HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.0 Staff report BOCC 10.03.2011/Exhibits -Limited Impact Review -Chevron USA, Inc. (LiPA 6934) BOCC Public Hearing (10103/2011) . Exhibit Exhibit Letter (A to Z) .... A Proof of Publication, Posting, and Mailings
B Garfield County Unified Land Use Resolution of 2008, as amended C Garfield County Comprehensive Plan of 2030 0 Application E Staff Memorandum F Staff Powerpoint G Email from Steve
Anthony, Garfield County Vegetation Manager, dated 9/22/2011 H, I Letter and Email from Chris Hale, Mountain Cross Engineering Inc., dated 9/6111 and 9/13/11 J Email from Jim Rada, Garfield
County Environmental Health, dated 08/22/11 K Email from Dan Roussin, Colorado Department of Transportation, dated 08/19/11 L Email from Bob KniQht, Town of Parachute, dated 08/22/11
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SOCC 10/03/2011 MOL PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF COMMENTS REQUEST: PROPERTY OWNER: OPERATOR: REPRESENTATIVE: PARCEL ID PROPERTY SIZE/SITE AREA LOCATION: ACCESS: ZONING: COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN: I. GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION Limited Impact Review -Communication Facility (LiPA 6934) Chevron USA, Inc. Williams Production RMT Company, LLC PVCMI -Land Planning -Phil Vaughan
2137-253-00-007 1,920.74 acresl.03 acres NEYiNEYi of Section 35, Township 5 South, Range 97 West Off of the Garden Gulch Extension Road and County Road 215 (CR 215) Resource Lands -Plateau
Resource Production/Natural Williams Production RMT Company, LLC (Applicant) proposes to construct an 80 foot communications tower on an existing Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
(COGCC) approved natural gas well pad (TR 41 -35-597) located on property owned by Chevron USA, Inc. The subject site is 30' x 45' in size and shall contain a communication facility,
communications building with solar panels, and a propane tank and generator. A wind powered turbine will also be mounted on the communication tower to provide power to the facility.
This facility will replace an existing communication tower that presently resides on the well pad. A new communication facility is required due to the Northern Parachute Valley seeing
more activity from drilling, gathering, processing which is placing more demand on the communications infrastructure supporting this valley. Presently, Parachute Valley communication
network runs 1
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL between the Sage Brush Gas Plant to the William's Administration Building north of the Town of Parachute with other communication
sites such as Greasewood, TR 41-35-597, Mt. Callahan, and Gas Plant in between these locations. See diagram below. As stated above, the existing communication tower is situated on a
well pad and is a critical location for the Applicant's network since other locations are dependent on this tower to receive and relay information up and down the valley. The existing
tower lacks the necessary height to provide adequate line of sight in all directions. Therefore, the Applicant wishes to replace the existing 20 foot tower and supporting infrastructure
with an 80 foot tower along with a new communication building, and propane powered back-up generator. The new tower site will be situated to the west and overlap a portion of the old
tower location. The proposed tower will maintain a smaller footprint by its building selection and placement of the solar panels and wind generator on the building and tower, respectively.
The proposed tower will be free-standing and the tower and foundation will be designed to meet specific requirements for weight and wind loads. The subject site will be unmanned and
will not require potable water or a wastewater system and will be enclosed by an eight foot tall security fence. 2
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL The communication facility will be powered by solar panels and a tower mounted wind generator. A 25 kW liquid propane fired
generator will be installed within the communication building and exercised approximately every two weeks for 15 minutes. The generator only runs when the solar panels and wind generator
have not provided enough power to charge the batteries that provide power for the communication system. There is approximately four days of battery power available at the site. It is
estimated that the generator will operate approximately six hours per year and it is anticipated that the vapor from this facility will be minimal. The liquid propane for the generator
will be stored in a 500 gallon tank located outside of the communication building. N Ut:IAIL 'A" NorroSGAIE t . ., '" \\\~OI '>-011</» "\\\\~i? TO .~(}RTIIFAST r:OflNEfI SfCllON 'J'i
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*( ~ \ ~I ,-'." I ~OR1HrAST 1/4 or SECTION 35, T5S, R97W. 61~ P.I.!. (j /I.,! c,' '/fOR: v.1WAIlS PRODuctlOlI IiMT CCr.PANY '."",Jh'G~) }, :) < /I JULY \2. 2011 r>HXS -r> /" f/) I /I
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loot 10 Iho POINT OF I I I /BEGINNING, I I I I I IlHENCE Soulh 36" 4J' 17" West 0 di.tonce II), I I of 4!).OO f.el; ~' I I I I I THENCE Norlh SJ" 16' 43" We51 0 dlslonce :-''' /I I I
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/I /'thot may e"51 on or wcthln ,ts I no" /" /11, //<Y II /.///SURVEYOR'S STATEMENT 'V//I/I ~ h///Y-I I --/,I, Richard A Bullen Jr, on agent and employee ~ -......., \ \., ~ /, //i'!'"',I...//on
beholf. o~ O.R. Grlffi~ &; Associoles, Inc. slo.le tfY " l '""'--' /, //I I -the descnpllon hereon JS o,.-correc representotlon Ai' \ I ...... "'_ 1/II //I II ,.. /of a survey mode un9'~r"'n5~'I~~}~O
rit ommencing ,p' I" ....... ~il-"'. I I /I '" on June 21, 2011, ,{' . ,." '-G~'l'>_ ._ --~ y/"'--'---, 1.., ...... 11695...,.-_..... /> /1 I 11/-:, /./-,' "'l~;" ...... __ -BGaS~_ -a69S--c.--_/'"
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FEET & ASSOCIATES, INC. WILLIAMS PRODUCTION RMT ~~ ~~~==~==~~~~~~'~~~O~'==~ TR 41-35-597 COCMOMntUPNAINCYA TIONS TOWER NENE, SECTION 35, T5S, R97w, 6th P.M. Site Plan 3
•• ...... '" .... '. ~'., .. '" ... . .' -,""" Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL Solar Panels Communication Building with Solar Panels -Elevations -ClI'-WIN.Tf.'l,I
i.A.S •• -QI,lH,lAH/-fJI'lAj •• arOOfDISHU UOOT("J<§l~S '"-'U7tJIIl .. ,p .... ~lmT""" YAGI".'UEN'I'. YAGIANIEW'" h" .... /R.wlElfi'. rAG> .... IfU<>U. 'A<:iIAlllli1,," _VoIllP9WlIH1I
WI<Oc>t.oJlGEA b '" ,!)V,n $A8IIUOlool !/Qt:El_S3n North View WestView Communication Tower -Elevations Please note that the antennas shown extending above the tower will now be affixed
to the side of the tower and will not increase the tower height above 80 feet. 4
II. LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL This site is located off of the Garden Gulch Extension Road which has access to CR 215 and
is approximately 12 miles northwest of the Town of Parachute. III. ZONING AND ADJACENT USES Surrounding properties are zoned Resource Lands -Plateau and land uses consist of oil and
gas extraction and livestock grazing. IV. REFERRAL AGENCIES Comments have been requested from the following agencies and comments received are integrated throughout this report as applicable.
Garfield County Road and Bridge Department: No comments received. Garfield County Vegetation Management (Exhibit G): This department indicates that this communication tower is on an
approved COGCC well pad therefore a security for revegetation is not needed. Mountain Cross Engineering. Inc. (Consulting Engineer-Exhibits H and I): This consultant had two questions
which were resolved by the Applicant as demonstrated in the second email. Garfield County Public Health (Exhibit J): This department has no comments on this application. Garfield County
Oil and Gas Liaison: No comments received. DeBeque Fire Protection District: No comments received. Colorado Department of Transportation (Exhibit K): This department has no comments
on this application. Town of Parachute (Exhibit Ll: The Town has no objections to this application. Colorado Division of Wildlife: No comments received. V. REVIEW STANDARDS & STAFF COMMENTS
Limited Impact Reviews are required to adequately address topics in Section 4-502(0) Land Suitability Analysis, Section 4-502(E) Impact Analysis, the general development standards found
in Article VII with specific attention to Section 7-823 which are additional standards applicable to Telecommunication Facilities as codified in the Garfield County Unified Land Use
Resolution of 2008, as amended (ULUR). The following section provides a review of those standards in bold italics followed by a Staff Response. A. Section 4·502(E) Land Suitability Analysis
1. Public Access to Site. Show historic public access to or through the site. Staff Response: The site is accessed by CR 215 and the Garden Gulch Extension Road. 5
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL 2. Access to adjoining Roadways. Identify access to adjoining roads and site distance and intersection constraints. Staff
Response: CR 215 and Garden Gulch Road serve as the primary intersection for this application. This intersection has sufficient sight distance clearance. 3. Easements. Sho,(" all easements
defining, limiting or allowing use, types and access. Staff Response: A "Road Construction and Maintenance Agreement" dated 11/1105 (see Tab 13 of application) allows for Chevron USA
Inc., Williams Production RMT Company, LLC and other parties to utilize Garden Gulch Road for access to the subject site. 4. Topography and Slope. Topography and slope determination.
Staff Response: The subject site is relatively flat and there's no topographic issues related to the proposed location of the communication facility. 5. Natural Features. Significant
natural features on-site and off-site. Staff Response: Crystal Creek is located to the west and Willow Creek to the east of the subject site. 6. Drainage Features. Existing drainages
and impoundments, natural and manmade. Staff Response: The limited size of disturbance related to the development of this use will not impact existing manmade or natural drainages or
impoundments. 7. Water. Historic irrigation, tailwater issues, water demands, adequate water supply plan pursuant to Section 7-104. Staff Response: The proposed facility is unmanned
therefore provision of water is not applicable. 8. Floodplain. Flood plain and flood fringe delineations. Staff Response: The site is not located within a mapped floodplain. 9. Soils.
Soils determination, percolation constraints, as applicable. Staff Response: A Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11) indicates that
the subsoils consist of very silty, gravelly clay, and interlayered formational shale and siltstone which typically have a high swell potential when wetted. Design recommendations are
given in this report to modify the soil characteristics for this proposed land use. 10. Hazards. Geologic hazards on-site, and adjacent to site. Staff Response: A Geotechnical Engineering
Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11) indicates that "based on their experience in the area they anticipate some potential for radon exists on-site" and
therefore recommends follow up testing to check radon levels in the structure after construction is complete. No other geological hazards were identified. 11. Natural Habitat. Existing
flora and fauna habitat, wetlands, migration routes. Staff Comment: WestWater Engineering, Inc. prepared an Environmental Effects Report dated June 2011. This report indicates that the
subject site is located on the top of a hill along a major ridgeline west of headwaters of Willow Creek, which is a tributary of Parachute Creek. 6
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL This report also states that no wetlands or migratory routes are present within the subject site and no threatened or endangered
flora or fauna species will be impacted. 12. Resource Areas. Protected or Registered Archaeological, cultural, paleontological and historic resource areas. Staff Comment: A Class I Cultural
Resource Inventory prepared by Grand River Institute. This report indicates a declaration of negative findings and no further research is required. Section 4-502(EI Impact Analysis.
The Impact Analysis shall provide a description of the impacts that the proposed land use change may cause, based upon the standards that the proposed use must satisfy. The Impact Analysis
shall include a complete description of how the applicant will ensure that impacts will be mitigated and standards will be satisfied. The following information shall be included in the
Impact Analysis. 1. Adjacent Property. An address list of real property adjacent to the subject property, and the mailing address for each of the property owners. Staff Comment: A list
was provided of adjacent property owners along with mailing addresses for each land owner. 2. Adjacent Land Use. Existing use of adjacent property and neighboring properties within 1500'
radius. Staff Comment: The existing land uses of properties within 1,500 feet are oil and gas development and livestock grazing. 3. Site Features. A description of site features such
as streams, areas subject to flooding, lakes, high ground water areas, topography, vegetative cover, climatology, and other features that may aid in the evaluation of the proposed development.
Staff Comment: The subject site is located on the top of a hill along a major ridge line at approximately 8,700 feet above sea level. The site is relatively flat and is located on an
existing well pad. The proposed communication facility is situated between Crystal and Willow Creeks but will not impact either due to its' distance from these water bodies and the small
footprint of disturbance that will occur with this proposal. 4. Soil Characteristics. A description of soil characteristics of the site which have a significant influence on the proposed
use of the land. Staff Response: A Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11) indicates that the subsoils consist of very silty, gravelly
clay, and interlayered formational shale and siltstone which typically have a high swell potential when wetted. Design recommendations are given in this report to modify the soil characteristics
for this proposed land use. 5. Geology and Hazard. A description of the geologic characteristics of the area including any potential natural or man-made hazards, and a determination
of what effect such factors would have on the proposed use of the land. Staff Response: A Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11)
indicates that "based on their experience in the area they anticipate some potential for radon exists on-site" and therefore recommends follow up testing to check radon levels in the
structure after construction is complete. No other geological hazards were identified. 7
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL 6. Effect on Existing Water Supply and Adequacy of Supply. Evaluation of the effect of the proposed land use on the capacity
of the source of water supply to meet existing and future domestic and agricultural requirements and meeting the adequate water supply requirements of Section 7·104. Staff Comment: The
site is unmanned therefore provision of water is not applicable. 7. Effect on Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas. Evaluation of the relationship of the subject parcel to floodplains,
the nature of soils and subsoils and their ability to adequately support waste disposal, the slope of the land, the effect of sewage effluents, and the pollution of surface runoff, stream
flow and groundwater. Staff Comment: Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11) and letter from David Fox concluded that the proposed
facility will not impact the groundwater or aquifer recharge areas. In addition, no water or wastewater will be used or generated by this facility. 8. Environmental Effects. Determination
of the existing environmental conditions on the parcel to be developed and the effects of development on those conditions, including: a. Determination of the long term and short term
effect on flora and fauna. Staff Comment: WestWater Engineering report dated June 2011 concludes little to no impact on flora and fauna will occur from this proposed land use. b. Determination
of the effect on significant archaeological, cultural, paleontological, historic resources. Staff Comment: A Class I Cultural Resource Inventory prepared by Grand River Institute. This
report indicates a declaration of negative findings and no further research is required. c. Determination of the effect on designated environmental resources, including critical wildlife
habitat. (1) Impacts on wildlife and domestic animals through creation of hazardous attractions, alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration routes, use patterns
or other disruptions. Staff Comment: The subject site will have an eight foot tall security fence which will prevent wildlife and domestic animals from accessing the facility. The subject
site also doesn't contain any wildlife migration corridors. d. Evaluation of any potential radiation hazard that may have been identified by the State or County Health Departments. Staff
Comment: No radiation hazards were identified by State or County Health Departments. e. Spill Prevention Control and Counter Measures plan, if applicable. Staff Comment: A Spill Prevention
and Response Plan dated May 2010 prepared by HRL Compliance Solutions, Inc. is provided in the application with Best Management Practices. 8
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL 9. Traffic. Assessment of traffic impacts based upon a traffic study prepared in compliance with Section 4-502(J). Staff Comment:
A temporary increase in traffic will occur during construction of the facility. The construction phase will take approximately 30 days and will involve two pickup trucks for construction
employees, five concrete trucks, one crane, two trucks and a trailer to move the communication tower and building. The frequency and duration of these trips traveled are as follows:
Two pickup trucks carrying construction employees: One trip per day for 30 days; Five concrete trucks: over a two day period; four trips one day; and, one trip the second day; One crane:
one day; and, Two trucks and a trailer for hauling the building and communication tower: two separate days. . It is anticipated that during two days of the construction period, a nine
percent increase will occur on CR 215. No lane closures or traffic interruptions are anticipated to occur. After construction, the proposed use will be visited by an employee in a pickup
truck twice a year for maintenance purposes. 10. Nuisance. Impacts on adjacent land from generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare or vibration, or other emanations. Staff Comment:
The proposed communication facility is not anticipated to cause nuisance impacts to adjacent land for the following reasons: Vapor and Smoke: The communication facility will be powered
by solar panels and a tower mounted wind generator. A 25 kW liquid propane fired generator will be installed within the communication building and exercised approximately every two weeks
for 15 minutes. The generator only runs when the solar panels and wind generator have not provided enough power to charge the batteries that provide power for the communication system.
There is approximately four days of battery power available at the site. It is estimated that the generator will operate approximately six hours per year and it is anticipated that the
vapor from this facility will be minimaL Dust: The site construction will disturb approximately 1,500 square feet and dust control will be provided by a water truck during the one month
construction period. After the construction has been completed, the area will be graveled to prevent dust. Noise and Vibration: A letter prepared by Hankard Environmental dated July
8, 2011 concludes that the noise from the wind turbine and backup generator will meet State and County noise standards and ground vibrations are not expected to be perceptible beyond
the subject site. Glare: The facility has been designed to reduce glare by having black solar panels, nonreflective and neutral or earth tones for the tower and building. 11. Reclamation
Plan. A reclamation plan consistent with the standards in Section 7-212. Staff Comment: The proposed facility will result in minimal disturbance. The application provides a Reclamation
Plan developed by HRL Compliance Solutions dated June 2011. 9
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL The Applicant states that the intended timeframe for this facility is 40 -50 years. No revegetation security is proposed in
the application or required by County staff since this facility is already bonded under the COGCC permit. B. Section 7-100 GENERAL APPROVAL STANDARDS FOR LAND USE CHANGE PERMITS 1. Section
7-101 Compliance with Zone District Use Restrictions Staff Comment: Communication Facilities are permitted by Limited Impact Review in the Resource Lands -Plateau Zone District and meets
land use restrictions. 2. Section 7-102 Compliance with Comprehensive Plan and Intergovernmental Agreements Staff Comment: The proposal generally conforms to the Comprehensive Plan and
no intergovernmental agreements affect the subject site. 3. Section 7-103 Compatibility Staff Comment: A communication facility is a compatible use with activity occurring in the general
area. 4. Section 7-104 Sufficient Legal and Physical Source of Water Staff Comment: No water is proposed to be provided since the facility will be unmanned. 5. Section 7-105 Adequate
Water Supply Staff Comment: Not applicable. 6. Section 7-106 Adequate Water Distribution and Wastewater Systems Staff Comment: Not applicable. 7. Section 7-107 Adequate Public Utilities
Staff Comment: Not applicable. 8. Section 7-108 Access and Roadways Staff Comment: Access is sufficient for the proposed use. 9. Section 7-109 No Significant Risk from Natural Hazards
Staff Response: A Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11) indicates that "based on their experience in the area they anticipate some
potential for radon exists on-site" and therefore recommends follow up testing to check radon levels in the structure after construction is complete. No other geological hazards were
identified. C. Section 7-200 GENERAL RESOURCE PROTECTION STANDARDS FOR LAND USE CHANGE PERMITS 1. Section 7-201 Protection of Agricultural Lands Staff Comment: This is not applicable
as agricultural uses coexist with oil and gas activity in the area. 10
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL 2. Section 7-202 Protection of Wildlife Habitat Areas Staff Comment: WestWater Engineering, Inc. prepared an Environmental
Effects Report dated June 2011. No wetlands or migratory routes are present within the subject site and no threatened or endangered flora or fauna species will be impacted. 3. Section
7-203 Protection of Wetlands and Waterbodies Staff Comment: There are no wetlands or water bodies on-site. 4. Section 7-204 Protection of Water Quality from Pollutants Staff Comment:
No adverse impacts to water quality will result from this use. 5. Section 7-205 Erosion and Sedimentation Staff Comment: The Applicant proposes to utilize Best Management Practices (BMP's)
in the construction of this facility pursuant to the Stormwater Management Plan. 6. Section 7-206 Drainage & Section 7-207 Storm water Run-Off Staff Comments: The small footprint of
the facility will not adversely impact drainage or stormwater run-off. BMP's will be utilized during construction. 7. Section 7-208 Air Quality Staff Comment: Minimal air quality impacts
will result from the proposed use. The site will be required to meet County performance standards throughout the use of the facility. 8. Section 7-209 Areas Subject to Wildfire Hazards
Staff Comment: The Garfield County Wildfire Hazard Map identifies the site as low wildlife hazard. 9. Section 7-210 Areas Subject to Natural Hazards and Geologic Hazards Staff. Response:
A Geotechnical Engineering Report prepared by Geotechnical Engineering Group (dated 06/20/11) indicates that "based on their experience in the area they anticipate some potential for
radon exists on-site" and therefore recommends follow up testing to check radon levels in the structure after construction is complete. No other geological hazards were identified. 10.
Section 7-211 Areas with Archeological, Paleontological or Historical Importance Staff Comment: A Class I Cultural Resource Inventory prepared by Grand River Institute. This report indicates
a declaration of negative findings and no further research is required. 11. Section 7-212 Reclamation Staff Comment: The proposed facility will result in minimal disturbance. The application
provides a Reclamation Plan developed by HRL Compliance Solutions dated June 2011. The Applicant states that the intended timeframe for this facility is 40 -50 years. No revegetation
security is recommended due to the location of the facility on a COGCC approved well pad. D. Section 7-823 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS -COMMUNICATION FACILITIES A. Shared Facilities. Shared
use/co-location of wireless communication facilities on existing structures, towers or buildings in a manner that precludes the need for the construction of a freestanding structure
of its own shall be utilized unless it can be 11
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board of County Commissioners that shared use/co-Iocation is not feasible or practical.
Staff Comment: The facility will not be available for others to use in the future. As attached in Tab 2 of the application, the engineering memo notes that the 80 foot tall tower is
the minimum height in which to achieve the communications connectivity to the other towers in the area without the signal hitting the ground. Because of the small tower height, it can
not be used by other entities. B. New Towers and Facilities. No new transmission tower or facility shall be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the County
that no existing tower, structure or utility facility can be used by the applicant. To gain approval to construct a new transmission tower or facility, the applicant must demonstrate
that: 1. No existing transmission tower, facility or utility structure is located within a distance which meets the Applicant's engineering requirements; or 2. No existing transmission
tower, facility or utility structure is located within a distance which meets the Applicant's engineering requirements and which has sufficient structural strength or space available
to support the Applicant's telecommunication facility and related equipment; or 3. The Applicant's proposed telecommunication facility will not cause unreasonable electromagnetic or
other interference with the antennas on existing towers, structures or utility structures or the antennas of existing transmission towers, facilities or utility structures or that such
existing facilities would interfere with the Applicant's uses such that co-location is not possible; or 4. No owner of existing towers, structures or utility structures, within a distance
that meets the Applicant's engineering requirements, will allow the Applicant to place its telecommunication facility thereon. Staff Comment: There are no existing communications facilities
in the area that can be utilized for the communication needs necessary for the Applicant. C. Structural and Engineering Standards. The applicant shall submit evidence concerning structural
and engineering standards prepared by a qualified professional engineer licensed by the State of Colorado. The safety of the property and the neighborhood shall be protected. Staff Comment:
A Structural Design Report prepared by Sabre Tower & Poles dated June 29, 2011 and sealed by a Colorado Professional Engineer (Amy Herbst, License #39923). The design takes into account
the necessary loads and tower calculations. In addition, a foundation design is provided and takes into consideration tower structural calculations and geotechnical report. D. Interference.
Every transmission tower and telecommunication facility shall meet the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding physical and electromagnetic interference.
Staff Comment: The Applicant ensures that all transmitting systems designed and installed will meet or exceed the FCC radiofrequency safety requirements. 12
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL E. Health Standards. Transmission towers and telecommunication facilities shall meet applicable health and safety standards
for electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions as established by the FCC and/or any other federal or state agency having jurisdiction. Staff Comment: The Applicant ensures that the transmitting
system is within the power guidelines as directed in Parts 15 and 90 of the FCC regulations. F. Public Utility Structures. Transmission towers or telecommunication facilities mounted
on existing structures of public utilities that have a franchise or other written permission from the County and use concealed transmission towers and telecommunication facilities are
permitted in all non-residential zoning districts, unless otherwise specified by this Code. The County may approve the placement, extension or replacement of a transmission tower or
telecommunication facility on an existing public utility structure up to fifty (50) feet above the highest point on the same; the County may waive public notice and other submittal requirement
if the Director believes that the public interest will not be harmed by such a waiver. Staff Comment: Not applicable. G. Design, Materials and Color. Transmission towers and telecommunication
facilities shall be designed and maintained to minimize visual impact; carry gravity and wind loads required by law; and concealment or stealth methods, such as camouflaging transmission
Towers to look like light poles or trees are encouraged. At a minimum, the transmission towers and facilities shall meet the following design standards: 1. Architecturally integrated
with existing buildings, structures and landscaping, including height, color, style, massing, placement, design and shape. 2. Located on existing vertical infrastructure such as utility
poles and public building or utility structures. 3. Roof mounted antennas shall be located as far away as feasible from the edge of the building. Antennas attached to the building should
be painted or otherwise treated to match the exterior of the building. 4. Equipment shelters and antennas shall not extend more than ten (10) feet from the top of the building unless
expressly approved by the County. 5. Located in areas where the existing topography, vegetation, buildings or other structures provide screening. Staff Comment: The communication facility
is designed to minimize visual impact by having black solar panels, galvalume tower color, and a tan building. Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are not applicable since these items address
antennas installed on existing buildings. H. Landscaping and Screening. The property on which a telecommunication facility or tower is located shall be landscaped and screened, in accordance
with the following standards: 13
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL 1. A free-standing transmission tower or telecommunication facility shall include landscaping planted and maintained according
to a landscaping plan approved by the County. 2. A freestanding transmission tower or telecommunication facility shall be surrounded by a six (6) foot high wall or fence or other suitable
buffer yard. Chain link with slats shall not constitute acceptable fencing nor shall it satisfy the screening requirement. Staff Comment: Providing landscaping for this facility is not
applicable because it is located in remote area where it can't be visible by the public. An eight foot fence will be installed around the subject site for security and keep wildlife
and livestock out rather than for screening. I. Lighting and Signage. Only lighting required by a federal agency is allowed. Only signage that is required by state or federal law is
allowed. No advertising shall be permitted. Staff Comment: No lighting or signage are proposed. J. Free Standing Transmission Tower or Telecommunication Facility Equipment Building(s)
or Cabinet(s). Exterior tower or telecommunication facility equipment building(s) or cabinet(s) shall not contain more than four hundred (400) square feet of gross floor area, shall
not be more than twelve (12) feet in height, and shall maintain the minimum setback, landscaping and screening requirements of the zone in which it is located. Staff Comment: The proposed
building is 10' wide by 16' long by 9' high is less than the 400 square foot gross floor area and 12 feet height allowed. All setbacks meet County standards and landscaping is not proposed
due to the remoteness of the site. K. Modification or Demolition. Any transmission tower or telecommunications facility being modified, demolished or rebuilt shall be in compliance with
the standards adopted in this Code. Staff Comment: The removal of the existing communication facility will comply with County land use code. L. Maintenance. Every owner of a transmission
tower or telecommunications facility shall take special care to operate, repair and maintain all such facilities so as to prevent failures and accidents which cause damage, injuries
or nuisances to the neighborhood and public. All wires, cables, fixtures and other equipment shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of the National Electric Safety Code
and all FCC, FAA, state and local regulations, and in such a manner that will not interfere with radio communications, electronic transmissions or all other electromagnetic communications
or otherwise cause a safety hazard. Staff Comment: The Applicant indicates in the application they will comply with this requirement. M. Review. Each new tower or facility shall be subject
to a two (2)-year review by the Director. The review will determine whether or not the originally approved number of antenna and design are still appropriate and necessary to provide
adequate communications services. 14
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL Staff Comment: The Applicant states in the application they will comply with this requirement. N. Abandonment. The wireless
telecommunication facility owner shall remove all wireless telecommunications facilities which are not in use for any six (6)-month period, within three (3) months of the end of such
six (6) month abandonment. As a part of such removal, the owner shall re-vegetate the site so that it is compatible with the neighborhood. The Board of County Commissioners shall only
determine abandonment after the owner has had notice and an opportunity to be heard. Staff Comment: The Applicant states in the application they will comply with this requirement. O.
Federal Aviation Agency ("FAA") Form. The applicant shall submit FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, except that such form shall not be required for the following:
1. An amateur radio antennae if owned and operated by a federally licensed amateur radio operator or used exclusively for a receive-only antennae. 2. Any existing tower and antennae
provided a building permit was issued for a tower or antennae prior to the adoption of this Code. 3. Any emergency telecommunications facilities used exclusively for emergency services
including, but not limited to, police, fire and operation of governmental entities. 4. Any antennae used for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensees engaged in AM, FM or television
broadcasting. Staff Comment: This application does not trigger a FAA Form 7460-1. P. Telecommunications Act. All telecommunications facilities shall comply with the standards of this
Code, all applicable standards of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, and all applicable requirements ofthe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Staff Comment: The Federal
Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not apply to this application as this act affects telephone service, local and long distance, cable programming and other video services, broadcast
services and services provided to schools. This facility does not provide these types of service. In addition, this application isn't required to file any FAA forms or to receive approval
from the FAA for this installation because it doesn't possess any of the criteria that require this review. VI. SUGGESTED FINDINGS Should the BOCC decide to approve the request for Chevron
USA, Inc. Communication Facility, Staff suggests the BOCC make the following findings: 1. That proper public notice was provided as required for the hearing before the Board of County
Commissioners. 2. The hearing before the Board of County Commissioners was extensive and complete, that all pertinent facts, matters and issues were submitted and that all interested
parties were heard at that hearing. 15
Chevron USA, Inc. -Communication Facility 10/03/11 BOCC MOL 3. For the above stated and other reasons, the proposed Land Use Change Permit has been determined to be in the best interest
of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Garfield County. 4. The application will meet the requirements of the Garfield County Unified Land Use Resolution of 2008, as amended
upon compliance of the conditions adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. VII. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners approve the request for a
Land Use Change Permit for a Communication Facility to be operated by Williams Production RMT Company, LLC on a property owned by Chevron USA, Inc. located in NE14NE14 of Section 35,
Township 5 South, Range 97 West of the 6th P.M. in Garfield County with the following conditions: 1. That all representations made by the Applicant in the application, and at the public
hearing before the Board of County Commissioners, shall be conditions of approval, unless specifically altered by the Board of County Commissioners; 2. The operation of this facility
shall be done in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations governing the operation of this type of facility; 3. The facility shall be required to comply with
the following standards: a. The facility shall be operated so that the ground vibration inherently and recurrently generated is not perceptible, without instruments, at any point of
any boundary line of the property on which the use is located. b. Site operations shall not emit heat, glare, radiation, dust or fumes which substantially interfere with the existing
use of adjoining property or which constitutes a public nuisance or hazard. c. All equipment and structures associated with this permit shall be painted with nonreflective paint in neutral
colors to reduce glare and mitigate any visual impacts. d. Volume of sound generated shall comply with the standards set forth in the Colorado Revised Statutes. e. All lighting associated
with the property shall be directed inward and downward towards the interior of the property; and, 4. The installation of the communication building shall meet all International Building
Code and International Fire Code 2009 requirements. Equipment shall also meet manufacturer's listed installation requirements. VIII. RECOMMENDED MOTION I move to approve a Land Use Change
Permit through the Limited Impact Review for a "Communication Facility" on .03 acres, on property owned by Chevron USA, Inc. with the Staff recommended findings and conditions. 16
EXHIBIT Ie::, MEMORANDUM To: Molly Orkild-Larson From: Steve Anthony Re: Chevron Communications Tower LlPA 6934 Date: September 22, 2011 Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this
project. Since this project is on a site regulated by the COGeC, staff has no comments on the permit application.
September 6, 20 II Ms. Molly Orkild-Larson Garfield County Building & Planning 0375 County Road 352, Building 2060 Rifle, CO 81650 MOUNTf\lN CROSS ENGINEERING, INC. CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSULTING AND DESIGN , RE: LIPA-6934, Communication Facility: Chevron USA, Inc. Dear Molly: This office has performed a review of the documents provided for the Communication Facility
application of Chevron USA, Inc. The submittal was found to be thorough and well organized. The review generated the following questions, concerns, or comments: • The ana lysis on radio
wave signal paths has two different heights of the antennae; one at a 60' mounting height and another at an 80' antennae height. The Applicant should clarify if two antennae are going
to be mounted on the tower, if there is a discrepancy, and/or if this is germane to the analysis. • A wind turbine is to be mounted on the communication tower. The application materials
are focused on the tower with very little mention of the wind turbine for power generation. The applicant should address if there are any anticipated impacts specific to the wind turbine.
Feel free to call if you would like to discuss any part of the review. g, Inc. Chris Hale, PE 826 1/2 Grand Avenue • Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 PH: 970.945.5544 • FAX: 970.945 .5558
• www.ll1ountaincross-eng.coll1
EXHIBIT Il: From: Cbris Hate To: Cc: "Phil vaughan" Molly 0rld1d-1 a!'SOn Subject: RE: Chevron Cornm Facility Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 1:28:36 PM Phil: Thank you for the clarifications.
The responses adequately addressed the questions and comments from my letter. Sincerely, Mountain Cross Engineering, Inc. Chris Hale, P.E. 826 1/2 Grand Avenue Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Ph: 970.945.5544 Fx: 970.945.5558 From: Phil Vaughan [mailto:phil@pvcmLcom] Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 7:36AM To: chris@mountaincross-eng.com; Molly Orkild-Larson Cc: 'Foote,
Bill'; Philip Vaughan Subject: FW: Chevron Comm Facility Chris, I hope that you are doing well today. Please find below re plies t o you r letter dated 9/6/11 that we received yesterday.
1. Radio Wave signal paths: Please see attached the Bill Foote 2/16/11 memo attached and located in the application in Tab 2 . Page 6 does note an antenna height of 80 feet at the TR
41-35-597 (aka TR 2-35) and 60 feet the communications tower located 22 .2 miles away at Greasewood on Piceance Creek. The intent is for thi s antenna to be mounted at 80 feet maximum
at the TR 41-35 site. 2. Wind turbine. The wind turbine is currently mounted on the site and has been in operat ion for many yea rs. The wind charger is noted on the attached Bill Foote
2/16/11 memo on page 9. A cut sheet of the existing Whisper Model 100 wind turbine that will be utili zed on the new communicat ions tower was in cluded in tab 16 and is attached. We
have addressed the impact s of the wind turb ine in a number of areas within the applica tion. First, the wind turbin e and communica tions tower were reviewed in th e attached wildlife
report from WestWater Engineering loca ted in Tab 13. We also have inco rporated the noise from the wind turbine into th e attached noise report prepared by Hankard Environmental located
in Tab 13. In th e attached Tab 42 submittal we note that the visual im pact is minimal as the wind generator is approximately the same ga lva lume color as the communicat ions tower.
We have not identified any impact s of the wind turbine that have not been mit igated.
Thanks for your assis tance and please contact me with further questions. Sincere ly, Phil Vaughan PVCMI -Land Planning Division 1038 Counly Road 323 Rifle, CO 81650 970-625-5350
From: To: Subject: Date: Hi Molly, liIn..Ba<1o. Molly Qrki1d-1 arson UPA 6934, Chevron USA Inc. Communications Facility Monday, August 22, 2011 11 :18:08 AM I have reviewed the referenced
LlPA and have no concerns related to this project. Your cover sheet says Chevron is the applicant but the project is William s? I'm confu se d . . Ii III 1\ ilil iI Environmental Health
Manager Garfield County Public Health 195 W. 14th Street Rifle. CO 81650 Phone -970 -625 -5200 x8113 Fax -970 -625 -8304 Cell -970 -319-1579 jrada@garfield-county .com www.garfield -county.com
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Roussin Danjel Molly 0rlsj1d-1 arson phjl@pyQDj com Communication Facility -UPA 6934 Friday, August 19, 201112:06:28 PM Molly -I have no comments on this
project. thanks Dan Roussin Region 3 Permit Unit Manager 222 South 6th Street, Room 100 Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-683-6284 Office 970-683-6290 Fax EXHIBIT Ii'
From: To: Subject: Date: Robert Knight Molly Or1dld-larson UPA 6934 Attachments: Monday, August 22, 2011 7:27:57 AM Robert J Koight yd Molly I Parachute has no objection to this project.
Robert J. Knight Town Of Parachute Town Administrator (970) 285-7630 Work robertk@parachutecolorado,com EXHIBIT I 's
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