafter called Grantors,in consideration of the sum of Five Dollars ($5.00), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,and of the further agreements and considerations herein stated,do hereby grant and convey un- to TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION,INC.,of Adams County,Colorado(hereinafter called Grantee),and to its successors and assigns,a perpetual right-of-way for the erection,construction,reconstruction,replacement, removal, maintenance and operation of an electric transmission line consisting of poles, towers,wires,cables,footings,foun- dations, crossarms and other equipment and fixtures,with right to alter, repair and remove the same in whole or in part at any time, which right-of-way shall extend fifty (50) feet on each side of the center of the line to be surveyed over and across the following described real property (plus such additional feet as are necessary to properly guy angle structures, if any, located upon said right-of-way), situated in County, ,as follows: 2. That Grantee shall also have the right of ingress and egress across Grantors' property for any purpose necessary in connection with the erection, construction, reconstruction, replacement, removal, maintenance and operation of said line. Such ingress and egress shall be exercised in a reasonable manner. 3. That Grantee shall also have the right at any time to cut,remove,clear away,trim,and control,by chemical means, machinery or otherwise, any and all trees,brush, and shrubbery,whether on said strip or adjacent thereto which now or here- after, in the opinion of Grantee, may interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of the line and equipment used in connection therewith. 4. That Grantee shall also have the right to install,maintain and use gates in all fences which now or might hereafter cross or be adjacent to said strip. 5. That Grantee shall at all times exercise due care and diligence to avoid damage to the fences, crops, livestock, and other personal property on said real property and shall pay the undersigned for any and all damage to said fences,crops,live- stock and other personal property caused by Grantee's agents or employees while performing construction or maintenance work on said right-of-way. C That Grantors,their heirs or assigns,shall not allow any building or other structures, hay or straw stack, trees or other combustible material or property to remain or to be placed under or near the transmission line,poles or fixtures in such a manner as to interfere with the safe operation or maintenance of said line or in such manner as might result in damage to the property of either party from fire or other cause. 7. That Grantors, their heirs or assigns, agree that all poles,wires and other facilities installed on the above described lands at the Grantee's expense shall remain the property of the Grantee, removable at the option of the Grantee. S. That Grantors,their heirs or assigns.shall be entitled to the full use and enjoyment of said premises,subject only to the i i ihts of Grantee herein conveyed. 9. That in the event of removal of the transmission line and abandonment of the right-of-way for a period of five yeas s. then this easement shall terminate and all rights under it shall revert to the Grantors, their heirs or assigns. 10. That Grantors covenant and agree that they are the owners of the above described lands and that the said lands are flee and clear of encumbrance and liens of whatsoever character except those held by the following persons: 11. That the total payment for rights herein granted shall be S .The down payment of$5.00 shall be credited on the total due, and the balance of the payment provided for herein shall be paid to Grantors just prior to the commencement of construction hereunder; provided, however, that if no such construction be commenced, then Grantee shall not be obligated to pay the balance of the payment provided for. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have set their hands this of 19 (unmarried) (husband) (unmarried) (wife) T-S . ROW -7 pg I ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR HUSBAND AND WIFE STATE, OF ) ss. ) COI \TY OF 1 The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this , day of 19 , by and husband and wife. NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission expires ( SEAL ) ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL STATE OF ) ) ss. COUNTY OF ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this , day of 19 , by NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission expires• ( SEAL ) ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR CORPORATION STATE OF ) ss. COUNTY OF ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _, day of 19 , by , of . a corporation, on behalf of the corporation. NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission expires: ( SEAL ) u �e z ..= U ' _O — o 3 U) C y L U) C U i I: ( p '^ fCSf . N J ic O a I 1 I- �.. L C. y p ` C N 0 v 0 'f Y Gd N I yV L O C O m a C J 1 L. z F ¢ c y.y s a O 3 -0 - ° a L C ca 0 - ° c z 1 z — ce 41 I -7 m f o - Z O C > " r jGC)W f^ r. -v -: Om > -- Z u Z .z _ Y v C W . I I - aa o J .. 11 1 m Project No. Parcel No. EASEMENT 1) KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned of the post office address of hereinafter referred to as Grantor, whether one or more, in consideration of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and of further agreements and considerations herein stated, do hereby grant unto whose address is hereafter referred to as Grantee, and to its successors or assigns, the right for so long as the property is needed for an electrical transmission line, to enter upon the lands of the Grantor referred to, situated in the County of , State of , and to place, construct, reconstruct, operate, repair, maintain and replace thereon and in or upon all streets, roads or highways abutting said lands, a line or system for the purpose of transmitting or distributing electricity, including all necessary fixtures in connection therewith, and to cut down, top, trim, control the growth, or eliminate trees or shrubbery within or adjacent to the easement area which might interfere with or endanger the said transmission line. There shall be no buildings, wells, hay or straw stacks or other structures placed in the easement area; otherwise, the Grantor, his heirs, successors or assigns, shall have the right to plow, plant, cultivate, harvest or use in any manner said premise as long as the Grantor does not interfere with any of the rights and privileges herein granted to the Grantee or endanger any property of either party. The Grantee shall have the right of ingress, egress, and regress across the Grantor's property for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the easement and the right to install, maintain and use gates in all fences I which cross the easement area. 2) The electric transmission line easement is described as follows: 3) Thl antee 'shall pay for all real and p mal property damages that may be caused in the surveying, building, operating and maintaining of its transmission line over and across the property of the Grantor. 4) The Grantor agrees that all structures, poles, wires and other facilities installed on the above described premises at the Grantee's expense, shall remain the property of he Grantee, and removable by the Grantee. 5) The Grantor covenants that he is the owner of the above described lands subject to such defects, outstanding interests, liens or encumbrances as may now appear of record. 6) That Grantors waive and release all rights under and by virtue of the Homestead exemption laws of the State. 7) That the total payment for rights herein granted shall be $ . The down payment of $25.00 shall be credited on the total due, and the balance of the payment provided for herein shall be paid to Grantors within one year from the date hereof; provided, however, that if no such payment of the balance is made, this easement shall terminate. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have set their hands this of , 19 (unmarried) (husband) i (unmarried) (wife) ACKNO11'LEDGEIIENT STATE OF SS. COUNTY OF On this day of .19_,before me,a Notary Public,personally appeared to me known to be the person(s)and who executed the foregoing instrument,and acknowledged to me that he executed the same as free act and deed. (SEAL) NOTARY PUBLIC My commission expires: County, ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR CORPORATION STATE OF ) ss. r COUNTY OF - The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ,day of 19 by of ' B corporation, on behalf of the corporation. NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission expires: - ( SEAL ) • TENANT'S CONSENT In consideration of SI 00 and other valuable consideration,the undersigned hereby adopts,ratifies and joins in the execution . of the above and foregoing Transmission Line Easement grant and does hereby subordinate its leasehold hereto and consents to t the use and enjoyment by the Grantee therein of the rights covered by said grant.Dated this day of .19 . • • • APPENDIX G • • W • . W m X H ..1 ig ≤V . . 0 z W • W y —� - / - _1 1 W ��/�J _ l0f* t!0 x xi VQ , , F 11 . r^• W �~ ZO III', ,1� J0 V _z cc CC • Z W 3 3J mW aL 1=•- z3 6-5 o'r/ •O 0w >_ I-- 8 Y >� N rJ �� 1 a I-- wla la m 3Ce nQ P mz 1 0 / N JW • J N Oz = J4. J4- W CC zaW H 1-- W= Q N Q O �""' ¢d iz zla Q 1 J=0 3 ` • Y F W V 1--0 Lm. \\\ -------- ---J vw 0a _ J O z -g Z.-1 J J / F JJ J¢= 1, C 1 /� • OQ� J 7, z 0=¢ • S 7< X / 1 1- J ig 2 . /, X T • W - p Y L • � Jr. Z IbLd a 41�.. A. S S r CC 2 • = 7 W),.- 1 a i ‘. Q N - >F 2 II- o z +Ins t •r I Z 0 2 ... - vt . g. .... . rr a. 3 . so s s 1 J - W - e • r 7 aC t.a iv s • OI • - • t a t d v z Y Id r ✓ ♦ r ' _ • o 0 F J = ` �� ! 2 1 8 .'o S J- _ {71 sm 1- _ Q W . <$ vWiO F= W 40 10- 2 1 a -�.k o f �i �. nnninin„o.P 1 0 _ o< CC <W.4 f —--- - -.1- J W0 <{r u 6- s 3r . ins r• <_ ..! W 1.- 4 0 __ Q- H J ♦ t t t q st F- on O •� W W 0< '• /- = W O J 2 rl W < CI N I-N.4 1 , • w <¢_ J O . at r W ¢ O O 1 illt it Z =J • f O it Q J o 1.1 -----;..,--xsasm--,-.2r-c-----.k.................... . • et . F.. s e ...I .......7%. f `r s .......1 . . 9to-oar �.......... rT< • APPENDIX C UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE X-Ref.Aft... ^••6O3Iill RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON. D.C. 20250 . + " I aLz 3 975. SUBJECT: Colorado 47 Tri-State A •I _ _ Story to Archer Transmission Line 71C; f l CI: ' oY N-• ' III 1 l l . . ., � . I . To: Mr. Wendell J. Garwood, Manager Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. P. 0. Box 29198 Denver, Colorado 80229 This letter will confirm my telephone conversation of January 26, 1976, with Walt Webber. On December 11, 1975, REA reached a "Negative Determination" concerning the need for an additional Environmental Impact Statement concerning changing the proposed voltage of the Story to Archer transmission line from 230 kV as loaned to 345 kV. Since REA had earlier prepared an Environmental Impact Statement describing the environmental effect of providing for the facility at 230 kV, it was our judgment that the incremental environmental effect of changing voltage levels would be insignificant. I thought we had notified Tri-State of this "Negative Determination" but could find no evidence of it in our files. I hope this oversight has not caused you any inconvenience. You realize, I'm sure, that the funds for this line have not been released from Conditional Agreement and that REA should be kept informed of any activities you plan for a Story-Archer facility. ONALD L. Z 4 ERMAN Power Planning Officer Western Area - Electric TABLE 13 WELD COUNTY The following estimate is based on these factors : Cost per mile: $170,000.00 Medium angle costs: $18,000.00 more than a tangent structure Large angle costs: $28,000.00 more than a tangent structure Most Direct Route Terrain Acres Percent No. Miles 43.51 Rangeland 700. 13 88.5 No. med. angles 2 Dryland cult. 90.88 11.5 No. lg. angels 0 Irrigated .0 .0 Dwellings 200' to 500' from center line - 0 Dwellings within 200' from center line - 0 Total Cost - R/W $7,396,700. 00 Straight Drop Route No. Miles 54.88 Rangeland 914.30 91 .6 No. med. angles 0 Dryland cult. 83.62 8.4 No. lg. angles 3 Irrigated .0 .0 Dwellings 200' to 500' from center line - 0 Dwellings within 200' from center line - 0 Total Cost - R/W $9,413,600.00 Railroad Route No. miles 42.77 Rangeland 736.57 97.4 No. med. angles 8 Dryland cult. 20.00 2.6 No. lg. angles 0 Irrigated .0 .0 Dwellings 200' to 500' from center line - 1 Dwellings within 200' from center line - 0 Total Cost - R/W $7,411 ,500.00 + $48,000.00* = $7,459,500.00 * Extra cost of leveling railroad grade. Estimated cost per mile is $4,000.00 with approximately four miles to be graded. II-5 9-III W N —• CU c-f 0 3 S J. ...S V) J. _.) p) c+ c Jo a O X C = O to C) W C c+ •S I.0 rh f33 c I- •-$ ..—aCD 0) CD CD On w C) C) o et- I 0 VI CD '0 r-r N r 3 rt. 03 fD O J. 'S 6D J. 03 CDD C -F. Li, -F. -Ps 3 —+ c+ 3 N -A W W J. < V) = D V 00 CO 0 N fD O O V 03 J al J(n J. "S co .J O CD CD J O C) /, pzi -S V V) 0 —V —to — V -0 0) W O c+ V) LC. W lD 00 C) CD 0 J. V) (1 V Ol -P 03 O n CI J O •• V) •_ _ CD 'S O ••. -A U) Dl W W 4-0 O - 0 O ' -'• V .—O CLSW I O �0_ 70 N —� fD CO 00 I r cO Q) a 3 00 �-ciin C) CD •-.• O O -_N r. CO .-. lD -0<< 3 • O O O . • • • J . -S 1 V) D co -s -S al O -P al • co C) 0) fD 70 rn X CD CD O N (31 03 CD -5 1. 1 Cl) C) n = 3 I C • ("I. J C+ CS cl. J C) CU Di. J• O 0). = n 9 -•a. = O O_ Z O 0) J. 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O 0 a) ("I` = (Si J 'S = fD O CD V) a !D C) J < CD (J9 _ 64 V -69 V 3 V -F V 4.0 (D 1.0 (Ti CD CJ) Q) V O c+ O O O O U O N O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C) O I W Referrals : Tri-State Archer-Story 345 KV Project May 5, 1977 County Engineer Irma White Harry Ashley Soil Conservation Service West Greeley Soil Conservation Service P. O. Box 86 Greeley, CO 80631 Attn: Milton Baumgartner, Pres. Ag. Council 37,e 134r Z+�e r Norman Brown a1 5� $ �o ,�� 5a 353 - 6D-54 2205 1st Ave. Greeley, CO 80631 mss' c OI 3 1 N/ Colorado Geological Survey 1313 Sherman Street Seventh Floor Denver, CO 80203 WELD COUNTY COLORADO rY1 Planning Commission June 6 , 1977 M n For Action To Date For Info To Your Action Or Reply Is Required �. Subject:Tri-State Generation and On Or Before Tra.nsmi ssi nn Assnci atiQt Sne, S.U.P. From information at hand it appears all proposals except the Straight Drop Route would not parallel any County roads. This office does not recommend approval of any proposal to place poles or support structures on Weld County R.O.W. The Resolution dated December 27 , 1972 , "Regulating Installation of Overhead Utility Lines Across County Roads" , must be adhered to regarding setback of said structures . A copy is attached to this Memo. Overhead lines must not cross County R.O.W. closer than 100 ' from a bridge and/or drainage or irrigation structure . Gilman E . Olson Utility Supervisor • •" 'est Greeley Soil Conservation District SOIL '+ CONSERVATION t i DISTRICTS \.f ► OF P. O. Box 86 • Greeley, Colorado 80631 \\`M•"'•"+ June 3, 1977 Kenneth McWilliams Assistant Zoning Administrator Weld County Department of Planning Services Weld County Centennial Center Greeley, Colorado 80631 This is to acknowledge receipt of request for comment on application from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association for an Overhead Trans- mission Line Route - Archer - Story - 345 KV project. In our review of the project, we could not disagree with the Tri-State in any of their statements. They truly sound sincere in their appraisal of the concerns regarding the environment and impact on local communities. It is our opinion they have truly assessed all the necessary variables. We also agree with their views on the path of the transmission line to have the least impact to irrigated and non-irrigated cropland. Their proposed most direct route and preferred route seems logical and to the best inter- ests of those involved. It is for sure that the energy needs of the area are increasing and added transmission capability will be needed to best serve those customers in our area. If all concerns as stated in the application are followed then we can see no reason why the project should not be granted approval. Art Briggs, Secretary West Greeley Soil Conservation District Town of Grover WELD COUNTY GROVER, COLORADO 80729 yAiC.e June 24,1977 Mr. Ken Williams, Weld County Planning Commission 915-10th Street Greeley,Colorado 80631 Dear Sir, In regard to overhead trart%ission line to be built from Cheyenne,Wyo. to Fort Morgan,Co. The Grover Town Council met with Mr. Vana,Tri-State Representative, at our Town Hall in Grover,who explained the various proposed routes of said project. The Town Board prefers the termed "most direct route". We recommend it because it would involve far less people if it were erected over range land than to bring it thru our Town of Grover.We could perhaps have interference from it,such as, the telephone and our T V reception as well as the awareness that the line was always overhead,which ,in an extreme circumstancc might be a hazard to local residents and their homes. Please consider our feelings in this matter. Sincerely, Town of Grover Trustees c 7_,--;.--c-- . ��r��y- �_ - ,Mayor '7j. ,Mayor '' -- �4---g-� Protem ? ,Treasurer - - ��- �( ;6' ,,,,(, , ,)'3 O1 )C-LI:.-vii--- ,Councilman ,Councilman �^ -- .- _/ �,, ,Councilman .Z46/6 71_)OC1) E__. 2 ,Councilman z11 ?_3a p ,l V: 30E-' © Rec St Coati. . c.' AO 6°�Iiss N • RICHARD D LAMM V JOHN W. ROLD GOVERNOR i' Director a ,SINE e E COLORADO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES - 715 STATE CENTENNIAL BUILDING - 1313 SHERMAN STREET • DENVER. COLORADO 80203 PHONE (303) 892-2611 May 17, 1977 Mr. Ken McWilliams Weld County Department of Planning Services Weld County Centennial Center 915 1Oth Street Greeley, CO 80631 Dear Mr. McWilliams: RE: TRI-STATE GENERATION & TRANSMISSION ASSOC. , LONE TREE 115 KV PROJECT, AND ARCHER-STORY 345 KV PROJECT, WELD COUNTY We have reviewed the above referenced projects for geologic conditions which should be considered in transmission line construction. In general, the proposed facilities are compatible with geologic conditions; however, swelling soils, hydrocompaction, and flooding possibly could affect individual transmission towers. We recommend that a geological engineering investigation be conducted along the proposed route prior to construction in order to minimize these potentially adverse conditions. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us. Sincerely, l Walter R. nge Engineering Geologist WRJ/jp GEOLOGY STORY OF THE PAST . . . KEY TO THE FUTURE • ---17.7.--(7-, llly�1 1111 \,'\■■. t-� 4'i al ' jr■■.t !!■ • \f t! L '�� ■tl �� -..„„.•ICJ■■11■■■, G_ "■ .. `t ;a 11� a ■_■ `• -, i \'" +_ .�i■■1. , _ ) ?'.rt r art fir:_ +- i i • H4.il-rmot � f• s` ;• �+ ..'._- 1. ', L ,I., x111 Tf't _ i .• el-+ r,Xl• �: �' t I .,. + : '. - _ r_ `l. I ir: 1;17';7' .( Li _ `;{ orb . f� C - ,t ,I 1 �,"F „ + ■ �,_ 1- • • r - , IIiI - f �'of r'r' i -..f 4 • 4 11 f � iFti:;l2 - --- '- -- —t'2- % , -, ) - j• •jI•�rrcr i iT. , } y. 1, —1),-.•-••,1 t • I. , ._ , .4. . :-.1 f 4,_,4,1,-r-,L,--f,^"A:•:',--,LYA„.. ' t"",-1'1 Tr y_ �°• `''t .1 ' L--0'� �r --, —� ''�... �__, ,. • • 33 0` , --2-i ,; -, V 1 s p o 1 J. ; f inLI I W a. Y44 „ DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES PHONE (303) 356-4000 EXT.400 915 10TH STREET OGREELEY, COLORADO 80631 • COLORADO May 5, 1977 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Enclosed is an application from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. for a Special Use Permit for approval for an Overhead Transmission Line Route - Archer-Story - 345 KV Project . This item will be heard before the Weld County Planning Commission on June 7, 1977. If you have any comments or suggestions, may we please hear from you before May 31, 1977. Thank you. ur1C W10:4,01/14.404,044,.. Enclosures TO : Weld Co. Commissioners August 25, 1977 From: Edith Phillips Briggsdale, Colorado 80611 Subject : Transmission Route Decision Today is a day of mourning in my Keota home . The draperies hide the north view--the beautiful buttes , the glorious sun- set--for soon this beauty will be polluted forever, by an ugly criss-cross of wires and ugly towers . The shrill noise of the wind blowing through the wires will replace the silence of the land . Why, why, why Keota? I returned home a few days ago happy for it meantI would be staying forever not for three or six months or two weeks or 71 week end . My happiness did not last. Without resting I rushed to Greeley to hear your incredible decision. The ugly mess will go in front of my home and across an east-west air strip. I am furious . I am shocked, stunned. My tears have not stopped since I heard your vote . Not once was I contacted. Contrary to Mr. Carlson ' s declaration, Mrs . White whoever she is, did not at any time represent me nor did I know she was supposed to, This is your first sin. The seco"d is that so little information was given to concerned persons . It wasn ' t available upon request. I could not find a relevant map before your meeting. No wonder, none exists . The people of Grover were given consideration but not the people of Keota. No information was available to fight the plan. No person in the Keota area knew you had a meetings i:o person in the Keota area knew Mrs . White represented us : Was an environmental impact study made? To spend the rest of my life filled with hatred as I look out at the noisy wires is a horrible contemplation. Right now my hatred is intense, deep. I have been cheated, deceived. I was not allowed to raise my foice. When I did it was too late . I was ignored. Send a copy of this memo to each member of the planning board and planning staff for a direct respo se to me; also a copy to the association for their response . Send me as soon as possible the (1) names of the planning board and planning staff with their addresses and telephone numbers, (2) the name of the county contact, ( 3) name of the association contacy, (L1. ) and information as to how the planning staff was selected. 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Th follewmg service is requested (check one) ' r ow to whom and date delivered- - 15¢ G�� L W ^ ;i LI oN to whom, e . & address of delivery. 35¢ La ,t- ® 1— O o O E. ;STRIC"I'ED DELIVERY P. 'L O ow to whom and date delis(red 65¢ efil ro n MI- Cl) o ❑ RESTRICTED DELIVERY' - —4 - — cei Show to whom, date, and address of delncr' 85e d I h cS { Ww cn m`i-, M 2 ARTICLE ADDRESSED TO e O ®- MI H © Tri-St. Generation & Trans. Assoc. �-�•T-' r-:.„ m P.O. Box 29198 `� ' `� "-,P CD XI Denver, CO 80229 o r ��r _ a n H rn 3. ARTICLE DESCRIPTION O H a- ` i cl,,`=' REGISTEREC NO CERTIFIED NO INSURED'NO LnA g r - �i � ` rJ z 283864 - z o co" r-' 1,,`-' m U] (Always obtain signature of addressee or agent) � i CW.". OHi �� ,.,� o csi} m L I have received the article des,r.bed abuse W Ur s = m SIGNATURE I I Addrit,ee 1 vuthonnd agent—L El O� 5 ii " z' ' al •, i ,- J ® Ef) rte, M 4 DATE OF.1DELIVERY POSTVOK Ir Ri n ,.z W ps n_ ; 2 cs Ii 1 H a a 0 5. ADDRESS (Complete only 1f requested) w �= c.,E. S`I o o a•n ₹ mJ us n a ., c(.: -,in,tfd a m e 2 ..I T 6 UNABLE TO DELIVER BECAUSE CLERK'S 0 O INITIALS i - > 6 I- a GI-10 1975 O-56e-(o DO( _ ,J July 15, 1977 r Ken McWilliams said he would ask the Tri-State to publish a notice in each of the local newspapers along the route regarding the day and time of the hearing and also publish a map of the route -'lternatives. (This will replace the mailing list) . rjk Copy of resolution granting SUP .Z1PV FOR CEG i ll!D MADL 3 (phfis pastgo) A,r I To POST`.1ARK Tri-State_ Gen, & Trans . OR DATE '' ST4:Li Aid) fd^, - I' P. O. Box 29198 — p P 0, STATE AO ZIP COOL J I� Denver,; p o, g 8/29/77 DCT'I,�q L,t. .,to In.: ! �9d dr,te L0Iivc'c0 150 I N.,:_. 7 l \ th c:1', -y dre_3cc only , G5 ' / 'nth e,i,, ri+dres_ ,.". 04' o i OELiVi A TO A'I)l I o"l/- _—Eay ONLY 50d- �� awatl •- i1L ,i....: L.00I4_ ;:-13i-'9I°R— (Soo °Ow s)do) AT FU,1J Ir4dkUNAVIMAL l' a CllitiElti omplete Items I,2,and 3 ►..i a.T dd your address in the "RETURN TO" space on reverse 1i,&f'he • lowing service is requested (check,one). ' Show to whom and date delivered 150 ' El Show to whom, date, & address of delivery..135? ❑ RESTRICTED DELIVERY Show to whom and date delivered ___- ___-,.'654 RESTRICTED DELIVERY. Show to whom, date, and address of delivery$5,t 2. AR I DDRESSED TO A 1 c T i . to Gen. & Trans. g1x . z 1, x 29198 m � _ - Colo. 80229 q} m 3 RTII L I n.CRIPTION. 1 R l IST:- a 0 CERTIFIED NO INSURED NO m 640974 .. 01 -6 F btaln signature of addressee or agfrildl m I '.ye -I the article described above ' l mo SI' ❑ Addre„cc ❑ Autho zed n{ 1 •! � ! Ci- o m a • ELIVERY p) T O � 1 ZO 5 A S DRESS (Complete only if requested)�,��,�� , mn ^ita ' m 6 6LE DELIVER BECAUSE ,.CLERK'S 0 —� INITIALS D Pa ,Z� , 8/29/77 ;:GPO 1975-O-568-047 icy 8 RECEIPT WELD COUNTY, COLORADO PLANNING COMMISSION GREELEY, COLORADO 80631 DATE 1977 RECEIPT No. 8463 RECEIVED FROM i1/4"riAl- D 3 v-A- `-e*- ACCT. NO. NO. / TYPE VALUATION EE 01301022 MISC. BOOKS 01301022 ZONE,SUBDIV. & R.E. 01301021 SIGN PERMIT 01301022 MAPS AND PRINTING 013010 SU)UP's & MHP's a 01301022 VARIANCE 01302215 INC. TOWNS/PLNG. ASSIST. 01302221 STATE 01302222 H.B. 1041�� El CASH LJ CHECK ❑ M.O. BY dL� TOTAL CUSTOMER COPY Hello