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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRICHARDS LAKE TO WAVERLY TRANSMISSION LINE - SPAR - 12-08 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - PLANNING OBJECTIVESTri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Activity Date Receive materials May 2009 Construction June -October 2009 In-service November 2009 4.3 Site Plan Drawings As required, 31 large -format copies of the site plan drawings (labeled RI-101) have been provided with this submittal. 4.4 Architectural Elevations and Visual Simulations Eight large -format copies of the architectural elevations schematic (labeled RI-102) have been provided with this submittal. The architectural elevations are accompanied by submittal of schematics of the transmission line deadend structures (labeled G20-001) and the transmission line tangent structures (labeled G20-002). Figure 5 provides a graphical representation of typical wood and steel transmission structures. Figure 6 provides a visual simulation of the transmission line. 4.5 Letters of Intent and Easements The proposed project has been discussed with Anheuser-Busch and the company is aware of Tri-State's needs and requirements for an easement across their property. Tri-State will continue to coordinate with Anheuser-Busch personnel regarding timing and requirements to conduct necessary surveys and will commence easement negotiations as soon as the surveys and design are complete. Every effort will be made to acquire the rights by negotiation with each landowner. However, if the necessary rights cannot be acquired by a negotiated agreement, Tri-State, as a public utility, may institute eminent domain proceedings to obtain these rights under Colorado Revised Statute §38-1-121. This process provides for an impartial commission or jury of fee holders in the city or county, as appropriate, to establish the value of the land being acquired and the amount of damages, if any, awarded to the owners. 28 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Comment 5: Bruce Vogel of the Light & Power Department indicated that if there are to be any modifications to city of Fort Collins electric facilities, then Bob Hover should be contacted. Response: Tri-State will coordinate with Bob Hover should there be any modifications to city of Fort Collins electric facilities. Comment 6: Doug Moore of the Natural Resources Department indicated that he is unaware of any regional open space in this area. Response: Tri-State agrees and has confirmed that there is no open space, wetlands, floodplains, or other natural areas within the city of Fort Collins that would be impacted by this project. Comment 7: All of the proposed transmission line construction appears to be outside of the city of Fort Collins limits, in Larimer County. Response: A portion of the transmission line (approximately 0.4 miles) and the existing Richard Lake Substation are located within the city limits. 4.2.8 Legal Description of the Site Richard Lake Substation: SE Y<, NW '/<, Sec 33, T8N, R68W, 6th P.M. Approximate Transmission Line Alignment: Eastern side of the NW'/4, Sec 33, T8N, R68W, 6th P.M. 4.2.9 Tri-State Ownership Information Tri-State ownership information is listed in Attachment 4. 4.2.10 Estimated Project Schedule Construction activities will begin after all permits and land rights have been acquired. An estimated schedule of project activities is shown in Table 4. Table 4: Estimated Project Schedule Activity . Date Permit approvals June -July 2008 Survey July -October 2008 Complete design/coordination October -November 2008 Easement acquisition November 2008-May 2009 May 2008 27 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Comment 2: Glen Schlueter of the Stormwater Utility Department indicated that this proposal does not seem to have any impacts on any of the proposed city of Fort Collins improvements shown in the Stormwater Master Plans north of the city. The transmission line appears to be north of city regional facilities. There are improvements planned south of the Anheuser-Busch plant and possibly future improvements east of Interstate 25 that have not yet been determined. Response: Tri-State will work with the Stormwater Utility. Department to ensure that the project complies with stormwater requirements and does not interfere with any stormwater utility or other utility easements. Comment 3: Roger Buffington of the Water/Wastewater Department offered the following comments: a. There is an existing 12-inch water main around the Richard Lake Substation and north to County Road 52. b. Locate the existing 12-inch water main in the area of the Richard Lake Substation and north to County Road 52 to avoid conflicts during design and construction of the transmission line. Response: Tri-State has obtained a utility map identifying the location of the existing 12-inch water line and other buried utilities. Tri-State will locate the transmission line with a 10-foot minimum separation from other utilities. Tri-State's contractor will locate all underground utilities to ensure proper separation prior to construction. Comment 4: Mike Herzig of the Engineering Department offered the following comments: a. The towers must be kept out of the 115-foot-wide right-of-way for County Road 52 and the associated 15-foot-wide utility easements. b. Please notify the city of Fort Collins Engineering Department before starting work on the transmission line project. Response: Tri-State will place the transmission structures outside the 115-foot right-of-way for County Road 52 and the associated 15-foot-wide utility easements. Tri-State will coordinate with the Fort Collins Engineering Department during the final design process and will notify the Department before construction begins. 26 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Topic No.:` Description WQ-5 Waste waters from construction operations shall not enter streams, water courses or other surface waters without use of such turbidity control methods as settling ponds, gravel -filter entrapment dikes, approved flocculating processes that are not harmful to fish, recirculation systems for washing of aggregates or other approved methods. Any such waste waters discharged into surface waters shall be essentially free of settleable material. Settleable material is defined as that material that will settle from the water by gravity during a 1-hour quiescent period. WO-6 Erosion control measures will be implemented on disturbed areas, including areas that must be used for maintenance operations (access ways and areas around structures). WQ-7 Drainages within the project area (list) will be spanned by the transmission line and no structures will be placed within the 100-year floodplain.. 4.2.6 Neighborhood Meeting Tri-State set up a project web site (htti)://www.tristateot.orci/Transmission/ovrea/index.cfm) where interested parties could access and learn more about Tri-State and the purpose and need for the project. Tri-State developed a questions and answers and project overview handout and distributed them to interested landowners. Tri-State held a neighborhood meeting on January 8, 2008, at the PVREA offices. Thirty-five people attended the meeting. A copy of the meeting sign -in sheet is presented in Attachment 3. The meeting was held in an open house format where information stations were established and equipped with technical experts to address areas of interest including purpose and need, land and siting, engineering, environment, and electric and magnetic fields (EMF). A formal presentation was made during the meeting to provide a summary of the project, the routing process, and to answer questions. No issues, comments, or concerns were raised at the neighborhood meeting pertaining to the portion of the proposed project route located within the city of Fort Collins. 4.2.7 Review and Response to City Comments Tri-State participated in a meeting with the city of Fort Collins Conceptual Review Team on October 27, 2003, to discuss the proposed Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project. Tri-State's response to each of the city's comments is listed below. A copy of the staff comment letter from November 14, 2003, is provided in Attachment 1. Comment 1: Jenny Nuckols of the Zoning Department indicated that all construction identification signs may be up to 64 square feet in size, per the city of Fort Collins Sign Code. Response: Tri-State will comply with all construction signage notification requirements per the city of Fort Collins sign code. May 2008 25 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Topic No. Description LU-4 The contractor shall eliminate, at the earliest opportunity, all construction ruts that are detrimental to agricultural operations and/or hazardous to movement of vehicles and equipment. Such ruts shall be leveled, filled and graded, or otherwise eliminated in an approved manner. Damage to ditches, tile drains, culverts, terraces, local roads and other similar land use features shall be corrected as necessary by the contractor. The land and facilities shall be restored as nearly as practicable to their original condition. LU-5 If new access roads are needed, the width of such access roads will require 12 to 14 foot -wide driving surfaces, with additional width as required for drainage features and cut and fill slopes. Tri-State will consult with the City should new roads be identified. Public Health and Safety HS-1 Tri-State shall comply with applicable regulatory compliance standards for public health and safety. HS-2 The contractor will apply necessary mitigation to eliminate problems of induced currents and voltages on to conductive objects sharing a right-of-way, to the mutual satisfaction of the parties involved. The contractor will install fence grounds, where required, on fences that cross or are parallel to the proposed line. HS-3 Structure foundation holes will not be left open overnight and will be covered. Covers will be secured in place and will be strong enough to prevent livestock, wildlife, or the public from falling through and into a hole. Noise N-1 Construction vehicles and equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition and shall be equipped with manufacturers' standard noise control devices or better (e.g. mufflers, engine enclosures). Soils and Geology S-1 All soils compacted by movement of construction vehicles and equipment, shall be loosened and leveled harrowing or disking to approximate pre -construction contours and reseeded with certified weed -free grasses and mulched (except in cultivated fields). S-2 Movement of construction vehicles and equipment shall be limited to the right-of-way and approved access routes. S-3 Excavated material not used in the backfilling of poles shall be spread around each pole or transported off - site to a Tri-State approved disposal location. Disturbed areas shall then be regraded to approximate pre - construction contours and reseeded as specified in S-1. S-4 Topsoil will be removed, stockpiled, and re -spread at temporarily disturbed areas not needed for maintenance access. Traffic T-1 The contractor shall make all necessary provisions for conformance with federal, state and local traffic safety standards and shall conduct construction operations so as to offer the least possible obstruction and inconvenience to public traffic. Water Quality and Erosion WQ-1 A NPDES Stormwater permit will be obtained and a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWP3) will be developed (if the project meets the appropriate criteria). WQ-2 Construction activities shall be performed by methods that prevent entrance or accidental spillage of solid matter, contaminants debris, and other objectionable pollutants and wastes into flowing streams or dry water courses, lakes and underground water sources. Such pollutants and wastes include, but are not restricted to, refuse, garbage, cement, concrete, sanitary waste, industrial waste, radioactive substances, oil and other petroleum products, aggregate processing tailings, mineral salts and thermal pollution. All fuel and fluid spills within this area will be handled in accordance with appropriate stale and federal spill reporting and response requirements. WQ-3 Dewatering work for structure foundations or earthwork operations adjacent to, or encroaching on, streams or water courses shall not be performed without prior approval by Tri-State and appropriate state agencies. Water and eroded materials will be prevented from entering the streams or watercourses by constructing intercepting ditches, bypass channels, barriers, settling ponds or other approved methods. WQ-4 Excavated material or other construction materials shall not be stockpiled or deposited near or on stream banks, lake shorelines or other water course perimeters where they can be washed away by high water or storm runoff or can in any way encroach upon the actual water source itself. 24 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Topic No. Description WL-2 High biodiversity within designated Neighborhood Species Richness Areas will be maintained to the extent possible to minimize impacts to plant and wildlife species in the vicinity of the project. Pedestrian surveys for important habitat or species occurrences will be completed prior to construction, and environmental protection measures will be specified accordingly to further ensure protection of the natural resources along proposed transmission line routes. WL-3 Construction and routine line maintenance will comply with all applicable seasonal restrictions and protection buffers established by the Colorado Division of Wildlife for migratory birds. Wetlands W-1 Welland and riparian areas (of or relating to, or located on, the banks of a river or stream) will be crossed only in designated and approved locations. Existing access routes shall be used to access the right-of-way on either side of such areas. All crossing impacts to the wetland will be minimized and mitigated if necessary. Crossings will not change the overall wetland hydrology, diminish the flood storage capacity of the wetland, or negatively impact wildlife where possible. Where such avoidance is not possible, the applicants will hire a qualified biological consultant to conduct a site specific assessment to determine the level of potential impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measures, and secure the necessary Corps of Engineers permit if applicable. W-2 Applicable wetland development standards will be complied with and the project will observe applicable buffer areas and widths from the boundary of wetlands whenever possible. W-3 If wetlands are impacted by the project, appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented in consultation with the Corps of Engineers and a mitigation plan will be developed according to Larimer County guidelines. Cultural Resources CR-1 A Class I file search will be conducted to determine the need for Class III resource inventory of cultural sites. If needed, a Class III survey shall be conducted along applicable access routes identified for the project and within the proposed impact footprint of the project prior to the initiation of project construction. These survey results will be submitted to the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office for review and concurrence and specific mitigation measures necessary for each site or resource will be determined. CR-2 Sites identified during the cultural resources survey as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places will be flagged and/or monitored for avoidance during construction, operation, and maintenance activities. CR-3 Prior to construction, all supervisory construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of cultural resources with reference to relevant laws and penalties, and the need to cease work in the location if cultural resource items are discovered. CR-4 Should any previously unknown historic/prehistoric sites or artifacts be encountered during construction, all land altering activities at that location will be immediately suspended and the discovery left intact until such time that Tri-State is notified and appropriate measures taken to assure compliance the National Historic Preservation Act and enabling legislation. Fire Prevention/Control FP-1 Construction vehicles shall be equipped with government approved spark arresters. FP-2 The contractor shall maintain in all construction vehicles a current list of local emergency response providers and methods of contact/communication. Land Use LU-1 The contractor shall limit movement of crews, vehicles, and equipment on the right-of-way and approved access routes to minimize damage to property and disruption of normal land use activity. Construction trails not required for maintenance access shall be restored to the original contour and made impassable to vehicular traffic. Access to the right-of-way is restricted in order to respect the property rights of the affected land owners. LU-2 The contractor shall maintain all fences and gates during the construction period. Any fence or gate damaged during construction will be repaired immediately by the contractor. LU-3 The contractor shall coordinate with the landowners to avoid impacting the normal function of irrigation devices during project construction and operation. May 2008 23 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Topic No. Description Aesthetics A-1 The contractor shall exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and shall conduct his construction operations so as to prevent any unnecessary destruction, scarring or defacing of the natural surroundings in the vicinity of the work. Except where clearing is required for permanent works, approved temporary or permanent construction roads, staging areas or excavation operations, vegetation shall be preserved and shall be protected from damage by the contractor's construction operations and equipment. A-2 Any scarring, defacing, damage or destruction of the natural landscape resulting from construction operations shall be repaired by the contractor to the satisfaction of Tri-State and the affected landowner(s). A-3 All construction materials, waste and debris shall be removed from the project area in a timely manner. Burning or burying of waste materials on the right-of-way or at the construction site will not be allowed. All materials resulting from the contractor's clearing operations shall be removed from the right-of-way. A-4 To lessen the visual impact of the transmission line the wood structures will be dark and the self-supporting steel structures will be Corten. Air Quality AQ-1 The contractor shall utilize such practicable methods and devices as are reasonably available to control, prevent and otherwise minimize atmospheric emissions or discharges of air contaminants. AQ-2 Possible construction related fugitive dust shall be controlled by the periodic application of water to all disturbed areas along the right-of-way and access roads. AQ-3 Vehicles and equipment showing excessive emission of exhaust gases due to poor engine adjustments or other inefficient operating conditions shall not be operated until corrective adjustments or repairs are made. AQ-4 Tri-State will adhere to the control measures prescribed in the Air Quality Control Commission's Regulation 1, Article III.C.2.b.iv, which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, planting vegetation cover, providing synthetic cover, watering, chemical stabilization, furrows, compacting, minimizing disturbed areas in the winter, wind breaks and other methods or techniques approved by the Air Pollution Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Vegetation Resources V-1 Vegetation shall be preserved and protected from damage by construction operations to the maximum extent practicable. Removal of brush and trees will be limited to those necessary for access, construction and maintenance of the line and/or pose a threat to safe and reliable operation of the line, or as otherwise determined by Tri-State and the affected landowner(s). There will be no clear cutting within the right-of-way unless specifically approved in writing by Tri-State. V-2 Temporarily disturbed areas will be seeded using a prescription recommended by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ag Extension Office and/or the County Weed Control Officer. All seed will be certified weed -free. V-3 Water tum-off bars or small terraces shall be installed across all temporary construction access roads and trails on hillsides to prevent erosion and facilitate natural revegetation of the trails. V-4 On completion of the work, all work areas, except any permanent access roads/trails, shall be regraded, as required, so that all surfaces drain naturally, blend with the natural terrain, and are left in a condition that will facilitate natural revegetation, provide for proper drainage and prevent erosion. V-5 To minimize the spread of noxious weeds, construction crews will limit transport of seeds to agricultural lands or rangelands by cleaning construction equipment and vehicles before entering the construction area. V-6 Further research and consultation with CNHP will be conducted regarding the identified Rare Vegetation Types areas on the Larimer County Environmental Map. Specific mitigation will be developed as appropriate for the species of concern within these areas. Wildlife Resources WL-1 In order to preclude avian electrocutions and minimize collision risk, Tri-State will incorporate state-of-the- art design practices, as outlined by Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC). Swan Flight Diverters will be installed on portions of the near identified habitat areas of concern. 22 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application The operation and maintenance phase of the transmission line will involve two Tri-State personnel to patrol and inspect the transmission line twice a year. Any repair may involve more personnel depending on the nature of the work. Day-to-day operation of the transmission line will be directed by system dispatchers from Tri-State's operation center. 4.2.4 Description of Rationale Behind the Assumptions and Choices Made by the Applicant PVREA approached Tri-State, the co-op's power supplier, about construction of the new transmission line due to increased electric loads in the area and because of reliability concerns of the existing radial 115-kV line. Use and dependence on the current line is reaching a critical level. To maintain acceptable voltage levels and increased reliability, a redundant source is required. The transmission line has been routed along the BNSF railroad in an industrial district. The project location meets project objectives while minimizing environmental impacts. There are no known sensitive environmental resources within the city limits that would be affected by the proposed project. 4.Z5 Description of How Conflicts Between Land Uses or Disturbances to Wetlands, Natural Habitats and Features and/or Wildlife Will Be Avoided to the Maximum Extent Feasible Tri-State implements environmental protection measures (EPMs) for every construction project as standard operating procedure. EPMs are measures taken during the construction and maintenance phases of the project to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Tri-State uses construction inspectors and environmental monitors during construction to ensure that the EPMs are strictly followed. Table 3 lists the EPMs for the project. The EPMs are designed to reflect all applicable local, state and federal legislative environmental compliance requirements and laws. They will be refined to include any project -specific conditions that may be suggested by the city. Table 3: Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Environmental Protection Measures Topic No. Description General G-1 The contractor shall comply with all federal, state and local environmental laws, orders and regulations. Prior to construction, all supervisory construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of cultural and ecological resources. To assist in this effort the construction contract will address: a) Federal and state laws regarding antiquities, plants and wildlife, including collection and removal; and b) the importance of these resources and the purpose and necessity of protecting them. G-2 Prior to construction of the project, qualified independent contractor(s) shall be retained by Tri-State to meet with project engineers and agency representatives to review design plans, discuss areas of environmental sensitivity within the project area, and, in particular, those areas where a monitor must be present during construction. Where needed, the contractor(s) will meet with the engineer(s) and agency representatives in the field to determine methods to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive resources to the greatest extent possible. May 2008 21 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application 4.Z3 Estimate of Number of Employees for Business, Commercial and Industrial Uses Construction of the transmission line will include the following activities performed in sequence by crews progressing along the length of the transmission line: • Soil exploration • Permission to survey • Surveying • Land rights acquisition • Structure site work • Materials hauling • Foundation construction • Forming/placing foundation concrete • Structure assembly and erection • Ground wire and conductor stringing • Cleanup • Revegetation Qualified, licensed electrical contractors will be selected to construct the project. The approximate number of personnel and equipment required for construction of the transmission line is shown on Table 2. Table 2: Anticipated Construction Equipment and Personnel Required Activity Personnel (number) Equipment Soil exploration 3-4 1 truck with 4° auger, 2 pickup trucks Permission to survey 1 1 vehicle Surveying 8 24 pickup trucks Land rights acquisition 1 1 vehicle Structure site work 34 1 bucket truck, 1 pickup truck Materials hauling 8-12 2 tractor trailers, 2 hydrocranes, 3 pickup trucks, 2 Flatbed trucks Foundation construction 1 truck w/ auger, crane digger, 2 pickup trucks, 1 Bobcat Forming/placing of foundation concrete 8 1 concrete truck, 2 pickup trucks, 1 hydrocrane Structure assembly and erection 6 1 hydrocrane, 2 pickup trucks, 1 Flatbed truck, 1 crane Ground wire and conductor stringing 15-25 1 reel trailer, tensioner, puller, 3-5 pickup trucks, 1 winch truck, 1 digger, 1 flatbed truck, 2 tractor trailers, 2 bucket trucks Cleanup 3 1 tractor,1 flatbed truck, 1 Bobcat Revegetation 3 1 tractor, disc, 1 pickup truck, 1 flatbed truck, 1 drill seeder 20 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Land Use Goal A3: Mountain Vista will have an Employment and Industrial District with a variety of business types and sizes and will be designed in a manner that is compatible with surrounding land uses. The proposed project is an appropriate use within the industrial district and is compatible with surrounding land uses. 4.2.1.5 Community Appearance and Design Goal Cl: Important view corridors and vistas in Mountain Vista will be protected and enhanced. The proposed project is located in an industrial district within a setting dominated by the existing Richard Lake Substation, the exiting Anheuser-Busch complex, and existing transmission facilities located to the south of Richard Lake Substation. The Mountain Vista Subarea Plan (Section 2.5) seeks to protect views of the foothills and mountains and specifically identifies views to the southwest that are outside of the industrial district and project area. The proposed project is not anticipated to significantly alter or negatively impact the existing view corridor within this industrial district. 4.2.2 Description of Proposed Open Space, Wetlands, Natural Habitats and Features, Landscaping, Circulation, Transition Areas, and Associated Buffering On Site and In the General Vicinity of the Project The project is located within an industrial district and is bounded on the west by agricultural land and on the east by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks. There are no known areas of designated open space, wetlands, natural habitats and features, circulation, transition areas, and associated buffering on site in the vicinity of the project. A review of the Fort Collins Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map indicated that the project site is not within 500 feet of an area or feature identified as a natural habitat or feature and does not possess characteristics of wetlands, riparian areas or foothills forest. The existing PRPA-owned Richard Lake Substation is landscaped with trees around the existing fenceline. The project will maintain the integrity of current landscaping with minimal impacts. Tri-State will replace any disturbed landscaping after construction. May 2008 19 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Tri-State has coordinated closely with Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) regarding the necessary expansion at Richard Lake Substation. Fort Collins Utilities has reviewed and approved Tri-State's substation expansion plan. PRPA will be installing two new 115-kV circuit breakers to expand the ring bus and maintain the reliability of service to Anheuser- Busch. 4.2.1.2 Industrial Districts PRINCIPLE ID-1: Industrial Districts will provide places for a wide range of industrial and commercial uses that do not need or are not suited to high public visibility. Policy ID-1.1 Land Uses. Industrial land uses such as manufacturing, assembly plants, primary metal and related industries, vehicle -related commercial uses such as auto repair, maintenance and storage, other types of commercial operations, warehouses, outdoor storage yards, and distribution facilities, are appropriate for an Industrial District. Industrial Districts should include a variety of flexible sites for small, local, and startup business and industry, as well as large national or regional enterprises. The proposed project is an allowable and appropriate use within the industrial district (Figure 4). 4.2.1.3 Rural Lands PRINCIPLE RUL-2: Rural lands and agricultural land uses should remain a valuable component of Fort Collins' economy, culture, and heritage. Agricultural land is located to the west of the proposed route and will be unaffected. The project is located within an industrial district. 4.2.1.4 Mountain Vista Subarea Plan The proposed project is also located within the area covered by the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, which has established additional guidelines related to the City Plan. No constraints identified within the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan are present within or adjacent to the proposed route. The proposed project is consistent with the visions, goals, principles, and policies of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan as described below. The proposed project is consistent with the Subarea Plan principals and policies related to economic sustainability and development, environment, and growth management as described in Section 4.2.1.1, which details conformance with the City Plan. 16 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Growth Management PRINCIPLE GM-4: Investment in capital facilities and services will be reviewed comprehensively and made within a framework that balances and evaluates the costs and the relative importance of competing needs. Policy GM-4.1 City Commitment to Providing Capital Facilities. Recognizing the limits of the City's financial resources, the City commits to deriving the greatest value possible from its investments in infrastructure. Policy GM-4.1A City Commitment to Providing Capital Facilities. The City will seek to prioritize existing deficiencies, ensure maintenance of existing capital facilities, and remedy existing insufficiencies in facility provision over time as resources allow. Richard Lake Substation must be expanded with the addition of two 115-kV circuit breakers for the dual purpose of providing adequate transmission line protection for the new 115-kV transmission line proposed for construction to Waverly and to maintain the reliability of service to Fort Collins Utility customers served from the substation, including Anheuser- Busch. PRINCIPLE GM-9: The City's ongoing involvement in related planning processes in the region is another important way to achieve Fort Collins' vision. Policy GM-9.1 Area -Wide Collaboration. The City will be an active participant in county-, regional-, and state-wide decision -making and policy -setting for major land use, utilities, transportation, housing, environmental management, and telecommunication issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries. The protection of the interests of all segments of the city's population and economy and the quality of life in urban areas, will guide the City's activities as a regional cooperator. Policy GM-9.3 Collaboration of Service Providers. Service providers should coordinate closely with each other in needs assessment, facility siting and other matters to ensure continuing delivery of effective and efficient urban services. Where feasible, service providers will explore the possibility of consolidating agencies and/or jurisdictions to minimize the duplication of services. The proposed project addresses Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association's (PVREA) request to administer reliable electric service to its consumers in the vicinity of the project. Tri-State has worked closely with PVREA from the inception of the proposed project and has coordinated field evaluation and power system planning efforts as applicable. Tri-State has coordinated with Larimer County and received their approval to proceed with the project in Larimer County. May 2008 15 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Noise pollution associated with the proposed project is anticipated to be minimal. Typical noise from construction operations and equipment is expected. Noise from heavy machine during construction of the transmission line may create a short-term nuisance to nearby residents. Tri-State will mitigate this nuisance by ensuring that construction vehicles and equipment are maintained in proper operating condition and equipped with manufacturers' standard noise control devices or better (e.g., mufflers, engine enclosures). PRINCIPLE ENV-8: The City will minimize potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding, recognize and manage for the preservation of floodplain values, adhere to all City mandated codes, policies, and goals, and comply with all State and Federally mandated laws and regulations related to the management of activities in flood prone areas. The proposed project is not located within the boundaries of a 100-year floodplain. Policy ENV-8.6 Watershed Approach to Stormwater Management Policy. In addition to flood control and drainage functions, stormwater systems will be designed to minimize the introduction of human caused pollutants. Educational programs and demonstration projects will be pursued to enhance public understanding of pollution prevention efforts. Tributary systems will be designed for water quality control, with appropriate use of buffer areas, grass swales, detention ponds, etc. Receiving water habitat restoration and protection will be included in stormwater master plans, in conjunction with habitat mapping efforts. Tri-State will comply with county, city, state and federal stormwater management permitting and plan requirements. Best management practices (BMPs) for soil sedimentation and erosion control will be implemented on any disturbed areas. Water quality protection measures are further discussed in Table 3 in Section 4.2.5. PRINCIPLE ENV-10: The City will apply cost-effective pollution prevention and zero - waste strategies that will help protect all environmental resources, including air, soil, and water and accelerate the community's ability to meet the City's adopted goal of diverting 50% of the waste stream from disposal in landfills by 2010. Policy ENV-10.1. Hazardous Materials and Waste. The City will assertively apply pollution prevention -based management in its operations and be committed to acting as a resource to assist the community in preventing pollution and eliminating hazardous chemical usage, and for enforcing environmental regulations. Hazardous materials are not anticipated to be generated during the proposed project. Other waste, including construction materials and debris, shall be removed from the project area in an orderly and timely manner. Any fuel and fluid spills from construction equipment will be reported and handled in accordance with applicable regulatory spill reporting and response requirements (see Table 3 in Section 4.2.5). 14 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application Policy ENV 1.2. City-wide Approach. The City's primary approach to improving air pollution is to reduce total city-wide emissions over the long term. The City's secondary approach is to assure that localized air pollution exposures conform to adopted health standards. The operation of the proposed project will not adversely affect air quality. There will be minor temporary impacts on air quality during project construction from fugitive dust generation and vehicle emissions, but these impacts are expected to be temporary and insignificant. Tri-State will comply with state requirements for controlling fugitive dust emissions during the construction of the project. Tri-State's Standard Environmental Protections Measures (EPMs) (Table 3 in Section 4.2.5) address air quality preservation and mitigation. Vehicles and equipment shall operate so as to avoid excessive emission of exhaust gases and shall be operated in accordance with mitigation measure AQ-3 in Table 3, Section 4.2.5. PRINCIPLE ENV-6: Natural habitat/ecosystems (wildlife, wetlands, and riparian areas) will be protected and enhanced within the developed landscape of Fort Collins. Policy ENV-6.1 Protection and Enhancement. The City's regulatory powers will be used to preserve, protect, and enhance the resources and values of natural areas by directing development away from sensitive natural features —such as wetlands, riparian areas and wildlife habitat. When it is not possible to direct development away from natural areas, these areas will be protected in the developed landscape. Policy ENV-6.2 Floodplains. The City will preserve and protect natural areas in the 100-year floodplain of the Poudre River, Spring Creek, Fossil Creek, Boxelder Creek and other waterways. The portion of the proposed project within the city will be developed within an existing industrial area and will not impact any sensitive natural features, natural areas, or floodplains within the city limits. There is no Federal Emergency Management Agency or city -designated floodplain that will be crossed by the proposed project within the city. Tri-State has initiated consultation with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) on this project (see Attachment 2). Additional consultation with both agencies will take place to obtain feedback on specific mitigation measures for the project and to ensure that their input is reflected in the project's design and construction plans. PRINCIPLE ENV-7: Community noise standards will be enforceable, measurable, and realistic. Policy ENV-7.1 New Policy Development. Comprehensive policies will be developed to guide the implementation of programs and regulations to prevent noise pollution. May 2008 13 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application 4.2.1.1 Policies and Principles: Community -wide Land Use PRINCIPLE LU-4: More specific subarea planning efforts will follow the adoption of these City Plan Principles and Policies which tailor City Plan's city-wide perspective to individual neighborhoods, districts, corridors, and edges. Policy LU-4.1 Planning within the Context of City Plan. City Plan establishes citywide policies. Subarea plans are needed to help implement City Plan by applying its general, city-wide policies to a specific subarea. The proposed project is located within the area covered by the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan, which provides land use, design, environmental and transportation recommendations for vacant lands to the northeast. Conformance of the proposed project to the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan is discussed in detail in Section 4.2.1.4 of this document. The proposed project is consistent with the principles and policies of the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan. Economic Sustainability and Development PRINCIPLE ECON-1: The City will pursue a balanced and sustainable economic development program. Policy ECON-1.2 Economic Development Policy. The City will work with the business community and various business organizations to develop specific plans, goals and objectives in order to continue to encourage and support economic development and economic opportunities which provide primary employment, increase private investment within the community, and improve the quality of life for Fort Collins' residents. Policy ECON-1.2g Economic Development Policy Goals. Focusing on planning and the provision of municipal services and facilities such as streets and utilities as the City's role in dealing with prospective expansions or relocations. The proposed project will support future economic development in the area by improving electric service and providing power delivery infrastructure to increase electric reliability and capacity. Environment PRINCIPLE ENV-1: Continually improve Fort Collins' air quality as the City grows. Policy ENV-1.1 Air Quality Plan. The City will adopt and implement a comprehensive Air Quality Plan that addresses the following issues: a. Emissions from vehicles b. Emissions from commerce and industry c. Wood burning d. Visual air quality e. Certain indoor air pollutants and greenhouse gases 12 May 2008 Tri-State Richard Lake to Waverly 115-kV Transmission Line Project Site Plan Advisory Review Application 4.0 Submittal Requirements This section provides information required for submittal by the city of Fort Collins, including the list of affected landowners and a statement of planning objectives in conformance with city criteria. 4.1 Names and Addresses of Landowners within 800 Feet The Richard Lake Substation site is located on property owned by: CITY OF FORT COLLINS P.O. BOX 580 FORT COLLINS, CO 80521 The property crossed by the transmission line is owned by: JOHN MARTZ ANHEUSER-BUSCH, INC. 8000 MARYLAND AVENUE, SUITE 350 CLAYTON, MO 63105 The only other property owner within 800 feet of either the transmission line or the substation is: CHARLES KELLER LORI KELLER C/O CARL KELLER 2316 N COUNTY ROAD 9 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 4.2 Statement of Planning Objectives 4.2.1 Statement of Appropriate City Plan Principles and Policies Achieved by the Proposed Project An update to the Fort Collins City Plan was adopted in May 2004 (Fort Collins 2004). The City Plan contains a comprehensive set of principles and policies intended to guide land use within the city limits. Many of these principles and policies are directed at residential development, transportation or other areas that are not directly related to the proposed project. The specific principles and policies that relate most directly to the proposed project are presented below. In general, the project is consistent with relevant adopted city plans, including the City Plan and the Mountain Vista Subarea Plan (Fort Collins 1999). May 2008 11