Rocky-Mountain-Power--Exhibit-1

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Content

Fi nal Re por t
Wyoming Industrial
Development Information and
Siting Act
Section 109 Permit Application
Dunlap Energy Project

Prepared for
Pacificorp Energy

June 15, 2009
Prepared By:

9193 South Jamaica Street
Englewood, CO 80112

Contents
Contents ...............................................................................................................................................iii
Acronyms and Abbreviations.........................................................................................................xiv
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... ES-1
1.0 Purpose, Need, and Benefit................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Need ......................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Benefits..................................................................................................................... 1-3
1.3.1 Regional Benefits ....................................................................................... 1-4
1.3.2 Regional Economic Analysis.................................................................... 1-5
1.3.3 Estimate of Direct and Secondary (Indirect and Induced)
Effects .......................................................................................................... 1-5
1.3.4 Secondary Benefits .................................................................................... 1-6
1.4 Local Benefits .......................................................................................................... 1-7
1.4.1 Distribution of Impact Assistance Funds............................................... 1-7
1.4.2 Increased Local Spending ........................................................................ 1-8
1.4.3 Increased Local Economic Activity......................................................... 1-8
1.4.4 State of Wyoming Land Trust Lease Revenue Payments.................. 1-10
1.4.5 Tax Effects................................................................................................. 1-10
1.4.6 Environmental Benefits .......................................................................... 1-12
2.0 Applicant and Facility Description................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Applicant Information........................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Point of Delivery – Goods and Services .............................................................. 2-2
2.3 Site Selection............................................................................................................ 2-3
2.4 Nature and Location of the Facility ..................................................................... 2-3
2.5 Preliminary Site Plan.............................................................................................. 2-4
2.6 Land Ownership..................................................................................................... 2-4
2.7 Project Phase Descriptions and Future Modifications ...................................... 2-6
2.8 Wind Energy Facility Components...................................................................... 2-6
2.9 Additional Project Features................................................................................... 2-8
3.0 Construction and Operations Descriptions ..................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Time of Commencement and Construction Time.............................................. 3-1
3.2 Construction Schedule........................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 Construction Completion Schedule..................................................................... 3-3
3.4 Construction Procedures....................................................................................... 3-3
3.4.1 Site Civil Work/Preparation.................................................................... 3-4
3.4.2 Access Road and Crane Pad Preparation............................................... 3-4
3.4.3 Additional Construction Areas (Laydown Areas and Batch Plant)... 3-5
3.4.4 Tower Foundations ................................................................................... 3-5
3.4.5 Tower Assembly........................................................................................ 3-6
3.4.6 Power Collection System.......................................................................... 3-6
3.4.7 Generator Step-Up Transformers and Foundations............................. 3-7
3.4.8 Collector Substation.................................................................................. 3-7
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CONTENTS
3.4.9 230-kV Interconnection Transmission Line ........................................... 3-8
3.4.10 Interconnect Facility.................................................................................. 3-9
3.4.11 Meteorological and Microwave Towers................................................. 3-9
3.4.12 SCADA........................................................................................................ 3-9
3.4.13 Waste Management................................................................................... 3-9
3.4.14 Testing....................................................................................................... 3-11
3.4.15 Cleanup and Reclamation...................................................................... 3-11
3.5 Construction Workforce Estimate...................................................................... 3-11
3.5.1 Phase I ....................................................................................................... 3-11
3.5.2 Phase II...................................................................................................... 3-13
3.5.3 Local and Nonlocal Workforce.............................................................. 3-15
3.6 Operations Workforce Employment.................................................................. 3-17
3.7 List of Permits Required for Construction........................................................ 3-18
3.8 Operation and Maintenance Activities.............................................................. 3-20
3.8.1 Anticipated Operation Life .................................................................... 3-20
3.8.2 Facility Operations .................................................................................. 3-20
3.8.3 Operations Waste Management ............................................................ 3-20
3.9 Site Decommissioning ......................................................................................... 3-23
4.0 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Area of Site Influence............................................................................................. 4-1
4.1.1 Local Governments Primarily Affected by the Proposed
Industrial Facility ...................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Local Governments Primarily Unaffected by the Proposed
Industrial Facility ...................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Meeting Activities .................................................................................................. 4-1
4.2.1 Meeting Format/Information Provided ................................................ 4-3
4.2.2 Meeting Notices and Attendees .............................................................. 4-3
4.3 Additional Activities.............................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 Newspaper Advertisements .................................................................... 4-3
4.3.2 Public Open House ................................................................................... 4-4
4.4 Questions and Answers......................................................................................... 4-4
5.0 Socioeconomic Baseline Data and Analysis of Impacts ................................................. 5-1
5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Construction and Operations Workforce Estimates............................. 5-1
5.1.2 Inventory and Evaluation of the Social and Economic Conditions ... 5-2
5.2 Area of Site Influence, Local Governments Primarily Affected, and
Study Area............................................................................................................... 5-2
5.2.1 Area of Site Influence................................................................................ 5-3
5.2.2 Local Governments Primarily Affected by the Project ........................ 5-5
5.2.3 Study Area.................................................................................................. 5-6
5.3 Baseline Socioeconomic Conditions..................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 Population .................................................................................................. 5-9
5.3.2 Economic Conditions.............................................................................. 5-18
5.3.3 Housing .................................................................................................... 5-59
5.3.4 Education.................................................................................................. 5-81
5.3.5 Public Safety............................................................................................. 5-92
5.3.6 Health Care ............................................................................................ 5-109
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CONTENTS
5.3.7 Municipal Services ................................................................................ 5-115
5.3.8 Transportation Facilities....................................................................... 5-120
5.4 Socioeconomic Impact Analysis .......................................................................... 127
5.4.1 Construction Workforce Estimate.......................................................... 129
5.4.2 Regional Economic Analysis................................................................... 135
5.4.3 Housing Impact Analysis........................................................................ 140
5.4.4 Public Safety.............................................................................................. 145
5.4.5 Municipal Services ................................................................................... 145
5.4.6 Transportation .......................................................................................... 148
5.4.7 Taxes........................................................................................................... 156
5.5 Cumulative Impacts.............................................................................................. 160
5.5.1 Horizon Wind Energy – Simpson Ridge Wind Energy ...................... 160
5.5.2 PacifiCorp Energy – Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy............................ 161
5.5.3 PacifiCorp Energy – High Plains-McFadden Ridge Wind Energy ... 162
5.5.4 Wamsutter LLC – Echo Springs Natural Gas Plant Expansion......... 162
5.5.5 Medicine Bow Fuel and Power – Coal to Liquids ............................... 163
5.6 Trade-Off Analysis ................................................................................................ 167
5.6.1 Beneficial and Adverse Impacts ............................................................. 167
5.6.2 Impacts to Community Services............................................................. 168
5.7 Mitigation Measures to Offset Adverse Cumulative Impacts to Housing.... 169
6.0 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts.............................................................................. 6-1
6.1 Physical, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological .............................................. 6-1
6.1.1 Construction............................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.2 Operation.................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Air Quality............................................................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction............................................................................. 6-2
6.2.2 Estimated Emissions ................................................................................. 6-2
6.2.3 Methods For Control................................................................................. 6-3
6.3 Noise......................................................................................................................... 6-4
6.3.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction............................................................................. 6-4
6.3.2 Fundamentals of Acoustics...................................................................... 6-4
6.3.3 Facility Sound Levels ................................................................................ 6-8
6.3.4 Construction Noise Level Impact Assessment...................................... 6-8
6.3.5 Operation Noise Level Impact Assessment......................................... 6-10
6.4 Soil Resources/Geologic Hazards ..................................................................... 6-11
6.4.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-11
6.4.2 Introduction ............................................................................................. 6-11
6.4.3 Erosion and Landslides .......................................................................... 6-11
6.4.4 Faults ......................................................................................................... 6-13
6.4.5 Construction Impacts.............................................................................. 6-14
6.4.6 Operation Impacts................................................................................... 6-15
6.5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................... 6-16
6.5.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-16
6.5.2 Class I and III Survey Results ................................................................ 6-16
6.5.3 Construction Impacts.............................................................................. 6-17
6.5.4 Operation Impacts................................................................................... 6-17
6.6 Rare Vegetation Communities............................................................................ 6-18
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CONTENTS
6.6.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-18
6.6.2 Construction Impacts.............................................................................. 6-18
6.6.3 Operation Impacts................................................................................... 6-19
6.7 Water Supply Yield and Analysis ...................................................................... 6-20
6.7.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-20
6.7.2 Construction Water Uses........................................................................ 6-20
6.7.3 Operations Use ........................................................................................ 6-21
6.7.4 Water Sources .......................................................................................... 6-22
6.8 Surface and Groundwater................................................................................... 6-23
6.8.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-23
6.8.2 Surface Water........................................................................................... 6-23
6.8.3 Groundwater............................................................................................ 6-25
6.9 Land Use................................................................................................................ 6-26
6.9.1 Consistency with Land Use Plans......................................................... 6-27
6.9.2 Construction Impacts.............................................................................. 6-28
6.10 Recreational Resources ........................................................................................ 6-29
6.11 Wetlands and Waters of the United States ....................................................... 6-32
6.11.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-32
6.11.2 Wetlands................................................................................................... 6-33
6.11.3 Waters of the United States.................................................................... 6-33
6.11.4 Construction Impacts.............................................................................. 6-33
6.11.5 Operation Impacts................................................................................... 6-34
6.12 Visual Resources................................................................................................... 6-34
6.12.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 6-34
6.12.2 Methodology............................................................................................ 6-35
6.12.3 Visual Conditions on the Site and in its Surroundings...................... 6-39
6.12.4 Project Visibility....................................................................................... 6-40
6.12.5 Key Observation Points.......................................................................... 6-41
6.12.6 Project Appearance ................................................................................. 6-42
6.12.7 Project Impacts......................................................................................... 6-42
6.13 Wildlife................................................................................................................... 6-45
6.13.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-45
6.13.2 Big Game................................................................................................... 6-45
6.13.3 Avian Species ........................................................................................... 6-47
6.13.4 Greater Sage-Grouse ............................................................................... 6-51
6.13.5 Bats ............................................................................................................ 6-52
6.14 Federally Listed Wildlife Species ....................................................................... 6-53
6.14.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction........................................................................... 6-54
6.14.2 USFWS Threatened and Endangered Species..................................... 6-55
6.14.3 Construction Impacts.............................................................................. 6-56
6.15 Cumulative Impacts............................................................................................. 6-58
6.15.1 Approach to Cumulative Impacts Analysis ........................................ 6-58
6.15.2 Geographic Scope of Cumulative Analysis ......................................... 6-58
6.15.3 Timeframe ................................................................................................ 6-59
6.15.4 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions ........................... 6-59
6.15.5 Cumulative Impacts................................................................................ 6-62
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CONTENTS
7.0 Controls and Mitigation and Monitoring Measures....................................................... 7-1
7.1 Controls.................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.1 Avoidance................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.2 Prevention .................................................................................................. 7-2
7.1.3 Exclusion..................................................................................................... 7-2
7.1.4 Restrict Public Access ............................................................................... 7-2
7.1.5 Health and Safety ...................................................................................... 7-3
7.2 Mitigation Measures .............................................................................................. 7-4
7.2.1 Failure of Machinery and/or Structures................................................ 7-4
7.2.2 Air Quality.................................................................................................. 7-5
7.2.3 Noise............................................................................................................ 7-5
7.2.4 Soil Resources/Geologic Hazards .......................................................... 7-5
7.2.5 Cultural Resources .................................................................................... 7-6
7.2.6 Vegetation................................................................................................... 7-7
7.2.7 Surface Water and Groundwater ............................................................ 7-8
7.2.8 Land Use and Recreation ......................................................................... 7-9
7.2.9 Wetland/Waters of the United States .................................................. 7-10
7.2.10 Visual Quality.......................................................................................... 7-11
7.2.11 Wildlife ..................................................................................................... 7-11
7.3 Monitoring Programs .......................................................................................... 7-11
7.3.1 Technical Advisory Committee............................................................. 7-11
7.3.2 Avian and Bat Monitoring ..................................................................... 7-11
7.3.3 Sagebrush Mapping................................................................................ 7-12
7.3.4 Greater Sage Grouse Monitoring .......................................................... 7-12
7.3.5 Big Game................................................................................................... 7-12
7.3.6 Employee Orientation Program............................................................ 7-12
7.4 Worker, Environmental, and Facility Protection............................................. 7-13
7.4.1 Health and Safety .................................................................................... 7-13
7.4.2 Occupational Hazards ............................................................................ 7-14
7.4.3 Public Safety............................................................................................. 7-15
7.4.4 Emergency and Law Enforcement Services......................................... 7-15
7.4.5 Security ..................................................................................................... 7-16
7.4.6 Traffic Management ................................................................................ 7-17
7.4.7 Spill Prevention, Containment, and Control ....................................... 7-18
7.4.8 Waste Disposal......................................................................................... 7-20
7.4.9 Hazardous Wastes................................................................................... 7-21
7.4.10 Emergency Response .............................................................................. 7-22
7.4.11 Fire Safety................................................................................................. 7-23
7.4.12 Aviation Lighting .................................................................................... 7-25
7.4.13 Lightning .................................................................................................. 7-25
7.4.14 Electromagnetic Fields............................................................................ 7-25
7.4.15 Shadow Flicker ........................................................................................ 7-26
7.4.16 Mechanical Failure .................................................................................. 7-26
8.0 References............................................................................................................................. 8-1
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CONTENTS
Tables
1-1 Local Employment Impacts ............................................................................................... 1-7
1-2 Impact Assistance Payments - Seven-Mile Hill and Seven Mile Hill
Phase II Projects (dollars) ................................................................................................... 1-9
1-3 2008 Tax Year Wind Farm Units in Carbon County, Installed MW,
Assessed Value and Total Taxes Paid............................................................................. 1-11
1-4 Dunlap Wind Project - Ad Valorem Property Tax Estimate ...................................... 1-11
2-1 Site Legal Description......................................................................................................... 2-5
2-2 General Electric 1.5-MW sle Turbine Specifications....................................................... 2-7
2-3 Dunlap Ranch Project – Estimated Access Road Lengths (miles) ................................ 2-9
3-1 List of General Construction Equipment for the Wind Energy Project ....................... 3-4
3-2 Transmission Line Construction Workforce.................................................................... 3-8
3-3 Dunlap Phase I Onsite Construction Workforce Personnel Breakdown................... 3-13
3-4 Dunlap Phase II Onsite Construction Workforce Personnel Breakdown ................. 3-15
3-5 Estimated Operations Workforce Summary by Job Classification............................. 3-18
3-6 Potential Federal, State, and Local Permit Requirements............................................ 3-18
4-1 Local Government, State Agency, and Community Meetings ..................................... 4-2
5-1 Allocation of Nonlocal Construction Workers to Places of
Temporary Residence ......................................................................................................... 5-3
5-2 Albany and Carbon Counties: Commuter Flows, 4th Quarter, 2005........................... 5-7
5-3 Place of Residence of Persons Working in Carbon County, 2004,
2005, and 2006 ...................................................................................................................... 5-8
5-4 Population Trends in the Study Area (1920 to 2007) .................................................... 5-10
5-5 Share of State of Wyoming Population (1920-2007) Population
Growth Trends: Counties and State (1970-1971 through 2006-2007) ......................... 5-11
5-6 Population by County and Community, 2000-2007 ..................................................... 5-12
5-7 Estimated Population Composition by Race and Ethnicity (2007)............................. 5-15
5-8 Estimated Population Composition: Hispanic and Minority (2000-2007)................. 5-15
5-9 Population Composition by Race and Ethnicity by Community (2000).................... 5-15
5-10 Population Forecasts for State, Counties, and Places (2010-2020) .............................. 5-18
5-11 Study Area: Employment by Industrial Sector (1970 and 2000) ................................. 5-23
5-12 Share of Employment by Industrial Sector (2006) ........................................................ 5-25
5-13 Major Employers ............................................................................................................... 5-27
5-14 Share of Non-Farm Employment and Earnings by Industrial
Sector (2006) ....................................................................................................................... 5-36
5-15 Place of Residence of Persons Working in Carbon County, 2006............................... 5-40
5-16 Carbon County as a Place of Residence and Place of Work, 2006.............................. 5-41
5-17 Albany County as a Place of Residence and Place of Work, 2006.............................. 5-42
5-18 County Commuting Patterns........................................................................................... 5-43
5-19 Assessed Valuation by Type of Property by County (2008)........................................ 5-45
5-20 Contribution by Type of Property by County (2008) ................................................... 5-46
5-21 Ad Valorem Taxes Levied (2008) .................................................................................... 5-47
5-22 Beneficiaries of Property Tax Collections in Wyoming (2008).................................... 5-47
5-23 State and County Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Rates .................................................. 5-48
5-24 Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Collections (Fiscal Year 2002-2007) .............................. 5-48
5-25 General Revenues and Expenditures by County (FY 2001-2002) ............................... 5-52
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5-26 Wyoming Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment
(in thousands): 2006 and 2016.......................................................................................... 5-57
5-27 Wyoming Personal Income, Wage and Salary Earnings, Labor
Force, Employment, and Unemployment (2002, 2006, and 2016) .............................. 5-58
5-28 Construction Employment in Wyoming 1990, 2000, 2004, and 2014 ......................... 5-58
5-29 Housing Stock, Occupancy, and Tenure (2000) ............................................................ 5-59
5-30 Housing Stock by Type of Structure (2000) ................................................................... 5-60
5-31 Housing Stock by Age (2000)........................................................................................... 5-61
5-32 Housing Stock by Number of Bedrooms, and Quality (2000)..................................... 5-62
5-33 Average Annual Percentage Change in Home Value (1960 through
2006)..................................................................................................................................... 5-67
5-34 Average Annual Percentage Change in House Rents (1960-2006) ............................. 5-68
5-35 Semi-Annual Rental Housing Vacancy Rate (%) .......................................................... 5-73
5-36 Available Mobile Home Lots to Rent (January 2007) ................................................... 5-74
5-37 Household Forecast by County by Tenure (2000 to 2030) ........................................... 5-75
5-38 Hotel and Motel Rooms by County and Community (2007) ...................................... 5-76
5-39 Average Daily Room Rate (November, Year-to-date).................................................. 5-80
5-40 Recreational Vehicle Sites by County (2009) ................................................................. 5-81
5-41 Selected Characteristics of School Districts in the Study Area (2007)........................ 5-83
5-42 School District Enrollment ............................................................................................... 5-85
5-43 Historic Student-Teacher Ratios (1996-2006)................................................................. 5-91
5-44 Fire Departments in the Study Area............................................................................... 5-93
5-45 Law Enforcement Agencies in the Study Area ............................................................. 5-94
5-46 Law Enforcement Personnel (2007) ................................................................................ 5-95
5-47 Number of Index (Part 1) Crimes by County and Municipalities
(1999 through 2007) ........................................................................................................... 5-98
5-48 Crime Rates by County and Municipalities (1999 through 2007)............................. 5-101
5-49 Part 1, Part 2, and Drug- and Alcohol-Related Offense Arrest
Rates (2000-2007) .............................................................................................................5-106
5-50 General Hospitals in the Study Area: Selected Characteristics................................. 5-110
5-51 Health Care Professionals in the Study Area (2006)................................................... 5-111
5-52 Physician Staffing Levels by County............................................................................ 5-112
5-53 Physician Level of Service Ratios by County .............................................................. 5-112
5-54 Emergency Medical Services by County...................................................................... 5-113
5-55 Wastewater Treatment Facilities Within the Study Area .......................................... 5-115
5-56 Community Water Systems in the Study Area ........................................................... 5-116
5-57 Type I and Type II Municipal Waste Disposal Facilities Within
the Study Area ................................................................................................................. 5-117
5-58 Solid Waste Generation by County............................................................................... 5-118
5-59 Electric and Gas Certificated Areas .............................................................................. 5-119
5-60 Road Systems within the Study Area........................................................................... 5-121
5-61 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) and Percent Truck
Traffic, by Day and Highway ........................................................................................ 5-123
5-62 Freight Rail Infrastructure within the Study Area...................................................... 5-124
5-63 Planned Improvements to Transportation Infrastructure by
WYDOT............................................................................................................................. 5-125
5-64 Summary of Project-Related Effects and Impacts....................................................... 5-127
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5-65 Dunlap Ranch Onsite Construction Workforce Schedule ......................................... 5-129
5-66 Estimated Proportion of Construction Jobs Filled by Nonlocal Workers ............... 5-134
5-67 Local Employment Impacts ........................................................................................... 5-137
5-68 Average Wages per Occupation Classification (in $US) Based on
2008 Occupational Employment Statistics Data.......................................................... 5-138
5-69 Percentage of Full- and Part-Time Wyoming Employees Offered
Selected Benefits by Industry, 2003-2006 ..................................................................... 5-140
5-70 Estimate of Local and Nonlocal Construction Worker Breakdown
During Peak Month......................................................................................................... 5-141
5-71 Dunlap Ranch Housing Plan Commitments by Facility and
Location (for Peak-Month Demand)............................................................................. 5-143
5-72 Potentially Available Temporary Accommodations.................................................. 5-144
5-73 Housing Vacancy Rate Prior to and During Project Construction........................... 5-144
5-74 Description of Estimated Construction Waste Materials for Each
Wind Turbine Generator ................................................................................................ 5-147
5-75 Existing Peak Hour Operating Conditions (Year 2009) ............................................. 5-149
5-76 Construction Peak Hour Background Operating Conditions (Year 2010) .............. 5-150
5-77 Projected Construction Trucks ...................................................................................... 5-151
5-78 Construction Peak Hour Total Operating Conditions (Year 2010) .......................... 5-153
5-79 Operations Peak Hour Background Operating Conditions (Year 2011) ................. 5-154
5-80 Operations Peak Hour Background Operating Conditions
Year 2011) ......................................................................................................................... 5-155
5-81 2009 Tax Levy Distribution for Rural Carbon County............................................... 5-157
5-82 Estimate of Tax Revenues Accruing to Local Governments from
Nonlocal Worker Expenditures (2009 and 2010) ........................................................ 5-158
5-83 Simpson Ridge Wind Energy Project – Estimate of Nonlocal
Construction Workforce ................................................................................................. 5-161
5-84 Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy Project – Estimate of Nonlocal
Construction Workforce ................................................................................................. 5-161
5-85 High Plains – McFadden Ridge Wind Energy Project – Estimate
of Nonlocal Construction Workforce............................................................................ 5-162
5-86 Echo Springs Natural Gas Plant Expansion – Estimate of Nonlocal
Construction Workforce ................................................................................................. 5-163
5-87 Medicine Bow Fuel & Power – Estimate of Nonlocal Construction
Workforce ......................................................................................................................... 5-164
6-1 Estimated Plant Wide Emissions Per Yard of Truck Mix Concrete ............................. 6-3
6-2 Definitions of Acoustical Terms ........................................................................................ 6-5
6-3 Typical Sound Levels Measured in the Environment and Industry............................ 6-5
6-4 Average Noise Levels from Common Construction at a Reference
Distance of 50 feet (dBA) .................................................................................................... 6-9
6-5 Composite Construction Site Noise Levels.................................................................... 6-10
6-6 Disturbance Calculations—Permanently Disturbed Areas......................................... 6-18
6-7 Estimated Water Construction Use................................................................................. 6-21
6-8 Estimated Daily Water Use During Operations............................................................ 6-22
6-9 Recreation Areas Near Project Site.................................................................................. 6-30
6-10 Listed Threatened and Endangered Species in Converse and Natrona
Counties, Wyoming .......................................................................................................... 6-55
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6-11 Past and Currently Planned Wind Energy Projects in Carbon and
Albany Counties ................................................................................................................ 6-64

Figures
3-1 Phase I Construction Schedule .......................................................................................... 3-2
3-2 Phase II Tentative Construction Schedule ....................................................................... 3-3
3-3 Estimated number of Phase I construction workers by month and
calendar quarter................................................................................................................. 3-12
3-4 Phase II Construction Workforce (by Month and Trade Type) .................................. 3-14
3-5 Local Construction Workforce (by Month and Trade Type)....................................... 3-16
3-6 Nonlocal Construction Workforce (by Month and Trade Type) ................................ 3-17
5-1 Recommended Area of Site Influence and Counties Comprising Study Area........... 5-5
5-2 Historic County Population (1920-2007) ........................................................................ 5-10
5-3 Population Growth Trends: Counties and State (1970-1971 through 2006-2007)..... 5-11
5-4 Population Distribution in the Study Area (2000 Census) .......................................... 5-13
5-5 Population Age Distribution in the Study Area (1980-2007)....................................... 5-14
5-6 Net Migration for Counties and Study Area (2001 through 2007) ............................. 5-17
5-7 Employment in the Study Area by County (1990 through 2008) ............................... 5-19
5-8 Unemployment Rate for Counties and the State (1990 through 2008)....................... 5-20
5-9 Monthly Initial Claims for Unemployment in the State, Year to Previous
Year (1998-2008)................................................................................................................. 5-21
5-10 Initial Claims for Unemployment by Month and Year in the State (1997 through
2008)..................................................................................................................................... 5-22
5-11 Numeric Change in Employment by Sector and County (1970 through 2000) ........ 5-24
5-12 Industrial Sector Share of Total Non Farm Employment (1970 and 2000)................ 5-25
5-13 Non-Farm Employment, Contribution by Industrial Sector for County and
State (2006).......................................................................................................................... 5-27
5-14 Aggregate Personal Income by County (1969-2006)..................................................... 5-29
5-15 County Contribution to Statewide aggregate Personal Income (1969-2006) ............ 5-30
5-16 Per Capita Personal Income (1969-2006) ........................................................................ 5-31
5-17 Net Earnings as Share of Personal Income (1969-2006) ............................................... 5-32
5-18 Dividends, Income, Rents, and Transfer Payments as Share of Personal
Income (1969-2006)............................................................................................................ 5-33
5-19 Non-Farm Earnings, Contribution by Industrial Sector for County and
State (2006).......................................................................................................................... 5-34
5-20 Employment and Earnings Shares by Industrial Sector, State of Wyoming (2006) . 5-35
5-21 Employment and Earnings Shares by Industrial Sector for State of Wyoming,
Converse County, and Natrona County (2006)............................................................. 5-37
5-22 Carbon County: Non-Farm Earnings by Industrial Sector (2006) ............................. 5-38
5-23 Albany County: Non-Farm Earnings by Industrial Sector (2006) ............................. 5-39
5-24 Net Residential Adjustment Values for Albany and Carbon
Counties (1981-2006) ......................................................................................................... 5-43
5-25 Construction Employment by County (1969 through 2006) ....................................... 5-45
5-26 Sales Tax Collections by County (2002 through 2008) ................................................. 5-49
5-27 Impact Assistance Tax Payments (1995-2008) ............................................................... 5-51

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5-28 New Residential Construction for Study Area and State (1980
through 2007) ..................................................................................................................... 5-64
5-29 New Residential Construction by County (1980 through 2007) ................................. 5-65
5-30 New Residential Construction by Type of Structure in the Study
Area (1980 through 2007) ................................................................................................. 5-66
5-31 Median House Value for Counties in the Study Area and State ................................ 5-67
5-32 Gross Rents for Counties in the Study Area and State (1960-2006)............................ 5-68
5-33 Monthly House Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007) ............................................. 5-69
5-34 Monthly Apartment Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007) ..................................... 5-70
5-35 Monthly Mobile Home on Lot Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007).................... 5-71
5-36 Monthly Mobile Home Lot Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007) ......................... 5-72
5-37 Rental Housing Vacancy Rate by County (2001 through 2008).................................. 5-74
5-38 Hotel-Motel Average Monthly Occupancy Rate in the Study Area
(2002 through 2008) ........................................................................................................... 5-78
5-39 Hotel-Motel Average Daily Room Rate in the Study Area (2002 through 2008)...... 5-79
5-40 Hotel-Motel Average Annual Daily Room Rate in the Study Area
(2002 through 2008) ........................................................................................................... 5-80
5-41 Public School Districts in the Study Area ...................................................................... 5-82
5-42 Public School Enrollment (1991-207) .............................................................................. 5-86
5-43 Ethnic Composition of Students, by School District (2007) ......................................... 5-87
5-44 Albany County School District: Ethnic Composition of Students,
by School (2007) ................................................................................................................. 5-88
5-45 Carbon County School District 1: Ethnic Composition of Students,
by School (2007) ................................................................................................................. 5-89
5-46 Carbon County School District 2: Ethnic Composition of
Students, by School (2007)................................................................................................ 5-90
5-47 Student-Teacher Ratio by School District, State, and Nation (1996-2007) ................. 5-92
5-48 Number of Law Enforcement Personnel in the Study Area (1999
through 2007) ..................................................................................................................... 5-96
5-49 Number of Law Enforcement Officers per 1,000 Residents (1999
through 2007) ..................................................................................................................... 5-97
5-50 Number of Index Crimes by County (1999 through 2007) ........................................ 5-100
5-51 Index Crime Rate by County and State of Wyoming (1999 through 2007) ............. 5-102
5-52 Property Crime Rate by County (1999 through 2007)................................................ 5-103
5-53 Violent Crime Rate by County (1999 through 2007)................................................... 5-104
5-54 Number of Index Crimes per Officer (1999 through 2007)........................................ 5-105
5-55 Part 1 Offense Arrest Rate (2000 through 2007) .......................................................... 5-107
5-56 Part 2 Offense Arrest Rate (2000 through 2007) .......................................................... 5-108
5-57 Drug- and Alcohol-Related Offense Arrest Rate (2000 through 2007) .................... 5-109
5-58 Location of Hospitals in the Study Area ...................................................................... 5-110
5-59 Level of Service Ratios for Health Care Professionals ............................................... 5-113
5-60 Electric Certificated Areas.............................................................................................. 5-119
5-61 Gas Certificated Areas .................................................................................................... 5-120
5-62 Major Roads and Highways in the Study Area .......................................................... 5-121
5-63 Traffic Count Locations in the Study Area .................................................................. 5-122
5-64 Rail Volume in the Study Area...................................................................................... 5-124
5-65 Construction Phase Workforce (by Month and Activity).......................................... 5-130
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xii
CONTENTS
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xiii
5-66 Construction Phase Workforce (by Calendar Quarter and Activity)....................... 5-131
5-67 Construction Phase Workforce (by Calendar Quarter and Craft)............................ 5-132
5-68 Local Construction Workforce (by Month and Activity)........................................... 5-133
5-69 Nonlocal Construction Workforce (by Month and Activity) .................................... 5-135
5-70 Temporary Accommodation Units (by Type) Required to House Nonlocal
Construction Workers..................................................................................................... 5-142
5-71 Cumulative Number of Onsite Workers, by Month................................................... 5-165
5-72 Cumulative Number of Nonlocal Workers, by Month.............................................. 5-166
6-1 Noise Metrics – Frequency Response ............................................................................... 6-6
6-2 Noise Metrics – Comparative Noise Levels..................................................................... 6-7

Appendices
A Project Layout
B Impact Assistance Payment Estimates
C Project Components
D Public Involvement Materials
E Housing Plan
F Resource Maps

Acronyms and Abbreviations
AADT annual average daily traffic
ac/dc alternating current and direct current
ac-ft acre-feet
ac-ft/yr acre-feet/year
ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
AQD Air Quality Division
ARPA Atlantic Rim Project Area
AWEA American Wind Energy Association
BEA U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
BGEPA Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
bgs below ground surface
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics
BMP Best management practice
BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe
BOP balance of plant
CEQ Council on Environmental Quality
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CIP Capital Improvement Plan
CPCN Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
CRAI Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc.
CSU Controlled surface use
CTL coal to liquids
CUP Conditional Use Permit
dB Decibel
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xiv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
dBA A-weighted decibel
DFGD dry flue gas desulfurization
DNV Det Norske Veritas
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
DOI U.S. Department of the Interior
CWA Clean Water Act
DEWI German Wind Energy Institute
EHS Environmental Health and Safety
EIA Energy Information Administration
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EISA Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
EMF electromagnetic field
EMS Emergency Medical Technician
EMT Emergency Medical Technician
E.O. Executive Order
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
E-stop Emergency stop
ESA Endangered Species Act
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FIRM Federal Insurance Rate Map
ft foot/feet
ft
2
square foot/feet
FMI Finnish Meteorological Institute
FTE full-time equivalent
FY fiscal year
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
GDP gross domestic product
GE General Electric Company
GIS geographic information system
GL Germanischer Lloyd
gpd gallon per day
gpm gallon per minute
hp Horsepower
1-80 Interstate 80
IBC International Building Code
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
I-O input-output
IRP Integrated Resource Plan
ISA Industrial Development Information and Siting Act
ISC Industrial Siting Commission
ISD Industrial Siting Division
ISO International Organization for Standardization
KOP key observation point
kV kilovolt
kW kilowatt
kWh kilowatt-hour
Leq
Equivalent sound level
L
dn
day-night sound level
LOS level of service
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
MCE maximum considered earthquake
MEHC Mid American Energy Holdings Company
met meteorological
MSW Municipal solid waste
MW megawatt
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xvi
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
NEC National Electric Code
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NEPDG National Energy Policy Development Group
NF National Forest
NFPA National Fire Protection Agency
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NOI Notice of Intent
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRHP National Register of Historic Places
NSO No Surface Occupancy
NTIA National Telecommunication Information Agency
NWI National Wetland Inventory
O&M operations and maintenance
OES Occupational Employment Services
OHV off-highway vehicle
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PCB polychlorinated biphenyl
PCE personal consumption expenditure
P.L. Public Law
Project Dunlap Ranch Wind Energy Project
PSC Wyoming Public Service Commission
RAM ranching, agriculture, and mining
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RFO Rawlins Field Office
RMP Resource Management Plan
RMPPA RMP Planning Area
ROD Record of Decision
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xvii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ROI region of influence
ROW right of way
rpm revolutions per minute
rps renewable portfolio standard
RUSLE Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation
RV recreational vehicle
SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition
SHPO State Historic Preservation Office
SPCC Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan
SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
TAC Technical Advisory Committee
TESS threatened and endangered sensitive species
TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USBR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
U.S.C. United States Code
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USFS U.S. Forest Service
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
USLE Universal Soil Loss Equation
VCI vapor corrosion inhibitor
VDI Verein Deutscher Ingenieure
WDEQ Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
WECC Western Electricity Coordinating Council
WECO Wind Energy in Cold Climates
WEG wind erodibility group
WEST Western Ecosystems Technology
WGFD Wyoming Game and Fish Department
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xviii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_TOC_FINAL.DOC xix
WGO Wyoming Governor's Office
WHDP Wyoming Housing Database Partnership
WLS Western Land Services
WQD Water Quality Division
WRA Wind Resource Area
W.S. Wyoming Statute
WSEO Wyoming State Engineer’s Office
WTG wind turbine generator
WTGS wind turbine generator system
WYDOT Wyoming Department of Transportation
WYNDD Wyoming Natural Diversity Database
WYO Wyoming State Highway
WYPDES Wyoming Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
WYR Wyoming Register
yd
2
square yard
ZOR zone of risk

DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_FINAL.DOC ES-1
Executive Summary
PacifiCorp is submitting a Section 109 Permit Application pursuant to Wyoming Statute
(W.S.) § 35-12-109 of the Industrial Development Information and Siting Act (ISA) on June
15, 2009, for the construction and operation of the Dunlap Ranch Wind Energy Project
(Project) near Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
PacifiCorp proposes to construct the Project in two phases: Phase I and Phase II will consist
of up to 74 and 126 wind turbine generators (WTGs), respectively. The Project will use
General Electric Company (GE) 1.5-megawatt (MW) sle
1
model WTGs.
PacifiCorp will have control and oversight of the wind turbine generation supply and
delivery, balance of plant engineering, procurement, planning, scheduling, equipment,
permitting, construction, commissioning, testing, and operation of the facility.
PacifiCorp requests issuance of a Section 109 Permit pursuant to W.S. § 35-12-109 that covers
the development of the Project as a whole, up to 200 WTGs constructed in two phases.
ISA Statute and Cost
A Jurisdictional Meeting was held with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
(WDEQ) - Industrial Siting Division (ISD) on April 29, 2009 to determine whether the Project
is under the jurisdiction of the ISA. ISD staff reviewed estimated capital costs and
determined that the Project is above the current statutory capital construction cost threshold
of $173.2 million (W.S. § 35-12-102(vii)). Therefore, PacifiCorp is required to obtain an ISA
permit for the Project prior to construction and operation, as specified by ISA rules and
statutes.
Project Location
The Project site is located in Carbon County, Wyoming, approximately 8 miles north of
Medicine Bow. Wyoming State Highway (WYO) 487 bisects the Project boundary.
Elevations range from 6,560 to 8,300 feet (ft) above mean sea level. The Project falls within
the drainage system of Muddy Creek and its tributaries, which are tributaries to the
Medicine Bow River. Muddy Creek flows along the eastern border of the Project site.
Land Use
Project components will be located on a combination of private fee and State of Wyoming
owned lands comprising approximately 16,500 acres. The Project site is zoned as ranching,
agriculture, and mining (RAM). As such, the development is subject to the adopted land use
requirements of Carbon County. Therefore, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application was

1
The term "sle" is used in reference to GE's 1.5-MW WTG and identifies the model. The term differentiates it from other GE
1.5-MW models (i.e., 1.5 sl, 1.5 s, or 1.5 se), which each have distinct technical specifications and operating characteristics.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_FINAL.DOC ES-2
submitted on June 8, 2009 to the Carbon County Planning and Zoning Commission for
review under the adopted Land Use Plan. In addition, PacifiCorp obtained a Special Use
Lease from the Board of Land Commissioners on June 4, 2009.
Components
The primary Project components will be WTGs, steel tubular towers, transmission line,
electrical collector systems, fiber optic and/or microwave communication systems,
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), permanent meteorological
towers, a collector substation, an operations and maintenance (O&M) building, access roads,
services from local utilities and, potentially, a microwave tower. The turbines will
interconnect with a power collection system that will be linked to the proposed new Dunlap
collector substation (Dunlap Substation). The O&M building will be built within the Project
site. As development continues, there may be other structures identified that are normally
associated with the construction of a wind energy project. A temporary concrete batch plant
will be utilized on site during the construction period.
The Project will also consist of a new 11-mile, 230,000-volt transmission line and
transmission voltage interconnection substation.
Construction Schedule
PacifiCorp plans to initiate access road construction in September 2009 and proposes to
commence Project construction as soon as all relevant permits have been obtained.
PacifiCorp anticipates an approximate 14-month construction schedule for Phase I (i.e.,
under normal construction circumstances, weather conditions, labor availability, and
materials delivery), concluding with commercial operation in November 2010. Phase II
would follow a similar 14 month construction schedule with tentative initiation in
September 2010, and commercial operation in November 2011.
Construction and Operation Workforce Requirements
PacifiCorp has prepared a construction operation workforce estimate for the Project and
detailed estimates of the operation workforces are provided below.
Construction Workforce
Phase I access roads will be constructed beginning in the fall 2009, and appurtenant
infrastructure will be developed when all permits are obtained, planned for April 2010. The
construction workforce will vary from a low of nine in January 2010 to a high of
299 construction trades people during the peak of Phase I construction activities in August
2010. Over the 14-month construction period, there will be a monthly average of
approximately 182 full-time equivalent workers onsite.
Phase II is expected to require a similar construction duration and workforce. A similar
14-month construction period is anticipated. Therefore, the tentative estimated number of
Phase II construction workers will vary from a low of 19 during site geotechnical
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_FINAL.DOC ES-3
investigations in fall 2010, to a high of approximately 350 trades people during the peak of
construction activities in August 2011.
Operations Workforce
During the operations phase, Phase I of the Project will employ an estimated full-time
permanent workforce of approximately 8 to 10 persons. If constructed, Phase II may employ
up to an additional 3 to 6 full-time permanent employees.
Transportation
The WTG components, steel tubular towers, and electrical collector line will be trucked
directly to the Project site using semi-tractor trailers. It is expected that turbine nacelles
(machine heads), hubs, blades, and tower sections will be transported trucked to the Project
site from the south. These WTG parts will likely be transported from several surrounding
states, and points of origin may include North Dakota, North Carolina, Florida, California,
and Texas.
The Project workforce and delivery vehicles will access the site using I-80, U.S. 30/287, and
WYO 13 and 487. Carbon County roads will not be used to access the Project site. Final
transportation routes associated with over-sized loads will be determined in consultation
with Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
Public Involvement Activities
PacifiCorp representatives conducted meetings with State of Wyoming agencies and elected
local government officials as part of the pre-application filing process to meet with
stakeholders, receive comments and input, and identify potential mitigation solutions.
PacifiCorp has been and continues to be active in the communities that may be influenced
by the Project.
PacifiCorp representatives have participated in numerous informational meetings and
presentations and have actively sought out potentially affected municipalities, counties,
state agencies, and other stakeholders to discuss potential environmental and socioeconomic
issues and mitigation recommendations and solutions.
The Project area of study, as identified by WDEQ-ISD staff during the Jurisdictional
Meeting, determined the elected local government officials invited to the meetings by
PacifiCorp.
Socioeconomic Impacts
The socioeconomic impact analysis evaluated the benefits and impacts to the social and
economic resources in the Natrona and Carbon County area of study and geographically
more restrictive area of site influence. To measure potential impacts, the socioeconomic
analysis compared the expected future conditions in the area of study with and without the
Project. The area of study was determined in consultation with ISD staff and was defined as
Carbon and Albany counties.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_FINAL.DOC ES-4
Both local communities and the state overall would realize benefits from the Project.
Wyoming would gain economic benefits including permanent job creation, tax revenues,
and expansion of clean and renewable energy generation within the region. Locally, the
Project may result in allocation and distribution of impact assistance payment funds and
would provide local spending on goods and services, additional local economic activity,
increased land lease revenues, tax revenues, and minimal or mitigated environmental
impacts.
Due to the relatively small size of the construction workforce, the Project would place
minimal demands on water, sewer, roads, or other local infrastructure. Therefore,
construction and operation of the Project would not significantly affect the various facilities
and services (both public and non-public) as a result of workers who might temporarily
relocate to the area to fill employment opportunities.
During 2010, when the large majority of the construction activity would take place, average
monthly onsite employment would number about 200 workers. About 40 of these workers
would be drawn from the local labor pool. Secondary employment would generate an
additional 140 local jobs. It is anticipated that the large share (70 percent) of the nonlocal
workers would find temporary accommodations in local hotels and motels.
Environmental Impacts
PacifiCorp has reviewed existing data and conducted cultural resource inventories,
threatened and endangered species habitat evaluations, greater sage-grouse lek counts and
surveys, avian-use fixed-point surveys, bat detection surveys, raptor nest surveys, and noise
and visual resource analyses to document and characterize baseline conditions of the Project
area.
PacifiCorp has sited Project components to mitigate potential environmental and natural
resource impacts in the Project area. Mitigation activities included relocating WTGs from the
preliminary Project layout to reduce potential conflicts with active raptor nests, a greater
sage-grouse lek, and greater sage-grouse nesting-brood rearing habitat, and avoiding and
mitigating impacts to cultural resource sites eligible for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places (NRHP).
Avian-use surveys were conducted during the summer and fall migration season in
2008, during winter of 2008/2009, and during spring migration season in 2009. Acoustical
bat detection surveys were completed in summer and fall of 2008, and raptor nest and
greater sage-grouse lek surveys and sage grouse habitat mapping were completed in spring
2009. Systematic counts of big game species were completed from June 1, 2008 through
July 1, 2009.
The data collected during the avian-use surveys suggest that the Project is not within a
major migratory pathway, either for diurnal or nocturnal migrants. In addition, the Project
area does not appear to provide important stopover habitat for migrant songbirds. Raptor
use and density of active nests within the Project area is comparable to existing wind energy
facilities where operational fatality impacts are considered acceptable. PacifiCorp has sited
Project infrastructure in response to the active raptor nest data collected in 2009 to ensure no
adverse impact to the species during construction or operation.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DEN\QJ\DUNLAP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY_FINAL.DOC ES-5
One occupied greater sage-grouse lek is located within the Project area. However, the lek
was inactive during 2009 and will be monitored during 3 years of operation. Per Wyoming
Game and Fish Department (WGFD) recommendations, PacifiCorp has committed to site all
Project appurtenant infrastructure greater than 0.25 mile from this lek, minimize
disturbance within nesting and brood rearing habitat, and avoid construction in these areas
between March 15 and July 1. Lastly, PacifiCorp has specifically agreed to adhere and
implement WGFD recommendations for greater sage-grouse to ensure no adverse impact to
the species during construction or operation. The Project, associated transmission line, and
transmission interconnection substation will all be located outside of the Sage Grouse Core
Breeding Areas Version 2 Map detailed in Executive Order 2008-02.
No protected or special-status bat species are anticipated on the Project area and detection
rates of migrant and resident bats suggest no adverse impact to bats will occur during
construction or operation of the project.
Pronghorn crucial winter range occurs within that portion of the Project area where WTGs
will be sited and elk crucial winter range occurs within the overall Project area site
boundaries. PacifiCorp is consulting and working closely with WGFD to implement
appropriate studies to document displacement response of pronghorn to the construction
and operation of Phase I of the Project. The results of the study will provide data to
significantly enhance WGFD’s ability to advise wind development in such sensitive areas in
the future.
A jurisdictional wetland and waters of the U.S. delineation will be completed within the
Project site in areas proposed for disturbance. Preliminary site layout, access roads, and
electrical collection line construction activities will be modified where necessary to
minimize discharges of dredged or fill materials into potential jurisdictional waters of the
U.S. Micrositing appurtenant linear features during the final design phase will likely further
reduce these potential impacts to jurisdictional and nonjurisdictional waters to the extent
practicable. Clean Water Act (CWA) compliance will be required.

DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-1
1.0 Purpose, Need, and Benefit
1.1 Purpose
Recent national and regional forecasts project an increase in consumption of electrical
energy continuing into the future. The purpose of the proposed Dunlap Wind Energy
Project (Project) is to meet this increased consumption by development of new generation
facilities, particularly renewable facilities, as substantiated by the following sources:
• The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58), Section 211, states “It is the sense of the
Congress that the Secretary of the Interior should, before the end of the 10-year period
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, seek to have approved nonhydropower
renewable energy projects located on the public lands with a generation capacity of at
least 10,000 megawatts of electricity.” The Act encourages the development of renewable
energy resources, including wind energy, as part of an overall strategy to develop a
diverse portfolio of domestic energy supplies for the future.
• Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 13212 (Bush, 2001): “Actions to Expedite Energy-
Related Projects” established a policy that federal agencies should take appropriate
actions, to the extent consistent with applicable law, to expedite projects to increase the
production, transmission, or conservation of energy.
• The National Energy Policy Development Group (NEPDG, 2001) recommended to the
President, as part of the National Energy Policy, that the Departments of the Interior,
Energy, Agriculture, and Defense work together to increase renewable energy
production.
• To address increased interest in wind energy development and to implement the
NEPDG recommendation to increase renewable energy production, the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) established a wind energy development program. This program,
which included the amendment of multiple land use plans, supported the Congressional
direction provided in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 regarding renewable energy
development on public lands, the directives of E.O. 13212, and the recommendations of
the NEPDG.
• On March 11, 2009, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed Order
No. 3285 - Renewable Energy Development by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
(U.S. Secretary of the Interior, 2009), which establishes the development of renewable
energy as a priority for the DOI. Encouraging the production, development, and
delivery of renewable energy is now one of the DOI’s highest priorities. Although the
Project would not involve any DOI lands, Order No. 3285 presents one facet of the
federal government’s energy policy and demonstrates the Administration’s desire to
support renewable energy projects such as wind facilities.
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-2
• The Energy Information Administration (EIA), a statistical agency of the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), predicts in the Annual Energy Outlook 2009
(March 2009) that total electricity demand will grow by 0.5 percent per year from
2006 through 2030, with total renewable generation growing by 3.3 percent per year
from 2006 to 2030 (DOE/EIA, 2009). This rapid growth reflects the impacts of the
renewable fuel standard in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA,
2007) and strong growth in the use of renewables for electricity generation spurred by
renewable portfolio standard (RPS) programs at the State level (DOE/EIA, 2009).
• The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), which forecasts electricity
demand in the western United States, states in the 10-Year Coordinated Plan
Summary 2006-2015 (July 2006) that peak demand and annual energy requirements in
the Rocky Mountain Power Pool Area, which includes Wyoming, are projected to
grow at annual compound rates of 2.4 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively, from
2006 through 2015 (WECC, 2006).
• In 2004, the Western Governors’ Association set a goal of developing 30,000 megawatts
(MW) of clean energy by 2015 from traditional and renewable energy sources (Policy
Resolution 04-13, June 2004). This goal was reaffirmed in 2006 by Policy Resolution
06-10, Clean and Diversified Energy for the West (Western Governors’ Association, 2006).
1.2 Need
On a periodic basis, PacifiCorp undertakes a comprehensive Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
process. The IRP is developed with considerable public involvement from customer interest
groups, regulatory staff, regulators, and other stakeholders. Each of these entities is asked to
participate actively and provide input and guidance as PacifiCorp considers a number of
issues related to long-term resource planning. The IRP planning horizon is typically
20 years, and an action plan identifies steps that will be taken to secure resources for the first
10 years of that horizon. During the IRP process, all material planning assumptions are
updated (e.g., load/resource forecasts and a prudent planning margin), and any resource
deficiency is identified. The IRP process then models a number of potential new resource
portfolios with the ultimate conclusion being the selection of a preferred portfolio, which is
expected to result in the least cost on a risk-adjusted basis. The current IRP identifies
renewable energy as a necessary component of PacifCorp’s generation mix.
PacifiCorp is pursuing the acquisition and development of renewable resources with the
intent of reaching the levels established in the 2008 IRP preferred portfolio (PacifiCorp,
2009). Specifically, this level is 1,400 MW of cost-effective renewable generation by
2018. PacifiCorp will work toward meeting these goals by successfully adding at least
226.5 MW of Wyoming wind resources to its portfolio in 2009; this includes construction of
PacifiCorp’s High Plains and McFadden Ridge I facilities near McFadden, Wyoming as well
as purchasing 100 percent of the output associated with the Three Buttes, LLC wind facility
near Glenrock, Wyoming.
Moreover, in connection with MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company’s (MEHC)
acquisition of PacifiCorp, approved by the Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) in
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-3
Docket No. 20000-EA-05-226, MEHC committed to acquire 1,400 MW of cost-effective
renewable resources (general commitment No. 40).
PacifiCorp is required to seek a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
from the PSC for the development of the Project. PacifiCorp anticipates submitting its
application to the PSC for a CPCN in July 2009. With both the PSC and Industrial Siting
Council’s (ISC) consent, and after securing all required permits, PacifiCorp plans to
commence construction of the Project in the spring of 2010 or earlier. Construction of the
Project is expected to span April through November 2010, with commercial operation
commencing upon completion. The output of the Project will add 111 MW to PacifiCorp’s
renewable resource portfolio. Although not subject to the Industrial Siting Act (ISA) process,
construction of the access roads and interconnecting transmission line may begin as early as
September 2009. Pertinent information on these two project components is presented with
this application.
Interconnection of the Project to PacifiCorp’s transmission system will be pursuant to a tariff
approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PacifiCorp’s transmission
function is currently defining final interconnection design and construction requirements.
1.3 Benefits
Wind-generated electricity has the potential to provide renewable electricity to homes and
businesses without causing air pollution or depleting nonrenewable resources. Wind power
is driven by the kinetic energy of the wind, which is continually regenerated through
atmospheric processes. Specifically, wind power relies on frequent, strong winds to turn the
blades of power-generating turbines.
Wind power has no fuel costs; therefore, its operating costs are lower than those of power
produced from fossil fuels. Conversely, its capital costs are generally greater. In the United
States, a wind turbine with generating capability of 1.5 MW
1
can generate approximately
4.5 million kilowatt hours (kWh)
2
of electricity in one year, enough to serve the needs, on
average, of 375 to 450 U.S. households.
Nationwide, wind power accounted for approximately 1.25 percent of the total electric
power generation capacity in 2008 (American Wind Energy Association [AWEA], 2008). U.S.
wind energy electrical generating capacity has grown exponentially between 1990 and
2008 (third quarter) to 21,017 MW. In 2007, the U.S. wind energy industry installed
5,249 MW, expanding the nation’s total wind power generating capacity by 45 percent in
a single year and injecting an investment of over $9 billion into the economy (AWEA,
2008). AWEA estimates that American wind farms will generate an estimated 49 billion
kWh of wind energy in 2008, powering the equivalent of over 5.7 million homes
(AWEA, 2008).

1
A watt is the basic unit used to measure electric power. A kilowatt (kW) equals 1,000 watts and a megawatt (MW) equals
1,000 kW or 1 million watts.
2
Electricity production and consumption are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), while generating capacity is measured in
kilowatts or megawatts. If a power plant that has 1 MW of capacity operates nonstop during all 8,760 hours in the year, it will
produce 8,760,000 kWh. An average U.S. household consumes roughly 10,000 kWh per year. However, on average, wind
power turbines typically operate the equivalent of less than 40 percent of the peak (full load) hours in a year due to the
intermittency of wind.
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-4
The DOE has projected continued growth for wind energy as a renewable electrical
generation source through 2025. On a percentage basis, wind power capacity has been
growing at a much higher rate than other sources of electric power generation. However,
factors currently constrain growth of renewable energy resources. Nearby significant
population centers with the large electric power demand needed to justify substantial
investments in wind power are not in the area of the best wind resources. Additionally,
there is lack of adequate transmission capacity to carry electricity produced from wind
power in sparsely populated rural areas to distant cities.
Other factors, however, promote growth, including federal and state financial and tax
incentives and environmental and energy security concerns. State incentives have promoted
wind power projects in Oregon, Washington, California, Texas, Iowa, and Minnesota with
the latter four states leading the country in installed wind energy power projects.
1.3.1 Regional Benefits
The development of the Project carries substantial economic benefits of new job and
service-related business expansion and creation, and added ad valorem taxes while
supporting the local economy and reducing reliance on conventional natural gas and coal
electrical energy generation. Consistent wind in this region of Wyoming will be converted
into electricity with no requirements of additional fuel sources or release of greenhouse
gases. The expansion of renewable wind energy projects furthers Wyoming’s objective to
use one of the state’s key attributes (wind) effectively for the long-term economic benefit of
residents, including both PacifiCorp’s customers and local tax jurisdictions.
The Dunlap Wind Energy Project will generate distinct and positive economic impacts
during both construction and operation phases. Specifically, development and construction
will result in a short-term in economic spending activity, while operation will produce
long-term economic benefits to local communities. Both sources of regional economic
stimuli will result in increased output, income, and employment in Carbon County,
Wyoming.
Economic benefits of the proposed Project to both local communities and the state of
Wyoming include:
• Potential allocation and distribution of impact assistance funds over an 14-month
construction period
• New wind energy investment resulting in millions of dollars in local expenditures
• Local service industry expansion
• Zero carbon source of Wyoming wind-generated electricity
• Negligible impact to local government and municipal services
• Increase in dollars spent on local purchases
• Job creation and stable employment
• Peak of approximately 300 temporary construction jobs
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-5
• Addition of up to approximately 10 full-time permanent jobs
• Increased sales and use tax revenues from temporary and permanent employees
purchasing goods and services during construction and operation
• Additional ad valorem taxes paid by PacifiCorp
• Increased need for local goods and services
• Additional property taxes paid by new employees moving into the area
1.3.2 Regional Economic Analysis
The economic impacts occurring in a local economy associated with the introduction of new
business activity is based primarily on employee compensation (wages and salaries
exclusive of withholdings), purchases made by the new business, and taxes paid to local
governments. The more local businesses are able to supply the needs of the employees and
the new business, the greater will be the local economic impact of the new business. Profits
of the new business can also leak out of the local economy if the owners or stockholders
reside outside the local area.
Economic multipliers are often used to estimate the total economic impacts of a project or
new business activity. The concept is that employee wages and business purchases have a
“ripple effect” in an economy. The new business will purchase some of its required
materials, supplies, and services in the local economy and those local businesses will hire
some new employees, creating positive indirect effects. Employees at the new business or
project will likewise spend a portion of their wages at local stores and businesses, creating
additional positive induced effects. In this way, the economic impact of the new business or
project spreads in the local economy. The portions of employee wages and business
purchases that are made outside of the local economy result in leakages out of the local
economy. In order to estimate the total economic impacts, economic multipliers are used in
conjunction with the direct employment, wages, business purchases, and taxes paid. The
direct impacts are multiplied by the economic multiplier to yield an estimate of the overall
economic impact of the new business or project. Multipliers are generated by economic
input-output (I-O) models that account for linkages between sectors in an economy.
In addition to providing a stimulus to the local economy in the form of expenditures on
materials and supplies (referred to as procurements), the Project would employ construction
workers who are expected to spend much of their income (referred to as personal
consumption expenditures [PCE]), thus stimulating additional output in the various sectors
that provide consumer goods and services. As a result of both Project procurements and
PCE by both local and nonlocal construction workers, the Project is expected to result in a
temporary increase in employment and income within the area of study during the
construction period.
1.3.3 Estimate of Direct and Secondary (Indirect and Induced) Effects
Based on knowledge about local sources and the local economy, it is possible to identify
those elements that have a direct effect on the local economy:
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-6
• A direct effect arises from the first round of buying and selling. In general, this is the
purchase of some inputs, such as fuel, the spending of income earned by workers,
annual landowner revenues, and the income effects of tax changes. These direct effects
can be used to identify additional rounds of buying and selling for other sectors and to
identify the effect on rounds of spending by local households.
• The indirect effect is the increase in sales of other industry sectors in the county, which
includes further repeating sales.
• The induced effect is the increased household income expenditures generated by the
direct and indirect output effects.
The total effect is the sum of the direct, indirect, and induced effects.
During the construction phase of the Project, it is anticipated that approximately 20 percent
of the on-site workforce would be comprised of persons already residing in the local area.
The Project would employ as many as 60 local workers during the construction period of
14 months (September 2009 through November 2010), with an average of about 34. During
the operations phase of the Project, as many as 11 jobs will be filled by local workers.
During construction, it is estimated that expenditures totaling almost $3.725 million would
occur in the local economy: $295,000 in procurements; and $3.429 million in PCE. During
operations, expenditures would total about $1.25 million (includes labor and locally sourced
materials).
1.3.4 Secondary Benefits
Construction of the Project would result in secondary economic impacts (indirect and
induced impacts) within the area of study, which would be temporary. Indirect and induced
employment effects include the purchase of goods and services by firms involved with
construction, and induced employment effects include construction workers spending their
income within the Carbon and Natrona area of study. In addition to these secondary
employment impacts, there are indirect and induced income effects arising from
construction.
Construction of the Project would result in secondary economic impacts (indirect and
induced impacts) within the two-county study area. The Project is expected to result in
annual indirect and induced employment within the study area of 119 and 24 jobs,
respectively, over the construction period. This would result in a short-term increase in local
project-related employment of 181 jobs. Total employment associated with the Project
(including jobs held by nonlocal workers) would number 335 jobs. These additional
secondary jobs result from Project-related procurements in the study area as well as
expenditures by local and nonlocal construction workers, the latter mostly on
accommodations, food services, recreation, entertainment, and transportation. A summary
of employment effects is shown in Table 1-1.
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-7
TABLE 1-1
Local Employment Impacts
Employment (FTE) Construction Phase: 2009-2010 Operations Phase: 2010 Onward
Direct (average monthly onsite) 38 10
Indirect 119 0
Induced 24 6
TOTAL 181 16
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
Following completion of the Project, it is anticipated that annual operations and
maintenance of the newly installed equipment would require 10 new positions. It is likely
that most of these positions would be filled by local workers already residing in the study
area. Much of the maintenance and repair activity would be performed by a local contractor
at an annual cost of approximately $1.25 million. Secondary employment effects would
include the generation of 6 induced jobs for a total employment effect of 16 jobs within the
study area.
1.4 Local Benefits
There are six major local benefits attributable to the Project, as described below:
• Distribution of impact assistance funds
• Increased local spending
• Increased local economic activity
• State of Wyoming land trust lease revenue payments
• Tax effects
• Environmental benefits
1.4.1 Distribution of Impact Assistance Funds
Pursuant to Wyoming Statute (W.S.) § 35-12-102(a)(vii), the proposed costs of the Project
were reviewed by Industrial Siting Division (ISD) and determined to exceed the current
statutory threshold construction cost of $173.2 million. Therefore, the Project falls under the
ISA, and local governments are potentially eligible to receive impact assistance payments.
Impact Assistance Payment Calculations
The amount of impact assistance payment is based on the growth of sales and use taxes
during the previous 12-month period. The calculation uses an average of all the sales and
use taxes in the Project county (in this case, Carbon County) for the preceding 12-month
period and is based on the growth of sales and use taxes after construction is initiated.
The Wyoming Department of Revenue (WDOR) is responsible for calculating the prior
12 months of sales and use taxes to establish a baseline total. The corresponding
construction month’s sales and use tax is then compared to the monthly baseline total to
determine that month’s impact assistance payment. The difference, the growth in sales and
use taxes during the construction month, is the amount to be distributed in the impact
assistance payment. It is important to note that only sales and use taxes are used for the
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-8
calculation. Lastly, the actual impact assistance payments are issued by the WDOR and
come from Wyoming’s General Fund, rather than from the Project proponent.
Impact Assistance Fund Distributions
Recent industrial projects under the authority of the ISA have been approved in Carbon
County, and impact assistance payments have been issued by the WDOR. To provide detail
on the amount of Impact Assistance Payments paid by the WDOR to Carbon County from a
similar project in the same area, payment details were analyzed for the Seven-Mile Hill and
Seven Mile Hill II Wind Energy Projects. Table 1-2 summarizes the total amount of Impact
Assistance Payments received by local communities over the project’s 8-month active
construction period. As detailed in Table 1-2, the amount of Impact Assistance Payments
totaled $1,294,797 for the Seven-Mile Hill and Seven-Mile Hill II wind projects. Conversely,
a review of Appendix B shows that the total amount of impact assistance payments for
Phase I of the Dunlap Project are estimated to be $1,421,997.
1.4.2 Increased Local Spending
Spending on construction and operation of the Project will positively affect the local
economy through several different economic outlets. Construction and operations
expenditures will impact the economy directly, through the purchases of goods and services
locally, and indirectly as those purchases, in turn, generate purchases of intermediate goods
and services from other, related sectors of the economy. In addition, the direct and indirect
increases in employment and income will enhance overall economy purchasing power,
thereby inducing further spending on goods and services. This cycle continues until the
spending eventually leaks out of the local economy as a result of taxes, savings, or
purchases of non-locally produced goods and services.
1.4.3 Increased Local Economic Activity
The Project will be a modest to moderate source of new economic activity in the region.
Specifically, the predicted 10 full-time operations positions will provide new and local wage
jobs above entry level and provide industry-scale income. These additional full-time
equivalent positions may also add to the local economy by enabling the purchase of
residential homes, thereby increasing the local tax base.
A typical concern with the location of new industries is that the demand for services such as
schools, water supply, and waste disposal associated with population increases will increase
more than the tax base that the new industry brings. While providing positive benefits to
the local economy, the Project will have minimal impacts on communities and their
infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and social services. Construction of the Project does
not involve the “boom and bust” economic and social conditions associated with some other
large electrical generation or oil and gas energy development projects experienced in
Wyoming. Therefore, local communities will be able to plan for and accommodate the
incremental changes resulting from the immigrating temporary construction workforce.
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-9

TABLE 1-2
Impact Assistance Payments - Seven-Mile Hill and Seven Mile Hill Phase II Projects (dollars)
2008 Month
Carbon
County
(25%)
Elk Mountain
(5%)
Medicine Bow
(20%)
Sinclair
(5%)
Hanna
(20%)
Saratoga
(5%)
Rawlins
(5%)
Albany
County
(10%)
Rock River
(5%)
Monthly
(100%) Cumulative
May 3,959.87 791.97 3,167.90 791.97 3,167.90 791.97 791.97 1,583.95 791.97 15,839.47 15,839.47
June 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,839.47
July 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,839.47
August 71,441.87 14,288.37 57,153.50 14,288.37 57,153.50 14,288.37 14,288.37 28,576.75 14,288.37 285,767.48 301,606.95
September 43,540.42 8,708.08 34,832.33 8,708.08 34,832.33 8,708.08 8,708.08 17,416.17 8,708.08 174,161.67 475,768.62
October 104,044.32 20,808.86 83,235.45 20,808.86 83,235.45 20,808.86 20,808.86 41,617.73 20,808.86 416,177.27 891,945.89
November 68,808.68 13,761.74 55,046.95 13,761.74 55,046.95 13,761.74 13,761.74 27,523.47 13,761.74 275,234.75 1,167,180.64
December 31,904.22 6,380.84 25,523.38 6,380.84 25,523.38 6,380.84 6,380.84 12,761.69 6,380.84 127,616.87 1,294,797.51
Total 323,699.38 64,739.87 258,959.51 64,739.87 258,959.51 64,739.87 64,739.87 129,479.75 64,739.87 1,294,797.51
Average per
Month 40,462.42 8,092.48 32,369.94 8,092.48 32,369.94 8,092.48 8,092.48 16,184.97 8,092.48 161,849.69
Notes:
Base Period Amount = $680,497.06
Payments ended December 2008.
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-10
Because of the relatively short timeframe of the construction workforce and limited
operations workforce, the Project will place very minimal demands on water, sewer, roads,
electrical lines, and other local infrastructure. In addition, there would be little measurable
increase in non-basic employment, as these jobs are generated from ongoing employment of
the existing base of construction workers and would be maintained through the continued
employment of both local and nonlocal construction workers. Therefore, construction and
operation of the Project would not significantly affect the various public and nonpublic
facilities and services described above from the immigration of workers for non-basic
employment opportunities.
1.4.4 State of Wyoming Land Trust Lease Revenue Payments
The Project anticipates locating facilities on lands owned by the State of Wyoming. A Special
Use Lease issued from the Board of Land Commissioners was received in June 2009. The
issued Special Use Lease includes structured payments for the use of the State land. Fees
typically include an annual fee per acre, an installation fee based on capacity, and an
operating fee based on energy generated by facilities on State lands. For example, if
6 1.5-MW turbines were located on one section (640 acres) of State land, payments over
the projected 35-year operational lease term of the project are estimated to produce over
$2 million in added revenue for the State land trust. After the wind energy generation
facility is operational, the land will serve a dual purpose and allow for the continued use of
conventional livestock grazing and ranching activities.
1.4.5 Tax Effects
Tax effects are another important consideration and benefit of the Project. The benefits
would occur based primarily on the ad valorem taxes that would be collected over the life of
the Project. In conjunction with associated ancillary activities, state and local tax revenues
would be generated during construction and operation of the proposed facility. Although
some of these tax revenues will be distributed on a local level, the state controls such
distribution.
Carbon County
Carbon County is a leader in installed wind capability (MW) within the State of Wyoming.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, six smaller wind energy projects comprising 194 wind
turbine generators (WTGs) with a total installed capability of 143.14 MW were constructed
in the county. These six operational wind farms have been paying ad valorem taxes to the
county over a period of 10 years. Table 1-3 provides the 2008 ad valorem taxes paid by the six
wind farms to Carbon County.
A review of Table 1-3 shows Carbon County received $524,078 in ad valorem tax
revenues from the six operational wind farms in 2008. It is very important to note
that Table 1-3 does not include the tax revenues associated with the approximately
$234,000,000 capital cost of the projects constructed at Seven-Mile Hill in 2008. Therefore,
2009 ad valorem tax revenues will markedly increase in Carbon County.
1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-11

TABLE 1-3
2008 Tax Year Wind Farm Units in Carbon County, Installed MW, Assessed Value and Total Taxes Paid
Company
Tax
District
Number
of
Towers
MW
Capacity
2008
Assessed
Value
Mill Levy
Rate
Total
Amount of
Taxes Paid
Eugene Water and
Electric Board
203 69 41.40 $983,400 58.057 $57,093
Foote Creek II, LLC 203 3 1.80 $97,555 58.057 $5,664
Foote Creek III, LLC 203 33 24.75 $2,135,550 58.057 $123,984
Foote Creek IV, LLC 203 28 16.80 $1,453,037 58.057 $84,359
Platte River Power
Authority
202 11 8.39 $159,924 60.057 $9,605
Rock River I 203 50 50.00 $4,191,969 58.057 $243,373
Total 194 143.14 $9,021,435 -- $524,078
Source: Wyoming Department of Revenue, 2009.
Ad Valorem Taxes
It is estimated that ad valorem property taxes of approximately $1,273,000 as a result of the
first phase of the Project would be payable to Carbon County (see Table 1-4). This would be
the estimate for increased taxes during the first full year of operation. These taxes levied
against the property would account for 2.2 percent of all ad valorem taxes levied in Carbon
County in 2008.
TABLE 1-4
Dunlap Wind Project - Ad Valorem Property Tax Estimate
Estimation of Assessed Value Applicable Tax Rates
Capital
Investment
1

Market
to
Book
Ratio
2

Estimated
Market Value
Assessment
Ratio
3

Estimated
Assessed
Value
Tax
District
2008 Tax
Rate
4

Estimated
Property
Tax
A B C D E D G H
a x b c x d e x g
$259,278,000 71.1% $184,268,875 11.5% $21,190,921 202 60.06 $1,273,000
1
Level of capital investment reflected in project’s executive summary.
2
Ratio of the assessed value of the company’s existing Wyoming property to its net book value.
3
Statutory assessment ratio applicable to industrial operating property.
4
2008 mill levy for the listed taxing district.

1.0 PURPOSE, NEED, AND BENEFIT
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_1_PURPOSE_NEED_AND_BENEFIT_FINAL.DOC 1-12
Sales, Use, and Lodging Taxes
Local tax revenues would also accrue from the sale of goods and services to nonlocal
workers. These purchases would be mostly for meals, recreation and entertainment,
gasoline and automotive service, and lodging. It is possible that tax revenues totaling almost
$100,000 over the construction period would accrue to the local communities combined.
Lodging tax revenues could accrue to the counties where construction workers temporarily
reside, and estimates are included in the local tax revenues reported above. However, it
should be noted that: (1) the actual distribution of construction workers is not known at this
time, and (2) the duration of their stays is not known and lodging taxes are levied only on
sleeping accommodations for guests staying less than 30 days.
1.4.6 Environmental Benefits
The environmental benefits of the Project are substantial. Wind power is a renewable and
nonpolluting electrical generation source. The Project will result in a reduction of
PacifiCorp’s overall electrical generation pollutant emissions on a per-megawatt basis as
compared to other nonrenewable alternatives. In addition, unlike most other electrical
generation sources, WTGs do not consume water nor require additional fuel sources. The
construction and operation of the Project is a low-impact, exceptionally low water use, and
non-extractive source of electrical generation. The complete development of Phase I of the
Dunlap Project would result in permanent disturbance to only approximately one percent of
the lands within the defined Project area.

DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_2_APPLICANT AND FACILITY_DESCRIPTION_FINAL.DOC 2-1
2.0 Applicant and Facility Description
In accordance with W.S. 35-12-109, the application shall contain the information required by the ISA
with respect to both the construction period and the following information the Council determines
necessary.
The following sections provide information relevant to W.S. 35-12-109 and detail
project-specific information regarding PacifiCorp’s proposal to construct, own, and operate
a facility of up to 200 wind turbine generators (WTGs) to produce electricity in a Project area
located 8 miles north of Medicine Bow, Wyoming.
2.1 Applicant Information
Rule I Section 7(a) (W.S. § 35-12-109(a)(i)) - Name and Address of Applicant. An application for a
permit shall be filed with the division, in a form as prescribed by Council rules and regulations, and
shall contain the name and address of the applicant, and, if the applicant is a partnership, association
or corporation, the names and addresses of the managers designated by the applicant responsible for
permitting, construction or operation of the facility.
The Applicant is:
PacifiCorp
1407 West North Temple, Suite 210
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
The following managers have been designated by PacifiCorp to be responsible for
permitting and constructing the Project:
Mr. Ken Clark
Wind Development Manager
PacifiCorp Energy
610 Antler Drive
Casper, WY 82601

Mr. Chris Johnson
Principal Project Manager Resource Development and Construction
PacifiCorp Energy
1407 West North Temple, Suite 210
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Mr. Mark Tallman
Vice President of Renewable Resource Acquisition
PacifiCorp Energy
825 NE Multnomah Blvd., Suite 2000
Portland, OR 97232
2.0 APPLICANT AND FACILITY DESCRIPTION
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_2_APPLICANT AND FACILITY_DESCRIPTION_FINAL.DOC 2-2
PacifiCorp is one of the western United States’ leading utilities. Headquartered in Portland,
Oregon, and with a total of 6,470 employees, PacifiCorp’s service area covers 136,000 square
miles and about 1.7 million customers throughout Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington,
Idaho, and California. The company is owned by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company
(MEHC).
MEHC is a global leader in the production of energy from diversified fuel sources, including
geothermal, natural gas, hydroelectric, coal, and wind. The most recent annual wind power
rankings from AWEA show MEHC ranks second among investor-owned utilities in the
amount of wind power on their system. MEHC also leads in the supply and distribution of
energy in the United States and United Kingdom consumer markets, with approximately
6.7 million electricity and gas customers. MEHC and its subsidiaries, MidAmerican Energy
Company, PacifiCorp, CE Electric UK, Cal Energy Generation, Kern River Gas Transmission
Company, and Northern Natural Gas, are established leaders in the world energy
marketplace.
PacifiCorp consists of three business units:
• PacifiCorp Energy, which contains the electric generation, commercial, and energy
balancing functions, as well as the coal-mining operations of the company, is
headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Pacific Power, which delivers electricity to customers in Oregon, Washington, and
California, is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Pacific Power is also responsible for
operating PacifiCorp’s transmission system.
• Rocky Mountain Power, which delivers electricity to customers in Utah, Wyoming, and
Idaho, is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
PacifiCorp relies on a variety of electrical generation resources, both to maintain a balanced
system and to meet its obligation to serve the electric needs of its customers. PacifiCorp’s
resource portfolio includes a mix of thermal generation, hydroelectric generation, and
generation from new renewable resources such as wind. Total PacifiCorp-owned generation
is 9,286 MW.
2.2 Point of Delivery – Goods and Services
39-15-111(c) – Distribution. If any person commences after the effective date of this act to construct
an industrial facility, as that term is defined in W.S. 35-12-102, under a permit issued pursuant to
W.S. 35-12-106, or if the federal or state government commences to construct any project within
this state with an estimated construction cost as specified in the definition of industrial facility in
W.S. 35-12-102 the state treasurer shall thereafter pay to the county treasurer and the county
treasurer will distribute to the county, cities and towns of that county in which the industrial facility
or project is located, impact assistance payments from the monies available under paragraph (b)(i) of
this section.
For purposes of this subsection, the industrial facility or federal or state government project will be
deemed to be located in the county in which a majority of the of construction costs will be expended.
2.0 APPLICANT AND FACILITY DESCRIPTION
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_2_APPLICANT AND FACILITY_DESCRIPTION_FINAL.DOC 2-3
The construction and operation of the Project will result in the purchase of goods and
services, both for the Project and for the needs of the associated construction and operation
workforces. Goods and services procured for construction activities will be obtained from
various local, regional, and national vendors. PacifiCorp anticipates that the majority of the
Project’s components will be trucked to the Project site. Therefore, Carbon County will be
the primary point of delivery for components associated with the Project and will host the
entire project facility.
2.3 Site Selection
W.S. § 35-12-109(a)(vii) - Site Selection. An application for a permit shall be filed with the division,
in a form as prescribed by council rules and regulations, and shall contain a statement of why the
proposed location was selected.
The Project site was selected for these primary reasons:
(1) The site is expected to result in a desirable wind resource based on historical wind data
and meteorological data collected from on-site meteorological towers.
(2) PacifiCorp owns and operates Seven-Mile Hill and Seven Mile Hill II, successful wind
energy facilities near the proposed Project site. This proves viable wind energy resources in
the area and PacifiCorp’s ability to operate such a facility in this location.
(3) Feasibility studies from PacifiCorp Transmission conclude that connection to the nearby
Miners to Difficulty 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line is possible.
(4) Selection of sites with the best wind resources will help meet PacifiCorp’s renewable
energy goals established in the most recent IRP (see Section 1.2), the internal guidance
document directing new development projects.
Additionally, PacifiCorp is pleased to present to the ISD a wind energy project that has been
sited outside the Sage Grouse Core Breeding Areas identified in the Version 2 maps issued
with E.O. 2008-02. Stipulation Number 6 in the Governor’s E.O. 2008-02 states:
Incentives to enable development of all types outside Core Population Areas should be established
(these should include stipulation waivers, enhanced permitting processes, density bonuses, and
other incentives). However, such development scenarios should be designed and managed to
maintain populations, habitats and essential migration routes outside Core Population Areas.
PacifiCorp has reached an agreement with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department
(WGFD) on development scenarios for the Project that avoids and minimizes impacts to
sage grouse by adhering to recommended timing and distance stipulations for construction
near leks and within sage grouse nesting and brood-rearing habitats.
2.4 Nature and Location of the Facility
Rule I Section 7(b) (W.S. § 35-12-109(a)(iii)) - Nature and Location of Facility. An application for a
permit shall be filed with the division, in a form as prescribed by council rules and regulations, and
shall contain a description of the nature and location of the facility; and - A description of the specific,
geographic location of the proposed industrial facility.
2.0 APPLICANT AND FACILITY DESCRIPTION
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_2_APPLICANT AND FACILITY_DESCRIPTION_FINAL.DOC 2-4
The Project site is located in Carbon County approximately 8 miles north of Medicine Bow
near the southern end of the Shirley Basin (see Appendix A). Wyoming State Highway
(WYO) 487 bisects the Project site, and the western boundary abuts the Freezeout
Mountains. Elevations range from 6,560 to 8,300 feet (ft) above sea level. The Project falls
within the drainage system of Muddy Creek and its tributaries, which are tributaries to the
Medicine Bow River. Muddy Creek flows along the eastern border of the Project site. The
Project site will be accessed from Interstate 80 (I-80) via U.S. 30/287 and WYO 13 and
72. WYO 487 will be the primary point of access onto the Project site.
The Project occurs in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) designated Arid West
Region within the sub-region characterized as Interior Deserts (LRR D). This sub-region is
broken into two distinct parts: the “hot desert” and the “cold desert.” The Project area lies
within the “cold desert” portion. Winter Pacific frontal storms associated with low-pressure
systems are an increasingly important source of moisture for this region as storms move
from south to north (USACE, 2008). This ecoregion is a broad intermontane basin
dominated by arid grasslands and shrublands supporting bunchgrasses and sagebrush,
interrupted by high hills and low mountains with a mean annual precipitation average of
12 inches (in). Scrub/shrub, dominated primarily by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), is
the most common landcover type, although areas of mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus
montanus) and scattered limber pine (Pinus flexilus) occur on the ridges at the western end.
2.5 Preliminary Site Plan
Rule I Section 7(b)(i) - Preliminary site plans at an appropriate scale indicating the anticipated
location for all major structures, roads, parking areas, on-site temporary housing, staging areas,
construction material sources, material storage piles and other dependent components.
PacifiCorp has completed a preliminary layout site plan for the Project, and it is presented
in Appendix A.
2.6 Land Ownership
Rule I Section 7(b)(ii) – Land Ownership. The area of land required by the industrial facility and a
land ownership map covering all the components of the proposed industrial facility.
The Project will be located on a combination of privately owned fee and State of Wyoming
lands. PacifiCorp is the landowner of 14,024 acres of private fee lands within the Project
boundary. A private entity owns 640 acres of private fee land within the Project area and
PacifiCorp is attempting to negotiate with this entity. The Project will also include
1,532.48 acres of State of Wyoming lands. PacifiCorp has completed the Special Use Lease
process with the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments and holds a 35-year lease
agreement for those State lands shown in Table 2-1.
The Project will be located in Township 23, and Ranges 78 and 79 West. See Appendix A for
the surface land ownership. Table 2-1 provides the complete legal description of the
Project’s location.
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TABLE 2-1
Site Legal Description
Section Location Township Range
PacifiCorp Energy Private Fee Lands
Section 3 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 4 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 5 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 6 E½ SW¼, SE¼ & Lots
3, 4, 5 and 6
Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 7 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 9 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 14 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 15 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 17 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 18 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 19 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 21 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 22 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 27 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 29 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 30 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 31 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 32 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 33 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 34 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 1 All Township 24 North Range 79 West
Section 11 All Township 24 North Range 79 West
Section 12 E½, E½SW¼,
SE¼NW¼
Township 24 North Range 79 West
State of Wyoming Owned Lands
Section 36 All Township 25 North Range 79 West
Section 6 Lot 2 Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 16 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Section 12 N½NW¼, SW¼NW¼,
W½SW¼
Township 24 North Range 79 West
Private Land Owned by Other Entity
Section 28 All Township 24 North Range 78 West
Source: PacifiCorp, 2009.

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2.7 Project Phase Descriptions and Future Modifications
W.S. § 35-12-109(a)(vi) - Future Additions and Modifications. An application for a permit shall be
filed with the division, in a form as prescribed by council rules and regulations, and shall contain
future additions and modifications to the facility to which the applicant may wish to be approved in
the permit.
PacifiCorp requests issuance of a Section 109 Permit pursuant to ISA statute that covers the
development of the Project area as a whole, up to 200 WTGs. PacifiCorp proposes to
construct the project in two phases, an initial phase of 74 WTGs and a second phase of up to
up to 126 WTGs. Preferred locations have been identified for 74 Phase I WTGs. Additional
locations have been identified as Phase IA. These additional locations will serve as
alternates should it subsequently be determined that one or more of the preferred WTG
locations is undesirable. Phase I will be composed of only 74 WTGs using some combination
of the Phase I and Phase IA WTGs locations shown in Appendix A.
Phase II, if constructed, would include up to 126 WTGs. These would include the 67 WTG
Phase II locations identified on Appendix A, as well as any of the Phase IA locations that
were not used for Phase I, and as many as 39 WTG locations not yet determined.
The primary components will be WTGs, steel tubular towers, electrical collector system,
fiber optic communication system, supervisory control and data acquisition system
(SCADA), permanent meteorological towers, fiber optic or microwave communication, an
on-site substation, and access roads. Depictions of many Project components are presented
in Appendix B. The WTGs, steel tubular towers, and electrical collector line will be trucked
directly to the site using semi-tractor trailers. The substation transformer is likely to be
railed to either Rawlins or Laramie, offloaded, and trucked to the site using a semi-tractor
trailer. Additional appurtenant infrastructure includes an O&M building that will be built
within the Project site.
2.8 Wind Energy Facility Components
Rule I Section 7(c) - A general description of the major components of the proposed industrial facility
such as boilers, steam generators, turbine generators, cooling facilities, production equipment, and
dependent components.
The WTG selected for the Project is the General Electric Company (GE) 1.5-MW sle
1
(see
Appendix B). The likely turbine dimensions are presented in Table 2-2. The GE 1.5-MW
WTG is a three-blade, active yaw- and pitch-regulated machine with power and torque
control capabilities. The blade diameter is 253 ft, and the height at the hub is expected to be
up to 262 ft. The swept area of the rotor is 4,657 square meters (5,570 square yards), and the
rotor typically operates at approximately 20 revolutions per minute (rpm). The Project will
include construction and erection of up to 200 WTGs. The turbines will be mounted on a
poured concrete pad and spaced at distances equal to approximately two to three rotor
diameters apart, depending on the specific site characteristics.

1
The term "sle" is used in reference to GE's 1.5-MW WTG and identifies the model. The term differentiates it from other GE
1.5-MW models (i.e., 1.5 sl, 1.5 s, or 1.5 se), which each have distinct technical specifications and operating characteristics.
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TABLE 2-2
General Electric 1.5-MW sle Turbine Specifications
Turbine Attribute GE 1.5-MW sle Turbine
Tower Type Steel tubular
Blade (Rotor) Diameter 253 ft
Hub Height 262 ft
Total Turbine Height 389 ft
Tower Base 15 ft (diameter)
Reinforced Concrete Foundation Diameter 48 ft
Pedestal Depth 16 ft (diameter)
Gravel Apron Up to 15 ft (radius)
Weight (nacelle and tower) 220 U.S. tons
a

Concrete per turbine pad 300 cubic yards
All values are approximate.
a
The weight of the turbine does not include the blades. The total weight of metal in the turbines is not less
than 220 U.S. tons (GE).
WTGs consist of three main structures: steel tubular tower, nacelle, and rotor blades. The
WTGs for each Project will be grouped in strings, interconnected with a power collection
system and substation, and interconnected to the Miners to Difficulty 230-kV line by a
newly constructed transmission line and interconnection substation.
Rotor Blades
The GE WTGs are powered by three fiberglass epoxy or polyester resin blades connected to
a central rotor hub. Wind creates lift on the blades, causing the rotor hub to spin. This
rotation is transferred to a gearbox where the speed of rotation is increased to the speed
required for the attached electric generator housed in the nacelle. The rotor blades turn
slowly, typically at approximately 20 rpm. Although the blades are non-metallic, they are
equipped with a sophisticated lightning suppression system.
Nacelle
The gearbox, generator, and various pieces of control equipment are enclosed within the
nacelle, which houses the unit that protects the turbine mechanics and electronics from
environmental exposure. A yaw system is mounted between the nacelle and the top of the
tower on which the nacelle resides. The yaw system is composed of a bearing surface for
directional rotation of the turbine and a drive system consisting of a drive motor(s) to keep
the turbine pointed into the wind to maximize energy capture. A wind vane and
anemometer are mounted at the rear of the nacelle to signal the controller with wind speed
and direction information. It is anticipated that a manufacturer’s logo will not appear on the
nacelle.
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Tower Structures
The supporting tower is expected to be a tapered monopole, approximately 262 ft in height.
It is supported by a reinforced-concrete foundation, ranging from 48 to 80 ft in width,
depending upon final engineering design. The towers will be uniformly painted a neutral
color approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for daylight marking. The
towers feature a locked entry door at ground level and an internal access ladder with safety
platforms for access to the nacelle. A controller cabinet will be located inside each tower at
its base. Towers are pre-fabricated in three sections and delivered and assembled onsite.
Transformer
A step-up transformer will be installed at the base of each WTG to increase the output
voltage of the WTG to the voltage of the power collection system (34.5 kV). Small concrete
slab foundations, a vault, or other suitable base will be used to support the step-up
transformers.
Foundation
The tower for the WTG will be set on a poured-in-place concrete foundation. The actual
foundation design for each turbine will be determined based on site-specific geotechnical
information and structural loading requirements of the selected turbine model. Each
foundation is expected to be composed of approximately 300 to 400 cubic yards of concrete.
2.9 Additional Project Features
Rule I Section 7(c) - A general description of the major components of the proposed industrial facility
such as boilers, steam generators, turbine generators, cooling facilities, production equipment, and
dependent components.
Access Roads
In areas where existing roads do not provide access to WTG or substation locations, and
along the length of turbine strings, new gravel access roads will be constructed. Access
roads will be designed under the direction of a professionally licensed engineer and
compacted to meet turbine and transformer equipment load requirements. Proposed access
roads would be located to minimize disturbance, avoid sensitive resources (e.g., raptor
nests, cultural resource sites), and maximize transportation efficiency. To allow safe passage
of the large transport equipment used in construction, all-weather gravel roads will be built
with adequate drainage and compaction to handle 15-ton-per-axle loads.
Road widths will be approximately 32 ft. Passing turnouts will be located approximately
every 4 miles along access roads, and where needed. The Project is anticipated to include
approximately 40.4 miles of access roads. Of those miles, approximately 12.5 miles will be
improved existing roads and 27.8 miles will be new construction. Table 2-3 presents Project
road length estimates of complete build out of the layout displayed in Appendix A. The
final total lineal distance and average width and turnout locations will be determined
through consultation with the WTG vendor following final design and layout.

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TABLE 2-3
Dunlap Ranch Project – Estimated Access Road Lengths (miles)
Project Phase Improved Existing New Construction Total
Phase 1 4.9 13.8 18.7
Phase 1A 0.4 2.6 3.0
Phase 2 7.2 11.4 18.6
Total 12.5 27.8 40.3
Source: Black and Veatch, 2009.
Power Collection System
Each Phase will have an electrical system consisting of four key elements:
(1) A collector system that collects energy generated at low to medium voltage from each
WTG, transforms it to 34.5 kV through a pad-mounted transformer, and delivers the
power through a collector system of electrical conductors.
(2) An onsite substation that transforms energy delivered by the collector systems from
34.5 kV to 230 kV.
(3) A 230-kV transmission line that will deliver electricity and interconnect to the existing
PacifiCorp Miners to Difficulty 230-kV transmission line.
(4) A transmission interconnection substation that will interconnect the 230-kV
transmission line to PacifiCorp’s transmission system.
It is anticipated that the collector system will likely be buried directly in the soil
approximately 3 to 4 ft below the ground surface. However, where site-specific
considerations require, the collector system may be above ground. Using aboveground
structures allows the collector cables to economically cross roadways, other facilities, and
span drainages or intermittent streams, thus reducing environmental impacts. If used,
overhead pole structures will generally be about 35 to 80 ft tall, depending on terrain. Based
on the preliminary collector cable layout, approximately 40 miles of collector cable will be
installed, of which very little, if any, is likely to be above ground. Because detailed
geotechnical studies and final WTG layouts have not yet been completed for the Project, it is
not possible to pre-determine the ultimate extent of above-ground collector cables.
Examples of site-specific conditions that will make it environmentally or economically
advantageous to run portions of the collection system above ground include:
• Steep terrain where the use of backhoes and trenching machines is not feasible or safe;
• Stream or wetland crossings where an above-ground line avoids or minimizes
environmental impacts;
• Soil with low thermal conductivity, preventing adequate heat dissipation from the
conductor;
• Rocky conditions that significantly increase trenching costs; and
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• An economic advantage for overhead construction on circuits into the substation.
A new approximate 11 mile 230-kV transmission line will interconnect the Project with
PacifiCorp’s Miners to Difficulty 230-kV transmission line. The 230-kV transmission line will
be constructed across private fee lands and State of Wyoming lands. The transmission line
will not cross BLM-managed federal lands. PacifiCorp’s Transmission group is
independently defining detailed interconnection requirements pursuant to a FERC-filed
tariff. The results of these studies will be used to define final interconnection design and
construction requirements.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System
A SCADA system will be installed to collect operating and performance data from each
WTG and provide remote monitoring and operation of the WTGs when appropriate. The
WTGs will be linked to one or more central computers via a fiber optic network. Fiber optic
cables for the SCADA system will be installed in the collector cable trenches above the
power conductors. The SCADA cables will be installed at least 3 to 4 ft below ground
surface (bgs). The host computer is expected to be located in the O&M building at the
Project site. The SCADA software consists of applications developed by the turbine vendor
and/or a third-party SCADA vendor.
Substation
Output from WTGs will be delivered to a 34.5/230-kV collector substation. The collector
cable system will link each turbine to the next in an electrical grid pattern and then to the
substation. The substation site will be surrounded by a graveled, fenced area with
transformer and switching equipment and space to park vehicles. Transformers will be oil
cooled and insulated types. The substation equipment may include circuit breakers, power
transformer(s), bus and insulators, disconnect switches, relaying, battery and charger, surge
arrestors, alternating current and direct current (AC/DC) supplies, control building,
metering equipment, SCADA provision, grounding, and associated control wiring. The
substation facilities will conform to all applicable Wyoming regulations and standards, as
applicable to a public utility.
Meteorological and Microwave Towers
Up to five permanent towers (four meteorological and one microwave) will be placed
within the footprint of the Project area (see Appendix A). Four permanent meteorological
towers (used to collect site-specific meteorological data) will be lattice-type, guyed
structures. Each tower will be approximately 262 ft high with an equilateral triangle base,
each side of which will be roughly 25 ft long.
A microwave communications tower may be erected near the O&M facility. The microwave
tower would be directed to link communications with other PacifiCorp facilities. It is
anticipated the tower would be no taller than the meteorological towers (262 ft) and be of a
similar construction. The towers will be erected in the follow locations. Precise locations will
be determined during final on-site design of the towers.
• Met Site 1: The existing 262-ft met tower will be relocated from the NE ¼ of Section
22 to the center of the Section 22, Township 24 North, Range 78 West.
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• Met Site 2: SE ¼ of Section 30, Township 24 North, Range 78 West.
• Met Site 3: SE ¼ of Section 17 Township 24 North, Range 78 West.
• Met Site 4: SW ¼ of Section 1, Township 24 North, Range 79 West.
• Microwave Tower: NE ¼ of Section 21 Township 24 North, Range 78 West
Operation and Maintenance Building
A new O&M building will be constructed within the NE ¼ of Section 21, Township
24 North, Range 78 West (see Appendix A). The O&M building will be approximately
5,500-square-feet and will include office space, bathroom and kitchen facilities, a break
room, a storage area, a garage for vehicles and equipment, and the SCADA equipment. A
fenced and graveled area for parking and storage will be provided. The O&M building will
use a groundwater well to supply water for domestic use and will discharge to an onsite
septic system.
Lighting Specifications
The WTGs will be grouped in strings, and some of the turbines will include installed
aviation warning lights, as required by the FAA. The number of turbines with lights and the
lighting pattern of the turbines will be determined through consultation with the FAA.

DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-1
3.0 Construction and Operations Descriptions
This section provides information on the construction and operations of the Project.
3.1 Time of Commencement and Construction Time
Rule I Section 7(a)(iv) – An application for a permit shall be filed with the Division, in a form as
prescribed by Council rules and regulations, and shall contain information on the estimated time of
commencement of construction and construction time.
Contingent upon approval from the ISC and obtaining all other required permits,
PacifiCorp anticipates initiation of commence to construct activities in the second quarter of
2010. It is anticipated that civil survey, geotechnical survey, transmission line,
interconnection substation, and access road construction work may be completed in the last
quarter of 2009. However, construction of the turbines and electrical systems would not
begin until the spring of 2010. Although access road construction may begin before the ISC
makes a final decision, this activity is not considered commencement of construction. Access
road construction is permitted by §35-12-102(A), which defines “commence to construct” as
clearing, excavation, construction, or other actions not including access roads for utility and
nonutility purposes.
3.2 Construction Schedule
Rule I Section 7(e) - A statement that shall be a reasonable estimate of the calendar quarter in which
construction of the industrial facility will commence, contingent upon the issuance of a permit by
the Council.
Contingent upon approval from the ISC and obtaining all other required permits, limited
construction activities associated with the Dunlap Project Phase I would initiate in the
fourth quarter of 2009. Construction of the turbines would not commence until spring of
2010. The construction schedule would last approximately 14 months, concluding in
November 2010. Phase II, if constructed, would follow a similar construction schedule, is
tentatively schedule for construction initiation in September 2010 and would likely conclude
in November 2011.
A general overview of the construction activities associated with the Project is provided
below. Initial feasibility and wind resource assessment and modeling, as well as limited
permitting activities, have been ongoing since August 2008. Section 3.4 provides a detailed
description of the planned construction procedures.
Engineering and Final Design – Perform site surveying; site geotechnical investigations;
civil engineering (roads and stormwater); and electrical engineering design (collection
system and substation); and complete final structural engineering (foundations).
Site Civil Works – Establish site access and guard station; begin contractor mobilization
onsite; perform site grading; build site access roads; perform clearing and grubbing of
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-2
vegetation from construction and laydown areas (primarily for fire safety); construct
stormwater control structures, the O&M building, weatherproof equipment and parts
storage area(s) (which may be separate or combined with the O&M building); complete
WTG foundation excavations and backfilling; and complete site restoration activities.
WTG Foundations – Install mud mats; install rebar for concrete tower foundations; and
pour and cure concrete foundations.
Electrical Collection System – Construct electrical substation; build electrical collection
system; interconnect towers, meteorological towers, and substations with power-conducting
cables and signal cables; interconnect circuits to substation; and perform required quality
assurance tests.
Collector Substation – Construct substation; install transformer; perform required quality
assurance tests; and energize collection system.
WTGs – Deliver WTG and components to each turbine pad; erect towers; install nacelles
and rotors; install transformers; install permanent meteorological towers (as necessary); and
perform final commissioning of each WTG.
Site Construction Support, Cleanup, and Restoration – Perform site restoration; cleanup;
and heavy equipment demobilization. Temporary construction support activities will
include installation of onsite temporary offices, sanitary facilities, and setup of a portable
concrete batching plant.
The preliminary construction schedules for both Phases of the Project are presented in
Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2.

FIGURE 3-1
Phase I Construction Schedule
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FIGURE 3-2
Phase II Tentative Construction Schedule
3.3 Construction Completion Schedule
Rule I Section 7(f) - A statement that shall be a reasonable estimate of the maximum time period
required for construction of the industrial facility and an estimate of when the physical components of
the industrial facility will be ninety (90) percent complete, and the basis for that estimate.
As detailed in Figure 3-1, Phase I is scheduled for a 14 month schedule. WTG erection and
commissioning are anticipated to be finished in October 2010, resulting in a ninety percent
complete construction process. The Phase I commercial operation date is scheduled for
November 2010. Therefore, Phase I of the Project is anticipated to be 90-percent complete in
the fourth quarter of 2010. Since Phase II is tentatively planned for a similar 14-month
construction schedule with construction initiation in September 2010, an estimate of
90-percent completion of Phase II will likely be the fourth quarter of 2011.
3.4 Construction Procedures
The Balance of Plant (BOP) General Contractor and subcontractors would prepare each
construction site, complete site civil work including completion of access roads, install WTG
pads, erect WTGs, install appurtenant linear facilities, oversee construction, and complete
final cleanup and restoration of the turbine crane pads, widened access roads, and other
temporary disturbance areas. Heavy construction equipment used to construct the
Project would include earth-moving equipment, cranes, and support staff light trucks.
Table 3-1 details the general equipment that is likely to be used for the Project.
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-4
TABLE 3-1
List of General Construction Equipment for the Wind Energy Project
Equipment Construction Use
Bulldozers Road and Pad Construction
Motor Graders Road and Pad Construction
Gravel Truck Haulers / Bottom Dump Hauling and Placement of Road Aggregate
Water Trucks Compaction, Erosion, and Dust Control
Roller/Compactors Road and Pad Compaction
Backhoe/Trenching Machines Excavating Foundations, Trenches for Underground Utilities
18-Wheel Semi-Tractors Turbine Component Delivery
Truck-Mounted Drill Rigs Drilling Soil Test Bore Holes
Concrete Trucks and Pumps Pouring Tower and Other Structure Foundations
Conventional and Small Cranes Off-Loading Equipment Onsite, Set Tower Components
Heavy and Intermediate Cranes Off-Loading Equipment Onsite, Erecting Towers, Nacelles, and Rotors
Cement Trucks Hauling Tower Base Cement Material
Pickup Trucks General Use by Construction Personnel
Small Hydraulic Cranes/Forklifts Loading and Unloading Minor Project Equipment
All-terrain Vehicles Site Access
Rough-terrain Forklift Lifting Equipment
Concrete Batch Plant On-site Concrete Mixing for Turbine Foundations
Source: PacifiCorp, 2009.
3.4.1 Site Civil Work/Preparation
The final engineering design will be completed using all relevant applicable engineering
standards. All access roads, turbine locations, and staging areas will undergo final
micro-siting prior to site civil work.
The construction work areas will be surveyed and clearly marked with stakes and flagging.
Access roads, WTG locations, and other site locations will be grubbed, cleared, and
prepared for site activities. Access roads may be constructed in advance of other Project
features, depending on timing, wildlife seasonal restrictions, and agency consensus.
Grading will be minimized and all topsoil will be preserved, to the extent practicable.
Excavated topsoil will be stockpiled alongside the excavated area for replacement after
construction as appropriate.
3.4.2 Access Road and Crane Pad Preparation
Access roads will be engineered using turbine vendor design standards and specifications
and will be located to minimize disturbances, maximize transportation efficiency, and avoid
sensitive resources and unsuitable topography to the extent practicable. Existing roads will
be used where practicable, though some areas may need to be widened to accommodate
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-5
delivery of WTG equipment. Raw materials used for access road and crane pad preparation
will include aggregate grade gravel, crushed rock, and water for dust control and road
compaction.
In conjunction with the access road construction, crane pads will be established at each
WTG location. The purpose of the crane pad is to provide enough space for a large crane to
install the tower sections, nacelle, blades, and other components. The crane pad also
provides access to the area for maintenance, if necessary. When construction is complete, an
approximate 40-ft-by-50-ft area will be maintained for O&M procedures.
Some existing private roads will be improved by widening, grading, and graveling. Typical
existing roads are 8 to 12 ft wide, and will need to be widened to up to 32 ft during
construction and then narrowed for operations. If necessary, wider cattle guards will be
installed to accommodate the road width.
In areas where existing roads do not provide access to wind turbine locations, and along the
length of turbine strings, new gravel roads will be constructed. Generally, these new roads
will be up to 20 ft wide (with an additional shoulder on either side of the area temporarily
disturbed during construction for a total of 32 ft wide). Within the Project Area,
approximately 40 miles of new roads will be constructed. Roads will be designed under the
direction of a licensed engineer and compacted to meet equipment loading and hauling
requirements. The tower sections, rotor blades, and other WTG components are intended to
be delivered directly to the WTG locations using the completed access roads.
3.4.3 Additional Construction Areas (Laydown Areas and Batch Plant)
During construction, staging areas will be used to stage construction components and store
construction supplies and equipment. An approximately 10 acre laydown area will be
located in the NE ¼ of Section 21. A 2-acre batch plant area will be located within the
laydown area. The location of this area is illustrated in Appendix A.
Staging areas and the batch plant area will be cleared and grubbed, entailing stripping and
stockpiling of both topsoil and subsoil. The disturbed areas will be restored and reseeded to
their preconstruction conditions.
3.4.4 Tower Foundations
After access road and pad construction is completed, crews would begin installation of the
tower foundations immediately adjacent to the crane pads. Each turbine tower will be
supported by a reinforced concrete foundation up to 80 ft wide. The foundation could be
either a spread-footer or caisson-type concrete foundation. The actual foundation design for
each turbine will be determined based on site-specific geotechnical information, structural
loading requirements, and final engineering design and specifications of the selected turbine
model.
The majority of each turbine foundation will be underground, and only a small portion of it
will be covered with gravel for fire protection. A nonflammable groundcover will surround
the towers on all sides, referred to as the gravel apron. The turbine pad and transformer will
be located within the graveled area. The area permanently disturbed during operations will
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-6
average 40 by 50 ft, or 2,000 square feet. These dimensions include a turbine tower with a
radius of up to 8 ft (16 ft diameter) and surrounding gravel area with a radius of up to 15 ft.
The foundation locations would be excavated, a mud mat poured and cured, forms set,
rebar installed, and the concrete poured and cured to create the foundation. The portion of
the foundation that is above 3 ft below grade is called the pedestal. The bottom of the
pedestal will be 3 ft below grade, and the top of the pedestal will be 0.5 ft above grade. The
pedestal will be up to 20 ft in diameter and will be approximately 3.5 ft in depth. The
estimated amount of concrete in the pedestal is 26 to 41 cubic yards. Depending upon the
final foundation design, each tower foundation will require approximately 300 cubic yards
of concrete, including the pedestal.
During construction, a larger area will be used to lay down the rotors and maneuver cranes
during turbine assembly. The typical area of disturbance is a circular area with a radius
equal to the blade length. In some cases, construction contractors prefer a larger area
measuring approximately 160,000 square feet at each of the turbine locations to reduce
construction costs. During construction, a licensed engineer will prepare a special inspection
report for each foundation excavation and pour. The source of aggregate for the concrete
will be determined through a competitive bid process with local companies who can
provide aggregate from nearby quarries. The Project will use an onsite portable concrete
batch plant for which all required permits will be obtained.
3.4.5 Tower Assembly
The WTG towers, nacelles, and blades will be delivered to each WTG location to support
assembly. The tower that supports the wind turbine will be a tapered monopole ranging up
to 262 ft in height. Towers are pre-fabricated and delivered via truck to the tower pad in
three sections. Large cranes will be brought on site to lift the multiple tower sections,
nacelle, and three-bladed rotor into place. The first step will be to lift and secure the
down-tower electrical assembly to the foundation. Next, the first tubular tower base section
will be lifted over the down-tower assembly and secured to the foundation. Subsequent
tower sections will be connected to the base tower section. Blades will be bolted to the rotor
hub, lifted to the central hub by a construction crane, and connected to the nacelle.
Each tower will be uniformly painted a neutral gray or white color approved by the FAA for
daylight marking. Each tower will feature a locked entry door at ground level and an
internal access ladder with safety platforms for access to the nacelle. A controller cabinet
will be located inside each tower at its base.
3.4.6 Power Collection System
A network of collection power cables will be installed along and between the turbine strings
to collect power generated by the individual wind turbines and route the power to the
collector substation. The collector substation will convert the electricity to transmission
voltage (230,000 volts) for delivery into the interconnection substation, and then on to the
grid.
The majority of the collector system will be underground; however, where site-specific
considerations require, the collector system may be aboveground. Using aboveground
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-7
structures allows the collector cables to economically span site-specific constraints to reduce
environmental impacts and/or control project costs.
The collector cable and surrounding insulation jacket is expected to have a total diameter of
less than 3 in. The underground collection system power cable between turbines in a turbine
string will be stranded metal. The home runs from each string to the collection substation
will use a larger gauge stranded metal conductor.
The underground electrical and communication cables would be buried adjacent to and
connecting with WTG arrays and access roads, where available. Backhoe or trenching
machines would be used to excavate the electrical conductor ditches. Two burial methods
may be used: trenching or plowing. Trenches are typically excavated 3 to 5 ft wide by 3 to
4 ft deep, and the topsoil is segregated from subsurface soil into separate piles. Plowing
involves a special attachment to a bulldozer, which directly buries a cable or combination of
three cables while disturbing only a few inches of width of the surface soil. Selection of the
installation method is dependent upon a number of site-specific factors, including
contractor/equipment availability, manufacturer’s installation specifications, and project
economics. Trenches are backfilled with the remainder of the subsurface soil pile and
covered with the topsoil. After final grading and restoration to the original contours, the
area will be reseeded with the designated reclamation seed mixture.
3.4.7 Generator Step-Up Transformers and Foundations
A transformer will be installed at the base of each wind turbine to increase the output
voltage of the wind turbine to the voltage of the power collection system (typically 34.5-kV).
The transformer is a rectangular steel transformer box measuring approximately 7.5 ft by
8.5 ft. Support for the transformer will be provided by either a concrete pad or fiberglass
vault. Concrete pad foundations are approximately 8 in thick, and will be placed over
approximately 2 ft of weak concrete fill. The weak concrete fill will measure 7.5 ft by 13.5 ft
and will be placed under the transformer pad and between the transformer and the tower
pedestal. The entire support structure will be above 3 ft below grade. Approximately
1.5 cubic yards will be used in the pad, and approximately 11 cubic yards will be used in the
concrete fill, for a total of approximately 13 cubic yards of concrete per transformer.
Transformers will be sealed and contain nonpolychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mineral oil.
3.4.8 Collector Substation
The Dunlap collector substation would occupy an area of approximately 1.5 acres set in a
cleared area of approximately 5 acres. The Dunlap collector substation site would be cleared
and graded. After site preparation, transformer pads, oil spill containment structure, and
other foundations would be excavated, forms set, rebar installed, and the concrete poured
and cured to create the foundation. Backfilled soil would be graded and compacted, and
any excess soil would be distributed around the site. Electrical and other equipment would
be transported to the site by truck and installed with appropriate construction equipment.
Following construction, the substation and switchyard facilities would be surrounded by a
security fence, similar in design and height to other PacifiCorp-owned electrical facilities,
and constructed pursuant to prudent electrical utility practices.
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-8
3.4.9 230-kV Interconnection Transmission Line
Per W.S. §35-12-119(c)(i), electric transmission lines not exceeding 500 kV are exempt from
the industrial siting process. However, per W.S. §35-12-119(d), Applicants shall furnish
some information on exempt facilities; that information is presented below.
W.S. §35-12-119(a)(iii) – A description of the nature and location of the facility.
To connect the Dunlap wind energy facility to the transmission grid, a new overhead 230-kV
transmission line will be constructed to interconnect with PacifiCorp’s existing Miners to
Difficulty 230-kV transmission line. The proposed route alignment traverses approximately
9 miles north of the Dunlap facility and parallel to WYO 487 to a new interconnection
facility. The Applicant is proposing a single transmission line route because existing
easements ensure this route is viable. The new 230-kV transmission line will be located
entirely in Carbon County. The 230-kV transmission line is outside of the Greater Sage
Grouse core area as defined by Governor Freudenthal’s Executive Order 2008-02.
W.S. §35-12-119(a)(iv) –Estimated time of commencement of construction and construction time
The transmission line route passes though approximately 1.5 miles of the edge of mule deer
crucial winter range. Because of the minimal impacts expected to mule deer, PacifiCorp has
initiated consultation with WGFD to construct within the winter range during the preferred
exclusion period. Pending agreement by WGFD, PacifiCorp intends to commence
construction on the transmission line as soon as November 1, 2009. Transmission line
construction is expected to be completed by June 30, 2010.
W.S. §35-12-119(a)(iv) – Estimated number and job classification, by calendar quarter, of employees
of the applicant, or contractor or subcontractor of the applicant, during the construction phase and
the during the operating life of the facility. Estimates shall include the number of employees who will
be utilized but who do not currently reside within the area to be affected by the facility.
Construction of the transmission line could begin as early as November 2009. The
estimated 8-month construction schedule will employ a peak of 17 workers in the first
quarter of 2010, as shown in Table 3-2. No incremental permanent employees will be
needed for O&M of the line.
TABLE 3-2
Transmission Line Construction Workforce
Q4 2009 Q1 2010 Q2 2010
Classification Local Nonlocal Local Nonlocal Local Nonlocal
Supervisor/Foreman
-
1
-
1
-
1
Equipment Operators
-
1 1 1 1 1
General Laborer
- -
3 1 3 1
Lineman/Electricians
- -
3 7 2 3
Total 0 2 7 10 6 6

3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-9
W.S. §35-12-119(a)(iv) – Future additions and modifications to the facility which the applicant may
wish to be approved in the permit, AND
ISC Rules and Regulations §7(d)(i) – The proposed on-line life of the industrial facility and its
projected operating capacity during its on-line life and, for transmission lines exceeding one hundred
fifteen thousand (115,000) volts included as part of the proposed industrial facility, a projection
indicating when such lines will become insufficient to meet the future demand and at what time a
need will exist to construct additional transmission lines to meet such demands.
Other than standard O&M activities, no substantial additions or modifications are planned
for the transmission line. Poles or structure components will be regularly inspected and
replaced as needed. The 230-kV transmission line is expected to remain operational for the
life expectancy of the facility and potentially beyond. The 230-kV transmission line will meet
the needs of Phase I as planned and all or a portion of Phase II. Should Phase II be installed,
the adequacy of transmission capacity will be reviewed. If the transmission line constructed
for Phase I is not adequate, an additional Phase II transmission line would be necessary,
likely to be built along a route parallel the Phase I line.
3.4.10 Interconnect Facility
A new facility will be constructed to interconnect and deliver the Dunlap facility’s electrical
output to PacifiCorp’s existing Miners to Difficulty 230-kV transmission line. The
transmission interconnection substation will be situated within a fenced area of
approximately 3 acres. The interconnect facility will be designed and conform to
PacifiCorp’s Engineering Standards.
3.4.11 Meteorological and Microwave Towers
Up to four permanent met towers and one microwave tower will be placed within the site
boundary. The towers will be approximately 262 ft tall. Appendix A shows the proposed
primary permanent tower locations. Legal descriptions of the tower locations are presented
in Section 2.9.
3.4.12 SCADA
A SCADA system will be installed at the Project to collect operating and performance data
from each wind turbine and the wind energy facility as a whole, and to provide on-site or
remote operation of the wind turbines. The wind turbines will be linked to a central
computer via a fiber optic network. Fiber optic cables for the SCADA system will be
installed in the collector cable trenches above the power conductors. The SCADA cables will
be installed at least 3 ft bgs. The host computer is expected to be located in the O&M
building at the Project site. The SCADA software consists of applications developed by the
turbine vendor or a third-party SCADA vendor.
3.4.13 Waste Management
Waste management procedures will be implemented during construction of the Project.
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-10
3.4.13.1 Solid Waste
The generation of solid waste during the construction phase of the Project will be handled
by contracting with a solid waste hauling and management firm. PacifiCorp has entered
into an agreement to haul construction waste material to the Rock Springs Landfill. Portable
haul-off dumpsters will be delivered to the Project site and used to collect construction
waste materials. The contracted waste hauler will remove the portable dumpsters on a
weekly basis and ensure proper treatment and disposal. Lastly, there are no plans to store or
treat solid waste at the Project site other than via the dumpster use described above.
With respect to the disposal of used oil during construction and operations, PacifiCorp will
have collection points as needed for the Project, consisting primarily of 55-gallon drums that
will be placed on secondary containment pallets in structures of a temporary nature for
construction and of a permanent nature for operations. It is anticipated that used oil
generated and stored at the site will not exceed 2 to 3 55-gallon drums during normal
operations. Larger amounts of used oil are expected to be temporarily stored on site during
scheduled oil changes for the WTGs, which are expected to occur once every 3 years. In
addition, the Project will comply with the applicable section of 40 CFR Part 279 associated
with used oil generation and management and PacifiCorp will contract with appropriate
firms to remove used oil from the site for disposal at properly licensed facilities.
3.4.13.2 Fuel Storage
Aboveground fuel storage tanks will be used by the BOP General Contractor to facilitate
onsite equipment refueling. The storage tanks will comply with relevant rules and
regulations. No underground tanks will be used during construction or operation of the
Project. Note that all aboveground fuel tanks will have secondary containment systems.
3.4.13.3 Hazardous Wastes
It is anticipated that no or minimal hazardous wastes will be generated as part of the
construction of the Project, resulting in a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Conditionally Exempt Generator status for the project. Potential generation of hazardous
wastes could include waste paints, solvents, and lubricants. However, the quantities of such
wastes are expected to be well under regulatory thresholds for changing generator status to
small-quantity or large-quantity generator. Potential U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) waste codes generated include D001, F003, and F005 wastes. Any such wastes that are
generated will be properly characterized and managed by the BOP General Contractor and
by PacifiCorp using established Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures protocols.. It is
not anticipated that any onsite treatment, storage, or disposal will occur that would require
obtaining hazardous waste permits during the construction period. In addition, any wastes
generated from a release will be properly characterized and managed by the BOP General
Contractor and by PacifiCorp.
3.4.13.4 Spill Management
The BOP General Contractor will develop and implement a Spill Prevention, Control, and
Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) in accordance with 40 CFR Part 112 and Solid Waste Rules
and Regulations, Chapters 3 and 6. If fuels and/or other petroleum-based products are
spilled during construction of the Project, a treatment/disposal facility currently permitted
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-11
by the Solid and Hazardous Waste Division will be contracted to dispose and manage the
contaminated soils. The BOP General Contractor will contract with properly licensed firms
to clean up contaminated areas and properly dispose of any oily wastes generated as a
result of such releases.
3.4.14 Testing
As WTGs are erected and electrical collection systems are interconnected, all associated
systems, controls, and safety equipment will be calibrated and tested. Qualified technicians,
turbine vendor commissioning experts, and electricians will test and inspect all WTG
components, transformers, communications systems, substation and switchyard, and
transmission systems to ensure that they comply with required design specifications and are
working properly and safely. Each WTG and associated piece of equipment will be tested
and inspected upon individual completion before being placed in service. All required tests
will be conducted and problems corrected prior to final interconnection of the WTGs.
3.4.15 Cleanup and Reclamation
After construction, the disturbed site areas will be restored similar to pre-construction
conditions. The site revegetation plan is detailed in Section 7.
3.5 Construction Workforce Estimate
Rule I Section 7-(v) - Estimated number and job classifications, by calendar quarter, of employees of
the applicant, or contractor or subcontractor of the applicant, during the construction phase and
during the operating life of the facility.
3.5.1 Phase I
The estimated number of Phase I construction workers by month and calendar quarter
is shown in Figure 3-3. The Project onsite construction workforce will vary from a low
of 19 during site geotechnical investigations in fall 2009, to a high of approximately
300 tradespeople during the peak of construction activities in September 2010. An
approximately 14-month construction period for the Project is anticipated.

3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-12
-
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
September,
2009
November,
2009
January,
2010
March,
2010
May, 2010 July, 2010 September,
2010
N
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

O
n
-
S
i
t
e

W
o
r
k
e
r
s
Geotechnical Investigations Surveying Civil Construction Electrical Construction
WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

FIGURE 3-3
Estimated number of Phase I construction workers by month and calendar quarter

3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-13
Table 3-3 presents the Phase I workforce personnel breakdown.
TABLE 3-3
Dunlap Phase I Onsite Construction Workforce Personnel Breakdown
Month
Geotechnical
Investigations Surveying
Civil
Construction
Electrical
Construction
WTG
Tower
Erection
MET
Tower
Erection
Field
Office
Turbine
Supplier
Onsite
Personnel
Grand
Total
September
2009 4 8 0 0 0 0 7 0 19
October
2009 4 8 16 0 0 0 7 0 35
November
2009 4 8 98 0 0 0 7 0 117
December
2009 0 0 98 0 0 0 7 0 105
January
2010 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 7
February
2010 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 7
March
2010 0 0 10 5 0 0 9 0 24
April
2010 4 8 98 80 0 0 9 0 199
May
2010 4 8 98 101 40 0 9 0 260
June
2010 0 8 98 116 40 14 10 2 288
July
2010 0 8 98 122 40 0 9 15 292
August
2010 0 5 98 122 40 0 9 25 299
September
2010 0 5 98 112 40 0 9 33 297
October
2010 0 5 55 112 40 0 10 26 248

A review of Table 3-3 shows that during the months of active construction, there would be
an average of 182 workers onsite during each month. In addition, peak employment would
occur in the summer months of June through September 2010.
3.5.2 Phase II
Phase II is tentatively scheduled for construction initiation in 2010, with the majority of
construction activities occurring in 2011. Phase II is expected to require a similar 14 month
construction schedule duration and construction and workforce. The tentative estimated
number of Phase II construction workers by month and calendar quarter is shown in
Figure 3-4. The tentative onsite construction workforce will vary from a low of 22 during
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-14
site geotechnical investigations in fall 2010, to a high of approximately 350 trades people
during the peak of construction activities in August 2011. Table 3-4 presents the Phase II
workforce personnel breakdown.

-
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Month 13 Month 14
N
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

O
n
-
S
i
t
e

W
o
r
k
e
r
s
Geotechnical Investigations Surveying Civil Construction Electrical Construction
WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

FIGURE 3-4
Phase II Construction Workforce (by Month and Trade Type)

3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-15
3.5.3 Local and Nonlocal Workforce
W.S. 35-12-109(a)(xviii) - A brief description of the methods and strategies the applicant will use to
maximize employment and utilization of the existing local or in-state contractors and labor force
during the construction.
The results of the socioeconomic impact analysis indicate that there is a shortage of skilled
crafts persons and specialized workers in the Project study area. Therefore, it is assumed
that the proportion of local workers filling job openings will vary by trade and skill level.
The proportions of nonlocal workers are estimated to be 40 percent for geotechnical
investigation, 0 percent for surveying, 80 percent for civil and electrical construction,
TABLE 3-4
Dunlap Phase II Onsite Construction Workforce Personnel Breakdown
Month
Geotechnical
Investigations Surveying
Civil
Construction
Electrical
Construction
WTG
Tower
Erection
MET
Tower
Erection
Field
Office
Turbine
Supplier
On-site
Personnel
Grand
Total
September
2010 5 9 - - - - 8 - 22
October
2010 5 9 18 - - - 8 - 41
November
2010 5 9 115 - - - 8 - 137
December
2010 - - 115 - - - 8 - 123
January
2011 - - - - - - 8 - 8
February
2011 - - - - - - 8 - 8
March
2011 - - 12 6 - - 11 - 28
April
2011 5 9 115 94 - - 11 - 234
May
2011 5 9 115 119 47 - 11 - 306
June
2011 - 9 115 136 47 16 12 2 339
July
2011 - 9 115 143 47 - 11 18 343
August
2011 - 6 115 143 47 - 11 29 352
September
2011 - 6 115 132 47 - 11 39 349
October
2011 - 6 65 132 47 - 12 31 292

3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-16
85 percent for WTG and met tower erection, 90 percent for the field office, and 100 percent
for the turbine supplier.
3.5.3.1 Local Workforce
Per statute, PacifiCorp requires its BOP General Contractor to use local workers to the
maximum extent practicable. The selected BOP General Contractor will use the local
Department of Workforce Services to post open job descriptions and screen job applicants
for both skilled and unskilled labor positions. In addition, the BOP General Contractor will
seek the services of local vendors and services providers to maximize local business
opportunities. Based on previous projects, a majority of the construction workforce is
anticipated to come from outside the study area during the construction phase. The number
of local onsite workers is likely to peak at about 60 for Phase I (see Figure 3-5) and Phase II.
-
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
S
e
p
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o
r
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e
r
s
Geotechnical Investigations Surveying Civil Construction Electrical Construction
WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

3.5.3.2 Nonlocal Workforce
The resulting number of nonlocal construction workers likely to require temporary
accommodations, categorized by trade, for both Project Phases are shown in Figure 3-6. At
peak construction, this results in 243 nonlocal workers for Phase I and Phase II.
FIGURE 3-5
Local Construction Workforce (by Month and Trade Type)
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-17
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
S
e
p
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o
c
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o
r
k
e
r
s
Geotechnical Investigations Surveying Civil Construction Electrical Construction
WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

FIGURE 3-6
Nonlocal Construction Workforce (by Month and Trade Type)
3.6 Operations Workforce Employment
Rule I Section 7(v) - Estimated number and job classifications, by calendar quarter, of employees of
the applicant, or contractor or subcontractor of the applicant, during the construction phase and
during the operating life of the facility.
A long-term benefit of the Project comes from permanent employees who will operate and
maintain the wind energy facilities. Upon completion, the operation of the Dunlap Project
will require approximately 10 full-time employees. The full-time job classifications and
estimated number of personnel are displayed in Table 3-5.
It is anticipated that initial operation workforces will be in place in July 2010. Employees
will be full-time over the calendar year and anticipated life of the Project. It is assumed that
50 percent of these employees will be people who currently reside within the area of study.
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-18
TABLE 3-5
Estimated Operations Workforce Summary by Job Classification
Job Classification Number of Personnel
WTG Maintenance Operators 7
SCADA Instrument Technician 1
Administration 1
Plant Engineer/Manager 1
Source: PacifiCorp, 2009.
3.7 List of Permits Required for Construction
This section identifies the anticipated permits required for construction of the Project. It is
expected that all permits required for construction will be obtained prior to the initiation of
the major construction activities in spring 2009. Regulatory agencies and permits are listed
in Table 3-6.
TABLE 3-6
Potential Federal, State, and Local Permit Requirements
Jurisdiction Permit/Decision Status
Anticipated
Permit
Receipt
Federal
Federal Aviation
Administration
Notice of Proposed Construction or
Alteration
Pending final design; file
before construction begins.
Fall 2009
Department of Commerce
- National
Telecommunication
Information Agency
(NTIA)
Impacts to Telecommunication
Systems and radar
Interference with
telecommunication systems
and radar.
Fall 2009
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers
Clean Water Act Section 404/
Individual or Nationwide Permit
Pending final design; file
before construction begins.
May not be necessary
depending on impacts.
Fall 2009
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
Section 7 Consultation/Biological
Opinion
Not expected to be
necessary as no federal
nexus exists.

State
Wyoming Public Utility
Commission
Applications for Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity
(CPCN)
Scheduled to be submitted in
July, 2009.
November
15, 2009
Wyoming State
Engineer’s Office
Permits to appropriate groundwater
(use, storage, wells, dewatering) or
water stored in impoundments or
reservoirs W.S. 41 3-901 through
41-3-938, as amended (Form
U.W. 5)
Pending final design; file
before construction begins.

Wyoming Department of
Environmental Quality
Wyoming Industrial Development
Information and Siting Act/Industrial
Siting Commission Order
Submitted. September
15, 2009
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-19
TABLE 3-6
Potential Federal, State, and Local Permit Requirements
Jurisdiction Permit/Decision Status
Anticipated
Permit
Receipt
WYPDES—Large Construction
General Permit (WYR10-0000)

Permit to Construct Small
Wastewater Facilities (Septic Tanks
and Leachfields)
Pending final design,
depending on size of septic
tank
Fall 2009
Section 401 Water Quality
Certification
Required for individual and
specified nationwide wetland
permits that have the
potential to degrade or
impact state waters.

Temporary Increase in Turbidity Required for stream
crossings within the state.

General Permit for Wetland
Mitigation
Required for impacts to
isolated wetlands. May not
be needed if final design can
avoid impacts to wetlands.

Spill Prevention, Containment, and
Counter Measures Plan

Air Quality Division -
Temporary/Portable Source Air
Permit
Required for portable
concrete batch plant.
September-
December
2009
Right-of-Way Encroachment Required for transmission
and collector line crossings of
WYO 487

Port of Entry Prior to construction when
turbine delivery schedule is
finalized.
April 2010
Wyoming Department of
Transportation
Permit for Oversized/Overweight
Loads
Prior to construction when
turbine delivery schedule is
finalized.
April 2010
Wyoming Office of State
Lands and Investments
Special Use Lease Completed. Wind Energy
Lease Agreement issued for
1,532 acres of State land.
Obtained
June 4, 2009
Local - Carbon County
Conditional Use Permit Submitted June 8, 2009. August-
September
2009
Planning and Zoning
Commission
Building Permit Building permits are required
for construction of new
buildings.
After CUP
permit is
issued.

3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-20
3.8 Operation and Maintenance Activities
Rule I Section 7(d) - A description of the operating nature of the proposed industrial facility, the
expected source and quantity of its raw materials, and energy requirements.
WTGs are used to generate electricity from the kinetic power of the wind. Therefore, no
additional raw materials or energy requirements are required to operate the WTGs.
3.8.1 Anticipated Operation Life
Section 7(d)(i) - The proposed on-line life of the industrial facility and its projected operating
capacity during its on-line life and, for transmission lines exceeding one hundred fifteen thousand
(115,000) volts included as part of the proposed industrial facility, a projection indicating when such
lines will become insufficient to meet the future demand and at what time a need will exist to
construct additional transmission lines to meet such demands.
The economic life of the Project is anticipated to be 25 years, but may be extended
depending on market conditions, the overall condition of infrastructure, ongoing
maintenance and/or capital improvements. The 230-kV transmission line is primarily being
constructed to serve the electrical output of the WTGs, and the economic life of the facility is
also anticipated to be greater than 25 years. It is anticipated that the 230-kV line will allow
for any future repowering of the site.
3.8.2 Facility Operations
(ii) Products needed by facility operations and their source.
After construction, onsite personnel will operate and maintain the Project facilities.
3.8.2.1 Wind Turbine Generators
Routine maintenance of the WTGs will be necessary to maximize performance and detect
potential malfunctions. O&M procedures will be established that will define specific routine
WTG maintenance and inspection activities in accordance with the WTG manufacturer’s
recommendations. Scheduled maintenance will be conducted approximately every
6 months on each WTG. O&M personnel will perform routine maintenance, including
replacing lubricating fluids periodically, checking parts for wear, and recording operating
parameters. All roads, pads, and trenched areas will be inspected regularly and maintained
to minimize erosion. The O&M staff will perform most repairs, with the assistance of
contracted personnel as needed.
Each WTG will be monitored continuously by a SCADA system that communicates major
aspects of operation through communication lines to the O&M staff and a 7-day-per-week,
24-hour-per-day facility. Alarm systems will be triggered if operational characteristics fall
outside set limits. Each WTG has an automatic braking system to shut down the WTG in the
event of malfunctions or excessive wind speeds. Any problems will be reported promptly to
onsite O&M personnel for correction.
3.8.3 Operations Waste Management
Waste management procedures will be implemented during operation of the Project.
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-21
3.8.3.1 Solid and Hazardous Waste
Solid waste will be generated during construction of the Project. Quantities and types of
solid and hazardous waste generated during construction and operation of the facilities are
presented in Section 5.4.5.
Portable toilets will be provided for onsite sewage handling during construction and will be
pumped and cleaned regularly by the construction contractor. No other wastewater will be
generated during construction. Any quantities of solid waste materials generated by
activities at the Project site will be disposed of in an appropriate manner at suitable disposal
sites.
3.8.3.2 Fuel Storage
The Project will include an O&M facility, which will be used, among other uses, to store
lubricants, oils, grease, antifreeze, degreasers, and hydraulic fluids used in the operation
and maintenance of the facility. Such materials will be stored in approved containers located
aboveground. Similarly, lubricants, oils, greases, antifreeze, cleaners, degreasers, or
hydraulic fluids being held for delivery to a certified recycling transporter will be
temporarily stored in the O&M building in approved containers that will be located
aboveground. At this time, it is not anticipated that fuel storage would be required on the
Project site.
3.8.3.3 Hazardous Wastes
The production, use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials associated
with the proposed Project will be in strict accordance with federal, state, and local
government regulations and guidelines. No extremely hazardous materials (as defined by
40 CFR 355) are anticipated to be produced, used, stored, transported, or disposed of as a
result of operating the facility.
During operations, it is again anticipated that hazardous waste generation will be either
zero or minimal, and well below regulatory thresholds for small-quantity or large-quantity
program requirements. All PacifiCorp facilities operate under consistent hazardous waste
programs, depending on generator status. Lastly, PacifiCorp would contract services for
oily waste disposal from the site, once site operations commence. Hazardous materials, if
required, will be used and handled in a manner that is protective of human health and the
environment and will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental
laws and regulations.
The wind turbines and transformers will likely use the following lubricants, oils, greases,
antifreeze, cleaners, degreasers, and hydraulic fluids (or comparable products from other
manufacturers):
• Simple Green (cleaner and degreaser)
• Oil-Flo (cleaner and degreaser)
• Mobil SHC 632 (gear oil)
• Mobilux EP 1 (grease)
• Mobil SHC 524 (hydraulic fluid)
• Shell DIALA (R) A oil (mineral oil used as transformer coolant)
• Ethylene glycol (standard commercial antifreeze used in radiators)
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-22
None of these products contains any compounds listed as extremely hazardous by the EPA.
These products will be used in moderate quantities and will be contained entirely within the
spill trap and nacelle, so that the possibility of accidental leakage is minimal. Lubricants,
oils, antifreeze, and hydraulic fluids will be checked according to periodic maintenance
schedules. The schedule calls for fluid checks more often the first year and then every
6 months thereafter. Fluids will be replenished as needed and changed every 1 to 3 years, as
recommended by the manufacturer. Fluid changes will be performed up-tower, where any
accidental spill will be contained by the nacelle. Spent lubricants, oils, greases, antifreeze,
cleaners, degreasers, and hydraulic fluids will be brought back to the O&M building for
temporary storage before being recycled by a licensed waste disposal contractor.
Cooling oil used in the transformers does not contain PCBs. The transformers will be
regularly inspected.
Towers and other ancillary equipment will arrive onsite already painted and will rarely
need repainting during the life of the equipment. Should any repainting be necessary, it will
be performed by qualified, licensed contractors.
Herbicides may be used to minimize the potential for introduction of noxious weeds.
Herbicides will be applied either by the landowner or by a licensed contract professional
charged with the selection of appropriate herbicides.
3.8.3.4 Spill Management
Accidental releases of hazardous materials (e.g., vehicle fuel during construction or
lubricating oil for turbines) will be prevented or minimized through proper containment of
these substances during use and transportation to the site. These liquids will be used
primarily within the turbines themselves, where any spill will be contained. Any oily waste,
rags, or dirty or hazardous solid waste will be collected in sealable drums and removed for
recycling or transported and disposed of by a licensed contractor.
In the unlikely event of an accidental hazardous or non-hazardous materials release, any
spill or release will be cleaned up, and the contaminated soil or other materials will be
disposed of and treated according to applicable local, state, and federal environmental laws
and regulations. Spill kits, containing items such as absorbent pads, will be appropriately
located onsite to respond to accidental spills, if any were to occur. Employees handling
hazardous materials will be instructed in the proper handling and storage of these materials
as well as where spill kits are located. Lastly, with respect to containment of oils associated
with spills or releases from substation main power transformers, these transformers will
have secondary containment to mitigate the contamination of site soils or groundwater in
the event of oil releases.
3.8.3.5 Transformers and Substations
Substations, large step-up transformers, and pad-mounted transformers will be maintained
as part of normal O&M activities and will be accessed from the access roads. In the event of
transformer or other device failure, replacement of this equipment could be accomplished
from the access roads.
3.0 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS DESCRIPTIONS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_3_CONSTRUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_FINAL.DOC 3-23
3.8.3.6 Underground Collection Line
Periodic maintenance of underground collection lines will be required during the life of the
Project. These maintenance activities will be conducted pursuant to prudent utility
practices. Maintenance disturbance associated with all buried collection lines will typically
be limited to an approximate 25- to 50-ft wide construction corridor associated with each
linear disturbance. All electrical terminations will occur aboveground in appropriate
weather-tight electrical enclosures to facilitate ease of maintenance. Underground collection
lines are relatively maintenance free, but maintenance would be performed as needed.
3.9 Site Decommissioning
W.S. § 37-2-112 provides the Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) with the “general
and exclusive power to regulate and supervise every public utility within the state in
accordance with the provisions of this act” (Title 37, Wyoming Statutes). Although the PSC
does not micromanage utilities, this power extends to virtually all aspects of utility
operations that affect the public interest. The PSC may, for example, become involved in the
details of a utility’s activities in cases where there has been a complaint filed pursuant to
§114 of the PSC’s rules.
Pursuant to the PSC’s general authority, specific provisions of Title 37, and rules duly
promulgated thereunder, Wyoming public utilities must, among other things, obtain PSC
approval of their rates; a certificate of public convenience and necessity before constructing
major facilities; and authority to abandon, transfer, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of
significant utility plant or facilities.
Rates set by the PSC include decommissioning costs. Thus, utility customers pay for the cost
of decommissioning over the life of the facility. Generally, however, there is no discrete
fund maintained and devoted to paying decommissioning costs.
In its exercise of its power, the PSC monitors the financial condition of public utilities to
ensure that they remain able to provide safe, adequate, and reliable service. This would
include the ability to meet its obligations, including such costs and expenses as
decommissioning of generation facilities. The PSC’s authority related to decommissioning is
applicable to PacifiCorp and the Project.

DEN\QJ\ DUNLAP_SECTION_4_PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT_FINAL 4-1
4.0 Public Involvement
Rule I Section 7(g) - The applicant shall identify what it deems to be the area of site influence and
the local governments primarily affected by the proposed industrial facility as defined in sections
2(b) and (c), respectively, of the regulations. The immediately adjoining area(s) and local
governments shall also be identified with a statement of the reasons for their exclusion from the
list of area(s) or local governments primarily affected by the proposed industrial facility.
4.1 Area of Site Influence
As stated in the ISA rules and statutes, a local government primarily affected by the
proposed industrial facility means any defined geographical area or unit of local
government or special district in which the construction and operation of the industrial
facility may significantly affect the environment, population, level of economic well-
being, or level of social services or may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of present
or expected inhabitants. Any such local government body or special district is within the
area of site influence.
4.1.1 Local Governments Primarily Affected by the Proposed Industrial
Facility
Based on the statute definition of the area of site influence presented above, the
applicant recommends that local governments primarily affected by the proposed
industrial facility would include the following:
• Carbon County and the incorporated cities and towns of Elk Mountain, Hanna,
Medicine Bow, Rawlins, Saratoga, and Sinclair
• Albany County and the incorporated cities and towns of Laramie and Rock River
4.1.2 Local Governments Primarily Unaffected by the Proposed Industrial
Facility
It is recommended that counties (and communities contained within them) other than
Carbon and Albany counties, be excluded from the area of site influence because of
excessive commuting distance from the Project site.
The applicant also recommends that a number of communities located within the
recommended area of site influence would also not experience Project-related impacts.
Their proposed exclusion is based on excessive commute distance from the Project site
and lack of appropriate accommodations. These local governmental entities include
Baggs, Dixon, Grand Encampment, and Riverside in Carbon County.
4.2 Meeting Activities
PacifiCorp has conducted a series of meetings with those local governments identified
within the recommended local governments primarily affected by the proposed
industrial facility. Additional outreach activities to state agencies inclusive to the ISA
4.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
DEN\QJ\ DUNLAP_SECTION_4_PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT_FINAL 4-2
were also undertaken in a state agency meeting in Cheyenne. Lastly, PacifiCorp
conducted a public open house in Medicine Bow. These activities are summarized
below. PowerPoint presentations, posters, and materials presented at the meetings are
provided in Appendix D.
Formal meetings were scheduled by PacifiCorp to present the Project and receive
comments from state agency and local government officials, and to provide the
opportunity for involvement of the local communities. The information presented in
Table 4-1 is a summary list of these formal public and agency involvement activities.
TABLE 4-1
Local Government, State Agency, and Community Meetings
Organization Date General Discussion
WDEQ-ISD April 29, 2009 Jurisdictional Meeting - provided overview of
Project and Industrial Siting Application process;
Project workforce and operation requirements;
construction schedule and costs; local agency
consultation and public involvement.
WDEQ-ISD May 15, 2009 Pre-application meeting to discuss schedule,
identified issues of importance, and application
requirements.
Medicine Bow Town Council– Local
Government
May 11, 2009
Hanna Town Council – Local Government May 12, 2009
Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office,
Cheyenne - State Government
May 13, 2009
Carbon County Planning and Zoning– Local
Government
May 21, 2009
State Engineers Office, Cheyenne – State
Government
May 21, 2009
Wyoming State Agencies Meeting – State
Government
May 21, 2009
Wyoming Department of Transportation,
Laramie – State Government
May 21, 2009
Rock River Town Council June 1, 2009
Rawlins City Council June 2, 2009
Carbon County Commissioners June 2, 2009
Albany County Commissioners June 2, 2009
Medicine Bow Public Open House June 8, 2009
Laramie City Council June 9, 2009
Sinclair Town Council June 18, 2009
Project details regarding workforce and operation
requirements; construction schedule; local agency
consultation and public/agency involvement were
presented at each meeting. PacifiCorp and
CH2M HILL representatives responded to
questions and addressed issues and concerns.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department March 13, April 30,
May 22, 2009
Discussion of baseline data collected, site
characterization, and WGFD concurrence with
impact mitigation strategies and post construction
monitoring plans for species under the jurisdiction
of WGFD.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service June 12, 2009 Discussion of baseline data collected, site
characterization, and WGFD concurrence with
impact mitigation strategies and post construction
monitoring plans for federally regulated species
and raptor nest buffers.
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009
4.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
DEN\QJ\ DUNLAP_SECTION_4_PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT_FINAL 4-3
4.2.1 Meeting Format/Information Provided
The information provided at the meetings for local government officials and state
agencies presented in Table 4-1 were generally the same, although the presentation and
format were tailored to each specific audience and meeting space. The information
presented generally consisted of the following:
• At facilities that could accommodate slide presentations, a PowerPoint presentation
of the Project details was presented. Please see Appendix D.
• At facilities that could not accommodate slide presentations, informational boards
were displayed and a presentation was given using the informational boards.
Displays included the following:
− A map of the general Project location
− A map of the preliminary Project Boundaries
− Project Details – size, schedule, workforce, etc.
• Various informational materials were made available to attendees. Please see
Appendix D.
• A question-and-answer session followed each presentation.
• Todd Parfitt was present at the Wyoming State Agencies Meeting May 21, 2009, as a
representative of the ISD to answer questions and provide ISA statute procedures
and application information.
4.2.2 Meeting Notices and Attendees
The state agencies and local entities notified of the meetings were those specified by
statute in the ISA permit regulations. A combination of e-mail announcements and letter
invitations were also provided to a list of local stakeholders and local government
officials. Copies of the meeting invitations, list of the names/entities invited, and
attendee sign-in sheets from the meetings are included in Appendix D.
4.3 Additional Activities
The activities described in this section are not specifically required by the ISA permit
application process. However, PacifiCorp planners undertook these additional activities
as a way to better understand community perspectives and ensure public support of the
Project by proactively addressing identified concerns.
4.3.1 Newspaper Advertisements
Newspaper advertisements announcing the informational open house were placed in
the Rawlins Daily Times on Saturday, June 6, 2009 and in the Laramie Daily Boomerang on
Friday, June 5 and Monday June 8, 2009 to advertise the public open house held at the
Medicine Bow Senior Center. These are the main local newspapers serving residents of
Carbon and Albany counties. The advertisement invited the public to come to the open
house to learn more about the Project and ask questions of PacifiCorp representatives.
See Appendix D for a copy of the advertisement.
4.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
DEN\QJ\ DUNLAP_SECTION_4_PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT_FINAL 4-4
4.3.2 Public Open House
A public town hall open house was held in the Medicine Bow Senior Center on
June 8, 2009. Notification of the open house was made primarily through the newspaper
advertisement as detailed above and through the distribution of flyers in Rawlins,
Walcott, Hanna, Medicine Bow and Rock River. The purpose of the open house was to
give residents and community members and leaders an opportunity to find out more
information and to provide comments. Open house details are below:
• The format for the public open house included informational poster board displays
and questions and answers with PacifiCorp representatives.
• A PowerPoint presentation of the Project details was presented.
• Display board stations were provided at the public open house, and a fact sheet was
distributed.
• A copy of the fact sheet and the list of attendees who signed in at the open house are
included in Appendix D.
4.4 Questions and Answers
The types and nature of the questions posed were similar across all the meetings, and
included such topics as:
• The ISA process and impact assistance fund allocations.
• Construction processes, schedules, and timelines.
• Socioeconomic issues, including jobs/employment, housing, tax revenue, and
community partnerships.
• Environment, safety, solid waste, and decommissioning.
• Reclamation practices.
• Technical aspects of WTGs and transmission line.
• Transportation concerns regarding impacts to the access route and potential traffic
interruptions.
ES052008003DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-1
5.0 Socioeconomic Baseline Data and
Analysis of Impacts
5.1 Introduction
Title 35 Public Health and Safety, Chapter 12 Industrial Development and Siting of the
Statutes of the State of Wyoming, provides guidance relative to the socioeconomic topics of
concern that shall be addressed during the permit application process. There are a number
of aspects of the socioeconomic environment that could experience adverse impacts
associated with construction and operation of the proposed facility, and they are addressed
in this report. They include economic base, housing, transportation, sewer and water
facilities, solid waste facilities, police and fire facilities, educational facilities, health and
hospital facilities, and water supply.
The ISC shall grant a permit either as proposed, or as modified by the council, if it finds and
determines that the facility will not pose a threat of serious injury to the environment or to
the social and economic condition or inhabitants or expected inhabitants in the affected
areas and will not substantially impair the health, safety, or welfare of the inhabitants. For
the purposes of the permit application, the definitions of “health,” “safety,” and “welfare”
provided in the statutes are as follows. Health shall mean the state of being sound in body
or mind and includes psychological as well as physical well-being. Safety shall mean
freedom from fear of injury or threat of injury. Such injury or threat of injury may be
premised on crime rates, traffic accident rates, dangers of industrial accidents or mishaps, or
other similar considerations. Welfare shall mean considerations of public convenience,
public well-being, and general prosperity. The term also properly covers those subjects
encompassed under health and safety.
Guidance is provided in the statutes regarding information that should be included in the
permit application and includes the following: area of site influence and local governments
primarily affected by the proposed industrial facility, construction and operations
workforce estimates, and inventory and evaluation of the social and economic conditions in
the area of site influence.
5.1.1 Construction and Operations Workforce Estimates
It is required that estimates be provided of the number of employees needed to complete the
construction and operation of the facility by the applicant, its contractors, and
subcontractors. These estimates must include job classifications by calendar quarter,
seasonal fluctuations, and the peak employment during both construction and operation,
annual payroll, and expected benefits, if any, to be provided including housing allowance,
transportation allowances, and per diem allowances.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-2
5.1.2 Inventory and Evaluation of the Social and Economic Conditions
Social and economic conditions in the geographical area likely to experience impacts
associated with the construction and operation of the industrial facility are inventoried and
evaluated as they currently exist and projected as they would exist in the future without the
proposed facility and as they would exist with the facility.
Potential impacts associated with the proposed facility are driven by a number of factors
including direct construction and operations workers currently resident in the area; direct
workers newly entering the region; additional service workers required to support these
direct workers; and the local purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, and services
necessary for construction and operation of the facility. Where appropriate, level of service
(LOS) ratios are calculated for resources, and comparisons are made with statewide,
national, local, and standard ratios to provide a perspective for succeeding impact
assessment. LOS ratios express the quantity of a service (e.g., expressed as the number of
firefighters or law enforcement officers in a service area) in relation to the population
contained in the respective service area (e.g., per 10,000 residents). These ratios provide a
means of comparing service levels across service areas and over time or against target or
standard levels. LOS ratios are used to estimate the number of additional service personnel
required to meet the demands of new residents while maintaining existing LOS. If it appears
that the resources are unlikely to be able to accommodate the new demands of the Project,
then mitigation measures are proposed.
There are three major benefits attributable to the Project: tax revenues, direct employment,
and secondary employment. Construction of the Project will provide employment
opportunities for local and nonlocal workers. It is likely that some construction workers
(and possibly family members) could relocate to the study area for the entire duration or a
portion of the construction phase. Personal consumption expenditures by direct workers
would generate sales tax revenues for the counties and municipalities that contain the points
of sale. The purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, and services necessary for
construction and operation of the Project could create indirect jobs, and purchases by direct
workers could induce additional employment.
To the degree that workers (with or without their family members) temporarily relocate to
the area as a direct result of construction of the Project, additional demands would be
placed on resources in the area of site influence. For example, accommodations (permanent
or temporary) would be required to house relocating workers, and new residents (even if
temporary) could increase the demand for community resources and services such as public
education and police and fire protection. Should the additional demand exceed the capacity
of the existing service providers, it could be necessary to implement mitigation measures to
alleviate the capacity issues.
5.2 Area of Site Influence, Local Governments Primarily
Affected, and Study Area
Rule I Section 7(g) – The applicant shall identify what it deems to be the area of site influence and the
local governments primarily affected by the proposed industrial facility as defined in Sections 2(b)
and (c), respectively, of these regulations. The immediately adjoining area(s) and local governments
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-3
shall also be identified with a statement of the reasons for their exclusion from the areas(s) or local
governments primarily affected by the proposed industrial facility.
5.2.1 Area of Site Influence
An area of site influence contains locations that may be affected environmentally, socially,
or economically, in any significant degree, by the location of the industrial facility at the
proposed site. To assist in identifying the area of influence that the applicant recommends to
the ISC, consideration is given to estimates of potential daily commute distances and times
to the project site from surrounding communities and potential accommodations that exist
at these communities. The proposed site is located approximately 12 miles north of
Medicine Bow and is bisected by WYO 487, from which access would be gained. The
proposed site is equidistant (about 68 miles) from Rawlins (county seat of Carbon County)
to the southwest and Laramie (county seat of Albany County) to the southeast.
Table 5-1 illustrates the distance (in miles and driving time [columns C and D, respectively])
separating the Project site from a number of communities in Carbon and Albany counties
and the size of the resident population of each of the communities (column E). Assuming
daily commuter behavior is unconstrained by distance and/or time, nonlocal workers
would likely choose to reside in the communities in the proportions shown in column F.
Large shares of the workers would reside in Laramie (26 percent), Casper (35 percent),
Rawlins (8 percent), and Cheyenne (5 percent). However, actual commuter behavior takes
place under time and distance constraints. A commonly utilized criterion regarding daily
commuting is that one-way distance should not exceed about 100 miles or consume more
than one and a half hours of driving time. Thus, it is more likely that residence choices made
by nonlocal workers at the Project site would be as follows: Laramie (65 percent), Rawlins
(22 percent), Hanna (4 percent), and Saratoga (4 percent) (as shown in column G). Larger,
but distant, communities such as Casper, Rock Springs, and Green River would be removed
from the list of likely residence communities.
TABLE 5-1
Allocation of Nonlocal Construction Workers to Places of Temporary Residence
A
County
B
Community
C
Distance (in
miles) from
Work Site
Used in
Model
D
Distance (in
minutes
driving
time) from
Work Site
Used in
Model
E
Population
(July 2007)
F
Unconstrained
Percent of
Nonlocal
Workers
Allocated to
Community
G
Constrained
Percent of
Nonlocal Workers
Allocated to
Community
Albany Laramie 68 88 27,241 26.03% 64.6%
Rock River 29 42 213 0.48% 1.1%
Carbon Baggs 145 178 386 0.17% 0.0%
Dixon 152 189 80 0.03% 0.0%
Elk Mountain 44 78 197 0.29% 0.5%
Grand Encampment 86 120 447 0.34% 0.0%
Hanna 31 47 862 1.81% 3.8%
Medicine Bow 11 21 267 1.65% 2.7%
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-4
TABLE 5-1
Allocation of Nonlocal Construction Workers to Places of Temporary Residence
A
County
B
Community
C
Distance (in
miles) from
Work Site
Used in
Model
D
Distance (in
minutes
driving
time) from
Work Site
Used in
Model
E
Population
(July 2007)
F
Unconstrained
Percent of
Nonlocal
Workers
Allocated to
Community
G
Constrained
Percent of
Nonlocal Workers
Allocated to
Community
Rawlins 68 81 8,685 8.30% 22.4%
Riverside 85 120 61 0.05% 0.0%
Saratoga 67 93 1,737 1.68% 3.9%
Sinclair 63 76 405 0.42% 1.1%
Converse Douglas 130 207 5,675 2.78% 0%
Glenrock 77 184 2,371 1.31% 0%
Lost Springs 159 233 1 0.00% 0%
Rolling Hills 108 196 498 0.26% 0%
Laramie Albin 165 190 1,033 0.55% 0%
Burns 144 156 423 0.28% 0%
Cheyenne 118 134 7,131 5.40% 0%
Pine Bluffs 157 165 167 0.10% 0%
Natrona Bar Nunn 86 168 1,700 1.03% 0%
Casper 80 153 53,003 35.14% 0%
Edgerton 128 203 175 0.09% 0%
Evansville 84 165 2,329 1.43% 0%
Midwest 127 200 432 0.22% 0%
Mills 79 152 3,133 2.09% 0%

The area of site influence recommended by the applicant would contain all incorporated
places capturing 1 percent or more of the constrained allocation, as shown in column G of
Table 5-1 and displayed in Figure 5-1.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-5

FIGURE 5-1
Recommended Area of Site Influence and Counties Comprising Study Area

It is within this recommended area of site influence and the communities contained within it
that the majority of construction and operations workers are expected to reside and within
which PacifiCorp will concentrate efforts to house nonlocal workers. PacifiCorp desires to
maximize the benefits of the Project to the local communities, while minimizing adverse
impacts as much as possible. While the intent of PacifiCorp is to ensure that adequate
housing for the nonlocal workforce is available mainly within the communities of Laramie,
Rawlins, and Hanna and their environs, it is recognized that some members of the
workforce may choose to temporarily reside outside these communities.
5.2.2 Local Governments Primarily Affected by the Project
As stated in the statutes, a local government primarily affected by the proposed industrial
facility means any defined geographical area or unit of local government or special district
in which the construction and operation of the industrial facility may significantly affect the
environment, population, level of economic well-being, or level of social services or may
threaten the health, safety, or welfare of present or expected inhabitants. Any such local
government body or special district is within the area of site influence.
5.2.2.1 Local Governments Primarily Affected by the Proposed Industrial Facility
Based on the recommended delineation of the area of site influence presented above, the
applicant deems that local governments primarily affected by the proposed industrial
facility would include the following:
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-6
• Carbon County and the incorporated cities and towns of Elk Mountain, Hanna,
Medicine Bow, Rawlins, Saratoga, and Sinclair
• Albany County and the incorporated cities and towns of Laramie and Rock River
5.2.2.2 Local Governments Primarily Unaffected by the Proposed Industrial Facility
It is recommended that counties (and communities contained within them) other than
Carbon and Albany counties, be excluded from the area of site influence because of
excessive commuting distance from the Project site.
The applicant deems that a number of communities located within the recommended area
of site influence would also not experience Project-related impacts. Their proposed
exclusion is based on excessive commute distance from the Project site and lack of
appropriate accommodations. These local governmental entities include Baggs, Dixon,
Grand Encampment, and Riverside in Carbon County.
5.2.3 Study Area
The socioeconomic impact analysis methodology involves a description of existing
(i.e., baseline) conditions for a geographical area broader than the area of site influence. The
counties comprising the study area were identified early in the analysis and in consultation
with the Industrial Siting Division (ISD) as those containing potential relocation sites for
workers commuting to the construction site. Delineation of the study area is also designed
to capture the direct and secondary economic impacts associated with the construction and
operation of the proposed project. These impacts are mainly associated with the purchase of
equipment, materials, goods, and services required for construction and operation of the
Project and expenditures made by workers for personal items. It is likely that these impacts
will be centered in Laramie (68 miles southeast) and Rawlins (68 miles southwest). Other
urban areas that could contain industries potentially affected by the proposed project are
relatively distant: Casper (80 miles), and Cheyenne (118 miles). Convenient access from the
Project site via Interstate-25 makes the majority of the socioeconomic impacts likely to occur
in Albany and Carbon counties, as shown in Figure 5-1.
The large majority of persons working in any county reside in the same county. Commuter
flows relate directly to two major influences: the number of job opportunities at specific
destinations and the distance in driving time that these destinations are from the place of
residence. In the case of Carbon County, the major work destinations for residents are the
adjacent areas of Natrona County to the north (25 percent of all known intercounty
outflows), Sweetwater County to the west (25 percent), and Albany County to the east
(13 percent), as illustrated in Table 5-2. The major origin counties for persons commuting to
work in Carbon County are Natrona County (19 percent), Sweetwater County (17 percent)
Albany County (15 percent), and Laramie County (13 percent).
In the case of Albany County, the greatest shares of commuters leaving the county work
in the neighboring counties of Laramie County to the east (48 percent of all known
inter-county outflows), Natrona County to the north (15 percent), and Carbon County to the
west (6 percent) as illustrated in Table 5-2. Strong reciprocal in-flows into Albany County
originate in these same counties: 25 percent from Laramie County and 10 percent each from
Natrona and Carbon counties.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-7
TABLE 5-2
Albany and Carbon Counties: Commuter Flows, 4th Quarter, 2005
Albany county Carbon County
County of Origin or Destination
Inflow Outflow Inflow Outflow
Albany NA NA 15.2% 12.7%
Big Horn 1.9% 1.0% 0.7% 0.5%
Campbell 5.4% 3.5% 4.8% 6.9%
Carbon 9.6% 5.8% NA NA
Converse 1.5% 0.5% 1.6% 1.5%
Crook 1.2% 0.3% 0.1% 0.6%
Fremont 6.6% 3.6% 9.3% 5.3%
Goshen 3.8% 1.0% 1.7% 0.6%
Hot Springs 1.4% 0.7% 0.6% 1.5%
Johnson 1.5% 0.9% 1.7% 0.3%
Laramie 24.5% 48.4% 12.8% 9.7%
Lincoln 2.5% 1.0% 1.3% 0.2%
Natrona 9.6% 14.8% 18.6% 25.2%
Niobrara 0.4% 0.1% 2.3% 0.1%
Park 5.0% 2.9% 2.5% 2.2%
Platte 4.4% 2.2% 1.6% 0.3%
Sheridan 5.8% 2.7% 4.1% 0.9%
Sublette 2.1% 1.2% 0.6% 1.0%
Sweetwater 6.2% 4.8% 16.9% 24.6%
Teton 1.6% 1.8% 0.8% 0.8%
Unita 3.4% 1.6% 1.6% 4.6%
Washakie 1.1% 0.6% 1.1% 0.3%
Weston 0.7% 0.6% 0.1% 0.2%
NA: Not Applicable
Source: Leonard, 2007.
Information is published by the U.S. Census Bureau regarding the place of residence for
persons working in Carbon County and is displayed in Table 5-3. Over the period
2004 through 2006, the proportion of persons working in Carbon County who also reside
in the county has declined only slightly. Based on information for 2006, the large majority
(75 percent) of all persons working in Carbon County also reside in the county with
66 percent residing in Rawlins, 3 percent in Saratoga, and 1 percent in Encampment. Of the
remaining 25 percent of those persons working in Carbon County, the largest proportion
live in neighboring Natrona County (4 percent of all workers), mostly in Casper; 3 percent
live in Laramie County, with half of these persons living in Cheyenne; almost 3 percent live
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-8
in neighboring Sweetwater County, with most residing in Green River and Rock Springs;
and just over 2 percent live in neighboring Albany County, with almost all residing in
Laramie. The out-of-state county contributing the most workers is Rio Blanco County in the
State of Colorado and adjacent to Carbon County. Its share of persons employed in Carbon
County, however, is just over 1 percent. This pattern of commuting would appear to be
directly related to the presence of nearby large communities such as Casper, Cheyenne, and
Laramie and accessibility to Laramie to the east and Green River and Rock Springs to the
west provided by I-80.
TABLE 5-3
Place of Residence of Persons Working in Carbon County, 2004, 2005, and 2006
2006 2005 2004
Count Share Count Share Count Share
Total All Jobs 6,220 100.0% 5,858 100.0% 5,891 100.0%
WYOMING
Carbon County 4,649 74.7% 4,458 76.1% 4,519 76.7%
Rawlins 4,082 65.6% 3,846 65.7% 3,876 65.8%
Saratoga 180 2.9% 238 4.1% 251 4.3%
Grand Encampment 63 1.0% 71 1.2% 63 1.1%
Natrona County 268 4.3% 238 4.1% 195 3.3%
Casper 221 3.6% 203 3.5% 175 3.0%
Laramie County 169 2.7% 122 2.1% 163 2.8%
Cheyenne 82 1.3% 62 1.1% 68 1.2%
Sweetwater County 161 2.6% 144 2.5% 132 2.2%
Green River 67 1.1% 44 0.8% 51 0.9%
Rock Springs 64 1.0% 70 1.2% 50 0.8%
Albany County 135 2.2% 129 2.2% 121 2.1%
Laramie 117 1.9% 100 1.7% 92 1.6%
Fremont County 108 1.7% 113 1.9% 90 1.5%
Hot Springs County 81 1.3% 59 1.0% 63 1.1%
Thermopolis 54 0.9% 9 0.2% 8 0.1%
Goshen County 65 1.0% 5 0.1% 8 0.1%
Torrington 54 0.9% 3 0.1% 7 0.1%
Sheridan County 48 0.8% 40 0.7% 35 0.6%
COLORADO
Rio Blanco County 70 1.1% 56 1.0% 53 0.9%
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS 466 7.5% 494 8.4% 512 8.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LED Origin-Destination Data Base (2nd Quarter 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006).
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-9
5.3 Baseline Socioeconomic Conditions
Rule I Section (7)(i) – An evaluation of the social and economic conditions in the area of site
influence. The social and economic conditions shall be inventoried and evaluated as they currently
exist, projected as they would exist in the future without the proposed industrial facility and as they
will exist with the facility.
This section presents a summary of baseline socioeconomic conditions within the broader
two-county study area comprised of Carbon and Albany counties. The purpose of this
section is to provide details of existing conditions regarding pertinent socioeconomic
resources within the study area and to provide a frame of reference against which to assess
Project-related impacts. The resources addressed include population, economic conditions,
housing (permanent and temporary), education, public safety, health care, municipal
services, and transportation facilities.
5.3.1 Population
Rule I Section (7)(i)(iii) – A study of the area population including a description of methodology
used. The study may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of demographic characteristics for
the current population and projections of the area population without the proposed industrial facility.
Past, present, and future characteristics of the population in the study area are described in
this subsection. These characteristics include historical trends for the study area, counties,
and incorporated places; age composition of the county populations; race and ethnicity; and
migration patterns.
Population characteristics that are important in determining the location and availability of
the local labor force include the location of population centers and the age distribution of
the population (i.e., the identification of areas where persons of working age reside).
5.3.1.1 Historical Population Trends
Between 1920 and 2007, the population of Albany County increased by almost 2.5 times
(247 percent) at an average annual rate of 1.4 percent- well above the 169 percent and
1.1 average annual percent rate, respectively, registered by the state. The county
experienced a rapid rise in population between 1920 and 1980 followed by a period of
increasingly moderate change through 2007, as can be seen from the information presented
in Table 5-4 and Figure 5-2. In 1920, the population of Albany County comprised almost
5 percent of the state population. By 2007, this share had increased to just over 6 percent.
The population trend between 1970 and 2007 for Albany County exhibited a cyclical pattern:
mostly moderate year-to-year population growth between 1970 and 1983, decline between
1983 and 1987, strong growth between 1988 and 1996, and mixed growth and contraction
between 1997 and the present. Year-to-year population change in Albany County has been
moderate over the 37-year period ranging between a maximum growth of 2.7 percent
and maximum decline of 1.9 percent. These values compare to 4.9 percent growth and
3.8 percent decline for the state.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-10
TABLE 5-4
Population Trends in the Study Area (1920 to 2007)
Geographic
al Area 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2007
Albany
County 9,283 12,041 13,946 19,055 21,290 26,431 29,082 30,797 32,014 32,227
Carbon
County 9,525 11,391 12,644 15,742 14,937 13,354 21,896 16,659 15,639 15,486
Study Area 18,808 23,432 26,590 34,797 36,227 39,785 50,978 47,456 47,653 47,713
State of
Wyoming 194,402 225,565 250,742 290,529 330,066 332,416 469,557 453,588 493,782 522,830
Sources: State of Wyoming, Department of Administration and Information, Economic Analysis Division, 2007a; 2007b.

0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2007
P
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-2
Historic County Population (1920-2007)

Carbon County had an almost identical population size to that of Albany County in
1920. However, over the period 1920 through 2007, the population of Carbon County
increased by only 63 percent at an average annual rate of 0.6 percent. In 1920, the population
of Carbon County comprised about 5 percent of the total population of the state (as did that
of Albany County). By 2007, this share had declined to about 3 percent. The county
population increased between 1920 and 1950, declined through 1970, and experienced
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-11
dramatic growth in the 1970s. This population high was followed by continuous population
loss through 2007. See the information presented in Table 5-5 and Figure 5-2.
TABLE 5-5
Share of State of Wyoming Population (1920-2007)
Geographical Area 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2007
Albany 4.8% 5.3% 5.6% 6.6% 6.5% 8.0% 6.2% 6.8% 6.5% 6.2%
Carbon 4.9% 5.0% 5.0% 5.4% 4.5% 4.0% 4.7% 3.7% 3.2% 3.0%
Study Area 9.7% 10.4% 10.6% 12.0% 11.0% 12.0% 10.9% 10.5% 9.7% 9.1%
Sources: CH2M HILL, 2008 from data prepared by State of Wyoming, Department of Administration and Information, Economic
Analysis Division, 2007a; 2007b.
Population has exhibited marked swings on an annual basis: growth as high as 7.3 percent
and decline as much as 4.6 percent. Over the period 1970 through 2007, Carbon County
experienced a “boom-bust” cycle that saw rapid growth between 1970 and 1981 with a
number of years in which population growth exceeded 5 percent annually. During the
“bust” period between 1982 and 1992, population declined annually with 4 years registering
population declines in excess of 4 percent annually. Since 1992, population change has been
mixed with more declining than gaining years. The cyclical nature of the trend is evident in
Figure 5-3 where the timing and magnitude of the trends are illustrated.
-6.0%
-4.0%
-2.0%
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
1
9
7
1
1
9
7
3
1
9
7
5
1
9
7
7
1
9
7
9
1
9
8
1
1
9
8
3
1
9
8
5
1
9
8
7
1
9
8
9
1
9
9
1
1
9
9
3
1
9
9
5
1
9
9
7
1
9
9
9
2
0
0
1
2
0
0
3
2
0
0
5
2
0
0
7
P
e
r
c
e
n
t

C
h
a
n
g
e

O
v
e
r

P
r
e
v
i
o
u
s

Y
e
a
r
Wyoming Albany Carbon

FIGURE 5-3
Population Growth Trends: Counties and State (1970-1971 through 2006-2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-12
Population Density and Location. The majority of the population of the study area resides in
incorporated communities and especially in Laramie, which, in 2007, contained over
57 percent of the total population resident in the two-county study area. Rawlins contained
about 18 percent of the study area population in 2007, as can be seen from the information
contained in Table 5-6. The unincorporated portions of the two counties contained
15 percent of the combined total population, with the remaining 10 percent of the study area
population contained in the numerous small incorporated places. This distribution of the
population has remained virtually unchanged since 2000. The spatial distribution of
population as of the year 2000 is illustrated in Figure 5-4.
TABLE 5-6
Population by County and Community, 2000-2007
Place
Census
2000
July 1,
2001
July 1,
2002
July 1,
2003
July 1,
2004
July 1,
2005
July 1,
2006
July 1,
2007
Wyoming 493,782 493,032 497,204 499,368 503,258 506,541 512,757 522,830
Albany County 32,014 32,215 32,275 32,469 32,725 32,556 32,497 32,227
Laramie City 27,204 27,280 27,298 27,398 27,577 27,459 27,477 27,241
Rock River Town 235 239 236 235 234 226 218 213
Balance of Albany County 4,575 4,696 4,741 4,836 4,914 4,871 4,802 4,773
Carbon County 15,639 15,195 15,244 15,207 15,215 15,051 15,165 15,486
Baggs Town 348 352 353 352 352 347 363 386
Dixon Town 79 78 79 79 80 79 79 80
Elk Mountain Town 192 188 188 189 188 189 192 197
Grand Encampment Town 443 435 435 438 439 434 437 447
Hanna Town 873 861 862 864 860 846 848 862
Medicine Bow Town 274 269 268 266 265 261 261 267
Rawlins City 8,538 8,624 8,650 8,621 8,622 8,503 8,534 8,685
Riverside Town 59 58 58 58 58 58 60 61
Saratoga Town 1,726 1,708 1,712 1,702 1,699 1,683 1,703 1,737
Sinclair Town 423 414 411 408 405 399 399 405
Balance of Carbon County 2,684 2,208 2,228 2,230 2,247 2,252 2,289 2,359
Study Area 47,653 47,410 47,519 47,676 47,940 47,607 47,662 47,713
Percent of Study Area
Albany County 67.2% 67.9% 67.9% 68.1% 68.3% 68.4% 68.2% 67.5%
Laramie City 57.1% 57.5% 57.4% 57.5% 57.5% 57.7% 57.6% 57.1%
Rock River Town 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.4%
Balance of Albany County 9.6% 9.9% 10.0% 10.1% 10.3% 10.2% 10.1% 10.0%
Carbon County 32.8% 32.1% 32.1% 31.9% 31.7% 31.6% 31.8% 32.5%
Baggs Town 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.8% 0.8%
Dixon Town 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2%
Elk Mountain Town 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4%
Grand Encampment Town 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9%
Hanna Town 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.8%
Medicine Bow Town 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 0.5% 0.5% 0.6%
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-13
TABLE 5-6
Population by County and Community, 2000-2007
Place
Census
2000
July 1,
2001
July 1,
2002
July 1,
2003
July 1,
2004
July 1,
2005
July 1,
2006
July 1,
2007
Rawlins City 17.9% 18.2% 18.2% 18.1% 18.0% 17.9% 17.9% 18.2%
Riverside Town 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
Saratoga Town 3.6% 3.6% 3.6% 3.6% 3.5% 3.5% 3.6% 3.6%
Sinclair Town 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8%
Balance of Carbon County 5.6% 4.7% 4.7% 4.7% 4.7% 4.7% 4.8% 4.9%
Source: State of Wyoming, Department of Administration and Information, Economic Analysis Division, 2007.

FIGURE 5-4
Population Distribution in the Study Area (2000 Census)

5.3.1.2 Age of the Population
For both counties and the state, the proportion of the population contained in the two age
categories 0-14 years and 25-44 years has steadily declined over the period 1980 through
2007, as can be seen from the information presented in Figure 5-5. This decline has been
compensated for by increases in the categories representing persons over 45 years of age.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-14
With regard to the age composition of the population, Albany County exhibits a pattern that
differs markedly from that of Carbon County or the state. The county has an under-
representation of persons aged 14 years and younger and an over-representation of persons
aged 15-24 years. The preponderance of the latter age category is attributable to the student
body of the University of Wyoming located in Laramie.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
1980 1990 2000 2007 1980 1990 2000 2007 1980 1990 2000 2007 1980 1990 2000 2007 1980 1990 2000 2007 1980 1990 2000 2007
14 Years and Less 15 - 24 Years 25 to 44 Years 45 to 54 Years 55 to 64 Years 65+ Years
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-5
Population Age Distribution in the Study Area (1980-2007)

5.3.1.3 Population Race and Ethnicity
The large proportion of the estimated 2007 population of each of the counties comprising
the study area is white: 95 percent in Carbon County and 93 percent in Albany County (as
shown in Table 5-7). The share for the State of Wyoming is 94 percent. Of the other major
racial groups, American Indian and Alaska Native contribute 2.5 percent of the state
population, 1.5 percent of the population of Carbon County, and 1.2 percent for Albany
County. Asians contribute 2.1 percent of the population of Albany County. Residents of
Hispanic origin make up 7.3 percent of the state population, 14.1 percent of the Carbon
County population, and 7.7 percent of the Albany County population, as can be seen from
the information presented in Table 5-7. The share of the population categorized as
“minority” is greatest in Carbon County (18.1 percent), followed by Albany County
(13.8 percent) and the state (12.7 percent).
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-15
TABLE 5-7
Estimated Population Composition by Race and Ethnicity (2007)

White
Alone
Black or
African
American
Alone
American
Indian and
Alaska
Native
Alone
Asian
Alone
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
Alone
Two or
More
Races Hispanic
Minority
Population*
State of Wyoming 94.1% 1.2% 2.5% 0.7% 0.1% 1.4% 7.3% 12.7%
Albany County 93.2% 1.7% 1.2% 2.1% 0.1% 1.7% 7.7% 13.8%
Carbon County 95.5% 0.8% 1.5% 0.9% 0.1% 1.2% 14.1% 18.1%
Population other than non-Hispanic white
Source: U.S. Census, American Factfinder, 2009.
Over the period 2000 through 2007, the proportion of the population of each of the study
area counties comprised of both Hispanics and minorities has increased only slightly, as can
be seen from the information presented in Table 5-8.
TABLE 5-8
Estimated Population Composition: Hispanic and Minority (2000-2007)
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Percent Hispanic Population
Albany County 7.5% 7.6% 7.4% 7.4% 7.5% 7.4% 7.5% 7.7%
Carbon County 13.8% 13.5% 13.6% 13.8% 13.9% 14.0% 14.1% 14.1%
Percent Minority Population
Albany County 12.7% 12.7% 12.8% 12.9% 13.1% 13.2% 13.5% 13.8%
Carbon County 17.0% 16.8% 17.0% 17.2% 17.4% 17.7% 17.8% 18.1%
Source: http://eadiv.state.wy.us/pop/CO_RO07.htm.
As can be seen from the information presented in Table 5-9, the minority population share
of total population varies across communities with highs of over 26 percent in Rawlins and
14 percent in Laramie.
TABLE 5-9
Population Composition by Race and Ethnicity by Community (2000)

White
Alone
Black or
African
American
Alone
American
Indian
and
Alaska
Native
Alone
Asian
Alone
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
Alone
Two or
More
races Hispanic
Minority
Population*
Albany County
Laramie 90.8% 1.5% 1.7% 2.2% 0.1% 3.6% 8.6% 14.0%
Rock River 96.2% 0.0% 3.4% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 5.5% 9.4%
Carbon County
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-16
TABLE 5-9
Population Composition by Race and Ethnicity by Community (2000)

White
Alone
Black or
African
American
Alone
American
Indian
and
Alaska
Native
Alone
Asian
Alone
Native
Hawaiian
and Other
Pacific
Islander
Alone
Two or
More
races Hispanic
Minority
Population*
Baggs 94.9% 0.0% 3.1% 0.3% 0.0% 1.7% 5.7% 8.0%
Dixon 96.2% 0.0% 3.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.3% 5.1%
Elk Mountain 95.9% 0.5% 1.5% 0.0% 0.0% 2.1% 5.2% 7.2%
Grand Encampment 97.6% 0.0% 1.1% 0.7% 0.0% 0.7% 0.7% 3.1%
Hanna 95.5% 0.4% 0.9% 0.1% 0.0% 3.0% 6.5% 8.3%
Medicine Bow 97.8% 0.0% 1.8% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 2.9%
Rawlins 85.9% 1.0% 2.1% 1.1% 0.2% 9.7% 22.0% 26.4%
Riverside 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Saratoga 95.5% 0.2% 1.2% 1.1% 0.1% 2.0% 4.5% 7.0%
Sinclair 96.3% 0.5% 1.6% 0.2% 0.0% 1.4% 2.6% 5.4%
Population other than non-Hispanic white
Source: U.S. Census, American Factfinder, 2009.
5.3.1.4 Population Poverty Status
The population for whom poverty status was determined in the 2000 Census comprises
about 93 percent of the total population for each of the counties and 97 percent for the state.
Of this subset of the population, the proportions living below the poverty level (as defined
in 1999) were 11.4 percent for the State, 12.9 percent for Carbon County, and 21.0 percent for
Albany County.
5.3.1.5 Population Migration
Population change is attributable to births, deaths, and net migration. Levels of annual net
migration are developed by the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division using population
estimates derived from the U.S. Census Bureau and from vital statistics developed by the
state. During the period from 1971 through 2007, migration has followed a cyclical pattern
in the case of Carbon County, as can be seen from Figure 5-6. Much of the “boom and bust”
pattern of population change addressed earlier is attributable to net in- and out-migration,
respectively. Strong net in-migration took place between 1971 and 1980, followed by equally
strong net out-migration between 1983 and 1990. The period since 1996 was characterized
by moderate net out-migration. Albany County exhibited a similar pattern but the levels of
migration were usually smaller, except for the period after 1996.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-17
-1,500
-1,000
-500
0
500
1,000
1,500
1
9
7
1
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Albany Carbon

FIGURE 5-6
Net Migration for Counties and Study Area (2001 through 2007)

5.3.1.6 Future Population
Population projections prepared by the State of Wyoming Economic Analysis Division
forecast the population of Carbon County to increase by just over 11 percent between
2007 and 2020 at an average annual rate of 0.8 percent. Between 2020 and 2030 the
population of the county is projected to decline slightly. Table 5-10 presents the population
projections and the numeric, percentage, and average annual percent change for the period
2007-2020 and 2020-2030. The population of Albany County is projected to decline by about
1 percent between 2007 and 2020 and increase by 3 percent between 2020 and 2030. The
population of the state of Wyoming is projected to increase by almost 56,000 persons
(11 percent) at an average annual rate of 0.8 percent between 2007 and 2020. The rate of
growth at the state level is projected to fall slightly to 0.7 percent annually, on average,
between 2020 and 2030.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-18
TABLE 5-10
Population Forecasts for State, Counties, and Places (2010-2020)

2000
Census
2007
Estimate
2010
Forecast
2015
Forecast
2020
Forecast
2030
Forecast
WYOMING 493,782 522,830 539,740 560,000 578,730 621,160
Albany County 32,014 32,227 32,250 32,040 31,880 32,870
Laramie 27,191 27,241 27,260 27,083 26,948 27,785
Rock River 235 213 213 212 211 217
Carbon County 15,639 15,486 16,160 16,810 17,230 17,120
Baggs 348 386 403 419 429 427
Dixon 79 80 83 87 89 88
Elk Mountain 192 197 206 214 219 218
Encampment 443 447 466 485 497 494
Hanna 873 862 900 936 959 953
Medicine Bow 274 267 279 290 297 295
Rawlins 9,008 8,685 9,063 9,428 9,663 9,601
Riverside 59 61 64 66 68 67
Saratoga 1,726 1,737 1,813 1,886 1,933 1,920
Sinclair 423 405 423 440 451 448
Change 2007-2020 Change 2020-2030
Numeric Percentage Av. Ann. % Numeric Percentage Av. Ann. %
WYOMING 55,900 10.7% 0.8% 42,430 7.3% 0.7%
Albany County -347 -1.1% -0.1% 990 3.1% 0.3%
Carbon County 1,744 11.3% 0.8% -110 -0.6% -0.1%
Source: CH2M HILL from data prepared by Wyoming Department of A and I, Economic Analysis Division
(http://eadiv.state.wy.us), 2008.
5.3.2 Economic Conditions
Rule I Section 7(i)(ii) – A study of the area economy including a description of methodology used.
The study may include, but is not limited to, the following factors:
A. Employment projections by major sector;
B. Economic bases and economic trends of the local economy;
C. Estimates of basic versus non-basic employment;
D. Unemployment rates
This section addresses past, present, and future economic conditions (labor force,
employment, and unemployment); income and earnings by industrial sector; commuting
patterns and work centers; existing labor characteristics and availability; and government
revenues (property, sales, use, and lodging taxes).
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-19
5.3.2.1 Past and Present Economic Conditions
Rule I Section 7(i)(ii)(B and D)
(B) Economic bases and economic trends of the local economy;
(D) Unemployment rates
During the period 1990 through 2008, total employment in the study area increased by over
2,230 jobs or about 9 percent, as can be seen from Figure 5-7. Employment in Carbon County
declined by about 370 jobs or 4.4 percent over this time period, while employment in
Albany County increased by just over 2,600 jobs or 16.4 percent. This compared with an
increase of 26.9 percent for the state of Wyoming over the same time period. More detailed
information regarding employment and earnings by industrial sector is presented in the
following section.
The unemployment rate for Carbon County over the period 1990-2008 exhibited a steadily
declining trend from 6.2 percent in 1993 to 3.3 percent in 2007; however, it consistently
remained above the state level. The unemployment rate for Albany County has consistently
been below that of the state and fell steeply over the period 1990 through 1999 (from
5.3 percent to 1.8 percent). After 1990, the trend for Albany County more closely mirrored
that of Carbon County and the state. Carbon County and the state experienced a sharp rise
in the unemployment rate between 2000 and 2003 followed by an equally sharp decline
through 2007, as can be seen in Figure 5-8.
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
N
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p
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Albany County Carbon County Study Area

FIGURE 5-7
Employment in the Study Area by County (1990 through 2008)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-20
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Albany County Carbon County State of Wyoming

FIGURE 5-8
Unemployment Rate for Counties and the State (1990 through 2008)

Information for 2008 suggests that unemployment may be on the rise. At the state level, the
2008 annual unemployment rate rose to 3.1 percent (from 2.9 percent in 2007) while the rate
in Carbon County increased from 3.0 percent to 3.3 percent. The rate for Albany County
remained unchanged at 2.5 percent.
The information presented in Figure 5-9 illustrates how monthly claims for unemployment
benefits compare with the claims for the same month in the previous year between 1997 and
2008. The period between September 2001 and May 2003 was one of an increasingly
deteriorating employment picture. Prior to this period, from mid-year 1999 a period of
steady and sustained improvement occurred. Another period of steady and sustained
growth occurred between June 2003 and December 2007. 2007 saw the start of a trend of
increasing claims for unemployment benefits with the number increasing rapidly in the last
quarter of 2008. In December 2008, the number of claims was almost 56 percent higher than
in the corresponding month of 2007.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-21
-1,000
-500
0
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1,000
1,500
2,000
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FIGURE 5-9
Monthly Initial Claims for Unemployment in the State, Year to Previous Year (1998-2008)

The information presented in Figure 5-10 illustrates how the number of claims for
unemployment benefits, at the state level, vary through the year and between years.
2008 began with few monthly claims relative to preceding years (each year is represented by
a curve on the graph). However, from May onwards monthly claims were as high as in the
years 2002 and 2003 and in December exceeded all previous monthly levels.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-22
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
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1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

FIGURE 5-10
Initial Claims for Unemployment by Month and Year in the State (1997 through 2008)

5.3.2.2 Existing Economic Conditions
Rule I Section 7(i)(ii)(C)
(C) Estimates of basic versus nonbasic employment.
5.3.2.3 Employment by Industrial Sector
Over the period 1970 through 2000, total employment in the study area increased by
13,230 jobs as shown in Table 5-11. The sector of the economy experiencing the greatest
change was the services sector where the number of full- and part-time jobs increased by
almost 4,600 jobs (from 3,122 in 1970 to 7,721 in 2000). The contribution made by this sector
to total employment increased from 18 percent in 1970 to 25 percent in 2000. Employment in
state and local government increased by 3,980 jobs and its share of total employment rose
from 25 percent to 27 percent. Some sectors experienced contractions in employment,
although the numbers were small. Examples include transportation and public utilities
(down from 8.3 percent in 1970 to 3.2 percent in 2000) and mining (from 4.4 percent to
1.2 percent). Numeric changes in employment by sector for the study area between 1970 and
2000 are presented in Figure 5-11 while percentage contributions by each industrial sector to
total employment are displayed in Figure 5-12.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-23
TABLE 5-11
Study Area: Employment by Industrial Sector (1970 and 2000)
1970 2000
Change in
Employment
(1970-2000)
Number
% of
Total Number
% of
Total Number
% of
Numeric
Change
Total full-time and part-time employment 17,681 30,911 13,230
Wage and salary employment 15,355 86.8% 24,529 79.4% 9,174 69.3%
Proprietors employment 2,326 13.2% 6,382 20.6% 4,056 30.7%
Farm proprietors employment 451 2.6% 612 2.0% 161 1.2%
Non-farm proprietors employment 1,875 10.6% 5,770 18.7% 3,895 29.4%
Farm employment 1,133 6.4% 973 3.1% -160 -1.2%
Non-farm employment 16,548 93.6% 29,938 96.9% 13,390 101.2%
Private employment 11,272 63.8% 20,854 67.5% 9,582 72.4%
Agricultural services, forestry, fishing and other 54 0.3% 519 1.7% 465 3.5%
Mining 775 4.4% 361 1.2% -414 -3.1%
Construction 618 3.5% 1,803 5.8% 1,185 9.0%
Manufacturing 1,012 5.7% 1,490 4.8% 478 3.6%
Transportation and public utilities 1,464 8.3% 986 3.2% -478 -3.6%
Wholesale trade 256 1.4% 402 1.3% 146 1.1%
Retail trade 3,274 18.5% 5,566 18.0% 2,292 17.3%
Finance, insurance, and real estate 697 3.9% 2,006 6.5% 1,309 9.9%
Services 3,122 17.7% 7,721 25.0% 4,599 34.8%
Government and government enterprises 5,276 29.8% 9,084 29.4% 3,808 28.8%
Federal, civilian 546 3.1% 389 1.3% -157 -1.2%
Military 299 1.7% 284 0.9% -15 -0.1%
State and local 4,431 25.1% 8,411 27.2% 3,980 30.1%
Source: Population, Employment, Earnings and Personal Income Trends. By county and prepared by the Sonoran Institute.
http://eadiv.state.wy.us/wef/eps.html.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-24
-1,000 -500 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
Farm employment
Agricultural services, forestry,
fishing & other
Mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and public
utilities
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Finance, insurance, and real
estate
Services
Federal, civilian
Military
State and local
Numeric Change (1970-2000)
Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-11
Numeric Change in Employment by Sector and County (1970 through 2000)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-25
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%
Agricultural services, forestry &
fishing
Mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and Public Utilities
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Finance, Insurance, and Real
Estate
Services
Federal, civilian
Military
State and local
Percent of Non-Farm Employment
Albany County 1970 Albany County 2000 Carbon County 1970 Carbon County 2000

FIGURE 5-12
Industrial Sector Share of Total Non-Farm Employment (1970 and 2000)

As of 2006, the following industrial sectors contributed major shares of non-farm
employment in Carbon County: local government (13 percent), construction (12 percent),
and accommodation and food services (11 percent) as shown in Table 5-12. The
contributions by construction and accommodations and food services (both higher than the
corresponding values at the state level) indicate a high level of development activity in the
county. It should be pointed out that information regarding a number of industrial sectors is
withheld including for healthcare and manufacturing in Carbon County and mining,
utilities, wholesale trade, transportation, and a number of service industries in Albany
County.
For Albany County, the following industrial sectors contributed major shares of
employment: state government (24.6 percent), retail trade (10.8 percent), local government
(9.0 percent), accommodation and food services (8.5 percent), health care and social
assistance (7.1 percent), professional and technical service (6.8 percent), and construction
(5.6 percent), as shown in Table 5-12. In Albany County, the state government and
educational services sectors have significantly greater shares of total employment than at
the state level: 24.6 percent versus 3.9 percent for state government and 2.8 percent versus
0.9 percent for educational services. These differences are attributable to the presence of the
University of Wyoming located at Laramie, the county seat of Albany County. Such
differences in the composition of the local economy between the counties and the state are
evident in Figure 5-13. It should be pointed out that the shares of total employment
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-26
distributed across industrial sectors only sum to 100 percent in the case of the state. This is
because in each of the counties, information is withheld to protect the privacy of enterprises.
TABLE 5-12
Share of Employment by Industrial Sector (2006)
Industrial Sector Wyoming Albany County Carbon County
Forestry 0.7% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Mining 8.1% Not Disclosed 2.9%
Utilities 0.7% Not Disclosed 0.6%
Construction 9.3% 5.6% 12.1%
Manufacturing 3.2% 3.3% Not Disclosed
Wholesale Trade 2.6% Not Disclosed 2.7%
Retail Trade 11.3% 10.8% 10.6%
Transportation 3.8% Not Disclosed 6.2%
Information 1.4% Not Disclosed 0.9%
Finance and Insurance 3.3% 3.1% 2.4%
Real Estate 4.2% 2.7% 4.4%
Professional and Technical Services 4.6% 6.8% 3.0%
Management 0.3% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Administrative Services 3.3% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Educational Services 0.9% 2.8% 0.3%
Health Care 7.3% 7.1% Not Disclosed
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 1.8% 1.8% 2.2%
Accommodation and Food Services 8.9% 8.5% 11.1%
Other Services 5.6% Not Disclosed 5.5%
Federal Civilian 2.0% 1.1% 2.2%
Federal Military 1.7% 0.9% 0.9%
State Government 3.9% 24.6% 4.7%
Local Government 11.2% 9.0% 12.7%
Source: BEA, 2008.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-27
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Wyoming Albany County Carbon County
P
e
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n
t

o
f

N
o
n
-
F
a
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m

E
m
p
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n
t
Forestry, etc. Mining Utilities Construction
Manufacturing Wholesale trade Retail trade Transport. and warehousing
Information Finance and insurance Real estate, rental, leasing Profess. and tech. services
Mngmnt of cos. and enterp. Admin. and waste services Educational services Health care and soc. assist.
Arts, entertainment, and rec. Accomm. and food services Other serv. except pub. admin. Federal, civilian
Military State government Local government

FIGURE 5-13
Non-Farm Employment, Contribution by Industrial Sector for County and State (2006)

As can be seen from the listing of major employers in Carbon and Albany counties shown in
Table 5-13, public and quasiprivate enterprises account for numerous of the large
employers.
TABLE 5-13
Major Employers
Enterprise Number of Employees Product or Service
Carbon County
1. Wyoming State Penitentiary 385 State Government
2. Carbon County School District 1 308 Education
3. Sinclair Oil Corporation 295 Refinery
4. Memorial Hospital of Carbon County 220 Health Care
5. Union Pacific Railroad 155 Railroad
6. Hyland Enterprises 150 Trucking and Oilfield Services
7. Carbon County 134 County Government
8. Rip Griffin Travel Center 130 Truck Stop
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-28
TABLE 5-13
Major Employers
Enterprise Number of Employees Product or Service
9. Bureau of Land Management 115 Federal Government
10. City of Rawlins 100 City Government
Albany County
1. University of Wyoming 5,225 Education
2. Albany County Schools 896 Education
3. Ivinson Memorial Hospital 473 Health Care
4. Wal-Mart 380 Retail
5. Albany County 380 County Government
6. Wyotech 360 Technical Education
7. City of Laramie 295 City Government
8. Ark Recycling 200 Government
9. Howard Johnson’s 185 Hotel
10. Trihydro 162 Environmental Engineering
Source: Wyoming Business Council, 2009.
5.3.2.4 Earnings and Income
Total aggregate personal income increased in each of the counties over the period
1969 through 2006 (unadjusted for inflation). For Carbon County, it rose steadily between
1969 and 1981 from $55.7 million to $304 million then declined steadily to $238 million in
1987 before rising again to its previous high between 1993 and 1996. Through the next
decade the amount rose at an increasing rate to reach almost $530 million in 2006, as shown
in Figure 5-14.
In the case of Albany County, total aggregate income showed a very similar trend and
amount to that of Carbon County between 1969 and 1981. At this time, the level in Albany
County surpassed that in Carbon County and continued to outstrip it, as shown in
Figure 5-14. By 2006, total aggregate income in Albany County measured $938 million,
1.8 times that of Carbon County.
Although aggregate personal income in each of the counties increased substantially over
time, the share that each contributed to that of the state as a whole declined, as is evident
from the information portrayed in Figure 5-15. In the case of Carbon County, the
contribution declined from a high of 5.4 percent in 1980 to a low of 2.5 percent in 2005. For
Albany County, the respective values were 6.1 percent in 1969 and 4.5 percent in 2006. Since
1985, the per capita income level in each of the counties has lagged that of the state as a
whole as shown in Figure 5-16.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-29
$0
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
$400,000
$500,000
$600,000
$700,000
$800,000
$900,000
$1,000,000
1
9
6
9
1
9
7
1
1
9
7
3
1
9
7
5
1
9
7
7
1
9
7
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(
$
0
0
0
)
Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-14
Aggregate Personal Income by County (1969-2006)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-30
2.0%
2.5%
3.0%
3.5%
4.0%
4.5%
5.0%
5.5%
6.0%
6.5%
1
9
6
9
1
9
7
1
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3
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5
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7
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Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-15
County Contribution to Statewide aggregate Personal Income (1969-2006)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-31
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$45,000
1
9
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9
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1
9
8
9
1
9
9
1
1
9
9
3
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9
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1
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2
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a
p
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Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-16
Per Capita Personal Income (1969-2006)

The greatest share (between about 55 and 80 percent) of personal income is derived from net
earnings (i.e., wages and salaries excluding contributions to government social insurance
programs). As can be seen from the information presented in Figure 5-17, the share declined
relatively consistently for the counties and the state between 1969 and about 2003 except for
the period between about 1971 and 1980 in the case of the state and Carbon County and
between 2003 and 2006 for the state and both Albany and Carbon counties. As the
contribution to personal income by net earnings has declined, the contributions by
dividends, interest, rents, and transfer payments has increased from about 25 percent in
1970 to 35 percent in 2006 (as illustrated in Figure 5-18).
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-32
50.0%
55.0%
60.0%
65.0%
70.0%
75.0%
80.0%
85.0%
1
9
6
9
1
9
7
1
1
9
7
3
1
9
7
5
1
9
7
7
1
9
7
9
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9
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8
3
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5
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7
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%

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Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-17
Net Earnings as Share of Personal Income (1969-2006)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-33
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
45.0%
50.0%
1
9
6
9
1
9
7
1
1
9
7
3
1
9
7
5
1
9
7
7
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7
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%

P
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s
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I
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Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-18
Dividends, Income, Rents, and Transfer Payments as Share of Personal Income (1969-2006)

The largest share of total non-farm earnings in the state of Wyoming in 2006 (which totaled
over $15 billion) was contributed to by the services sector (27 percent, including 6.5 percent
contributed by health care and social assistance), mining sector (18.9 percent), and state and
local government sector (16.0 percent). Other notable sectors were construction (9.2 percent)
and retail trade (6.2 percent). Differences in these sector contributions exist between the
counties and the state, as can be seen from the information contained Figure 5-19. The local
government sector contributes almost 14 percent of total non-farm earnings in Carbon
County and 12 percent in Albany County. The large share of state government earnings
(32 percent) in Albany County is attributable to the University of Wyoming located in
Laramie, the county seat. The construction sector contributed over 17 percent of net
non-farm earnings in Carbon County in 2006.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-34
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Wyoming Albany County Carbon County
P
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r
c
e
n
t

o
f

T
o
t
a
l

N
o
n
-
F
a
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m

W
a
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e
s

&

S
a
l
a
r
i
e
s
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and other Mining Utilities
Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade
Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Information
Finance and insurance Real estate and rental and leasing Professional and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises Administrative and waste services Educational services
Health care and social assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation Accommodation and food services
Other services, except public administration Federal, civilian Military
State government Local government

FIGURE 5-19
Non-Farm Earnings, Contribution by Industrial Sector for County and State (2006)

Because there are large variations in annual earning per job across the different sectors of
the economy, the correspondence between a sector’s employment share and its share of
earnings can be quite different. In the case of the state of Wyoming, the mining sector of the
economy contributes 8.1 percent of non-farm employment but 18.9 percent of earnings. The
retail trade sector contributes 11.3 percent of employment but only 6.2 percent of earnings,
and the accommodations and food services sector contributes 8.9 percent of employment
but only 4.2 percent of earnings. These discrepancies are evident in the information
presented in Figure 5-20. Such inequalities can be explained by the values of earning per job:
over $92,000 annually in mining, $21,700 for the retail sector, and $16,300 for the
accommodations and food services sector. Such wage differences are also reflected at the
county levels.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-35
0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 14.0% 16.0% 18.0% 20.0%
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and other
Utilities
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information
Real estate and rental and leasing
Management of companies and enterprises
Educational services
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
Other services, except public administration
Military
Local government
Wyoming Employment Wyoming Earnings

FIGURE 5-20
Employment and Earnings Shares by Industrial Sector, State of Wyoming (2006)

A comparison of the correspondence between employment share and earnings share, by
industrial sector, for the state and each of the counties comprising the study area is
illustrated in Table 5-14 and Figure 5-21.
For Carbon County in 2006, contributions to total non-farm earnings by a number of sectors
exceeded the corresponding values at the state level: construction (17.4 percent versus
9.2 percent) and transportation and warehousing (10.2 percent versus 5.2 percent). The
mining sector, on the other hand, exhibits an under-representation compared to the state:
5.1 percent versus 18.9 percent.
Albany County, when compared to the state as a whole, exhibits a concentration of
non-farm wage and salary income in the state government (32 percent versus 4.5 percent)
and health care and social assistance (8.1 percent versus 6.5 percent) sectors of the economy,
as can be seen from the information presented in Table 5-14 and Figure 5-21.
The complete breakdown of non-farm earnings by sector for both Carbon County and
Albany County are displayed in Figures 5-22 and 5-23, respectively.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-36
TABLE 5-14
Share of Non-Farm Employment and Earnings by Industrial Sector (2006)
Wyoming Albany County Carbon County
Employment Earnings Employment Earnings Employment Earnings
Forestry 0.7% 0.3% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Mining 8.1% 18.9% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed 2.9% 5.1%
Utilities 0.7% 1.6% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed 0.6% 1.2%
Construction 9.3% 9.2% 5.6% 5.6% 12.1% 17.4%
Manufacturing 3.2% 4.7% 3.3% 3.7% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Wholesale Trade 2.6% 3.5% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed 2.7% 3.5%
Retail Trade 11.3% 6.2% 10.8% 6.5% 10.6% 5.9%
Transportation 3.8% 5.2% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed 6.2% 10.2%
Information 1.4% 1.2% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed 0.9% 0.7%
Finance and Insurance 3.3% 2.9% 3.1% 3.4% 2.4% 1.7%
Real Estate 4.2% 2.7% 2.7% 1.5% 4.4% 1.4%
Professional and Technical
Services
4.6% 4.5% 6.8% 7.6% 3.0% 2.5%
Management 0.3% 0.6% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Administrative Services 3.3% 1.7% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Educational Services 0.9% 0.4% 2.8% 2.5% 0.3% 0.0%
Health Care 7.3% 6.5% 7.1% 8.1% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Arts, Entertainment and
Recreation
1.8% 0.8% 1.8% 0.4% 2.2% 1.0%
Accommodation and Food
Services
8.9% 4.2% 8.5% 3.3% 11.1% 4.2%
Other Services 5.6% 2.6% Not Disclosed Not Disclosed 5.5% 2.4%
Federal Civilian 2.0% 3.9% 1.1% 2.6% 2.2% 4.4%
Federal Military 1.7% 2.4% 0.9% 1.1% 0.9% 0.9%
State Government 3.9% 4.5% 24.6% 32.1% 4.7% 6.8%
Local Government 11.2% 11.5% 9.0% 12.0% 12.7% 13.7%
Source: http://www.bea.gov/regional/reis/default.cfm?catable=CA25.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-37
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Employment Earnings Employment Earnings Employment Earnings
Wyoming Albany County Carbon County
S
h
a
r
e

o
f

T
o
t
a
l
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and other Mining Utilities
Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade
Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Information
Finance and insurance Real estate and rental and leasing Professional and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises Administrative and waste services Educational services
Health care and social assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation Accommodation and food services
Other services, except public administration Federal, civilian Military
State government Local government

FIGURE 5-21
Employment and Earnings Shares by Industrial Sector for State of Wyoming, Converse County, and Natrona County (2006)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-38
Carbon County Non-Farm Earnings
Construction, 17.4%
Utilities, 1.2%
Mining, 5.1%
Local government, 13.7% State government, 6.8%
Military, 0.9%
Wholesale trade, 3.5%
Retail trade, 5.9%
Transportation and warehousing,
10.2%
Federal, civilian, 4.4%
Other services, except public
administration, 2.4%
Accommodation and food services,
4.2%
Arts, entertainment, and
recreation, 1.0%
Information, 0.7%
Finance and insurance, 1.7%
Real estate and rental and leasing,
1.4%
Professional and technical
services, 2.5%
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and other Mining Utilities
Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade
Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Information
Finance and insurance Real estate and rental and leasing Professional and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises Administrative and waste services Educational services
Health care and social assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation Accommodation and food services
Other services, except public administration Federal, civilian Military
State government Local government

FIGURE 5-22
Carbon County: Non-Farm Earnings by Industrial Sector (2006)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-39
Albany County Non-Farm Earnings
Arts, entertainment, and
recreation, 0.4%
Accommodation and food services,
3.3%
Federal, civilian, 2.6%
Health care and social assistance,
8.1%
Educational services, 2.5%
Professional and technical
services, 7.6%
Military, 1.1%
Local government, 12.0%
State government, 32.1%
Construction, 5.6%
Manufacturing, 3.7%
Retail trade, 6.5%
Finance and insurance, 3.4%
Real estate and rental and leasing,
1.5%
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and other Mining Utilities
Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade
Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Information
Finance and insurance Real estate and rental and leasing Professional and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises Administrative and waste services Educational services
Health care and social assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation Accommodation and food services
Other services, except public administration Federal, civilian Military
State government Local government

FIGURE 5-23
Albany County: Non-Farm Earnings by Industrial Sector (2006)

5.3.2.5 Work Centers and Bedroom Communities
Depending upon the balance between the number of employment opportunities in a county
and the number of workers residing in the county, the county can be classified between the
two extremes of work center and bedroom community. In the case of a work center, there
are typically more job opportunities in the area than resident workers, and for a bedroom
community, the reverse is true. The differentiation between counties in highly urban and
metropolitan regions can be quite distinct with the cost of housing playing a significant role.
In predominantly rural areas where employment opportunities can often be concentrated in
a few large communities, the differentiation between work center and bedroom community
can also be quite marked.
Information derived from the U.S. Census for 2006 provides a detailed picture of
commuting patterns that is indicative of the economic linkages and interdependencies
between counties. Table 5-15 presents information regarding the place of residence (by
county and community) for persons who work in Carbon County. As expected, the
overwhelming majority (almost 75 percent) of persons residing in Carbon County also work
there. Geographically adjacent counties account for high flows (e.g., Natrona, Sweetwater,
Albany, and Laramie counties). The latter three counties are served by I-80, which provides
good access.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-40
TABLE 5-15
Place of Residence of Persons Working in Carbon County, 2006
2006
Count Share
Total All Jobs 6,220 100.0%
WYOMING
Carbon County 4,649 74.7%
Rawlins 4,082 65.6%
Saratoga 180 2.9%
Grand Encampment 63 1.0%
Natrona County 268 4.3%
Casper 221 3.6%
Laramie County 169 2.7%
Cheyenne 82 1.3%
Sweetwater County 161 2.6%
Green River 67 1.1%
Rock Springs 64 1.0%
Albany County 135 2.2%
Laramie 117 1.9%
Fremont County 108 1.7%
Hot Springs County 81 1.3%
Thermopolis 54 0.9%
Goshen County 65 1.0%
Torrington 54 0.9%
Sheridan County 48 0.8%
COLORADO
Rio Blanco County 70 1.1%
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS 466 7.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LED Origin-Destination Data Base (2nd Quarter 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and
2006).
An indication of the level of jobs-to-housing balance can be seen from a comparison of
inflows and outflows of workers to and from Carbon County. As can be seen from the
information presented in Table 5-16, the number of workers residing in the county in
2006 (7,332) exceeds the number of jobs (6,220) in the county by 1,112. Almost 75 percent of
persons working in Carbon County also reside in Carbon County. However, of workers
living in Carbon County, only 63 percent work in Carbon County leaving 37 percent of
resident workers to commute to jobs outside the county. Thus, Carbon County is home to
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-41
more workers than there are jobs, and the largest flow imbalances are with Laramie,
Campbell, and Sweetwater counties where residents find work.
TABLE 5-16
Carbon County as a Place of Residence and Place of Work, 2006

Work in Carbon County
(Inflow)
Live in Carbon County
(Outflow)
Net Flow (Inflow [+]
or Outflow [-])
Count Share Count Share
Total All Jobs 6,220 100.0% 7,332 100.0% -1,112
WYOMING
Carbon County 4,649 74.7% 4,649 63.4% 0
Laramie County 169 2.7% 915 12.5% -746
Campbell County 0 0.0% 440 6.0% -440
Sweetwater County 161 2.6% 378 5.2% -217
Natrona County 268 4.3% 273 3.7% -5
Sheridan County 48 0.8% 119 1.6% -71
Goshen County 65 1.0% 75 1.0% -10
Albany County 135 2.2% 66 0.9% +69
Fremont County 108 1.7% 65 0.9% +43
Weston County 0 0.0% 48 0.7% -48
Hot Springs County 81 1.3% +81
COLORADO
Rio Blanco County 70 1.1% 0 0.0% +70
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS 466 7.5% 304 4.1% +162
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LED Origin-Destination Data Base (2nd Quarter 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006).
In the case of Albany County, the number of workers residing in the county (14,960) is
smaller than the number of jobs (15,148) in the county by 188, as can be seen from the
information presented in Table 5-17. However, the difference is small, indicating a balance
between jobs and housing at the county level. Just over 86 percent of persons working in
Albany County also reside in Albany County: similar to the proportion of county residents
who also work in the county (just over 87 percent). The largest imbalance is with Natrona
County from where there is a net inflow of workers. Albany County has a net outflow of
workers (although relatively small), with a number of counties in the neighboring state of
Colorado.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-42
TABLE 5-17
Albany County as a Place of Residence and Place of Work, 2006

Work in Albany County
(Inflow)
Live in Albany County
(Outflow)
Net Flow (Inflow [+]
or Outflow [-])
Count Share Count Share
Total All Jobs 15,148 100.0% 14,960 100.0% +188
WYOMING
Albany County 13,073 86.3% 13,073 87.4% 0
Laramie County 1,008 6.7% 1,068 7.1% -60
Carbon County 66 0.4% 135 0.9% -69
Goshen County 55 0.4% 58 0.4% -3
Platte County 79 0.5% 23 0.2% +56
Natrona County 280 1.8% 0 0.6% +280
Freemont County 79 0.5% 0 0.4% +79
Routt County 43 0.3% 0 0.2% +43
COLORADO
Larimer County 114 0.8% 180 1.2% -66
Grand County 0 0.0% 129 0.9% -129
Weld County 43 0.3% 96 0.6% -53
Boulder County 0 0.0% 35 0.2% -35
Denver County 0 0.0% 19 0.1% -19
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS 308 2.0% 144 1.0% +164
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, LED Origin-Destination Data Base (2nd Quarter 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006).
The federal Bureau of Economic Analysis reports annually on personal income in terms of
location of residence, at the county level. Estimates are developed on how much money is
earned in a county by persons residing outside the county (referred to as “total gross
earnings outflow”) and how much money is brought into a county by residents who work
outside the county (referred to as “total gross earnings inflow”). Subtracting one value from
the other gives the “net residence adjustment” that indicates the role of the county as a
“bedroom community” or “work center.” Where the total gross earnings inflow exceeds the
total gross earnings outflow, the net residence adjustment will be positive and the
community is classed as a bedroom community. Conversely, where the total gross earnings
outflow exceeds the total gross earnings inflow, the net residence adjustment will be
negative and the community is classed as a work center. Where there is a relative balance
between inflow and outflow of income, the community or county has a jobs-to-housing
balance. The role that a county plays over time can change as the location of residences and
job opportunities change.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-43
As can be seen from the information presented in Figure 5-24, between 1981 and about
1987, the role of Carbon County changed from that of a work center to a relatively balanced
condition (plus or minus 1 percent) until about 2002. Since 2002 the county has assumed
more of a work center role, although less pronounced that in the earlier years.
-6.00%
-5.00%
-4.00%
-3.00%
-2.00%
-1.00%
0.00%
1.00%
2.00%
3.00%
1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
N
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t

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t
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A
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Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-24
Net Residential Adjustment Values for Albany and Carbon Counties (1981-2006)

In the case of Albany County, since 1981 it has been consistently classed as a bedroom
community with a net inflow of earnings derived by residents from jobs outside the
county. However, the degree of imbalance has remained small over the time period.
Table 5-18 shows the net residence adjustment and classification for each of the two
counties as of 2006.
TABLE 5-18
County Commuting Patterns
County
Net Residence Adjustment
(% of Total Income in
County in 2006)
Bedroom Community
or Job Center
Albany +1.96% Bedroom Community
Carbon -2.18% Work Center
Source: CH2M HILL based on data from BEA.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-44
5.3.2.6 Existing Labor Characteristics and Availability
The following sections focus on past, present, and projected employment and earnings for
the construction industry in the study area.
General Construction Labor Characteristics
Employment in the construction sector is characteristically cyclical in nature, as can be seen
from the information presented in Figure 5-25. Trends have been similar for both Carbon
and Albany counties exhibiting strong employment growth between 1970 and 1980 for
Carbon County and between 1970 and 1978 for Albany County. This growth was followed
by a rapid decline through 1989 in Carbon County and through 1987 in Albany County.
Since these low points, both counties have experienced almost consistent growth through
2006.
The median annual wage for persons in construction and extraction occupations for the
state of Wyoming (as of March 2008) was $38,612, which was 24 percent higher than the
average for all occupations ($31,221). Average annual wages for workers in construction and
extraction occupations in Albany County were about 4 percent lower than the state level,
but in Carbon County they were 14 percent higher.
Specialty trade contractors and heavy and civil engineering construction contractors are two
of the top 10 industries expected to add the most jobs through the period to 2012. The
demand for construction laborers and skilled trades people (e.g., carpenters, electricians,
operating engineers, plumbers, and occupations requiring long-term on-the-job training) is
also expected to increase substantially over this period. Prospects for the construction sector
are also addressed in Section 5.3.2.5, Future Economic Conditions.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-45
0
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C
o
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
i
o
n

J
o
b
s
Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-25
Construction Employment by County (1969 through 2006)

5.3.2.7 Governmental Revenues and Finances
Assessed Property Values. The assessed value of real property is the major source of ad
valorem taxes. Properties are assessed at both the state and local (county) level: the state
assesses the value of utility and mineral properties, while the counties assess residential,
agricultural, commercial, and industrial land and improvements.
The total assessed value of real property in 2008 for the two-county study area was
$1.226 billion as displayed in Table 5-19. Of this total, 73 percent was contributed by Carbon
County and 27 percent by Albany County. Together, the counties accounted for about
5.6 percent of the assessed value of all real property in the state.
TABLE 5-19
Assessed Valuation by Type of Property by County (2008)
Locally Assessed Valuation State Assessed Valuation Total
County
Agricultural
Land
Commercial
Land,
Improvements
and Personal
Property
Residential
Land,
Improvements
and Personal
Property
Industrial
Property
Non
Minerals
(Utilities,
Railroads,
and
Airlines) Minerals
Albany
$6,606,794 $67,907,378 $206,015,043 $7,207,710 $37,970,700 $4,946,449 $330,654,074
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-46
TABLE 5-19
Assessed Valuation by Type of Property by County (2008)
Locally Assessed Valuation State Assessed Valuation Total
County
Agricultural
Land
Commercial
Land,
Improvements
and Personal
Property
Residential
Land,
Improvements
and Personal
Property
Industrial
Property
Non
Minerals
(Utilities,
Railroads,
and
Airlines) Minerals
Carbon
$8,404,925 $19,028,867 $79,465,288 $94,397,135 $69,383,475 $625,536,299 $896,215,989
Study
Area
$15,011,719 $86,936,245 $285,480,331 $101,604,845 $107,354,175 $630,482,748 $1,226,870,063
STATE
$189,329,238 $1,034,539,039 $4,272,222,102 $1,639,188,562 $917,847,973 $13,845,204,284 $21,898,331,198
Source: State of Wyoming Department of Revenue, 2008.
Of the six types of property assessments described in Table 5-19 for the study area, the
greatest contribution is associated with mineral properties, which accounted for 51 percent
of total assessed value. However, the large majority of this assessment is in Carbon County
where mineral properties comprise over 70 percent of total assessed value. In Albany
County, mineral property assessed value contributes less than 2 percent of total assessed
value of property, as can be seen from Table 5-20. For the state as a whole, the contribution
made by mineral property was 63 percent. In Carbon County, each of the other categories of
property contributes 10 percent or less to total property assessment.
TABLE 5-20
Contribution by Type of Property by County (2008)
County
Agricultural
Land
Commercial
Land,
Improvements
and Personal
Property
Residential
Land,
Improvements
and Personal
Property
Industrial
Property
Non
Minerals
(Utilities,
Railroads,
and Airlines) Minerals Total
Albany 2.00% 20.54% 62.31% 2.18% 11.48% 1.50% 100.00%
Carbon 0.94% 2.12% 8.87% 10.53% 7.74% 69.80% 100.00%
STATE 0.86% 4.72% 19.51% 7.49% 4.19% 63.22% 100.00%
Source: State of Wyoming Department of Revenue, 2008.
For Albany County, the large share (62 percent) of total assessed value is contributed by
residential land, followed by commercial land (21 percent) with each of the remaining
property categories contributing 11 percent or less.
The ad valorem taxes (property taxes) levied by each of the counties in 2008 is shown in
Table 5-21. By far the greatest share is assigned to education: 66 percent ($14,548,779) in
Albany County and 71 percent ($41,428,394) in Carbon County. Funds under the direct
control of the county comprise 18 percent in each county: $3,967,849 in Albany County and
$10,754,592 in Carbon County. The amount of ad valorem taxes levied in 2008 increased from
the 2007 level by 8 percent in Albany County and 5 percent in Carbon County.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-47
TABLE 5-21
Ad Valorem Taxes Levied (2008)
Albany County Carbon County
Category Mills Amount Mills Amount
County Tax Levies 12.000 $3,967,849 12.000 $10,754,592
Fair Operations 0.467 $154,416 0.118 $105,754
Other General Fund 9.901 $3,273,806 10.794 $9,673,755
Library Operation 1.632 $539,627 0.765 $685,605
Museum Operation - - 0.199 $178,347
Recreation System - - 0.124 $111,131
Municipal Tax Levies $1,635,665 $1,030,771
Special District Tax Levies $1,993,636 $5,205,933
All Education Tax Levies $14,548,779 $41,428,394
Grand Total All Taxes Levied 66.976 $22,145,929 65.185 $58,419,690
Percent Change Over 2007 8.174% 5.207%
Source: State of Wyoming Department of Revenue, 2008.
Ad valorem taxes (calculated by applying county- and use-specific mill rates to the assessed
value) support a number of county and municipal operations including airports, fire
protection, hospitals, libraries, museums, public health, recreational systems, special
districts, and education. Table 5-22 displays the major beneficiaries of property taxes in the
state.
TABLE 5-22
Beneficiaries of Property Tax Collections in Wyoming (2008)
Beneficiary Percent of Total
Schools 54.14%
Counties 18.28%
Foundation Program (for schools) 18.66%
Special Districts 7.40%
Municipalities 1.52%
Source: State of Wyoming Department of Revenue, 2008.
Sales, Use, and Lodging Taxes. Sales and use taxes comprise the large majority of excise tax
revenues collected by the state. Of all excise taxes collected, 53 percent are distributed to the
state general fund with the remaining 47 percent distributed to local governments. Local
governments can also impose a lodging tax. Each of these tax rates for the counties of the
study area are shown in Table 5-23.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-48
TABLE 5-23
State and County Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Rates
County
State Tax
Rate
General
Purpose Option
Specific
Purpose
Option
Total Sales
and Use Tax
Rate
Lodging
Tax Rate
Total Tax
Rate
Albany 4% 1% 1% 6% 4% 10%
Carbon 4% 1% 1% 6% 2% 8%
Source: Wyoming Department of Revenue, 2007.
Sales Tax. The state-imposed tax rate is 4 percent, and the collections are distributed
69 percent to the state and 31 percent to the respective county. Each of the counties of the
study area imposes a 1 percent optional sales tax, of which the revenues (less administrative
costs of about 1 percent) are returned by the state to the county of origin. Total sales and use
tax collections for the years 2002 through 2008 for each county in the study area are
presented in Table 5-24 and Figure 5-26. Collections in Albany County exhibited a steady
rise until 2006, after which they leveled off. For Carbon County, collections dropped in
2008 following a rapid increase between 2003 and 2007. Collections rose by 17 percent over
the period in Albany County but by 90 percent in Carbon County. The increase at the state
level was almost 65 percent.
TABLE 5-24
Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Collections (Fiscal Year 2002-2007)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Sales Tax
Albany County $23,521,324 $23,532,103 $25,342,693 $25,892,238 $27,553,099 $26,268,065 $27,520,683
Carbon
County $14,800,381 $13,245,550 $17,248,894 $20,461,971 $26,855,968 $32,213,914 $28,177,907
State of
Wyoming $515,799,683 $503,970,199 $551,668,565 $603,951,798 $719,115,277 $799,254,374 $849,216,844
Use Tax
Albany County $1,695,842 $1,616,236 $2,055,773 $1,770,844 $2,931,597 $5,896,312 $3,019,097
Carbon
County $3,708,027 $1,277,668 $1,410,657 $4,117,062 $2,454,726 $8,150,488 $5,367,757
State of
Wyoming $62,491,361 $54,866,020 $58,387,269 $64,326,659 $82,158,509 $113,045,113 $124,173,968
Lodging Tax
Albany County $29,041 $31,590 $44,100 $61,014 $64,837 $62,661 $66,378
Laramie $282,262 $282,914 $356,934 $349,187 $414,426 $524,036 $567,553
Rock River $739 $588 $314 $490 $416 $223 $711
Total $312,042 $315,092 $401,348 $410,691 $479,679 $586,921 $634,642
Carbon
County $52,573 $49,928 $50,634 $38,557 $42,897 $48,184 $51,389
Baggs $6,725 $7,167 $7,522 $7,638 $8,959 $8,998 $11,758
Elk Mountain $0 $952 $1,401 $1,303 $1,828 $1,888 $2,543
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-49
TABLE 5-24
Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Collections (Fiscal Year 2002-2007)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Encampment $826 $1,031 $863 $791 $967 $954 $1,235
Hanna $697 $356 $428 $207 $401 $0 $0
Medicine Bow $405 $472 $447 $989 $1,268 $1,504 $1,380
Rawlins $110,370 $116,282 $128,144 $165,741 $215,840 $305,047 $361,824
Riverside $863 $965 $880 $1,279 $1,244 $1,515 $1,712
Saratoga $32,515 $30,007 $34,665 $33,050 $34,440 $36,993 $40,333
Sinclair $7 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2 $0
Total $204,980 $207,158 $224,985 $249,555 $307,844 $405,084 $472,174
State of
Wyoming $3,939,521 $4,108,475 $4,738,192 $4,960,822 $5,859,863 $6,843,052 $7,825,924
Source: Wyoming Department of Administration and Information, 2008.

$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
$30,000,000
$35,000,000
FY 2002 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008
S
a
l
e
s

T
a
x

C
o
l
l
e
c
t
i
o
n
s
Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-26
Sales Tax Collections by County (2002 through 2008)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-50
Use Tax. A state use tax is imposed on purchases made outside a taxing jurisdiction for first
time use, storage, or other consumption within that jurisdiction thus preventing sales tax
avoidance. Use tax is a complement to sales tax. Effective January 1, 1981, the adoption of an
optional sales tax required a change in the use tax rate of equal amount. The state-imposed
tax rate is 4 percent. State use tax collections are shared between state government and the
county of origin on the same distribution basis as sales tax. Use tax collections by year and
county are shown previously in Table 5-23.
Lodging Tax. Cities, towns, and counties may impose an excise tax of up to 4 percent on all
sleeping accommodations for guests staying less than 30 days. All tax collections, less state
administrative costs, are distributed to the taxing jurisdiction. At least 90 percent of the tax
distributions must be used to promote travel and tourism. The tax rates for each of the
counties comprising the study area are shown in Table 5-22, and tax collections are shown in
Table 5-23.
Industrial Siting Impact Assistance Funds. Under the Industrial Development and Siting
Statutes (Wyoming Statutes [W.S.] 35-12-101 through 35-12-109), the criteria that potential
industrial facilities must meet in order to be awarded a construction permit (found at
W.S. 35-12-102(a)(vii)) also qualify a county or town to receive industrial impact assistance
tax payments. The impact assistance payments are distributed to the county treasurer, and
the county treasurer distributes to the county and to the cities and towns within the county
based on a ratio established by the industrial siting council during a public hearing held in
accordance with W.S. 35-12-110. The industrial siting council reviews the distribution ratio
for construction projects on a regular basis and makes appropriate adjustments. A
governing body, which is primarily affected by the facility (or any person issued a permit
pursuant to W.S. 35-12-106) may petition the industrial siting council for review and
adjustment of the distribution ratio upon a showing of good cause. The impact assistance
payment is in addition to all other distributions under this section, but no impact assistance
payment is made for any period in which the county or counties are not imposing at least a
1 percent tax authorized by W.S. 39-15-204(a)(i) and 39-16-204(a)(i) or at least a total of a
2 percent sales tax authorized under W.S. 39-15-204(a)(i), (iii) and (vi) and at least a total of a
2 percent use tax authorized under W.S. 39-16-204(a)(i), (ii) and (v). The project is deemed to
be located in the county in which a majority of the construction costs will be expended,
provided that upon a request from the county commissioners of any adjoining county to the
industrial siting council, the council may determine that the social and economic impacts
from construction of the industrial facility or federal or state government project upon the
adjoining county are significant and establish the ratio of impacts between the counties and
certify that ratio to the state treasurer who will thereafter distribute the impact assistance
payment to the counties pursuant to that ratio.
This program of industrial impact assistance tax payments is designed to assist cities, towns,
or counties in deflecting the impact a major industrial project may have on community
resources. The program measures the increase in tax revenue caused by the industrial
project and matches that increase with additional monies from the state General Fund to
help communities respond to project-related impacts. This tax distribution is transferred
from the state General Fund, via the office of the State Treasurer, directly to County
Treasurers’ offices. Figure 5-27 illustrates the impact assistance tax payments received for
fiscal years (FY) 1994 through 2008 by county and cities or towns. These totals represent the
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-51
amount of extra revenue counties, cities, and towns received in direct proportion to any
increase in their tax collection to mitigate project-related impacts.
$0 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000
Impact Assistance Funds
Albany County
Campbell County
Carbon County
Converse County
Town of Douglas (Converse County)
Crook County
Town of Moorcroft (Crook County)
Johnson County
Lincoln County
Natrona County
Sheridan County
Sweetwater County
Town of Rock River (Sweetwater County)
Uinta County
Town of Lyman (Uinta County)
Town of Mountain View (Uinta County)
Weston County
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

FIGURE 5-27
Impact Assistance Tax Payments (1995-2008)

The large majority of aggregate payments made over the 19-year period were to Campbell
County which received almost $28 million (47.3 percent of total aggregate payments). The
next largest amounts were paid to Sweetwater County (almost $16 million and 26.7 percent
of the aggregate total), Crook County ($4.3 million and 7.4 percent), Weston County
($3.6 million and 6.1 percent), and Carbon County ($2.6 million and 4.5 percent). These five
counties accounted for 92 percent of payments over the period. Large payments received by
Campbell County in 2006 and 2007 ($9.9 million and $8.1 million, respectively) were
associated with construction of coal-fired power plants.
Forecasts of the monthly impact assistance tax payments to Carbon County are presented in
Appendix A. These forecasts (made on a monthly basis) are based on the difference between
two values: a “base period amount” and a projected value derived from a simple linear
regression of historical value. The “base period amount” is the monthly average value of
sales and use tax revenues returned to the county, and all municipalities within it, over the
preceding 4 years. The projected monthly value is extrapolated from the least squares fit
linear regression using the monthly historic values from the preceding 4 years. Where the
projected value exceeds the base period amount, the difference is the projected monthly
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-52
impact assistance payment disbursed from the State general fund to the county and
municipalities.
Governmental Finances. General revenues totaled over $15.22 million for Albany County in
FY 2001-2002, with the large majority (81.7 percent) derived from local sources, as can be
seen from Table 5-25. Smaller contributions came from intergovernmental sources
(i.e., federal [5.1 percent of total] and state [14.1 percent of total]). In the case of Carbon
County, general revenues totaled over $33 million, of which about 88 percent was derived
from local sources. Contributions from intergovernmental sources comprised about
12 percent: federal (4.2 percent of total) and state (8.1 percent of total).
TABLE 5-25
General Revenues and Expenditures by County (FY 2001-2002)
Albany County Carbon County
General Revenue $15,711 $33,409
Intergovernmental $3,010 $4,106
From Federal Government $794 $1,405
From State Government $2,216 $2,701
Own Sources $12,701 $29,286
Taxes $11,753 $14,297
General Expenditure $11,802 $30,883
Capital Outlay $147 $2,188
Major Functions:
Education $1,162 $2,092
Welfare $261 $61
Hospitals $0 $14,336
Health $209 $424
Highways $581 $1,945
Police Protection $854 $1,425
Correction $997 $937
Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation $477 $618
Sewerage and Solid Waste Management $0 $0
Interest on General Debt $27 $224
Outstanding Debt $0 $2,800
Salaries and Wages $3,264 $8,725
Note: Dollar amounts are in thousands
Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/gc02x43.pdf.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-53
The largest shares of general expenditures in Albany County are assigned to education
(10 percent of total general expenditures), followed by correction (8 percent of the total) and
police protection (7 percent of the total), as can be seen from Table 5-25. In Carbon County,
major expenditure categories are hospitals (46 percent of total general expenditures),
education (7 percent), and police protection (5 percent).
5.3.2.8 Future Economic Conditions
Rule I Section 7(i)(ii)(A)
(A) Employment projections by major sector.
Economic Projections. The following description of potential future economic conditions in
the state is derived from the report entitled 10 Year Outlook Wyoming Economic and
Demographic Forecast 2007 to 2016 prepared by the Economic Analysis Division of the
Wyoming Department of Administration and Information in 2007.
Wyoming’s economy is largely driven by natural resources, and in 2005, the mining
industry contributed approximately one-third of both the state’s total earnings growth and
job growth. In addition, the multiplier effect associated with the mining industry results in
stimuli in many other industries such as wholesale trade, transportation, and professional
and business services. The total job growth rate of 4.9 percent in 2006 was the second
highest in the nation, and the personal income growth rate of 10.4 percent in 2006 was
virtually the highest. The mining industry provides high-paying jobs, and as such, its strong
presence in Wyoming means that income growth in the state is always closely associated
with mining activity. Housing permits in Wyoming have outpaced the western United
States and the United States as a whole since 2003. Residential construction is expected to
slow down; however, housing in the state is expected to remain very affordable compared
to the national average.
Wyoming’s population is aging rapidly and is expected to continue to do so. In 2000, the
median age of 36.2 in the state passed the national average of 35.3. By 2010, the expected
median age of 39.3 for Wyoming will be 2.3 years older than the U.S level, and the size of
the older population (age 65 and over) will reach over 81,000 by 2014, compared to today’s
61,000.
Although mining jobs are expected to slow to more sustainable levels, the increased
demand for the natural resources in the state from national markets will help provide a
steady source of mining jobs and revenues for the state. However, outside of the mining
industry, the state’s future prospects will be somewhat limited by a job market that fails to
attract high-growth job opportunities. Although migration has recently reversed to a
positive trend, many younger workers will move to other states with more versatile job
opportunities. Wyoming is the least diversified state in the nation in terms of employment
distribution across industries in comparison to the nation.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-54
Mining Industry. The mining sector has been the most significant economic and revenue
player in Wyoming’s recent history. After it experienced a boom in the late 1970s, a bust in
the mid-1980s, and a slow and steady decline in the 1990s, the mining sector has
demonstrated strong growth since 2000. The 33,000 mining jobs in 1981 were the highest
level on record, and tallied 14.7 percent of total Wyoming nonagricultural wage and salary
employment. However, by 1999, the number shrank to only 15,500. The employment
increased 5.6 percent in 2000 and another 13 percent in 2001, holding up well in 2003 as
mining prices rebounded. The number of mining jobs went up again over 10 percent
annually in 2004. The energy-driven growth continues, as low industrial diversity ties the
state’s fortunes to mining extraction, which is dominated by natural gas production.
Multiplier effects also create jobs in transportation, distribution, construction, and
consumer-related industries, and the state benefits from a surge in mineral revenue. The
outlook for future revenue and jobs from the state’s mining industry looks strong with
consistent growth anticipated.
The state benefits from increased mining activity in many ways. First, increased demand for
oil, natural gas, and coal means increased mineral production revenue and sales and use tax
collections for both state and local governments. In addition, because mining job salaries are
over twice as much as the average for all industries, increased demand for mining
employment trickles down into the economy through increased per capita income and
increased levels of consumer spending. On the other hand, the state’s economy and revenue
also fluctuate significantly along with the rise and fall of mining prices.
Construction. Nationally, strong real estate and housing industries have been constant
throughout the economy’s ebbs and flows in recent years. The housing boom’s economic
contribution has been enormous, accounting for approximately one-fourth of real gross
domestic product (GDP) growth over the past 5 years. The direct effects from housing are
through construction activity, real estate transactions, and mortgage finance. The multiplier
benefits are substantial, such as demand in numerous supplying industries and the income
earned from construction-related industries drives spending elsewhere in the economy. As
the fastest growing sector in the 1990s, the construction industry in Wyoming added
7,100 jobs in that decade at an annual average rate of 5.2 percent. Again for 2002, the
construction sector remained the strongest industry in the state, expanding by 1.9 percent
due to historically low interest rates.
The substantial job growth in the general building and specialty trades subsectors is directly
caused by the residential construction boom. From 1992 to 2002, total residential home
permits averaged nearly 1,800 units per year, compared to an annual range of 500 to
800 units from 1987 to 1991. However, the number of permits expanded dramatically to
2,877 in 2003 and 3,318 in 2004. The single-family permits nearly doubled from 1,485 houses
in 2001 to 2,815 in 2004, and 2,328 permits issued in 2003 broke the record set in 1980.
While the large amount of new housing construction in the early 1980s was driven by an oil
industry boom accompanied by an inflow of migrants, the current housing market in the
state is largely driven by price appreciations, much like the national trend. The annual net
migration (in-migration less out-migration) to Wyoming was over 10,000 in the late
1970s and early 1980s, but only a couple of thousand in recent years. A few local markets in
the state are trying to meet additional worker demand due to the booming mining
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-55
exploration such as in Rock Springs, Pinedale, and Casper. On the other hand, in certain
areas, rental markets are getting soft as a result of additional new housing. Many residents
have taken advantage of low mortgage rates and moved to new houses, leaving their
previous homes for sale or rent. In Laramie County, for instance, the number of residential
units for sale in the first quarter of 2005 was more than twice as many as 2003, and the
number of vacant units for rent almost tripled during the same period. Consequently, rental
rates declined.
Overall, job growth in the construction industry was expected to increase in 2005 after it
declined 3.4 percent in the prior 2 years, albeit at a slower rate of around 4 percent annually.
Total employment in construction will surpass the mining industry again by the end of the
forecasting period, and 1,700 new jobs are expected be created during this time span.
Retail Sales. As the third largest sector in Wyoming’s economy, the retail trade industry
experienced fast job growth in the first half of the 1990s, averaging nearly 2 percent each
year. However, it has slowed down to only about 1 percent annually since then, largely due
to out-migration from the state. After experiencing a 3.3 percent rise in 2000, the industry
lost over 400 jobs during the past 3 years. In the near future, employment in this sector is
expected to expand at a modest rate of less than 1 percent a year. While the average increase
rate for the fiscal years 1991 to 2000 was 7.3 percent, the annual non-auto taxable retail sales
were up only 3.1 percent from fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2003. However, mostly driven
by strong natural gas exploration, expanding housing market, and net migration, the retail
sales were robust again. For fiscal year 2004, both the taxable non-auto and auto retail sales
recorded significant expansions, at 15.1 and 12.9 percent, respectively. The non-auto retail
sales continued the strong pace in fiscal year 2005 and increased another 7.2 percent from
the previous year’s level. However, seemingly dragged down by the high gasoline prices,
the automobile sales in the state almost came to a virtual stall, and edged up a mere
1.4 percent during the past fiscal year. Much like the nation, the real concern for many
retailers in the state is how to continue competing with remote sellers who do not have to
charge sales tax.
Services. The economy is continuing its long-term trend of shifting more toward a service-
oriented than goods-oriented one. Much like the rest of the country, the service industries
grew continually in Wyoming, even during the 1980s recession. The upward pace
accelerated in the 1990s, at an annual rate of 3.3 percent. Despite the slowdown of the
economy, total employment for various service industries still increased 2.5 and 2.2 percent
in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Mainly caused by the decrease in food services and
administrative services, overall employment increased only 1.6 percent in 2003 and
2.1 percent in 2004. The services sectors are forecast to be the fastest growing industry, both
in terms of growth rate and total number of new jobs. Business, social assistance, and health
services will be the main drivers. Despite the structural difference between the Wyoming
and national economies, the growing pace in the services sector is similar for both. The
service sector industry was, and will be, the fastest growing sector in the Wyoming
economy as it continues to undergo a structural shift from goods-producing to
service-producing economy. Wyoming’s various services sectors are expected to add
20,330 jobs in the next 10 years.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-56
Tourism. With over $1 billion in direct expenditures and 28,000 jobs, Wyoming’s travel and
tourism industry is an important part of the overall economy, particularly for the northwest
region of the state. The primary attractions for tourists are Yellowstone National Park and
the Grand Teton National Park. Each year, millions of people from all over the world visit
them. However, tourism itself is not classified as an independent or separate economic
sector, but mainly included in accommodation and food services sector. Its economic effect
crosses many retail trade and services-related sectors such as gasoline stations, general
merchandise stores, arts, entertainment, and recreation services. Unfortunately, most jobs
directly connected with tourism are mostly lower skilled and lower paying by nature.
Looking into the future, travel and tourism for Wyoming may not deviate much from the
past trend (i.e., an extremely slow increase). However, there are at least a few factors that
could work to the advantage of the state’s tourism industry. First, the weakened American
currency may attract more international tourists. Second, the baby-boom generation (born
between 1946 and 1964) is starting to retire or will retire in the next few years, assuming the
elderly population is more interested in natural amenities than the younger generation.
Third, the state’s rising revenue and budget surplus are creating an opportunity to protect
the state’s attractiveness and enhance area attractions. However, the jobs created in the
tourism industry are mostly seasonal and typically low-paying, offering little in the way of
long-term growth for the state.
Government. As the largest employment sector for Wyoming, the government jobs sector is
one of the mainstays in the state’s economy, particularly in the southeast region. It also
serves as a big stabilizer to the overall economy. During Wyoming’s economic bust period
of the 1980s, government employment only experienced a 1-year decline in 1986, while the
state’s total employment suffered an 18 percent contraction from 1981 to 1987.
Because of the nature of a sparsely distributed population, state and local governments have
to hire a relatively large number of employees to serve the residents, from public schools,
fire districts, to road maintenance. The proportion of Wyoming’s state and local government
full-time employees was the highest in the country in 2003, at 869 per 10,000 population,
while the national average was 542 employees. Other states with higher state/local
government employee rates were also states with big land areas and low population such as
Alaska, New Mexico, and Nebraska. The lower proportions of government employment are
states with high population density such as Pennsylvania and Florida. Wyoming also
ranked the third highest in terms of per capita state and local government expenditures in
2002.
In 2004, the government sector contributed 64,590 jobs, or 25 percent of the total, to
Wyoming’s economy. However, it was one of the slowest growing industries in the
1990s but has performed well since 2000. It will remain a consistent and steady source for
new jobs in the future. From 1990 to 2000, government in Wyoming created 5,500 jobs for an
annual growth rate of 1 percent, compared with the overall growth rate of 1.9 percent for
the state as a whole. Nearly all of the new jobs added were in local government, which
includes K-12 education and hospitals. State government experienced only a slight
increase, while federal government recorded a minor decline during the same period. Since
2000, state government jobs increased 3.1 percent annually due to the accelerating revenues
from mineral production.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-57
Over the forecast period, the government sector is expected to add 4,870 new jobs, for a total
of 69,460 jobs in 2014. Most of the growth is projected to occur in local government, with
slower growth for state government and contraction for federal government.
Future Employment Growth. Over the period 2006 through 2016, nonagricultural
employment in the state is forecast to increase by 1.6 percent annually, on average, as shown
in Table 5-26. Several industrial sectors are expected to exceed this rate of growth:
construction (2.7 percent), wholesale trade (2.3 percent), transportation and warehousing
(2.5 percent), professional and business services (2.4 percent), education and health care
(3.3 percent), leisure and hospitality (2.4 percent), and other services (1.8 percent). Some of
the sectors with the lowest growth rates include utilities (0.5 percent), manufacturing
(0.6 percent), and government (0.8 percent). As a result of these differing growth rates, the
share that each sector contributes to total nonagricultural employment will change as shown
in Table 5-26.
TABLE 5-26
Wyoming Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment (in thousands): 2006 and 2016
Change 2006-2016 Share of Total
2006 2016 Numeric Percent Av. Ann. % 2006 2016
Natural Resources and Mining 26,590 31,610 5,020 18.88% 1.74% 7.77% 7.87%
Utilities 2,300 2,410 110 4.78% 0.47% 0.67% 0.60%
Construction 23,610 30,900 7,290 30.88% 2.73% 6.90% 7.70%
Manufacturing 10,080 10,700 620 6.15% 0.60% 2.94% 2.66%
Wholesale Trade 8,200 10,280 2,080 25.37% 2.29% 2.40% 2.56%
Retail Trade 30,800 35,240 4,440 14.42% 1.36% 9.00% 8.78%
Transportation and Warehousing 11,290 14,470 3,180 28.17% 2.51% 3.30% 3.60%
Information 4,210 4,920 710 16.86% 1.57% 1.23% 1.23%
Financial Activities 11,100 12,690 1,590 14.32% 1.35% 3.24% 3.16%
Professional and Business Services 16,960 21,500 4,540 26.77% 2.40% 4.96% 5.35%
Education and Health Care 22,600 31,310 8,710 38.54% 3.31% 6.60% 7.80%
Leisure and Hospitality 32,520 41,010 8,490 26.11% 2.35% 9.50% 10.21%
Other Services 10,920 13,030 2,110 19.32% 1.78% 3.19% 3.25%
Government 65,550 70,730 5,180 7.90% 0.76% 19.15% 17.62%
Federal 7,330 7,330 0 0.00% 0.00% 2.14% 1.83%
State 15,310 16,090 780 5.09% 0.50% 4.47% 4.01%
Local 42,910 47,310 4,400 10.25% 0.98% 12.54% 11.78%
Total Nonagricultural Employment 342,280 401,530 59,250 17.31% 1.61% Not Applicable Not Applicable
Source: http://eadiv.state.wy.us/wef/Outlook2007.pdf.
Between 2002 and 2006, real personal income in the state of Wyoming increased at an
average annual rate of 5.4 percent. During the period 2006 to 2016, real personal income in
the state is forecast to increase at an annual rate of 6.4 percent, as seen in Table 5-27. The
projected rate of growth in the civilian labor force between 2006 and 2016 of 1.3 percent
would be slightly lower than the rate experienced between 2002 and 2006 of 1.4 percent.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-58
TABLE 5-27
Wyoming Personal Income, Wage and Salary Earnings, Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment (2002, 2006, and
2016)
2002 2006 2016
Total Personal Income (Then-year $) $15,463,330 $20,948,050 $34,481,470
Real Personal Income (2000-year $) $14,995,590 $18,472,030 $34,481,470
Per Capita Personal Income (Then-year $) $30,991 $40,676 $61,236
Per Capita Personal Income (2000-year $) $30,053 $35,868 $44,372
Median Household Income (Then-year $) $39,963 $48,351 $65,626
Wages and Salaries $7,568,720 $10,497,020 $17,237,250
Civilian Labor Force 269,650 284,690 324,630
Number Employed 258,460 275,620 315,210
Number Unemployed 11,190 9,070 9,430
Unemployment Rate (%) 4.2 3.2 2.9
Source: http://eadiv.state.wy.us/wef/Outlook2007.pdf.
Growth in the construction sector is highly sensitive to both population growth and
governmental spending on infrastructure. Population growth in Wyoming is expected to
slow in the next decade. Therefore, growth in construction employment is also expected to
decline as illustrated by the information presented in Table 5-28. Growth in total
construction employment is expected to slow from 4.2 percent, on an average annual basis,
between 1990 and 2004 to 3.8 percent between 2000 and 2014. Growth in heavy and civil
engineering employment, however, is projected to increase in the future relative to its past
trend.
TABLE 5-28
Construction Employment in Wyoming 1990, 2000, 2004, and 2014
1990 2000 2004
2014
Projected
Change
1990 to
2004
Change
2004 to
2014
Average
Annual
Change
1990 to 2004
Average
Annual
Change
2004 to 2014
Construction of
Buildings
2,099 4,285 4,148 6,000 2,049 1,852 4.99% 3.76%
Heavy and Civil
Engineering
Construction
3,866 5,301 5,128 7,870 1,262 2,742 2.04% 4.38%
Special Trade
Contractors
4,815 8,085 9,901 14,034 5,086 4,133 5.28% 3.55%
Total
Construction
10,780 17,671 19,177 27,904 8,397 8,727 4.20% 3.82%
Source: Wyoming DOE, 2007.
Projections also indicate that the industry mix in construction will change as the numbers of
general contractors and specialty trade contractors are expected to grow more than the
construction industry as a whole.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-59
5.3.3 Housing
Rule I Section 7(iv) – Housing. An analysis of housing facilities by type, including a quantitative
evaluation of the number of units in the area and a discussion of vacancy rates, costs, and rental rates
of the units. The analysis should include geographic location, including a quantitative evaluation of
the number of units in the area required by the construction and operation of the proposed industrial
facility and a discussion of the effects of the proposed industrial facility on vacancy rates, costs, and
rental rates of the units. Specific housing programs proposed by the applicant should be described in
detail.
This section addresses six major topics: (1) the composition of the existing housing,
(2) housing inventory and residential construction trends, (3) home value and rental
housing costs, (4) rental housing vacancies, (5) housing needs, and (6) temporary
accommodations.
5.3.3.1 Existing Housing Stock in the Study Area
The study area contained a total of 23,522 housing units (occupied and vacant) at the time of
the U.S. Census in 2000, with 65 percent of them (15,215 units) located in Albany County.
Approximately 82 percent of the units were occupied; the remaining units were vacant. The
housing vacancy rate was higher in Carbon County (26 percent) than in Albany County
(13 percent), as shown in Table 5-29. Of the 4,124 vacant units in the study area, 56 percent
were for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use; 18 percent were for rent; 8 percent were
for sale; and 4 percent were rented or sold but not occupied.
TABLE 5-29
Housing Stock, Occupancy, and Tenure (2000)
Occupied Vacant
Owner Renter Rent
Sale
Only
Rented or
Sold, Not
Occupied
Seasonal,
Recreational,
Occasional
Use
Migrant
Workers Other
Wyoming 86.5% 70.0% 30.0% 13.5% 20.6% 10.9% 6.2% 44.3% 1.2% 16.8%
Albany County 87.2% 51.3% 48.7% 12.8% 20.8% 6.8% 4.0% 63.1% 0.0% 5.4%
Laramie 94.8% 47.5% 52.5% 5.2% 55.9% 14.5% 8.5% 9.7% 0.0% 11.3%
Rock River 79.8% 75.8% 24.2% 20.2% 12.0% 56.0% 0.0% 8.0% 0.0% 24.0%
Carbon
County 73.8% 70.9% 29.1% 26.2% 16.5% 10.0% 3.2% 50.6% 1.5% 18.3%
Baggs 78.0% 78.2% 21.8% 22.0% 27.3% 0.0% 4.5% 20.5% 0.0% 47.7%
Dixon 47.8% 87.5% 12.5% 52.2% 0.0% 0.0% 5.7% 54.3% 0.0% 40.0%
Elk Mountain 59.2% 63.5% 36.5% 40.8% 0.0% 0.0% 31.4% 33.3% 0.0% 35.3%
Grand
Encampment 62.1% 79.3% 20.7% 37.9% 7.9% 11.8% 3.1% 55.9% 0.0% 21.3%
Hanna 74.1% 73.0% 27.0% 25.9% 18.5% 43.1% 10.8% 6.2% 0.0% 21.5%
Medicine
Bow 70.1% 74.8% 25.2% 29.9% 21.4% 10.7% 0.0% 21.4% 0.0% 46.4%
Rawlins 85.8% 67.6% 32.4% 14.2% 41.8% 17.7% 2.7% 10.5% 5.1% 22.2%
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-60
TABLE 5-29
Housing Stock, Occupancy, and Tenure (2000)
Occupied Vacant
Owner Renter Rent
Sale
Only
Rented or
Sold, Not
Occupied
Seasonal,
Recreational,
Occasional
Use
Migrant
Workers Other
Riverside 63.8% 83.3% 16.7% 36.2% 23.5% 0.0% 0.0% 64.7% 0.0% 11.8%
Saratoga 80.2% 75.8% 24.2% 19.8% 20.3% 7.8% 3.6% 57.8% 0.0% 10.4%
Sinclair 80.5% 81.7% 18.3% 19.5% 12.2% 12.2% 17.1% 17.1% 0.0% 41.5%
Source: http://factfinder.census.gov.
Of the occupied housing units in the study area, 57 percent were owner-occupied, and the
remaining 43 percent were rental units. The proportion of renter-occupied units is higher in
Albany County (49 percent): well above the corresponding values for the state (30 percent)
and Carbon County (29 percent), as shown in Table 5-29.
At the community level, housing vacancy rates were the lowest in the large communities of
Laramie (5.2 percent) and Rawlins (14.2 percent), while the majority (53 percent) of occupied
housing units in Laramie was composed of rental units.
Of the housing units in the counties of the study area, the largest proportions are
single-family, detached units comprising 66 and 51 percent in Carbon and Albany counties,
respectively. Mobile homes make up a larger portion of total housing units in Carbon
County (19 percent) than in Albany County (13 percent) or the state of Wyoming
(16 percent). The larger communities of Laramie and Rawlins have relatively low
proportions of mobile homes (9 percent and 12 percent, respectively) while a number of the
smaller communities have high proportions: Dixon with 61 percent, Baggs with 52 percent,
Rock River with 27 percent, and Grand Encampment with 26 percent. Table 5-30 displays
the breakdown of housing units by type of structure for the state, counties, and
communities of the study area.
TABLE 5-30
Housing Stock by Type of Structure (2000)

Single-
Family
Detach
ed
Single-
Family
Attached
2
Units
3 or
4
Units
5 to
9
Units
10 to
19
Units
20 to
49
Units
50 or
More
Units
Mobile
Home
Boat,
RV,
Van,
etc.
Wyoming 64.9% 2.5% 4.6% 3.0% 3.0% 1.9% 2.2% 1.0% 15.9% 0.4%
Albany County 50.7% 6.7% 7.9% 7.6% 7.6% 3.4% 2.9% 1.5% 13.2% 0.1%
Laramie 46.3% 8.3% 10.0% 9.5% 9.5% 4.2% 3.6% 1.9% 8.7% 0.0%
Rock River 68.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 27.4% 0.0%
Carbon County 66.2% 2.0% 3.2% 2.9% 2.9% 1.1% 2.4% 0.2% 19.1% 1.1%
Baggs 38.0% 2.5% 0.0% 5.0% 5.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 51.5% 3.0%
Dixon 38.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 61.2% 0.0%
Elk Mountain 87.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 12.8% 0.0%
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-61
TABLE 5-30
Housing Stock by Type of Structure (2000)

Single-
Family
Detach
ed
Single-
Family
Attached
2
Units
3 or
4
Units
5 to
9
Units
10 to
19
Units
20 to
49
Units
50 or
More
Units
Mobile
Home
Boat,
RV,
Van,
etc.
Grand Encampment 67.8% 2.7% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 25.7% 0.0%
Hanna 69.7% 5.8% 3.0% 1.2% 1.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% 0.0%
Medicine Bow 66.3% 2.1% 7.0% 1.1% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 23.5% 0.0%
Rawlins 64.7% 2.3% 5.0% 4.6% 4.6% 1.8% 5.0% 0.5% 12.3% 0.9%
Riverside 87.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 12.8% 0.0%
Saratoga 70.8% 1.5% 3.0% 4.2% 4.2% 2.2% 0.2% 0.0% 15.5% 0.9%
Sinclair 97.1% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.0%
Source: http://factfinder.census.gov.
Large shares of the housing stock (as of 2000) in the study area were constructed in the
1970s, 24 percent in Albany County and 28 percent in Carbon County: similar to 27 percent
for the state, as shown in Table 5-31. The decade of the 1980s contributed the next largest
share of the housing stock with between 14 and 15 percent for the study area counties.
Relatively small portions of the housing stock were constructed in the 1990s. Carbon County
contains a larger share of older housing (constructed prior to 1940) than Albany County or
the state with 21 percent, 17 percent, and 14 percent, respectively. More recent building
activity is addressed later in this section.
TABLE 5-31
Housing Stock by Age (2000)
Age of Housing Units

Built
1990-2000
Built
1980-1989
Built
1970-1979
Built
1960-1969
Built
1950-1959
Built
1940-1949
Built
1939
or
Earlier
Median
Year
Structure
Built
Wyoming 13.9% 17.3% 26.7% 10.3% 11.0% 6.9% 13.9% 1973
Albany County 11.3% 14.2% 23.5% 13.9% 12.9% 7.3% 16.9% 1969
Laramie 9.2% 13.6% 22.3% 14.2% 14.0% 8.5% 18.2% 1967
Rock River 1.6% 11.3% 29.8% 8.1% 4.0% 8.9% 36.3% 1961
Carbon County 8.8% 15.4% 28.0% 7.5% 11.5% 8.0% 20.8% 1971
Baggs 12.0% 10.0% 47.0% 9.0% 6.0% 4.5% 11.5% 1974
Dixon 3.0% 3.0% 32.8% 26.9% 0.0% 13.4% 20.9% 1966
Elk Mountain 4.8% 12.0% 40.0% 6.4% 5.6% 4.0% 27.2% 1972
Grand
Encampment 10.1% 12.8% 27.2% 10.7% 12.8% 1.2% 25.1% 1970
Hanna 4.0% 27.5% 42.7% 4.8% 2.8% 5.2% 13.0% 1976
Medicine Bow 2.7% 13.4% 29.9% 9.1% 13.4% 11.8% 19.8% 1966
Rawlins 6.5% 9.8% 27.1% 7.8% 15.7% 12.1% 21.1% 1961
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-62
TABLE 5-31
Housing Stock by Age (2000)
Age of Housing Units

Built
1990-2000
Built
1980-1989
Built
1970-1979
Built
1960-1969
Built
1950-1959
Built
1940-1949
Built
1939
or
Earlier
Median
Year
Structure
Built
Riverside 10.6% 17.0% 21.3% 6.4% 19.1% 0.0% 25.5% 1968
Saratoga 7.8% 19.8% 27.7% 13.7% 9.9% 5.9% 15.2% 1972
Sinclair 1.4% 1.4% 14.8% 0.0% 8.1% 13.8% 60.5% 1939
Source: http://factfinder.census.gov.
The largest share of housing units contain either two or three bedrooms, and less than
5 percent of housing would be classed as substandard based on a lack of complete plumbing
or kitchen facilities (except in the cases of Dixon, Elk Mountain, and Riverside in Carbon
County), as can be seen from the information contained in Table 5-32.
TABLE 5-32
Housing Stock by Number of Bedrooms, and Quality (2000)
Number of Bedrooms Housing Quality
None 1 2 3 4
5 or
More
Lacking
Complete
Plumbing
Facilities
Lacking
Complete
Kitchen
Facilities
Wyoming 2.0% 11.0% 28.3% 36.8% 16.5% 5.5% 1.9% 2.2%
Albany County 3.9% 17.0% 33.6% 29.5% 10.9% 5.1% 2.2% 2.2%
Laramie 4.4% 18.0% 33.4% 27.9% 11.5% 4.9% 0.5% 0.9%
Rock River 0.0% 3.2% 38.7% 46.8% 11.3% 0.0% 0.8% 2.4%
Carbon County 1.6% 13.1% 30.4% 35.9% 14.1% 4.8% 3.8% 4.4%
Baggs 1.0% 11.0% 46.0% 36.0% 3.0% 3.0% 5.0% 4.0%
Dixon 0.0% 23.9% 49.3% 23.9% 3.0% 0.0% 13.4% 7.5%
Elk Mountain 9.6% 12.0% 20.0% 42.4% 14.4% 1.6% 17.6% 19.2%
Grand Encampment 0.0% 13.7% 33.4% 39.1% 10.7% 3.0% 0.6% 1.2%
Hanna 0.4% 7.2% 24.8% 43.5% 15.4% 8.8% 1.0% 1.8%
Medicine Bow 0.0% 7.5% 38.0% 37.4% 11.8% 5.3% 5.3% 5.3%
Rawlins 1.8% 16.6% 28.8% 32.5% 14.9% 5.4% 1.8% 2.4%
Riverside 0.0% 0.0% 51.1% 31.9% 10.6% 6.4% 14.9% 10.6%
Saratoga 1.6% 14.8% 31.5% 39.5% 9.5% 3.0% 0.8% 1.6%
Sinclair 0.0% 5.7% 40.5% 32.4% 18.6% 2.9% 1.0% 2.9%
Source: http://factfinder.census.gov.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-63
5.3.3.2 Housing Inventories Past and Present
The residential construction industry is highly cyclical in nature and sensitive to the state of
the economy and financial conditions. Such cycles are often national and regional in scope,
although noticeable differences on a small scale can occur.
The level of housing units authorized for construction in the state of Wyoming in
2007 (4,584 units) was the highest for the reporting period of 1980 through 2007, presented
in Figure 5-28. Residential construction activity in the state consistently declined from a
high point in 1981 (with over 4,000 units permitted) to 1987 when 578 units were authorized
for construction. The absolute low point was reached in 1989 when a total of 555 units were
authorized for construction. Construction activity picked up with consistent growth
between 1989 and 1994 with a total of 2,020 units authorized for construction in the latter
year. Activity remained relatively stable between 1994 and 2002, after which rapid growth
occurred, culminating in an annual total of 4,584 units authorized for construction in 2007.
The pattern of construction activity in the study area generally resembles that of the state
described above, but with some differences as evident in Figure 5-28. The increase in
activity evident between 1991 and 2000 at the state level is present, but less pronounced.
Construction activity peaked in 2005, but since then levels have declined. The contribution
that residential construction activity in the study area has made to that of the state has
varied substantially. In 1980, the study area contributed 6.6 percent of all new residential
units authorized for construction in the state. The share reached its highest contribution in
2002 with 16.8 percent of the state total. The share stood at 10.6 percent in 2007.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-64
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
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Study Area State of Wyoming

FIGURE 5-28
New Residential Construction for Study Area and State (1980 through 2007)

The majority of the housing units authorized for construction in the study area have been
built in Albany County with a relatively small, but increasing, contribution from Carbon
County, as can be seen from the information presented in Figure 5-29. Patterns of residential
construction activity in each of the counties over the time period have been very similar;
however, while the level of activity declined rapidly in Albany County after 2005, in Carbon
County it continued to increase.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-65
0
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200
300
400
500
600
700
1
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9
9
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Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-29
New Residential Construction by County (1980 through 2007)

Single-family units comprised the large majority of housing units constructed in the
study area in all but a few years as can be seen from the information presented in
Figure 5-30. They comprised between about 40 and 100 percent of all units permitted for
construction on an annual basis. Construction of structures containing five or more units in
the study area has been concentrated in a few periods: 1981-1985, 1998-1999, 2001, and
2004-2005.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-66
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
1
9
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S
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(
%
)

o
f

H
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s
i
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U
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P
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i
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s
Single Family Units Duplex Units Tri and Four Plex Units Multi-Family Units

FIGURE 5-30
New Residential Construction by Type of Structure in the Study Area (1980 through 2007)
5.3.3.3 Home Value and Rental Housing Costs
Home Value. Through the 1960s, home values in the state of Wyoming and the counties
comprising the study area experienced modest increases as can be seen from
Figure 5-31. Average annual growth rates were as follows: 2.9 percent for the State of
Wyoming, 3.6 percent in Albany County and 1.0 percent in Carbon County, as shown in
Table 5-33. The 1970s saw a steep rise in median values from around $12,000 to $19,000 to
around $56,000 to $60,000 when average annual changes in median value of 13.9 percent for
the state, 11.6 percent in Albany County, and 17.0 percent in Carbon County occurred.
Between 1980 and 1990, values experienced little upward movement, and values in Carbon
County declined. This was followed by another growth spurt in the 1990s with average
annual percentage changes between 4 percent and 5 percent. Robust growth in home values
of between 9 and 13 percent annually took place between 2000 and 2006.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-67
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
$180,000
$200,000
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006
M
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Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-31
Median House Value for Counties in the Study Area and State (1960-2000)

TABLE 5-33
Average Annual Percentage Change in Home Value (1960 through 2006)
1960-1970 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000 2000-2006
State of Wyoming 2.9% 13.9% 0.3% 4.0% 12.7%
Albany County 3.6% 11.6% 1.8% 5.2% 8.7%
Carbon County 1.0% 17.0% -1.1% 2.8% 9.4%
Source: http://factfinder.census.gov for 1990 through 200 data and Wyoming Housing Database Partnership,
August 2007. A Profile of Wyoming Demographics, Economics and Housing Final Report Ending June 30, 2007
for 2001-2007 data.
Rental Housing Costs. Over the period 1960 through 2006, rent levels have mirrored closely
those of home values, as can be seen from the information presented in Table 5-34 and
Figure 5-32. A dramatic increase in rents took place in the 1970s with average annual
increases of between 8 and 14 percent, followed by low growth and decline in the 1980s. The
period from 1990 through 2006 saw robust increases in housing rental prices, especially
since 2000.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-68
TABLE 5-34
Average Annual Percentage Change in House Rents (1960-2006)
1960-1970 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000 2000-2006
State of Wyoming 0.7% 11.7% 2.1% 5.1% 5.7%
Albany County 2.3% 8.4% 4.6% 4.6% 10.3%
Carbon County 0.3% 13.9% -0.9% 5.4% 10.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007a.

$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006
G
r
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Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-32
Gross Rents for Counties in the Study Area and State (1960-2006)

A detailed view of changes in house rents, between the first quarter of 2000 and the forth
quarter of 2007 at the state and county level is presented in Figure 5-33. Rent levels in
Carbon County remained well below those of the state and Albany County until very
recently. House rents in both counties and the state have experienced steady growth over
the time period with accelerated growth in the counties since the end of 2005. For example,
in Carbon County, house rents increased by 29 percent between the second quarter of
2000 and the fourth quarter of 2005 but by 55 percent between the fourth quarter of 2005 and
forth quarter of 2007. The respective percentage changes in Albany County were 34 and
4 percent, and 29 and 23 percent at the state level.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-69
Apartment rents show a very similar pattern to that of house rents as illustrated by the
information presented in Figure 5-34. Rent levels for apartments in Carbon County have,
until recently, remained consistently below those of the state and Albany County. However,
the last 2 years saw an increase in rents of over 45 percent. Rental levels in Albany County
have remained consistently higher than those of the state until 2007 when they dipped
below the state level.
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
$1,000
Q2.00 Q4.00 Q2.01 Q4.01 Q2.02 Q4.02 Q2.03 Q4.03 Q2.04 Q4.04 Q2.05 Q4.05 Q2.06 Q4.06 Q2.07 Q4.07
H
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State of Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-33
Monthly House Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-70
$300
$350
$400
$450
$500
$550
$600
$650
$700
$750
$800
Q2.00 Q4.00 Q2.01 Q4.01 Q2.02 Q4.02 Q2.03 Q4.03 Q2.04 Q4.04 Q2.05 Q4.05 Q2.06 Q4.06 Q2.07 Q4.07
A
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State of Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-34
Monthly Apartment Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007)

Mobile homes (and mobile home lots) provide an alternative form of rental housing,
especially to apartments. Rents for mobile homes on lots in both Albany and Carbon
counties have shown consistent price appreciation since 2000. Rental prices for mobile
homes on lots increased steadily at the state level as shown in Figure 5-35. Carbon County
experienced a somewhat erratic trend early in the period until the end of 2002. This was
followed by a period of steady growth through the end of 2005, which was in turn followed
by a dramatic spike. The spike in rents in Carbon County exhibited a 54 percent rise in
1 year (between 2005 and 2006). The price trend in Albany County has been moderate and
consistently upwards.
In the case of Carbon County, mobile home lot rents were significantly below those of the
state and Albany County over almost the reported time period. However, during 2006, rent
levels more than doubled and surpassed those at both the state and Albany County levels.
Mobile home lot rent levels in Albany County have tracked consistently above and parallel
to those at the state level. These trends in mobile home lot rents are shown in Figure 5-36.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-71
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$450
$500
$550
$600
$650
Q2.00 Q4.00 Q2.01 Q4.01 Q2.02 Q4.02 Q2.03 Q4.03 Q2.04 Q4.04 Q2.05 Q4.05 Q2.06 Q4.06 Q2.07 Q4.07
M
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State of Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-35
Monthly Mobile Home on Lot Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-72
$100
$120
$140
$160
$180
$200
$220
$240
$260
$280
$300
Q2.00 Q4.00 Q2.01 Q4.01 Q2.02 Q4.02 Q2.03 Q4.03 Q2.04 Q4.04 Q2.05 Q4.05 Q2.06 Q4.06 Q2.07 Q4.07
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State of Wyoming Albany County Carbon County

FIGURE 5-36
Monthly Mobile Home Lot Rent by County and State (2000 - 2007)

5.3.3.4 Rental Housing Vacancies
The State of Wyoming Housing Needs Forecast (WHDP, 2008) estimates rental housing
vacancy rates on a semiannual basis (from 2001 to 2008 in June/July and December) for each
county in the state. Vacancy rates for each of the counties comprising the study area are
shown in Table 5-35.
With regard to rental housing markets, the term “natural” vacancy rate can be thought of as
the level of rental vacancies needed to accommodate normal turnover rates and search times
for rental units in the marketplace. The “natural” vacancy rate is always greater than zero
because factors such as imperfect information cause tenants to spend time searching for new
units and landlords to hold some units off the market for a period of time. The rental
housing “natural” vacancy rate can vary from place to place and over time; however, a
commonly referenced level is 5 percent.
As can be seen from the information presented in Table 5-34 and Figure 5-37, vacancy rates
in the Carbon County rental housing market were considerably higher than both the state
and Albany County between late 2001 and early 2005. After the latter date, the vacancy rate
fell below that of the state and Albany County. The vacancy rate in Albany County
oscillated up and down but within a relatively narrow range similar to that of the state until
2005. At that time the vacancy rate increased noticeably and continued at a level above that
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-73
of the state. The most recent rates indicate a tight rental housing market, especially in
Carbon County.
TABLE 5-35
Semi-Annual Rental Housing Vacancy Rate (%)
Year/Quarter Albany County Carbon County State of Wyoming
2001-a 6.25 5.71 4.21
2001-b 1.16 16.08 4.36
2002-a 5.72 14.98 4.73
2002-b 1.98 9.55 4.62
2003-a 4.46 11.93 3.56
2003-b 2.41 10.96 4.1
2004-a 3.76 8.39 3.81
2004-b 1.81 14.45 4.81
2005-a 2.84 7.59 3.3
2005-b 6.25 3.65 3.51
2006-a 6.84 2.35 2.67
2006-b 4.77 0.98 2.44
2007-a 2.60 0.77 1.45
2007-b 3.07 1.97 1.81
2008-a 4.26 1.56 2.89
Note: “a” denotes June/July; “b” denoted December
Source: WHDP, 2008a.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-74
0.00
2.50
5.00
7.50
10.00
12.50
15.00
17.50
2001-1 2001-2 2002-1 2002-2 2003-1 2003-2 2004-1 2004-2 2005-1 2005-2 2006-1 2006-2 2007-1 2007-2 2008-1
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Albany County Carbon County State of Wyoming

FIGURE 5-37
Rental Housing Vacancy Rate by County (2001 through 2008)

A survey conducted by the Wyoming Housing Database Partnership (WHDP) of mobile
home parks throughout Wyoming during January of 2007 estimated that for the counties
comprising the study area, Carbon County had a vacancy rate of 6.0 percent, and Albany
County had a vacancy rate of 3.7. Table 5-36 displays the survey results for each of the
counties.
TABLE 5-36
Available Mobile Home Lots to Rent (January 2007)
County Surveys Lots Available Vacancy Rate
Albany 10 728 27 3.7
Carbon 5 250 15 6.0
Source: WHDP, 2007.
5.3.3.5 Housing Needs Survey
The WHDP develops projections of the demand for housing within the state (down to the
county and community level). They are presented in the 2007 Wyoming Housing Needs
Forecast (WHDP, 2008b). Three separate viewpoints of the future were developed: a
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-75
moderate growth scenario ending in 2020, a strong growth scenario forecast extending to
2030, and a very strong growth scenario forecast extending to 2030.
The housing need projections are a count of occupied housing units and represent
unconstrained demand forecasts. That is, they refer to how the housing market will likely
behave if future consumer choices are similar to trends established in the past. The
year-to-year supply of housing is not modeled, but supply is assumed to materialize with
sufficient household formation. Household formation, interpreted as housing demand, is a
product of several factors, but it is defined here by population growth and household size.
Carbon County. The household forecast indicates a total increase of 2,162 households in
Carbon County, from 6,129 in 2000 to 8,291 in 2030. Homeowners are expected to increase
from 4,354 in 2000 to 6,390 by 2030. Renters are anticipated to increase from 1,775 in 2000 to
1,901 in 2030.
Homeownership from the year 2000 to 2030 is expected to increase by 173 households for
homeowners with extremely low incomes (i.e., 30 percent or less of median family income).
Homeownership for those with incomes from 31 to 50 percent of median family income is
expected to increase by 235 households, and an increase of 334 is projected for those with
51 to 80 percent of median family income.
Rental demand from the year 2000 to 2030 is expected to increase by 26 households for
renters with extremely low incomes and 22 for those with 31 to 50 percent of median family
income. Table 5-37 provides details of the household forecast by tenure.
TABLE 5-37
Household Forecast by County by Tenure (2000 to 2030)
Albany County Carbon County
Year Total
Home
Owners Renters Total
Home-
Owners Renters
2000 13,269 6,829 6,440 6,129 4,354 1,775
2005 13,153 7,008 6,145 6,144 4,450 1,694
2010 13,974 7,618 6,357 6,546 4,803 1,743
2015 14,827 8,266 6,561 6,864 5,108 1,757
2020 15,836 9,016 6,821 7,255 5,467 1,787
2025 17,030 9,885 7,145 7,731 5,895 1,836
2030 18,432 10,893 7,539 8,291 6,390 1,901
Source: WHDP, 2008.
Albany County. The household forecast indicates a total increase of 5,163 households in
Albany County, from 13,269 in 2000 to 18,432 in 2030. Homeowners are expected to increase
from 6,829 in 2000 to 10,893 by 2030, and renters are anticipated to increase from 6,440 in
2000 to 7,539 in 2030.
Homeownership from the year 2000 to 2030 is expected to increase by 242 households for
homeowners with extremely low incomes, 282 households with incomes from 31 to
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-76
50 percent of median family income, and by 605 for those with 51 to 80 percent of median
family income.
Rental demand from the year 2000 to 2030 is expected to increase by 348 households for
renters with extremely low incomes and 240 households for those with 31 to 50 percent of
median family income. Table 5-37 provides details of the household forecast by tenure.
5.3.3.6 Temporary Accommodations
Temporary accommodations, for purposes of this report, are defined as hotel and motel
rooms and sites for recreational vehicles (RVs).
Hotels and Motels. Based on information from the State of Wyoming Department of Tourism
and Smith Travel Research, a listing of hotels and motels was compiled, by location and
number of rooms. The information is presented in Table 5-38.
TABLE 5-38
Hotel and Motel Rooms by County and Community (2007)
County
Community
and Hotel/Motel
No. of
Rooms County
Community
and Hotel/Motel
No. of
Rooms
STUDY AREA 3,092
Albany Laramie 1,545 Carbon Baggs 66
1st Inn Gold 79 Country Inn Motel and
Apartments
14
Albany Lodge 15 Drifters Inn 52
America’s Best Value Inn 33
Baymont Inn and Suites 72 Encampment 13
Best Value Inn 33 Big Horn Lodge 13
Comfort Inn 55
Days Inn 53 Hanna 10
Downtown Travelodge
Motel
30 Golden Rule Motel 10
Econolodge 52
Fairfield Inn and Suites 82 Medicine Bow 50
Gas Lite Motel 30 Historic Virginian Hotel 32
Hampton Inn 84 Trampas Lodge 18
Hilton Garden Inn 135
Holiday Inn 100 Rawlins 1,268
Howard Johnson Inn 112 America’s Best Value Inn 81
Motel 6 99 Best Motel 28
Motel 8 141 Best Western Cotton Tree 122
Ramada Center Hotel 100 Budget Inn 52
Ranger Motel 31 Comfort Inn and Suites 65
Sunset Inn 51 Day Inn 118
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-77
TABLE 5-38
Hotel and Motel Rooms by County and Community (2007)
County
Community
and Hotel/Motel
No. of
Rooms County
Community
and Hotel/Motel
No. of
Rooms
Super 8 42 Econolodge 36
Travel Inn 28 Hampton Inn 78
Best Western 62 Historic Elk Mountain Motel 14
County Total 1,545 Holiday Inn Express 72
Key Motel 31
Quality Inn 131
Super 8 47
Travelodge 60
Oak Tree Inn 63
First Choice Inn 48
Jade Lodge 26
Express Inn 50
Microtel 60
Ideal Motel 86

Saratoga 140
Hacienda Motel 32
Saratoga Inn 50
Riviera Lodge 40
Sage and Sand Motel 18
County Total 1,547
Sources: http://wyomingtourism.org; Smith Travel Report, 2009.
The regional inventory of hotel and motel rooms totals almost 3,100 rooms, split virtually
evenly between the two counties. Over 90 percent of the room inventory is composed of
facilities located in the two large communities of Laramie and Rawlins. Smaller
communities contain few and usually small facilities.
Based on information from Smith Travel Research for the period from 2002 to 2008, average
monthly hotel and motel occupancy rates are presented in Figure 5-38. The vacancy rate is
highly seasonal, ranging from highs between 50 and 60 percent in December and January to
lows between 10 and 20 percent in June through August. Over the time period represented
by the data, the winter vacancy rate has declined, and the spread between winter and
summer has narrowed.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-78
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
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(
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)
January February March April May June July August September October November December

FIGURE 5-38
Hotel-Motel Average Monthly Occupancy Rate in the Study Area (2002 through 2008)

The average daily room rate fluctuates depending on the month as can be seen from the
information presented in Figure 5-39. Room rates generally vary little from January through
May and then gradually increase, peaking in July and August, and decrease throughout the
remainder of the year. The peak summer months are associated with increased tourism and
travel.
Average daily room rates have increased annually between 2002 and 2007, as can be seen
from the information presented in Figure 5-40 and Table 5-39. Annual room rates increased
by more than 6 percent annually between 2004 and 2007 and then experienced a small
decline between 2007 and 2008.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-79
40.00
45.00
50.00
55.00
60.00
65.00
70.00
75.00
80.00
85.00
90.00
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(
$
)

FIGURE 5-39
Hotel-Motel Average Daily Room Rate in the Study Area (2002 through 2008)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-80
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
A
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(
$
)

FIGURE 5-40
Hotel-Motel Average Annual Daily Room Rate in the Study Area (2002 through 2008)

TABLE 5-39
Average Daily Room Rate (November, Year-to-date)
Year Average Cost ($) Percent Change Over Previous Year
2002 54.7 Not Applicable
2003 54.9 0.3%
2004 56.4 2.8%
2005 59.8 6.1%
2006 64.6 7.9%
2007 70.8 9.6%
2008 69.9 -1.2%
Source: Smith Travel Research, 2009.
Recreational Vehicle Sites. Many RV sites in the region provide accommodation for visits
with durations of weeks or months. Table 5-40 displays information regarding the number
of RV site hookups for year-round sites within the two-county study area. The City of
Rawlins has the most RV locations (three sites) with a total of 219 spaces and Laramie
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-81
contains a single site with 144 spaces. The study area contains 388 RV spaces. Vacancy rates
are not currently available for this type of temporary accommodation.
TABLE 5-40
Recreational Vehicle Sites by County (2009)
County/Community Location No. Sites
CARBON COUNTY 244
Rawlins Rawlins KOA
205 E. State Rd. 71
Rawlins
307-328-2021
800-562-7559
61
RV Campground World
3101 Wagon Cir. Rd.
Rawlins
307-328-1091
877-328-1091
90
American Presidents Campground
2346 W. Spruce St.
Rawlins
307-324-3218
68
Saratoga Deer Haven RV Park
706 N. First St.
Saratoga
307-326-8746
25
ALBANY COUNTY 144
Laramie Laramie KOA
1271 West Baker Street, Laramie
800-562-4153
144
Source: http://wyomingtourism.org.
5.3.4 Education
Rule I Section 7(vi)(H) – Public facilities and services availability and needs, which may include, but
are not limited to: Educational facilities, including an analysis based upon enrollment per grade,
physical facilities and their capacities, and other relevant factors with an assessment of the effect that
the new population will have on programs and facilities.
The major topics addressed in this section are location and characteristics of educational
facilities, current and historical school enrollment, student-teacher ratios, and capital
improvement and expansion plans.
5.3.4.1 Location and Characteristics of Educational Facilities
The two-county study area contains the following three school districts: Albany County
School District 1, Carbon County School District 1, and Carbon County School District 2.
These three school districts, the service areas of which are illustrated in Figure 5-41, operate
a total of 34 educational facilities categorized as follows: 22 elementary schools, 3 junior
high/middle schools, 7 high schools, and 2 kindergarten through 12th grade schools.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-82
Albany County School District 1 is the largest district with 18 educational facilities,
followed by Carbon County School District 2 with 9 facilities and Carbon County School
District 1 with 7 facilities. Table 5-40 presents information concerning the type and number
of schools by district and other selected district-wide characteristics.

FIGURE 5-41
Public School Districts in the Study Area

Of the total staff of each of the school districts, between 47 and 49 percent are composed of
teachers with an additional 7 to 10 percent of instructional support staff for students and
teachers. The overwhelming proportion of the student body is comprised of white
(non-Hispanic) students: between 71 and 91 percent. The Hispanic student share of total
enrollment varies between 7 and 25 percent. The proportion of students eligible to receive
either free or reduced-cost lunch ranges between 25 and 39 percent.
Revenues per student vary by school district with Carbon County School District
2 reporting the highest, at over $19,400. This is followed by Carbon County School
District 1 and Albany County School District 1 at about $12,800 and $11,700 per student,
respectively. The contribution to total general fund revenues from federal, state, and local
sources for each of the school districts varies. The largest contributions to total revenues for
Albany County School District 1 and Carbon County School District 2 are from state
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-83
sources: 70 percent and 66 percent, respectively. Revenues from local and county
sources together for Albany County School District 1 and Carbon County School District
2 contribute 30 and 34 percent, respectively. These latter sources, in the case of Carbon
County School District 1, contribute all revenues. Local revenue sources, composed of
property tax revenues and special impact aid funds, provide the most important funding
source for Carbon County School District 1, where they make up 79 percent of all general
fund revenues.
The greatest share of general fund expenditures is for instruction: 60 percent for Albany
County School District 1, 57 percent for Carbon County School District 1, and 54 percent for
Carbon County School District 2. The second largest category of expenditures (between
29 and 34 percent) is for support services, as shown in Table 5-41.
TABLE 5-41
Selected Characteristics of School Districts in the Study Area (2007)

Albany County
School District
No. 1
Carbon County
School District
No. 1
Carbon County
School District
No. 2
Enrollment 3,507 1,815 669
Student/Teacher Ratio 11.1 12.3 8.0
Number of Schools:
Total 18 9 7
Elementary 13 5 4
Junior High/Middle 2 1 0
High 3 2 2
Comprehensive K-12 0 1 1
Staff (full-time equivalent)
Total 674.4 301.3 180.2
Teachers 316.7 147.8 83.6
Instructional Support Staff for Students (certified) 46.4 15.5 7.0
Instructional Support Staff for Teachers (certified) 20.8 10.7 5.0
Administrators (School and Central Office Staff) 21.5 14.0 9.0
Instruction and Instructional Support (classified) 132.4 45.3 24.6
Other General Support (classified) 136.5 68.0 51.4
Enrollment by Ethnicity (% of Enrollment)
American Indian/Alaskan Native 1.1 1.7 0.1
Asian/Pacific Islander 3.2 1.7 1.1
Black (Non-Hispanic) 2.6 1.1 0.8
Hispanic 13.9 24.9 6.9
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-84
TABLE 5-41
Selected Characteristics of School Districts in the Study Area (2007)

Albany County
School District
No. 1
Carbon County
School District
No. 1
Carbon County
School District
No. 2
White (Non-Hispanic) 79.2 70.7 90.6
Dropout Event Rates
7
th
Grade 0.0 0.0 0.0
8
th
Grade 0.0 0.0 0.0
9
th
Grade 0.0 4.2 1.5
10
th
Grade 1.9 4.6 0.0
11
th
Grade 2.1 1.0 0.0
12
th
Grade 6.4 1.0 1.7
Grades 7
th
– 12
th
Cumulative 1.7 1.8 0.6
Grades 9
th
– 12
th
Cumulative 2.6 2.9 0.8
Free and Reduced Eligibility (%) 24.6 27.2 38.5
General Fund Revenue by Source (%)
Local 23.0 79.0 18.7
County 6.8 21.5 15.7
State 70.3 -0.5 65.6
Federal 0.0 0.0 0.0
Revenue per Student $11,729 $12,823 $19,416
General Fund Expenditures (%)
Instruction 60.4 57.3 54.4
Instructional Support 10.4 8.9 12.2
Support Services 29.0 33.9 33.4
Operation of Non-Instruction Services 0.0 0.0 0.0
Facilities Acquisition and Construction 0.2 0.0 0.1
All Other 0.0 0.0 0.0
Bonded Indebtedness (% Capacity Obligated) 3.2 0.0 0.0
Source: Wyoming Department of Education,
https://wdesecure.k12.wy.us/pls/warehouse/wde.district_profile.menu and
http://www.k12.wy.us/statistics/stat2.aspx.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-85
5.3.4.2 Student Enrollment
Student enrollment as of October 1, 2007, totaled 5,991 in the study area, as shown in
Table 5-42. Albany County School District 1 had the highest enrollment with 3,507 students,
followed by Carbon County School District 1 with 1,815 students. Carbon County
District 2 had the lowest enrollment with 669.
TABLE 5-42
School District Enrollment
Year
Albany County
School District #1
Carbon County
School District #1
Carbon County
School District #2 Study Area Total
2007 3,507 1,815 669 5,991
2006 3,491 1,753 662 5,906
2005 3,485 1,727 662 5,874
2004 3,559 1,664 700 5,923
2003 3,639 1,728 699 6,066
2002 3,659 1,778 743 6,180
2001 3,790 1,923 724 6,437
2000 3,791 1,946 791 6,528
1999 3,885 1,965 887 6,737
1998 3,868 1,992 898 6,758
1997 3,888 2,076 1,010 6,974
1996 4,133 2,216 1,033 7,382
1995 4,196 2,240 1,057 7,493
1994 4,170 2,224 1,130 7,524
1993 4,207 2,346 1,107 7,660
1992 4,231 2,379 1,123 7,733
1991 4,199 2,420 1,209 7,828
Change (1991-2007)
Numeric -692 -605 -540 -1,837
Percent -16.48% -25.00% -44.67% -23.47%
Ave.
Ann. %
-1.10% -1.70% -3.50% -1.60%
Source: Wyoming Department of Education, 2008 and
https://wdesecure.k12.wy.us/pls/warehouse/wde.district_profile.menu.
During the period 1991 through 2007, combined enrollment in the three school districts
declined by 1,837 students, or 23.5 percent, as can be seen from the information presented in
Table 5-41. The greatest numeric decline of 692 students, which was also the lowest
percentage decline at 16.5 percent, occurred in Albany County School District 1 as can be
seen from Figure 5-42. However, the greatest percentage decline took place in Carbon
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-86
County School District 2 (44.7 percent). Carbon County School District 2 experienced the
lowest numeric decline of 540 students.
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
N
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

S
t
u
d
e
n
t
s
Albany County School District #1 Carbon County School District #1 Carbon County School District #2

FIGURE 5-42
Public School Enrollment (1991-207)

From the perspective of the racial composition of the student body, the large majority is
white (non-Hispanic): between 71 and 91 percent on a district-wide basis as shown in
Figure 5-43. Students of Hispanic background comprise almost 25 percent of enrollment in
Carbon County School District 1, almost 14 percent in Albany County School District 1, and
almost 7 percent in Carbon County School District 2.
Variation in the racial and ethnic composition of the student body on a school-by-school
basis is evident from the information presented in Figure 5-44 for Albany County School
District, Figure 5-45 for Carbon County School District 1, and Figure 5-46 for Carbon
County School District 2. The student body of all schools is predominantly white with very
small proportions of other races. Schools in which students of Hispanic ethnicity comprise
over 25 percent of the student body include: Velma Linford Elementary School (30 percent)
and Whiting High School (27 percent) in Albany County School District; and Cooperative
High School (41 percent), Pershing Elementary School (61 percent), and Rawlins Middle
School (25 percent) in Carbon County School District 1.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-87
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Albany County School District 1 Carbon County School District 1 Carbon County School District 2
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
American Indian - Alaskan Native Asian - Pacific Islander Black (Non-Hispanic) Hispanic White (Non-Hispanic)

FIGURE 5-43
Ethnic Composition of Students, by School District (2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-88
0.0%
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t
American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian/Pacific Islander Black (Non-Hispanic) Hispanic White (Non-Hispanic)

FIGURE 5-44
Albany County School District: Ethnic Composition of Students, by School (2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-89
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Bairoil
Elementary
Mountain
View
Elementary
Pershing
Elementary
Sinclair
Elementary
Highland Hills
Elementary
Little Snake
River Valley
School
Rawlins
Middle School
Rawlins High
School
Cooperative
High
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian/Pacific Islander Black (Non-Hispanic) Hispanic White (Non-Hispanic)

FIGURE 5-45
Carbon County School District 1: Ethnic Composition of Students, by School (2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-90
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Elk Mountain
Elementary
Hanna Elementary Medicine Bow
Elementary
Saratoga
Elementary
HEM
Junior/Senior High
School
Encampment K-
12 School
Saratoga
Middle/High
School
P
e
r
c
e
n
t
American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian/Pacific Islander Black (Non-Hispanic) Hispanic White (Non-Hispanic)

FIGURE 5-46
Carbon County School District 2: Ethnic Composition of Students, by School (2007)

5.3.4.3 Student-Teacher Ratios
A commonly used measure of overall school quality is the student-teacher ratio (i.e., the
ratio of total student enrollment in a school, school district, or other unit to the number of
full-time equivalent [FTE] certified teachers). This ratio provides a means of comparing
different educational units such as school districts to a state or national parameter. The
approach taken here is to document trends in the student-teacher ratio for each of the school
districts in the study area and compare their behavior to the respective values for the state
as a whole and for the nation.
Of the three school districts comprising the study area, Carbon County School
District 2 (with a 2007 student/teacher ratio of 8.0) had the lowest ratio followed by Albany
County District 1 with 11.1 and Carbon County District 1 with 12.30. All three school
districts have ratio values below the national ratio of 15.5 and the state ratio of 12.4. The
ratio for the state of Wyoming has consistently been lower than that of the nation.
Table 5-43 and Figure 5-47 display student-teacher ratios over the period 1996 to 2007. Until
recently, the ratios for all school districts and the state of Wyoming have shown a consistent
increase in level of service (i.e., fewer students per teacher).
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-91
TABLE 5-43
Historic Student-Teacher Ratios (1996-2006)
Year
Albany
District #1
Carbon
District #1
Carbon
District #2 Wyoming United States
2007 11.1 12.3 8.0 12.4 15.5
2006 11.5 13.0 8.6 13.2 15.7
2005 11.0 12.5 8.2 12.6 15.5
2004 11.5 12.3 8.9 12.8 15.6
2003 11.8 12.8 8.7 13.1 15.9
2002 12.0 14.2 9.0 13.3 15.9
2001 12.8 13.8 9.0 12.5 15.9
2000 12.5 13.8 9.3 13.3 16.1
1999 12.7 14.2 10.2 13.3 16.1
1998 13.8 14.4 10.2 14.2 16.4
1997 14.1 14.6 10.7 14.5 16.8
1996 14.5 15.7 10.5 14.7 17.1
Sources: Wyoming Department of Education, 2008.
http://www.k12.wy.us/statistics/stat2/2006_staff_summary_by_job.pdf; and
http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/tables/2009305_04.asp.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-92
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
S
t
u
d
e
n
t
/
T
e
a
c
h
e
r

R
a
t
i
o
Albany District #1 Carbon District #1 Carbon District #2 Wyoming United States

FIGURE 5-47
Student-Teacher Ratio by School District, State, and Nation (1996-2007)

5.3.4.4 Capital Improvement and Expansion Plans
The Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) for the school districts are designed to address the
requirements of anticipated baseline growth and changing demographic conditions in the
school districts as well as periodic maintenance and repair of existing facilities and
infrastructure.
5.3.5 Public Safety
Rule I Section 7(vi)(D) – Public facilities and services availability and needs, which may include, but
are not limited to: Existing police and fire protection including specific new demands or increases in
service levels created by the proposed industrial facility.
This section addresses the availability of fire protection and law enforcement services and
crime levels in the counties comprising the study area.
5.3.5.1 Fire Services
The two-county study area has a total of 34 fire stations operated by 16 fire departments, the
majority of which are staffed on a volunteer basis. Table 5-44 lists the fire departments and
selected characteristics of each department.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-93
TABLE 5-44
Fire Departments in the Study Area
No. Firefighters
Community County
No.
Stations
Full-
Time
Paid Volunteer
EMS
Service
Basic
EMTs
Advanced
EMTs
Study Area Total 34 85 394
Albany County Total 10 39 121
Albany County Volunteer Fire
Department
Laramie Albany 1 0 30 No 0 0
Big Laramie Valley Volunteer Fire
Department
Laramie Albany 2 0 30 No 0 0
Centennial Valley Volunteer Fire
Department
Centennial Albany 2 0 12 No 6 0
Laramie Fire Department Laramie Albany 2 39 0 Yes 39 27
Little Laramie Fire Department Laramie Albany 1 0 20 No 0 0
Rock River Volunteer Fire
Department
Rock River Albany 1 0 14 No 2 0
Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire
Department
Laramie Albany 1 0 15 No 5 0
Carbon County Total 24 46 273 No
Baggs Volunteer Fire Department Baggs Carbon 1 0 8 No 0 0
Carbon County Firefighters Rawlins Carbon 11 0 120* No 0 0
Elk Mountain Volunteer Fire
Department
Elk Mountain Carbon 1 0 14* No 2 0
Encampment/Riverside Volunteer
Fire Department
Encampment Carbon 1 0 21 No 0 0
Hanna Volunteer Fire
Department
Hanna Carbon 1 1 13 Yes 3 5
Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire
Department
Medicine
Bow
Carbon 1 0 11 Yes 1 0
Rawlins Fire Department Rawlins Carbon 2 10 20 No 6 0
Sinclair Fire Department Sinclair Carbon 2 0 12 Yes 3 0
Sinclair Refinery Emergency
Response Team
Sinclair Carbon 1 35 0 Yes 5 0
Ryan Park Fire Department Saratoga Carbon 1 0 22 Yes 1 3
Saratoga Volunteer Fire
Department
Saratoga Carbon 2 0 32 No 0 0
* Paid volunteers
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician
NA: No data available.
Sources: Wyoming State Fire Marshal, 2008. http://wyofire.state.wy.us/pdf/Directory.pdf; http://departments.firehouse.com; and
http://www.firedepartments.net.
The Wyoming Emergency Response Act (35-9-151) established seven Regional Emergency
Response Teams (RERT) under the Director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.
Members of these teams are specially trained and available to respond to hazardous
materials incidents and weapons of mass destruction. Region 3 is composed of Albany and
Carbon counties, and responsibility for this region rests with the Laramie Fire Department.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-94
The main facility of the Carbon County Fire Department is located in Rawlins, however,
there are outlying stations in the following communities: Elk Mountain, Hanna, Medicine
Bow, Saratoga, Ryan Park, Baggs, Muddy Gap, Rock Creek, Encampment, and Sinclair. It is
likely that any call for service associated with construction or operational activities at the
Project site would be responded to be the Carbon County Fire Department.
5.3.5.2 Police Services
Law enforcement in the study area is provided by counties (Sheriff’s departments), and
municipalities (police departments) from a number of locations, as shown in Table 5-45. In
addition, the Wyoming Highway Patrol maintains a number of offices throughout the study
area, including at Baggs, Elk Mountain, and Rawlins.
TABLE 5-45
Law Enforcement Agencies in the Study Area
Name City County
Albany County Sheriff’s Office Laramie Albany
Laramie Police Department Laramie Albany
Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Rawlins Carbon
Baggs Police Department Baggs Carbon
Hanna Marshal’s Office Hanna Carbon
Rawlins Police Department Rawlins Carbon
Saratoga Police Department Saratoga Carbon
Sinclair Police Department Sinclair Carbon
Sources: http://50states.com/wyoming/police_departments.htm;
http://www.50states.com/wyoming/fire_departments.htm.
As of 2007, Albany County had 85 sworn officers, and Carbon County had 49 sworn officers.
As can be seen from the information presented in Table 5-46, the majority of the law
enforcement officers are located in the larger communities of Laramie and Rawlins. Over the
period 1999 through 2006, the number of law enforcement officers within the study area
increased slightly from 120 to 134, and the total number of employees increased from 184 to
211, as shown in Figure 5-48. In 2007, the number of officers per 1,000 residents varied from
a low of 1.9 for the City of Laramie to 5.4 for Baggs, as can be seen from the information
presented in Figure 5-49.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-95
TABLE 5-46
Law Enforcement Personnel (2007)
Employees
County/Agency Officers Civilian Total
Officers per
1,000
Population
Index Crimes
per Officer
Albany County 85 47 132 2.8 12.4
Albany County Sheriff 18 6 24 3.7 4.3
Laramie 49 30 79 1.9 17.3
University of Wyoming 18 11 29 NA 7.3
Carbon County 49 30 79 3.2 10.6
Carbon County Sheriff 17 9 26 4.4 3.1
Baggs 2 2 5.4 2.0
Hanna 2 3 5 2.3 3.0
Rawlins 23 13 36 2.7 18.7
Saratoga 5 5 10 2.9 4.6
NA: Not Applicable
Source: State of Wyoming Office of Attorney General, 2007.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-96
0
50
100
150
200
250
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
N
u
m
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r

o
f

E
m
p
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e
s
Officers Civilians Total Employees

FIGURE 5-48
Number of Law Enforcement Personnel in the Study Area (1999 through 2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-97
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
Albany County Albany County
Sheriff
Laramie Carbon
County
Carbon
County Sheriff
Baggs Hanna Rawlins Saratoga
O
f
f
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s

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1
,
0
0
0

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1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

FIGURE 5-49
Number of Law Enforcement Officers per 1,000 Residents (1999 through 2007)

5.3.5.3 Crime
Reported crimes (i.e., crimes known to law enforcement agencies) are categorized into the
more serious Part 1 crimes and less serious Part 2 crimes. Part 1 crimes (also referred to as
index crimes) are further subdivided into crimes against persons (murder, forcible rape,
robbery, and aggravated assault) and crimes against property (burglary, larceny, and motor
vehicle theft). Part 2 crimes are classified into a number of groups described later
Over the period 1999-2007, the number of reported index crimes in Carbon County rose
gradually between 1999 and 2004 and then declined through 2007. In Albany County, they
peaked in 2001 and then declined through 2007, as can be seen from the information
presented in Table 5-47 and Figure 5-50. By far the greatest proportion of reported index
crimes is composed of crimes against property which typically contribute between
75 percent and 95 percent of all reported crimes.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-98
TABLE 5-47
Number of Index (Part 1) Crimes by County and Municipalities (1999 through 2007)
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Index Crimes
State of Wyoming 16,496 16,200 17,297 17,641 17,614 17,703 16,978 16,241 16,083
Albany County 1,102 1,045 1,426 1,295 1,333 1,274 1,098 1,102 1,056
Sheriff 110 86 109 100 112 111 82 66 78
Laramie 811 822 1,120 1,018 999 1,017 850 875 846
University of Wyoming 181 137 197 177 222 146 166 161 132
Carbon County 438 509 519 581 578 625 624 550 517
Sheriff 53 66 57 70 71 61 86 42 53
Baggs 10 7 7 7 5 13 2 11 4
Hanna 11 28 20 27 17 11 8 8 6
Rawlins 331 318 379 402 408 475 456 439 431
Saratoga 33 90 56 75 77 65 72 50 23
Violent Crimes
State of Wyoming 1,109 1,309 1,257 1,329 1,280 1,130 1,137 1,201 1,234
Albany County 85 94 119 189 60 35 30 37 23
Sheriff 17 18 16 42 9 8 4 6 5
Laramie 64 75 101 146 51 27 26 31 18
University of Wyoming 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-99
TABLE 5-47
Number of Index (Part 1) Crimes by County and Municipalities (1999 through 2007)
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Carbon County 20 65 49 75 55 61 52 56 61
Sheriff 2 7 1 6 4 6 3 1 5
Baggs 0 1 1 0 3 5 0 0 1
Hanna 6 5 6 17 6 1 2 6 0
Rawlins 7 19 27 32 28 39 34 40 54
Saratoga 5 33 14 20 14 10 13 9 1
Property Crimes
State of Wyoming 15,387 14,891 16,040 16,312 16,334 16,573 15,841 15,040 14,849
Albany County 1,017 951 1,307 1,106 1,273 1,239 1,068 1,065 1,033
Sheriff 93 68 93 58 103 103 78 60 73
Laramie 747 747 1,019 872 948 990 824 844 828
University of Wyoming 177 136 195 176 222 146 166 161 132
Carbon County 418 444 470 506 523 564 572 494 456
Sheriff 51 59 56 64 67 55 83 41 48
Baggs 10 6 6 7 2 8 2 11 3
Hanna 5 23 14 10 11 10 6 2 6
Rawlins 324 299 352 370 380 436 422 399 377
Saratoga 28 57 42 55 63 55 59 41 22
Source: State of Wyoming Office of Attorney General, 1999 through 2007.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-100

0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1,600
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
N
u
m
b
e
r

o
f

O
f
f
e
n
s
e
s
Albany County - Index Crimes Carbon County - Index Crimes

FIGURE 5-50
Number of Index Crimes by County (1999 through 2007)

To facilitate comparison between reporting areas with differing characteristics such as
number of residents, crime is often reported as a rate, i.e., the number of crimes per
10,000 residents. Index crime rates for counties and municipalities are presented in
Table 5-48 and Figure 5-51. Index crime rates exhibit a similar pattern of change to that
of the number of crimes over the period. In Carbon County, rates increased through
2004 before trending down and in Albany County they declined after 2002-2003. Index
crimes are highly influenced by crimes against property because these types of crime are
much more prevalent than violent crimes. For example, of the 347 index crimes per
10,000 residents in Albany County in 2007, all but about eight were attributable to crimes
against property. Thus, as can be seen from the information presented in Figure 5-52, the
property crime rates in each of the counties mirror the pattern for index crime rates.
Over the period 2000 to 2007, the violent crime rate in Carbon County exhibited a rise from
30 to 60 crimes per 10,000 residents between 2000 and 2002 followed by a steep decline
between 2004 and 2007 to about 10 crimes per 10,000 residents. In Albany County the rate
fluctuated between about 30 and 60 crimes per 10,000 residents, as shown in Figure 5-53.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-101
TABLE 5-48
Crime Rates by County and Municipalities (1999 through 2007)
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Index Crimes
State of Wyoming 347.22 332.62 355.79 360.07 359.10 358.06 335.81 317.67 309.85
Albany County 378.30 326.42 445.43 412.55 423.44 395.37 346.97 352.80 347.07
Sheriff 274.52 178.79 226.61 212.04 236.79 222.76 162.06 134.86 158.47
Laramie 322.81 302.16 411.70 381.65 373.46 373.35 319.73 332.17 331.71
University of
Wyoming
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Carbon County 300.08 344.55 351.32 399.45 391.71 427.79 406.41 354.77 335.19
Sheriff 191.40 200.73 173.36 256.50 239.06 212.03 230.69 110.99 135.69
Baggs 401.61 201.15 201.15 203.49 145.77 359.12 56.18 307.26 108.11
Hanna 108.70 320.73 229.10 312.86 197.44 124.58 91.85 91.64 70.18
Rawlins 378.29 372.45 443.90 451.53 459.46 542.49 525.35 501.43 502.80
Saratoga 181.72 521.44 324.45 439.62 452.41 375.29 418.85 288.52 133.64
Violent Crimes
State of Wyoming 23.34 26.88 25.86 27.13 26.10 22.86 22.49 23.49 23.77
Albany County 29.18 29.36 37.17 60.21 19.06 10.86 9.48 11.85 7.56
Sheriff 42.43 37.42 33.26 89.06 19.03 16.05 7.91 12.26 10.16
Laramie 25.47 27.57 37.13 54.73 19.07 9.91 9.78 11.77 7.06
University of
Wyoming
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Carbon County 13.70 44.00 33.17 51.56 37.27 41.75 33.87 36.12 39.55
Sheriff 7.22 21.29 3.04 21.99 13.47 20.86 8.05 2.64 12.80
Baggs 0.00 28.74 28.74 0.00 87.46 138.12 0.00 0.00 27.03
Hanna 59.29 57.27 68.73 196.99 69.69 11.33 22.96 68.73 0.00
Rawlins 8.00 22.25 31.62 35.94 31.53 44.54 39.17 45.69 63.00
Saratoga 27.53 191.19 81.11 117.23 82.26 57.74 75.63 51.93 5.81
Property Crimes
State of Wyoming 323.88 305.75 329.93 332.94 333.00 335.20 313.32 294.18 286.07
Albany County 349.12 297.06 408.26 352.34 404.38 384.51 337.49 340.95 339.51
Sheriff 232.09 141.37 193.35 122.99 217.76 206.70 154.15 122.60 148.31
Laramie 297.34 274.59 374.58 326.91 354.39 363.44 309.95 320.40 324.65
University of
Wyoming
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-102
TABLE 5-48
Crime Rates by County and Municipalities (1999 through 2007)
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Carbon County 286.38 300.55 318.15 347.89 354.43 386.04 372.54 318.65 295.64
Sheriff 184.18 179.44 170.32 234.52 225.59 191.17 222.64 108.35 122.89
Baggs 401.61 172.41 172.41 203.49 58.31 220.99 56.18 307.26 81.08
Hanna 49.41 263.46 160.37 115.87 127.76 113.25 68.89 22.91 70.18
Rawlins 370.29 350.20 412.27 415.59 427.93 497.94 486.18 455.74 439.80
Saratoga 154.19 330.24 243.34 322.39 370.15 317.55 343.22 236.58 127.83
Source: State of Wyoming Office of Attorney General, 1999 through 2007.

0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
500.00
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
C
r
i
m
e

R
a
t
e

(
p
e
r

1
0
,
0
0
0

p
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
)
Albany County - Index Crimes Carbon County - Index Crimes State of Wyoming - Index Crimes

FIGURE 5-51
Index Crime Rate by County and State of Wyoming (1999 through 2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-103
0.00
50.00
100.00
150.00
200.00
250.00
300.00
350.00
400.00
450.00
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y

C
r
i
m
e

R
a
t
e

(
p
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r

1
0
,
0
0
0

p
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
)
Albany County Carbon County State of Wyoming

FIGURE 5-52
Property Crime Rate by County (1999 through 2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-104
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
V
i
o
l
e
n
t

C
r
i
m
e

R
a
t
e

(
p
e
r

1
0
,
0
0
0

p
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
)
Albany County Carbon County State of Wyoming

FIGURE 5-53
Violent Crime Rate by County (1999 through 2007)

An alternative measure used to compare across service providers is the number of crimes
per officer. The number of index crimes per officer varied in 2007 from a low of 1.5 in Hanna
to a high of 18.7 in Rawlins, as illustrated by the information presented in Figure 5-54.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-105
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
Albany
County
Albany
County
Sheriff
Laramie University of
Wyoming
Carbon
County
Carbon
County
Sheriff
Baggs Hanna Rawlins Saratoga
N
o
.

I
n
d
e
x

C
r
i
m
e
s

p
e
r

O
f
f
i
c
e
r
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

FIGURE 5-54
Number of Index Crimes per Officer (1999 through 2007)

Although Part 2 crimes are considered less serious in nature than Part 1 crimes, they are
significantly more numerous, with the majority related to alcohol and drug abuse. In
2007, of all arrests made in Carbon County, 6 percent were associated with Part 1 offenses,
while 94 percent were for Part 2 offenses. Of the Part 1 crime arrests, 64 percent were for
crimes against property. Drug- and alcohol-related arrests comprised 46 percent of
Part 2 arrests and 43 percent of all arrests made.
In the case of Albany County, 7 percent of all arrests were associated with Part 1 offenses
while 93 percent were for Part 2 offenses. Of the Part 1 crime arrests, 92 percent were for
crimes against property, and drug- and alcohol-related arrests comprised 67 percent of
Part 2 arrests and 62 percent of all arrests made.
Arrest rates (per 1,000 population) for Part 1, Part 2, and drug- and alcohol-related offenses
for all reporting agencies in Albany and Carbon counties for the period 2000 through
2007 are shown in Table 5-49.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-106

TABLE 5-49
Part 1, Part 2, and Drug- and Alcohol-Related Offense Arrest Rates (2000-2007)
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Part 1 Offense Arrest Rate (per 1,000 population)
Albany County Total 3.6 2.4 4.0 3.5 4.0 3.5 3.8 2.8
Albany County Sheriff 2.4 0.8 4.0 2.8 2.3 0.6 4.6 3.1
Laramie 3.3 2.4 3.8 3.4 4.0 3.7 3.4 2.6
Carbon County Total 6.1 6.6 7.0 5.7 6.2 8.5 4.4 7.6
Carbon County Sheriff 3.6 4.2 3.0 3.1 4.0 14.7 1.8 7.9
Baggs 2.7 2.8 0.0 2.8 5.8 2.9 2.9 0.0
Hanna 1.2 3.4 2.3 3.4 9.3 2.3 1.1 1.1
Rawlins 8.4 9.0 10.5 7.5 7.1 7.5 5.2 7.8
Saratoga 3.5 1.7 1.7 2.9 4.1 8.2 7.5 11.0
Part 2 Offense Arrest Rate (per 1,000 population)
Albany County Total 50.5 56.1 57.4 52.0 52.0 52.8 45.6 64.5
Albany County Sheriff 35.4 35.3 27.1 22.1 18.0 30.1 66.7 116.8
Laramie 45.1 51.3 53.9 48.8 46.8 50.2 34.4 49.8
Carbon County Total 97.5 100.1 84.7 71.7 64.5 76.5 68.1 76.8
Carbon County Sheriff 127.5 109.9 116.1 117.8 134.0 118.4 103.1 113.1
Baggs 2.7 22.3 16.9 19.3 2.9 5.8 14.4 14.4
Hanna 0.0 12.6 9.2 0.0 2.3 12.7 9.2 24.1
Rawlins 116.3 126.1 96.9 76.6 59.1 81.1 66.9 79.9
Saratoga 4.6 7.5 7.6 17.3 15.3 31.7 48.1 31.3
Drug- and Alcohol-Related Arrest Rate (per 1,000 population)
Albany County Total 33.7 38.9 42.2 36.6 34.8 33.2 26.0 37.9
Albany County Sheriff 9.5 8.0 9.1 6.2 4.2 8.3 16.2 43.5
Laramie 30.4 36.5 39.7 34.4 29.5 31.2 20.5 32.1
Carbon County Total 44.9 41.9 36.0 31.4 31.2 38.7 37.0 37.0
Carbon County Sheriff 34.8 30.7 26.0 33.7 36.0 34.1 41.7 33.5
Baggs 0.0 22.3 11.2 13.8 0.0 2.9 0.0 0.0
Hanna 0.0 2.3 3.4 0.0 1.2 7.0 3.4 12.6
Rawlins 64.6 58.6 50.6 37.9 37.2 46.2 40.6 44.7
Saratoga 1.2 6.3 5.8 14.4 13.5 30.5 34.8 25.5
Source: State of Wyoming Office of Attorney General, 2000 through 2007.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-107
The manner in which arrest rates for Part 1 offenses have varied over the period
2000 through 2007 can be seen from the information presented in Figure 5-55. Arrest rates
for Part 1 offenses are noticeably higher in Carbon County than Albany County: ranging
between 4.4 and 8.5 per 1,000 residents in Carbon County compared to between 2.4 and
4.0 in Albany County. The higher rates in Carbon County are highly influenced by rates in
the City of Rawlins.
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
Albany
County Total
Albany
County Sheriff
Laramie Carbon
County Total
Carbon
County Sheriff
Baggs Hanna Rawlins Saratoga
P
a
r
t

1

O
f
f
e
n
s
e

A
r
r
e
s
t

R
a
t
e

(
p
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1
,
0
0
0

p
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
)
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

FIGURE 5-55
Part 1 Offense Arrest Rate (2000 through 2007)

Arrest rates for Part 2 offenses are noticeably higher in Carbon County than Albany
County: ranging between 65 and 100 per 1,000 residents in Carbon County compared to
between 46 and 66 in Albany County (as can be seen from the information presented in
Figure 5-56). The higher rates in Carbon County are highly influenced by rates in the City
of Rawlins and the unincorporated section of the county (Carbon County Sheriff’s
jurisdiction). Of these arrests, a large share is attributable to drug- and alcohol-related
crimes as shown in Figure 5-57.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-108
0.0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
120.0
140.0
160.0
Albany
County Total
Albany
County Sheriff
Laramie Carbon
County Total
Carbon
County Sheriff
Baggs Hanna Rawlins Saratoga
P
a
r
t

2

O
f
f
e
n
s
e

A
r
r
e
s
t

R
a
t
e

(
p
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1
,
0
0
0

p
o
p
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l
a
t
i
o
n
)
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

FIGURE 5-56
Part 2 Offense Arrest Rate (2000 through 2007)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-109
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
Albany
County Total
Albany
County Sheriff
Laramie Carbon
County Total
Carbon
County Sheriff
Baggs Hanna Rawlins Saratoga
D
r
u
g
-

&

A
l
c
o
h
o
l
-
R
e
l
a
t
e
d

A
r
r
e
s
t

R
a
t
e

(
p
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1
,
0
0
0

p
o
p
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
)
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

FIGURE 5-57
Drug- and Alcohol-Related Offense Arrest Rate (2000 through 2007)

5.3.6 Health Care
Rule I Section 7(vi)(E) – Public facilities and services availability and needs, which may include, but
are not limited to: an analysis of health and hospital care facilities and services.
This section discusses the location and characteristics of health care facilities and services in
the two-county study area, including the number and type of facilities, staffing levels, LOS
measures, availability of emergency medical service, and the health needs of the existing
population.
5.3.6.1 Location and Characteristics of Health Care Facilities
There are two hospitals in the study area: one located in each of the two counties, as
illustrated in Figure 5-58. They are Ivinson Memorial Hospital, located in Laramie, and
Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, located in Rawlins. Both hospitals are located in the
major community and county seat of their respective counties. Ivinson Memorial Hospital is
the larger of the two facilities and performs considerably more surgeries on both an
inpatient and outpatient basis, as can be seen from the information presented in
Table 5-49. The role of the Carbon County Memorial Hospital as a provider of outpatient
services can be seen from an inspection of the information presented in Table 5-50.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-110

FIGURE 5-58
Location of Hospitals in the Study Area

TABLE 5-50
General Hospitals in the Study Area: Selected Characteristics

Ivinson Memorial
Hospital
Memorial Hospital
of Carbon County
Number of Beds 99 45
Admissions 2,816 1,568
Inpatient Surgeries 441 31
Outpatient Visits 44,855 25,574
Outpatient Surgeries 2,658 528
Emergency Room Visits 13,876 6,899
Level of Service Ratios (per 10,000 residents)
Number of Beds 31 29
Admissions 874 1,013
Inpatient Surgeries 137 20
Outpatient Visits 13,918 16,514
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-111
TABLE 5-50
General Hospitals in the Study Area: Selected Characteristics

Ivinson Memorial
Hospital
Memorial Hospital
of Carbon County
Outpatient Surgeries 825 341
Emergency Room Visits 4,306 4,455
Sources: http://health.usnews.com/directories/hospital-directory, Accessed May, 2008;
http://eadiv.state.wy.us/pop/wyc&sc20.htm.
The number of health care professionals in each of the counties, the study area, and the state
are shown in the upper section of Table 5-51 with LOS values displayed in the lower
section. The LOS value for physicians in Albany County is equal to that for the state of
Wyoming, while the value for Carbon County is considerably lower, implying a lower
quality of service. The LOS values for nurses (of all types) in both Albany and Carbon
counties are virtually identical and lower than the corresponding value for the state.
TABLE 5-51
Health Care Professionals in the Study Area (2006)
Physicians Nurses Dentists Pharmacists
County FTEs
Number of
Professionals Total
Registered
Nurse
Licensed
Practical
Nurse
Certified
Nurse
Assistant FTEs
Number of
Professionals FTEs
Number of
Professionals
Albany 54 61 571 319 32 220 12 13 29 31
Carbon 14 15 271 112 43 116 7 8 6 8
Study
Area
68 26 842 431 75 336 19 21 35 39
Wyoming 858 961 13,076 7,306 1,260 4,510 232 266 342 399
Level of Service Ratios (per 10,000 residents)
Albany 16.6 18.8 175.7 98.2 9.8 67.7 3.7 4.0 8.9 9.5
Carbon 9.2 9.9 178.7 73.9 28.4 76.5 4.6 5.3 4.0 5.3
Study
Area
14.3 15.9 176.7 90.4 15.7 70.5 4.0 4.4 7.3 8.2
Wyoming 16.7 18.7 255.0 142.5 24.6 88.0 4.5 5.2 6.7 7.8
Sources: Wyoming Healthcare Commission, 2006; Wyoming State Board of Nursing, 2007.
http://eadiv.state.wy.us/pop/co-07est.htm.
The majority of physicians in each of the counties and the state of Wyoming are full time:
77 percent in Albany County, 93 percent in Carbon County, and 89 percent in the state, as
can be seen from the information presented in Table 5-52. General medical staff vacancies
include four in Albany County and three in Carbon County.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-112
TABLE 5-52
Physician Staffing Levels by County
Albany County Carbon County State of Wyoming
Total Number of Physicians 75 15 836
Full-Time Employed Physicians 45 10 637
Part-Time Employed Physicians 2 1 52
Full-Time Contract Physicians 13 4 108
Part-Time Contract Physicians 15 0 56
Number of General Medical
Staff Vacancies
4 3 140
Source: Wyoming Office of Rural Health, 2004.
Table 5-53 provides information on the types of physicians in each county within the study
area and state and corresponding LOS ratios. The LOS ratios for Albany County exceed
those of the state for total physicians and specialist physicians and reflect the presence of the
regional hospital in Laramie. The corresponding LOS values for Carbon County fall well
below those of the state. LOS ratios for physicians, registered nurses, and hospital beds for
each of the counties and the state are illustrated in Figure 5-59.
TABLE 5-53
Physician Level of Service Ratios by County
Staff and Contract Physicians:
Number and Per Capita Ratio
Albany
County Carbon County
State of
Wyoming
Total Number of Physicians (full- and part-time) 75 15 836
Number of Specialists (full- and part-time) 63 9 576
Number of Family Practice and Internal Medicine
Physicians (full- and part-time)
12 6 260
Level of Service Ratios (per 1,000 residents):

Total Physicians (per 1,000 Residents 2.29 0.99 1.66
Specialist Physicians (per 1,000 Residents) 1.93 0.59 1.14
Family Practice Physicians (per 1,000 Residents) 0.37 0.39 0.52
Source: Wyoming Office of Rural Health, 2004. http://eadiv.state.wy.us/pop/co-07est.htm. Accessed June, 2008.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_BASELINE_FINAL.DOC 5-113
0.00
20.00
40.00
60.00
80.00
100.00
120.00
140.00
160.00
Physicians (FTE) Registered Nurses Hospital Beds
N
u
m
b
e
r

p
e
r

1
0
,
0
0
0

P
o
p
u
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a
t
i
o
n
Albany County Carbon County Wyoming

FIGURE 5-59
Level of Service Ratios for Health Care Professionals

The study area contained 262 certified emergency medical service (EMS) providers,
92 certified ambulance attendants and 15 ambulances, as can be seen from the information
presented in Table 5-54 for the year 2002. Carbon County had a higher certified ambulance
attendant LOS than does Albany County, with a value of 2.7 versus 1.7.
TABLE 5-54
Emergency Medical Services by County
Albany County Carbon County
Certified EMS Providers 125 137
Certified Ambulance Attendants 51 41
Per 1,000 residents 1.7 2.7
Square Mile per Attendant 78.6 194
Number of Service Providers 3 4
Number of Ambulances (vehicles) 6 9
Ambulance Runs 1,981 1,482
Source: Wyoming Department of Health, 2002.
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5.3.6.2 Health Needs of the Existing Population
This section presents material contained in a report prepared for the Wyoming Health Care
Commission in 2007 entitled Status and Future of Health Care Delivery in Rural Wyoming.
Wyoming is undergoing significant changes in population. Some areas of the state are
experiencing extraordinary growth, while others are in decline. Like many predominantly
rural states, Wyoming is seeing a dramatic increase in the number of persons aged 65 and
over. However, Wyoming is also experiencing substantial growth in the working-age
population that supports the growth in extraction of natural resources. The two population
shifts will put different pressures on the health care system. The increase in persons aged
65 and older will create more demand for geriatric care and care management of patients
with multiple chronic conditions associated with the elderly. The increase of working-age
persons will increase demand for dental services, preventive services, and primary care
services associated with young families.
Wyoming has an adequate array of facilities offering inpatient services, hospitals, and
skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes). Despite the availability of these institutional
services and the presence of qualified clinical personnel, many Wyoming residents who
could be served in Wyoming are using health services in Colorado and Nebraska.
The key findings of the analysis contained in the report are as follows:
• The demographic shift of the aging population will increase an already growing
demand for health care professionals. Recruitment and retention should be priorities at
all levels, from local to state, including public and private entities.
• To decrease the number of health care professionals who leave Wyoming, the state
should support and encourage increased participation in programs with proven success.
• Stakeholders in Wyoming health care delivery recommended a step-wise strategy of
integrating services in local communities and then building regional systems.
• Stakeholders believe there is no pattern of sustained leadership in health care in
Wyoming, but there are potential sources of leadership that can be explored.
• Community members expressed concern about continuous population growth
combined with the number of providers reaching retirement, and stressed the
importance of recruitment and retention efforts.
• Respondents identified services for the elderly as a current or future need, particularly
assisted living.
• Considering the combined effect of the direct and indirect impact on Wyoming’s
economy, health care accounts for 10.3 percent of the state’s total employment,
10.5 percent of the state’s total income, and 8.2 percent of the state’s total output.
• The estimated total lost revenue for Wyoming hospitals due to inpatient out-migration
to Colorado, Utah, and Nebraska was $101.3 million in 2003. As a result, an estimated
$32.5 million less was spent in other economic sectors of Wyoming communities in the
same year.
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• Other states have formal or informal networks of providers to coordinate care. Examples
of strong comprehensive networks across providers are the Alaska Federal Health Care
Access Network and the Nebraska Rural Comprehensive Care Network.
• State health agencies use advisory groups to provide technical assistance and formulate
recommendations. The Health Policy Commission in New Mexico, for example, is an
independent commission monitoring the health status and health care services in the
state.

5.3.7 Municipal Services
Rule I Section 7(vi)(B and C) - Public facilities and services availability and needs, which may
include, but are not limited to:
(B) Sewer and water distribution and treatment facilities including the capability of these
facilities to meet projected service levels required due to the proposed industrial facility. Use
of facilities by the proposed industrial facility should be asse4ssed separately from population
related increases in service levels;
(C) Solid waste collection and disposal services including the capability of these facilities to meet
projected service levels required due to the proposed industrial facility. Use of facilities by the
proposed industrial facility should be asse4ssed separately from population related increases
in service levels;

This section describes the location and characteristics of the following five primary
municipal services provided to residents of the two-county study area.
• Wastewater treatment facilities
• Water distribution and treatment facilities
• Nonhazardous waste collection and disposal
• Electricity service
• Natural gas service
5.3.7.1 Wastewater
The study area contains 14 wastewater treatment facilities located, for the most part, in the
larger communities as shown in Table 5-55. The facilities range from small wastewater
lagoon systems to the complex treatment facility in Laramie.
TABLE 5-55
Wastewater Treatment Facilities Within the Study Area
County Facility Name
Albany County County Meadows Estates, Laramie WWTF
Laramie Country Club WWTF
Laramie Wastewater Treatment Plant
Rock River Wastewater Lagoon
Wade’s Mobile Manor WWTF
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TABLE 5-55
Wastewater Treatment Facilities Within the Study Area
County Facility Name
Carbon County Baggs Wastewater Lagoons
Dixon Wastewater Lagoon
Encampment Wastewater Lagoon
Hanna Wastewater Lagoon System
Medicine Bow Wastewater Lagoon
Rawlins Wastewater Lagoon
Riverside Wastewater Lagoon
Saratoga Wastewater Lagoons
Sinclair Wastewater Lagoon
Source: EPA, 2008.
5.3.7.2 Water
The study area contains 18 community water purveyors: eight in Albany County and 10 in
Carbon County, as shown in Table 5-56. The majority are small community water systems
serving a small number of residents. The largest system in Albany County is located in the
City of Laramie serving 28,000 residents with a use of 6 million gallons per day (gpd). The
largest system in Carbon County is in the City of Rawlins serving 9,000 residents with a use
of almost 1.9 million gpd.
TABLE 5-56
Community Water Systems in the Study Area
Water System Name
Population
Served
Primary
Water Source
Type
Total Maximum
Capacity
(gpm)
Average
Day Use
(gpd)
Peak Day
Use (gpd)
Albany County
Antelope Ridge Home Owners Association 50 Groundwater NA NA NA
Centennial Water and Sewer 150 Groundwater 107 17,000 30,000
Country Meadow Estates 375 Groundwater NA NA NA
City of Laramie 28,000 Surface water 11,000 6,000,000 15,750,000
Nine Mile Water and Sanitation District 198 Purchased
surface water
NA NA NA
Town of Rock River 235 Surface water 350 21,268 NA
Seven Mile Water and Sewer District 90 Purchased
surface water
NA NA NA
South Laramie Water and Sewer
District
550 Purchased
surface water
NA NA NA
Wyoming Technical Institute 560 Groundwater NA NA NA
Carbon County
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TABLE 5-56
Community Water Systems in the Study Area
Water System Name
Population
Served
Primary
Water Source
Type
Total Maximum
Capacity
(gpm)
Average
Day Use
(gpd)
Peak Day
Use (gpd)
Town of Baggs 490 Groundwater 200 93,000 150,000
Town of Dixon Water System 78 Groundwater 220 20,912 26,849
Town of Elk Mountain 186 Groundwater 250 32,877 60,000
Town of Encampment 490 Surface water 300 141,279 332,220
Town of Hanna 950 Surface water 1,000,000 500,000 800,000
Town of Medicine Bow 270 Groundwater 620 91,600 129,500
City of Rawlins Water Supply 9,006 Surface water 7,017 1,867,000 4,127,000
Town of Saratoga 2,000 Surface water 1,250 500,000 1,200,000
Sierra Madre JPB 180 Groundwater 263 29,254 99,000
Town of Sinclair 423 Purchased
surface water
1,388 2,000,000 2,000,000
Note: gpm is gallons per minute; and gpd is gallons per day.
Source: EPA, 2008; Wyoming Water Development Commission, 2007.
5.3.7.3 Nonhazardous Waste Disposal
Table 5-57 lists the Type I and Type II municipal waste facilities in the study area and their
status (active or proposed). Municipal solid waste (MSW) is defined as waste generated in
households, commercial establishments, institutions, and businesses. MSW includes used
paper, discarded cans and bottles, food scraps, yard trimmings, and other items. Industrial
process wastes, agricultural wastes, mining waste, and sewage sludges are not MSW.
TABLE 5-57
Type I and Type II Municipal Waste Disposal Facilities Within the Study Area
Facility Name Facility Type Facility Status
Albany County
Laramie Landfill Type I Municipal Active
Rock River Transfer Station Type II Municipal Active
Carbon County
Baggs SWDD Type I Municipal Active
Rawlins Type I Municipal Active
Hanna Type II Municipal Active
Saratoga Type II Municipal Active
Source: State of Wyoming, Department of Environmental Quality, 2008.
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Community size and activities, such as construction, influence both the quantity and
composition of solid waste. As can be seen from the information in Table 5-58, Albany
County generates the greatest quantity of solid waste at 24,717 tons annually but has a lower
per capita generation of 4.4 pounds per person per day when compared to Carbon County.
TABLE 5-58
Solid Waste Generation by County
County/Area Tons per Year
a

Pounds per Person
per Day
b
Percent of State Total
Albany County 24,717 4.4 4.1
Carbon County 15,058 5.4 2.5
a
Does not include construction/demolition debris
b
Based on 2005 population
Source: Wyoming Business Council, 2007.
Carbon County has 4 municipal solid waste landfills. The Rawlins landfill accumulates an
estimated 7,308 tons of MSW annually and construction/demolition waste of 8,454 tons
annually. The landfill recycled about 1,400 tons annually. The Hanna landfill accumulates
an estimated 2,500 tons annually, while the Saratoga landfill (that also serves Encampment)
also accumulates about 2,500 tons annually.
Albany County has one open landfill in Laramie and a transfer station in Rock River. Of the
solid waste disposed of, 70 percent was MSW, 25 percent was construction/demolition
debris, 4 percent was yard waste, and 1 percent was other (including dead animals). The
Laramie landfill estimated that about 3 to 5 percent of the waste received is recycled. This
includes 8,500 to 9,000 tires and 1,000 tons of white goods and steel.
5.3.7.4 Electricity Service and Natural Gas
Carbon County is served by four electric utility companies: Carbon Power and Light, High
Plains Power, Rocky Mountain Power, and Yampa Valley Electric. Albany County is also
served by four providers: Carbon Power and Light, High West Energy, Rocky Mountain
Power, and Wheatland Rural Electric Association, as shown in Table 5-59. The service areas
are illustrated in Figure 5-60.
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TABLE 5-59
Electric and Gas Certificated Areas
Company Counties Served
Electricity
Carbon Power and Light Albany County Carbon County
High Plains Power Carbon County
High West Energy Albany County
Rocky Mountain Power Albany County Carbon County
Wheatland Rural Electric Association Albany County
Yampa Valley Electric Carbon County
Gas
Town of Walden Albany County
Source Gas Albany County Carbon County
Sources: Wyoming Public Service Commission, 2007a; 2007b.

FIGURE 5-60
Electric Certificated Areas
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5.3.7.5 Natural Gas Service
Gas service is provided to major communities aligned generally along I-80 by Source Gas
and an area southwest of Laramie by Town of Walden as shown in Table 5-58 and
illustrated in Figure 5-61.

FIGURE 5-61
Gas Certificated Areas

5.3.8 Transportation Facilities
Rule I Section 7(i)(v) – An analysis of transportation facilities containing discussion of roads
(surface, type) and railroads (if applicable). An analysis of effects on transportation facilities
including effects on service levels of roads, haul routes for materials and supplies, increased rail traffic
at grade crossings, and intersection of new access roads with existing roads.
This section identifies major transportation facilities in the study area and their utilization
levels.
5.3.8.1 Major Facilities
Figure 5-62 illustrates the major road transportation corridors within the study area.
I-80 extends east-west through Albany and Carbon counties. Table 5-60 details the major
roads and highways in each of the counties of the study area and their general direction.
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FIGURE 5-62
Major Roads and Highways in the Study Area

TABLE 5-60
Road Systems within the Study Area
County Road Type General Direction
Albany U.S. 287 U.S. Highway North-South
Albany U.S. 30 U.S. Highway East-West
Albany WYO 130 and 230 State Highway East-West
Albany I-80 Interstate East-West
Albany U.S. 30/287 U.S. Highway East-West
Carbon I-80 Interstate East-West
Carbon U.S. 287 and WYO 789 U.S. and State Highway North-South
Carbon I-80 Interstate East-West
Carbon WYO 220 State Highway East-West
Carbon U.S. 287 and WYO 789 U.S. and State Highway North-South
Carbon U.S. 287 and WYO 789 U.S. and State Highway North-South
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
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Traffic counts are recorded at a number of locations throughout the state and those that fall
within the two-county study area are shown on Figure 5-63. The highest traffic volumes are
on I-80 as it traverses Albany and Carbon counties, as can be seen in Table 5-61. The highest
proportion of trucks (measuring over 50 percent in places) is also recorded on I-80. Other
highways with sizeable proportions of truck traffic include U.S. 287 in both Albany and
Carbon counties and WYO 220 in both Carbon and Natrona counties.

FIGURE 5-63
Traffic Count Locations in the Study Area
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TABLE 5-61
Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) and Percent Truck Traffic, by Day and Highway
Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT)
Station
No. Location Highway County Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Percent
Truck
Traffic
60S Tie Siding
South
U.S. 287 Albany 3,521 2,908 2,553 2,707 2,905 3,767 3,760 15-20%
106 Laramie West I-80 Albany 11,761 9,122 9,466 11,144 10,758 11,359 11,908 50-55%
107 Medicine Bow
East
U.S. 30 Albany 759 585 523 542 583 843 752 10%
145E Bosler Junction U.S. 34 Albany 622 442 387 395 443 661 609 5-10%
145N Bosler Junction U.S. 30 Albany 957 845 795 826 848 1,139 979 10%
145S Bosler Junction U.S. 30 Albany 1,403 1,136 1,054 1,076 1,143 1,596 1,425 10%
13NE Muddy Gap
Junction
WYO 220 Carbon 1,745 1,663 1,711 1,901 1,840 2,020 1,863 25-30%
13NW Muddy Gap
Junction
U.S. 287 Carbon 930 835 763 790 834 1,061 847 10-15%
13SW Muddy Gap
Junction
U.S. 287 Carbon 2,340 2,137 2,132 2,318 2,306 2,629 2,342 20-25%
23 Rawlins West I-80 Carbon 12,836 10,791 11,397 13,183 12,771 12,870 12,721 50-55%
94E Saratoga
Junction
WYO 130 Carbon 517 418 386 388 399 484 552 0-5%
94N Saratoga
Junction
WYO 130 Carbon 1,184 1,279 1,242 1,270 1,276 1,452 1,346 0-5%
94S Saratoga
Junction
WYO 70 Carbon 901 1,041 1,022 1,045 1,056 1,185 1,036 0-5%
Source: http://dot.state.wy.us.
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Figure 5-64 shows the location of rail infrastructure within the study area, and
Table 5-62 details the length of the freight rail lines within the study area. There are
approximately 330 miles of freight rail track within the study area. Albany County has the
largest rail infrastructure with 170 miles of track, followed by Carbon County with 160 miles
of track.

FIGURE 5-64
Rail Volume in the Study Area

TABLE 5-62
Freight Rail Infrastructure within the Study Area
County Company Miles of Track
Albany Union Pacific Railroad 160
Laramie Valley Railroad 10
Total 170
Carbon Union Pacific Railroad 126
Union Pacific Spur 34
Total 160
Total Miles of Track within Study Area 330
Source: Wyoming Spatial Data Clearinghouse, 2001.
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Union Pacific Railroad is the largest rail operator in the study area, and other rail
infrastructure in the two counties is operated by several smaller rail companies. Freight
volumes carried by major lines are represented in Figure 5-64 with the highest volume
taking place on the Union Pacific transcontinental line passing through Albany and Carbon
counties.
5.3.8.2 Adjacent Roadway Facilities
Routes in the vicinity of the Project site are I-80, U.S. 30/287, WYO 72, and WYO 487. Two
private accesses (north and south) will be constructed from WYO 487. Both of these access
points will accommodate the construction deliveries and workforce. The south access will
accommodate the operations workforce. These facilities are described below.
I-80 is a four-lane, divided roadway classified as an Interstate by the Wyoming Department
of Transportation (WYDOT). Resurfacing projects are planned at various locations each
year, so construction work will occur on the Interstate during Project construction. Although
resurfacing will occur on I-80 at its interchange with WYO 72 (one of the two highway
accesses to the Project site), no work is planned for the interchange itself. I-80 through
Wyoming is a major freight route for trucks traveling between Chicago and San Francisco.
Nearly half of its volume is semi-trucks, so the road is maintained to accommodate heavy
vehicular loads.
U.S. 30/287 is a two-lane roadway classified as a Minor Arterial Road by WYDOT along the
northern edge of the Project site. U.S. 30/287 carried approximately 870 vehicles per day in
2006 (WYDOT) and has a posted speed limit of 65 miles per hour (mph). WYO 72 is also a
two-lane roadway and is classified as a Major Collector Road by WYDOT. WYO 72 carried
approximately 740 vehicles per day in 2006 (WYDOT) and has a posted speed limit of
65 mph. These highways interchange with I-80, which is on the south side of the Project.
One of the adjacent roadways, U.S. 30/287, is programmed for improvements in the
2009 WYDOT State Transportation Improvement Program. The planned improvements
shown in Table 5-63 refer to increasing shoulder width, which theoretically increases
roadway capacity.
TABLE 5-63
Planned Improvements to Transportation Infrastructure by WYDOT
Site Facility County Description
Length of
Construction
Construction
Year
Medicine Bow to
Bosler Junction
(Medicine Bow East)
U.S.
30/287
Carbon
and
Albany
Widen and overlay 11.52 miles 2010
Medicine Bow to
Bosler Junction (Rock
River Section)
U.S.
30/287
Albany
Widen and overlay;
isolated
reconstruction
8.78 miles 2014
Source: WYDOT FY 2009 State Transportation Improvement Program report. Accessed April 3, 2009.
http://www.dot.state.wy.us. WYDOT Home>Agency Operations>Planning Program>Programming.
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5.3.8.3 Potentially Affected Roads and Highway
U.S. 30/287, WYO 72, and WYO 487 are the three highways that may be affected by the
Project. Although I-80 will be used during Project construction, it is not expected to be
affected permanently by the project because it is maintained for heavy vehicular loads.
A total of 18 miles of private access roads are expected to be constructed to the east and west
of WYO 487. The roads will be constructed to a 16-ft width with a 1-ft deep base course.
Two entrances will be constructed during Phase I that intersect with WYO 487 (north and
south). The private road accesses will be stop-controlled, while WYO 487 remains free-
flowing. The design and access permitting for these intersections will be coordinated with
WYDOT, and the design will accommodate turning radii for oversize vehicles. Phase IA and
Phase II will use these new intersections.
During Project construction, roads and highways may be impacted by vehicles hauling
materials to and from the site. Contractors will comply with existing federal, state, and
county requirements and restrictions to protect the road network and the traveling public.
In addition, load limits will be observed at all times to prevent damage to existing paved
road surfaces. When necessary, traffic control and routing arrangements to transport
oversized loads will be coordinated with and approved by WYDOT.
Personnel Access Routes. The peak month for number of workers (month 12) does not
correspond to the peak month for truck deliveries (month 9). Analysis of the trips generated
by each determined that the peak traffic (total of personnel traffic and truck deliveries)
occurs in month 9; therefore, the analysis is based on the traffic generated during this month
in the construction schedule. It is expected that approximately 260 personnel will be
working at the site during the peak traffic month. These personnel are expected to live in
various locations and use the following access routes:
• Rawlins/Sinclair/Hanna/Saratoga – U.S. 30/287 to WYO 487 (81personnel)
• Elk Mountain – WYO 72 to U.S. 30/287 to WYO 487 (1 person)
• Laramie/Rock River/ Medicine Bow- U.S. 30/287 to WYO 487 (177 personnel)
• Casper –WYO 487 north of site (1 person)
Once construction is complete, the wind energy operations will require 10 daily personnel.
These people will access the site from the proposed south intersection between the private
road and WYO 487. It is assumed that all operations personnel will drive their own vehicles
to the project site and not leave during the day. These personnel are expected to live in
Medicine Bow and use WYO 487 to access the Project site.
Truck Access Routes. It is expected that the needed construction materials will be trucked to
the site. Each turbine delivery requires eight trucks. Other truck deliveries will consist of
gravel for the private access roads, aggregate and cement for the on-site concrete batch
plant, and other supplies. The trucks making deliveries are all expected to use I-80 to U.S.
30/287 to WYO 487 to access the site. Heavy trucks are not expected to access the site during
the operations period. The analysis assumes one truck will make package deliveries during
each of the peak hours once construction is complete use U.S. 30/287 from Laramie to WYO
487 to access the site.

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5.4 Socioeconomic Impact Analysis
The socioeconomic impact analysis evaluates the beneficial and adverse impacts of the
Project to social and economic resources in the study area and within the more
geographically restrictive area of site influence. Benefits include those derived from
increased tax revenue, direct employment opportunities, and secondary employment
benefits. Potentially adverse impacts relate to additional demand for housing and
community services.
The analysis of impacts includes the following resources:
• Housing
• Educational facilities
• Public safety and security
• Health resources
• Municipal services
• Ad valorem and sales taxes
• Transportation systems
A summary of potential project-related effects and impacts is presented in Table 5-64. For
instances where a range of potential impacts is possible (e.g., because of differing LOS ratios
for various service providers), the largest potential impact is reported. The level of impact is
defined as the percentage that the project effect (e.g., number of jobs generated by
implementation of the project) comprises an appropriate baseline condition (e.g., current
total employment in the study area). It is evident from Table 5-64 that most impacts are
small, exceeding 2 percent for only two major resource areas: temporary accommodations
and ad valorem taxes.
TABLE 5-64
Summary of Project-Related Effects and Impacts

Study Area Baseline
Condition Project Effect
Project Impact (Percent Over
Baseline Conditions)
Employment (Peak Year
average monthly FTE)

Construction Phase:
Direct 30,612 192 0.6%
Total 335 1.1%
Operations Phase:
Direct 11 0.0%
Total 30,612 17 0.1%
Population (Peak Month) 47,713 243 0.5%
Housing
Total Temporary
Accommodations:
869 213 24.5%
Recreational Vehicle
Spaces
19 15 78.9%
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TABLE 5-64
Summary of Project-Related Effects and Impacts

Study Area Baseline
Condition Project Effect
Project Impact (Percent Over
Baseline Conditions)
Apartments and Mobile
Homes
140 10 7.3%
Single Family
Residences
84 29 34.8%
Motel and Hotel Rooms 625 158 25.3%
Public School
Students 5,991 0.0 0.0%
Teachers 548 0.0 0.0%
Fire Protection
Full-Time Paid Personnel 85 0.7 0.9%
Law Enforcement
Officers 134 1.1 0.8%
Index Crimes 8.1 1.6%
Healthcare
Physicians (FTE) 90 0.6 0.6%
Emergency Room Visits 8,761 108.3 1.3%
Solid Waste Generation
(pounds per month)

Nonlocal Workers 6,630,000 14,292 0.2%
Taxes
Ad Valorem Carbon County
(2008)
$58,420,000 $1,270,000 2.2%
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
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5.4.1 Construction Workforce Estimate
Rule I Section 7(h)(i, ii and iii) – The estimated number of employees needed to complete the
construction and operation of the facility by the applicant, its contractors, and subcontractors to
include job classifications by calendar quarter. The estimate should also include:
(i) Seasonal fluctuations and the peak employment during both construction and operation;
(ii) Annual payroll; and
(iii) Expected benefits, if any, to be provided including housing allowances, transportation
allowances, and per diem allowances.
Potential impacts to socioeconomic resources are, in the main, directly and indirectly
attributable to (1) the influx of nonlocal workers and (2) expenditures made in the local
economy for equipment, materials, and services required to both construct and operate the
project and purchases made by nonlocal workers. The estimated number of onsite
construction workers by month is shown in Table 5-65 and Figure 5-65. PacifiCorp
anticipates that construction would commence in late 2009 with geotechnical, survey, and
access road construction activities. In the spring of 2010, the onsite workforce would ramp
up quickly from about 20 workers in March to over 200 workers during each of the months
of April through October, reaching a peak of almost 300 workers in August. The workforce
schedule by calendar quarter is exhibited in Figure 5-66, while Figure 5-67 shows the
number of workers, categorized by type of craft and calendar quarter. The large majority of
construction activity would occur in the second, third and forth quarters of 2010.
TABLE 5-65
Dunlap Ranch Onsite Construction Workforce Schedule
Month and Year
Geotechnical
Investigations Surveying
Civil
Construction
Electrical
Construction
WTG
Tower
Erection
MET
Tower
Erection
Field
Office
Turbine
Supplier
Onsite
Personnel
Grand
Total
September
2009
4 8 - - - - 7 - 19
October 2009 4 8 16 - - - 7 - 35
November
2009
4 8 98 - - - 7 - 117
December
2009
- - 98 - - - 7 - 105
January 2010 - - - - - - 7 - 7
February 2010 - - - - - - 7 - 7
March 2010 - - 10 5 - - 9 - 24
April 2010 4 8 98 80 - - 9 - 199
May 2010 4 8 98 101 40 - 9 - 260
June 2010 - 8 98 116 40 14 10 2 288
July 2010 - 8 98 122 40 - 9 15 292
August 2010 - 5 98 122 40 - 9 25 299
September
2010
- 5 98 112 40 - 9 33 297
October 2010 - 5 55 112 40 - 10 26 248
Source: PacifiCorp and CH2M HILL, 2009.

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FIGURE 5-65
Construction Phase Workforce (by Month and Activity)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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50
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2009, Quarter 3 2009, Quarter 4 2010, Quarter 1 2010, Quarter 2 2010, Quarter 3 2010, Quarter 4
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WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

FIGURE 5-66
Construction Phase Workforce (by Calendar Quarter and Activity)

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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2009, Quarter 3 2009, Quarter 4 2010, Quarter 1 2010, Quarter 2 2010, Quarter 3 2010, Quarter 4
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Management/Engineer Superintendent/Supervisor Foreman Equipment Operator Laborer Truck Driver
Electrician Carpenter Lineman Iron Worker/Millwright Cement Mason Crane Operator
WTG Installation Technician Administrative Survey Crew Driller Miscellaneous

FIGURE 5-67
Construction Phase Workforce (by Calendar Quarter and Craft)

5.4.1.1 Local In-State Contractor Hiring
W.S. 35-12-109(a)(xviii) – A brief description of the methods and strategies the applicant will use to
maximize employment and utilization of the existing local or in-state contractors and labor force
during the construction and operation of the facility.
In accordance with W.S. 35-12-109(a)(xviii), PacifiCorp requires its Balance of Plant (BOP)
General Contractor to maximize employment and utilization of existing local or in-state
contractors and labor force during the construction and operation phases of the Project and
use local workers to the extent practicable. To this end the contractor will use local
workforce centers to screen job applicants for skilled and unskilled labor.
However, the results of the socioeconomic impact analysis indicate that there is a shortage
of skilled craft persons and specialized workers in the general study area. Therefore, it is
anticipated that the majority of the skilled craft workers will come from outside the area
during the construction phase. The number of onsite workers drawn from the local labor
force is likely to peak at about 60 during June 2010 as can be seen from the information
presented in Figure 5-68.

5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

FIGURE 5-68
Local Construction Workforce (by Month and Activity)

5.4.1.2 Local to Nonlocal Workforce Ratio
It is assumed that the proportion of nonlocal workers filling job openings will vary by
construction activity as shown in Table 5-66. During the peak period of construction
(April through October 2010) the proportion of total onsite jobs held by local workers
would range between 18 and 24 percent.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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TABLE 5-66
Estimated Proportion of Construction Jobs Filled by Nonlocal Workers
Construction Activity Percent Nonlocal
Geotechnical Investigations 40%
Surveying 0%
Civil Construction 80%
Electrical Construction 80%
WTG Tower Erection 85%
MET Tower Erection 85%
Field Office 90%
Turbine Supplier Onsite Personnel 100%
Source: PacifiCorp and CH2M HILL, 2009.
The majority of the workforce would be composed of nonlocal construction workers likely
to enter the region and require temporary accommodations. This number is estimated to
peak at 243 in the months of August and September 2010 and would vary over the
construction period as illustrated in Figure 5-69.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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WTG Tower Erection MET Tower Erection Field Office Turbine Supplier On-site Personnel

FIGURE 5-69
Nonlocal Construction Workforce (by Month and Activity)

5.4.2 Regional Economic Analysis
The economic impacts associated with the introduction of new business activity that occur
in a local economy are based primarily on employee compensation, purchases made by the
new business, and taxes paid to local governments. The more local businesses are able to
supply the needs of the employees and the new business, the greater will be the local
economic impact of the new business. Purchases made outside of the local area represent
leakages of money out of the local economy. Profits of the new business also leak out of the
local economy if the owners or stockholders reside outside the local area. In order to
measure local economic impacts, this report focuses on projected wages and salaries,
business purchases, and taxes collected by local municipal and county governments.
Economic multipliers are often used to estimate the total economic impacts of a project or
new business activity. The concept is that employee wages and business purchases have a
“ripple effect” in an economy. The new business will purchase some of its required
materials, supplies, and services in the local economy, and those local businesses will hire
some new employees, creating what are known as indirect effects. Employees at the new
business or project will likewise spend a portion of their wages at local stores and
businesses, creating what are termed induced effects. In this way, the economic impact of
the new business or project spreads in the local economy like a ripple spreads out across a
pond. The portions of employee wages and business purchases that are made outside of the
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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local economy result in leakages out of the local economy. In order to estimate the total
economic impacts due to this ripple effect, economic multipliers are used in conjunction
with the direct employment, wages, business purchases, and taxes paid. The direct impacts
are multiplied by the economic multiplier to yield an estimate of the overall economic
impact of the new business or project. Multipliers are generated by economic input-output
(I-O) models that account for linkages between sectors in an economy.
I-O analysis estimates the dollar value of change in regional economic activity associated
with economic linkages and leakages. The economic system, consisting of producers and
consumers, is divided into various sectors that are defined in terms of the resources they
require as inputs and what they produce as outputs. The quantities of inputs and outputs
for a given period, usually expressed in monetary terms, are entered into an I-O matrix to
enable one to analyze what happens within and across various sectors of an economy where
growth and decline take place, as well as what effects various policies may have.
A number of regional economic analysis modeling systems (consisting of data and
analytical software) are available for use in regional economic analysis. The approach used
here for estimating the secondary effects of a project is through an I-O approach. There are a
number of I-O models including Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN), Regional
Economic Models Inc. (REMI), and Regional Industrial Multiplier System II (RIMS II). These
modeling systems all contain computer databases used to create I-O models for any
combination of United States counties. For this Project, IMPLAN was used to estimate the
indirect and induced impacts associated with implementation of the Project.
5.4.2.1 Impact Analysis for Planning Model
IMPLAN was originally developed by the United States Forest Service in cooperation with
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of the
Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to assist in land and resource management
planning. The IMPLAN package includes: (1) estimates of final demands and final
payments for counties developed from government data, (2) a national average matrix of
technical coefficients, (3) mathematical tools that help the user build the I-O model, and
(4) tools that allow the user to change data, conduct impact analysis, and generate reports.
5.4.2.2 Regional Economic Model
The region of influence (ROI) employed in the IMPLAN model is synonymous with the
study area (i.e., Albany and Carbon counties, Wyoming). Thus, an IMPLAN I-O model was
built for the region comprising these two counties and was used to evaluate the regional
economic impacts resulting from the construction and operation of the proposed Project.
Because the data in IMPLAN are for 2004 and the input estimates are in 2009 dollars, the
model results were adjusted to reflect output in 2009. Thus, estimates reported in this
analysis are in 2009 dollars.
5.4.2.3 Project Construction and Operation Impacts
In addition to providing a stimulus to the local economy in the form of expenditures on
materials and supplies (referred to as procurements), the proposed Project would employ
construction workers. These construction workers are expected to spend much of their
income (referred to as personal consumption expenditures or PCE) in the study area, thus
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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stimulating additional output in the various sectors that provide consumer goods and
services. As a result of both Project procurements and PCE by both local and nonlocal
construction workers, the proposed Project is expected to result in a temporary increase in
employment and income within the study area during the construction period.
A number of assumptions were used in the IMPLAN model and are addressed here.
Expenditures made in the local economy by temporarily relocating construction workers
comprised the following categories: lodging; meals, and incidental expenses; entertainment
and recreation; and transportation. For purposes of analysis, per diem amounts for lodging
and meals and incidental expenses are those allowed under federal contracts: $76 and
$49, respectively. In addition, it is assumed that daily expenditures for recreation and
entertainment would total $25. Expenditures by nonlocal workers on gasoline are estimated
by assuming commuter vehicle fuel consumption of 15 miles per gallon (mpg) with a fuel
cost of $2.25 per gallon.
5.4.2.4 Direct Benefits
During the peak construction period of the Project, it is anticipated that between 19 and
24 percent of the onsite workforce would be composed of persons already residing in the
local area. During the operations phase of the Project, local jobs would number 11.
During construction, it is estimated that expenditures totaling almost $3.725 million would
occur in the local economy: $295,000 in procurements; and $3.429 million in PCE. During
operations, expenditures would total about $1.25 million.
5.4.2.5 Secondary Benefits
Construction of the Project would result in secondary economic impacts (indirect and
induced impacts) within the two-county study area. The Project is expected to result in
annual indirect and induced employment within the study area of 119 and 24 jobs,
respectively, over the construction period. This would result in a short-term increase in
local project-related employment of 181 jobs. Total employment associated with the
Project (including jobs held by nonlocal workers) would number 335 jobs. These additional
secondary jobs result from Project-related procurements in the study area as well as
expenditures by local and nonlocal construction workers, the latter mostly on
accommodations, food services, recreation, entertainment, and transportation. A
summary of IMPLAN model output values is shown in Table 5-67.
TABLE 5-67
Local Employment Impacts
Employment (FTE) Construction Phase: 2009-2010 Operations Phase: 2010 Onward
Direct (average monthly onsite) 38 11
Indirect 119 0
Induced 24 6
TOTAL 181 17
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
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Following completion of the Project, it is anticipated that annual operations and
maintenance of the newly installed equipment would require 11 new positions. It is likely
that most of these positions would be filled by local workers already residing in the study
area. Much of the maintenance and repair activity would be performed by a local contractor
at an annual cost of approximately $1.25 million. Secondary employment effects would
include the generation of 6 induced jobs for a total employment effect of 17 jobs within the
study area, as shown in Table 5-67.
5.4.2.6 Wage and Benefits for Construction and Operations
The Research and Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Employment, in
cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), conducts an Occupational
Employment Statistics (OES) Wage Survey. The OES program estimates occupational
employment and wages. Data obtained from polled establishments are used to estimate
occupational employment and wage rates for Unemployment Insurance (UI) covered
wage and salary jobs in nonfarm establishments. Wages for the OES Wage Survey include
base pay rates, cost-of-living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazard pay, incentive pay,
commissions, piece rates and production bonuses, length-of-service allowances, on-call
pay, and portal-to-portal pay. The hourly wage estimates are calculated using a year-round,
full time figure of 2,080 hours per year (52 weeks times 40 hours).
5.4.2.7 Employee Wage Estimates
Based on information compiled in the 2008 Wyoming Wage and Benefit Summary
(Wyoming Department of Employment, 2009), hourly wages are presented for labor
categories that are expected to be present throughout both the construction and operations
phases. Table 5-68 provides a breakdown of these hourly wages.
TABLE 5-68
Average Wages per Occupation Classification (in $US) Based on 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics Data
Occupation Classification Mean Wage
Mean of
Lower 1/3
Mean of
Upper 2/3
25th
Percentile
50th
Percentile
(median)
75th
Percentile
Construction Occupations
Crane and Tower Operators 22.85 17.68 25.44 18.94 22.83 27.28
Excavating and Loading
Machine and Dragline
Operators
17.01 12.30 19.36 12.91 14.84 21.49
Industrial Truck and Tractor
Operators
20.21 16.31 22.17 17.86 21.11 23.16
Cement Masons 16.83 12.36 19.05 13.54 16.75 19.84
Electricians 22.06 15.08 25.55 16.46 21.80 27.24
Operating Engineers and
other Construction Equipment
Operators
20.17 16.16 22.17 17.13 19.47 22.78
Structural Iron and Steel
Workers
21.92 13.89 25.92 16.21 23.38 27.48
Civil Engineers 32.79 24.52 36.92 26.20 32.77 39.41
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
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TABLE 5-68
Average Wages per Occupation Classification (in $US) Based on 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics Data
Occupation Classification Mean Wage
Mean of
Lower 1/3
Mean of
Upper 2/3
25th
Percentile
50th
Percentile
(median)
75th
Percentile
Construction Occupations
Crane and Tower Operators 22.85 17.68 25.44 18.94 22.83 27.28
Construction Laborers 14.73 11.79 16.21 12.73 14.61 16.76
1
st
Line
Supervisors/Managers of
Construction Trades and
Extraction Workers
28.09 19.20 32.53 21.26 26.29 32.84
Industrial Machinery
Mechanics
21.30 15.84 24.02 14.05 17.43 21.47
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Occupations
1st Line
Supervisors/Managers of
Mechanics, Installers, and
Repairers
27.26 17.51 32.15 20.81 24.82 35.84
Mobile Heavy Equipment
Mechanics, except engines
20.99 16.93 23.02 17.73 20.66 24.07
Industrial Machinery
Mechanics
21.30 15.84 24.02 17.43 21.47 25.18
Maintenance and Repair
Workers
19.32 12.81 22.58 14.08 17.22 22.69
Millwrights 26.00 19.06 29.46 21.94 27.73 30.62
Electrical Power-Line
Installers and Repairers
27.86 20.33 31.64 23.31 28.37 33.41
Helpers – Installation,
Maintenance and Repair
Workers
11.00 8.64 12.19 8.94 10.17 12.60
Source: Wyoming Department of Employment, 2009.
A review of Table 5-68 shows that mean wages for the construction occupations in
2007 dollars ranged from a low of $14.73 per hour for construction laborers to a high of
$32.79 for civil engineers. If the 2007 mean hourly wages are extrapolated over a 2,080-hour
work year, annual salaries without benefits range from $30,600 to $68,200. It is important to
note that hourly wage and benefit costs showed considerable variation across Wyoming
industries and geographies in 2008. Therefore, these hourly labor wages are solely depicted
to show what type of data were reported in the 2008 report and to prepare an estimate of
salary for a full year of employment.
5.4.2.8 Project Employee Benefits Estimates
Table 5-69 provides a statewide assessment of relationships of compensation components
for all industries, as well as the construction and trade/transportation/utilities sectors in
Wyoming.
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TABLE 5-69
Percentage of Full- and Part-Time Wyoming Employees Offered Selected Benefits by Industry, 2003-2006
All Industries Construction
Trade, Transportation,
and Utilities
Full-Time
Employees
Part-Time
Employees
Full-Time
Employees
Part-Time
Employees
Full-Time
Employees
Part-Time
Employees
Child Care 6.0 1.6 5.7 0.2 4.8 0.0
Dental Plan 69.7 11.2 46.2 5.0 67.8 5.5
Dependent Health
Insurance
74.9 11.0 55.8 2.7 74.9 5.5
Short-Term Disability 31.0 4.0 16.8 3.4 27.2 2.1
Educational/Tuition
Assistance
47.6 20.7 22.4 10.5 34.5 10.3
Flexible Spending
Account
47.5 18.8 17.6 1.7 43.6 11.1
Health Insurance 79.2 12.1 60.3 6.1 80.7 7.2
Hiring Bonus 22.5 7.7 5.0 0.7 33.8 8.4
Life Insurance 69.7 8.9 45.3 4.2 67.1 7.4
Long-Term Disability 44.1 6.0 13.2 1.8 34.8 0.7
Paid Holidays 77.7 26.4 52.1 10.0 82.2 24.4
Paid Personal Leave 38.3 13.5 28.5 1.2 36.0 7.7
Paid Sick Leave 47.0 17.5 18.8 0.0 38.8 4.1
Paid Vacation 76.0 21.8 60.9 4.8 74.3 12.5
Retirement Plan 77.8 30.8 56.9 6.4 76.4 19.2
Operate in Shifts 44.5 40.7 6.1 2.3 38.8 33.0
Shift Differentials 49.2 26.3 78.1 33.4 57.5 41.1
Vision Plan 44.3 6.8 22.8 1.4 43.7 4.5
Source: Wyoming Department of Labor, 2008.
According to the Wyoming Department of Employment benefits analysis, 86.3 percent of
total compensation in 2006 was wages and salaries followed by insurance contributions
(9.1 percent) and retirement plans (4.6 percent). Based on a review of Table 5-69, benefits
paid to employees are expected to vary by contractor/subcontractor and status of full-time
versus part-time positions.
5.4.3 Housing Impact Analysis
Rule I Section 7(iv) – An analysis of housing facilities by type, including a quantitative evaluation of
the number of units in the area and a discussion of vacancy rates, costs, and rental rates of the units.
The analysis should include geographic location, including a quantitative evaluation of the number of
units in the area required by the construction and operation of the proposed industrial facility and a
discussion of the effects of the proposed industrial facility on vacancy rates, costs, and rental rates of
the units. Specific housing programs proposed by the applicant should be described in detail.
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The construction phase of the Project would be concentrated during a relatively short period
between April and October 2010. For purposes of this housing analysis, a number of
assumptions are made regarding the proportion of workers likely to come from outside the
study area. The proportion of nonlocal workers will vary over the construction period
because the mix of labor categories or skills will vary. During the period of intense
construction activity between April and October 2010, the percent of the total workforce
comprised of nonlocal workers could vary between 76 and 82 percent on a monthly basis.
5.4.3.1 Number of Units Required
Estimates of selected characteristics of the peak-month workforce are shown in
Table 5-70. It is estimated that a total of 243 single, nonlocal construction workers could
relocate to the area of site influence during the peak month. Nonlocal workers are not
expected to be accompanied by family members, and it is assumed that all workers would
secure temporary accommodations for the duration of their involvement in the Project.
TABLE 5-70
Estimate of Local and Nonlocal Construction Worker Breakdown During Peak Month
Peak Monthly Workforce 299
Local Workers 56
Nonlocal Workers 243
Nonlocal Workers Bringing Families 0
Nonlocal Single Workers 243
Average Household Size 2.4
Estimated Number of Accompanying Family Members 0
Estimated Number of Children Relocating 0
Total Persons Re-locating at Peak (including families)

243
Housing Requirement
Permanent housing units 0
Temporary accommodation units* 213
Recreational Vehicle Spaces 15
Apartments and Rental Mobile Homes 10
Single-Family Residence Rentals 29
Hotel and Motel Rooms 158
* Total may not sum due to rounding
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
It is assumed that one quarter of the single, nonlocal workers will share temporary
accommodation units such as hotel/motel rooms, apartments and mobile homes,
single-family rental houses, or RVs (i.e., double-occupancy). The remaining three quarters
would occupy units singly. The aggregate demand for accommodations created by the
nonlocal workers could total 213 units. The manner in which demand for temporary
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accommodation units (by type) would vary over the construction period is exhibited in
Figure 5-70. The demand for housing units is disaggregated into the four different types of
units, based on patterns observed during the construction phases of recently-completed
wind energy projects in Carbon County. Following are the shares: 7.2 percent for RVs,
4.8 percent for apartments and rental mobile homes, 13.7 percent for rental single-family
homes, and 74.4 percent for hotel and motel rooms.
0.0
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Hotel/Motel Single Family House Apartment/Mobile Home RV

FIGURE 5-70
Temporary Accommodation Units (by Type) Required to House Nonlocal Construction Workers

It is estimated that the largest share of the demand for temporary accommodation units
would occur in Laramie in Albany County (65 percent), followed by Rawlins in Carbon
County (22 percent) since these communities contain much of the potential supply and are
the largest communities located within a daily commute distance.
5.4.3.2 Construction Workforce Housing Plan
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(F) - Housing. Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating
social or economic environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may
result from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and proposals shall cover housing.
PacifiCorp is committed to making housing plan options available to the temporary
construction workers employed during the Project’s period of construction from
September 2009 until October 2010. Due to the variety of the housing options and locations
within commuting distance of the site, the housing market analysis suggests that there will
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not be a housing shortage for the nonlocal work force. PacifiCorp is also committed to
assisting in the provision of transportation for workers from concentrated work force
locations.
To accomplish a successful and implementable housing plan, PacifiCorp conducted an
extensive housing market inventory of temporary housing resources in the area of site
influence. Housing availability was determined by compiling a listing of temporary housing
providers in Carbon and Albany counties. Individual and follow-up phone calls and emails
were conducted in 2009 to document a number of temporary housing options, variables,
negotiated costs, and commitments.
Based on the results of temporary housing market analysis, the Dunlap Ranch Wind Energy
Project housing plan sought to obtain a variety of housing options at different lease terms
and price points for motels/hotel rooms. In addition, PacifiCorp sought to obtain housing
options for the monthly estimates of nonlocal workers. Table 5-71 lists the commitments
made by hotels and motels to provide accommodations, by location. The letters and e-mails
received by PacifiCorp are contained in Appendix E.
TABLE 5-71
Dunlap Ranch Housing Plan Commitments by Facility and Location (for Peak-Month Demand)
Hotel/Motel Location Supply (available units)
Best Value Inn Rawlins 40
Best Western – Cottontree Rawlins 75
Comfort Inn Laramie 5
Days Inn Laramie 30
Days Inn Rawlins 20
Hampton Inn Laramie 40
Hampton Inn Rawlins 45
Homewood Suites Rock Springs 20
Howard Johnson Laramie 6
Oaktree Inn of Rawlins Rawlins 32
Oaktree Inn Green River 10
Ramada – Center Hotel Laramie 25
Trampas Lodge Medicine Bow 10
Total 358
Source: PacifiCorp, 2009.
PacifiCorp received letters of intent to provide accommodations from the managers of
hotels and motels for rooms capable of accommodating almost 360 persons (assuming single
occupancy). This potential supply of accommodations greatly exceeds the estimated
demand for about 213 units during the peak-demand month.
5.4.3.3 Effects on Vacancy Rates of Local Hotel/Motels, Recreational Vehicles, and Apartments
The supply of temporary accommodations in the study area includes hotel and motel
rooms, apartments, single-family rental housing units, rental mobile homes, and RV spaces
located in RV parks. Estimates of the available supply of each type of accommodation are
shown in Table 5-72, along with the demand generated by the nonlocal workers associated
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with the Project. The number of potentially available units is derived from applying the
vacancy rates shown to the total number of each type of unit in the study area. The tightness
of the rental housing market in the study area is evident from the vacancy rates. There is
more than adequate housing to meet the needs of the nonlocal workers.
TABLE 5-72
Potentially Available Temporary Accommodations
Type of Rental Housing
Number of
Accommodation
Units Required
by Project
During Peak
Month (Demand)
Number of
Accommodation
Units in Study
Area
Vacancy
Rate
Number of
Available
Accommodation
Units in Study
Area (Supply)
Housing
Gap
(Supply
minus
Demand)
Recreational Vehicle Spaces 15 388 5% 19 +4
Apartment and Rental Mobile Home 10 5,616 2.5% 140 +130
Single Family House Rental Unit 29 3,352 2.5% 84 +55
Hotel/Motel Rooms 158 3,127 20% 625 +467
TOTAL 213 12,483 869 +656
Note: + indicates a surplus of housing units.
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
Implementation of the Project would reduce housing vacancy rates as the demand absorbs a
fraction of the available units. Table 5-73 shows estimates of vacancy rates, by type of
accommodation unit, prior to and during the period of peak construction activity of the
Project.
TABLE 5-73
Housing Vacancy Rate Prior to and During Project Construction
Type of Rental Housing Prior to Implementation
of Project
At Peak Construction
of Project
Recreational Vehicle Spaces 5% 1.1%
Apartment and Rental Mobile
Homes
2.5%
2.3%
Single-Family House Rental Units 2.5% 1.6%
Hotel/Motel Rooms 20% 14.9%
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
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Given the letters of intent to provide accommodations secured by PacifiCorp regarding
available hotel/motel rooms, and the available supply of other types of temporary
accommodations in Albany and Carbon counties, the likely demand for 213 accommodation
units would be satisfied.
5.4.4 Public Safety
5.4.4.1 Law Enforcement
LOS ratios for major law enforcement agencies within the study area range from 1.9 to
4.4 officers per 1,000 residents. The national value is 2.3. Should the level of service in the
study area currently provided to the residents remain unchanged, the addition of almost
250 persons (even temporarily) could increase the need for one law enforcement officer over
the duration of construction activity. This would comprise an increase of about 1 percent
over current staffing levels.
With index crime rates ranging between 136 and 503 per 10,000 residents in the numerous
law enforcement service areas of Albany and Carbon counties, the addition of construction
workers could account for an increase of about 8 index crimes annually, or an increase of
between 1 and 2 percent above current levels.
The proposed Project site would be accessed from WYO 487, a two-lane, paved highway
originating in Medicine Bow and terminating at its intersection with WYO 220 between
Alcova and Casper. It is anticipated that calls for law enforcement services could be
responded to by the Carbon County Sheriff and, possibly, the Albany County Sheriff. In this
manner, potential impacts that could impair the health, safety, or welfare of Project
personnel or residents of the area primarily affected by the Project would be avoided.
5.4.4.2 Fire Protection
The influx of about 250 temporary residents associated with peak construction activity of
the Project would have a negligible effect on the existing LOS provided by fire protection
agencies. The LOS ratios for full-time paid firefighters in Albany and Carbon counties are
2.6 and 3.0 per 1,000 residents, respectively. Should the LOS in the study area currently
provided to the residents remain unchanged, the addition of about 250 nonlocal
construction workers (even temporarily) could increase the need for one firefighter over
the duration of construction activity. Such an increase would comprise an increase of about
1 percent over current staffing levels. As is the case with law enforcement, access to the
Project site would be via WYO 487 from Medicine Bow. The closest service provider would
be the Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire Department, which has 11 volunteers and provides
emergency medical services. PacifiCorp will proactively coordinate with fire departments
likely to provide service, if needed, to minimize fire safety hazards, coordinate response
efforts, and effectively train PacifiCorp and subcontracting personnel in fire safety issues.
5.4.5 Municipal Services
It is expected that nonlocal construction workers would reside in existing hotel/motels, at
established RV parks, and in single-family rental houses, mobile homes, and apartments in
the area of site influence. The addition of about 250 peak-month temporary residents would
not increase the number of accommodation units in the area of site influence. The additional
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temporary population could increase the demand for municipal services such as water,
wastewater, and solid waste. However, such a modest increase for this short duration
would have negligible effects on the provision of these services.
5.4.5.1 Solid Waste
The EPA publishes information on the generation and disposal of waste in the nation.
Total municipal solid waste generation in 2006 was 251 million tons (EPA, 2007). However,
82 million tons of the materials were recycled (i.e., 32.5 percent). Organic materials were the
largest component of the municipal solid waste stream: specifically, paper and paperboard
products accounted for 34 percent, with yard trimmings and food scraps accounting for
12.9 and 12.4 percent, respectively (EPA, 2007). Plastics comprised 12 percent; metals made
up 8 percent; and rubber, leather, and textiles accounted for 7 percent. Wood waste
accounted for 6 percent, glass 5 percent, and other miscellaneous wastes made up
approximately 3 percent. Based on this information, an average of 4.6 pounds of municipal
waste were generated per person per day, and 1.5 pounds of individual waste generation
were recycled nation-wide in 2006 (EPA, 2007). In the case of Carbon County, daily
municipal solid waste generation is 5.4 pounds per person, and in Albany County the
corresponding quantity was 4.4 pounds.
Municipal Solid Waste Materials. For the purposes of this analysis, we assume that workers
will be onsite 10 hours a day, 7 days a week and that there will be no yard trimmings or
recycling. To calculate potential personal waste volumes generated by the onsite workforce,
the 5.4 pounds of waste per person per day was prorated by dividing the construction
person daily hours onsite and multiplying by the average daily waste volume (minus the
12.9 percent attributable to yard trimmings). The resulting assumption is that each nonlocal
construction employee will generate approximately 1.9 pounds of waste per day. However,
due to the lack of yard waste and other durable and nondurable wastes generated on a daily
basis, the 1.9 pounds per person per day likely represents a significant overestimation. In
addition, if recycling of plastic and aluminum is implemented, the pounds per day of waste
generation would be further reduced.
Based on the 1.6 pounds per person per day of waste generation, at the peak nonlocal
worker employment of about 250 onsite workers, the average daily waste volume would be
approximately 475 pounds per day. Therefore, during the peak construction month,
approximately 14,300 pounds of noncompacted municipal solid waste could be generated.
This quantity represents a fraction of 1 percent of municipal solid waste generated in the
study area monthly.
Construction Waste Materials. During construction activities, solid waste materials
(e.g., excess construction materials) would be generated. Construction wastes primarily
would consist of packaging material associated with each WTG. Other potential wastes may
include erosion control materials, such as straw bales, silt fencing, and scrap steel. When
feasible, these construction wastes will be recycled. Steel scrap will be separated and
recycled to the extent feasible. Wood from concrete forms will be reused when possible and
then recycled. Estimates of the types and quantities of waste materials generated during the
construction period are presented in Table 5-74.
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TABLE 5-74
Description of Estimated Construction Waste Materials for Each Wind Turbine Generator
Component Description Dimensions Estimated Volume
Uncompacted
Loose Refuse
Conversion*
(300-600 pounds /
cubic yard**) in
pounds
Down Town Assembly
(DTA) Components
Electrical Simplification
System (ESS) cabinet
will be in a wooden
plywood crate with
pallet bottom.
8’ x 3.5’ x 8.3” 8.6 cubic yards (if
not compacted)
3,870
ESS cabinet will be
wrapped in a Vapor
Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI)
bag.
8’ x 4’ x 8.2’ ~ .004” thick 9.7 cubic yards (if
not compacted)
4,365
ESS cabinet exhaust
fan in a wooden
plywood crate with
pallet bottom.
2.8’ x 2.7’ x 1.4’ 0.40 cubic yards (if
not compacted)
180
ESS platform may be in
a wooden plywood crate
with pallet bottom.
8’ x 8’ x 2.5’ 5.9 cubic yards (if
not compacted)
2,655
Towers Sections (Base,
Mid, Top)
Each tower section will
have tarps on each end.
The tarps are handled
as “shipping fixtures”
and are returned to
suppliers.
N/A No solid waste.
Shipping fixtures
are returned to
suppliers.
N/A
Machine Head Shipping fixture to be
returned to factory.
N/A No solid waste N/A
Hub Hubs are shipped with
shrink wrap
0.5 cubic yard when
removed.
0.5 cubic yard 225
Blades Shipping fixtures to be
returned to factory.
N/A No solid waste N/A
Parts Shipped Loose Parts ship loose
includes bus bar kits,
bolts, etc. In addition,
there will be smaller
cardboard boxes, plastic
wrap and miscellaneous
packaging materials on
smaller items.
Bolts are in wooden
crates 3’ x 3’ x 2’
0.75 cubic yard (if
not compacted).
338
** Assume average of 450 pounds for calculation conversion ([300 + 600] / 2 = 450)
Source: EPA, 2008.
Portable toilets will be provided for onsite sewage handling during construction and will be
pumped and cleaned regularly by the construction contractor. No other wastewater will be
generated during construction. Lastly, any quantities of solid waste materials generated by
activities at the Project site will be disposed of in an appropriate manner at suitable disposal
sites.
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5.4.5.2 Hazardous Wastes
Any hazardous materials will be used in a manner that is protective of human health and
the environment, will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and
regulations, and will be disposed of at appropriate, licensed facilities. Accidental releases of
hazardous materials (e.g., vehicle fuel during construction) will be prevented or minimized
through proper containment of these substances during use and transportation to the site.
Any oily waste, rags, or dirty or hazardous solid waste will be collected in sealable drums
and removed for recycling or disposal by a licensed contractor.
In the unlikely event of an accidental hazardous materials release, any spill or release will be
cleaned up and the contaminated soil or other materials disposed of and treated according
to applicable regulations. Spill kits, containing items such as absorbent pads, will be located
on equipment and in temporary storage facilities onsite to respond to accidental spills, if any
were to occur. Employees handling hazardous materials will be instructed in the proper
handling and storage of these materials as well as where spill kits are located. The balance of
plant general contractor will be responsible for obtaining approval of a spill-prevention and
counter-measures control plan.
5.4.6 Transportation
A traffic analysis has been conducted to estimate the anticipated trips generated by
Phase I of the Project and to determine any potential operational impacts to the adjacent
roadway network by the Project during the construction and operations periods. The
following analysis documents the traffic analysis process along with its assumptions and
conclusions.
In order to assess the potential traffic impacts associated with the proposed Project, existing
and future traffic conditions were analyzed both with and without the project for three time
periods: existing (2009), construction (2010), and operations (2011). The Institute of
Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation Manual, the Federal Highway Administration’s
Highway Capacity Manual, and the WYDOT planning department were used as resources for
this analysis.
The operating conditions, or Level of Service (LOS), provided by the highways and
their intersections were assessed using Highway Capacity Manual two-lane highway and
unsignalized intersection methodologies. LOS is a term used to qualitatively describe
operating conditions in a traffic stream and motorists’ perceptions of those conditions. Six
LOS classifications are given a letter designation from A to F, with A representing the best
operating conditions and F the worst. LOS D is typically considered desirable for peak-hour
operations.
For two-lane highways, LOS is defined in terms of average travel speed and percent time
spent following another vehicle. U.S. 30/287 is multi-lane for part of the segment between
Laramie and Medicine Bow; however, the two-lane section closer to Medicine Bow
represents the worst-case scenario for evaluating traffic operations. For unsignalized
intersections, LOS is defined in terms of average delay per vehicle for the stop-controlled
movements. The method incorporates delay associated with deceleration, acceleration,
stopping, and moving up in the queue. For side street stop-controlled intersections, delay is
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typically represented in seconds for each movement from the minor approaches and the left
turns from the major street.
5.4.6.1 Existing Peak-Hour Levels of Service
Volumes and roadway/intersection geometries are inputs to the analysis methodologies.
WYDOT provided 2006 and 2016 average daily traffic volumes and truck percentages for
the highways. An annual growth factor was calculated from these two volumes and applied
to the 2006 volumes to determine the 2009 existing volumes. The peak-hour is estimated to
be ten percent of the daily volume for all roadways. Based on this assumption, the peak
hour volume on the highways will be the same for both the morning and evening peak
hour. Therefore, one peak hour is analyzed for the highway operations.
For the U.S. 30/287 intersection with WYO 487, turning movement counts were estimated
based on an assumed distribution of 70 percent to Laramie and 30 percent to Hanna.
Turning movement counts were also estimated for the U.S. 30/287 intersection with
WYO 72. The two private road intersections with WYO 487 do not currently exist, so they
are not included in the existing or background analyses. The turning movements for this
intersection consist solely of Project traffic.
Table 5-75 shows the existing highway and intersection volumes and corresponding LOS.
The intersection LOS is shown for both morning and evening peak hours. All of the facilities
operate at very desirable levels of service during the peak hours. On the highways, the
average travel speed is relatively high and the percent time spent following another vehicle
correspondingly low. At the intersections, the left turning movements experience an
average delay of less than ten seconds per vehicle. Hence, there were no roadways or
intersections identified in the vicinity of the project that are presently over capacity.
TABLE 5-75
Existing Peak Hour Operating Conditions (Year 2009)
Facility
Highways
Average
Daily Volume
Peak-Hour
Volume
Percent
Trucks
Peak-Hour
LOS
U.S. 30/287 900 89 15 A
WYO 72 790 79 5 A
WYO 487 670 67 10 A
Intersections
U.S. 30 and WYO 487
Southbound Left N/A 23/23 10 A/A
Eastbound Left N/A 10/10 15 A/A
U.S. 30 and WYO 72
Westbound Left 5/5 15 A/A
Eastbound Left 5/5 15 A/A
Northbound Left 5/5 5 A/A
Southbound Left 5/5 5 A/A
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
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5.4.6.2 Construction Periods Peak Hour Levels of Service
The potentially affected highways and intersections were analyzed with and without
the project to determine impacts to the facilities due to the construction project. The
construction will occur in 2009 and 2010, so the analysis uses 2010 as a worst case scenario
for analysis. The two proposed intersections to access the Project site currently exist;
however, they are unimproved roads that do not experience much demand and the analysis
assumes no regular traffic turning through them in the peak hours. Therefore, they are not
included in the background analysis.
Background Analysis. The highway volumes were grown by the same annual growth rate to
obtain 2010 background volumes. The analysis assumes the highway truck percentage does
not grow. Table 5-76 shows the 2010 background highway and intersection volumes and
corresponding LOS. The intersection LOS is shown for both morning and evening peak
hours.
TABLE 5-76
Construction Peak Hour Background Operating Conditions (Year 2010)
Facility Highways Average Daily
Volume
Peak Hour Volume Percent Trucks Peak-Hour LOS
Highways
U.S. 30/287 910 90 15 A
WYO 72 810 81 5 A
WYO 487 680 68 10 A
Intersections
U.S. 30 and
WYO 487

Southbound Left N/A 24/24 10 A/A
Eastbound Left N/A 11/11 15 A/A
U.S. 30 and
WYO 72

Westbound Left 5/5 15 A/A
Eastbound Left 5/5 15 A/A
Northbound Left 5/5 5 A/A
Southbound Left 5/5 5 A/A
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
All of the facilities operate at very desirable levels of service during the peak hours. On the
highways, the average travel speed is relatively high and the percent time spent following
another vehicle correspondingly low. At the intersections, the left turning movements
experience an average delay of ten seconds or less per vehicle. The volumes and operations
are similar to the existing condition because the background volume growth is minimal over
this one year period.
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Total Analysis. Adding the site generated traffic to the background traffic yields the volumes
for the analysis of the construction period with the Project. The following discusses the
assumptions used in the calculation of the additional highway and turn movement volumes
due to the construction project.
Construction Personnel
Construction of the Project is expected to employ 260 construction workers during
month 9.The trip generation and distribution process used the following assumptions to
calculate the additional highway and turn movement volumes generated by these workers:
• Construction will occur in one shift during the day.
• The work week is 6 days.
• The workers all arrive in the morning peak hour and depart in the evening peak hour.
• Personnel will not leave the site during the shift.
• The average vehicle occupancy is 1.3 people per vehicle (ITE Trip Generation Manual).
Construction Trucks
Approximately 9,327 trucks are expected to make deliveries to the construction site during
the construction period. Table 5-77 summarizes the expected delivery schedule and
maximum number of trucks per type of delivery. The expected number of trips during the
peak hour is based on the month in which the most activities overlap (month 9) and not an
aggregate total because not all types of deliveries will occur in the same month (reference
the “Month in Schedule” column in Table 5-77). Deliveries are assumed to occur during
peak hours as well as hours throughout the day in between the peak hours. To represent a
worst-case scenario for analysis purposes, if one type of delivery only occurs a few times per
day, it is assumed to occur during the peak hours. Thus, May 2010 (month 9) generates 303
daily truck trips and 103 total peak hour (59 morning and 44 evening) trips.
TABLE 5-77
Projected Construction Trucks
Number of Daily
Number of Peak
Hour Truck Trips
2

Truck by
Type of Delivery
Month in
Schedule
Total Number
of Trucks Truck Trips
1
AM PM
Turbine Components 8,9,10 660 40 16 16
Turbine Foundation
Concrete Components 8,9 1565 66 8 8
Water for Turbine
Foundations 9,10 166 8 2 0
Gravel for Roads 7,8,9 3227 90 10 10
Water for Roads 8,9 675 28 4 4
Water for Gravel Crushing 8,9 23 2 2 0
Fuel 7,8,9,10,11,12 450 6 2 0
Pad Transformers 8 25 2 2 0
Batch Plant 7 9 4 2 0
Substation Concrete 8 70 36 4 0
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TABLE 5-77
Projected Construction Trucks
Number of Daily
Number of Peak
Hour Truck Trips
2

Truck by
Type of Delivery
Month in
Schedule
Total Number
of Trucks Truck Trips
1
AM PM
Substation Equipment 9 7 7 7 0
Substation Steel and
Transformers 9 17 34 4 4
Transmission Lines 8,9 28 2 2 0
Heavy Equipment
Mobilization 7 52 18 2 0
Pick-Up Truck Deliveries 2-12 2350 20 2 2
Total 9,327 363 69 44
1
Assumes 10-hour work day, 6 days per week, 4.3 weeks per month.
2
With exception of heavy equipment deliveries, assumes each truck goes to site and back again in same hour.

These assumptions for personnel and trucks result in the estimation of 199 additional cars
traveling to the project site on WYO 487 north of the U.S. 30/287 intersection during each
peak hour. In the morning peak hour, an additional 59 trucks travel on this highway and
an additional 44 in the evening peak hour. East of the intersection, an additional 136 cars
and 39 trucks travel on U.S. 30/287 during the morning peak hour along with 136 cars and
32 trucks during the evening peak hour. West of the intersection, an additional 63 cars
and 20 trucks travel on U.S. 30/287 during the morning peak hour along with 63 cars and
14 trucks during the evening peak hour. In addition, one concrete truck per peak hour is
assumed to travel on WYO 487 between the two access intersections to deliver concrete from
the batch plant to the turbine locations on the west side of the highway.
Table 5-78 shows the 2010 total highway and intersection volumes and corresponding LOS.
The distribution of personnel and truck trip origins results in different volumes on
U.S. 30/287 on either side of the WYO 487 intersection, so levels of service are shown for
two sections of this highway. The truck percentage increases because the highways
experience truck travel generated by the construction project. Two truck percentages are
shown for the left turn movements in cases where the percent varies between the morning
and evening peak hours. The intersection LOS is shown for both morning and evening peak
hours.
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TABLE 5-78
Construction Peak Hour Total Operating Conditions (Year 2010)
Facility Average Daily
Volume
Peak Hour
Volume
Percent
Trucks
Peak Hour
LOS
Highways
U.S. 30/287 1340 265 18 C Laramie to
Medicine Bow
U.S. 30/287 1130 175 17 C Rawlins to
Medicine Bow
WYO 72 1130 80 5 A
WYO 487 1325 325 20 C
Intersections
U.S. 30 and WYO 487
Southbound Left N/A 40/176 48/11 B/B
Eastbound Left N/A 10/6 13/41 A/A
WYO 487 and North
Private Road Access

Eastbound Left 0/1 0/0 A/A
Northbound Left 63/4 6/100 A/A
WYO 487 and South
Private Road Access

Westbound Left 23/159 100/12 A/A
Southbound Left 1/1 100/100 A/B
US 30 and WYO 72
Westbound Left 5/6 15 A/A
Eastbound Left 5/5 15 A/A
Northbound Left 5/5 5 B/B
Southbound Left 5/5 5 B/B
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
At the U.S. 30/287 and WYO 487 intersection, the southbound left experiences an increase
in average delay of three seconds. Since the background conditions experienced a delay
close to the LOS A/B threshold, this minimal average increase in delay results in a drop
in level of service for this movement. This increased delay results from the additional
construction-generated vehicles in the eastbound to northbound left turn movement in
the peak hours and reducing the available number of gaps through which to turn. The
northbound and southbound left turn movements at the U.S. 30/287 intersection with
WYO 72 experience an additional delay of less than one second on average with the
additional construction traffic. Like the WYO 487 intersection, the background conditions
for these two left turn movements experienced a delay close to the LOS A/B threshold and
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therefore, this minimal average increase in delay results in a drop in level of service for
these movements from WYO 72 to U.S. 30/287 during peak hours. These turn movement
volumes were also estimated due to lack of available counts, so if the movements are
actually lower in volume, then this increase in delay may not be realized.
5.4.6.3 Operations Periods Peak Hour Levels of Service
The potentially affected highway was analyzed with and without the project to determine
impacts to WYO 487 due to the operations once construction is complete and operations
begin in 2011. The WYO 487 intersection with the south private road access will be used
during the operations period. This intersection currently exists; however, it is an
unimproved road that does not experience much demand and the analysis assumes no
regular traffic turning through it in the peak hours. Therefore, it is not included in the
background analysis.
Background Analysis. The highway volume was grown by the same annual growth rate
to obtain 2011 background volumes. It is assumed the truck percentage does not grow.
Table 5-79 shows the 2011 background highway volume and corresponding LOS.
TABLE 5-79
Operations Peak Hour Background Operating Conditions (Year 2011)
Facility Average Daily
Volume
Peak Hour
Volume
Percent
Trucks
Peak Hour
LOS
Highway
WYO 487 690 69 5 A
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
The facility operates at a very desirable level of service during the peak hour. On the
highway, the average travel speed is relatively high and the percent time spent following
another vehicle correspondingly low. The WYO 487 volume and operation is similar to the
existing and construction background conditions because the background volume growth is
minimal over this two year period.
Total Analysis - Adding the site generated traffic to the background traffic yields the
volumes for the analysis of the operations period with the Project. The trip generation and
distribution process used the following assumptions to calculate the additional highway
and turn movement volumes due to the operation of the first two phases of the Project:
• Work force will operate in one nine-hour shift.
• All personnel will travel in their own vehicles to the project site.
• Personnel will not leave the site during the shift.
• One truck delivery, or two truck trips, will occur in each peak hour.
• All truck trips are distributed to the east of Medicine Bow.
The analysis assumes one truck will make package deliveries during each of the peak hours
once construction is complete. Thus, deliveries to the site will generate 2 truck trips in each
peak hour or 4 daily truck trips once operations commence. Ten personnel will work at the
site. These assumptions result in the estimation of 10 additional cars and one truck traveling
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to the project site on WYO 487 and through the WYO 487 intersection with the private road
access in each peak hour. The truck will also travel on U.S. 30/287 east of Medicine Bow. No
operations analysis was performed for this highway or its intersection with WYO 487 since
the background condition indicates there is excess capacity to accommodate one additional
truck.
Table 5-80 shows the 2011 total highway and intersection volumes and corresponding LOS.
The intersection LOS is shown for both morning and evening peak hours. Like the
background scenario, the analysis assumes WYO 72 will not be used to access the project
site during the operations period.
TABLE 5-80
Operations Peak Hour Background Operating Conditions (Year 2011)
Facility Average Daily
Volume
Peak Hour
Volume
Percent
Trucks
Peak Hour
LOS
Highway
WYO 487 715 81 11 A
Intersections
WYO 487and Private
Road South Access

Westbound Left N/A 2/12 100/17 A/A
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.
All of the facilities operate at desirable levels of service during the peak hours. WYO
487 does not experience a degradation in LOS. Thus, additional volume generated by the
first phase of the Project operations does not degrade the operational performance of this
roadway facility adjacent to the Project site.
Conclusion
U.S. 30/287 and WYO 487 will experience a decrease in peak-hour operational performance
during the construction periods. This will be a temporary decrease from LOS A to C for two
hours a day during the peak construction period. However, LOS C is still a desirable
operating condition for the peak hours.
During the peak construction period, the southbound left turn movement at the
U.S. 30/287 and WYO 487 intersection will experience an increase in average delay of three
seconds per vehicle due to the traffic on U.S. 30/287 generated by the construction of the
Project. Both the northbound and southbound left turn movements at the U.S. 30/287 and
WYO 72 intersection will also experience a temporary increase in average delay due to the
traffic generated by the construction of the Project (if these estimated turn movement
volumes are actually less, then the increase in delay may not be realized). Once the
construction is complete, the level of service with the operations-generated traffic will
remain the same as the background condition for these turn movements. Thus, no
improvements are recommended to the existing roadway facilities. The proposed
intersection with the private roads and WYO 487 should be constructed in compliance with
WYDOT standards for un-signalized highway intersections.
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5.4.7 Taxes
Rule I Section (7)(vii) – A fiscal analysis over the projection period for all local governments and
special districts identified by the applicant as primarily affected by the proposed industrial facility,
including revenue structure, expenditure levels, mill levies, services provided through public
financing, and the problems in providing public services.
The benefits related to the Project from a tax perspective would occur based primarily on
the ad valorem taxes that would be collected over the life of the Project. In addition, in
conjunction with associated ancillary activities, as discussed below, state and local tax
revenues would be generated especially during construction of the proposed facility.
Although some of these tax revenues will be distributed on a local level, the state controls
such distribution.
5.4.7.1 Ad Valorem Taxes
Rule I Section (7)(vii)(B) – An estimate of the cost of components of the industrial facility, which
will be included in the assessed value of the industrial facility for purposes of ad valorem taxes for
both the construction and operations periods. This estimate should include a breakdown by county if
the components of the industrial facility will be located in more than one county.
Ad valorem taxes support a variety of county and municipal operations including airports,
fire protection, hospitals, libraries, museums, public health, recreational systems, special
districts, and education. Assessed property values are the basis for ad valorem taxes.
Property values related to the Project are determined annually on a centralized basis by the
State Department of Revenue (the Department).
It is the Department’s role to estimate the fair market value (FMV) of the improved facility,
which includes the value of the land and improvements. It is the owner’s responsibility to
provide the Department with all necessary information enabling them to make this
determination. Developments are taxable prior to their completion and operation, especially
in the case of multiyear construction schedules. Under such circumstances, the owner
provides the Department with cumulative construction costs that are then incorporated into
their appraisal.
After the Department determines the FMV of the industrial development, the assessed value
is stated as 11.5 percent of this value. The assessed value is then allocated to the county
within which the Project is located which then applies the property tax levy (for the tax
district within which the Project is located) to calculate the annual property taxes due.
The proposed site is located in rural Carbon County where the 2009 tax levy is 57.057 mills.
Thus for every $1,000 of assessed value of real property (land and improvements), Carbon
County will levy property taxes of $57.057 annually. The property tax revenues received by
the county are distributed across a number of taxing entities as shown in Table 5-81 with
the majority supporting public education.
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TABLE 5-81
2009 Tax Levy Distribution for Rural Carbon County
Taxing Entity % of Mileage
State Tax:
State School Fund 12.000
County Tax:
County General Fund 10.794
County Fair 0.118
County Library 0.765
County Hospital 0.000
County Museum 0.199
County Bond Redemption Fund 0.000
County Interest Redemption Fund 0.000
Jeffrey Center Fund 0.124
Weed and Pest Tax:
Carbon County Wed and Pest Control District 0.957
County Wide School Levy 6.000
Total State and County Levy 30.957
County School District No. 2 Special School Taxes 26.100
Total Levies 57.057
Source: Carbon County Assessor Office, 2009.

Project Ad Valorem Tax Estimate
It is estimated by PacifiCorp that ad valorem property taxes of approximately $1,270,000 (See
Section 1, Table 1-4) would be payable to Carbon County in the first full operational year of
the Project These taxes levied against the property would comprise almost 2 percent of all
property taxes levied in Carbon County in 2008.
5.4.7.2 Sales, Use, and Lodging Taxes
Rule I Section 7(vii)(A) – An estimate of the cost of the industrial facility subject to sales and use
taxes and expected payments by quarter for the construction period. This estimate should include a
breakdown by county if the components of the industrial facility will be located in more than one
county.
The State of Wyoming levies a state sales tax of 4 percent on a wide array of goods and
services purchased within the state. The use tax is a companion to the sales tax and is
imposed upon goods purchased tax-free outside Wyoming for use in Wyoming. Collected
taxes are shared between the state (69 percent) and counties (31 percent). Counties can levy
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additional sales and use taxes: general purpose option tax of 1 percent, specific purpose
option tax of 1 percent, and lodging tax of up to 4 percent on hotel and motel room charges.
Subparagraph 39-15-105-(viii)-(N) of the State of Wyoming statutes addresses activities that
are exempt from state and local sales and use taxes. The section addresses the sale of
equipment used to generate electricity from renewable resources. Renewable resources are
defined to include wind generation, solar, biomass, landfill gas, hydro, hydrogen, and
geothermal energy. The exemption provided by this subparagraph is limited to the
acquisition of equipment used in a project to make it operational up to the point of
interconnection with an existing transmission grid including WTGs, generating equipment,
control and monitoring systems, power lines, substation equipment, lighting, fencing, pipes,
and other equipment for locating power lines and poles. The exemption shall not apply to
tools and other equipment used in construction of a new facility, contracted services
required for construction, and routine maintenance activities and equipment used or
acquired after the project is operational. Based on the above, Project-related expenditures
prior to commercial operation are not expected to result in sales and use taxes.
Local tax revenues would, however, accrue from the sale of goods and services to nonlocal
workers. These purchases would be mostly for meals, recreation and entertainment,
gasoline and automotive service, and lodging. It is possible that tax revenues totaling just
over $250,000 over the 14-month construction period would accrue to Albany and
Carbon counties combined. The sources of these potential tax revenues are shown in
Table 5-82. These estimates are based on the assumption that expenditures by nonlocal
workers are distributed between Albany and Carbon counties in the following proportions:
66 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
TABLE 5-82
Estimate of Tax Revenues Accruing to Local Governments from Nonlocal Worker Expenditures (2009 and 2010)
Quarter Annual
Q3 2009 Q4 2009 2009
Albany County
State Tax $156 $3,766 $3,922
General Purpose Option $126 $3,037 $3,163
Specific Purpose Option $126 $3,037 $3,163
Lodging $410 $9,893 $10,303
Total Local Taxes $817 $19,733 $20,551
Carbon County
State Tax $82 $1,973 $2,054
General Purpose Option $66 $1,591 $1,657
Specific Purpose Option $66 $1,591 $1,657
Lodging $107 $2,591 $2,698
Total Local Taxes $321 $7,746 $8,067
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TABLE 5-82
Estimate of Tax Revenues Accruing to Local Governments from Nonlocal Worker Expenditures (2009 and 2010)
Quarter Annual
Q3 2009 Q4 2009 2009
Study Area
State Tax $238 $5,739 $5,977
General Purpose Option $192 $4,628 $4,820
Specific Purpose Option $192 $4,628 $4,820
Lodging $517 $12,484 $13,001
Total Local Taxes $1,138 $27,479 $28,617

Quarter Annual
Q1 2010 Q2 2010 Q3 2010 Q4 2010 2010
Albany County
State Tax $636 $11,515 $14,203 $4,000 $30,355
General Purpose Option $513 $9,286 $11,454 $3,226 $24,480
Specific Purpose Option $513 $9,286 $11,454 $3,226 $24,480
Lodging $1,671 $30,249 $37,310 $10,509 $79,739
Total Local Taxes $3,333 $60,337 $74,421 $20,962 $159,053
Carbon County
State Tax $333 $6,032 $7,440 $2,096 $15,900
General Purpose Option $269 $4,864 $6,000 $1,690 $12,823
Specific Purpose Option $269 $4,864 $6,000 $1,690 $12,823
Lodging $438 $7,923 $9,772 $2,752 $20,884
Total Local Taxes $1,308 $23,683 $29,211 $8,228 $62,431
Study Area
State Tax $969 $17,547 $21,643 $6,096 $46,255
General Purpose Option $782 $14,151 $17,454 $4,916 $37,303
Specific Purpose Option $782 $14,151 $17,454 $4,916 $37,303
Lodging $2,109 $38,171 $47,082 $13,261 $100,623
Total Local Taxes $4,641 $84,020 $103,633 $29,189 $221,484
Source: CH2M HILL, 2009.

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Lodging Taxes. Lodging tax revenues could accrue to the counties in which Project-related
construction workers temporarily reside and estimates are included in the local tax revenues
reported above. However, it should be borne in mind that: (1) the actual distribution of
construction workers is not known at this time, and (2) the durations of their stays are not
known and lodging taxes are levied only on sleeping accommodations for guests staying
less than 30 days.
5.5 Cumulative Impacts
Rule I Section 7(vi)(I) - Problems due to the transition from temporary construction employees to
operating workforces should be addressed. Changes in levels of services required as a result of the
proposed industrial facility should specifically be addressed. Cumulative impacts of the proposed
industrial facility and other developments in the area of site influence should be addressed separately.
This assessment should examine increased demands associated with the construction and operational
phases of the proposed industrial facility, as well as effects on the level of services as the construction
or operational workforces decline.
Cumulative environmental impacts, as defined in the Industrial Development Information
and Siting Act Rules and Regulations, are the combined impacts upon the environment to
the social or economic conditions resulting from construction and operation of the proposed
industrial facility and from construction and operation of other ongoing or proposed
developments in the area of site influence. Proposed developments to be included in
cumulative impacts include those developments for which there is active planning and
public information available or active permitting.
In addition to the Project, there are currently five projects that are under the jurisdiction of
the ISA that have either been issued or will likely receive a construction permit in Carbon
and Albany counties. These five projects are considered cumulative projects and require
analysis under the ISA. The five industrial projects include:
• Horizon Wind Energy – Simpson Ridge Wind Energy
• PacifiCorp Energy – Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy
• PacifiCorp Energy - High Plains-McFadden Ridge Wind Energy
• Wamsutter LLC - Echo Springs Gas Treatment Plant Expansion
• Medicine Bow Fuel and Power – Coal to Liquids Project (DKRW).
A brief description of each project is provided below, along with a workforce schedule.
5.5.1 Horizon Wind Energy – Simpson Ridge Wind Energy
In December 2008, the applicant conducted an ISD Jurisdictional Meeting to determine if the
proposed Simpson Ridge Wind Farm in Carbon County was under the jurisdiction of the
Wyoming Industrial Development Information and Siting Act. The Project will consist of
three phases of up to 99 MW each. The first two 99 MW Phases will potentially commence
construction in 2010, or be built in consecutive calendar years 2010 and 2011. Phase III is
currently planned for construction in 2011. The number of nonlocal workers associated with
the construction schedule, as currently known, is shown in Table 5-83.
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TABLE 5-83
Simpson Ridge Wind Energy Project – Estimate of Nonlocal Construction Workforce
Year 2010
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
N/A 17 26 70 104 149 239 287 304 256 195 107
Year 2011
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
59 12 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Year 2012
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
N/A 10 17 46 69 94 147 178 187 153 120 67
Year 2013
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
33 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Source: Horizon Wind Energy, 2009.
5.5.2 PacifiCorp Energy – Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy
On February 6, 2008, the Industrial Siting Council (ISC) voted to issue a permit for
PacifiCorp Energy to construct and operate the Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy Project west of
Medicine Bow, Wyoming. The Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy Project began in 2008 and
included construction of 99 MW followed by a second 19.5-MW resource. The balance of the
297 MW in permitted capability could also be developed by PacifiCorp for 2010 or later.
Table 5-84 provides an estimate of the Seven-Mile Hill Project nonlocal construction
workforce.
TABLE 5-84
Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy Project – Estimate of Nonlocal Construction Workforce
Year 2008 2009
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
Nonlocal
Workforce
12 62 74 90 96 162 181 184 171 78 71 21 21
Source: PacifiCorp Energy, 2007.
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PacifiCorp announced 90-percent construction completeness at Seven Mile Hill in
December 2008. Therefore, there is no planned construction that will overlap with the
Project under consideration here.
5.5.3 PacifiCorp Energy – High Plains-McFadden Ridge Wind Energy
On September 11, 2008, the ISC voted to issue a permit for PacifiCorp Energy to construct
and operate the High Plains and McFadden Ridge Wind Energy Projects in western Albany
County. Construction will consist of the 99-MW High Plains Phase currently under
construction and the first 28.5 MW of the 88.5-MW McFadden Ridge Phase that is likewise
planned for construction in 2009. Phase III is currently undefined, has not been scheduled
for construction, and is not included in this analysis. Table 5-85 provides an estimate of the
High Plains and McFadden Ridge Projects nonlocal construction workforce.
TABLE 5-85
High Plains – McFadden Ridge Wind Energy Project – Estimate of Nonlocal Construction Workforce
Year 2008
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 13 71 78 98 112 178
Year 2009
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
202 209 226 171 159 129 85 70 70 70 70 34
Year 2010
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
25 17 17 18 57 80 93 102 75 75 23 N/A
Source: PacifiCorp Energy, 2008.
A review of Table 5-85 shows that High Plains and McFadden Ridge will peak in the spring
of 2009 and summer of 2010, respectively. Therefore, construction of Phase II would
coincide with that of Phase I and II of the Project.
5.5.4 Wamsutter LLC – Echo Springs Natural Gas Plant Expansion
On October 29, 2008, the ISC voted to issue a permit for Wamsutter LLC to construct and
operate a fourth turbo expander at its Echo Springs Natural Gas Plant facility in western
Carbon County. Construction is planned to commence in 2009, with completion in
early 2011. Table 5-86 provides an estimate of the Echo Springs Project nonlocal
construction workforce.
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TABLE 5-86
Echo Springs Natural Gas Plant Expansion – Estimate of Nonlocal Construction Workforce
Year 2009
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
N/A N/A 15 25 59 89 93 126 123 138 140 160
Year 2010
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
155 170 165 175 175 170 162 148 130 130 130 120
Year 2011
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate
of
Nonlocal
Workforce
83 24 20 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Source: Wamsutter LLC, 2008.
The Echo Springs project would span approximately 25 months with construction activities
peaking between February and July 2010. With such a schedule, there would be
considerable overlap during 2010 with the Project.
5.5.5 Medicine Bow Fuel and Power – Coal to Liquids
On December 6, 2007, the ISC voted to issue a permit to Medicine Bow Fuel & Power to
construct and operate a coal to liquids facility in eastern Carbon County. Issuance of the
ISC permit occurred on January 16, 2008. Medicine Bow Fuel & Power proposes to
construct a coal-to-liquids (CTL) facility in Carbon County, north of Elk Mountain and
Interstate 80. Construction of the facility is anticipated to begin in 2011 with commercial
operation in 2014. The facility would produce up to 20,000 barrels per day of transportation
fuel and associated energy products.
The current permit expires on January 16, 2010, and the project has not initiated
construction to date. However, the ISC permit was issued for a 2-year period, and based on
ISA statutes, permits are to be issued for a 3-year period. Therefore, it is assumed that
Medicine Bow Fuel & Power will be granted a 1-year extension and, for purposes of this
analysis, it is assumed that construction would commence in January 2011. The estimated
number of nonlocal construction workers for the CTL facility is shown in Table 5-87.
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TABLE 5-87
Medicine Bow Fuel & Power – Estimate of Nonlocal Construction Workforce
Year 2011
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate of
Nonlocal
Workforce
333 333 333 695 695 695 842 842 842 1,014 1,014 1,014
Year 2012
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate of
Nonlocal
Workforce
1,483 1,483 1,483 1,941 1,941 1,941 1,941 1,941 1,941 1,581 1,581 1,581
Year 2013
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Estimate of
Nonlocal
Workforce
2,076 2,076 2,076 1,562 1,562 1,562 941 941 941 360 360 360
Source: SNC Lavalian and Medicine Bow Fuel & Power, 2008.
Based on a construction schedule starting in January 2011, the estimated workforce would
peak in 2013, and there would be considerable overlap with Phase II of the Project during
2012.
Cumulative onsite employment associated with the five cumulative projects and this
Project would peak in September 2012 at 2,429 workers, and of these, it is estimated that
about 2,128 would originate from outside the study area and thus require temporary
accommodations and impact local services. Estimates of the cumulative direct, onsite
workers by month are shown in Figure 5-71; the estimated number of nonlocal workers is
shown in Figure 5-72.
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Seven Mile Hills High Plains - McFadden Ridge Williams-Echo Springs Simpson Ridge DKRW Dunlap Ranch

FIGURE 5-71
Cumulative Number of Onsite Workers, by Month

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2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Seven Mile Hills High Plains - McFadden Ridge Williams-Echo Springs Simpson Ridge DKRW Dunlap Ranch

FIGURE 5-72
Cumulative Number of Nonlocal Workers, by Month
Through the use of LOS ratios, as was done to estimate Project-specific impacts, it is possible
to estimate the number of additional service provider personnel required to meet a potential
increase in demand for services associated with the cumulative projects, while
simultaneously maintaining current quality of service. There could be a sustained level of
1,000 or more nonlocal construction workers present in the study area for 21 consecutive
months from October 2011 through June 2013. A sustained increase of this magnitude in the
number of temporary residents would increase demand for services. The demand could
potentially support about three additional fire fighters, up to four law enforcement officers,
and up to two physicians. The additional temporary residents could also increase the
number of visits to the emergency rooms of local hospitals by about 450 annually. Without
additional professional personnel, the quality of service for existing residents could
decrease.
Other indicators of a potential decline in the quality of life of residents, in the absence of
mitigation measures, could include an increase in the frequency of criminal and antisocial
behavior. An influx of 1,000 temporary residents to the study area could increase the
number of reported index (Part 1) crimes by about 35 (based on current crime rates). There
could also be a rise in arrests for behavior associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
Additional law enforcement officers would provide added police presence and public
visibility, act as a deterrent to criminal activity, and increase the likelihood of arrest, thus
preventing an increase in antisocial behavior.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
ES052008003DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 5-167
One resource area in which cumulative impacts would be most evident is that of housing. It
is likely that, based on current inventories, increased demand for all types of temporary
accommodations would outstrip supply.
A substantial share of basic economic activity in Carbon County and surrounding counties
is related to energy resources. Although no specific information regarding potential
workforce requirements for future energy-related projects is available, their presence could
create a competing demand for appropriately skilled workers, either from the local labor
force or from outside the region. This, in turn, could place increased demand on community
facilities and service providers. Future basic activities are likely to include oil exploration
and extraction, natural gas exploration and extraction, pipeline construction, electric
transmission line construction, wind power generation projects, and uranium exploration
and extraction. These activities would also support additional service-related businesses
and thus further increase the level of growth and development.
5.6 Trade-Off Analysis
The proposed Project is expected to create significant and ongoing tax benefits and a modest
temporary increase in employment throughout the study area and area of site influence. It is
anticipated that Project-related impacts, especially on community services, would be minor
and distributed throughout the area of site influence with the majority occurring in the
Laramie (Albany County) and Rawlins (Carbon County) areas.
Implementation of the Project would create both primary and secondary employment
opportunities, contribute modest growth to the local economy including the service sectors,
and provide a substantial source of revenues for local governments through the collection of
significant ad valorem taxes. The potential for short-term impacts associated with
implementation of the Project on socioeconomic resources would depend in part on the
timing of other construction and mineral extraction activities occurring in the study area.
The major long-term impact of the Project would be the additional revenue collected by the
state and distributed to Carbon County through increased ad valorem taxes. The increased ad
valorem tax revenues would be distributed by the state and counties for schools, roads, and
other community infrastructure. Further expansion of energy-related resources in the region
will continue to add jobs to the growing economies and generate additional tax revenues.
5.6.1 Beneficial and Adverse Impacts
The proposed Project is expected to create long-term tax benefits mainly to Carbon County
and a modest increase in employment. Project-related impacts, especially on community
services, would be small and distributed across the communities in the area of site influence.
The Project would have the following benefits to local communities and counties
comprising the study area and area of site influence:
• The creation of just about 270 FTE direct jobs over the 7 months covering most of the
construction activity in 2010. About 25 percent of these jobs would be filled by local
workers.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
ES052008003DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 5-168
• The creation, during the construction of about 144 temporary secondary FTE jobs during
2010.
• The creation of a total of 11 direct jobs annually attributable to operations and
maintenance and a total number of jobs in the regional economy of 17.
• Ad valorem (property) taxes accruing to Carbon County would increase as a result of an
increase in the fair market value (and assessed value) of the real property comprising the
Project site. Ad valorem taxes would total over $1.27 million annually when the project is
fully operational.
• Sales tax revenues attributable to the Project could total about $220,000 over the period
2009 through 2010, accruing more to Albany County than Carbon County.
• Temporary construction workers are expected to reside in local hotels and motels. It is
likely, depending on their length of stay, that Carbon and Albany counties could gain
revenues from the lodging tax levied on room expenditures.
5.6.2 Impacts to Community Services
During construction of the Project, the number of nonlocal workers entering the area
temporarily could peak at 243. Only a small proportion (if any) of these workers would be
accompanied by family members or occupy permanent housing. The potential impacts this
inflow of persons would have on community services in the area of site influence would be
small. Their short-term presence would not have significant impacts on law enforcement,
fire protection, health care, or municipal services.
U.S. 30/287 and WYO 487 will experience a temporary decrease in peak-hour operational
performance for two hours a day during the peak construction period. However, the level of
service would remain a desirable operating condition for the peak hours.
During the peak construction period, the southbound left turn movement at the
U.S. 30/287 and WYO 487 intersection will experience an increase in average delay of three
seconds per vehicle due to the traffic on U.S. 30/287 generated by the construction of the
Project. Both the northbound and southbound left turn movements at the U.S. 30/287 and
WYO 72 intersection will also experience a temporary increase in average delay due to the
traffic generated by the construction of the Project (if these estimated turn movement
volumes are actually less, then the increase in delay may not be realized). Once the
construction is complete, the level of service with the operations-generated traffic will
remain the same as the background condition for these turn movements. Thus, no
improvements are recommended to the existing roadway facilities. The proposed
intersection with the private roads and WYO 487 should be constructed in compliance with
WYDOT standards for un-signalized highway intersections.
Assuming that hotels and motels are the primary temporary lodging choice, the most
noticeable impact would be on the availability of hotel and motel rooms for other visitors,
especially tourists during the summer months. However, the demand exerted by the
temporary workers would not exhaust the likely available supply of vacant units.
5.0 SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE DATA AND ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS
ES052008003DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_5_SOCIOECONOMICS_IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 5-169
5.7 Mitigation Measures to Offset Adverse Cumulative Impacts
to Housing
Housing is a concern of communities throughout the area of site influence. However, it is
expected that the majority of nonlocal workers would choose to stay in hotels and motels
and, to this end, the project proponent has acquired commitments from hotels and motels,
mainly in the Rawlins and Laramie areas, to provide accommodations for these workers at
prenegotiated rates. Copies of letters of intent from hotels and motels in the study area are
included in Appendix E.

DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC.DOC 6-1
6.0 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
Rule I Section 7(j) – Evaluation of Environmental Impacts. The items shall be noted and evaluated as
they would exist if the proposed facility were built. Each evaluation should be followed by a brief
explanation of each impact and the permit issued that regulates the impact. If the impact is not
regulated by a state regulatory agency or federal land management agency, the application must
including (sic) plans and proposals for alleviating adverse impacts. Cumulative impacts of the
proposed industrial facility and other projects in the area of site influence should be
addressed separately.
An evaluation of potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and
operation and maintenance of the Project are discussed below. Resource data were collected
from both existing sources and additional field studies carried out for the Project. Impact
analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of the Project on the natural environment.
Methods of mitigating potential impacts will be implemented as part of the Project and
are incorporated into the impact analyses and measures to alleviate impacts (see
Section 7). Unless otherwise stated, the area of site influence and subsequent analysis for the
various environmental resources evaluated consisted of the Project area boundary (See
Preliminary Site Layout Appendix A). Resource maps for the areas of environmental
analysis described below are included in Appendix F.
6.1 Physical, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological
Rule I Section 7(ix) – Inventory of estimated discharges including physical, chemical, biological, and
radiological characteristics.
The Project will use wind turbine generators (WTGs) to convert the kinetic energy from the
wind into electrical energy. Therefore, no anticipated discharges of physical, chemical,
biological, or radiological characteristic materials will occur.
6.1.1 Construction
There are no anticipated chemical, physical, biological, or radiological discharges associated
with construction of the Project that would substantially impair the health, safety, or welfare
of the present or expected inhabitants in the area of primary effect or Project area.
6.1.2 Operation
There are no anticipated chemical, physical, biological, or radiological discharges associated
with construction or operation of the Project that would substantially impair the health,
safety, or welfare of the present or expected inhabitants in the area of primary effect or
Project area.
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-2
6.2 Air Quality
Rule I Section 7(x) – Inventory of estimated emissions and proposed methods of control.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Division (WDEQ–AQD)
implements adopted air quality standards and regulations.
6.2.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Air emissions associated with construction and operation of the wind energy Project will be
subject to the WDEQ–AQD Standards and Regulations. Specifically, Chapter 6 of the
Standards and Regulations establishes permitting requirements for all sources constructing
and/or operating in the State of Wyoming.
6.2.2 Estimated Emissions
Each turbine tower will be supported by a reinforced and poured concrete foundation. The
foundation could be either a spread-foot or caisson-type concrete foundation. A portable
onsite batch plant will be operated to mix concrete for the turbine foundations.
6.2.2.1 Construction Emissions
Particulate matter, consisting primarily of cement dust but including some aggregate and
sand dust emissions, is the primary pollutant of concern. In addition, there are emissions of
metals that are associated with this particulate matter. Point sources include the transfer of
cement and pozzolan material to silos, and these are typically vented to a fabric filter.
Fugitive sources include the transfer of sand and aggregate, truck loading, mixer loading,
vehicle traffic, and wind erosion from sand and aggregate storage piles. The amount of
fugitive emissions generated during the transfer of sand and aggregate depends primarily
on the surface moisture content of these materials. The extent of fugitive emission control
varies widely from plant to plant (EPA, 2008). A permit will be obtained from the
WDEQ-AQD, and operation of the batch plant will be in accordance with the permit.
The foundations for the 74 wind turbine towers will each require about 300 cubic yards of
concrete per tower for a total of approximately 25,000 cubic yards, including the concrete
needed for substation foundations, transformer pads, and other Phase I equipment. The
most efficient way to produce this volume of concrete will require setting up a portable
concrete batch plant onsite to provide the needed concrete. The batch plant will mix the
ingredients together and load the resulting concrete into mixer trucks for transit to the
WTG locations on the Project site.
Raw materials such as aggregate, sand, and cement will be delivered from an off site
location to the batch plant by truck for on site concrete production. These raw materials are
staged typically in silos onsite and proportionately combined based on the required concrete
mix design for each foundation or pad. The concrete is placed in the delivery trucks and
continuously mixed on the way to the turbine site where the concrete is poured into the
foundation forms.
Particulate emission factors for concrete batching are detailed in Table 6-1 and are
expressed in pounds of pollutant per cubic yard of concrete.
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-3
TABLE 6-1
Estimated Plant Wide Emissions Per Yard of Truck Mix Concrete
Component Total dust
(lb/yd
3
)
Fine dust
(lb/yd
3
)
Aggregate delivery to ground storage 0.0064 0.0031
Sand delivery to ground storage 0.0015 0.0007
Aggregate transfer to conveyor 0.0064 0.0031
Sand transfer to conveyor 0.0064 0.0031
Aggregate transfer to elevated storage 0.0064 0.0031
Sand transfer to elevated storage 0.0015 0.0007
Cement delivery to silo 0.0002 0.0001
Cement supplement delivery to silo 0.0003 0.0002
Weigh hopper loading 0.0079 0.0038
Mixer truck loading 0.0346 0,096
Total dust emissions estimate per yard of concrete 0.0716 0.0275
Total dust emissions estimate for 300 yards of concrete 22 8.25
Source: EPA, 2008.
A review of Table 6-1 shows that the total emissions for 300 cubic yards of concrete, which
will constitute one tower foundation, are estimated at 22 pounds of total dust and
8.25 pounds of fine dust.
6.2.2.2 Operation Emissions
The operation of the WTGs will have no effect on air quality (visible plumes, fogging,
misting, icing, or impairment of visibility and changes in ambient levels caused by emitted
pollutants) because no additional fuel sources are required nor are dust emissions created.
The sources of pollutants during the operations of the Project would be limited to the
vehicles and equipment used by maintenance staff. The emissions and fugitive dust from
these sources would be minor in comparison to the levels of activity that would be required
to exceed emissions thresholds; thus, these emissions are not quantified.
6.2.3 Methods For Control
Rule I Section 7(xii) – The procedures proposed to avoid constituting a public nuisance, endangering
the public health and safety, human or animal life, property, wildlife or plant life, or recreational
facilities which may be adversely affected by the estimated emissions or discharges.
6.2.3.1 Construction - Methods for Control
The concrete batch plant will include appropriate filtration in accordance with the air
quality permit. A fugitive dust control plan, including measures such as applying water or
dust suppressants to exposed soil/material piles, will be implemented at the Project site to
control and prevent the creation of dust associated with construction activities. The use of
water trucks to wet the surface of access roads and other potential work area sources of
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-4
fugitive particulate matter will be used as appropriate during construction activities. In
addition, the selected balance of plant contractor or subcontractor and holder of the issued
air quality permit would be responsible for ensuring that the plant is operated in accordance
with the issued permit conditions.
Lastly, the use of a portable batch plant on private fee lands for making concrete would be a
permitted source (i.e., the plant would have an operating permit, with emissions limitations,
issued by the State of Wyoming). Therefore, a WDEQ-AQD permit will be required prior to
operation of the concrete batch plant pursuant to Chapter 6, Section 2, of the WDEQ’s
regulations and standards. The required air permit will be obtained and maintained by the
batch plant operator. Therefore, the resulting construction emissions will not result in a
significant detriment to or significant impairment of the environment or the social and
economic condition of present or expected inhabitants in the area of site influence.
6.2.3.2 Operations - Methods for Control
No air emissions will be generated from operation of the WTGs or substation. Therefore, no
additional methods for control have been proposed. PacifiCorp will minimize Project
vehicle emissions by ensuring proper maintenance and considering certain operational
strategies or driving behaviors that optimize efficiency. In addition, potential fugitive dust
from operation Project vehicles traveling within the Project area would be minimal.
PacifiCorp will implement operational speed limits to further reduce fugitive dust
associated with gravel road travel.
Operational air quality impacts will be minimal and would not result in any substantial
impairment to the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected inhabitants in the area
of site influence.
6.3 Noise
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Airborne sound is a rapid fluctuation of air pressure
above and below atmospheric pressure. The area of site for noise evaluations consisted of
the entirety of the Project boundary and lineal distance extending five miles.
6.3.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
ISA regulations state that noise is a resource issue that must be taken into account in the
application process. Numeric limits have not been specified or adopted at the state or
county level.
6.3.2 Fundamentals of Acoustics
It is useful to understand how noise is defined and measured. There are several ways to
measure noise, depending on the source of the noise, the receiver, and the reason for the
noise measurement. Table 6-2 summarizes the technical noise terms used in this
memorandum.
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-5
TABLE 6-2
Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definitions
Ambient noise level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of
environmental noise at a given location.
Decibel (dB) A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the
ratio of the measured pressure to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals.
A-weighted sound
pressure level
(dBA)
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the
A-weighted filter network. The A-weighted filter de-emphasizes the very low and very high
frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the
human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All sound levels in this report
are A-weighted.
Equivalent Sound
Level (L
eq
)
The Leq integrates fluctuating sound levels over a period of time to express them as a
steady-state sound level. As an example, if two sounds are measured and one sound has
twice the energy but lasts half as long, the two sounds would be characterized as having the
same equivalent sound level. Equivalent sound level is considered to be related directly to the
effects of sound on people since it expresses the equivalent magnitude of the sound as a
function of frequency of occurrence and time.
Day–Night Level
(L
dn
or DNL)
The Day-Night level (L
dn
or DNL) is a 24-hour average L
eq
where 10 dBA is added to nighttime
levels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. For a continuous source that emits the same noise level
over a 24-hour period, the L
dn
will be 6.4 dB greater than the L
eq
.
Statistical noise
level (L
n
)
The noise level exceeded during n percent of the measurement period, where n is a number
between 0 and 100 (for example, L
50
is the level exceeded 50 percent of the time)

Table 6-3 shows the relative A-weighted noise levels of common sounds measured in the
environment and in industry for various sound levels.
TABLE 6-3
Typical Sound Levels Measured in the Environment and Industry
Noise Source
At a Given Distance
A-Weighted Sound
Level in Decibels
Qualitative
Description
Carrier Deck Jet Operation 140
130 Pain threshold
Jet takeoff (200 ft) 120
Auto Horn (3 ft) 110 Maximum Vocal Effort
Jet takeoff (2,000 ft)
Shout (0.5 ft)
100
New York Subway Station
Heavy Truck (50 ft)
90 Very Annoying
Hearing Damage (8-hr,
continuous exposure)
Pneumatic drill (50 ft) 80 Annoying
Freight Train (50 ft)
Freeway Traffic (50 ft)
70 Intrusive
Telephone Use Difficult
Air Conditioning Unit (20 ft) 60
Light auto traffic (50 ft) 50 Quiet
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-6
TABLE 6-3
Typical Sound Levels Measured in the Environment and Industry
Noise Source
At a Given Distance
A-Weighted Sound
Level in Decibels
Qualitative
Description
Living Room
Bedroom
40
Library
Soft whisper (5 ft)
30 Very Quiet
Broadcasting Studio 20 Recording studio
10 Just Audible
Source: NYDEC, 2001.
The most common metric is the overall A-weighted, sound-level measurement that has
been adopted by regulatory bodies worldwide. The A-weighting network measures sound
in a similar fashion to how a person perceives or hears sound, thus achieving very good
correlation in terms of how to evaluate acceptable and unacceptable sound levels (see
Figure 6-1).

FIGURE 6-1
Noise Metrics – Frequency Response
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-7
The measurement of sound is not a simple task. Consider typical sounds in a suburban
neighborhood on a normal or “quiet” afternoon. If a short time in history of those sounds is
plotted on a graph, it would look very much like Figure 6-2. In this figure, the background,
or residential sound level in the absence of any identifiable noise sources, is approximately
45 dB. During roughly three-quarters of the time, the sound level is 50 dB or less. The
highest sound level, caused by a nearby sports car, is approximately 70 dB, while an aircraft
generates a maximum sound level of about 68 dB. The following provides a discussion of
how variable community noise is measured.

FIGURE 6-2
Noise Metrics – Comparative Noise Levels

Sound power level data are used in acoustic models to predict sound pressure levels. This is
because sound power levels take into account the size of the acoustical source and account
for the total acoustical energy emitted by the source. For example, the sound pressure level
15 ft from a small radio and a large orchestra may be the same, but the sound power level of
the orchestra will be much larger because it emits sound over a much larger area. Similarly,
2-horsepower (hp) and 2,000-hp pumps can both achieve 85 dBA at 3 ft (a common
specification) but the 2,000-hp pump will have significantly larger sound power level.
Consequently the noise from the 2,000-hp pump will travel farther. A sound power level can
be determined from a sound pressure level if the distance from and dimensions of the
source are known. Sound power levels will always be greater than sound pressure levels
and sound power levels should never be compared to sound pressure levels such as those
in Table 6-3.
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-8
6.3.3 Facility Sound Levels
Standard acoustical engineering methods were used in the noise analysis. The sound
propagation factors used in the model have been adopted from ISO 9613-2, Acoustics—
Sound Attenuation During Propagation Outdoors, Part 2: General Method of Calculation
1
and VDI
2714, Outdoor Sound Propagation
2
. Atmospheric absorption for conditions of 10°C and
70 percent relative humidity (conditions that favor propagation) was computed in
accordance with ISO 9613-1, Acoustics—Sound Attenuation During Propagation Outdoors,
Part 1: Calculation of the Absorption of Sound by the Atmosphere
3
.
Each wind turbine was considered to be a point source of noise at the hub height with the
octave band sound power level of up to 106 dBA, which is representative of maximum level
from the anticipated turbine. These sound power levels represent the maximum turbine
noise level determined in accordance with IEC61400-11, Wind Turbine Generator Systems—
Part 11: Acoustic Noise Measurement Techniques
4
.
The anticipated sound level contours are depicted in Appendix F The closest permanent
residences that are not within the project area are located approximately five miles from the
closest wind turbine generator. At this distance, the noise level is expected to be well below
30 dBA and would generally be consider acceptable. For comparison, the Washington State
noise limit is 50 dBA and a project level of 30 dBA would clearly comply with this limit. An
additional home, or care taker dwelling, is located within the project boundary on land
owned by the Applicant. Given that the Applicant owns and controls this structure as well
as the noise generating equipment; it is not considered a receptor of concern.
The above results include the cumulative contribution from all of the proposed turbines as
well as the substation. Given the vast distance to the off-site receivers, the projects noise
level is not anticipated to result in or contribute to any cumulative impact.
6.3.4 Construction Noise Level Impact Assessment
The EPA Office of Noise Abatement and Control studied noise from individual pieces of
construction equipment, as well as from construction sites for power plants and other types
of facilities (see Table 6-4). Because specific information, about types, quantities, and
operating schedules of construction equipment is not known at this stage, data from the
EPA document for industrial projects of similar size have been used. These data are
conservative, because the evolution of construction equipment generally has gravitated
toward quieter design. Use of these data is reasonable for estimating noise levels, given that
they still are used widely by acoustical professionals.

1
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 1993. “Part 2: General Method of Calculation.” In Acoustics—Sound
Attenuation During Propagation Outdoors. ISO 9613. Switzerland.
2
Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI). 1988. Outdoor Sound Propagation. VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) 2714, Verlag
GmbH, Dussledorf, Beuth Verlag, Berlin, Koln, Germany.
3
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 1993. “Part 1: Calculation of the Absorption of Sound by the
Atmosphere.” In Acoustics—Sound Attenuation During Propagation Outdoors. ISO 9613. Switzerland.
4
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400-11. 2006. Wind Turbine Generator Systems—Part 11: Acoustic Noise
Measurement Techniques – Amendment 1. Geneva, Switzerland.
6.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-9
TABLE 6-4
Average Noise Levels from Common Construction at a Reference Distance of 50 feet (dBA)
Construction Equipment Typical Average Noise Level at 50 ft, dBA
Air compressor 81
Backhoe 85
Concrete mixer 85
Concrete pump 82
Crane, mobile 83
Dozer 80
Generator 78
Grader 85
Loader 79
Paver 89
Pile driver 101
Pneumatic tool 85
Pump 76
Rock drill 98
Saw 78
Scraper 88
Shovel 82
Truck 91
Source: EPA, 1971.
Table 6-5 shows the total composite noise level at a reference distance of 50 ft, based on the
pieces of equipment operating for each construction phase and the typical usage factor for
each piece. The noise level at 1,500 ft also is shown. The calculated level at 1,500 ft is
probably conservative because the only attenuating mechanism considered was geometric
spreading, which results in an attenuation rate of 6 dBA per doubling of distance;
attenuation related to the presence of structures, trees or vegetation, ground effects, and
terrain was not considered.
Because of the distances to all off-site residential receptors and the Project’s remote location,
the noise levels resulting from construction of the Project will not result in a significant
detriment to, or significant impairment of the environment or the social and economic
condition of present or expected inhabitants in the area of site influence.
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TABLE 6-5
Composite Construction Site Noise Levels
Construction
Phase
Composite Equipment Noise Level
at 50 feet, dBA
Composite Equipment Noise Level
at 1,500 feet, dBA
Clearing 88 58
Excavation 90 60
Foundation 89 59
Erection 84 54
Finishing 89 59
Source: EPA, 1971.
6.3.5 Operation Noise Level Impact Assessment
Standard acoustical engineering methods were used in the noise analysis of the Project.
The sound propagation factors used in the model have been adopted from ISO
9613-2, Acoustics—Sound Attenuation During Propagation Outdoors, Part 2: General Method of
Calculation (ISO, 1993a) and VDI 2714, Outdoor Sound Propagation (VDI, 1988). Atmospheric
absorption for conditions of 10°C and 70 percent relative humidity (conditions that favor
propagation) was computed in accordance with ISO 9613-1, Acoustics—Sound Attenuation
During Propagation Outdoors, Part 1: Calculation of the Absorption of Sound by the Atmosphere
(ISO, 1993b).
Each wind turbine was considered to be a point source of noise at the hub height with the
octave band sound power level of up to106 dBA, which is representative of utility scale
wind turbines being considered for this Project. These sound power levels represent the
maximum turbine noise level determined in accordance with IEC61400-11, Wind Turbine
Generator Systems—Part 11: Acoustic Noise Measurement Techniques (IEC, 2006).
The sound power level of a WTG measured at hub height will vary between 96 and 106 dB.
This will result in a sound pressure level of approximately 55 to 65 dBA at 130 ft (similar in
level to a normal conversation). However, based on the noise analysis, the sound levels at
the closest off-site sensitive receptors, approximately five miles west and upwind of the
closest WTG, are predicted to be less than 30 dBA. The Predicted Sound Power Levels are
graphically depicted in Appendix F. Sound levels would be considered acceptable at off-site
residential receptors. Due to the distances to all off-site residential receptors and the
Project’s remote location, the noise levels resulting from operation of the Project will not
result in a significant detriment to or significant impairment of the environment or the social
and economic condition of present or expected inhabitants in the area of site influence.
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6.4 Soil Resources/Geologic Hazards
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
Soils are materials capable of supporting plant life. Soil forms through a variety of soil
formation processes, and includes weathered “parent material” combined with dead and
living organic matter and air. Soils are vital to all life on Earth because they support the
growth of plants, which supply food and oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Geologic hazards are naturally occurring or man-made geologic conditions that present
risks or are potential dangers to life and property.
6.4.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
ISA regulations state that soil resources and geologic hazards are resource issues that must
be taken into account in the application process; however, no adopted standards have been
specified at the state or county level.
6.4.2 Introduction
Data from the Wyoming State Geological Survey, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the
Web Soil Survey provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) were
reviewed for information on geology, geologic hazards, soil characteristics, and earthquake
hazards in the vicinity of the site. The data are presented in the Soil Resources and
Geological Resources maps in Appendix F. The following section presents an overview of
the site geologic setting and soil characteristics, and discusses potential impacts.
It is important to note that a detailed geotechnical investigation will be performed prior to
construction to characterize subsurface conditions for incorporation into final engineering
foundation design parameters for each turbine location. In addition, according to standard
investigation methodologies, borings, soil sampling, standard penetration testing, rock
coring, and laboratory testing will be completed.
6.4.3 Erosion and Landslides
The site is located in the southern edge of the geologic province known as the Shirley Basin,
between the southeast side of the Freezeout Mountains and the Flat Top Anticline. Bedrock
units that underlie the site consist of late Paleozoic- to Mesozoic-age sedimentary rocks
(Love and Christiansen, 1985). Bedrock formations that underlie the major portions of the
site include the Steele Shale, Niobrara Formation, and Frontier Formation. These formations
consist of a thick sequence of interbedded shales, siltstones, sandstones, and limestones.
Other sedimentary bedrock formations with similar lithologies crop out in the northwest
part of the site in the Freezeout Mountains.
Unconsolidated surficial geologic deposits overlie bedrock under portions of the site
(Hallberg et al, 1998). These deposits include primarily alluvial terrace deposits that were
deposited by ancient rivers, recent alluvial deposits within the valley bottoms and creek
beds, residual deposits that formed in-place on the underlying bedrock, slope wash deposits
on steeper slopes, and wind-blown eolian deposits. Alluvial terrace deposits consist of
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mixed sands and hard, resistant gravels that have been transported over great distances.
Recent alluvial deposits consist primarily of clay, silt, sand and gravel, depending on the
size of the stream and the geologic formations eroded by the stream. Residual deposits
consist of sands, silts, and clays, depending on the lithology of the underlying bedrock from
which the residuum was derived. Eolian deposits consist of windblown sand and silt. Based
on aerial photograph observations and soils information, typically the surficial cover is
limited to a few feet in thickness but is likely to be thicker in some locations. Bedrock
outcrops are visible on much of the site, which suggests the surficial materials are relatively
thin.
Most of the site has generally low relief except on the northwest portion of the site where
the uplifted, resistant sedimentary rocks of Freezeout Mountain form prominent bedrock
ridges. These ridges have been eroded by streams such as TB Creek and form “flatirons”.
Dip slopes on these flatirons range from 15 to 20 percent with locally steeper areas and cliffs.
Elevations across the majority of the site that are underlain by flatter lying rocks and alluvial
terrace deposits range from 6,700 to 6,900 feet and typically have relatively flat side slopes
(less that 3 to 4 percent). The bedrock units and relatively flat-lying terrace sands and
gravels should provide suitable foundation conditions for turbine foundations.
Wyoming does not maintain a list of soils of statewide concern. No soils at the site meet the
state and federal criteria of prime farmland soils. Potential impacts to soils include erosion
during and after construction due to vegetation removal and site grading, erosion by high
winds, and gullying. The soils that underlie the site are formed in residual and alluvial
deposits and are likely to reflect the composition of the parent material. For example, soils
formed above clay-rich shales will have a higher clay content, and soils formed in sandy
alluvium will be sandy with a lower clay content.
Soils present on the site include numerous soil complexes that classify primarily as sandy
loam and loam (NRCS, 2008). The surficial soils of the area are presented in the Soil
Resources Map (Appendix F). The most widespread soils in the area that would underlie the
proposed turbine and road areas (i.e., areas with the most potential disturbance) include the
Ryan Park-Rock River-Pinelli-Kemmerer-Forelle-Diamondville complexes.
The Erosion factor (K) indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by water.
The K factor is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the
Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to predict the average annual rate of soil loss
by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year. The estimates are based primarily on
percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter and on soil structure and saturated hydraulic
conductivity (Ksat). Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. Other factors being equal, the
higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water. The
onsite soils have K factors that range from 0.28 to 0.37. No soils that exceed the Erosion
factor (K) limit of 0.37 set by the NRCS as a limiting factor for erosion hazard are mapped on
the site.
A wind erodibility group (WEG) consists of soils that have similar properties affecting their
susceptibility to wind erosion in cultivated areas. The soils assigned to group 1 are the most
susceptible to wind erosion, and those assigned to group 8 are the least susceptible. Wind
erodibility groups of soils onsite range from 2 to 3, which indicates moderate wind erosion
potential.
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Prehistoric volcanic ashfalls weather into bentonite, which is a swelling clay mineral.
Changes in soil moisture cause certain clay minerals in the soils to either expand or contract,
which results in volumetric changes in the soils. These are known as swelling or shrinking
soils. Structures or roads built on soils with shrink/swell characteristics could be damaged
or even fail. Based on a map of the distribution of soils with shrink/swell potential (WSGS,
2009), it appears that shrinking/swelling soils at the Dunlap site are limited to outcrops of
bentonitic shales and claystones, which are typically associated with the Sundance,
Morrison, and Cloverly Formations. These formations crop out around the vicinity of the
uplifted strata that forms the Freezeout Mountains and Flat Top Anticline, so it appears that
shrinking/swelling soils are limited to these areas and will not underlie proposed facilities,
turbines, and roads.
The characteristics of site soils such as thickness, engineering properties, erosion potential,
shrink/swell potential, and clay content will be evaluated during upcoming site geologic
reconnaissance and geotechnical investigations. Mitigation for impacts to soils and erosion
will be included in the site design and is described in Section 7.
Three existing landslides have been mapped within the site boundaries (WSGS, 2009).
These landslides are located in the northwestern portion of the site in T24N, R78W
(Sections 7, 8, 17, and 18) on the eastern slopes of Freezeout Mountain. These landslides are
shown on the Soil Resources Map in Appendix F. These landslides are classified as multiple
block slides, multiple debris-laden earth flows, and multiple rock slides, and are noted as
“old”. These mass movements likely formed on weak layers (such as clay) that underlie
dipping bedding planes on the uplifted sedimentary rocks. However, because prehistoric
landslides have been mapped along these slopes on Freezeout Mountain, there could be
future potential landslides on similar slopes. Therefore, turbines and other facilities will not
be located on these slopes. No landslides have been mapped underneath the rest of the site,
and given the lack of existing landslides, low potential for soil saturation, and low slope
angles, the landslide hazard is expected to be very low. The proposed turbine locations and
roads will be sited on portions of the site where landslide hazard is low. The presence of any
additional landslides or slope instability will be evaluated during upcoming site geologic
reconnaissance and geotechnical investigations.
The bedrock at the site consists primarily of soft, weakly consolidated, interbedded shales
and sandstones with a thin surficial cover. Some areas of the site underlain by these
materials can potentially be subject to rapid erosion, gullying, and arroyo formation during
occasional thunderstorms. Dry washes, gullies, and arroyos could be observed on aerial
photographs; these may enlarge or erode headward during large storm events. Mitigation
for arroyo formation and gullying will be included in final site design and is described in
Section 7.
6.4.4 Faults
No potentially seismically active faults have been mapped within the Project site boundary.
According to the USGS’s Quaternary Fault and Fold Database (USGS, 2008), the closest
mapped potentially active fault is the Seminoe Mountains section of the South Granite
Mountain Fault. This fault is mapped approximately 30 miles to the west of the site. This
fault is described as an 80-mile-long, west-northwest trending, north dipping fault system
located along a chain of anomalous west-northwest trending mountain ranges. This fault is
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considered a “Class B” Quaternary-age fault with a slip rate estimated to be less than
0.2 millimeters (mm) per year.
Several low-magnitude earthquakes have occurred throughout the region that caused little
or no damage. The largest earthquake in the vicinity was located 38 miles northeast of
Medicine Bow in 1984. This had a magnitude of 5.5 with estimated Modified Mercalli
intensity scale of VI. Minor damage such as cracked chimneys and walls was noted in
several communities in the area.
The seismic potential for the site is low. The site is located in Seismic Zone 1 of the Universal
Building Code, based on a 10 percent probability of exceeding peak ground accelerations of
0.05 to 0.1 g in 50 years. The International Building Code (IBC) provides information and
guidance on designing buildings and structures to withstand seismic events. For new
construction, the facilities and turbine foundations will be designed for the maximum
considered earthquake (MCE), according to the International Building Code. Seismic design
issues will also be addressed in the Geotechnical Data Report.
6.4.5 Construction Impacts
The subsurface conditions at every wind turbine site can be unique and directly impact the
engineering design and final construction. Therefore, a detailed geotechnical investigation
and testing program will be undertaken to determine the soil engineering properties,
groundwater levels (if applicable) and the bedrock conditions for use in the subsequent
design of the foundation.
6.4.5.1 Geotechnical Investigation
The geotechnical investigation will consist of subsurface sampling and testing via a
combination of standard penetration testing soil borings, rock coring, cone penetrometer
soundings, geophysical investigations, test pitting, and shallow soil sampling via manual
methods. Surface (upper 2 feet) soil evaluation is targeted primarily for access road, crane
path and crane pad design. Shallow subsurface (3 feet to 5 feet deep) soil is targeted
primarily for collector cable design and sizing, and deeper intervals (up to 50 feet deep) are
targeted for foundation design data. Samples collected during soil boring/rock coring and
manual methods are logged and transferred to a geotechnical laboratory for the specific
testing program.
The laboratory testing program includes index and engineering property testing targeting
relevant soil and rock properties used in the civil component designs. Typical tests include
Atterberg limits, moisture content, unconfined compression strength, grain-size
distribution, and consolidation.
6.4.5.2 Turbine Foundation Design Activities
Wind farm civil infrastructure includes permanent and temporary access roads, temporary
crane walk paths, erection crane pads, turbine foundations, and can include public road
improvements. Each of these components, described below, requires specific design
calculations, drawings, and final engineering design for successful construction and future
operation.
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Various foundation types can be used for turbine support. In the U.S., these types include
gravity/spread (most common), drilled shaft, and deep pile. The final foundation type is
selected based on a number of factors, including soil conditions, depth to bedrock, bedrock
conditions, and soil (and rock) properties. During the engineering design of turbine
foundations, site soil properties, dynamic loading because of the operation of the turbine,
and site seismic properties/classification will be considered. The soil properties evaluated
include soil strength, dynamic properties, settlement potential, water conditions, and
backfill properties. Foundation load data for each specific turbine type, obtained from the
turbine manufacturer, provide extreme and normal operating loads, required foundation
stiffness, and other design criteria to be used in the final engineering foundation design.
Seismic considerations consist of evaluating the site with respect to anticipated maximum
earthquake ground motions and the resulting seismic loading on the turbine. Seismic
design values are based on specific engineering properties of the shallow subsurface (upper
100 feet) as well as on both the short- and long-period spectral response acceleration as a
percentage of gravity. The acceleration values are determined by the site’s geographic
location and proximity to seismically active areas.
6.4.5.3 Construction Disturbance
There will be a certain amount of disturbance of surficial soils, site grading, and minor
excavation into bedrock associated with construction of the facilities, at WTG locations, and
access roads. A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) will be developed with the
Notice of Intent (NOI) for the required Wyoming Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(WYPDES) General Stormwater Construction Permit and implemented to minimize soil
erosion during construction of the Project. Therefore, best management practices (BMPs)
will be implemented by the contractor during construction of the Project to ensure that
erosion will be minimized and other adverse impacts on area soils will not occur. Other
BMP mitigation measures are discussed in more detail in Section 7. Lastly, the Project will
be designed with proper erosion protection and culverts in order to minimize or eliminate
the potential for damage to Project facilities during construction and operation.
No construction impacts associated with geologic hazards such as seismic events, or
landslides that would substantially impair the health, safety, or welfare are expected to
occur in the area of site influence.
6.4.6 Operation Impacts
Operation of the Project is not expected to result in any significant impacts to soil resources
or geologic resources that would substantially impair the health, safety, or welfare of
expected inhabitants in the area of site influence.
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6.5 Cultural Resources
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(C) – Cultural Resources. Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for
alleviating social, economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts
which may result from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover
archaeological and historical resources.
Cultural resources of concern consist of historical or archaeological sites that are listed on or
are eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
6.5.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is the principal federal law guiding federal
actions with respect to the treatment of cultural, archaeological, and historic resources.
Section 106 (16 U.S.C. 470f) of the NHPA requires federal agencies, prior to taking action to
implement an undertaking, to take into account the effects of their undertaking on historic
properties and to give the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) a reasonable opportunity to comment regarding the
undertaking. Historic properties are “any prehistoric or historic district, site, building,
structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic
Places” (16 U.S.C. 470w (5)). The criteria used to evaluate the NRHP eligibility of properties
affected by federal agency undertakings are contained in 36 CFR 60.4.
6.5.1.1 State Lands
According to W.S. §36-1-114 (protection of prehistoric ruins; permits to excavate,
regulations, and violations), prior to any excavation on any prehistoric ruins, pictographs,
hieroglyphics, or any other ancient markings, writing, or archaeological and paleontological
deposits in the state of Wyoming on any state or federal lands, shall be undertaken, a permit
shall first be obtained from the state board of land commissioners. Therefore, the State
Board of Land Commissioners is authorized to promulgate and enforce such regulations as
it may deem needful to protect from vandalism or injury the prehistoric ruins, relics, and
archaeological and paleontological deposits of the state, as well as all natural bridges and
natural scenic features and formations.
6.5.1.2 Private Fee Lands
In the absence of federal involvement, the NHPA places no restrictions on owners of historic
and prehistoric properties on private fee lands, even if the property is listed in the Federal
Register. Specifically, there is no nexus for Section 106 or SHPO consultation on private fee
lands unless a federal action would be triggered.
6.5.2 Class I and III Survey Results
Western Land Services (WLS) conducted a Class I and Class III cultural resources inventory
within the Project area during April and May of 2009. WLS is in the process of preparing a
Class III Cultural Resources Inventory Report for submission to the Wyoming SHPO;
therefore, the final Class III report is not included in this application. However, the Class III
report and site data will be provided to the SHPO for review, comment, and incorporation
into the statewide cultural resource data sets.
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During the Class III survey, WLS inventoried all accessible areas under consideration for
development during Phase I, which consisted of a block survey of approximately
10,960 acres. Two areas comprising an additional 200 acres within the block survey area
were excluded from field inventory due to the presence of active raptor nests. The data for
these areas will be incorporated into the final Class III inventory report upon completion of
the field survey. The final Class III report is in preparation and, therefore, is not included in
this application. The complete Class III report will be provided to the SHPO for review and
comment and the site data will be provided to the SHPO for incorporation into the
statewide cultural resource data sets. All field data and eligibility recommendations
provided by WLS have been used by PacifiCorp to develop a layout that avoids direct
impact to NRHP eligible sites. The area inventoried during the Class III is shown in the
Cultural Resource Inventory Area map in Appendix F.
WLS recorded 54 sites and 238 isolated finds. A re-evaluation of one prehistoric site and
one historic site will be conducted upon entry into the unsurveyed raptor area buffer
areas. Of the newly discovered and re-evaluated sites investigated by WLS, 23 were
recommended as eligible for listing on the NRHP. The remaining sites were recommended
as not eligible for NRHP nomination. The Class III survey did not identify any historic trails
or significant cultural resources within the Project area.
6.5.3 Construction Impacts
All field data and eligibility recommendations detailed in the Class III survey have been
used by PacifiCorp to develop a layout that avoids direct impact to NRHP eligible sites. The
area inventoried by WLS during the Class III is shown in the Cultural Resource Inventory
Area map in Appendix F. Specifically, PacifiCorp microsited WTGs, roads, and facilities to
avoid all cultural resource sites identified as unevaluated or eligible for listing on the
NRHP.
Modifications to the final site design and Project site layout are anticipated to be made
throughout the planning and final design stage processes and upon completion of the Class
III survey in the unevaluated raptor nest areas. Therefore, the final site design and layout
will incorporate avoidance of impacts to further minimize any potential impacts to any
identified cultural resources.
Overall, no adverse impacts to cultural resources are anticipated from construction of the
Project. Specifically, the avoidance through micrositing activities will not result in any
impacts that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected cultural
resources in the area of site influence.
6.5.4 Operation Impacts
No adverse impacts to cultural resources will result from operation of the Project.
Specifically, the operational site access control will further minimize any impacts that may
impair the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected cultural resources in the area
of site influence.
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6.6 Rare Vegetation Communities
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
The area of site influence for rare vegetation communities was defined as the area entirely
within the Project site boundary.
6.6.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Rare vegetation communities are those that are considered rare in the region, support
sensitive species of plants and animals, and/or that are subject to regulatory protection
through various federal, state, or local policies or regulations. These communities may or
may not contain special-status plants. Vegetation communities are presented in the
Vegetation Resources map in Appendix F.
6.6.2 Construction Impacts
A review of publicly available data and site reconnaissance did not identify the occurrence
of any rare vegetation communities. Habitats present on the Project area are ubiquitous and
widespread or regionally common. Table 6-6 displays the estimated permanent impacts
from complete development of Phases I and II of the project. With a total of 203 acres
disturbed, the Project would impact only 1.2 percent of the 16,500 acre project area.
Construction of the Project will not result in any impacts to rare vegetation communities,
and only minimal impacts to common communities, in the area of site influence.
TABLE 6-6
Disturbance Calculations—Permanently Disturbed Areas
Disturbance Facilities Notes Units of
Measurement
Number of Units
per Facility
Number
of Units
Acres
Turbine Pads/Towers 1 Square feet
per tower
2,000 200 9.18
Substation/Station/O&M Facility
Phase 1 Collector
Substation
2 Acres 3 1 3.00
Phase 2 Collector
Substation
2 Acres 3 1 3.00
Interconnection
Substation
3 Acres 3 1 3.00
O&M Facility 4 Acres 2 1 2.00
Meteorological and
Microwave Towers
Square feet
per tower
900 5 0.10
Electrical System Structures
Underground 34.5-kV
Collector Conductors
5 Acres
disturbed area
0.36 40 14.40
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TABLE 6-6
Disturbance Calculations—Permanently Disturbed Areas
Disturbance Facilities Notes Units of
Measurement
Number of Units
per Facility
Number
of Units
Acres
Turbine Pads/Towers 1 Square feet
per tower
2,000 200 9.18
Phase 1 Overhead
230-kV Transmission
Line Structures
6 Square feet
per pole
20 144 0.07
Phase 2 Overhead
230-kV Transmission
Line Structures
6 Square feet
per pole
20 144 0.07
Access Roads and Turnarounds
Improved Existing Roads
to 32 feet
7 Acres
disturbed area
per mile of
road
2.67 12.55 33.51
New 32-foot roads Acres
disturbed area
per mile of
road
3.88 27.87 108.14
Transmission line access
Road
8 Acres
disturbed area
per mile of
road
2.42 11.00 26.62
Total Permanently Disturbed Area 203.08

1
40x50 foot maintained clear area for O&M, included tower foundation
2
Substation footprint will be approximately 1.5 acres set in a 3-acre cleared area
3
Includes facility and parking area
4
Substation footprint will be approximately 1.2 acres set in a 3-acre cleared area
5
Collection system will be colocated with access roads wherever possible and may not add permanent
disturbance. To account for those areas where the roads need to be widened to accommodate the collection
system, 3 feet of additional disturbance is used.
6
Assumes 72 H-Frame structures (two poles each)
7
Assumes exiting roads are 10 feet wide
8
Entire length from collector to interconnect substations of new 20-foot access road.
6.6.3 Operation Impacts
Operation of the Project will not result in any impacts to rare vegetation communities in the
area of site influence.
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6.7 Water Supply Yield and Analysis
W.S. 35-12-108(a) Water Supply Yield and Analysis. Quantity of water available; analysis;
public comment; opinions: If an applicant applies for an industrial siting permit, pursuant to
W.S. 35-12-106, or for a waiver of the application provisions, pursuant to W.S. 35-12-107, for a
facility which requires the use of 800 or more acre-feet per year of waters of the state of Wyoming
annually, the applicant shall prepare and submit to the state engineer a water supply and water yield
analysis with a request for a preliminary and final opinion as to the quantity of water available for the
proposed facility.
The Wyoming Constitution defines that all natural waters within the boundaries of the state
are declared to be the property of the state. The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (WSEO) is
charged with the regulation and administration of the water resources in Wyoming.
6.7.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
If an applicant for an industrial siting permit plans to construct a facility which will use
more than 800 acre-feet (ac-ft) (260.7 million gallons) of water per year, the applicant must
submit a water supply and water yield analysis to the State Engineer. The State Engineer
will then review the analysis and “render a preliminary opinion as to the quantity of water
available for the proposed facility” (W.S. 35-12-108(c)). This preliminary opinion will be
made available for public comment, and the State Engineer will consider submitted
comments in preparing a final opinion. The State Engineer’s final opinion will be binding on
the Industrial Siting Council.
6.7.2 Construction Water Uses
Water uses during construction will include applications of water for dust control and water
additive to the concrete batch plant. During Project construction, water will be obtained
from a municipal water source, an existing senior water rights holder and trucked to the
site, or a new well issued by the WYSEO permit to appropriate groundwater (see Section
6.7.4). Once available onsite, water will either be put to immediate use or placed in an onsite
temporary water storage tank. Table 6-7 provides an estimate of total construction water
use for the Project.
During Phase I Project construction, approximately 12.3 million gallons will be required, as
shown in Table 6-7. The majority of the water (10.1 million gallons) will be used to control
dust on constructed access roads. An average of approximately 74,800 gallons of water
(18.7 miles) will be applied daily to access roads associated with Phase I construction areas.
The actual amount of water applied daily to access roads is variable and is dependent on
daily weather temperatures, humidity, wind speeds, and local precipitation amounts.
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TABLE 6-7
Estimated Water Construction Use
Material Foundations
a
Material Per
Foundation
(Approximate) Total Water Use (Approximate)
Water Use for Concrete Mixing
Water for concrete mixing
(30 gallons water per cubic yard of
concrete and 300 to 400 cubic
yards of concrete per foundation)
74 9,000 to 12,000
gallons of water per
foundation
666,000 to 888,000 gallons
(2.0 to 2.7 ac-ft)
Water Use for Dust Control and Road Compaction
Material Days
b
Water Use
Gallons/Unit
Lineal Distance of New and
Existing Access Roads Total Water Use
Compaction watering
during access road
construction
45 25 gallons/
cubic yard
98,970 lineal feet
(56,320 cubic yards)
1,408,000 gallons
(4.3 ac-ft)
Road watering during
active construction
135 4,000 gallons/
per lineal mile
per day
98,970 lineal feet (18.7 miles) 10,098,000 gallons
(31ac-ft)
Total Gallons
a
Assumes construction of up to 74 GE 1.5-MW turbines associated with Phase I.
b
The estimated construction period that will require water was taken from the detailed Project schedule and
includes the site civil work task that is estimated at 180 days (45 days access road and 135 foundation
construction and erection).
In addition to the water used for construction and maintenance of the site access roads,
approximately 666,000 to 888,000 gallons of water will be used in the concrete mixing for the
turbine foundations at the onsite batch plant. Specifically, for each 1.5-MW turbine,
approximately 9,000 gallons of water will be mixed with approximately 300 cubic yards of
concrete to form the turbine foundation.
A review of Table 6-7 shows that an estimated 32.7 acre-feet per year (ac-ft/yr) would be
required to construct Phase I of the Project over the 14-month construction period. Based on
the estimated construction water balance calculations, the Project will not exceed the
800 ac-ft/yr threshold and will not require a WSEO water supply yield analysis or opinion.
6.7.3 Operations Use
Once the Project is operational, only minimal daily water use will be required. The primary
water requirement will occur at the O&M building and is likely limited to restrooms, sinks,
hand washing station(s), shower, internal/external hose, and dishwasher. Up to 10 staff will
be employed at the Project, and using a very standard assumption for commercial office
use for each aspect of water usage, the operational water use will be approximately
1,000 gallons per day, as shown in Table 6-8.
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TABLE 6-8
Estimated Daily Water Use During Operations
Use Frequency
(Occurrences per
Day)
a
Consumption
(Gallons per
Occurrence)
a
Total Consumption
Gallons Per Day (gpd)
(ac-ft/yr)
Bathroom sinks 60 2 120
Toilet flushes 60 4 240
Shower 10 30 300
Dish washer 1 15 15
External / internal hose 15 15 225
Maintenance area sinks 25 5 100
Total 1,000 gpd (1.1 ac-ft/yr)
a
Water usage frequency and consumption rates are based on standard commercial facility estimates, and
observed operational water usage patterns for previous wind generation facilities.

Based on the 1.1 ac-ft/yr water balance calculation for operations, the Projects will not
exceed the 800 ac-ft/yr threshold and will not require a WSEO water supply yield analysis
or opinion.
6.7.4 Water Sources
Wyoming water law operates under the prior appropriation doctrine, or “first in time-first
in right”. Those holding an earlier priority water right are allowed to receive their full
portion of water before those with junior rights may receive water under their right.
Water rights can be issued to anyone who plans to make beneficial use of the water.
Recognized beneficial uses include: irrigation, municipal, industrial, power generation,
recreational, stock, domestic, pollution control, instream flows, and miscellaneous. Water
rights holders are limited to withdrawals necessary for the purpose.
Water supply needs for the Project will be met with either an existing water right, a water
right purchase, or a new water right allocation (if the water resources in the area have not
been fully appropriated). PacifiCorp, as the landowner, holds water rights that have
supported ranch operations on the property. The Project will have access to these water
sources for both construction and operations. Four adjudicated irrigation ditches are present
with a combined permitted use of 344 acres. Five unadjudicated valid stock water reservoir
permits are also held, and total to 31.2 acre-feet. These on-site sources are expected to
provide adequate water for construction. If these sources are insufficient, water will be
purchased from existing water rights holders.
6.7.4.1 Compliance with Platte River Recovery Implementation Agreement
In 1997, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Department of Interior came together in an
unique partnership to develop a shared approach to managing the Platte River. The result
was the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, a process to better manage the
Platte River for the health of the ecosystem and the people who depend on it. The program’s
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three main elements include increasing streamflows in the central Platte River during
relevant time periods through retiming and water conservation/supply projects; enhancing,
restoring, and protecting habitat lands for the target bird species; and accommodating
certain new water-related activities. Mitigating the adverse impacts of certain new water-
related activities will be met through the implementation of state and federal depletion
plans.
The entire Project area is located within a zone that has been determined to not be
hydrologically connected to the Platte River (see Appendix F). Notwithstanding, the WSEO
will regulate surface and groundwater use/supply for the Project to ensure compliance with
applicable regulations and the Platte River Implementation Agreement. Therefore, the
Project will be constructed and operated in accordance with water use/supply permits and
will be consistent with the goals of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Agreement.
6.8 Surface and Groundwater
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
Baseline surface and groundwater resources were reviewed, and water use calculations
were estimated for the Project. The following sections detail the baseline conditions and
potential Project impacts.
6.8.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Water quality associated with construction and operation of the Project will be subject to the
WDEQ – Water Quality Division Standards and Regulations. Specifically, implementing
Water Quality Rules and Regulations are found in Chapters 1 to 23, and also in the
Wyoming Environmental Quality Act.
6.8.2 Surface Water
The Project lies within the North Platte River Basin, Medicine Bow Rive Sub-Basin
watershed (HUC 10180004) 8 miles north of Medicine Bow, Wyoming. The major named
streams within the vicinity of the Project area are Sledge, Cottonwood, Willow Springs, TB,
and Muddy Creeks. Several stock ponds within gullies, draws, gulches, and springs occur
throughout the Project area.
The majority of the Project area lies within the drainage system of Muddy Creek and its
tributaries. Muddy Creek drains to the Little Medicine Bow River, which is located
approximately 2 to 3 miles south of the Project area. The drainage system near the Project
appears to be fed by spring snow melt, summer thunderstorm surface runoff, and
groundwater, and it is generally dry by late summer in most years. Surface water resources
are presented in the Surface Water and Wetlands map in Appendix F.
Cottonwood Creek is a minor ephemeral tributary in the northwest Project area. The
tributary originates in the northwest corner and meanders easterly through the Project area
joining Willow Springs, TB, and several unnamed Creeks and eventually drains to Muddy
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Creek. Direction of drainage flow within the Project area is generally west to east with
elevations varying from 7,600 to 6,700 feet.
The northwest corner of the Project area below Cottonwood Creek is primarily drained by
Sledge Creek and its tributaries. Sledge Creek is tributary to the Medicine Bow River
approximately 4 miles southwest of the Project area. Sledge Creek appears to be an
intermittent or ephemeral creek that supports adjacent wetlands outside of the Project area.
Additionally, the very southwest portion of the Project area is drained by several small
unnamed tributaries that feed several stock ponds before draining to the Medicine Bow
River.
Three natural springs are located in the vicinity of the Project area. These include an
unnamed spring east of the Project boundary, the Gibson Spring, and another unnamed
spring in the Sledge Creek drainage area.
Cottonwood and Sledge Creeks are classified by the State of Wyoming as Class 3B water.
Class 3B waters are those surface waters shown as not having fish present and are not used
for drinking water. These surface waters are protected for the following beneficial uses:
other aquatic life (other than fish), recreation, wildlife, agriculture, industry, and scenic
value (WYDEQ, 2001).
Muddy Creek is classified as Class 2C warm water and supports designated beneficial uses
such as nongame fisheries, fish consumption, aquatic life other than fish, recreation,
wildlife, industry, agriculture, and scenic value (WYDEQ, 2001).
The Little Medicine Bow River is approximately 2 to 3 miles south of the Project area. The
Little Medicine Bow River receives runoff from Muddy Creek and its tributaries. Eventually
the Little Medicine Bow River drains into the Medicine Bow River approximately 4 miles
southwest of the Project area. The Little Medicine Bow and Medicine Bow Rivers are
classified by the State of Wyoming as Class 2AB cold waters. Class 2AB surface waters are
protected for all beneficial uses, which include drinking water, nongame fish, fish
consumption, other aquatic life, recreation, wildlife, agriculture, industry, and scenic value
(WYDEQ, 2001).
Based on a review of the WYDEQ’s Section 303(d) list of impaired waters, there are no listed
streams either in or in proximity to the of the Project area. Lastly, according to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood insurance rate maps (FIRM) database, a
100-year floodplain does not exist along the Little Medicine Bow River, or within or in the
vicinity of the Project area (FEMA, 2009).
6.8.2.1 Construction Impacts
Construction activities are not anticipated to discharge into surface waters. Potential
impacts to surface water features from erosion and sedimentation will be minimized and
prevented by measures to control runoff during construction and operation of the Project. A
SWPPP will be developed with the NOI for the required WYPDES General Stormwater
Construction Permit and implemented to minimize impacts on surface water resources
during construction of the Project. In addition, the concrete batch plant temporary work
area will be covered by the WYPDES General Stormwater Construction Permit and
appropriate permits from the WDEQ–WQD.
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Fuel Storage. Fuel storage areas will be managed and controlled in accordance with federal
and state regulations to prevent the release of petroleum products to surface waters.
Implementation of BMPs such as proper labeling and storage, secondary containment, and
inspection as required by the WYPDES General Stormwater Construction Permit SWPPP
will reduce the potential for accidental release of hazardous materials to surface water
resources. No impacts to surface water resources are anticipated from use of hazardous
materials during construction or operation.
Spill Prevention. A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans (SPCCs) (as
required by 40 CFR Part 112) will be developed and implemented at the site for construction
and operations.
Waters of the United States and Wetlands. Any work within jurisdictional waters of the
United States or wetlands would be conducted in accordance with Sections 404 and
401 permits of the CWA. Therefore, no adverse or significant impacts to surface water
resources are anticipated from Project area stream crossings during construction. There are
no regulatory floodplains in the Project area, and no floodplain impacts are anticipated.
6.8.2.2 Operation Impacts
PacifiCorp will operate the Project in accordance with all issued conditions of approval from
the WDEQ-ISD and all relevant local, state, and federal permits. Therefore, operation of the
Project will not result in significant impairment to surface water resources that would
impair the health, safety, or welfare of current or expected inhabitants in the area of site
influence.
6.8.3 Groundwater
The North Platte River Basin contains a wide variety of geologic formations and structural
elements. The Project area is within the Paleozoic and Lower Tertiary aquifer systems, as
presented in the Groundwater Resources map in Appendix F. The Paleozoic aquifer covers
the northwestern edge of the Project area, while the Lower Tertiary aquifer covers the
majority of the northwestern and the southeastern edge of the Project area. Paleozoic
aquifers consist of sandstone, dolomite, and limestone. The limestone formations are the
most productive aquifers (USGS, 1996). Groundwater movement in the aquifers moves
in a northeastward direction (USGS, 1996). Lower Tertiary aquifers consist mostly
of semiconsolidated to consolidated sandstone beds of Oligocene to Paleocene age
(USGS, 1996). The water-yielding sandstones of this layer are interbedded with non-
water-yielding inclusions of shale, mudstone, siltstone, lignite, coal, and limestone
(USGS, 1996).
The majority of groundwater use is for agricultural and domestic purposes. Groundwater
wells within the Project area vary in depth from 45 to 99 feet bgs with static water levels
ranging from 3 to 20 feet bgs (WSEO, 2009).
6.8.3.1 Construction Impacts
One of the environmental benefits of wind generation is that the wind farms require very
minimal amounts of water, during both the construction and operations phase. More
importantly, wind generation, by its nature, has minimal requirements for water. During the
construction phase, water supply needs for the Project will be met with either an existing
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water right purchase or a new water right allocation (if the water resources in the area have
not been fully appropriated).
Portable toilets will be provided for onsite sewage handling during construction and will be
pumped and cleaned regularly by the construction contractor. No other wastewater will be
generated during construction. Lastly, any quantities of solid waste materials generated by
activities at the Project site will be disposed of in an appropriate manner at suitable licensed
disposal sites. Licensed waste haulers will be use to remove wastes and dispose of such
wastes in licensed and approved facilities according to local regulations and procedures.
The construction impacts to groundwater will not result in substantial impairment to the
groundwater resources or the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected
inhabitants in the area of primary affect.
6.8.3.2 Operations and Maintenance Impacts
As previously discussed, most of the operational water usage would be associated with
potable water needs for the 10 operations staff. It is anticipated that a local groundwater
well will be used to supply for domestic use. In addition, daily water use be treated and
discharged to an onsite septic system.
A review of Table 6-8 shows that an estimated 1.1 ac-ft/yr would be required to operate the
Project. A septic permit will be obtained from the implementing agency and issued
conditions will be maintained to protect any potential impacts to groundwater. Therefore,
operational impacts to groundwater will not result in substantial impairment to the
groundwater resources or the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected
inhabitants in the area of site influence.
6.9 Land Use
Rule I Section 7(i)(i) – Land Use. Land use designation of the site location, including whether the use
of the land by the industrial facility is consistent with state, intrastate, regional, county, and local
land use plans, if any. The analysis shall include the area of land required and ultimate use of land by
the industrial facility and reclamation plans for all lands affected by the industrial facility or its
dependent components.
Existing land use is defined as the way in which a parcel of land is put to use, for example,
agriculture or residential. Local land use plans establish the vision for how a jurisdiction
should develop and establishes the goals, objectives, and action items for achieving that
vision. The plans also establish a framework to guide and evaluate future development.
Local and county land use plans or comprehensive plans are planning and management
documents that (1) define how resources will be managed within a specific planning area or
subdivision of a planning area and (2) establish restrictions on activities to be undertaken in
that planning area or subdivision. The land use planning process is the key tool that the
local communities and counties use to protect valued resources, allow development in a
predictable manner, and designate uses on local lands that it manages. These land use plans,
in combination with the zoning code, provide a community the ability to evaluate the
compatibility of new development and ensure that the objectives of that community are
achieved.
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6.9.1 Consistency with Land Use Plans
Rule I Section 7(xvi) – Consistency with Land Use Plans. Compatibility of the facility with state or
local land use plans, if any.
The Project will be located on a combination of privately owned fee and State of Wyoming
lands. Therefore, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) (private fee lands) and a Special Use
Lease (state lands) will be required to construct and operate the Project from Carbon County
and the Office of State Lands and Investments, respectively.
6.9.1.1 Carbon County Land Use Plan
The existing land use for the project site is ranching. Additionally, the future land use
designation for the site is classified as low intensity rural.
New project development on private lands in the County requires a CUP issued by the
Carbon County Planning and Zoning Commission. This “land use permit” is issued to
address a broad array of impacts to lands and other resources within the county’s
boundaries. This includes impacts to lands and other resources and offsite resources such as
the human population and county infrastructure.
The Project site is zoned as ranching, agriculture, and mining (RAM). As such, the
development is subject to the adopted land use requirements of Carbon County .Therefore,
a CUP application was submitted on June 8, 2009 to the Carbon County Planning and
Zoning Commission for review under the adopted Land Use Plan.
Conditional Use Permit. Project development on private fee lands in Carbon County requires
a CUP from the Carbon County Planning and Zoning Commission. Conditionally permitted
use requirements within Carbon County are specified in Section 5.6 of Zoning Resolution of
2003, as amended January 6, 2004. The zoning resolution specifies findings must be made to
approve a CUP. In addition, Section 5.6 of the Carbon County Zoning Resolution of 2003, as
amended on January 6, 2004, states that conditionally permitted uses must insure the best
interests of the health, safety, and welfare of Carbon County citizens.
Consideration of a CUP is a discretionary act (i.e., an administrative, quasi-judicial act). The
CUP application tendered by the applicant is considered at a public hearing and, if
approved, may be subject to a number of pertinent conditions of approval. The CUP applies
the provisions of the adopted zoning ordinance and its standards to the specific set of
circumstances that characterize the proposed land use.
The CUP applies the requirements of the zoning ordinance to the proposed land use
associated with the Project. The CUP application requires analysis to support five primary
findings.
1. The proposed use must serve an obvious public need.
2. The proposed use will not be detrimental to the surrounding area or to established uses.
3. Adequate and safe access and circulation must be provided.
4. Any resulting commercial and truck traffic must not use a residential street nor create a
hazard to a developed residential area.
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5. The record owner must take adequate steps to minimize and control potential
environmental problems that might result from the proposed use.
The basic criterion used in reviewing applications for conditionally permitted uses is
whether or not granting the permit for development either by itself or in combination with
other developments will subvert the stated purposes of the established District. If so, the
permit shall be denied and the petitioner will have the option of requesting a zone change.
Appeals of decisions and conditions made by the Carbon County Planning and Zoning
Commission may be taken to the Carbon County Board of County Commissioners.
Carbon County Building Permit. Carbon County requires a building permit prior to initiating
construction activities. The building permit is a ministerial permit required for all new
proposed buildings within the county’s jurisdiction. PacifiCorp will obtain this permit prior
to construction.
6.9.1.2 State of Wyoming Lands
The Wyoming State Land Trust consists of three assets: State Trust Land, State Trust
Minerals, and the State Permanent Land Fund. All three assets derive revenue from those
lands granted by the federal government to the state of Wyoming at the time of statehood
under various acts of the U.S. Congress and accepted and governed under Article 18 of the
Wyoming Constitution. The revenues generated by trust lands and minerals are reserved for
the exclusive benefit of the beneficiaries designated in the congressional acts. The
beneficiaries are the common (public) schools and certain other designated public
institutions in Wyoming such as the Wyoming State Hospital.
The Wyoming State Constitution and the Wyoming State Legislature direct the Board of
Land Commissioners, consisting of the state’s five elected officials, to manage trust assets
for two key purposes consistent with traditional trust principles: (1) long-term growth in
value and (2) optimum, sustainable revenue production.
Special Use Lease. Special Use Leases are authorized under Chapter 5, Special Use Leasing
of the Board of Land Commissioners Rules and Regulations. Special use means any use of
state land other than for grazing, agriculture, the extraction of minerals, or uses authorized
under easements granted pursuant to Chapter 5 of the Rules and Regulations, or hunting,
fishing, and general recreational uses pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Rules and Regulations.
6.9.2 Construction Impacts
The development of the wind energy project is not consistent with the existing land use
(ranching). Therefore, land use permits are required to construct and operate the wind
energy facility.
6.9.2.1 Conditional Use Permit
PacifiCorp submitted a CUP application to the Carbon County Planning Department on
June 8, 2009. The obtainment of a CUP will ensure that certain adopted land use zoning
standards are met and that the Project is compatible with the RAM zoning district.
If approved, development of the Project will be subject to the requirements of a CUP issued
by the Carbon County Planning and Zoning Commission. In addition, PacifiCorp will
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operate the Project in accordance with all issued conditions of approval from the Carbon
County CUP and Wyoming State Lands and Investments. Therefore, Project construction
activities will be consistent with the CUP and will not result in substantial impairment to or
the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected inhabitants in the area of site
influence.
6.9.2.2 Building Permit
As previously detailed, Carbon County’s Building Permit is a ministerial permit required
for all new proposed buildings within the county’s jurisdiction.
Upon completion of the site layout and prior to construction initiation, PacifiCorp will
obtain a Building Permit from the Carbon County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Therefore, Project construction activities will be consistent with the requirements of
building permit and will not result in substantial impairment to or the health, safety, or
welfare of the present or expected inhabitants in the area of site influence.
6.9.2.3 Special Use Lease
The Project site contains some land parcels owned by the State of Wyoming. On
June 4, 2009, PacifiCorp obtained a Special Use Lease from the Board of Land
Commissioners. Easement terms have been finalized. In addition, PacifiCorp will operate
the Project in accordance with all issued conditions of approval from the Office of Wyoming
State Lands and Investments. Therefore, Project operations will be consistent with State land
initiatives and plans and will not result in substantial impairment to or the health, safety, or
welfare of the present or expected inhabitants in the area of site influence.
6.10 Recreational Resources
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(B) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover recreational resources.
The area of site influence for recreational resources was defined as Hanna, Medicine Bow,
and Rock River; the area within the Project site boundary; and a lineal distance extending
distance 20 miles beyond the Project site boundary.
Existing recreation resources were identified through the use of Google Earth, the Carbon
County website, and the Town of Medicine Bow website. No recreational resources were
found in Rock River. Table 6-9 details designated local, state, and federal recreational areas
within 20 miles of the Project site boundary. In addition, Appendix A contains a map
depicting the Project site boundary and a 12-mile radius around the boundary.
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TABLE 6-9
Recreation Areas Near Project Site
Recreation Area
Approximate Distance to
Central Portion of
Project Site (miles) Direction from Project Site
Seminoe State Park 18.7 Miles West
Hanna Recreation Center 19 Miles Southwest
Shirley Mountains and Basin 16 Miles Northwest
Town of Medicine Bow 4-H Park 6.9 Miles South
Town of Medicine Bow City Park 6.8 Miles South
East Allen Lake 8.6 Miles South

The following is a summary of the recreational areas within the area of site influence.
6.10.1.1 Seminoe State Park
The Seminoe State Dam is located approximately 18.7 miles west of the Project site and
about 34 miles northeast of Rawlins, Wyoming. Recreation activities are managed for the
Bureau of Reclamation by Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites. Seminoe State Park has
180 miles of shoreline and is one of the largest human-made reservoirs in Wyoming and the
largest park in the Wyoming State Parks system. Seminoe State Park provides three
campgrounds and three boat ramps. Available fish species for angling include walleye,
brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. The reservoir is stocked annually with
rainbow and cutthroat trout. Adjacent to Seminoe Dam, near the north end of the reservoir,
the Morgan Creek drainage area comprises approximately 4,752 acres of forested lands
within the Seminoe Mountains. This land is administered by the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department (WGFD) as a winter range for elk and bighorn sheep and is open to hunting but
is closed to grazing, camping, and fires.
6.10.1.2 Hanna Recreation Center
The Hanna Recreation Center is located approximately 19 miles southwest of the Project
site. This facility has an Olympic sized swimming pool, aerobic room with cardio
equipment, weight room, racquet ball court, gym, and sauna.
6.10.1.3 Shirley Mountains and Basin
The Shirley Mountains and Basin are located approximately 16 northwest of the Project site.
These mountains provide striking scenery, rock towers, stunning views, and unblemished
nature and wildlife.
6.10.1.4 Town of Medicine Bow Parks
The Town of Medicine Bow is located approximately 6 miles south of the Project site. Two
parks are located within the town and include a 4-H Park (Walnut Street) and City Park
(north end of the town east of Highway 487).
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6.10.1.5 East Allen Lake
East Allen Lake is located south of Medicine Bow, approximately 8.6 miles from the Project
site. Tent camping, Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping, fishing, and public restrooms are all
amenities of the site.
6.10.1.6 State of Wyoming Lands
The Project area contains State of Wyoming lands in Sections 6, 12, 16, and 36. Accordingly,
Section 16 allows for recreational opportunities because WYO 487 traverses the land parcel
and allows for legal access. Conversely, Sections 6, 12, and 36 are surrounded by private fee
lands and legal access to these land parcels is blocked due to private land trespass laws.
Hunting is the only recreational activity afforded in Section 16 within the Project site.
6.10.1.7 Bureau of Land Management Lands
The BLM Rawlins Field Office (RFO) administrative area is located in south-central and
southeastern Wyoming and includes approximately 11.2 million acres of land in Albany,
Carbon, Laramie, and Sweetwater Counties. The RFO recently approved a Resource
Management Plan (RMP) and resulting Record of Decision (ROD) for the Rawlins RMP
Planning Area (RMPPA), which is intended to provide land use planning and management
direction on a broad scale and to guide future actions.
Two BLM lands in Sections 8 and 20 are adjacent to the Project. Section 8 can be legally
accessed from WYO 487. Section 20 is surrounded by private fee lands, and legal access to
these land parcels is blocked due to private land trespass laws.
6.10.1.8 Construction Impacts
The Project workforce represents only a very small percentage of the total population of the
area of site influence, and any use of the Town of Medicine Bow’s parks would not result in
a significant net increase in usage and visitation. Therefore, it is concluded that no
significant impact would occur to the town’s recreation resources from the small
incremental increase in usage by Project workforce.
The Project would temporarily increase the population in the area of the site influence.
Specifically, the construction workforce would result in a maximum increase of
approximately 250 people over the 14-month construction schedule. It is anticipated that a
limited number of workers may visit East Allen Lake, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest,
Shirley Mountains and Basin, Seminoe State Park, Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir, and
Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge.
For the purposes of this analysis, it is assumed that every Project construction employee will
visit East Allen Lake, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Shirley Mountains and Basin,
Seminoe State Park, Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir, and Pathfinder National Wildlife
Refuge recreational facilities once a year. Currently, visitation numbers are not available to
determine incremental visitation increase. Therefore, an established annual visitation rate
has not been established, and a threshold of significance determination can not be asserted.
For the Town of Medicine Bow’s parks and the Town of Hanna’s Recreation Center, the
Project workforce represents only a very small percentage of the total population of the area
of site influence. Any use of these towns’ recreational resources would not result in a
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significant net increase in usage and visitation. Therefore, it is concluded that no significant
impact would occur to the either town’s recreation resources from the small incremental
increase in usage by Project workforce.
The State of Wyoming land accessible from WYO 487 will be potentially affected during
construction. The land parcel could be temporarily affected by increased noise and traffic
during Project construction. However, those impacts will be temporary and limited to the
construction schedule of 14 months.
It is envisioned that a very small incremental increase in park visitations would not exceed
the current annual visitation growth rates and would not result in a significant increase in
visitor impacts to the local recreational resources. Therefore, the construction workforce will
not result in substantial impairment to or the health, safety, or welfare of the present
recreational resources in the area of site influence.
6.10.1.9 Operation Impacts
Hunting is the only recreational opportunity afforded within the Project area, limited to
the state of Wyoming Section 16, T24N, R78W within the Project area. The exact use and
frequency of hunting activity on Section 16 is currently unknown. During both construction
and operation, Section 16 would be accessible to hunting. Given that Section 16 is near
WYO 487, the hunting quality afforded is likely low in overall quality. Additionally, the
temporary nature of the impacts and the likely relative infrequency of the hunting activity
indicate that the Project will not significantly impact these recreational resources.
No BLM lands adjacent to the Project area or within the 20-mile radius would be impacted
during the operation of the Project.
In conclusion, the operation workforce will not result in substantial impairment to or the
health, safety, or welfare of the present recreational resources in the area of site influence.
6.11 Wetlands and Waters of the United States
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
The USACE provides authorization for fill impacts to jurisdictional waters of the United
States and adjacent wetlands under Section 404 of the CWA.
6.11.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
The CWA (33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq.) is a 1977 amendment to the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act of 1972, which set the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants to
waters of the U.S. The following are jurisdictions within the CWA.
• Section 404—Regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the
United States, including wetlands
• Section 402—National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for
discharge of pollutants
• Section 401—State certification of water quality
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6.11.2 Wetlands
The USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) database was reviewed for mapped
wetlands according to the classification scheme of Cowardin et al. (1979). The NWI database
indicates the general proximity of wetland habitat based on changes in vegetation patterns
as observed from satellite imagery. This database is used as a preliminary indicator of
wetland habitats as the aerial interpretation is not precise (e.g., wetlands identified in this
database require field verification). The NWI digital files that were available for the Project
site 30 x 60 minute quadrangles.
Project site surface hydrology appears to be provided by runoff from stormwater and
snowmelt from the Freezeout Mountains. Cottonwood Creek drains much of the northern
half of the project site towards the west through a narrow gap in the Freezeout Mountains.
Cottonwood Creek has a confluence with Muddy Creek, which runs to the south along
the eastern edge of the Project site. Muddy Creek eventually has a confluence with
Medicine Bow River (a jurisdictional water of the U.S.) 3 miles south of the Project site.
The Project area is generally dominated by mixed-grass prairie interspersed with Wyoming
sagebrush. Site topography does allow for inclusion of sparse and interspersed wetlands, a
few ponds, and several minor streams are indicated on NWI maps. Most of the wetlands in
the area are categorized as palustrine emergent and occur in local depression areas, along
the fringes of ponds, or along creek channels.
6.11.3 Waters of the United States
The Project site contains mapped NWI drainage features that are potentially tributary to
jurisdictional waters to the United States. As a result of the onsite surface hydrology, a
jurisdictional delineation is required to assess whether jurisdictional waters of the U.S. or
wetlands are present within the Project site and if impacts may occur.
Publicly available waterbody data are presented in the Surface Water map (Appendix F)
and was used by PacifiCorp in development of the preliminary layout.
6.11.4 Construction Impacts
A wetland delineation and waters of the U.S. assessment will be completed prior to
construction initiation. Therefore, a complete delineation report is not available for inclusion
in the application due to the timing of the fieldwork. Methodology used for the delineation
will be in accordance with USACE Wetland Delineation Manual (USACE, 1987) and the
Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid
West Region (USACE, 2006). The delineation will identify jurisdictional wetlands and
waters of the United States and aid in micrositing of Project appurtenant features to avoid
and minimize impacts. In addition, the delineation will identify areas requiring permits
pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA.
Based on the Section 404(b)(1) least environmental damaging practical alternative
implementing CWA guidelines, Project impacts to waters of the U.S. are to be avoided
or minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Modifications to the site layout are
anticipated to be made throughout the final design and engineering process and will occur
during the 30, 60, and 90 percent Project engineering design completion stages. In addition,
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once the jurisdictional features are mapped, the locations and boundaries will be used to aid
in layout decisions and final engineering design. Therefore, the final site layout and final
access road and collector line engineering designs will be located to avoid or minimize
impacts to potentially jurisdictional waters of the U.S.
Based on experiences from past wind energy projects, all potential impacts to jurisdictional
waters of the U.S. will be associated with the construction of access roads. Therefore the
Project should qualify for use of Nationwide Permit 12 for utility line construction activities
and utility line access roads. Nationwide Permit 12 requires preconstruction notification of
the local USACE regulatory office before dredge or fill activities may occur in waters of the
U.S. if potential acreage impacts meet or exceed 0.1 acre. Additionally, Nationwide Permit
12 requires a preconstruction notice for projects with 500 linear feet of potential impacts to
waters of the U.S.
The Project will be constructed in accordance with the terms and conditions of any issued
CWA permit to ensure that that there are no significant impacts. In addition, due to
micrositing activities by PacifiCorp, the Project will avoid significant impacts that may
impair the health, safety, or welfare of the resource or the health, safety, or welfare of the
present or expected waters of the U.S. resources in the area of site influence.
6.11.5 Operation Impacts
No adverse impacts to wetlands or waters of the United States resources are anticipated
from operation of the Project that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of the resource or
the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected jurisdictional features in the area of
site influence.
6.12 Visual Resources
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(A) – Scenic Resources. Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for
alleviating social, economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts
which may result from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover
scenic resources.
6.12.1 Introduction
Visual or scenic resources are the natural and built features of the landscape that contribute
to the public’s experience and appreciation of the environment. Visual resource or scenic
impacts are generally defined in terms of a project’s physical characteristics and the
potential visibility and extent to which the project’s presence would change the perceived
visual character and quality of the environment in which it would be located. This analysis
documents the existing visual conditions on the site and in the surrounding area and
assesses the extent to which the proposed project has the potential to affect the quality of the
area’s scenic resources.
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6.12.2 Methodology
The Federal Highway Administration Visual Impact Assessment Methodology
This impact analysis was conducted using the evaluative process set out by the
Federal Highway Administration in Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects
(FHWA, 1988). This analysis approach was developed by a major federal agency that
invested considerable resources in its creation, testing, and implementation, and as a result,
this approach is robust and is now widely used to provide systematic and objective
evaluations of visual change.
The FHWA visual quality and aesthetics assessment method used for this analysis addresses
three primary questions:
• What are the visual qualities and characteristics of the existing landscape in the project
area?
• What are the potential effects of the project’s proposed alternatives on the area’s visual
quality and aesthetics?
• Who would see the project, and what is their likely level of concern about or reaction to
how the project visually fits within the existing landscape?
Applying the FHWA visual quality assessment method entails six steps:
1. Establish the project’s area of visual influence.
2. Determine who has views of and from the project (“viewer”).
3. Describe and assess the landscape that exists before project construction (“affected
environment”).
4. Assess the response of viewers looking at and from the project, before and after project
construction (“viewer sensitivity or concern”).
5. Determine and evaluate views of the project for before and after project construction
(simulations).
6. Describe the potential visible changes to the project area and its surroundings that
would result from the project.
The first three steps were conducted for the Project in order to establish the baseline
conditions as viewed from specific locations in the surrounding area. The Project’s potential
changes to the visible landscape and likely viewer responses to those changes were then
assessed and systematically compared against the baseline conditions to determine the
nature and degree of potential impacts to visual resources.
6.12.2.1 Specialized Tools and Vocabulary
The FHWA system uses a generally accepted set of tools and well-defined terminology. The
following fundamental terminology is used throughout this analysis.
Views are what can be seen from the project area and what can be seen of the project area
from the surrounding neighborhoods and communities. Because it is not possible to depict
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every view toward the project features, representative views have been selected to represent
types of views that are available to the general public. The viewpoints from which these
representative views are seen are called Key Observation Points (KOPs).
Viewshed is the area surrounding a project area from which the project is, or potentially
could be, visible to viewers.
Simulations are images depicting views that have been modified by computer modeling to
show the proposed project within the existing landscape.
Viewers are people who have views of the project. Viewers are usually discussed in terms
of general categories of activities (such as residents, workers, recreationists [park users,
boaters, or bicyclists], pedestrians, or motorists [both commuters and leisure travelers]) and
are referred to as “viewer groups.”
Viewer sensitivity (or level of concern) is a combination of the following factors for a
specific view:
• How many people have that view and what types of viewers are they?
• How long can they see the view? Residents and recreationists generally have views of
long duration while bicyclists and motorists typically have short-duration views.
• What is their likely level of concern about the appearance, aesthetics, and quality of the
view? Level of concern is a subjective response that is affected by factors such as the
visual character of the surrounding landscape, the activity a viewer is engaged in, and
their values, expectations, and interests. Generally residents and recreationists are
considered to be highly sensitive viewers, and workers and commuters are considered
to be less sensitive.
Low viewer sensitivity exists when there are few viewers who experience a defined view or
they are not particularly concerned about the view. High viewer sensitivity exists when
there are many viewers who have a view frequently or for a long duration, as well as
viewers (many or few), such as those in a residential neighborhood, who are likely to be
very aware of and concerned about the view. Viewer sensitivity or level of concern does not
imply support for or opposition to a proposed project; it is a neutral term that is an
important parameter in assessing visual quality.

Visual character is an impartial description of what the landscape consists of and is defined
by the relationships between the existing visible natural and built landscape features. These
relationships are considered in terms of dominance, scale, diversity, and continuity. Visual
character-defining resources and features include:
• Landforms: types, gradients, and scale.
• Vegetation: types, size, maturity, and continuity.
• Land uses: height, bulk, scale, and architectural detail of associated buildings and
ancillary site uses.
• Transportation facilities: types, sizes, scale, and directional orientation.
• Overhead utility structures and lighting: types, sizes, and scale.
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• Open space: type (e.g., parks, reserves, greenbelts, and undeveloped land), extent, and
continuity.
• Viewpoints and views to visual resources.
• Water bodies, historic structures, and downtown skylines.
• Apparent “grain” or texture, such as the size and distribution of structures and unbuilt
properties or open spaces of the landscape.
• Apparent upkeep and maintenance.
Viewing distance is the distance between the viewed object and the viewer. Or stated
another way, the closer that the viewer is to a viewed object, the more detail that can be seen
and the greater the potential influence the object has on visual quality. For this analysis,
three viewing distances were used: (1) immediate foreground (between 0 and
approximately 300 feet of the viewers), (2) foreground (between 300 feet and ½ mile), and
(3) middleground (between ½ and 4 miles).
5

Visual quality is an assessment of the composition of the character-defining features for
selected views. Under the FHWA visual quality analysis system, the characteristics are
evaluated in terms of vividness, intactness, and unity (which are defined below) and are
scored for these characteristics. The scores are then averaged for a total visual quality score
between 1 and 7, where a low score represents low visual quality and a higher score
represents high visual quality. This assessment asks: Is this particular view common or
dramatic? Is it a pleasing composition (a mix of elements that seem to belong together) or
not (a mix of elements that either do not belong together or are eyesores and contrast with
the other elements in the surroundings)?
Visual quality is evaluated and discussed using these terms:
• Vividness is the degree of drama, memorability, or distinctiveness of the landscape
components.
• Intactness is a measure of the visual integrity of the natural and human-built landscape
and its freedom from encroaching elements. This factor can be present in well-kept
urban and rural landscapes, as well as in natural settings. High intactness means that the
landscape is free of unattractive features and is not broken up by features and elements
that are out of place. Low intactness means that visual elements can be seen in a view
that are unattractive and/or detract from the quality of the view.
• Unity is the degree of visual coherence and compositional harmony of the landscape
considered as a whole. High unity frequently attests to the careful design of individual
components and their relationship in the landscape or an undisturbed natural
landscape.

5
This categorization of distance zones is well established among visual resource analysis practitioners and has been adopted
by the United States Forest Service as part of its Scenery Management System (United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service, 1995)
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6.12.2.2 Study Procedure
The study process began with a review of maps, on which the project features had been
plotted, and the determination of the project’s viewshed. A viewshed analysis is most
commonly a computer-generated graphic that relies upon the maximum elevations of the
project features and surrounding topography to identify locations from which the project
would theoretically be visible via an unobstructed or partial line-of-sight. For the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project, a viewshed radius of 20 miles was assumed. Results of this analysis
indicated the areas from which the turbines associated with the Project have the potential to
be visible. Accessible viewpoints were identified within the viewshed. The site and
surrounding areas were visited in order to document the existing visual conditions in the
Project area. Photographs were taken toward the locations of the Project features from
representative viewpoints, and from this set of views, KOPs were selected to use as the basis
for the analysis.
From each of the KOPs, a photograph was taken to provide the basis for development of a
simulation to depict the view as it would appear with the completed Project in place. The
photographs used as the basis for the simulations were all taken with a digital camera set to
take photos equivalent to those taken with a 35-mm camera using a 50-mm focal length.
Single-frame images were used. For each view, computer modeling and rendering
techniques were used to produce the simulated images. Existing topographic and site data
provided the basis for developing an initial digital model. Project engineers provided site
plans and digital data for the proposed facilities. These were used to create three-
dimensional (3-D) digital models of the turbine, substation and transmission line structures.
These models were then combined with the digital site model to produce a complete
computer model of the Dunlap Wind Energy Project.
For each simulation viewpoint, a viewer location was digitized from topographic maps and
scaled aerial photographs, using five feet as the assumed viewer eye level. Computer “wire
frame” perspective plots were then overlaid on the photographs of the views from the
simulation viewpoints to verify scale and viewpoint location. Digital visual simulation
images were produced as a next step based on computer renderings of the 3-D model
combined with high-resolution digital versions of base photographs. The final “hardcopy”
visual simulation images that appear in this document were produced from the digital
image files using a color printer.
Comparison of the “before” photographs with the simulations of the Project as it would
appear after construction provided the basis for determining Project impacts on views and
visual quality. In comparing the pre-construction and post-construction conditions, use was
made of the systematic view evaluation system that the FHWA has devised as an aid for
implementation of the visual impact procedure. Comparison of the evaluations of the
existing views with the evaluations of the simulations of the views as they would appear
with the Project constructed, provided a systematic and consistent basis for evaluating the
degree of visual change that would occur as a result of the Project’s development. These
evaluations of the before and after views provided the backdrop for the qualitative
assessments of visual conditions and visual change presented in this analysis.
The procedure described above provides the basis for identifying the degree of turbine
visibility and the degree of change in the view that the presence of the turbines creates. To
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assess the aesthetic impacts of these changes, visual impact evaluation criteria were applied
that were recommended in a recent paper published by the National Research Council
(2007). The National Research Council recommends that in evaluating the acceptability of
the visual effects of wind power projects, the questions that are appropriate to address are:
• Is the project located within an area of identified scenic or cultural significance?
• Would the project significantly degrade views or scenic resources of statewide
significance?
• Is the project on or close to a natural or cultural landscape feature that is a regional focal
point?
• Is the project in a landscape area that is visually distinct and rare or unique?
• Is the project unreasonably close (usually less than ½ mile) to many residences that
would be severely affected, especially as a result of noise, shadow flicker, or being
completely surrounded by wind turbines?
These questions are addressed based on the analysis that follows.
6.12.3 Visual Conditions on the Site and in its Surroundings
6.12.3.1 The Project Site
The Project is proposed for development on approximately a 25.8 square mile (16,500 acres)
site consisting of private fee and State of Wyoming owned lands located in Carbon County,
Wyoming. The Project site is located approximately eight miles north of Medicine Bow. The
portion of the site where the proposed turbines would be located lies within the Carbon and
Shirley Basins in proximity to the Slate Ridge and the Freezeout Mountains. The land
surrounding the Project site is characterized by low-growing vegetation and open landscape
in between ridgelines.
At present, the land on the Project site is used for ranching, with most activities centering on
cattle grazing. The landscape is sparsely vegetated, with low-lying grasses. The landscape of
the Project site is typical of that of the larger regional context and does not contain unique,
natural, or cultural aesthetic resources. Existing developed features include the residential
ranch home (occupied by the land manager), dirt (unpaved) access road network, irrigation
ditches, stock ponds, barbed-wire fencing, and a wood pole distribution line.
Although the land on the project site now consists of open rangeland that contains no wind
power development, the surrounding region is one in which wind power facilities are a
common sight. The Project site is located near the following wind energy projects: Foote
Creek Rim, Seven-Mile Hill, Seven-Mile Hill II, Liberty, Rock River, Platte River, High
Plains, McFadden Ridge, and the proposed Simpson Ridge, Chokecherry and Sierra Madre
wind energy projects. The closest wind turbine is located 7 miles from the Dunlap Project
boundary.
The major landmark feature in the Project region is Elk Mountain, which is located 25 miles
south of the Project site, and which is visible from many areas within the Project site and the
surrounding region.
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As a part of the process of evaluating the visual sensitivity of views, a review was made of
the plans, regulations, ordinances, and design standards adopted by each of the jurisdictions
in which the Project would be located to identify any provisions that designate specific
landscape areas or features as scenic resources deserving of special protection.
Based on a review regulatory jurisdictions, there are no adopted state or local planning
documents limit or restrict the amount of visual alteration that may occur on state- or
privately-owned lands. There are no designated scenic byways within or near the Project
site.
6.12.4 Project Visibility
The first step in understanding the visual impact of the proposed wind project was to
identify the areas from which the Project would be visible, extending up to 20 miles away.
This was done by using the viewshed feature of the ArcView Geographic Information
System (GIS) program. The results of the analysis are conservative, in that the areas of
potential project visibility include areas in which any part of a turbine may be visible, even
if what is seen is only the tip of the blade. Although this analysis takes into account the role
that topography plays by blocking views towards the turbines, it does not take into account
the screening of views that could be provided by buildings or vegetation in the foreground.
This analysis focuses on the views from the nearby areas in which the Project would be
visible, and those which would have the greatest potential for being impacted by the Project.
The zone of visual influence or viewshed analysis for the Project identified the fact that the
surrounding ridges would substantially block views of the proposed Project from areas to
the south and north. Specifically, Slate Ridge, Fossil Ridge, and Flattop Mountain would
serve to block most regional views of the Project from the south. The 8 mile lineal distance
between the Project site and the Town of Medicine Bow combined with natural topography
substantially limits the effect on views toward the north from the Town of Medicine Bow.
Specifically, in most areas of the Town of Medicine Bow, 10 or fewer WTGs would be
visible.
The Freezeout Mountains would create the effect of blocking most views of the Project’s
WTGs from the north along those views associated with WYO 487. The WTGs would be
most visible in the area to the east of the Project site, which is for the most part, uninhabited,
and where there are far fewer viewers. The primary close-range views would be those
experienced by motorists on WYO 487 for a continuous distance of approximately 9.5 miles,
with views of the Project site beginning approximately 2 miles north and extending
approximately 1.5 miles south of the Project boundaries. To the extent that the WTGs have
the potential to be visible in the surrounding areas, the extent to which they dominate the
view would be greatly influenced by distance. Observations of wind turbine visibility
suggest that structures in the size range proposed for this project have the greatest potential
to be visually dominant within a radius of about 2 miles from the structures, and that the
degree of perceived visual dominance tapers off to a moderate level after about 3.8 miles
and a low level after about 9.3 miles (CPRW, 1996).
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6.12.5 Key Observation Points
Representative viewpoints were selected to serve as Key Observation Points, from which
photographs were taken and visual simulations were prepared to illustrate the degree of
contrast between existing and proposed conditions. The locations of these KOPs are
indicated on figures in Appendix F. KOP 1 is the viewpoint selected to represent views for
motorists traveling northbound on WYO 487. KOP 2 is the viewpoint selected to represent
views from WYO 487 heading southbound. KOP 3 is the viewpoint taken from
WYO 487, looking southwest towards Elk Mountain.
KOP 1. KOP 1 is located at an elevated point (Flattop Mountain) overlooking the entire
project site, approximately 1.0 mile south of the project boundary. It is a representative view
for motorists traveling northbound on WYO 487. The sensitivity of motorists viewing the
proposed turbines from such a close distance is considered relatively high. This landscape is
characterized by low-growing vegetation, providing sweeping vistas between ridgelines.
Because this KOP is situated at one of the high points in the area and because there is no
vegetation to provide screening, it offers a nearly comprehensive and unobstructed view of
the project site with the Freezeout Mountains in the distance. The overall visual quality at
this location is high. The distant ridgeline provides this view with a moderately high level of
vividness. Because there are no encroaching elements beyond the roadway and the wood
pole electric distribution line, the level of intactness is high. The seamless integration of the
roadway into the natural landscape creates a view with a high degree of visual unity.
KOP 2.KOP 2 is located on WYO 487 within the project site, approximately 2.5 miles south of
the northern project boundary. This view toward the southeast provides unobstructed
views of the project site because of landscapist slightly elevated location and because of the
low-lying vegetation. This view is representative for motorists traveling southbound on
WYO 487. This view is similar to the views from many roadways in Wyoming of vast, open
plains rimmed by distant mountains. In this view, the landscape has a somewhat low level
of vividness because there are few distinguishing features. The intactness and unity of the
view are high because of few intrusive elements and because the roadway integrates
seamlessly with the natural landscape. Taking these variables into account, the overall
visual quality is moderate.
KOP 3.KOP 3 is located on WYO 487, approximately 3.0 miles south of the northern project
boundary. This view is oriented toward the southwest, and encompasses a view of Elk
Mountain. This view is representative of what motorists traveling southbound on
WYO 487 experience. Because the roadway passes through the project site, providing
travelers close views of it, the level of viewer sensitivity is high. The landscape is vast and
sparsely vegetated and has a high level of visual quality. The unobstructed ridgeline in the
distance and the distant view of Elk Mountain, an important regional landmark, provide a
moderately high level of vividness. Because there are essentially no visual intrusions in this
view, the level of visual intactness is high. The natural features in this landscape combine
together in a pleasing way to create a high level of visual unity.
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6.12.6 Project Appearance
6.12.6.1 Project Construction
There would be up to 200 turbines erected on the Project site over two construction phases:
Phase I up to 74 turbines; and Phase II up to 126 turbines. The construction period is
anticipated to require up to 14 months for each phase. During the active construction
period, large earth moving equipment, trucks, cranes, and other heavy equipment will be in
use on the Project site and within the proposed corridors for both the access roads and
transmission line. Because of the construction-related grading activities, areas of exposed
soil and fresh gravel that contrasts with the colors of the surrounding undisturbed
landscape may be visible. Any visible construction activities would be relatively short in
duration, and would not result in any substantial, permanent impact to visual resources. As
such, construction-related impacts are not discussed any further in this analysis.
6.12.6.2 Project Operation
The specifications of the Project features are described in detail in Section 2.0. The Project’s
most visible features will be the WTGs. Each WTG would be constructed with a hub height
of up to 80 meters and a rotor diameter of 77 meters. However, addition Project
infrastructure will include a substation, O&M facility, transmission lines, meteorological
towers, and unpaved maintenance roads.
To respond to the FAA’s aircraft safety lighting requirements, the Project will be marked in
accordance with the FAA rules for lighting wind turbines that were adopted in 2007. These
rules do not require daytime lighting if the towers are bright white or off white in color. For
nighttime marking, the FAA requires lights that flash red (at 2,000 candela). The exact
number of turbines that will require lighting will be specified by the FAA after it has
reviewed final Project layout plans. However, the current rules specify that warning lights
be mounted on the first and last turbines of each string, and every 1/2 mile on the turbines
in between. The nighttime warning lights are designed to concentrate the beam in the
horizontal plane, thus minimizing light diffusion down toward the ground and up toward
the sky. Aside from any required aircraft warning lights, the turbines will not be illuminated
at night. The lighting at the Project substation will be the minimum required for safety and
security, and all light fixtures will hooded and directed to prevent light from shining into
the sky or into areas outside of the substation site.
6.12.6.3 Project Decommissioning
As described in Section 3.4.10 Site Decommissioning, the Project’s operational period is
assumed to be 25 years or more. At the time the Project begins to reach the end of its useful
life, the Project owner will either make plans to upgrade or replace the equipment to extend
the Project’s operating life, or make plans to remove the Project. At such time as the Project
is decommissioned, all visible Project features will be removed and the surface of the site
will be restored. As a consequence, after decommissioning, there will be essentially no
lasting visual impact of any consequence.
6.12.7 Project Impacts
Project effects on the visual quality from each KOP are described below.
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Impacts on View from KOP 1. The simulated view of the proposed Project site from
KOP 1 is depicted in Appendix F. From this location, a majority of the Project site is visible.
Over 75 WTGs would be fully or partially visible from this vantage point. The presence of
the turbines would alter the character of this view, giving it a more highly developed
appearance. WTGs would be visible in front of the distant ridgeline and would extend
above the horizon formed by the Freezeout Mountains. The WTGs appearing above the
horizon would be visible with only the sky as backdrop but due to the distance would not
constitute a great visual interruption. The presence of the turbines would alter the intactness
of the horizon to some degree, and the overall unity of the view would be impacted by the
introduction of vertical elements into a composition currently comprised of predominantly
horizontal elements. In addition to the change in view character, this noticeable alteration of
this view would result in a moderate decrease in the view’s overall level of visual quality.
6.12.7.1 Impacts on View from KOP 2
The simulated view of the Project site from KOP 2 is depicted in Appendix F. From this
location, most of the southern half of the Project site beyond Section 16 would be visible.
Over 35 WTGs would be visible from this location, many appearing to extend into the
skyline above the horizon. The proposed WTGs would be a noticeable addition to views
from KOP 2, appearing as the prevailing element due to their proximity to the highway and
their extension into the skyline. The view from KOP 2 would also include the new
transmission structures and substation that would be added, though these features are
barely detectable and would have essentially no effect on the visual character or quality of
the view. Because the WTGs would be visible above the horizon, the intactness and overall
unity of the existing view would be reduced. Under clear atmospheric conditions, the
turbines would be especially prominent on an otherwise undeveloped horizon. The
presence of the Project would change the character of this view from undeveloped,
wide-open rangelands to a developed wind energy landscape. Although the visual quality
of this view would decline to some degree, the overall visual quality of the view would
remain moderate.
6.12.7.2 Impacts on View from KOP 3
The simulated view of the Project site from KOP 3 is depicted in Appendix F. From this
location, the entire southwest portion of the proposed Project would be visible. Over
25 turbines would be visible from this KOP. At this distance, however, the presence of the
turbines across the landscape would not dominate the view, as very few would appear
above the horizon. What is visible in this view would constitute a very minor change in the
view’s level of vividness. Compared to the current view of an undeveloped horizon in the
distance, the intactness of the view with the Project would be reduced slightly with the
turbines. At this distance also, the turbines constitute a minor interference of the view of
Elk Mountain, as the turbines blend into the distant backdrop. Under these conditions, the
visual quality would remain moderately high.
6.12.7.3 Night Lighting
The Project would create new sources of nighttime lighting: lighting associated with the
substation and nighttime marking lights, required for some of the turbines by FAA rules.
The lighting at the Project substation will be the minimum required for safety and security,
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and all light fixtures will be shielded and downcast to prevent light trespass. Because of this
effort and because of the substation’s distance from offsite viewers, the substation lighting
will not have a substantial effect on nighttime views toward the site.
At present, the Project site and immediately surrounding area are dark at night. The flashing
red lights that the FAA requires to operate at nighttime will introduce a new element into
the Project area’s nighttime environment. Because the nighttime aircraft safety lights will be
limited in number, red, and highly directional, their potential to create skyglow or
backscatter will be minimal. Experience at other wind power sites indicates that the flashing
red nighttime aviation safety lights have the greatest potential to be visible in areas within
one mile of the site. Because there are no external residential viewers within one mile of the
Project boundary and because, except for travelers on WYO 487, most potential viewers of
the site will be located in areas that are distant from the turbines by a minimum of five
miles, the small points of flashing red light may be detectable to some degree to viewers in
the surrounding area, but will not dominate the views.
6.12.7.4 Evaluation of Impacts
As discussed above, visual impacts resulting from the proposed Project would consist of the
alterations to the presently undeveloped landscape. While the WTGs would be noticeable
features along the skyline and would introduce a vertical patterning into the composition,
their presence in these views generally would be offset by the distance between the KOPs
and the WTGs. KOP 2 would experience a greater degree of dominance by the WTGs due to
their proximity to the highway but, overall, would not result in a diminished visual quality.
Though the existing character of all three views would be altered, the changes to the existing
visual quality of the views would not be substantial
In addition, the Project’s impact to visual resources would not be substantial based on
application of the criteria established by the National Research Council. Although the
proposed Project would, to varying degrees, be visible from the highway, the impacts will
not be substantial based on the following conclusions:
• The Project is not located within an area that has been identified to be of major scenic or
cultural significance.
• The Project area would not degrade views or scenic resources of state-wide significance.
• The Project would not visually intrude upon a natural or cultural landscape feature that
is a regional focal point. Although the turbines would be visible in some views toward
Elk Mountain, the turbines would not substantially block or dominate the views toward
this feature.
• The Project is not in a landscape area that is visually distinct and rare or unique.
• All turbines are located ½ mile or more from the nearest permanent off-site residence
not owned by the applicant.
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6.13 Wildlife
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
This section identifies wildlife species known to or that potentially will occur within the
area of site influence.
6.13.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
The State of Wyoming has jurisdiction over all aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in the state
(exclusive of federally listed species), placing species under management of the WGFD or
the Department of Agriculture. The WGFD is responsible for oversight of big game species,
nongame species, aquatic, and small game species that are nonmigratory.
The USFWS has oversight of migratory bird species, whether they are hunted
(e.g., waterfowl) or not (e.g., passerine species), and of all federal threatened, endangered, or
candidate terrestrial plant and animal species. Many of the species groups under USFWS
regulations also receive management and protection under state statutes and regulations.
WGFD participates in these activities through interagency operating agreements.
6.13.1.1 Crucial Winter Range for Big Game Animals
An important criteria for federal and state wildlife managers in Wyoming are land areas
that are designed as “crucial winter range.” This designation is one of six seasonal wildlife
range classifications recognized and used by WGFD, the Wyoming State Land Board, BLM,
United States Forest Service (USFS) Regions 2 and 4, USFWS, and the NRCS.
Crucial range refers to: “…any particular range or habitat component (often winter or
winter/year long range in Wyoming), but describes that component which is the
determining factor in a population’s ability to maintain and reproduce itself at a certain
level (theoretically at or above WGFD population objectives) over the long-term” (Wyoming
Wildlife Society, 1990).
WGFD representatives indicate that crucial winter range areas are significant to sustaining
big animal populations throughout the state. WGFD completed the mapping of all seasonal
wildlife range areas for big game animals in 1988.
6.13.2 Big Game
Both elk (Cervus elaphus) and American pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) use the
area in and surrounding the Project area.
6.13.2.1 Crucial Winter Range
Designated crucial winter range for both elk and antelope are present on the site
(WGFD, 2009). However, available seasonal range maps from WGFD indicate that no
parturition areas or migratory routes for big game coincide with the Project area. Elk and
pronghorn antelope crucial winter range maps are included in Appendix F (WGFD, 2009).
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6.13.2.2 Construction Impacts
The Project site includes crucial winter range habitats for big game. However, there are no
federal wildlife refuges or state wildlife areas within or near the Project site.
The extent of direct habitat loss will be minimal because of the relatively small project
footprint (less than 1 percent of the Project area). Adherence to WGFD stipulations
requested for the Project will further reduce impacts to big game. It is expected that during
the construction period, big game will be displaced in response to the increased human
activity but that use of the Project area will return to normal during operations when
minimal human activity occurs for maintenance of equipment.
WGFD has directed PacifiCorp to adhere to the following recommendations to ensure that
impacts are avoided or minimized.
• Construction of Project will not occur in crucial winter ranges from November 15 to
April 1, except as designated by WGFD.
• Baseline data collected prior to construction during the winter of 2008 - 2009 that
documents the Project area big game use will be compared with data to be collected in
future years according to a study design agreed upon by PacifiCorp and WGFD.
• All temporary disturbance areas will be reclaimed upon Project completion to ensure
that there is no substantial impairment to the health, safety, or welfare of the present or
expected big game populations caused by construction or operation of the Project.
Based on the implementation of the WGFD recommendations, the Project construction
activities will not result in adverse impacts that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of
the resource or the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected local population of
big game species inhabiting the area of site influence.
6.13.2.3 Operation Impacts
PacifiCorp will fund (either directly or indirectly) a telemetry study of pronghorn antelope
from fall 2009 to spring 2012. The telemetry monitoring study will initiate in the winter
period of 2009 and will continue for 3 years (i.e., post construction). The purpose of this data
collection is to determine the displacement response of pronghorn antelope to the operation
of the Project. Results of the survey will provide WGFD managers with data to evaluate the
level of impact on pronghorn antelope.
Additionally, as Phase II would occur in elk-crucial winter range, PacifiCorp will complete
an additional telemetry study on elk at that time and associated with Phase II. This study
will be designed with WGFD recommendations and will include both preconstruction and
operational surveys.
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6.13.3 Avian Species
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
Western Ecosystems Technology (WEST) completed the following avian studies to
characterize use of the Project area by avian species and evaluate mortality risk associated
with construction and operation of the Project.
• June 1, 2009 - 1 year of avian use studies was completed.
• Spring 2009 – 1 aerial survey of raptor nests in and within 1 mile of the Project.
• Spring 2009 – 1 aerial survey to identify new or previously undocumented greater
sage-grouse leks potentially occurring in or within 2 miles of the Project.
• Spring 2009 – 3 ground counts of known leks in or within 2 miles of the Project.
These surveys were completed at the request of the WGFD to facilitate impact avoidance
and to aid in the design of mitigation measures to be implemented during construction and
operation of the project. Protocols were developed in coordination with the WGFD and
USFWS.
6.13.3.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Migratory passerine birds and raptor species are protected from take by implementing acts
and federal policies. The following details the acts and policies that currently protect
migratory birds and raptors.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) offers
protection of 836 species of migratory birds (listed in 50 Code of Federal Regulations
[CFR] 10.13), including waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds, wading birds, raptors, and
passerines. Generally speaking, the MBTA protects all birds in the United States, except
gallinaceous (upland game) birds, rock pigeons, Eurasian collared doves, European
starlings, and house sparrows.
The MBTA implements various treaties and conventions between the United States and
Japan, Mexico, and the former Soviet Union for the protection of migratory birds. Under the
MBTA, taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds is unlawful. Unless permitted by
regulation, the MBTA provides that it is unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, or kill;
attempt to take, capture, or kill; possess; offer to or sell, barter, purchase, or deliver; or cause
to be shipped, exported, imported, transported, carried, or received any migratory bird,
part, nest, egg, or product, manufactured or not.
According to the MBTA, a person, association, partnership, or corporation that violates the
Act or its regulations is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to fines, imprisonment, or both.
The USFWS is responsible for implementing the provisions of the MBTA, which is enforced
by the USFWS Division of Law Enforcement.
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Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. In addition to the protections afforded to eagles under
the MBTA, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) prohibits knowingly taking,
or taking with wanton disregard for the consequences of an activity, any bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) or their body parts, nests, or
eggs, which includes collection, molestation, disturbance, or killing. Under the BGEPA take
“includes also pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or
disturb” (16 U.S.C. § 668c).
The term “disturb” under the BGEPA has recently been defined as: “to agitate or bother a
bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best
scientific information available, 1) injury to an eagle, 2) a decrease in its productivity, by
substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior, or 3) nest
abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering
behavior” (72 CFR 31332). In addition to immediate impacts, this definition also covers
impacts that result from human-induced alterations initiated around a previously used nest
site during a time when eagles are not present, if, upon the eagles return, such alterations
agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that injures an eagle or substantially interferes with
normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering habits and causes, or is likely to cause, a loss of
productivity or nest abandonment.
USFWS Guidance. The USFWS issued Interim Guidance on Avoiding and Minimizing Impacts to
Wildlife from Wind Turbines (Interim Guidance) on May 13, 2003. The Interim Guidance was
intended to assist the wind energy industry in avoiding or minimizing impacts to wildlife
and their habitats. This was to be accomplished through: (1) proper evaluation of potential
Wind Resource Areas (WRAs), (2) proper location and design of turbines and associated
structures within WRAs selected for development, and (3) pre- and post-construction
research and monitoring to identify and/or assess impacts to wildlife.
The Interim Guidance was to be evaluated over a 2-year period and then modifications were
to be based on field performance, comments from the public, and the latest scientific and
technical discoveries developed in coordination with industry, states, academic researchers,
and other Federal agencies. After the 2-year period, the USFWS planned to develop a
complete operations manual for evaluation, site selection, design, construction, operation,
and monitoring of wind energy facilities in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
However, during the first 8 months of the comment period, it became clear that the
2003 Interim Guidance explanation of “voluntary and flexible” was not well defined.
Therefore, the Director issued a Memorandum in 2004 to attempt to better define the intent
of the 2003 Interim Guidance. From July 2005 to March 2007, the USFWS did not complete the
final operations manual.
On March 13, 2007, the USFWS announced the formation of a Wind Turbine Guideline
Advisory Committee (currently up to 20 volunteers to serve on the committee and offer
guidance to the agency on the effects of wind energy on wildlife). The committee has
convened nine meetings through March 2009 and is currently drafting recommendations
and synthesis of metrics.
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Fish and Wildlife Service Mitigation Policy. In developing mitigation
recommendations, the USFWS is guided by the Fish and Wildlife Service Mitigation
Policy (46 CFR 15; January 1981) in evaluating modifications to or loss of habitat caused by
development. This policy follows the sequence of steps recommended in the Council on
Environmental Quality’s Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA
in seeking to avoid, minimize, or compensate for negative impacts. Mitigation can involve
(1) avoiding the impact of an activity by taking no action; (2) minimizing impacts by
limiting the degree of activity; (3) rectifying an impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or
restoring an affected environment; (4) reducing or eliminating an impact by conducting
activities that preserve and maintain the resources; or (5) compensating for an impact by
replacing or providing substitute resources or environments.
6.13.3.2 Avian Species Local Baseline Assessment
WEST collected and analyzed avian point count and raptor nest data collected during
summer and fall 2008, winter 2008/09, and spring 2009. A Comprehensive Avian Use
Summary Report is currently being prepared for the Project and will be provided as an
addendum to this application. The Dunlap Ranch Interim Report summarizes the protocols
and results of the summer and fall 2008 and winter 2008/2009 surveys (Johnson et al., 2009).
Passerines. A total of 58 species representing 1,065 individual birds within 591 separate
groups were recorded during the fixed-point bird use surveys, of which 209 individuals
were raptors. Passerines were the most abundant bird type recorded in the study area, and
horned lark was the most commonly observed passerine species. Relative to data collected
at other existing and proposed wind-energy facilities, raptor use of the Dunlap Ranch Wind
Resource Area was low to moderate during the summer of 2008 and low during the fall of
2008 and winter of 2008/2009.
Raptors. Raptor species observed during field surveys include merlin (Falco columbarius),
long-eared owl (Asio otus ), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), Cooper’s hawk
(Accipiter cooperii), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos),
northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), red-tailed hawk
(Buteo jamaicensis), and Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni). Golden eagle was the most
commonly recorded raptor species.
A total of seven active raptor nests (one great horned owl, one merlin, one long-eared owl,
one golden eagle, and three ferruginous hawk) were located within 1 mile of the Project area
and are shown on the Raptor Nest map in Appendix F. The density of active nests identified
within the raptor nest search area of the Dunlap Project was 0.27 nests per square mile,
which falls within a normal range of active nest density estimates reported at other western
United States wind resource areas.
Greater Sage-Grouse. Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were not observed on
the site during field surveys done in 2009. Greater Sage Grouse and are discussed in detail
in Section 6.12.4.
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6.13.3.3 Construction Impacts
Avian mortality has traditionally been an issue in the siting and operation of wind energy
projects. Although avian mortality rates are dramatically lower due to advances in turbine
technology and better siting decisions than in the past, avian mortality concerns remain an
important issue with the WGFD and USFWS for wind project permitting in Wyoming.
Impacts during construction will primarily be limited to nesting season disturbance,
temporary displacement of birds as a result of increased noise and activity levels, temporary
habitat degradation associated with permanently cleared areas for roads, WTGs, and
facilities. These impacts will be minimized by completing ground disturbance activities
(e.g., road construction) outside of nesting season to avoid potentially harming ground or
shrub nesting birds or their young prior to the nesting season. Additionally, Project
infrastructure (roads, WTG’s, buildings, and transmission line) have been sited to avoid
raptor nest sites where possible. Impact to raptor nests have been avoided by adhering to
WGFD recommended timing restrictions and setback stipulations during construction.
Impacts to raptors and other birds during construction are anticipated to be low for this
Project with no significant population level impacts that may impair the health, safety, or
welfare of the avian species in the area of site influence.
6.13.3.4 Operation Impacts
Impacts during operation will be primarily limited to collision risk associated with WTG,
and possibly some permanent displacement of individuals due to habitat loss associated
with permanently cleared areas for roads, WTGs, and facilities.
An analysis of raptor collision mortality will be performed by WEST, termed the exposure
index. The exposure index analyses may provide insight into what species might be the
most likely turbine casualties. The index considers relative probability of exposure based on
abundance, proportion of daily activity spent flying, and proportion of flight height of each
species within the zone of risk (ZOR), which is the area swept by the turbine blades. The
exposure index analysis is based on observations of birds during the daylight period and
does not take into consideration behavior other than flight characteristics. It also does not
take into consideration habitat selection, seasonal variation in bird activity, the ability to
detect and avoid turbines, and other factors that may vary among species and influence
likelihood of turbine collision. For these reasons, the actual risk for some species may be
lower or higher than indicated by this index.
Based on the results of the avian use studies conducted in 2008/2009, estimated bird
mortality at the Project area would likely be similar to that documented at other
wind-energy facilities located in the western United States, where observed and
documented bird collision mortality has been relatively low. The overall mean raptor use
during the summer, fall, and winter season in the Project area is within the range of other
similar wind energy facilities for which data could be compared. Impacts to raptors and
other birds during operation are anticipated to be accordingly low for this Project with no
significant population level impacts that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of the
raptors in the area of site influence.
Mortality surveys and monitoring of the Project area will occur in accordance with
agency-approved methodology to ensure that there is no substantial impairment to bird
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species and the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected bird inhabitants in
the area of site influence. Operational survey methodology is described in detail in
Section 7. Based on the bird mortality estimates calculated for the Project, impacts to raptors
and other birds during operation are anticipated to be low with no significant population
level impacts that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of the avian resources in the area
of site influence.
6.13.4 Greater Sage-Grouse
The State of Wyoming, as implemented by WGFD, has management authority over the
Greater Sage-Grouse within the state’s borders.
6.13.4.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Between 1999 and 2004, eight petitions to list the greater sage-grouse as threatened or
endangered were filed, and a species status review was initiated as a result. In 2005, USFWS
status review was completed, and it was determined that the greater sage-grouse was not
warranted for listing as endangered or threatened. On December 4, 2007, the Federal District
Court of Idaho reversed and remanded the USFWS 2005 12-month “not warranted” listing
decision for the Greater Sage-Grouse as “threatened” or “endangered” under the ESA.
Subsequently, on February 26, 2008, the USFWS announced the initiation of a status review
for the greater sage-grouse. The USFWS initiated a 90-day review of best available scientific
information. A new determination is anticipated in the summer of 2009 as to whether listing
is warranted as threatened or endangered under the ESA.
Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal issued Executive Order 2008-02 on
August 1, 2008, that directs state agencies to work to maintain and enhance greater
sage-grouse habitat in Wyoming. The Executive Order does not create any new authority
and legally only applies to state agencies. The recommendations spelled out in the Executive
Order originated in the work of the Sage-Grouse Implementation Team. Conservation
efforts target core breeding areas for sage grouse and are intended to encourage and
support development outside of the identified core area.
6.13.4.2 Construction Impacts
Based on a review of the Sage-Grouse Core Breeding Areas Version 2 maps issued with
Executive Order 2008-02, the Project area is approximately 6 miles north of the nearest
Greater Sage-Grouse core population area. The 230-kV transmission route and transmission
interconnection substation are also outside of the Greater Sage-Grouse core population area.
Three leks occur within 2 miles of the Project: one designated by WGFD as Occupied
and two designated as Unoccupied. No Greater Sage Grouse were observed on these leks
during 4 surveys (3 ground counts and 1 aerial survey) conducted according to WGFD
protocols in 2009. Greater Sage Grouse nesting and brood rearing habitat is sparsely
distributed, primarily in the southern portion of the Project. Sage-grouse nesting and brood
rearing habitat is identified in the Sage Grouse Resources map in Appendix F.
The lek sites and nesting and brood rearing habitat have been carefully considered by the
WGFD and PacifiCorp in the siting and timing of construction planned for the Project. To
eliminate potential construction and operational impacts to greater sage-grouse during the
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breeding season, PacifiCorp has agreed with WGFD to adhere to the following WGFD
recommendations.
• PacifiCorp will honor a No Surface Occupancy (NSO) buffer of 0.25 miles around
occupied leks.
• PacifiCorp will honor a Controlled Surface Use (CSU) within 2 miles of occupied leks
from March 15 through July 1, except as designated by WGFD in areas identified as
unlikely to impact nesting or brood rearing.
• PacifiCorp will map Greater Sage Grouse habitat within 2 miles of the project area.
• Ground disturbance will be minimized in potential nesting and brood rearing habitat
through micrositing, and where necessary will be completed between July 1 and
March 15.
• Ground count lek surveys will be completed per WGFD protocol during the year of
construction and up to 3 years following construction if deemed necessary.
It was agreed with WGFD that no additional mitigation would be necessary for greater
Greater Sage Grouse if the above recommendations are followed and that a no impact
determination for Greater Sage Grouse would be provided to the Industrial Siting Division
in response to the Industrial Siting Permit Application.
Impacts to Greater Sage Grouse during construction are anticipated to be negligible with no
significant population level impacts that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of the
resource greater sage-grouse present in the area of site influence.
6.13.4.3 Operation Impacts
Based on the lack of suitable habitat and absence of active leks, impacts to greater
sage-grouse during operation are anticipated to be negligible with no significant population
level impacts that may impair the health, safety, or welfare of the resource or the health,
safety, or welfare of the present Greater Sage Grouse in the area of site influence.
6.13.5 Bats
Bat casualties have been reported from most wind power facilities where post construction
fatality monitoring data are available. However, the majority of recorded fatalities in the
western United States have occurred during the fall migration period, and involved
non-protected bat species.
6.13.5.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Of the 45 species of bats found in the continental United States, six are federally listed as
endangered under the ESA and receive incidental take provisions. However, no federally
listed species are known to occur within the Project area.
6.13.5.2 Bat Species Local Baseline Assessment
WEST initiated bat surveys in July 2008 designed to assess bat use within the Project area.
Acoustic surveys for bats were conducted from July 16 to October 14, 2008. The objective of
the acoustic bat surveys was to estimate the seasonal and spatial use of the study area by
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bats. A report has been completed detailing the methods and results of bat acoustic studies
at the Dunlap Project area (Johnson, 2009)
Bat acoustic surveys were conducted using two Anabat™ SD-1 ultrasonic bat detectors at
three stations. One of the Anabat detectors was moved from station DL1 to a new location
(station DL3) on August 27 due to vandalism. A total of 275 bat passes were recorded
during 173 detector nights. Averaging bat passes per detector-night across Anabat station
locations, a mean of 1.67 bat passes per detector-night was detected.
Just over half (60.4 percent) of the calls were <35 kHz in frequency (e.g., big brown bat,
silver-haired bat), and the remaining calls were >35 kHz (e.g., Myotis bat species). Species
identification was only possible for the hoary bat and eastern red bat, which made up
7.6 percent and 1.5 percent of all passes, respectively. Activity levels for bat passes were
highest in July and August, with most passes detected on August 21. Activity levels for
hoary bats were highest in August, suggesting this species migrates through the Project area
at that time of year. Only four eastern red bat passes were identified, all occurring at station
DL2, suggesting this species is relatively rare in the study area.
6.13.5.3 Construction Impacts
The mean number of bat passes per detector per night was compared to existing data at five
wind-energy facilities where both bat activity and mortality levels have been measured. The
level of bat activity documented at the Dunlap Ranch Wind Resource Area was slightly
lower than facilities in Minnesota and an existing facility in Carbon County, Wyoming,
where recorded bat mortalities are low. Bat activity levels at the Project area were much
lower than at facilities in the eastern United States, where reported bat mortality is highest.
No substantial impairment to bat species and the health, safety, or welfare of the present or
expected bat inhabitants in the area of site influence is expected from the construction of the
Project.
6.13.5.4 Operation Impacts
Assuming that a relationship between bat activity and bat mortality exists, relatively low
levels of bat mortality can be expected to occur in the Project area, and any potential
fatalities will likely occur during the August migration period. However, the probability of
mortality of a federally listed bat is low. Therefore, no substantial impairment to bat species
and the health, safety, or welfare of the present or expected bat migrants in the area of site
influence is expected from the operation of the Project.
6.14 Federally Listed Wildlife Species
Rule I Section 7(xiii)(P) – Preliminary evaluations of or plans and proposals for alleviating social,
economic or environmental impacts upon local government or any special districts which may result
from the proposed facility, which evaluations, plans and approvals shall cover other relevant areas.
Threatened and endangered wildlife species are protected under the federal ESA of 1973, as
amended.
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6.14.1 Regulatory Jurisdiction
Designated threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species are protected from
incidental take by implementing acts and federal policies. The following details the ESA and
policies that currently protect threatened and endangered species.
6.14.1.1 Endangered Species Act of 1973
Those species classified as threatened or endangered are protected under the ESA, enforced
by USFWS. Threatened or endangered species are considered “federally listed” or “listed”
after a final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Federal candidate species,
subspecies, or varieties are those plant and animal species being considered for listing as
endangered or threatened, but for which a proposed regulation has not yet been published
in the Federal Register. Wyoming does not have an endangered species act; therefore, those
species with federal designation are protected under the ESA.
Because the Project is entirely on private and state land and there is no federal nexus
whatsoever, ESA Section 7 consultation is not required; however, Section 9 compliance may
be necessary. If the construction or operation of the Project were to result in the take of an
endangered species, the applicant would be in violation of the ESA.
Threatened and Endangered Species. Endangered species are those plant and animal species,
subspecies, or varieties that are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of their range. The threatened category comprises plant and animal species,
subspecies, or varieties likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
Candidate Species. Federal candidate species are plants and animals for which the USFWS
has sufficient information on their biological status and threats to propose them as
endangered or threatened under the ESA but for which development of a proposed listing
regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities. Candidate species receive
no statutory protection under the ESA. However, USFWS encourages cooperative
conservation efforts for these species because they are, by definition, species that may
warrant future protection under the ESA.
6.14.1.2 Endangered Species Act - Plants
A major difference in the ESA is how it establishes broad prohibitions against “taking”
endangered or threatened plant species. It is important to note that the “take” prohibition
does not extend to plants on federal lands; however, by statute, it is illegal to “remove or
reduce to possession” or “maliciously damage or destroy” threatened or endangered plants.
Furthermore, protection for listed plants is significantly weaker on private lands where it is
illegal to “remove, cut, dig up, or damage or destroy” plants only when it is “in knowing
violation of any state law or in the course of any violation of state criminal trespass law.”
Stated another way, there are no federal prohibitions under the ESA for the take of listed
plants on federal or nonfederal lands, unless taking of those plants is in violation of state
law.
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6.14.2 USFWS Threatened and Endangered Species
A review of the USFWS endangered, threatened, and candidate species for Wyoming
(USFWS, 2009) was completed to identify species listed under the ESA that have the
potential to occur in Carbon County. Five species (two mammals, one bird, and two plants)
have the potential to occur, although none are expected to occur within the Project area with
the exception of black-footed ferret. The local black-footed ferret is an experimental
nonessential population reintroduced to the Shirley Basin approximately 10 miles north of
the Project area. Table 6-10 provides the species name, status, habitat, and potential
for occurrence within the Project area. Potential for occurrence was determined based on a
review of habitat requirements relative to those within the area proposed for disturbance.
The Greater Sage Grouse, which has been petitioned for listing and currently under status
review by the USFWS, is discussed in detail in Section 6.12.4.
TABLE 6-10
Listed Threatened and Endangered Species in Converse and Natrona Counties, Wyoming
Species/Listing
Name
Scientific
Name Status Habitat
Potential for
Occurrence
Black-footed
ferret
Mustela
nigripes
Endangered
(Nonessential
Experimental
Population
designated in
Shirley Basin
Management
Area)
The black-footed ferret is found
almost exclusively in prairie dog
colonies in basin-prairie shrublands,
sagebrush-grasslands, and
grasslands. It is dependent on prairie
dogs for food and all essential
aspects of its habitat, especially
prairie dog burrows where it spends
most of its life underground. An
experimental nonessential population
has been reintroduced in the Shirley
Basin Primary Management Zone
Area 1.
Possible.
Suitable habitat
is present
within the
Project area.
Blowout
penstemon
Penstemon
haydenii
Endangered Blowout penstemon occurs in the
Sandhills of Nebraska and isolated
areas of Wyoming in sandy, blowout
locations with little to no vegetation
present. Primarily occurs on sandhills
or in valleys/depressions created by
wind with shifting sands or lightly
cultivated soils.
None.
Potentially
suitable habitat
is not present
within the
Project area.
Canada lynx Lynx
canadensis
Threatened Generally occurs in boreal montane
regions dominated by coniferous or
mixed forest with thick undergrowth,
but also sometimes in open forest,
rocky areas, and tundra to forage for
abundant prey.
None.
Potentially
suitable habitat
is not present
within the
Project area.
Ute ladies’-
tresses
Spiranthes
diluvialis
Threatened Along riparian edges, gravel bars, old
oxbows, high flow channels, and most
to wet meadows along perennial
steams. It typically occurs in stable
wetland and seep areas.
None.
Potentially
suitable habitat
is not present
within the
Project area.
Yellow-billed
cuckoo
Coccyzus
americanus
Candidate Migrant. Breeds in Wyoming in open
woodland, especially where
undergrowth is thick; nests in tall
cottonwood and willow riparian
woodland.
None.
Potentially
suitable habitat
is not present
within the
Project area.
Source: USFWS, 2009.
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6.14.3 Construction Impacts
Based on a review of Table 6-10, the black-footed ferret is the only listed species with a
potential to occur within the Project area.
6.14.3.1 Black-Footed Ferret - ESA Section 10(j) - Experimental Nonessential Population
The black-footed ferret (Mustella nigripes) was first designated as “endangered” by the
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and was listed as threatened with extinction
(endangered) on March 11, 1967. The black-footed ferret is listed as nonessential
experimental in the Project area.
Congress made significant changes to the ESA in 1982 with addition of Section 10(j), which
provides for the designation of specific reintroduced populations of listed species as
“experimental populations.” Previously, the USFWS had authority to reintroduce
populations into unoccupied portions of a listed species’ historical range when doing so
would foster the conservation and recovery of the species. However, local citizens often
opposed these reintroductions because they were concerned about placement of restrictions
and prohibitions on federal and private activities.
Under Section 10(j), the Secretary of the Department of the Interior can designate
reintroduced populations established outside the species current range, but within its
historical range, as “experimental.” For purposes of Section 9 of the ESA, a population
designated as “experimental” is treated as threatened regardless of the species designation
elsewhere in its range. In addition, through Section 4(d) of the ESA, a threatened
designation allows greater discretion in devising management programs and special
regulations for such a population. However, additional management flexibility is possible if
the experimental population is found to be nonessential to the continued existence of the
species. Therefore, nonessential experimental populations located outside National Wildlife
Refuge or National Park lands are treated, for purposes of Section 7 of the ESA, as if they
were only proposed for listing.
While the reintroduced ferrets are listed and protected under the ESA, additional
management flexibility is provided under the provision of the Final Rule (56 Federal
Register [FR] 41473) and special regulations promulgated for this population on
August 21, 1991 (50 CFR 17.84(g)). Specifically, the Special Rule for the experimental
nonessential population of black-footed ferret (50 CFR 17.84(g)) established the actions that
are prohibited by Section of the ESA (16 USC 1539(j)(2)(C) and 1538(a)(1)(G). The
prohibition on taking black-footed ferrets from the experimental nonessential population
(50 CFR 17.84(g)(2)), includes several exceptions, one of which is for take that “is incidental
to and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity and if such ferret
injury or mortality was unavoidable, unintentional, and did not result from negligent
conduct.”
Cooperative Management Plan Black-Footed Ferrets Shirley Basin/Medicine Bow, Wyoming. In
1991, the WGFD published the Cooperative Management Plan Black-Footed Ferrets Shirley
Basin/Medicine Bow, Wyoming (Plan) in cooperation with the Shirley Basin/Medicine Bow
Black-Footed Ferret Working Group.
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The Plan was established to present management actions necessary to reestablish a naturally
breeding, self-sustaining population of black-footed ferrets with management compatible
guidelines that will coexist with land use and ranching life styles. The Shirley
Basin/Medicine Bow Management Area was the site of the first black-footed ferret
reintroduction in the United States. The Plan was prepared in advance of the first
reintroduction in the fall of 1991. The Shirley Basin/Medicine Bow area is located in parts of
Natrona, Carbon, and Albany Counties. Due to the excellent habitat potential, this complex
was selected by the Black-footed Ferret Interstate Coordinating Committee as the
reintroduction site. The Shirley Basin is divided into two management zones: Primary
Management Zone 1 and Primary Management Zone 2, due to the extensive size of the
overall areas.
Specific to the Plan, additional guidance was provided for numerous industries including
energy and mining. Specifically, for energy and mining companies working in the
Management Area, the experimental nonessential designation provides protections for those
companies in the event of an accidental killing or displacement of a black-footed ferret while
conducting approved operations. Specifically, any incidental take of a black-footed ferret
would not be in violation of the ESA.
6.14.3.2 Construction Impacts
In 2008, PacifiCorp acquired the private fee property component of the Project area, known
Dunlap Ranch. After the acquisition, PacifiCorp consulted with the WGFD and USFWS to
determine the best and most appropriate manner to develop the property for wind energy
with particular consideration of any black-footed ferrets within the Project area. Based on
the agency consultations, PacifiCorp entered into a business principles agreement. The
agreement set a frame work to develop a renewable energy project in a manner that will
maximize the wind energy output while minimizing the potential impacts of project
construction and operation on any inhabiting black-footed ferrets.
As previously stated, the reintroduced population of black-footed ferrets occurring in the
Shirley Basin/Medicine Bow Management Area is designated as a nonessential
experimental population, and ESA incidental take restrictions are considerably reduced.
PacifiCorp, the landowner, will continue to work cooperatively with WGFD and USFWS to
further develop site-specific conservation strategies. Therefore, no adverse impacts to
black-footed ferrets are anticipated from construction of the Project that may impair the
health, safety, or welfare of the resource or the health, safety, or welfare of the present or
expected ferret resources in the area of site influence.
6.14.3.3 Operation Impacts
PacifiCorp will continue to seek input from WGFD and USFWS to ensure that the operation
of the Project remains consistent with long-term black-footed ferret goals and objectives.
Therefore, no adverse impacts to black-footed ferrets are anticipated during operation of the
Project.
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6.15 Cumulative Impacts
Rule I Section 7(j) – Cumulative Impacts. Cumulative impacts of the proposed industrial facility and
other projects in the area of site influence should be addressed separately.
The cumulative impacts analysis is organized by resource to provide better presentation of
cumulative impacts. Potential direct and indirect impacts were analyzed in this ISA
application. The environmental impacts evaluation of the Project indicated that, although
the construction and operation impacts would not result in significant or adverse impacts,
some minor impacts could occur to soils, air quality, wildlife, land use (grazing), and visual
resources. Because minor impacts could occur, a cumulative impacts assessment was
performed to determine if the minor impacts of the Project could, along with other actions in
Carbon County, contribute to a significant or adverse cumulative impact.
Cultural resources, rare vegetation communities, vegetation, and noxious weeds could also
be affected, but impacts to these resources can be avoided or significantly reduced through
implementation of the environmental protection measures outlined in Chapter 7. Therefore,
no cumulative impacts will result to these resources from construction and operation of the
Project.
6.15.1 Approach to Cumulative Impacts Analysis
The ISA lacks issuing guidance that defines or details requisite cumulative impact analysis
methodology. Therefore, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was queried to
identify cumulative impact methodology and guidance (CEQ, 1997).
Based on a review of CEQ guidance, the following factors were considered in the Dunlap
Ranch Wind Energy Project.
• The direct and indirect impacts of the Proposed project
• Which resources, ecosystems, and human communities are affected
• Which impacts to these resources are important from a cumulative perspective
Based on additional CEQ guidance, cumulative impacts are those impacts resulting from the
incremental impact of an action when added to other past, present, or reasonably
foreseeable actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions.
Cumulative impacts would occur if incremental impacts of the Project, added to the
environmental impacts of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, would
result in adverse impacts to regional resources. Cumulative impacts could only occur for
those resources that are (1) affected by the Project and (2) affected by other actions whose
impacts occur within the same timeframe.
6.15.2 Geographic Scope of Cumulative Analysis
Cumulative environmental impacts, as defined in the ISA Rules and Regulations, means the
combined impacts upon the environment to the social or economic conditions resulting
from construction and operation of the proposed industrial facility and from construction
and operation of other ongoing or proposed developments in the area of site influence.
Proposed developments to be included in cumulative impacts include those developments
that are actively planning and have public information available or may be actively
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permitting under the auspices of the Wyoming ISA. Therefore, the geographic scope of
cumulative impacts analysis is generally based on the area of site influence of each resource.
6.15.3 Timeframe
Potential impacts from the construction of the Project would be relatively short-term in
nature, generally occurring over a 14-month period. However, the majority of the
construction activities would occur over a much shorter , approximately 7-month period.
Impacts to soils, air quality, vegetation, and noxious weeds may extend several months
beyond the initial construction period until re-vegetation is accomplished. For the purposes
of the cumulative impacts analysis, it is assumed that operation of Phase I would begin in
November 2010.
Potential impacts associated with operation of the proposed Wind Energy Facility and
transmission line would continue into the foreseeable future, approximately 25 years.
6.15.4 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions
It is of relative importance to note that a majority of land within Carbon County is under the
jurisdiction of BLM and the State of Wyoming, with a minority in private fee lands.
Federally owned lands fall under the jurisdiction of the BLM, and National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) compliance is required for most project actions. Carbon County has an
adopted land use plan that supports planning processes by issuing and implementing
Planning and Zoning Commission decisions. Additionally, State of Wyoming lands are
managed by the Office of State Lands and Investments for revenues directed into the
Wyoming State Land Trust. As such, a Special Use Lease is required from the Board of Land
Commissioners to develop industrial facilities on State of Wyoming lands. Therefore, all
three of these governmental entities have specific planning processes and implementing
rules that require evaluation prior to construction and operation industrial projects on fee,
State, and Federal lands in Carbon County.
In evaluating the cumulative impacts of other projects at and around the Project site, the
project team considered relevant historical events in the region and present and reasonably
foreseeable future actions. Specifically, past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions
were identified through review of BLM projects, Carbon County planning and zoning
proposals, and reviews of State of Wyoming Special Use Lease applications.
Some of the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable activities affecting Carbon County
land resources include:
• oil exploration and extraction
• natural gas exploration and extraction
• pipeline construction
• electric transmission line construction
• wind power generation projects
• coal gasification
• uranium exploration and extraction
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In consultation with the ISD, the projects presented below have been identified as having
the potential to contribute, along with the impacts of the Project, to cumulative
environmental impacts.
Historical projects and development have already occurred in the region and consist of
additional baseline impacts. These projects are summarized in below.
6.15.4.1 Historical Land Use
Grazing. Grazing occurs throughout the cumulative impact area, on State, BLM, and private
fee lands. Grazing is expected to continue to occur, although some small grazing areas have
been converted to other uses, such as power development. Grazing affects vegetative cover
and can result in bare ground. Wind can carry dust from bare areas and create air emissions.
Bare areas are also susceptible to the spread of noxious weeds.
Road Development. A network of State and County roads has already been developed in the
region. Many are unpaved, and some are minimally maintained. Average daily traffic
volumes on WYO 487 through that portion of the Project area currently peak at approximate
670 vehicles per day. Unpaved county roads are used primarily by local residents and
operating energy employees. Vehicular travel on dirt roads generates fugitive dust
emissions, which also can have both direct and indirect impacts on adjacent vegetation and
proximal wildlife. In addition, State Highway 487 will have additional road work completed
in 2009.
Private Land Actions. Private lands could be modified or developed within the cumulative
impact assessment area; however, Carbon County planning officials are not aware of any
sizable developments on private lands other than those mentioned previously.
6.15.4.2 National Environmental Policy Act Projects
Rawlins RMP Revision Environmental Impact Statement. The Great Divide (Rawlins) RMP was
completed in November 1990. The RMP covers 3.5 million acres of public land surface
ownership and 4.5 million acres of federal mineral estate. Specific issues addressed in the
RMP include oil and gas development, coal leasing, livestock grazing, and wildlife habitat.
NEPA status: Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) released for 30 day review;
protest period ended February 4, 2008. ROD signed December 24, 2008; Federal Register
Notice of Availability pending.
Atlantic Rim Project Oil and Gas Development. The Atlantic Rim Project Area (ARPA)
comprises approximately 270,080 acres, of which 173,672 acres are federal surface estate
(64 percent of the ARPA), 14,060 acres are state surface estate (5 percent), and 82,348 acres
are private surface estate (31 percent). The BLM RFO manages more mineral estate than
surface estate within the ARPA: 179,438 acres federal mineral estate (66 percent),
12,384 acres state mineral estate (5 percent), and 78,258 private mineral estates (29 percent).
Alternative D involves drilling of approximately 2,000 gas wells within the ARPA to recover
energy resources, while limiting total new surface disturbance from the drilling program
across the ARPA (federal, state, and fee minerals) to a maximum of 7,600 acres, at any given
time, and a 6.5-acre/well site short-term (less than 6 years) disturbance goal.
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Gateway West Transmission Line Project. Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain have submitted
to the BLM an application requesting right of way (ROW) across public lands to site a series
of 11 transmission line segments of 230 to 500kV. These segments would ultimately carry up
to 3,000 MW from the Windstar substation near the Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock,
Wyoming to the Hemingway Substation approximately 20 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho.
The total length of all proposed segments would be approximately 1,100 miles.
Approximately 160 miles of proposed ROW would cross public land administered by the
following BLM Field Offices: Casper, Kemmerer, Rawlins, and Rock Springs. Because a
portion of the ROW would cross two National Forests (NFs), the Medicine Bow-Routt NFs
and the Caribou-Targhee NFs, the USDA Forest Service is a key cooperating agency in
assisting BLM preparation of the EIS. NEPA Status: NOI to prepare an EIS was published in
the Federal Register May 16, 2008. Nine public scoping meetings were held in Wyoming and
Idaho between May 16, 2008. through July 3, 2008. DEIS is in preparation.
Sierra Madre/Chokecherry Wind Farm EIS. Power Company of Wyoming has submitted to the
BLM an application requesting right of way (ROW) across public lands to site
approximately 1,000 2 to 3 MW wind turbines, access roads, transmission lines and
associated infrastructure. The project area is located south of Rawlins within the
checkerboard land pattern. The project is separated into two areas, the Chokecherry and
the Sierra Madre. Approximately 675 turbines are proposed in the Chokecherry area and
325 turbines in the Sierra Madre area. The total project area is 98,500 acres with
approximately 50 percent on federal lands and 50 percent on private and state lands. The
NOI to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register July 25, 2008. Four public
scoping meetings were held in Wyoming between August 16 and 19, 2008, and the draft EIS
is in preparation.
Foote Creek Wind Energy Project. The Foote Creek Rim wind project was Wyoming’s first
commercial facility to generate electricity from wind. The project (located near Arlington)
began commercial operation on April 22, 1999. The project is partially located on public
lands managed by the BLM RFO, and NEPA review was completed in 1998.
Since development of the original 69-turbine project, several subsequent phases have
been constructed, and the project now totals 183 turbines with a generating capability of
134.7 megawatts. The following detail the implementing phases.
• Foote Creek I - 69 turbines
• Foote Creek II - 3 turbines
• Foote Creek III - 33 turbines
• Foote Creek IV - 28 turbines
• Rock River I - 50 turbines
Other Wind Projects. Development of other wind projects could occur in Carbon County,
and several companies have installed meteorological towers to determine the suitability of
potential projects. However, at this time, no applications have been filed with BLM for full
wind energy developments in Carbon County. Future wind energy projects are not included
in the cumulative impact assessment because none are far enough along in the planning
process to define the location, scale, and impacts of their potential development. Therefore,
they are not required to be analyzed under ISA statute.
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Other Transmission Line Projects. There are a number of transmission line proposals in
addition to the Gateway West project; however, none are actively conducting planning
processes, and if successfully permitted, they would likely be constructed in 2015, or later.
6.15.4.3 Wyoming Industrial Development Information and Siting Act Projects
Seven-Mile Hill Wind Energy Project. On February 6, 2008, the Industrial Siting Council voted
to issue a permit for PacifiCorp Energy to construct and operate WTGs at its Seven-Mile Hill
site west of Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Initial construction consisted of 66 WTGs;
subsequently followed by construction of an additional 13 WTGs; rated at 99 and 19.5 MW,
respectively.
High Plains and McFadden Ridge Wind Energy Projects. On September 11, 2008, the Industrial
Siting Council voted to issue a permit for PacifiCorp Energy to construct and operate the
High Plains and McFadden Ridge wind energy projects near McFadden, Wyoming. The
99 MW High Plains project is currently under construction and the first 28.5 MW of the
McFadden Ridge project is anticipated to begin construction by July 1, 2009.
Simpson Ridge Wind Energy Project. Simpson Ridge Wind Farm has conducted an ISA
Jurisdictional Meeting. According to the CUP application obtained from the Carbon County
Planning and Zoning Commission, the project will consist of up to 154 WTGs and 400 MW.
Medicine Bow Fuel & Power, LLC - Coal-to-Liquids Project. Medicine Bow Fuel & Power is
proposing to construct a coal-to-liquids (CTL) facility in Carbon County south of Medicine
Bow. Construction of the facility is currently anticipated to begin in 2010. The facility will
produce up to 20,000 barrels per day of transportation fuel and associated energy products.
6.15.5 Cumulative Impacts
Construction of the Project along with all other listed projects has the potential to contribute
to cumulative impacts, especially if the schedules are concurrent.
6.15.5.1 Air Quality
Air quality in the cumulative impact area is generally good, and the area is not in violation
of any National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Simultaneous project construction activities
could incrementally increase local impacts to air quality from fugitive dust emissions from
truck traffic. Fugitive dust associated with the operation of a concrete batch plant and
construction vehicle emissions would cause particulate concentrations to increase above
normal background levels, causing localized dust impacts. However, dust emissions would
not contribute to significant cumulative impacts to regional air quality because they would
be localized, temporary, and further controlled by access road dust abatement measures to
further minimize impacts. More importantly, the Project would avoid cumulative pollutant
emissions from fossil-fired facilities that would be necessary to generate equivalent amounts
of power.
6.15.5.2 Noise
The area for potential cumulative noise impacts is the Project area boundary and extending
1-mile buffer. Existing sound disturbances within the Project area are limited to those
associated with ranching activities, very limited recreation, aircraft flights, and traffic on
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WYO 487. Noise generated by onsite construction activities will not reach the nearest
residential areas, and thus will have no cumulative impact on typical background levels.
Therefore, noise would not be expected to result in cumulative impacts to any local
residents.
6.15.5.3 Soil Resources/Geologic Hazards
There will be localized disturbance of soils associated with construction of Project facilities
at turbine sites, access roads, and along the proposed transmission line alignment. The
Project will be designed and constructed to avoid or minimize impacts by implementing
BMPs and mitigation measures designed to guard against soil erosion. However, those
measures would not entirely reduce the contribution of the Project to cumulative impacts on
soil resources. Additionally new project development in Carbon County would also
incrementally contribute to the increased soil disturbance and erosion. Additionally, oil and
gas high drilling density areas have implemented numerous mitigation and protection
measures in order to minimize potential impacts of construction and operation. No other
foreseeable action will contribute to cumulative impacts on soil resources or geologic
hazards within the Project site. Cumulative impacts to soil/geologic resources or seismic
characteristics from construction or operation of the Project are not expected to be
significant.
6.15.5.4 Cultural Resources
The Project layout has been designed to avoid impacts to known cultural resources
potentially eligible for listing under the NRHP. Therefore, implementation of this Project
would not contribute to any regional cumulative impacts to cultural resources.
6.15.5.5 Rare Vegetation Communities
No rare or unique vegetative communities are documented or have been mapped within the
Project area. Therefore, construction or operation of the Project will not contribute to
cumulative loss or degradation of these resources.
6.15.5.6 Surface and Groundwater
Water will be obtained from sources that either have an existing senior water right or
through new sources that are not hydrologically connected to the North Platte River.
Additionally, construction activities are not anticipated to discharge into surface waters.
Existing and future development, livestock grazing, and transportation corridors all
contribute to cumulative impacts on surface water through some level of increased
sedimentation.
After the Project is operational, minimal quantities of water will be needed. Implementation
of mitigation measures to control runoff during construction and operation of the Project
will prevent significant impacts to surface waters from erosion and sedimentation. In
addition, implementation of BMPs for handling, storage, and use of hazardous materials
and adherence to applicable permits during construction and operation of the Project will
prevent significant cumulative impacts on surface and groundwater resources. Due to the
negligible impacts associated with this Project, water quality and quantity impacts are not
expected to contribute to any further exacerbation on a cumulative scale.
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6.15.5.7 Land Use and Recreation
Appropriate planning and evaluation to address cumulative impacts is conducted by the
State of Wyoming through the Industrial Siting Application to ensure that the proposed
Project is compatible with ongoing activities and land uses. The Projects’ contributions to
cumulative impacts on land use would be small or negligible unless a significant
permanent, uncompensated loss of the current productive use of a site occurred or if future
uses were precluded. Land in the Project area is used as rangeland for livestock grazing and
hunting, where public access is available without trespass. The Project would generally be
compatible with the aforementioned uses, with the possible exception of hunting, which
may be limited in the vicinity of Project infrastructure.
The Project will be constructed and operated in accordance with county land use and
building requirements; therefore, the Project will cause no significant cumulative impacts
that are detrimental to established uses of the surrounding area. The minimal incremental
increase in visitation and use of regional recreational areas during construction of the
Project is not anticipated to impact recreational use cumulatively. The small number of
workers at the Project area at any one time is not likely to increase cumulative impacts to
land use and recreation.
6.15.5.8 Wetlands and Waters of the United States
Wind energy projects have the ability to microsite major project features to avoid or
significantly reduce potential impacts to jurisdictional waters of the United States and
wetlands. More importantly, no adverse impacts to wetland and water bodies resources are
anticipated from construction or operation of the Project. Therefore, implementation of the
Dunlap project will not significantly impact jurisdictional waters of the United States and
wetlands and will not contribute significantly to cumulative impacts to these jurisdictional
features.
6.15.5.9 Scenic Quality
The cumulative visual impact analysis considers all of the existing and reasonably
foreseeable wind energy projects in Carbon and Albany County. Table 6-11 details the past
and currently planned wind energy projects in Carbon and Albany Counties.
TABLE 6-11
Past and Currently Planned Wind Energy Projects in Carbon and Albany Counties
Wind Energy
Facility
Year Constructed Number of
Turbines
Status County
Foote Creek I 1999 69 Operational Carbon
Foote Creek II 1999 3 Operational Carbon
Foote Creek III 1999 33 Operational Carbon
Foote Creek IV 2000 28 Operational Carbon
Rock River 2001 50 Operational Carbon
Seven-Mile Hill
Phase I
2008 66 Operational Carbon
Seven-Mile Hill 2008 13 Operational Carbon
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TABLE 6-11
Past and Currently Planned Wind Energy Projects in Carbon and Albany Counties
Wind Energy
Facility
Year Constructed Number of
Turbines
Status County
Foote Creek I 1999 69 Operational Carbon
Foote Creek II 1999 3 Operational Carbon
Phase II
Subtotal 262
High Plains 2009 66 In Construction Albany
Subtotal 66
McFadden Ridge -- 59 Proposed Carbon and Albany
Simpson Ridge

-- 154
1
Proposed Carbon
Chokecherry-Sierra
Madre
-- 1,000
2
Proposed Carbon
Subtotal 1,213
Total 1,541
1
As presented in the Simpson Ridge Carbon County Conditional Use Permit Application
2
As presented in the Chokecherry-Sierra Madre BLM Project Fact Sheet
6.15.5.10 Methodology
A viewshed analysis was completed for all the baseline and proposed projects, radiating
20 lineal miles from each project feature. The viewshed analysis relied upon the maximum
elevations of the project features and surrounding topography to identify locations from
which the turbines and other project features would theoretically be visible via an
unobstructed or partial line-of-sight. However, while the analysis takes into account the role
that topography plays by blocking views towards the turbines, it does not take into account
the screening of views that could be provided by buildings or vegetation in the foreground.
6.15.5.11 Cumulative Visual Impacts
The cumulative visual analysis focused on the sensitive viewpoint receptors. In general,
high viewer sensitivity exists when there are many viewers who have a frequent view or a
view of a project for a long duration, as well as those viewers who are likely to be very
aware of and concerned about the view. This region of Carbon County has a very low
population, with the majority of residents living in the towns of Rock River, Hanna,
Medicine Bow, Arlington, and McFadden, though the majority of views of the project sites
are visible from Hanna and Medicine Bow. Therefore, for this analysis, views from the
Towns of Hanna and Medicine Bow were considered.
6.15.5.12 Baseline Condition
As detailed in Table 6-11, the existing projects have constructed 262 turbines. Foote Creek
Rim I (1999) was the first commercial wind energy facility constructed and operated in
Carbon County. Since 1999, Foote Creek Rim II (1999), III (1999), and IV (2000) along with
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Rock River (2001) have been constructed on Foote Cree Rim, within an approximate 15 mile
radius of each other. These five wind energy projects have introduced 183 turbines to the
Foote Creek Rim area. Platte River Power Authority is due south of Medicine Bow and
consists of 10 turbines (1996 – 2005), while the recently constructed 79 turbine Seven-Mile
Hill Phase I and Phase II projects (2008) are located due west of Medicine Bow.
Hanna. Based on the results of the viewshed analysis, currently, fewer than 50 turbines are
visible from Hanna. The closest turbines to Hanna are associated with the Seven-Mile Hill
Phase I and II projects, approximately 9 miles to east. The north-south tending ridgelines,
including Simpson Ridge, serve to block most direct views of these turbines. Overall, the
baseline wind energy projects have not degraded the visual quality of views from the Town
of Hanna.
Medicine Bow. The closest turbines to Medicine Bow are associated with the existing Platte
River Power Authority project, approximately 5.5 miles to the south. According to the
viewshed analysis, all five existing wind energy projects may be visible from the Town of
Medicine Bow depending meteorological conditions and time of day. Although the turbines
may be visible from this location, the extent to which the turbines dominate the view is
greatly influenced by distance. Studies of the visibility of wind turbines suggest that
structures in the size range used for the existing wind energy projects have the greatest
potential to be visually dominant within a radius of about two miles from the structures,
and that the degree of perceived visual dominance tapers off to a moderate level after about
3.8 miles and a low level after about 9.3 miles (CPRW, 1996). Therefore, at these distances,
the overall visual quality will remain relatively unaffected by the existing wind energy
projects.
6.15.5.13 Cumulative Visual Analysis: Dunlap and Baseline Projects
Hanna. A review of the viewshed analysis suggests that the Dunlap Project, when added to
the baseline projects, would not increase the number of turbines visible from Hanna.
Specifically, existing topographical and elevation features east of Hanna screen the potential
visibility of the Dunlap Project. Therefore, the Dunlap Project would not significantly
impact visual quality from Hanna.
Medicine Bow. According to the viewshed analysis in this location, an additional 50 to 60
turbines would be potentially visible from the Town of Medicine Bow. However, it is
important to note that Slate Ridge, Fossil Ridge, and Flattop Mountain would serve to
screen direct views of the project features. Therefore, the Dunlap Project would not
significantly impact visual quality from Medicine Bow.
6.15.5.14 Existing and all Reasonably Foreseeable Projects
The proliferation of multiple, large scale wind energy projects in Carbon and Albany
Counties has contributed to, and will continue to contribute to, a cumulative alteration of
the visual character in the region. Each new wind energy project produces an incremental
alteration of the previously undeveloped landscape and increases the number of areas from
where these projects may be visible. With the development of planned wind energy projects,
more turbines would pervade the views and across longer distances for travelers through
the region. However, on a regional scale, topography and lineal distance would break up
continuous views of projects. In conclusion, as documented in the CPRW (1996) report, the
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-67
distance from sensitive viewpoints to all existing and planned projects is great enough to
minimize dominance of project features.
6.15.5.15 Wildlife
Several wind energy and large-scale oil and gas development projects have been
developed and several are in the planning stages within the Carbon County
(Section 6.15.4). Successfully ISA permitted and constructed wind projects in Carbon
County include WTGs located at Seven-Mile Hill (66 WTGs and 13 WTGs). The Foote
Creek Wind Energy Project conducted a NEPA review and has been operational since
1999 (183 WTGs), Platte River Power Authority (10 WTGs). The proposed Simpson
Ridge (up to 154 WTGS) has successfully obtained a Carbon County CUP permit. The
Chokecherry/Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project is currently undergoing NEPA compliance
and EIS preparation and if successfully permitted and constructed, could potentially add up
to 1,000 WTGs. For wind energy projects, a general rule of thumb is that permanent
disturbance is approximately 1 percent of the total lease area. Therefore, the overall
disturbance footprint is incrementally small on all currently operating wind energy projects
in Carbon County.
All of the past implemented wind energy and large-scale oil and gas projects (see
Section 6.15.4) in Carbon County have resulted in both localized and regional fragmentation
and disturbance, direct and indirect effects, and increase of human presence in rural areas.
The construction and implementation of these projects in Carbon County have also resulted
in the loss of vegetation communities, which is a net reduction in wildlife habitat.
The construction of the Dunlap Project will potentially cause temporary displacement of
individuals for some wildlife species that would move in response to construction activity.
Construction of the Dunlap Project will permanently reduce existing habitat by a finite
amount, estimated to be approximately 1 percent of the Project area. Future construction of
wind energy projects in Carbon County will lead to additional cumulative impacts to
wildlife.
It is extremely important to note that mitigation and protection measures including but not
limited to habitat mitigation, trust payments, conservation easements, seasonal use, and no
surface and closed surface occupancy restrictions have been required on most, if not all of
implemented projects reviewed by local, state, and federal agencies in Carbon County.
These measures have helped to further reduce cumulative impacts to wildlife species.
Lastly, a number of these projects are participating in scientific studies to further study
energy and wildlife impacts as required by implementing agency mitigation and protection
measures. Detailed scientific study results will lead to better understanding of direct and
indirect wildlife impacts to better develop and implement mitigation strategies and
measures to further reduce wind energy and oil and gas cumulative wildlife impacts.
6.15.5.16 Avian Species and Bats
Reduced avian use near turbines has been attributed to avoidance of turbine noise and
maintenance activities and reduced habitat effectiveness because of the presence of access
roads and large gravel pads surrounding turbines (Leddy, 1996; Johnson et al., 2000). The
presence of WTGs may potentially change the local landscape so that avian use patterns are
altered, thereby displacing wildlife away from the Project facilities. However, it is unlikely
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_6_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS_FINAL.DOC 6-68
that displacement of birds during construction or operation would result in any population
impacts at the Project site due to the abundance of undisturbed native habitat in the region.
An impact on avian resources will be collisions with turbines. Using baseline avian use data
and comparing to operational monitoring data collected at existing wind projects, raptor
collision mortality at the Project site is estimated to be comparable to other similar-sized
projects in the region. Passerines are likely to make up the largest proportion of fatalities at
the Project site based on their abundance.
As of March 2009, approximately 28,000 MW of wind energy has been installed nationwide.
Avian collision deaths for all existing wind energy projects are estimated at 2.11 fatalities
per turbine or 3.04 per MW per year (Erikson et al., 2005). Assuming similar impacts at all
wind energy facilities, approximately 85,000 birds are killed by collision with WTGs
annually.
Erikson et al. (2005) estimated multiple sources of anthropogenic sources of bird fatalities.
Proportionally, wind turbines account for less than 0.01 percent of all anthropogenic
avian collisions. Buildings, powerlines, and cats together account for 84 percent, or about
780 million, fatalities. Considering all anthropogenic sources of avian fatalities, the small
number of bird fatalities expected from the project is not a significant cumulative impact.
Even as the number of wind turbines in the United States increases, wind turbine-related
bird fatalities would still cause no more than a small percentage of all collision deaths
related to other non-wind-power related structures (Erickson et al., 2005).
With a specific goal of examining cumulative impact of wind energy facilities on birds and
bats, Johnson and Erikson (2008) studied the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion in eastern
Washington and Oregon. The study reviewed post construction bird fatality survey results
from 11 operational wind farms in the same area. The purpose was to determine if
concentrated wind energy development could cumulatively impact birds, or
disproportionally impacts certain species. The study found that when considered
cumulatively, bird fatalities at all 11 locations are distributed among 77 species. When
examined by type (i.e., raptors, waterfowl, and upland gamebirds), no species or type was
subjected to losses large enough to have a measurable cumulative impact.
Bat casualties have been reported from most wind power facilities where post construction
fatality monitoring data are available. In Wyoming, the Foote Creek Rim Wind Energy
Facility (southeast of the proposed Project site), conducted an avian and bat mortality study
between November 1998 and June 2002 (Young et al., 2003). The majority of recorded
fatalities in the western United States occur during the fall migration period, and the species
most often found during carcass searches were the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) and the
silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). More importantly, hoary bat and silver-haired
bat are not designated as sensitive or federally listed species.
Bat migration patterns and densities in Wyoming are generally lacking. However, with the
known presence of bat and subsequent collision mortality at Foote Creek Rim Wind Energy
Facility, bat numbers likely increase during fall migration periods. Subsequently, potential
bat casualties may increase during migration periods, as has been the case for those western
United States wind projects at which fatality monitoring has taken place. Due to the
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scarcity of bat-turbine interaction studies, bat mortality as a result of wind energy facility
development has been difficult to assess.
To determine consistency with mortality probability estimates, PacifiCorp will conduct post
construction avian fatality monitoring at the Project area commencing in spring 2011. It is
anticipated that the cumulative contribution to potential bat mortality will be similar to
those reported for other studies in Wyoming and the western United States.
6.15.5.17 Federally-Listed Wildlife Species
As previously detailed, the reintroduced black-footed ferrets in the Shirley Basin Primary
Management Zones were designated as nonessential experiment to add management
flexibility. Therefore, the ‘incidental taking’ of black-footed ferrets from the experimental
nonessential population (50 CFR 17.84(g)(2)) includes several exceptions from the ESA.
PacifiCorp will continue to work with WGFD and USFWS to responsibly develop the
Dunlap Project, while minimizing impacts to any inhabiting black-footed ferrets associated
with nonessential experimental population.
The remaining four species (blowout penstemon, Canada lynx, Ute ladies’-tresses, and
yellow-billed cuckoo) are extremely unlikely to occur within the Project area because of lack
of suitable habitats and will not be impacted by the Project. Therefore, cumulative impacts
to threatened and endangered species or their critical habitat will not occur as a result of the
Project.

DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_7_CONTROLS_MITIGATION_AND_MONITORING_FINAL.DOC 7-1
7.0 Controls, Mitigation, and Monitoring
Measures
Rule I Section 7(k)(i) – Controls and Mitigation Measures. The applicant shall describe the
procedures proposed to avoid constituting a public nuisance, endangering the public health and
safety, human or animal life, property, wildlife or plant life, or recreational facilities which may be
adversely affected by the proposed facility, including impact controls and mitigating measures
proposed by the applicant to alleviate adverse environmental, social and economic impacts associated
with construction and operation of the proposed industrial facility.
A number of specific controls and mitigation and monitoring measures will be implemented
to alleviate impacts related to construction and operation of the Project. These measures are
described in the following sections.
7.1 Controls
The following control measures, in combination with setback distances, significantly reduce
the likelihood of the public coming into close proximity to turbine blades and electrical
equipment and demonstrate that the Project will be designed, constructed, and operated to
adequately restrict public access and minimize impacts.
7.1.1 Avoidance
A detailed site assessment of potential environmental constraints was developed to provide
a comprehensive analysis of existing resources across the entire Project site. These
constraints are compiled by both field study and incorporation of available data. A
subsequent constraints map was developed to graphically depict environmental and land
use constraints that potentially limit areas for development on the Project. The constraints
map was utilized to ascertain the number of turbines that could be potentially developed on
the site. It also identifies features that may present challenges for siting ancillary facilities.
The constraints map uses a base map that shows the wind resource and parcel information.
Mandatory or other appropriate setbacks can be overlaid on the map.
7.1.1.1 Facility Design
The Project incorporated environmental constraints and located wind turbines and
appurtenant infrastructure during the preliminary design to avoid impacts on cultural
resources, an inactive greater sage-grouse lek, raptor nests, and sensitive habitats.
Specifically, the following measures were implemented to mitigate impacts:
• Turbine locations, staging/laydown areas, access roads, collector substation, and
distribution lines were located to avoid eligible and recommended eligible historic and
prehistoric cultural resources, active raptor nests, and jurisdictional waters of the United
States.
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• During the 30-, 60-, and 90-percent engineering design phases, the Project will be
actively microsited to further mitigate both temporary and permanent impacts to all
identified environmental constraints.
• Existing access roads were used to the maximum extent possible.
• Collector lines will be buried in the temporarily disturbed access road shoulder, where
feasible.
• The overhead distribution transmission line will be constructed in accordance with the
recommendations of the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee for raptor protection
on power lines, as well as PacifiCorp’s Avian Protection Plan.
7.1.2 Prevention
Primary among the means of preventing hazards described herein will be adherence to
appropriate design and construction protocols such as IEC 61400-1, the IEC’s International
Standard on wind turbines (IEC, 1999). This will ensure that the load assumptions, design,
construction standards, and safety features are in accordance with industry norms and
benefit from the experience of many manufacturers and operators.
A second important form of prevention is the establishment of a skilled workforce and
implementation of effective facility-wide maintenance, monitoring, compliance, and
security programs. This includes the preparation and implementation of a SWPP plan,
SPCC plan, Emergency Response Plan, and Fire Protection and Prevention Plan, and
consultation with appropriate regulatory agencies such as the FAA.
7.1.3 Exclusion
Every hazard identified herein decreases as some function of lineal distance. In many cases,
therefore, it has been possible to reduce or eliminate hazards to persons and facilities by
prohibiting or controlling their presence in the area of site influence. Where multiple hazard
areas overlap, the largest distance should govern. The Project area will have controlled
access, and access to the facilities will be limited to persons who are knowledgeable of safety
setbacks and potential risks.
7.1.4 Restrict Public Access
The Project and appurtenant facilities will be located on a combination of private and State
lands. Most State lands within the project are surrounded by private fee lands. Public access
is restricted both on the fee lands and on State lands where access is not possible without
trespassing.
Each turbine tower will have a locked entry door at ground level and an internal access
ladder with safety platforms for access to the nacelle to prevent unauthorized individuals
from climbing the tower. Step-up transformers will be located within locked cabinets at the
base of each tower. Additionally, PacifiCorp will restrict public access to any related or
supporting facilities that could pose a potential safety threat (i.e., the onsite collector
substation). The substation will be located within a fenced area with a locked gate.
PacifiCorp will also provide gates on private access roads, where appropriate, to protect
adjacent or nearby property.
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7.1.5 Health and Safety
PacifiCorp holds itself to a high standard on safety, and all construction general contractors
are required to meet strict safety qualifications. PacifiCorp’s formal policy on safety is that
people are its core asset and are held in the highest regard. Exceptional policies have been
adopted to maintain the safest working conditions and protections for employees.
PacifiCorp is committed to a safe and healthy workplace that promotes a zero accident
culture. PacifiCorp is committed to continuous improvement to identify and control risks so
that company safety metrics and performance meets high expectations until zero incidents
are achieved. To meet this commitment, it is PacifiCorp’s policy that all organizations and
individuals will do the following:
• Operate in compliance with or exceed all health and safety governmental laws,
regulations, ordinances, standards and permit requirements, and established Applicant
policies and standards;
• Ensure all employees are involved in health and safety programs with appropriate
training and communication to work responsibly, make decisions to carry out their
duties, and be accountable for the results;
• Provide a structure that ensures effective health and safety management throughout the
business with risks, impacts, and legal requirements controlled through appropriate
actions and governance;
• Ensure that health and safety goals and stretch targets are set, communicated to all
employees, and performance is monitored to promote continuous improvement;
• Work to proactively prevent incidents, accidents, and environmental damage before
these occur through sustainable actions and process improvements at all locations;
• Promote the health and wellness of employees by identifying and controlling workplace
health risks, promoting work-life balance, and encouraging employees and their families
to be proactive about their health through communication, activities, and provision of
robust health insurance;
• Require that contractors and others associated with operations comply with health and
safety requirements, and are never asked to perform anything unsafe or in violation of
environmental laws;
• Ensure that public safety, security of people and assets, conservation, and environmental
stewardship are fundamental to company operations; and
• Design, construct, and operate facilities in ways that minimize their negative health and
safety impacts, and maximize their positive contribution, as available technology and
conditions permit.
These requirements commit PacifiCorp to its core belief, which is integral to its business
philosophy and success, that an excellent health and safety culture among all employees
will deliver superior performance that protects employees, contractors, the public, and the
environment.
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_7_CONTROLS_MITIGATION_AND_MONITORING_FINAL.DOC 7-4
7.2 Mitigation Measures
Adequate safety devices, company operational policies, and testing procedures will be in
place to assure safe construction and operation of the Project. In addition, a broad array of
measures has been proposed to mitigate the potential hazards associated with the Project
and the exposure of persons, animals, and facilities in the area of site influence. These
measures can generally be classified as avoidance, preventive, and exclusionary actions.
7.2.1 Failure of Machinery and/or Structures
Mitigation or prevention of impacts from mechanical failure of the Project’s components
will be achieved by a combination of planning and controlled site access. By following
industry guidelines and turbine certification processes, the most safe, reliable, and
state-of-the-art facilities will be constructed. WTGs are equipped with multiple safety
systems as standard equipment. For example, rotor speed is controlled by a redundant pitch
control system and a backup disk brake system. Critical components have multiple
temperature sensors and a control system to shut the system down and take it off-line if an
overheating condition is detected. Lightning protection is standard on the turbines, and a
specially engineered lightning protection and grounding system will be installed for the
Project.
7.2.1.1 Tower Collapse
Turbine towers and tower foundations, as well as aboveground transmission line support
structures, will be designed according to applicable building codes to avoid failure or
collapse. The selected WTG and tower combination will be subjected to engineering review
to ensure that the design and construction standards are appropriate for the Project. This
review will include consideration of code requirements under various loading conditions
and give a high degree of confidence of structural adequacy of the towers. The turbines
have been sited at locations that are a minimum of approximately 750 feet from public
roads, which exceeds a reasonable set-back of one tip-height.
7.2.1.2 Blade Throw
During active construction, PacifiCorp will follow the manufacturers’ recommended
handling instructions and procedures to prevent damage to towers or blades that
could lead to failure. In addition, certification of the wind turbine to the requirements of
IEC 61400-1 will ensure that the static, dynamic, and defined-life fatigue stresses in the
blade will not be exceeded under the combined load cases expected at the Project site. The
standard includes safety factors for normal, abnormal, fatigue, and construction loads. This
certification, together with regular periodic inspections, will give a high level of assurance
against blade failure in operation. As mentioned, proposed WTG locations far exceed a
reasonable set-back requirement of one tip-height.
7.2.1.3 Ice Throw
Ice throw over 328 ft has never been documented as a hazard, and no ice throw injury has
ever been reported from any existing wind power project. Icing is a rare event, and the
turbines for this Project will be situated in a very remote area. The turbines have been sited
at locations that exceed the reasonable set-back of 328 ft to safeguard against ice throw.
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DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_7_CONTROLS_MITIGATION_AND_MONITORING_FINAL.DOC 7-5
7.2.2 Air Quality
Project impacts on air quality are limited to dust created during construction and operation
of the facilities. PacifiCorp proposes to mitigate impacts from dust deposition by applying
water to disturbed ground during construction, by graveling permanent roadways, by
erosion control, by re-vegetation, and by imposition of appropriate construction and
operation speed limits on site roads. Spraying water on disturbed ground is an effective
dust deterrent, as is reduction of speeds on graveled roads. These measures are expected to
reduce dust during construction to levels that have no significant impact on vegetation or
wildlife species. Upon completion of construction, many of the unimproved roads on the
Project site previously used for access to the area will have been graveled. The existence of
these roads should significantly reduce traffic on the many unimproved roads and 4-wheel-
drive tracks now within the site boundary.
The following mitigation measures will be followed to reduce dust and air emissions from
the Project’s construction-related activities:
• Construction-related dust disturbance shall be controlled by the periodic application of
water or other dust suppressants to all disturbed work areas and access roads.
• Vehicles and other equipment shall be maintained and kept in good repair to minimize
emission of exhaust gases.
• The concrete batch plant will require a WDEQ-AQD air permit to operate. Therefore, the
concrete batch plant will be operated in accordance with all issued WDEQ–AQD permit
conditions and Chapter 6 rules and regulations.
7.2.3 Noise
A noise monitoring program is not proposed because of the absence of predicted impacts.
However, PacifiCorp proposes to implement the following measures:
• Construction and hauling equipment shall be adequately maintained and equipped with
appropriate mufflers.
• Noisy construction activities that might result in legitimate complaints, such as pile
driving, shall be limited to daytime hours, if feasible.
• The noisiest operations of heavy construction equipment shall be confined to daylight
hours, when feasible.
• Contractors shall be required to install and maintain exhaust mufflers on all combustion
engine-powered equipment.
• Stationary construction equipment (air compressors/concrete batch plant/generators)
shall be located in a primary staging area.
7.2.4 Soil Resources/Geologic Hazards
Erosion control measures and reporting measures will be prescribed in the WYPDES permit
and administered through construction specifications and general contractor
implementation.
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As part of the WYPDES permit application, an erosion control plan will be prepared as part
of the Project’s SWPPP that addresses excavation, grading, and placement of erosion control
measures during and after construction. These site-specific erosion control measures will be
monitored for effectiveness to minimize the impacts on soils during and after construction.
The following mitigation measures will be followed to reduce soil and geologic hazards
impacts from the Project’s construction-related activities:
• Upon completion of the construction activities, all work areas, except any permanent
access roads/trails, shall be graded, as required, so that all surfaces drain naturally,
blend with the natural terrain, and are left in a condition that will facilitate natural re-
vegetation, provide for proper drainage, and prevent erosion. Re-vegetation shall be
implemented for all areas temporarily disturbed by the Project construction.
• Construction zones and areas to be disturbed shall be well-defined, limited in extent,
and managed by onsite construction staff and construction managers.
• Periodic inspections shall be made of erosion control measures and as required after
precipitation events. Erosion control measures shall be repaired or replaced, as
necessary. Reporting will be in compliance with the issued permit.
• Berms and other water-channeling measures shall be used to direct stormwater runoff to
appropriate detention ponds, where necessary.
• Barriers and other measures including hay bales, silt fences, and straw mulches shall be
used to minimize and control soil erosion.
• Side slopes created by grading shall not exceed the soil strength limits, as prescribed by
the final road design and turbine layout engineering design. Potentially unstable areas
shall be identified and avoided.
• Mitigation for perennial and intermittent crossing shall include erosion protection in key
areas, properly sized culverts at stream or drainage crossings, and avoiding placing
structures or roads in areas that are susceptible to rapid erosion or gullying.
• The seismic site class according to the International Building Code (IBC) shall be
determined, and structures and turbine foundations shall be designed to withstand
appropriate seismic loads.
7.2.5 Cultural Resources
The following mitigation measures will be followed to reduce cultural resources impacts
from the Project’s construction-related activities:
• Known cultural resource locations eligible for listing on the NRHP shall be avoided by
marking them on construction drawings as “no entry” areas and by flagging them in the
field, if necessary. Construction crews shall participate in environmental compliance
training, including the necessity of avoiding cultural resource sites, to further increase
awareness of the site and to prevent accidental damage to known and undiscovered
cultural resources. Artifact Finding Instructions for all onsite employees will be
presented prior to construction.
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• Should any previously unknown historic/prehistoric sites or artifacts be encountered
during construction, all land-altering activities at that specific location shall be
immediately suspended and the discovery left intact until such time that PacifiCorp is
notified and appropriate measures are taken to ensure compliance with the NHPA and
enabling legislation.
• Should any human remains be discovered, the Carbon County Coroner shall be
immediately notified.
• If, during micrositing and final site design, Project features are required to be located
outside of the area inventoried for cultural resources, additional surveys shall be
completed to ensure avoidance of unevaluated or eligible sites, or an archaeological
inspector or monitor shall be brought to the site to ensure potentially eligible sites are
avoided.
7.2.6 Vegetation
The following mitigation measures will be followed to reduce vegetation impacts from the
Project’s construction-related activities:
• PacifiCorp and its contractors shall exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and
shall conduct construction operations to prevent any unnecessary damage to, or
destruction of, natural vegetation features.
• Following completion of the construction activities, all work areas, except any
permanent access roads and trails, shall be graded 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.
• Revegetation shall be implemented for all areas temporarily disturbed by the
construction of the Project.
The revegetation plan was developed using guidelines and seed mixes provided by the
Medicine Bow Conservation District. Requested seed mixes will be used where practical and
readily available at reasonable cost; however, PacifiCorp will have the final authority on the
seed mixture.
The following methods are recommended for all areas of temporary ground disturbances
throughout the Project area:
• A single seed mixture shall be developed for use in re-vegetating all temporarily
disturbed areas. To re-establish plant communities of value to wildlife, only native
species are proposed. Species will be selected based on their tolerance to xeric
conditions, seed availability, and a variety of other factors. The landowner will have
final determination of the seed mixture to be used on the project.
• Landscape fabric, cellulose, straw mulch or other methods shall be used according to
manufacturer/supplier specifications for temporary erosion control.
The planting methods listed below should be used within the Project area. The choice of
methods should be based on site-specific factors such as slope, erosion potential, and the
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size of the area in need of re-vegetation. Temporary seeding should be done from March to
April (for disturbance that occurs during the winter and spring) and/or in October-
November (for disturbance that occurs in the summer and fall). Permanent seeding should
be done from October to November following the onset of seasonal rains. Disturbed,
unseeded ground may require chemical or mechanical weed control in May or June, before
weeds have a chance to go to seed.
Broadcast Method
• Obtain the seed from a reputable seed supplier.
• Broadcast the seed mixture at the prescribed pounds-per-acre rate.
• Apply locally obtained, weed-free straw at a rate of 2 tons per acre immediately after
broadcasting the seed.
• Crimp straw into the ground using a tractor-mounted straw crimper.
Hydroseed Method
• Obtain the seed from a reputable seed supplier.
• Broadcast the seed mixture at the prescribed pounds-per-acre rate.
• Apply wood cellulose fiber mulch (mixed with a tackifier) at a rate of 1 ton per acre
immediately after broadcasting the seed.
Drill Method
• Obtain the seed from a reputable seed supplier.
• Broadcast the developed plant seed mixture at half the prescribed pounds-per-acre rate.
• Apply locally obtained, weed-free straw at a rate of 2 tons per acre immediately after
broadcasting the seed.
• Crimp straw into the ground using a tractor-mounted straw crimper.
Erosion control measures may be installed after seeding and may include filter bags,
sediment fences, silt curtains, sediment traps, or other similar devices and impervious
materials. Erosion control measures shall be implemented until soils are stabilized by a
vegetation growth from seed planting.
7.2.7 Surface Water and Groundwater
Under Section 402 of the CWA, construction stormwater permitting is required for projects
that will disturb more than 5 acres. The Project will require a WYPDES NOI to be prepared
for a general construction permit for stormwater discharges, as well as a SWPPP for the
construction phase at the Project site. The construction SWPPP will focus on sedimentation
and erosion controls during construction and will set forth a schedule for regular
inspections of appropriate controls at the construction site.
The following mitigation measures will be followed to reduce impacts on surface water and
groundwater resources from the Project’s construction-related activities:
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• Construction activities shall be performed using methods that prevent entrance or
accidental spillage of solid matter, contaminant 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. These prevention activities will be detailed in the Project
SWPPP.
• Borrow pits shall be excavated so that water will not collect and stand in them. Before
being abandoned, the sides of borrow pits shall be brought to stable slopes, with slope
intersections shaped to carry the natural contour of adjacent, undisturbed terrain into
the pit or borrow area, giving a natural appearance.
• Waste piles shall be shaped to provide a natural appearance. 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 the applicable land
managing agency or landowner.
• 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.
• Turbidity control methods such 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 shall be used to treat waste waters
from construction operations before they enter streams, water courses, or other surface
waters. Any such waste waters discharged into surface waters shall be essentially free of
settleable material.
7.2.8 Land Use and Recreation
The following mitigation measures will be followed to reduce land use and recreation
impacts from construction-related activities:
• To the extent feasible, the contractor shall limit movement of crews, vehicles, and
equipment on the right-of-way and approved access roads to minimize damage to
property and disruption of normal land use and recreation activities.
• The contractor shall maintain all fences and gates during the construction period. Any
fence or gate damaged during construction shall be repaired immediately by the
contractor at the discretion of the landowner (PacifiCorp).
• The contractor shall eliminate, at the earliest opportunity, all construction ruts that are
hazardous to agricultural or ranching operations and/or 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.
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• Construction trails not required for maintenance access shall be restored to the original
contour and made impassable to vehicular traffic. The surfaces of such construction
trails shall be scarified as needed to facilitate natural re-vegetation, provide proper
drainage, and prevent erosion.
7.2.9 Wetland/Waters of the United States
As described in Section 7.2.5, construction stormwater permitting is required under
Section 402 of the CWA for projects that will disturb more than 5 acres. The Project will
require a WYPDES NOI to be prepared for a general construction permit for stormwater
discharges, as well as a SWPPP for the construction phase at the Project site. The
construction SWPPP will focus on sedimentation and erosion controls during construction
and will set forth a schedule for regular inspections of appropriate controls at the
construction site.
Micrositing appurtenant linear features during the final design phase will prevent potential
impacts to wetlands or water bodies. The Project shall be constructed in compliance with the
requirements of the CWA.
Project impacts to waters of the U.S. from the final Project layout will be avoided or
minimized by micrositing Project infrastructure outside of the delineated waters of the U.S.
ordinary high water mark, where practicable. Nationwide permits 12 and 14 require
preconstruction notification of the local USACE regulatory office before dredge or fill
activities may occur in waters of the U.S. if potential impacts meet or exceed 0.1 acre.
Additionally, nationwide permit 12 requires a preconstruction notice for projects with
500 linear feet of potential impacts to waters of the U.S. A preconstruction survey to
delineate waters of the U.S. will be completed. Adjustments to Project components will be
made to minimize or avoid impacts.
Because the Project is expected to impact less than 0.1 acre and less than 500 linear feet of
waters of the U.S., a preconstruction notice is not anticipated to be required. BMPs such as
culverts shall be used to minimize adverse effects to waters of the U.S. from road and power
collection line construction.
Section 401 state water quality certification regulatory requirements apply to the Project
because of the discharges of dredged or fill materials into jurisdictional waters of the
U.S. A Section 401 water quality certification will be required to demonstrate that any
Project construction activities (e.g., discharge of dredged or fill materials) will not violate the
state’s water quality standards or result in adverse long-term or short-term impacts on
water quality. Section 402 construction stormwater permitting is required for projects that
will disturb more than 5 acres.
A WYPDES NOI shall be prepared for a general construction permit for stormwater
discharges. In addition to the NOI, a SWPPP shall be prepared for the construction phase at
the Project site. The construction SWPPP will focus on sedimentation and erosion controls
during construction and will set forth a schedule for regular inspections of appropriate
controls at the construction site.
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7.2.10 Visual Quality
To reduce visual impacts from construction-related activities, PacifiCorp and its contractors
shall exercise care to preserve the natural landscape and conduct construction operations to
prevent any unnecessary damage to, or destruction of, natural features.
7.2.11 Wildlife
Rule I Section 7(k)(ii) – Monitoring Programs. The applicant shall describe the procedures proposed
to avoid constituting a public nuisance, endangering the public health and safety, human or animal
life, property, wildlife or plant life, or recreational facilities which may be adversely affected by the
proposed facility, including monitoring programs to assess effects of the proposed industrial facility
and the overall effectiveness of impact controls and mitigating actions.
WGFD and USFWS have been consulted to aid in identifying potential wildlife impacts of
the Project and to reduce and monitor those impacts, if any. PacifiCorp has completed
preconstruction surveys of wildlife and will complete additional surveys during and after
construction to obtain information on the success of mitigation efforts. PacifiCorp will
determine the final Project layout in response to raptor nest and Greater Sage Grouse lek
locations, and will construct the Project according to agency prescribed stipulations to
ensure that impacts are minimized or avoided.
The following mitigation measures will be followed by PacifiCorp to minimize adverse
impacts to wildlife from construction-related activities:
• WTGs, roads, and structures shall be sited a minimum of 0.25 mile from occupied
Greater Sage Grouse leks.
• PacifiCorp shall honor WGFD-recommended nesting season restrictions and perform no
construction within 1 mile of active ferruginous hawk nests from April 1 to August 1.
• PacifiCorp shall site all WTGs greater than 1 mile from active ferruginous hawk nests.
• Surface disturbance in Greater Sage Grouse nesting habitat designated by WGFD shall
be avoided from March 15 to July 1.
• Construction activities shall be limited in pronghorn crucial winter ranges to areas and
times designated by WGFD.
7.3 Monitoring Programs
7.3.1 Technical Advisory Committee
A technical advisory committee (TAC) will review the monitoring protocols, assess
study results, and prepare recommendations for PacifiCorp at the completion of the
Year 1 monitoring studies described below. The TAC will be composed of representatives
from relevant agencies and resource specialists designated by PacifiCorp.
7.3.2 Avian and Bat Monitoring
Avian and bat fatality monitoring will be performed during Year 1 of operation, and if
deemed necessary by the TAC, up to 3 years post construction. The objective of the fatality
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monitoring study is to estimate the annual number of avian and bat fatalities attributable to
wind turbine collisions from Project operations. This information will be used to determine
whether impact levels for the Project are within acceptable ranges and are consistent with
preconstruction mortality estimates and with reported data from other wind projects in the
region. The scope and duration of the monitoring program will be consistent with
monitoring programs that have been or will be conducted at other wind projects in
Wyoming and the western United States with features similar to the Project.
7.3.3 Sagebrush Mapping
WGFD requested that sage brush be mapped within 2 miles of the Project area to identify
Greater Sage Grouse nesting and brood rearing habitats. Sagebrush mapping was
completed and this information was discussed by PacifiCorp and the Wyoming Game and
Fish Department in May 2009. It was agreed that lands within two miles of the lek that were
not within large contiguous sage brush areas would not be impacted by any timing
restrictions on construction activity.
7.3.4 Greater Sage Grouse Monitoring
PacifiCorp will complete Greater Sage Grouse lek counts (per WGFD protocol) within a
2-mile buffer of the Project area boundary during Year 1 of operation and up to 3 years post
construction for comparison with preconstruction data.
7.3.5 Big Game
PacifiCorp will complete a 3-year telemetry study of pronghorn beginning in fall 2009. The
objective of the study will be to evaluate pronghorn response to WGFD construction and
operation in an effort to provide prescriptive management information that will guide
future wind development in big game crucial winter range. Details of the study, such as
protocols, sample sizes, and specific research objectives are currently being defined via
collaboration with WGFD and will be provided to the ISD as they are finalized.
7.3.6 Employee Orientation Program
To reduce the potential for employee-wildlife incidents, Project construction workers will
receive information on wildlife awareness during their new employee orientation program.
The program will include, at a minimum, the following information:
• Restrictions and/or prohibitions of construction employees’ access to sensitive wildlife
activity areas.
• Applicable wildlife laws and resident hunting requirements.
• Policies and laws penalizing wildlife harassment and poaching.
• Statement prohibiting the possession of firearms on the Project site except as permitted
by agreement with the landowner.
• Reporting procedures and requirements for vehicle collisions with wildlife.
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Potential impacts to wildlife through habitat alteration or destruction will be minimized by
revegetating disturbed areas where possible and by efforts to minimize and mitigate
damage to soils and vegetation as described in Sections 7.2.4 and 7.2.6, respectively.
7.4 Worker, Environmental, and Facility Protection
There are no specific health and safety standards related to the siting or operation of wind
energy facilities. Nonetheless, in an effort to prevent personal injury and property or
environmental damage, conditions or actions that may put workers, the environment, or the
facility at risk have been identified. Measures have been developed that minimize the
potential for an incident to occur and detail the procedures to address incidents if they
occur. Issues may arise during construction and/or operation of the facility, including
emergency response, fire control, safe work practices, heavy equipment transportation,
traffic management, mechanical failure, or others. An Emergency Planning and Procedures
document will be prepared and implemented. This, along with careful planning and design
of the Project’s components, will be put in place to protect both workers and the general
public during construction and operation of the Project.
With the possible exception of adverse indirect impacts created by lightning, all of the
health and safety environmental impacts addressed herein that derive from the
electromechanical nature of the Project can be mitigated by prevention, safety zone
setbacks, and proper operating procedures.
7.4.1 Health and Safety
This section describes potential human health and safety issues related to construction and
operation of a typical wind energy project. Based on the expected major activities associated
with the Project, potential physical hazards to workers and potential safety and health
issues are identified below.
PacifiCorp will develop a site-specific Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Plan to
protect both workers and the general public during construction and operations of the
facility. The EHS Plan will identify applicable federal and state occupational safety
standards, establish safe work practices, and include a training protocol for site workers for
reporting serious accidents to appropriate agencies. The plan may include responsibilities
and roles of personnel, health and safety for subcontractors, worker safety orientation and
training, severe weather conditions, and accident/incident reporting procedures. It may
also outline employee safe work programs, including drug and alcohol policies, hazardous
materials, fire protection, respirator use and maintenance, confined workspaces, and
potential work hazards such as blood-borne pathogens, electrical dangers, and
environmental dangers.
As the Project becomes operational, PacifiCorp programs and procedures will be deployed
and implemented to ensure that EHS Plan expectations, roles, and responsibilities are well
documented and understood by employees, contractors, and visitors. Components of the
EHS programs include emergency response, training, environmental requirements,
contractor management, and comprehensive safety programs, including wind-specific risks
such as tower climbing and rescue, severe weather, confined-space entry, lockout-tagout,
electrical safety, and other site- and equipment-specific requirements. The Project site will
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also have access to PacifiCorp’s corporate EHS support function, which will provide
comprehensive support for the site, including avian and other biological programs. It is
PacifiCorp’s intent that all wind projects implement the appropriate programs, procedures,
and training that result in a sustained zero injury and illness culture.
7.4.2 Occupational Hazards
Construction and operations workers at any facility are subject to the risk of injuries and
fatalities from physical hazards. While such occupational hazards can be minimized when
workers adhere to safety standards and use appropriate protective equipment, fatalities and
injuries from on-the-job accidents can still occur. Occupational health and safety are
protected on the federal level through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) (29 USC 651 et seq.); Wyoming has additional laws and regulations that build on
the federal law. It is PacifiCorp’s firm belief and commitment that workplace accidents and
injuries are preventable and that a zero injury and illness culture at every worksite is a
fundamental aspect of EHS excellence and continuous improvement.
Some of the occupational hazards associated with wind energy projects are similar to those
of the heavy construction and electric power industries, while others are unique to wind
energy projects (i.e., heights, high winds, energized systems, and rotating/spinning
equipment). In particular, the hazards of installing and repairing turbines can be similar to
those of building and maintaining bridges and other tall structures.
The WTG manufacturer (GE) will provide an O&M manual that will include system safe
operating limits and descriptions, startup and shutdown procedures, alarm response
actions, and an emergency procedures plan. The emergency procedures plan will identify
probable emergency situations and the actions required of operations personnel. The
emergency procedures plan will address overspeeding, icing conditions, lightning storms,
earthquakes, broken or loose guy wires, brake failure, rotor imbalance, loose fasteners,
lubrication defects, sandstorms, fires, floods, and other component failures.
PacifiCorp and its subcontractors will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal
safety, health, and environmental laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards. Some of the
main laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards designed to protect human health and
safety that will be reflected in the design, construction, and operation of the Project include:
• Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 USC 651, et seq.) and 29
CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards;
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessibility at the O&M Building;
• Uniform Fire Code Standards;
• Uniform Building Code;
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which provides design standards for the
requirements of fire protection systems;
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which requires that
safety equipment carry markings, numbers, or certificates of approval for stated
standards;
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• National Electric Safety Code;
• American Concrete Institute Standards;
• American Institute of Steel Construction Standards;
• American Society for Testing and Materials; and
• National Electric Code.
7.4.3 Public Safety
Warning signs will be posted along the access roads to inform the public of construction
activities and request that the public not enter the site. For areas where public safety risks
could exist and site personnel would not be available to control public access (such as
excavated foundation holes and electrical collection system trenches), warning signs and
temporary fences will be erected. Fencing may also be installed around material storage,
staging, and/or laydown areas. Other areas determined to be hazardous, or where issues of
security or theft are of concern, may also be fenced. Temporary fencing around unfinished
turbine bases, excavations, and other hazards will typically be a high-visibility plastic mesh.
Security guards, cameras, and/or additional fencing will be used if necessary to protect
public health and safety and Project facilities.
7.4.4 Emergency and Law Enforcement Services
As the sole private landowner, PacifiCorp can ensure access to the Project via the primary
access road off of WYO 487 for the construction period and operational life of the Project.
PacifiCorp has initiated discussions and participated in council meetings with various
stakeholders in Carbon County. It has been the intent of PacifiCorp to understand the
capabilities of the County to provide such services to the Project. The contractor, after being
selected by PacifiCorp will meet with local emergency and law enforcement agencies to
coordinate plans for the site.
7.4.4.1 Medical Emergencies
Medical emergencies generally will be handled by calling 911 and alerting the EMS system.
Calls to 911 would dispatch the appropriate fire and/or ambulance crews. PacifiCorp will
ensure that landing zone requirements are met at all times during construction and
operation of the Project for both daytime and nighttime response calls and that appropriate
PacifiCorp and contractor crews are adequately trained in rescue techniques used while
working in turbine towers and nacelles. Ivinson Memorial Hospital is a 99-bed, acute-care,
regional hospital located in Laramie. It is located approximately 69 miles from the Project
area and is the anticipated provider of both emergency and routine hospital services to the
workforce.
Memorial Hospital of Carbon County located in Rawlins is 71 miles from the project area.
The hospital is a progressive, modern, 35 bed acute care facility which includes ER, ICU,
Medical, Surgical, OB, and Ambulatory Surgery.
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7.4.4.2 Fire Emergencies
Fire emergencies will be handled by calling 911 and alerting the Carbon County Sherriff and
Police office, who in turn will page the appropriate fire crews for dispatch. Due to the
remote location of the Project and challenging response time for fire emergencies, it is likely
that fire crews from both counties would respond in the cooperative manner typical of rural
firefighting scenarios in the region; the closest, most appropriate crews available at the time
would arrive first to address potential fire emergencies. PacifiCorp will proactively
coordinate with fire departments from both counties to minimize fire safety hazards,
coordinate response efforts, and effectively train PacifiCorp and subcontracting personnel in
fire safety issues.
Turbine maintenance staff will be trained in lowering injured colleagues to prepare for the
possibility of an injury while working in the wind turbine that prevents a worker from
climbing down the tower safely. A rescue basket, specially designed for this purpose, will be
kept at the O&M facility and will be available for use by local EMS and fire personnel.
Training in its use will be provided to local EMS, Wyoming Life Flight rescue teams, and
firefighting personnel.
7.4.4.3 Law Enforcement
Access to the Project area by the Carbon County Sherriff is currently provided via the
designated Project access road from WYO 487. Adequate access for Carbon County law
enforcement will be ensured by PacifiCorp during the construction and operation period via
the primary access road.
7.4.5 Security
7.4.5.1 Construction
The Project construction manager will work with a security contractor to develop a plan to
effectively monitor the overall site during construction, including drive-around security and
specific check points. Where appropriate, local emergency response organizations will
review and approve all plans before they are implemented. The security inspection and
monitoring plan will be modified as appropriate during construction, based on the level of
construction activity and amount of sensitive or vulnerable equipment in specific areas. Site
access will be controlled and all onsite construction staff and visitors will be required to
carry an identification pass.
Security is primarily a function of controlled access to the Project areas and lock-out
provisions to major equipment and controls. Much of the security monitoring activities will
be straightforward because access to the Project site will be controlled during construction
when equipment and materials would be most vulnerable. This is also the period when
trespassers are more likely to be injured.
Construction materials will be stored at the individual turbine locations or at the lay-down
area facility and site construction trailers. Temporary fencing with a locked gate may be
installed at the lay-down areas for storage of equipment or materials. A permanent 8-ft-high
chain link fence topped with barbed wire will be installed around the electrical substations.
The wind turbines will not be fenced. Primary security measures for the wind turbines
include posting warning and “no trespassing” signage on towers, electrical equipment, and
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system entrances; keeping all tower access doors and ports locked when not occupied; and
making outside ladders or other climbing apparatus inaccessible within 15 ft of the ground.
The gear boxes located within each tower’s nacelle require no additional security. Access to
the nacelle is provided by a ladder, and a fall-arresting safety system is included. Interior
lights are installed at critical points from the base to the top of the tower. The step-up
transformers at the individual wind turbine sites will have pad-locked and wrenched locked
cabinets to prevent access to the level gauges and valves that could result in oil discharge.
Outside lighting of the wind turbines is impractical due to their remote location.
7.4.5.2 Operation
Project areas requiring security during the operations phase include the substations, O&M
facility, and wind turbines. Site visitors including vendor equipment personnel,
maintenance contractors, material suppliers, and all other third parties will require
permission for access from authorized Project staff prior to entrance. The Plant Operations
Manager, or designee, will grant access to any critical areas of the site on an as-needed basis.
Site access will be controlled and all visitors or contractors on the site will be required to
carry an identification pass.
Both the O&M facility and the main substation will be equipped with outdoor lighting and
motion sensor lighting. The substations may be visible from the O&M facility; however, the
substations will be surrounded by an 8-ft-tall chain-link fence with barbed wire along the
top and locked gates. All wind turbines, pad transformers, pad-mounted switch panels, and
other outdoor facilities will have secure, lockable doors.
7.4.6 Traffic Management
7.4.6.1 Construction
The potential for traffic issues will be highest during construction, when deliveries of
equipment and materials as well as worker traffic will occur. A traffic study has been
completed that details the number and nature of vehicle trips to, within, and from the
Project area. Prior to construction, the permit holder will consult with the Carbon County
Roads Department and WYDOT to develop a final transportation plan. The plan will focus
on traffic and circulation primarily within and in the immediate vicinity of the Project area.
It will be designed to minimize potential hazards from increased truck traffic and worker
traffic and to minimize impacts to traffic flow in the vicinity of the project.
PacifiCorp’s transportation contractor will also consult with WYDOT to determine if any
segments of roadway or bridges are restricted for travel, and will obtain any heavy haul
permits required to allow transport of these loads. If Carbon County roads are utilized for
major equipment deliveries, the Applicant will enter into an “Agreement for Road Use,
Repair, and Improvements” with the Carbon County Road and Bridge Department prior to
construction. No commercial traffic or large trucks are expected to pass through or have any
impact on residential areas.
7.4.6.2 Operation
In terms of access traffic, the Project will operate continuously (24 hours per day, 7 days per
week) using an automated system. It will employ an estimated 10 full-time workers. The
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operations crew will normally work 8-hour days Monday through Friday, with one person
working half days on the weekends. This equates to a maximum of 22 trips during a 24-hour
period. Traffic between the O&M facility and the individual turbines will be minimal during
operations, as scheduled maintenance is normally performed only every 6 months on each
turbine. The PacifiCorp will be responsible for maintenance of turbine string access roads,
access ways, and other roads built to construct and operate the Project.
7.4.7 Spill Prevention, Containment, and Control
Several hazardous materials, primarily petroleum products, will be used in the construction
and operation of the Project. During transport, handling, and use, there is a possibility of a
spill. However, the only potential sources for a spill are the fuel and lubricating oils from
construction vehicles and equipment and the mineral oil used to fill the substation
transformer(s). The construction contractor will be responsible for training its personnel in
spill prevention and control and, if an incident occurs, will be responsible for containment
and cleanup.
The types of products to be used, as well as the SPCC plan that will be implemented, are
described below.
7.4.7.1 Construction
Fuel. During construction, fuel trucks will be used for refueling of vehicles, fuel storage
tanks, and equipment on site. The fuel trucks will be properly licensed and will incorporate
features in equipment and operation, such as automatic shut-off devices, to prevent
accidental spills. Fueling of large, heavy construction equipment such as cranes and
earth-moving equipment will occur on site where the equipment is located. The fuel truck
will drive to the equipment. Some construction vehicles, such as pickup trucks, will be
fueled in town at gas stations. Any spills will be addressed in accordance with the SPCC
plan that will be developed by the construction contractor and will be submitted for review
and approval prior to construction.
The risks associated with driving fuel trucks along gravel roads at the Project site are low.
The road slopes will be shallow enough to allow the much larger WTG delivery trucks
access to all WTG strings, and therefore can safely accommodate fuel trucks as well. The
roads are designed for wide loads and can accommodate large turbine erection cranes.
Potential risks will be additionally reduced by using dedicated fuel-delivery trucks driven
by professional, appropriately licensed drivers and by ensuring adherence to the Project site
speed limits. A fuel tanker accident would trigger activation of the SPCC plan. The SPCC
plan will include a description of procedures that will be followed in the event of a fuel
tanker spill and will contain a list of equipment that will be maintained on site for spill
response emergencies.
Lubricating oils. Lubricating oils used during construction will be mostly contained in the
vehicles and equipment for which they are used. Small quantities of lubricating oils may
also be stored in appropriate containers at the construction staging area located at the site of
the O&M facility. The details of storage and containment of lubricating oils and other
materials at the construction staging area will be addressed in the SPCC plan. Appropriate
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measures will be taken to ensure these materials are not spilled and that if a spill does occur,
it is promptly cleaned up and reported to the proper agencies.
Wind Turbine Fluids. Each turbine model has different specifications for lubricating oil and
hydraulic fluid quantities. There are three main types of fluid in a WTG: cooling fluid for
the generator (a mix of glycol and water, similar to that used in automobile radiators);
lubricating oil for the gearbox (typically a synthetic lubricating oil); and hydraulic oil for
operating the blade pitch system, yaw mechanism, and brakes.
The WTGs being considered for this Project are equipped with sensors to automatically
detect loss in fluid pressure and/or increases in temperature, which enable them to be shut
down in case of a fluid leak, as well as fluid catch basin and containment systems to prevent
any accidental releases from leaving the nacelle. Based on the limited quantities of fluids
contained in the WTGs, and the leak detection and containment systems engineered into
their design, the potential for an accidental spill from WTG malfunction is extremely
limited. Furthermore, any accidental gear oil or other fluid leaks from the turbines will be
contained inside the turbine towers, which are sealed around the base. Both the nacelles and
the towers incorporate adequate containment to capture any fluids in the event of a leak or
spill. Specific details of the volumes of the containment structure(s) will be addressed in the
SPCC plan.
Transformer Mineral Oil. When all phases of construction are completed, the Project will have
up to three substations, each with one or two transformers. Each transformer is delivered
empty and will be filled with mineral oil on site. Each substation transformer will contain
up to 12,000 gallons of mineral oil for cooling. The main transformers(s) will be filled and
tested as part of the commissioning process. The oil truck will be properly licensed and will
incorporate several special features in equipment and operation, such as automatic shutoff
devices, to prevent accidental spills. The transformers are designed to meet stringent
electrical industry standards, including containment tank weldment and corrosion
protection specifications.
The substation transformers will be equipped with an oil-level sensor that detects any
sudden drop in the oil levels and sends an alarm message to the central SCADA system.
Finally, the substation transformers are surrounded by a concrete berm or trough to ensure
that any accidental fluid leak does not result in a discharge to the environment. The
substation transformers will be surrounded by a containment berm or trough.
Each WTG has a pad-mounted transformer located at its base. These transformers contain
mineral oil, which acts as coolant. Each pad-mounted transformer will contain up to
500 gallons of mineral oil and will be filled at the factory and not at the site during
construction. The transformer is designed to meet stringent electrical industry standards,
including containment tank weldment and corrosion protection specifications.
Pad-mounted transformers do not typically incorporate a containment structure, as the
volume of mineral oil contained in them is much smaller than in the substation
transformers, and the risk of a spill is minimal.
The SPCC plan will address prevention and cleanup of any potential spills of mineral oil
during filling, transport, installation, or operation of transformers.
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7.4.7.2 Operations
Operation of the Project will not require the storage or use of substantial quantities of fuel or
other materials that could cause a spill or other accidental release. Project operations will not
require the use of a permanent fuel storage tank, as fuel use during operations is limited to
maintenance vehicle fueling that will be done at existing licensed gas stations off site.
The potential for accidental spills of oils or lubricants during operations is minimal, as the
only materials used during Project operations that present any potential for accidental spills
are lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids used in the WTGs and transformers. As discussed
previously, any loss of oil or hydraulic fluids in the WTGs would be contained within the
nacelle or tower and would not reach soil.
Turbine Fluid Replacement. Fluid levels are checked periodically and must be replenished or
replaced on an infrequent basis (generally less than once per year and sometimes only once
every 5 years.) When replacing these fluids, O&M staff will climb up to the nacelle and
remove the fluids in small (typically 5-gallon) containers and lower them to the ground
using a small maintenance crane built into the nacelle itself. The containers are then
transferred to a pickup truck for transport to the O&M facility for temporary storage
(typically less than 1 month) before being picked up by a licensed transporter for recycling.
Replacement fluids are added in the same method, but in reverse. Small quantities of
replacement fluids, typically no more than a few 50-gallon drums, including lubricating oil
and hydraulic oil, may be stored at the O&M facility for replenishing and replacing spent
fluids. These fluids will be stored indoors in appropriate containers. All operations staff will
be trained in appropriate handling and spill-prevention techniques to avoid any accidental
spills. Because only small quantities of fluids are transported, added, or removed at any one
time and are stored for short periods of time, the potential for an accidental spill during
routine maintenance is extremely limited.
The substation transformers have a specifically designed containment system, including a
full perimeter containment trough large enough to hold all of the oil from the transformer in
the event of a tank breach.
7.4.8 Waste Disposal
7.4.8.1 Construction
A variety of nonhazardous, inert construction wastes are typically generated in small
quantities during construction. The major solid waste types are concrete waste from turbine
foundation construction and wood waste from forms used for concrete construction. Some
additional wastes could include erosion control materials, such as straw bales and silt
fencing, and packaging materials for turbine parts and electrical equipment. The waste is
typically accumulated on site in dumpsters and/or drop boxes until hauled away to a
licensed landfill. No significant impacts to local solid waste disposal sites or services are
expected from the amount of wastes generated by the size of the Project.
7.4.8.2 Operations
Solid waste generation during operations will be minimal, on the order of one dumpster per
week; therefore, no significant impacts to local solid waste facilities are expected. The only
other source of solid waste will be incidental waste from repair, maintenance, and
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replacement of equipment, as necessary. An onsite O&M building will have a separate
underground onsite septic system and drain field serviced by a licensed and bonded
portable sanitary service. Disposal of materials on site will be conducted in accordance with
all applicable regulations. The SPCC will be reviewed and approved by a qualified
environmental professional.
7.4.9 Hazardous Wastes
Hazardous substances are subject to strict handling, storage, disposal, and transportation
laws at the federal, state, and local levels. Facility operators who handle more than
1,320 gallons of petroleum products are required to prepare and observe a SPCC plan,
under the recently revised regulations pertaining to 40 CFR 112 of the CWA. The nature of
the Project is such that no substances classified as hazardous will be stored or used on the
site. Petroleum products that are not classified as hazardous, including gear oil and
hydraulic fluids contained within the turbine and used for O&M of turbines and
transformers, will be stored off site. All production, use, storage, transport, and disposal of
petroleum-based materials as a result of this Project will be in strict accordance with federal,
state, and local government regulations and guidelines.
No extremely hazardous materials as defined by the EPA in CFR Title 40 would be
produced, used, stored, or disposed of as a result of the Project. Construction, operation,
and maintenance of the Project would result in the temporary use and storage of small
amounts of hazardous materials. Such materials would mostly include fuels, lubricants, and
hydraulic fluids associated with construction equipment and cleaning and maintenance
compounds.
7.4.9.1 Construction
No hazardous waste would be generated during the construction phases. The amount of
hazardous materials used/stored on site during the temporary construction period would
not exceed 55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet. No underground storage tanks are
currently located on site nor are any proposed by the Project. The Project is subject to the
NPDES for the protection of surface water quality. Conditions of approval for the Project
will require the implementation of NPDES BMPs during construction, including provisions
that construction equipment be properly maintained to minimize leaks of motor oils,
hydraulic fluids, and fuels.
7.4.9.2 Operation
Operation of the Project will not result in the generation of regulated quantities of
hazardous wastes. Because no fuel is burned to power the WTGs, there will be no spent fuel,
ash, sludge, or other process wastes generated. The primary type of waste generated by
operations of the Project will be municipal solid waste generated at the O&M facility,
consisting of typical office wastes (paper, cardboard, food waste, etc.). This waste will be
stored in a dumpster until it is hauled to the appropriate disposal facility.
Periodic changing of lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids used in the individual WTGs will
produce small quantities of waste fluids. Because they need to be changed only
infrequently, and on an individual WTG basis rather than simultaneously, these waste
fluids will be generated in small quantities. The waste fluids will be stored for short periods
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of time in appropriate containers at the O&M facility for collection by a licensed service for
recycling or disposal. Procedures for collecting, storing, and transporting these materials for
recycling or disposal are described in detail in below.
The replacement fluids will be stored on a concrete surface inside the O&M facility and will
be surrounded by a catch-basin berm or trough to trap any leaks or spills. Specific details of
the volumes of the containment structure(s) will be addressed in the operations SPCC plan.
The WTGs typically use the following lubricating oils and greases: Mobilux 2, Mobilith 5HC
460 grease, Hydro TL 15, and Tribol 1510/320, or equivalents. None of these contain any
compounds listed as hazardous by the EPA. They are used in moderate quantities
(approximately 40 gallons per turbine) and are contained entirely within the spill trap,
nacelle, and tower to protect accidental leakage. Lubricating oil levels are continuously
monitored by SCADA, manually inspected quarterly, filled as needed, and changed every
2 years. Spent fluids will be recycled with a certified waste contractor. The oil change will be
performed up-tower, where any accidental spills will be contained by the nacelle.
No oils or greases will be stored on site. Electrical transformers located next to each turbine
are equipped with containment structures capable of retaining 125 percent of the volume of
oil in the transformer in the unlikely event of a leak or spill. Transformers will contain
approximately 250 gallons of cooling oil and will not contain PCBs. Inspection of each
transformer will be performed on a regular basis and after any accident or seismic event that
could result in transformer damage. Cooling oil leaks would be automatically detected by a
continuously monitored SCADA system that would report low cooling oil and shut down
the turbine until the problem is addressed.
There are no suspected or known hazardous waste contamination sites within or adjacent to
the proposed Project area. Given the history and current characteristics of the Project site, it
is unlikely that any contamination would be encountered. Therefore, no significant impact
from former activities at the site would occur.
As previously mentioned, PacifiCorp is required to establish and maintain a SPCC plan
under the recently revised regulations pertaining to 40 CFR 112 of the CWA. Under this
plan, a procedure and the required equipment would be provided and maintained by the
contractor to respond in the event of a spill. The use of mineral oils and hydraulic fluids,
and the use of secondary containment as proposed by the Project, would not result in a
significant hazard with respect to chemical or water contamination. All use of hazardous
materials, including storage and disposal, would be in compliance with the enforcement
procedures currently in place. Therefore, impacts relative to the release of hazardous
substances as a result of Project implementation would be less than significant.
7.4.10 Emergency Response
Because the Project will be located in a rural area, it will pose little risk to public safety. The
nearest off-site residence is approximately 5 miles away from a proposed wind turbine.
PacifiCorp holds itself to a high standard on construction and operations safety. Outside
contractors are required to meet strict safety qualifications, and all workers are trained in
company Standard Operating Procedures before entering a site. PacifiCorp will develop and
maintain an Emergency Plan specific to the conditions of the Project that will be
implemented by a Site Safety Coordinator. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.38 provides general
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requirements for employee emergency plans and fire prevention plans. All on‐site
employees will undergo initial training and refresher training of the Emergency Plan. All
contractors and subcontractors working on site will be required to have their own Health
and Safety Plan, and their staff will be trained and experienced in the daily implementation
of that plan.
The Emergency Plan for the Project will address the following elements in sufficient detail
to ensure that adequate protection is provided to all personnel on site at the time of the
emergency:
• Identification of site individuals responsible for actions under the Emergency Plan;
• Description of the Project site and facilities;
• Listing and description of emergency types covered by the Plan;
• Emergency Notification Procedure;
• Emergency contact information;
• Information regarding access to emergency medical assistance and care, including any
special procedures for remote locations (i.e., air evacuation, search and rescue, etc.);
• Site Evacuation Procedure, and procedures for accounting for all personnel, including
employees, contractors, and visitors known to be on the site;
• Procedures to be carried out for each category of emergency listed in the Plan, including
any special requirements for personnel who may be required to stay behind to ensure
the orderly shutdown of critical site procedures; and
• Procedures to ensure all site personnel, including visitors, are trained in their
responsibilities under the Plan.
A copy of the Emergency Plan will be provided to local emergency services to inform them
of the nature and plans of the Project and to enable them to more effectively aid in our
response. The local emergency services personnel will be invited to conduct a site visit to
review the site layout and facilities and to discuss the Emergency Plan with the Site Safety
Coordinator. This visit will allow them to make their own assessment of the site and to
suggest any improvements and additions to the Site Plan.
7.4.11 Fire Safety
Unlike thermal power plants, wind power projects pose a much smaller risk of explosion or
fire potential, as there is no need to transport, store, or combust fuel to generate power. Fire
risk mitigation starts with the facility design, especially with electrical design, that will
comply with the National Electric Safety Code and NFPA requirements. A strict fire
prevention plan will be enforced during both construction and operations to mitigate fire
risks.
7.4.11.1 Construction
Because the Project site is generally arid rangeland dominated by sagebrush and
mixed-grass prairie, the highest expected fire risk is that of a fire during the hot, dry
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summer season. Fire risk potential will be tracked constantly during the summer fire season;
the risk will be actively posted at the construction job site during the high-risk season. The
construction manager will be responsible for staying abreast of fire conditions in the Project
area and implementing any necessary fire precautions. The Project site roads would act as
firebreaks and also provide quick access for fire trucks and personnel in the event of a grass
fire.
Prior to construction, a Fire Protection and Prevention Plan will be developed and
implemented in coordination with the Carbon County Fire Department. The Fire Protection
and Prevention Plan will be enforced both during construction and operations of the Project.
PacifiCorp will obtain all required permits. PacifiCorp will also hold meetings with local fire
officials from Carbon County fire districts to discuss preventive measures during
construction and operation of the Project and will continue to coordinate closely with the
local fire districts.
Each WTG and pad-mounted transformer will be constructed with a cleared area around
the base, with a minimum of 12 ft of nonflammable ground cover on all sides. PacifiCorp
will provide to the Carbon County Fire Department a copy of the approved Site Plan
indicating the identification number assigned to each turbine and the location of any
accessory structures. Service vehicles assigned to regular maintenance or construction at the
Project site will be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher of a 4A4OBC or equivalent
rating. The O&M building will be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher of a 4A4OBC
or equivalent rating.
There is little to no potential for nacelles to catch on fire during construction, as they will not
yet be operating. In the event of a nacelle fire, Project operations staff and fire personnel will
not attempt to climb the tower to put it out, but will attempt to prevent the fire from
spreading to any adjacent land or equipment.
7.4.11.2 Operation
As is the case with almost any complex electric machine, there is some potential for fire
inside the WTGs. With the types of modern wind turbines proposed, however, turbine
malfunctions leading to fires in the nacelle are extremely rare. The turbine is equipped with
several thermocouple-type temperature sensors to detect overheating of turbine machinery.
Internal fires would be detected by these sensors and the turbine’s control system, causing
the machine to shut down immediately and send an alarm signal to the central SCADA
system that would notify operators of the alarm by cell phone or pager.
Because substation transformers are filled with mineral oil, they present a potential fire risk.
The substation will be constructed and designed with a very robust grounding system to
mitigate lightning strike damage potential, including an underground grounding grid with
multiple grounding rods and direct-buried copper cable, as well as overhead shielding
wires that span across the steel pole structures to provide a cone of protection over the
entire substation. Additionally, substation transformers will be surrounded by a
containment trough filled with heavy, nonflammable gravel, which will limit the surface
area of oil exposed in the event that an oil leak from the transformer tanks combines with a
fire. By reducing the surface area of a potential mineral oil spill, the containment trough will
reduce the fire hazard potential from the oil.
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7.4.12 Aviation Lighting
The FAA requires aircraft warning markings on all structures taller than 200 ft. The wind
turbine towers would be more than 200 ft tall and would, therefore, trigger review by the
FAA. Once the Project layout is finalized, a Project Lighting Plan will be developed using
guidance from FAA Technical Note: Developing Obstruction Lighting Standards for Wind
Turbine Farms (Patterson, 2005). Aviation warnings for a wind energy project include
medium-intensity red strobe warning lights placed on the nacelles of the turbines on each
end of a turbine string, as well as on every third or fourth turbine. Once the exact marking
plan is developed, it will be submitted to the FAA for review.
7.4.13 Lightning
South-central Wyoming is not a highly lightning prone area; however, lightning is
considered in the design of the Project and its structures. Because the wind turbines will be
the highest structures in the surrounding area, the probability of lightning strike may be
higher. The mitigation measures in place are designed to reduce this risk significantly.
Both the WTGs and the substation are equipped with specially engineered lightning
protection systems. Every wind turbine foundation will have grounding equipment to
discharge electrical energy into the earth when the wind turbine builds up an electrical
charge as a result of being struck by lightning or an equipment malfunction. The equipment
may consist of a copper cable grounding mat cast in place when the base is constructed or
some other grounding method specified by the turbine manufacturer. The substation will
also have grounding equipment, which may consist of a grounding grid laid below grade in
trenches around the substation site or other grounding methods to further protect
equipment and personnel.
Other Project features equipped with grounding apparatus include transmission poles and
meteorological towers. In general, the grounding crew follows behind the pole assembly
and erection crew, installs the proper number of ground rods, and measures the ground
resistance. If the proper ground resistance has not been achieved, additional ground rods
are installed until acceptable ground resistance is obtained. On rocky sites with little to no
soil mantle, adequate electrical grounding may be problematic and may require the
installation of a grounding well reaching to the uppermost saturated zone below the ground
surface. Each turbine tower will have similar lightning grounding needs. Either ground
rods, grounding grids, or, if necessary, grounding wells will need to be installed for each
tower.
7.4.14 Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are associated with electric transmission and are not specific
to wind power projects. EMFs are generally not an issue related to wind turbines, which
have low voltage drop-cables (575 to 690 V) contained within steel towers and have a
predominately underground collection system also at a low voltage (34.5 kV).
Exposure of individuals working at the Project facilities to EMFs generated by the Project
would be minimal because of the low voltage (34.5 kV) of the system. Distribution lines
(34.5 kV) for the Project will be underground and will cross areas that are not inhabited or
used on a regular basis so that regular long-term exposure of individuals to EMFs would
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not occur. Therefore, impacts from Project EMFs are less than significant and would not
pose a threat to the health or welfare from the construction or operation of the Project.
Because of the distance of the proposed transmission line routes from any residences or
metallic structures, nuisance shock potential caused by induced EMF is very low.
7.4.15 Shadow Flicker
Shadow flicker caused by wind turbines is defined as alternating changes in light intensity
caused by the moving blade casting shadows on the ground and stationary objects, such as
a window in a dwelling. No shadow flicker will be cast when the sun is obscured by
clouds/fog or when the turbine is not rotating. Shadow flicker can occur only if the turbine
is located in close proximity to a receptor and is in a position where the blades interfere with
very low-angle sunlight. The Project is not expected to result in any shadow flicker effects to
any sensitive receptors, such as residences, because of the distance of more than 5 miles to
the nearest off-site residence, which is well beyond the distance at which shadow flicker can
cause impacts. PacifiCorp is not aware of any evidence or studies that indicate that shadow
flicker affects animals.
7.4.16 Mechanical Failure
The wind turbines that would be used for the Project meet international engineering design
and manufacturing safety standards. This includes tower, blade, and generator design.
There is an international quality control assurance program for turbines, along with a
number of relevant safety and design standards. The lead organization for development of
international standards for wind turbine generating systems is the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the most broadly applied standard covering
machinery and structures is IEC 61400-1: Wind Turbine Generator Systems – Part 1: Safety
Requirements (IEC, 1999). In the U.S., the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is the
designated organization for participation on IEC committees.
Independent agencies are retained by wind turbine manufacturers to certify that the design
and construction of a given turbine/tower assembly conform to accepted standards in terms
of design load assumptions, construction materials and methods, control systems, and
safety measures. This is a generalized type of certification provided at manufacturers’
expense. Once a specific system make and model are selected, the user then customarily
funds a second independent certification attesting to the applicability of the system design
and construction to the site-specific conditions. In addition, foundation design and
commissioning checks address potential failure from extreme events such as earthquakes or
extreme wind loadings, as well as frequency tuning of the different parts of the structure to
avoid failure from dynamic resonance.
7.4.16.1 Turbine Certification
Because wind has been a central source of power in Europe for decades, European
manufacturers have been required to meet rigid standards verifying their design criteria,
operational characteristics, supervision of construction, transportation, erection,
commissioning, testing, and servicing. In Europe, Germanischer Lloyd (GL), Det Norske
Veritas (DNV), Wind Test GmbH, and Risø (Denmark) are independent testing laboratories
that administer regulations for the design, approval, and certification of wind energy
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conversion systems. There are no well-established testing agencies in the United States that
offer the amount of experience, scrutiny, and know-how as the European agencies. For these
reasons, the Project will implement turbine technology that, at a minimum, complies with
the European standards.
The testing processes involved in the approval of design documentation include safety and
control system concepts, static and dynamic load assumptions, and associated load case
definitions. Once approved, specific components, such as blades, drive trains (hubs, gearing,
bearings, and generators, etc.), safety systems, towers, yaw systems, foundations, and
electrical installations, will be reviewed and approved according to the standards
established by these testing agencies. In addition to operating characteristics and design
features, the European testing agencies review construction supervision procedures,
including materials testing, QA reports and procedures, corrosion protection, and other
criteria. They also review and set standards for supervision during the transportation,
erection, and commissioning of the turbines.
Operational testing performed by the agencies includes measurement of power curves and
noise emissions, as well as loads and stresses, including wind loads imposed on the tower,
foundation, drive train, blades, nacelle frame, power quality, etc. Test data are evaluated for
plausibility and compared with the original calculations and mathematical models used for
the design.
Neither GL, DNV, WindTest GmbH, nor Risø will issue a certification unless the turbine
design has met minimum design standards and performance levels, both calculated and
measured. The approval process also applies to the manufacturers’ processes and
procedures through ISO 9001.
Because of this arduous approval process, wind turbines designed to European standards
have proven to be the most reliable wind energy systems over the past two decades. In
Europe, certification pursuant to these standards is mandatory for both permitting and
financing. Partly due to these verification programs, lenders in Europe view wind energy
equipment in the same way lenders in the United States might view the purchase of heavy
construction equipment.
The Project will implement only turbines that have achieved this type of certification by a
reputable and experienced third-party verification institute such as GL, DNV, WindTest, or
Risø and that demonstrate a minimum design life of 20 years.
7.4.16.2 Wind Turbine Tower Collapse
Tower collapse is extremely unlikely as the towers and foundations are designed to
withstand extreme earth shaking (magnitude 8.0), 100-year flood erosion (including
drainage scour), and historical peak wind gusts for the site. The Project will employ a
modern turbine design, including a safety system ensuring that the wind turbine is shut
down immediately at the onset of mechanical disorders such as nacelle vibration,
overspeed, grid electrical disorders, or loss of grid power. Turbine towers will incorporate
structural designs capable of withstanding large seismic events, high winds, and flooding.
Because all turbine structures will employ construction certified as described previously, the
potential hazards associated with tower collapse are less than significant.
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International experience to date has indicated very low risks associated with tower collapse,
components falling from towers, ice throw, and blade throw. Risks have been continually
reduced as turbine technology has improved. Publications such as Wind Power Monthly and
Wind Stats provide current information on industrial accidents and failures of components.
In the extremely unlikely event of a turbine tower collapse, the potential risk to the public
would be negligible because the Project will be constructed on property with controlled
access across private land, and the nearest public road is approximately 750 ft away.
Persons, animals, and facilities within the affected environment could be at risk of being
struck by the tower, the nacelle, or the turbine rotor blades under certain circumstances. A
tower collapse onto live electrical circuitry could conceivably start a fire.
7.4.16.3 Blade Icing and Ice Throw
Under certain conditions, ice can form on wind turbine towers and rotor blades. It has been
observed that moving rotor blades are subject to heavier buildups of ice than stationary
structures through the mechanism of rime icing. Rime icing occurs when a sub-freezing
structure is exposed to moisture-laden air with significant velocity. If the ice then becomes
detached while the blades are rotating, there is the possibility of “ice throw” over a
considerable distance from the turbine. While ice buildup on blades is an occasional
problem for wind turbines in terms of lost energy production, flying ice has not been an
issue. More than 55,000 WTGs have been installed worldwide, and there has been no
reported injury caused by ice thrown from wind turbine blades. This is categorized as a
“moderate icing” risk according to the Wind Energy in Cold Climates (WECO) modeling
study commissioned by the European Union’s Environment Directorate (Morgan et al.,
2000). Reported data on ice throws indicates that ice fragments were found on the ground
between 50 to 328 ft from turbines and were in the range of 0.2 to 2.2 pounds.
Because of the large number of variables and the need for established guidelines in risk
assessment, WECO has supplemented this modeling effort with continuation of an
information outreach program initiated by the German Wind Energy Institute (DEWI) and
the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). This effort consists of gathering experiential data
from a large number of wind turbine operators regarding occurrence of icing, as well as
details of any ice throw events. Findings were presented by WECO team members at the
BOREAS IV wind energy symposium in 1998. Significant findings included that the risk of
being struck by ice becomes very small at distances greater than 100 m (328 ft) from the
tower.
Persons, animals, and facilities within the ice throw hazard zone of approximately 100 m
(328 ft) could theoretically be at risk of being struck by an ice fragment. The Project is not
expected to result in any ice throw hazards given distances of more than 5 miles to the
nearest off-site residence and 750 ft to the nearest public road. These distances far exceed the
maximum ice throw potential of any of the proposed turbines.
7.4.16.4 Blade Throw
One of the primary safety hazards of wind turbines occurs if a rotor blade breaks and parts
are thrown off. This is referred to as “blade throw” and could occur as a result of rotor
overspeed, although such an occurrence has been extremely rare due to redundant
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safeguard features in contemporary turbines. Material fatigue can also cause a blade to
break.
Older turbine designs used light-weight blades and rotated at much higher speeds up to
100 rpm. They also contained braking systems that allowed the rotor to “run away” under
certain circumstances. When these conditions occurred, a blade failure could result in a
significant part of a blade being thrown. Modern turbine designs employ fail-safe,
redundant braking mechanisms, slower rotational speeds (approximately 20 rpm), and
heavier blades (6,100 to 7,100 pounds each), which eliminate this possibility. In all cases, the
difficulty of predicting the trajectory of a broken rotor blade makes the quantitative
determination of safety risk somewhat uncertain.
The simplified worst-case loss of a whole blade would occur with the blade rotating at
maximum speed when oriented at 45 degrees from the horizontal axis and rising. This is the
classic maximum trajectory case from standard physics texts. Review of these data indicates
that, for the maximum turbine envelope, the worst-case blade throw distance is
approximately one turbine tip-height.
Persons, animals, and facilities within the blade throw hazard zone could theoretically be at
risk of being struck. The Project is not expected to result in any blade throw risk due to the
distance of WTGs from residences and public roads, as presented previously.
7.4.16.5 Blade Fragment Throw
The potential of a blade fragment throw is similar to ice throw concern. Lightning strikes
causing blade failure have been documented. Acts of vandalism such as gun shots could
also conceivably damage rotor blades, causing a blade fragment to be thrown. Persons,
animals, and facilities within the blade fragment throw hazard zone could theoretically be at
risk of being struck. Because of the distance of WTGs from residences and public roads, the
Project is not expected to result in any blade fragment throw risk. The distances presented
for ice throw provide a reasonable approximation of the hazard zone for blade fragment
throw as well.
7.4.16.6 Braking System
The electrically actuated individual blade pitch systems act as the main braking system for
the WTG. Braking under normal operating conditions is accomplished by feathering the
blades out of the wind. Any single-feathered rotor blade is designed to slow the rotor, and
each rotor blade has its own back-up battery bank to provide power to the electric drive in
the event of a grid line loss. Three independent back-up battery packs or spring units are
provided to power each individual blade pitch system to feather the blades and shut down
the machine in the event of a grid line outage or other fault. Having all three blades
outfitted with independent pitch systems provides redundancy of individual blade
aerodynamic braking capability.
The WTG is also equipped with a mechanical brake located at the output (high-speed) shaft
of the gearbox. This brake is only applied immediately on certain emergency stops (E-stops).
The brake also prevents rotation of the machinery, as required by certain service activities.
7.0 CONTROLS, MITIGATION, AND MONITORING MEASURES
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_7_CONTROLS_MITIGATION_AND_MONITORING_FINAL.DOC 7-30
7.4.16.7 Turbine Control
The WTGs can be controlled automatically or manually from either the control panel located
inside the nacelle or from a personal computer located in a control box at the bottom of the
tower. Control signals also can be sent from a remote computer via a SCADA system, with
local lockout capability provided at the turbine controller.
Using the tower-top control panel, the machine can be stopped, started, and turned out of
the wind. Service switches at the tower top prevent service personnel at the bottom of the
tower from operating certain turbine systems while service personnel are in the nacelle. To
override any machine operation, stop buttons located in the tower base and in the nacelle
can be activated to stop the turbine in the event of an emergency.
DEN\DUNLAP_SECTION_8_REFERENCES_FINAL.DOC 8-1
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Wyoming Wildlife Society. 1990. Standardized Definitions for Seasonal Wildlife Ranges.
Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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Rim Wind Power Project, Carbon County, Wyoming: November 1998 – June 2002. Tech.
Report prepared by WEST, Inc. for Pacific Corp, Inc., SeaWest Windpower Inc., and
Bureau of Land Management.

APPENDIX A
Preliminary Site Layout
30
287
287
30
30
30
287
487
77
72
13
F
e
tte
r
m
a
n
Carbon
Albany
Muddy Creek
M
e
d
ic
in
e
B
o
w
R
iv
e
r
R
o
c
k

C
r
e
e
k
F
o
o
te
C
r
e
e
k
R
o
c
k

C
r
e
e
k
80
25
90
Wy o m i n g
C o l o r a d o U t a h
Project Location
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\CONDITIONAL_USE_PERMIT\FIGURE_1_PROJECT_LOCATION_MAP.MXD
Medicine Bow
L
i
t
t
l
e

M
e
d
i
c
i
n
e

B
o
w

R
i
v
e
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S
h
e
e
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C
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e
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F
o
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C
r
e
e
k
Figure A-1
Project Location
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
0 100 200 50
Miles
Legend
Project Boundary
Turbine Phase Area
I
II
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\OWNERSHIP_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:39:36
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Turbine Phase Area
I
II
Township
Section
Land Ownership
BLM
Private
State
Figure A-2
Project Layout
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009;
WGCS 2009;
0 0.5 1
Miles
APPENDIX B
Impact Assistance Payment Estimates
Carbon
IAP Estimator
QJ\DUNLAP\APPENDIX B - IMPACT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT ESTIMATES.DOC B-1
History of State Sales and Use Tax Given to Carbon County Local Governments
State Share Given to Co State Share Given to Muni's Total
Serial Month Sales Use Total Sales Use Total
1 July 04 10,703 1,139 11,842 272,105 27,175 299,280 311,122
2 Aug 04 14,251 1,641 15,892 354,453 22,194 376,647 392,539
3 Sep 04 14,396 1,403 15,799 345,565 24,480 370,045 385,844
4 Oct O4 14,229 1,469 15,698 413,303 22,602 435,905 451,603
5 Nov 04 14,415 1,607 16,022 360,898 27,173 388,071 404,093
6 Dec 04 13,160 1,587 14,747 358,534 18,391 376,925 391,672
7 Jan 05 12,250 1,323 13,573 302,731 32,081 334,812 348,385
8 Feb 05 13,024 1,263 14,287 335,912 23,888 359,800 374,087
9 Mar 05 14,219 1,507 15,726 362,869 32,735 395,604 411,330
10 Apr 05 11,508 1,482 12,990 271,065 45,207 316,272 329,262
11 May 05 13,046 2,085 15,131 343,915 492,998 836,913 852,044
12 Jun 05 13,515 1,832 15,347 305,021 55,192 360,213 375,560
13 Jul 05 13,087 1,768 14,855 315,616 30,727 346,343 361,198
14 Aug 05 19,846 1,984 21,830 467,774 29,678 497,452 519,282
15 Sep 05 14,973 1,797 16,770 412,490 32,007 444,497 461,267
16 Oct 05 16,797 1,849 18,646 474,986 35,414 510,400 529,046
17 Nov 05 15,062 1,783 16,845 504,518 35,308 539,826 556,671
18 Dec 05 14,396 1,835 16,231 476,666 22,914 499,580 515,811
19 Jan 06 14,793 1,510 16,303 504,105 29,366 533,471 549,774
20 Feb 06 15,800 1,842 17,642 451,170 25,150 476,320 493,962
21 Mar 06 17,441 1,648 19,089 466,650 44,288 510,938 530,027
22 Apr 06 11,945 1,612 13,557 363,610 32,884 396,494 410,051
23 May 06 17,164 2,860 20,024 417,313 54,946 472,259 492,283
24 Jun 06 16,620 2,494 19,114 457,266 106,875 564,141 583,255
25 Jul 06 15,337 1,999 17,336 426,577 53,027 479,604 496,940
26 Aug 06 21,612 2,893 24,505 544,648 36,120 580,768 605,273
27 Sep 06 17,283 2,377 19,660 587,594 429,376 1,016,970 1,036,630
28 Oct 06 17,199 2,732 19,931 507,718 267,635 775,353 795,284
29 Nov 06 20,198 3,193 23,391 760,503 135,113 895,616 919,007
30 Dec 06 15,747 2,627 18,374 575,416 49,660 625,076 643,450
31 Jan 07 17,632 2,318 19,950 616,517 54,542 671,059 691,009
32 Feb 07 16,643 2,580 19,223 519,470 243,127 762,597 781,820
33 Mar 07 15,694 2,175 17,869 517,107 214,680 731,787 749,656
34 Apr 07 14,627 1,934 16,561 539,047 44,057 583,104 599,665
35 May 07 17,637 2,649 20,286 463,663 77,570 541,233 561,519
36 June 07 14,795 2,198 16,993 448,129 45,821 493,950 510,943
37 July 07 17,790 3,108 20,898 405,132 41,457 446,589 467,487
38 Aug 07 20,544 3,299 23,843 669,242 123,850 793,092 816,935
39 Sept 07 18,529 1,584 20,113 552,890 8,909 561,799 581,912
40 Oct 07 20,118 4,938 25,056 555,489 386,922 942,411 967,467
41 Nov 07 18,868 2,182 21,050 656,467 79,029 735,496 756,546
42 Dec 07 16,532 2,686 19,218 560,434 135,770 696,204 715,422
43 Jan 08 17,643 2,404 20,047 532,316 (14,702) 517,614 537,661
44 Feb 08 18,374 3,105 21,479 661,958 286,515 948,473 969,952
45 Mar 08 16,311 2,414 18,725 588,830 72,900 661,730 680,455
46 Apr 08 16,123 1,899 18,022 470,571 43,326 513,897 531,919
47 May 08 17,854 2,781 20,635 568,432 95,364 663,796 684,431
48 June 08 17,184 2,304 19,488 468,187 31,130 499,317 518,805
49 July 08 16,885 2,055 18,940 513,950 48,449 562,399 581,339
50 Aug 08 23,361 3,082 26,443 832,854 55,399 888,253 914,696
51 Sept 08 22,493 2,709 25,202 722,116 52,166 774,282 799,484
52 Oct 08 22,368 2,649 25,017 964,257 85,382 1,049,639 1,074,656
53 Nov 08 19,277 2,727 22,004 826,405 71,880 898,285 920,289
54 Dec 08 18,473 2,625 21,098 679,591 87,932 767,523 788,621
55 Jan 09 17,459 2,383 19,842 659,156 68,553 727,709 747,551
56 Feb 09 21,135 2,781 23,916 654,267 118,953 773,220 797,136
57 Mar 09 16,462 3,313 19,775 439,937 74,840 514,777 534,552
58 Apr 09 16,038 2,958 18,996 429,838 34,994 464,832 483,828

Base Period
Amount = 737,116
Carbon
IAP Estimator
QJ\DUNLAP\APPENDIX B - IMPACT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT ESTIMATES.DOC B-2
0
200, 000
400, 000
600, 000
800, 000
1, 000, 000
1, 200, 000

Forecast of Impact Assistance Payments
Serial Month SLR BasePeriod
Impact
Assistance
59 May 2009 816,782 737,116 79,666
60 June 2009 823,842 737,116 86,727
61 July 2009 830,903 737,116 93,787
62 Aug 2009 837,964 737,116 100,848
63 Sept 2009 845,024 737,116 107,909
64 Oct 2009 852,085 737,116 114,969
65 Nov 2009 859,146 737,116 122,030
66 Dec 2009 866,206 737,116 129,091
67 Jan 2010 873,267 737,116 136,151
68 Feb 2010 880,328 737,116 143,212
69 Mar 2010 887,388 737,116 150,273
70 Apr 2010 894,449 737,116 157,333

Forecast average monthly impact assistance 118,500
Forecast yearly impact assistance 1,421,997

Forecast growth rate in sales & use tax 1.095

APPENDIX C
Project Components

FIGURE C-1
Typical Turbine Site
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-2
Typical Batch Plant
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-3
Typical Tower Foundation
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-4
Typical Wind Turbine and Tower
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-5
Typical Power Collection System
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-6
Typical Transformer Foundation
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-7
Typical Collector Substation
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-8
Typical 230 kV H Frame
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-9
Typical 230 kV Three-pole Angle
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-10
Typical 230 kV Three-pole Dead-End
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-11
Typical Interconnect Facility
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

FIGURE C-12
Typical Meteorological Tower
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
APPENDIX D
Public Involvement Materials

Meeting Invitations to Community
Leaders and Elected Officials

1407 West North Temple, Suite 210
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
May 6, 2009

Subject: Dunlap Wind Energy Project – Informational Meeting

Dear Community Leader:

Wyoming is one of the nation’s leading states for wind generation potential and we look
forward to continuing to help Wyoming diversify its energy generation mix from this
renewable resource. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the Dunlap Wind Energy
Project (“Project”) to be located in Carbon County, approximately 7 miles north of
Medicine Bow.

The Project is proposed as a 111-MW wind energy generation facility to be built on
approximately 14,600 acres of lands owned by PacifiCorp. As proposed, a total of 74
General Electric 1.5 MW SLE model wind turbines will be installed. The project is
expected to generate enough electricity to power 32,000 households. Approximately ten
miles of transmission line will be built to interconnect the project to an existing
PacifiCorp transmission line located north of the Project. The project site is believed to
have up to 300 MW of wind energy generation potential, and future construction will be
considered.

PacifiCorp will begin applying for necessary permits in June 2009 and plans to submit an
ISA permit application on June 15, 2009. Installation of roads on the project site could
begin during the fall of 2009. PacifiCorp plans to commence construction on the wind
energy facility in the second quarter of 2010 and have the site operational in the fourth
quarter of 2010. A maximum construction workforce of approximately 275 is anticipated.
The Project will be designed and operated to utilize the natural wind resource of
Wyoming, while minimizing impacts to the natural and man-made environment. The
Project will undergo review by multiple state and local regulatory agencies, and
PacifiCorp is committed to working with stakeholders and obtaining all necessary
permits and approvals for the Project. A major step in this process is the comprehensive
review and approval through the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. As part of the
Industrial Siting Permit application process, we invite you and your staff to participate in
an informational meeting that will provide an opportunity for you to obtain information
about the proposed project, ask questions and provide comments. Meeting details are as
follows:

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
1:00-1:30 PM – Refreshments and Poster Discussion
1:30-2:00 PM– Power Point Presentation and Question/Answer
2:00-3:00 PM– Continued Refreshments and Poster Discussion

Place: Herschler Building, Room 1699
122 West 25
th
Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming

If you cannot attend the meeting, you may provide input by sending an e-mail to
[email protected]. Please be sure to include your name and address with your
comments.

We look forward to working with you on this Project, and hope to see you soon at the
introductory meeting.

Sincerely,

Chad Teply
Vice President
Resource Development and Construction

1407 West North Temple, Suite 210
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
May 6, 2009

Subject: Dunlap Wind Energy Project – Informational Meeting

Dear Wyoming State Agency Official:

Wyoming is one of the nation’s leading states for wind generation potential and we look
forward to continuing to help Wyoming diversify its energy generation mix from this
renewable resource. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the Dunlap Wind Energy
Project (“Project”) to be located in Carbon County, approximately 7 miles north of
Medicine Bow.

The Project is proposed as a 111-MW wind energy generation facility to be built on
approximately 14,600 acres of lands owned by PacifiCorp. As proposed, a total of 74
General Electric 1.5 MW SLE model wind turbines will be installed. The project is
expected to generate enough electricity to power 32,000 households. Approximately ten
miles of transmission line will be built to interconnect the project to an existing
PacifiCorp transmission line located north of the Project. The project site is believed to
have up to 300 MW of wind energy generation potential, and future construction will be
considered.

PacifiCorp will begin applying for necessary permits in June 2009 and plans to submit an
ISA permit application on June 15, 2009. Installation of roads on the project site could
begin during the fall of 2009. PacifiCorp plans to commence construction on the wind
energy facility in the second quarter of 2010 and have the site operational in the fourth
quarter of 2010. A maximum construction workforce of approximately 275 is anticipated.
The Project will be designed and operated to utilize the natural wind resource of
Wyoming, while minimizing impacts to the natural and man-made environment. The
Project will undergo review by multiple state and local regulatory agencies, and
PacifiCorp is committed to working with stakeholders and obtaining all necessary
permits and approvals for the Project. A major step in this process is the comprehensive
review and approval through the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. As part of the
Industrial Siting Permit application process, we invite you and your staff to participate in
an informational meeting that will provide an opportunity for you to obtain information
about the proposed project, ask questions and provide comments. Meeting details are as
follows:

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
1:00-1:30 PM – Refreshments and Poster Discussion
1:30-2:00 PM– Power Point Presentation and Question/Answer
2:00-3:00 PM– Continued Refreshments and Poster Discussion

Place: Herschler Building, Room 1699
122 West 25
th
Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming

If you cannot attend the meeting, you may provide input by sending an e-mail to
[email protected]. Please be sure to include your name and address with your
comments.

We look forward to working with you on this Project, and hope to see you soon at the
introductory meeting.

Sincerely,

Chad Teply
Vice President
Resource Development and Construction

Posters on Display at Public Meetings
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[email protected] 05/06/2009 U:\Projects\REDev\wind\2007\Dunlap\Dunlap_Elevation2009.mxd
Data is projected in NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N Projection: Transverse
Mercator, meters.
No warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this
data for individual or aggregate use with other data. For complete validation,
the source organization should be contacted or source documents consulted
to verify the findings of this product.
´
0 3 1.5
Miles
Legend
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
& City
PRIMARY, U.S. & STATE HWY
STATE/COUNTY HWY
County
Township/Range
Section
Water
Elevation
Value
High : 8335 Feet
Low : 6491 Feet
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[email protected] 05/19/2009 U:\Projects\REDev\wind\2007\Dunlap\Dunlap_SageGrouse_2.mxd
Data is projected in NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N Projection: Transverse
Mercator, meters.
No warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this
data for individual or aggregate use with other data. For complete validation,
the source organization should be contacted or source documents consulted
to verify the findings of this product.
´
0 5 2.5
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Legend
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
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Township/Range
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[email protected] 05/06/2009 U:\Projects\REDev\wind\2007\Dunlap\Dunlap_Zoom2009.mxd
Data is projected in NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N Projection: Transverse
Mercator, meters.
No warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this
data for individual or aggregate use with other data. For complete validation,
the source organization should be contacted or source documents consulted
to verify the findings of this product.
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©
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Dunlap Wind Energy Project
Project Estimates:
74 General Electric 1.5-MW Turbines
260-ft Tower Height
120-ft Blade Length
Construction Scheduled for April 2010 – November 2010
Electricity for 32,000 Residential Customers

Newspaper Advertisement of
Public Meeting
We’d like to hear from you
Rocky Mountain Power has a strong commitment to the environment
and to supporting sustainable energy use. Part of the company’s
efforts to ensure a diversified resource portfolio include adding
cost-effective renewable energy resources to our generation mix. In
pursuit of this goal, we are in the process of conducting research and
obtaining the necessary approvals to develop the Dunlap Wind
Energy Project in Carbon County, Wyoming. The proposed
project will be located approximately 8 miles north of the town of
Medicine Bow.
Rocky Mountain Power is planning to build 74 wind turbine
generators at the Dunlap Wind Energy Project in 2010. The
project is scheduled to be operational in late 2010 and have a
generating capability of 111 megawatts.
To help, Rocky Mountain Power will be hosting a Public Open
House to keep you informed about our plans for the proposed
wind project.
Public Open House
©

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Please join us
Place: Medicine Bow Senior Center
520 Utah Street
Medicine Bow, Wyoming
Date: Monday, June 8, 2009
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Questions? Contact Ken Clark at (307) 577-6639
We hope to see you there and look forward to working with you as
this wind project progresses!

Handout Materials Available at
Public Meetings
Company-owned and contracted
wind generation
Foote Creek Rim I
• In operation since
April 1999
• Located in Carbon
County. near the
town of Arlington
69, 600-kilowatt
Mitsubishi turbines
Co-owned with
Eugene Water &
Electric Board
• 32.6 megawatt generating capacity - Rocky Mountain Power's
portion (Total generating capacity is 41.4 MW)
• Rocky Mountain Power's portion will serve the electrical needs
of about 9,500 average residential customers
Seven Mile Hill and Seven Mile Hill II
• In operation since December 2008
• Located in Carbon County, between Hanna and Medicine Bow
79, I.S-megawatt General Electric turbines (66 - Seven Mile Hill;
13 - Seven Mile Hill II)
• 1185 megawatt generating capacity (99 MW - Seven Mile Hill:
195 MW - Seven Mile Hill II)
Will serve the electrical needs of about 40,000 average residential
customers
Glenrock. Rolling Hills and Glenrock III (Glenrock wind farm)
• In operation since December 2008
(Glenrock) and January 2009
(Rolling Hills and Glenrock III)
Located in Converse County near
the communities of Glenrock and
Rolling Hills
• 158. I.S-megawatt General Electric
turbines (66 - Glenrock; 66
Rolling Hills: 26 - Glenrock III)
237 megawatt generating capacity
(99 MW - Glenrock: 99 MW
Rolling Hills; 39 MW - Glenrock III)
Will serve the electrical needs of
about 66,800 average residential
customers
High Plains (under construction)
• Scheduled for completion by December 2009
• Located in Albany and Carbon Counties, near the town
of McFadden
• 66, I.S-megawatt General Electric turbines
Rock River (Shell WindEnergy Inc)
• In operation since 1998
• Located in Carbon
County, near the town
of Arlington
50, I-megawatt Mitsubishi
turbines
• 50 megawatt generating
capacity: Rocky Mountain
Power is purchasing 100
percent of the facility's energy output under a 20-year power
purchase agreement
Mountain Wind I and Mountain Wind II (Florida Power & Light)
• In operation since July 2008 (Mountain Wind I) and
September 2008 (Mountain Wind II)
• 67, 2.I-megawatt Suzlon turbines (29 - Mountain Wind I: 38
Mountain Wind II)
140.7 megawatt generatlllg capacity (60.9 - Mountain Wind I;
79.8 - Mountain Wind II)
• Rocky Mountain Power is purchasing 100 percent of the
facility's energy output under a 20-year power purchase
agreement
Campbell Hill (Duke Energy - under development)
Scheduled for completion by late 2009
• 66, I.S-megawatt General Electric turbines
• 99 megawatt generating capacity
• Rocky Mountain Power will be purchasing 100 percent
of the facility's energy output under a 20-year power
purchase agreement
Wind project facts:
• Wind is an attractive fuel source because it's free and does
not produce any emissions, benefitting consumers and
the environment. However; development of wind energy
resources requires significant up-front investment and wind
power has the limitation of being an intermittent resource
that only generates at full capacity about 30 percent of the
time on average.
• The General Electric wind towers utilized for the Seven Mile
Hill. Seven Mile Hili II. Glenrock, Rolling Hills, Glenrock III and
High Plains wind projects stand 262 feet high with 252-feet
diameter blades.
• Most land at Rocky Mountain Power's Wyoming wind farms
remains open for existing grazing and wildlife habitat purposes.
• By December 2009, company-owned Wyoming wind projects
will employ approximately 40 workers to operate and
maintain the facilities.
Construction of Rocky Mountain Power's new wind projects
in 2008 and 2009, including High Plains, will have involved
a total peak workforce of approximately 775 contract
employees (peak construction times varied by project).
Rocky Mountain Power is part of PacifiCorp, which serves
1.7 million electric customers in six Western states as Rocky
Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific
Power (Oregon, Washington and California). Because the
utility is operated as an integrated system, all company-owned
and contracted generation is used to meet the electrical
needs of customers in all six states.
• Rocky Mountain Power's Wyoming customers benefit from
the electricity generated by the company's wind projects.
The state also receives property taxes and jobs created by
the construction and implementation of the wind farms.
• More than 2,800 megawatts - or approximately 21 percent
of Rocky Mountain Power's owned and contracted generating
capacity - are produced from renewable and non-carbon
resources. The company currently has enough energy from
wind resources to meet the needs of 374,000 average homes
In ItS six-state service area.
• Visit rockymountainpower.net for more information
about the company's renewable energy resources.
Approximate Substation
- Proposed
- Energize to 500 kV
-
WYOMI G
COLORADO
Rock
Springs
UTAH
100
_* Boise
IDAHO
Miles
o 50
NEVADA
Murphy
rsl
llWtO

An IDACORP Company
Gateway West
Transmission Line Project
Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power are planning to
budd a high voltage transmiSSion line across southern Wyoming
and southern Idaho. This project will supply present and future needs of
customers and improve electric system reliability in the service territories
of both companies. In addition, the project will enable delivery of new
generating resources, including wind, to more customers in the region.
Known as Gateway West, line segments are scheduled to be completed
in 2014.
At certain times of high customer demand, transmission lines reach full
capacity. Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power are committed to ensuring
reliable electric service to customers and respond to others requesting use of
the transmission system. Work has begun to complete this project in the next
five to seven years.
Preliminary Corridor Map
and Study Area
The companies are proposing to construct,
operate and maintain approximately 1,150
miles of new 230 kilovolt (kV) and 500 kV
electric transmission lines between the Windstar
Substation near Glenrock, Wyoming to the planned
Hemingway Substation near Murphy, Idaho.
April 2009
Proposed Project Timeline
& Milestones
Idaho Power customers Rocky Mountain Power customers
• E-mail: [email protected] • E-mail: [email protected]
• Call 888-757-6957 • Call 801-220-4221
To submit official public comment on the Gateway West ProJect, please contact the BLM directly at Bureau of Land Management. Gateway West Project POBox 20879,
Cheyenne. WY 82003 or E-mail at Gateway West WYMail@blm gov 01 VISit wwwwy.blm gov/nepa/cfodocs/gateway west Comments submitted to either Idaho Powel
01 Rocky Mountain Power are not considered part of the officialrecold
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
NEPA Process
BLM Right-of-Way Grants
- - - - - ! - - ~ . , . - - ~ - _ . --'
Right-of-Way Acquisition
Permitting
Engineering
Construction
In Service
Public Involvement
Opportunities
The BLM will host public meetings at the followlIlg project milestones:
• Spring 2008 - Project scoplng
• Fall 2009 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
• Spring 2010 - Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The companies will also host open houses at key points in the project.
For More Information
www.gatewaywestproject.com
GATEWAY WEST
TransmiSSion l me Pro
Environmental Review
& Permitting Process
Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power need to
obtain a right-of-way grant from the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service
(USFS) to build the proposed transmission lines on
federal property. The companies will also apply for all
necessary permits and approvals from other federal
agencies, state agencies and local jurisdictions.
The BLM is the lead agency for the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. NEPA
is a federal law that requires federal agencies to
complete an environmental Impact statement (E IS)
for actions that may significantly affect the quality of
the human environment. An EIS provides a detailed
analysis of the potential environmental impacts of a
proposed range of reasonable alternatives. For the
Gateway West Project. the BLM will prepare the EIS
in cooperation with agencies such as the USFS and
the states of Idaho and Wyoming.
The public will be invited to participate in the NEPA
process, beginning with public scoping, and comment
on the draft EIS. The BLM will also hold an official
public comment period between finalizing the EIS
and issuing a record of decision on the project. Dates
and locations of public meetings will be published in
local newspapers, mailed to project-specific mailing
lists and posted on company and BLM Web sites.

Sign-In Sheets from Meetings
/
Industrial Siting Act Dunlap Ranch Wind Energy Project
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Slide Show Presentation at
Public Meetings
1
Dunlap
Wind Energy Project
May 21, 2009
2
1. Commitment to Renewable Energy
2. Harnessing the Power of Wind
3. Dunlap Wind Energy Project Location
4. Project Production Estimates
Why Is the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project Important?
3
1. Commitment to Renewable Energy
Why Is the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project Important?
4
• “100 Megawatts in 1 year”
– 100 megawatts of new wind resource in service one year from the
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company transaction close
• “400 Megawatts by 2007”
– 400 megawatts of new renewable resources in PacifiCorp’s generation
portfolio by December 31, 2007, inclusive of 100 megawatt wind
resource commitment
• “1,400 Megawatts by 2015”
– 1,400 megawatts of new renewable resources in PacifiCorp’s generation
portfolio by December 31, 2015, inclusive of 400 megawatt commitment
Renewable Resource Commitments
5
• “100 Megawatts in 1 year”
– Achieved by acquiring a 100.5 megawatts wind plant from PPM Energy, Inc.
• “400 Megawatts by 2007”
– Achieved 618 megawatts (inclusive of 100.5 megawatt wind plant acquisition)
• 42 megawatts in biomass contracts
• 17 megawatts increase to owned hydro and geothermal
• 224.1 megawatts of wind resource contracts
• 334.9 megawatts of owned and operated wind resources
• “1,400 Megawatts by 2015”
– On target to achieve through additional contract resources, asset acquisitions,
existing project expansions and internally developed projects
Renewable Resource Commitments
(continued . . .)
6
Customer Value and Good Will
• PacifiCorp customer survey conducted November 2007
– 74% agreed global warming was an issue they wanted their electric utility to
be active on and they have a responsibility to help stop it
– Though supportive of current Rocky Mountain Power efforts, customers were
fairly clear they want more done in the area of renewable energy resources
– When told that PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power was named the best utility
in the country for creating and promoting a voluntary program for customers
to participate in acquiring green or renewable power, 67% said they felt more
favorably toward the company.
Source: David, Hibbits & Midghall Inc. November 28, 2007 report
2
7
Governor’s Letter to the
Task Force on Wind Energy
Source: Letter from Governor Freudenthal to Senator Anderson dated May 18, 2009
“…Outside of (sage grouse) core areas and other crucial
habitat, the burden is much relaxed – to the point of
expediting permitting for not only wind – but other
industrial and non-industrial use.”
8
Project & Sage Grouse Core Area Map
9
G.E. Wind Turbine Generator
10
Wind Turbine Generator Features
Rotor Hub
Pitch Drive
Generator
Heat Exchanger
Control Panel
Main Shaft
Yaw Drive
Gear Box
11
How Does Wind Work?
Wind energy is created by uneven heating of the earth’s surface
12
Importance of Wind Speed
• A 20% increase in wind
speed means 73% more
power!
• Doubling the wind speed
means 8x more power!
No other factor is more important to the amount of power available
in the wind than the speed of the wind
3
13
1. Commitment to Renewable Energy
2. Harnessing the Power of Wind
Why Is the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project Important?
14
“Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor” by William Halsall, 1882
Eastham Windmill
Built by Thomas Paine, 1680
Photo taken 2006
15 16
17 18
4
19
Smith-Putnam, 1.25 MW Turbine
Vermont, circa 1940s
Birth of the “Modern” Wind Turbine
20
Modern
Electricity Generating
Windmills
21
Components Of A Wind Turbine
22
Airfoil Shape
23
Fast
Faster
Fastest
Twist & Taper
24
5
25
Where Does The Power Go?
690 volts => 34,500 volts => 230,000 volts
Collection
System
Collection
Sub
Interconnect
Sub
High Voltage
Transmission
26
Small (≤10 kW)
• Homes
• Farms
• Remote Applications
(e.g. water pumping,
telecom sites, ice-
making)
Intermediate
(10-250 kW)
• Village Power
• Hybrid Systems
• Distributed Power
Large (250 kW - 2+MW)
• Central Station Wind Farms
• Distributed Power
• Utility Scale
Types of Wind Turbines
27
Types of Wind Turbines
(continued . . . )
28
Construction of a Wind Turbine
29
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
30
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
6
31
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
32
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
33
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
34
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
35
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
36
Construction of a Wind Turbine
(continued . . . )
7
37
Operations & Maintenance
38
Design & Engineering
39
1. Commitment to Renewable Energy
2. Harnessing the Power of Wind
3. Dunlap Wind Energy Project Location
Why Is the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project Important?
40
41
State Wind Resource Potential
1. North Dakota 1210
2. Texas 1190
3. Kansas 1070
4. South Dakota 1030
5. Montana 1020
6. Nebraska 868
7. Wyoming 747
8. Oklahoma 725
9. Minnesota 657
10. Iowa 551
11. Colorado 481
(Billions of kWh)
Data Source: Pacific Northwest Laboratories
42
Wyoming Wind Map
8
43
Project Location
44
• 14,600 acres of land owned by the Company
• 7.5 miles north of Medicine Bow, WY
• Property is an active cattle ranch
• Wind power data collection began in the summer of 2008
• Avian and wildlife studies began in June 2008
Dunlap Wind Energy Project Site
45
Project Location
46
Project Location
47
1. Commitment to Renewable Energy
2. Harnessing the Power of Wind
3. Dunlap Wind Energy Project Location
4. Project Production Estimates
Why Is the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project Important?
48
• 74 General Electric 1.5-megawatt (MW) Turbines
• Road creation during fall 2009
• Construction scheduled for April 2010 – November 2010
• Less than 300 workers on site
• Electricity for 32,000 residential customers
Dunlap Wind Energy Project Estimates
9
49
Facts for an average 1.5 MW turbine:
Turbine height: 260 feet
Blade length: 120 feet
Blade tip height: 380 feet
Tower weight: 276,000 pounds
Nacelle weight: 125,000 pounds
Rotor weight: 79,000 pounds
Foundation: 52’ X 8’ deep
1,272,000 lbs
“Utility-Scale” Wind Turbines Are Very Large!
Seven Mile Hill wind turbine
50
• Rotors start to turn in 7 mph winds
• Power production begins at 9 mph
• Rated power is at about 30 mph
• The blades turn slowly (20 rpm) but
the tips of the blades are traveling at
speeds in excess of 140 mph!
• High wind shutdown is 60 mph
Seven Mile Hill wind turbine
Facts for 1,500 kW Wind Turbine
51
How Much Electricity
Does A Wind Turbine Generate?
• A 1.5 MW turbine generates 1.5 MW of electricity in one hour at
full capacity
• Most 1.5 MW turbines generate full capacity when winds are
between 30 mph and 60 mph
• 24 hrs/day x 365 days/year = 8,760 hrs/year
• 13,140 MW at full capacity
• Capacity Factor - ???
52
Annual Production for a 1.5 MW Wind Turbine
2,628 MW / year 20% Capacity Factor
3,942 MW / year 30% Capacity Factor
5,256 MW / year 40% Capacity Factor
13,140 MW / year Full Capacity
Capacity Factor:
The percentage of electricity a turbine is expected to
generate per year
The Importance of Capacity Factor
53
* Information for the U.S. Department of Energy
238 Houses
2,628 MW / year
20% Capacity Factor
476 Houses 357 Houses
5,256 MW / year 3,942 MW / year
40% Capacity Factor 30% Capacity Factor
How Much Energy Is A Megawatt?
1 MW = 1,000 kW:
The average U.S. household uses 11,040 kWh of
electricity each year*
54
1. Commitment to Renewable Energy
2. Harnessing the Power of Wind
3. Dunlap Wind Energy Project Location
4. Project Production Estimates
Why Is the Dunlap
Wind Energy Project Important?
10
55
Questions?
APPENDIX E
Housing Plan
DUNLAP HOUSING SCHEDULE
Business
Commit
(Email, Fax
or Letter)
Location
(Laramie, Rawlins,
Medicine Bow,
Saratoga, Hanna,
Rock River, Elk
Mntn) Contact Name
Total
Rooms/Si
tes at
Facility
# of
Rms for
Sept
2009
# of
Rms
for Oct
2009
# of
Rms for
Nov
2009
# of
Rms
for Dec
2009
# of
Rms
for Jan
2010
# of
Rms
for Feb
2010
# of
Rms
for Mar
2010
# of
Rms
for Apr
2010
# of
Rms
for
May
2010
# of
Rms
for
June
2010
# of
Rms
for
July
2010
# of
Rms
for Aug
2010
# of
Rms
for
Sept
2010
# of
Rms
for Oct
2010 Availability
2 8 8 6 6 6 20 152 203 228 233 243 243 203
Best Value Inn Fax Rawlins
Lorraine
Woodward, Mngr 80 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
Apr - Oct 2010 depends
on double or single
occupancy. Rate: $79
Best Western - Cottontree Email Rawlins Jerome Oiterong 122 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 75 75 75 75 75 75 75
39 w/ king, 9 w/ queen, 74
w/ two queen. Can
commit to all rooms for
Sept '09 - March '10. Apr.
'10 - Oct '10 will commit to
75 rooms.
Comfort Inn Email Laramie
Laura Engle, Sales
Manager unk 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 40 20 5 5 5 5 5
limited for June - Oct
2010. Rate: $85
Days Inn Email Laramie James Duff 53 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Estimated for 2010
Days Inn Email Rawlins Brian LePlatt, GM 119 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 Estimated for 2010
First Inn Gold Email Laramie Hyoen Kim, Mgr 80 unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk
Did not commit to
specifics, but has
availability. Rates: $39.99
& $45.99
Gaslite Motel Email Laramie Maria Deren 31 unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk
Rates as low as $52. Did
not commit to specific #
Hampton Inn Letter Laramie Carol Jones unk 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 Rate of $79.
Hampton Inn Letter Rawlins Carol Jones unk 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 Rate of $89.
Homewood Suites Letter Rock Springs Carol Jones unk 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 Rate of $99
Howard Johnson Fax Laramie Sharjeel 112 2 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Did not commit to any
specifics - all number are
low estimates. Rates: $39
or $45 depending on
occupancy.
Jade Lodge Email Rawlins Bill Malhi unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk
Said he has rooms
available to meet our
needs, but did not commit
count. Rates: $46 & $60
Oaktree Inn of Rawlins Email Rawlins Crystal Archuleta unk 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 Rate: $55-$75
Oaktree Inn Email Green River Trish Gregory 85 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Have 36 rooms with 2 dbl
beds, 26 rooms with one
Q, 12 rooms with K, 11
rooms with F. Rates: $50-
$65. Estimated for 2010
# of Workers Needing Housing
DUNLAP HOUSING SCHEDULE
Business
Commit
(Email, Fax
or Letter)
Location
(Laramie, Rawlins,
Medicine Bow,
Saratoga, Hanna,
Rock River, Elk
Mntn) Contact Name
Total
Rooms/Si
tes at
Facility
# of
Rms for
Sept
2009
# of
Rms
for Oct
2009
# of
Rms for
Nov
2009
# of
Rms
for Dec
2009
# of
Rms
for Jan
2010
# of
Rms
for Feb
2010
# of
Rms
for Mar
2010
# of
Rms
for Apr
2010
# of
Rms
for
May
2010
# of
Rms
for
June
2010
# of
Rms
for
July
2010
# of
Rms
for Aug
2010
# of
Rms
for
Sept
2010
# of
Rms
for Oct
2010 Availability
Ramada - Center Hotel Email Laramie Dixie Winters, Mngr 100 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
83 w/ 2 queen and 17 w/ 1
king. Can handle most
through '09. Would have
to be dbl occupancy to
handle '10. Estimated for
2010 at single
Super 8 Fax Rawlins unknown unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk
Did not commit to a
specific number of rooms.
Rates: $54.99 - $84.99
Trampas Lodge Fax Medicine Bow Sabrina Craft unk 2 8 8 6 6 6 20 35 10 10 10 10 10 10
Monthly rate: $580 - $800
depending on maid
service and number of
people per room.
Estimated for May-Oct
2010.
Virginian Hotel Email Medicine Bow Vicky Scott, Owner 33 unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk unk
Require written
agreement and deposit.
Have RV space also.
Rates: vary depending on
room type. No count
commitment.
TOTAL NUMBER OF ROOMS COMMITTED 26 104 104 78 78 78 246 418 373 358 358 358 358 358

Letters of Commitment from businesses
listed in previous table.
APPENDIX F
Resource Maps
487
487
24N 78W
24N 77W
24N 79W
25N 77W 25N 78W
23N 79W 23N 78W
25N 79W
23N 77W
24N 80W
23N 80W
25N 80W
25N 76W
24N 76W
23N 76W
30
3
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40
45
5
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5
55
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\NOISE2_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 10:27:14
Legend
Residence
Project Substation
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Predicted Noise Contour (Db)
Project Boundary
Figure F-1
Predicted Noise Contours
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009
0 1 2
Miles
487
487
etx
ate
rRs
rsae
era
rsaR
re
rxte
l
ar
te
tdr
raR
Rsr
sraR
rsa
srRe
rsf
srcR
rRe
7
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8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\GEOLOGY_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/2/2009 13:01:15
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Figure F-2
Surficial Geology
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009
Case, J.C., Arneson, C.S.,
and Hallberg, L.L., 1998,
Preliminary 1:500,000-scale
digital surficial geology map of
Wyoming: Wyoming State
Geological Survey, Geologic
Hazards Section Digital Map
98-1 (HDSM 98-1)
0 0.5 1
Miles
Surficial Geology
alluvium, residuum
alluvium, terrace deposits, eolian deposits
eolian deposits, residuum, alluvium
eolian deposits, terrace deposits,
truncated, upturned bedrock
landslide
residuum, bedrock, eolian deposits
residuum, bedrock, slopewash
residuum, alluvium, bedrock
residuum, eolian deposits
residuum, slopewash, alluvium
residuum, slopewash, alluvium, bedrock
residuum, slopewash, alluvium,
eolian deposits
residuum, slopewash,
alluvial fan deposits
bedrock, slopewash, residuum
residuum, truncated, upturned
bedrock
slopewash, residuum, bedrock,
eolian deposits
slopewash, residuum, alluvium,
bedrock
slopewash, residuum, colluvium,
bedrock
terrace deposits, dissected, residuum
terrace deposits, eolian deposits
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
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5
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18
30
30
25
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20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
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35
10
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30
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10 11 12 8
11 10
20
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24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
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23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\SOILS_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 09:10:00
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Landslide Area
Soil Type
Rentsac-Moyerson-Langspring-
Delphill-Blazon-Blackhall
(s9010)
Ryan Park-Rock River-Pinelli-
Kemmerer-Forelle-Diamondville-
Dahlquist (s9008)
Wellsville-Starman-Rogert-
Owen Creek-Clayburn (s9007)
Figure F-3
Soil Resources
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; NRCS 2006;
WGCS 2009
0 0.5 1
Miles
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\CULTURAL_RESOURCE_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:26:08
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Class III Cultural Resource
Inventory Area
Figure F-4
Cultural Resources
Inventory Area
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009;
Western Land Services, Inc. 2009
0 0.5 1
Miles
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\VEGETATION_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 09:37:49
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Figure F-5
Vegetation
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009;
USGS GAP Program 2007
0 0.5 1
Miles
Vegetation
Inter-Mountain Basins Big
Sagebrush Shrubland
Inter-Mountain Basins Big
Sagebrush Steppe
Inter-Mountain Basins
Greasewood Flat
Inter-Mountain Basins Mixed
Salt Desert Scrub
Inter-Mountain Basins Mountain
Mahogany Woodland and Shrubland
Inter-Mountian Basins Mat
Saltbrush Shrubland
Northwestern Great Plains Mixed
Grass Prairie
Rocky Mountain Foothill Limber Pine -
Juniper Woodland
Western Great PlainSaline
Depression Wetland
Western Great Plains Open Freshwater
Depression Wetland
Western Great Plains Riparian
Woodland and Shrubland
Wyoming Basins Low Sagebrush
Shrubland/WY Basins Dwarf Sagebrush
Shrubland
487
487
Sledge Creek
W
illow Spring Creek
M
u
d
d
y
C
r
e
e
k
T B
Creek
L
i
t
t
l
e
M
e
d
i
c
i
n
e
B
o
w
R
i
v
e
r
Cottonwood Creek
M
e
d
i
c
in
e
B
o
w
River
Greasewood
C
reek
Little Medicine
B
o
w
R
iver
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\SURFACE_WATER_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 09:27:21
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Surface Water
River/Stream (NHD)
National Wetland Inventory (NWI)
Figure F-6
Surface Water Resources
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; NWI 2009;
NHD 2009, WGCS 2009
0 0.5 1
Miles
487
487
Muddy Creek
Middle Medicine Bow River
Middle Little Medicine Bow River
Lower Little Medicine Bow River
Sheep Creek
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
45ft, 3ft 45ft, 3ft
50ft, 20ft
99ft, 20ft
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\GROUNDWATER_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:35:50
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Approximate Well Location
(Well Depth, Static Water Depth)
Hydrologic Unit
Principal Aquifers
Lower Cretaceous aquifer
Figure F-7
Goundwater Resources
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009;
NHD 2009; Wyoming State
Engineers Office (SEO)
0 0.5 1
Miles
Note: Project area not hydrologically
connected to the North Platte River.
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\OWNERSHIP_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:39:36
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Township
Section
Land Ownership
BLM
Private
State
Figure F-8
Land Ownership
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009;
WGCS 2009;
0 0.5 1
Miles
Medicine Bow
Hanna
Rock River
East Allen Lake
4-H Park
City Park
Shirley Mountains
Hanna Recreation Center
80
30
287
30
30
487
77
72
291
13
130
291
72
487
72
Seminoe State Park
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\PARKS_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 14:19:07
Legend
Project Boundary
20-mi Buffer
Parks
Land Ownership
BLM
Private
State
Figure F-9
Recreational Resources
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; ESRI 2004
0 5 10
Miles
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
5
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
6 4 3
1
8
5
11
11
31 35
18
30
34 36
20 19
35
17
12
31
29
33
32
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
12
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
33
9
29
32
25 30
29
26
20
27 28
17
29 30
7
25 26
8
27
9
8
28
7
5
5
8
11 10 12
11 10
17
20
12
29
32
8
33
28
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
23N 78W
25N 79W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
3
2
1
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\KOP_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 16:06:14
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Key Observation Point
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Figure F-10
Key Observation Points
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009
0 0.5 1
Miles

Figure F-11: View from KOP
1 (existing): View from
approximately 1.0 mile south
from the project boundary of
the project site on Highway
487 on Flattop Mountain.
This view is representative
for motorists traveling
northbound.

Dunlap Wind Energy
Project
PacificCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
WERW/APPENDIX_F_PROJECT_COMPONENTS_REV2.DOC

Figure F-12: View from KOP
1 (proposed: Unobstructed
view of the project site offers
high visibility of turbines.

Dunlap Wind Energy
Project
PacificCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
WERW/APPENDIX_F_PROJECT_COMPONENTS_REV2.DOC
Figure F-13: View from KOP
2 (existing): Unobstructed
view from within the project
site on Highway 487, looking
to the southeast. This view is
representative for motorists
traveling southbound.

Dunlap Wind Energy
Project
PacificCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
WERW/APPENDIX_F_PROJECT_COMPONENTS_REV2.DOC

Figure F-14: View from
KOP 2 (proposed): Turbines,
in this unobstructed view,
dominate the visual
character, at this proximity.

Dunlap Wind Energy
Project
PacificCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
WERW/APPENDIX_F_PROJECT_COMPONENTS_REV2.DOC

Figure F-15: View from KOP
3 (existing): Unobstructed
view from within the project
site on Highway 487, looking
towards the southwest,

Dunlap Wind Energy
Project
PacificCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
WERW/APPENDIX_F_PROJECT_COMPONENTS_REV2.DOC
WERW/APPENDIX_F_PROJECT_COMPONENTS_REV2.DOC

Figure F-16: View from KOP
3 (proposed): Vast,
unobstructed view at this
location provides clear view
of turbines, though from this
distance, the turbines are not
dominant.

Dunlap Wind Energy
Project
PacificCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming

487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\BIG_GAME_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:21:01
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Microwave Tower
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Crucial Winter Ranges
Pronghorn
Elk
Figure F-17
Big Game Crucial
Winter Ranges
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009;
WGFD 2008
0 0.5 1
Miles
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\RAPTOR_NESTS_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:49:51
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Raptor Nest
Merlin
Long-eared Owl
Golden Eagle
Ferruginous Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Red-tailed Hawk
Unknown
1-Mi Buffer - Nest Active 2009
0.5-Mi Buffer - Nest Active 2009
Figure F-18
Raptor Nests
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009;
West, Inc., 2009
0 0.5 1
Miles
487
487
7
6 2 1
8
5
9
4
6
7
3 1
9
2
3 4
1
2 3
6 2
5
4
5
6 4 3
1
8
11
5
11
31 35
18
30
30
25
34 36
20 19
35
27
17
25
29
28 26
12
31
26
29
33
32
27
35
14
32 33
36
25
10
28
26
24
13
31
34
36
18
21
14 15
34
16
19
27
29
12
30
15
23
35
10
36
33
22
25
31
26
32
13
23
24
30
34
16
21 22
28 27
28
33
32
29
20
17
8
5
5
17
20
29
32
9
33
7
28
8 9
10 11 12 8
11 10
20
12
19 24 23 21
24N 78W
24N 79W
25N 78W
24N 77W
25N 79W
23N 78W
23N 79W
25N 77W
23N 77W
\\COBRA\PROJ\PACIFICORP\DUNLAP_389921\GIS\MAPFILES\ISA_REPORT_FIGURES\SAGE_GROUSE_11X17L.MXD JQUAN 6/11/2009 08:54:07
Legend
O&M Building
Laydown Area
Project Substation
Existing Met Tower
Proposed Met Tower
Microwave Tower
Proposed Turbine Locations
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Proposed Transmission Line -
Dunlap to QCreek
Collection System
Access Roads
Phase I
Phase I - Alternative
Phase II
Project Boundary
Greater Sage-Grouse
Occupied Lek
Unoccupied Lek
0.25-mile No Surface
Occupancy Buffer
2-mile Controlled Surface
Use Buffer
Sagebrush Density
High: >60%
Moderate: 30-60%
Low: 10-30%
None: 0-10%
Figure F-19
Greater Sage-Grouse
Dunlap Wind Energy Project
PacifiCorp
Carbon County, Wyoming
Source: BLM 2009; WGCS 2009;
West, Inc., 2009; WGFD 2008
0 0.5 1
Miles

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