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Case # CU-102-13, Suncor Pipeline requests the approval of a Conditional Use Permit for two pipelines to transport crude oil. Both pipelines will be placed underground.
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Summary and Background Information:
Suncor Pipeline is requesting the approval of two separate underground pipelines that will both carry crude oil and both are a part of their Rocky Mountain Crude System Expansion Project (RMCSEP). Request 'A' is a 16-inch diameter pipeline that will help connect the Commerce City refinery with Suncor's facilities in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Request 'B' is a re-route for an existing 10-inch pipeline in order for Suncor to receive crude oil from their existing pipeline at a more efficient location on the refinery property. The total length of the RMCSEP is roughly 103 miles and the total requested length of underground pipeline in Commerce City is roughly 3 miles. The properties where the pipelines are proposed to be located underneath are all currently zoned either industrial or agricultural and have a future land use designation of industrial uses (with the exception of two properties that are identified for open space).
Request 'A':
This request is for roughly 1.45 miles of a 16-inch underground crude oil pipeline located within the Commerce City boundaries. This section of pipeline will enter the city's boundaries at E. 70th Avenue west of Colorado Boulevard and will be located under the 'Boulder Spur' RTD right-of-way. It will travel in a southeasterly direction within the RTD right-of-way until it reaches the future alignment of E. 65th Avenue. It will then run westerly to the east side of the O'Brian Canal at which time it will run parallel to the Canal until it reaches the Suncor refinery property.
Request 'B':
This request is for roughly 1.53 miles of a 10-inch underground crude oil pipeline located within the Commerce City boundaries. This re-route will generally begin at the eastern side of the intersection of Brighton Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. The pipeline will run northeasterly along Brighton Boulevard until it reaches the southern tip of the property on the south side of E. 64th Avenue. Once it reaches this point it will turn in a northwesterly direction underneath Brighton Boulevard and underneath the 'Boulder Spur' right-of-way. It will run under the 'Boulder Spur' right-of-way until it reaches the future alignment of E. 65th Avenue, where it will follow the new 16-inch pipeline alignment.
The Planning Commission's Recommendation:
On June 4, 2013, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the requested Conditional Use Permit and voted unanimously to forward both requests to the City Council with a favorable recommendation subject to certain conditions. Planning Commission determined that both requests met the requirements of the necessary regulating agencies, that both requests met the approval criteria for a Conditional Use Permit, both applications minimized the impacts to Commerce City, and both requests minimize their route through Commerce City.
Please see attached Planning Commission minutes for detailed background and discussion
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Chris Cramer, Community Development Director
Staff Member Presenting: Paul Workman, City Planner
Staff Recommendation:
On June 4, 2013, Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward this request to City Council with a favorable recommendation subject to conditions.
Suggested Motion:
Alternatives:
1. Approve the request as submitted by the applicant.
2. Approve the request subject to different conditions.
3. Deny the request.