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Planning commission continues Magellan pipeline hearing to Dec. 2 after Open Spaces raises unresolved issues
Summary
The commission voted 6–0 to continue the Magellan/1 Oak Denver pipeline use‑by‑special‑review (UASI25‑002) to Dec. 2 to allow further coordination with Arapahoe County Open Spaces over construction workspace, conservation easement protections and condition language.
On Nov. 18 the Arapahoe County Planning Commission continued the public hearing for UASI25‑002, Magellan/1 Oak’s Denver pipeline expansion, to Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. after Arapahoe County Open Spaces, the landowner for Bijou Basin Open Space, told the commission that outstanding issues remain regarding temporary construction workspace, conservation easement protections and the precise condition language staff proposed.
Ernie Rose, senior planner, summarized the proposal as a use‑by‑special‑review for a roughly 33‑mile pipeline segment traversing Arapahoe County, with construction impacts estimated at about 360 acres. The project would install a 10–16‑inch diameter pipeline at an average depth of approximately 4 feet; staff recommended approval with conditions addressing wildlife, environmental protection, and coordination with county agencies.
Applicant counsel Jason Brinkley and 1 Oak representative Fawn McWilliams said the project follows existing corridor rights and that Magellan has acquired 100% of the permanent easements needed for construction in the county. Brinkley estimated additional annual tax revenue to Arapahoe County from the project’s assets and said construction is underway in adjacent jurisdictions.
Michelle Frishman, speaking for Arapahoe County Open Spaces as the landowner of Bijou Basin Open Space, said she recently learned that Magellan no longer intended to need temporary workspace on the open‑space property but noted that the plans submitted to the county still show temporary workspace on county‑owned land. Open Spaces also asked that the new line be bored under the entire length of two conservation easements rather than only boring under a creek, saying the narrower approach could harm conservation values; Magellan described the full‑length bore as cost‑prohibitive and proposed targeted mitigations.
Commission discussion focused on whether staff conditions could be clarified by simple edits or whether more negotiation was needed with Open Spaces. Staff and the applicant said many edits appeared to be wordsmithing and could be resolved quickly; Open Spaces requested time to negotiate specific language. Commissioner Sauve moved to continue the hearing to Dec. 2 to obtain additional information and resolve open issues; Commissioner Miller seconded. The motion passed by roll call, 6–0.
Next steps: County staff and the applicant will continue coordination with Open Spaces and other referral agencies; the Planning Commission will revisit the matter at the Dec. 2 meeting.
