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Memo to PCPC <br /> Re: SUP No. 1999-002 <br /> June 9, 1999 <br /> Page 21 <br /> per day travelling this section of track. In discussions with the plant operators, it is <br /> BNSF's position that the plant owners understand the need to upgrade the existing <br /> crossing and have orally agreed to pay all costs associated with the upgrade of the <br /> crossing, including new crossing surface and installation of lights, bells and gates with a <br /> constant warning system. The letter continues "Assuming the owners remain <br /> committed to upgrading the crossing to the level required by the Colorado Public <br /> Utilities Commission at their expense, BNSF has no objections to the project." <br /> COMMENTS <br /> 1. Staff conducted an on-site inspection of the property on June 3, 1999 and <br /> observed the following (Exhibits 12a-c): <br /> The plant-site and extraction areas are vacant rangeland. <br /> Within a radius of two miles from the plant site there are several single-family <br /> residences and agricultural/ranching operations. <br /> 2. The applicant is requesting a mineral extraction, processing, and cement <br /> manufacturing operation upon approximately 500 acres of privately owned and <br /> leased lands and approximately 5,500 acres of State leased lands. The <br /> extraction activities will take place within two distinct blocks of land consisting of <br /> a westerly block of approximately 1,600 acres and an easterly block of <br /> approximately 4,400 acres. The permit materials indicate the plant and initial <br /> quarry site will be within the easterly block with vehicular access via Lime Road <br /> upon a private access easement and road. The applicant has not addressed <br /> access to the westerly block of land, a portion of which straddles 1-25. A rail spur <br /> from the BNSF mainline will serve the plant site in the easterly block of land. <br /> 3. The applicant has not submitted an executed lease or proven ownership of the <br /> lands within the proposed special use boundaries. A valid lease or deeds of <br /> ownership shall be required for all property to be included within the applicant's <br /> special use permit boundary prior to the special use permit being approved. <br /> 4. The applicant's plans depict a typical "wye" (because it looks like a Y from <br /> above) rail siding serving the plant site. This configuration allows train deliveries <br /> with engines backing into the plant site from the northbound or southbound <br /> directions to spot and/or pick up loads and empties. It is imperative that the <br /> applicant and BNSF design this siding and its switching and spotting movements <br /> and holding tracks such that the Lime Road crossing is not blocked for periods of <br />