{Converted
to text by Jed Margolin}
KLEINFELDER
Bright People. Right
Solutions.
NEW COMSTOCK WIND ENERGY
PROJECT
PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT -
DRAFT
OAK CREEK ENERGY
SYSTEMS, INC.
MOUNTAIN WIND ENERGY,
LLC
AUGUST 25, 2008
PREPARED BY KLEINFELDER
WEST, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE............................................................. 1
1.1 Project Background ....................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Description........................................................................ 1
2.
METHODS OF STUDY..........................................................................
3
2.1 Schedule ........................................................................................ 3
2.1.1 Task 1 – Conduct Background Research............................. 3
2.1.2 Task 2 – Establish Study Area and
Observation Points...... 3
2.1.3 Task 3 – Conduct Four Seasons of Bird
Observations........ 4
2.1.4 Night-time Radar.................................................................
4
2.1.5 Sage
Grouse Observations/Nest Survey..............................
5
2.1.6 Bat Species Identification....................................................
5
3.
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION.................................................................
7
3.1 Construction Process......................................................................
7
3.2 Powerline Construction..................................................................
8
3.3 Underground Distribution Line
Construction................................
8
3.4 Overhead Transmission Line Construction ................................... 8
3.5 Substation Construction..................................................................
9
3.6 Other Structures and Temporary Use Areas................................... 9
3.7 Safety, Emergency Response, Fire Prevention.............................. 9
3.8 Soil/Rock Handling......................................................................... 10
3.8.1 Rock...................................................................................... 10
3.8.2 Soil........................................................................................ 10
3.8.3 Topsoil Salvage..................................................................... 10
3.9 Resource Protection During
Construction (to be developed during
the Environmental
Assessment and mitigation identification process)…10
3.10 Construction Compliance Monitoring.......................................... 11
3.11 Post Construction Monitoring and Mitigation............................. 11
3.11.1 Site Revegetation/Noxious Weeds...................................... 11
3.11.2 Erosion Control ................................................................... 11
3.11.3 Mortality
Monitoring.......................................................... 12
3.11.4 Wildlife
Monitoring............................................................ 12
3.12 Operation and
Maintenance........................................................... 12
3.13 Hazardous Material
Proposed For Use On Site............................. 13
3.14 Maps .............................................................................................. 13
3.15 Plans Anticipated
To Be Developed.............................................. 14
3.15.1 Wildlife
Monitoring Plan.................................................... 14
3.15.2 Reclamation Plan................................................................. 14
3.15.3 Noxious Weed
Control Plan................................................ 14
3.15.4 Historic
Properties Treatment Plan..................................... 14
3.15.5 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan................................ 14
3.15.6 Emergency
Response Plan................................................... 15
3.15.7 Spill Prevention
Containment and Countermeasures Plan. 15
3.15.8 Dust Control Plan................................................................ 15
3.16 Permit Conditions ......................................................................... 15
89774.01/REN8R112
Page i of i
August 25, 2008 Copyright 2008 Kleinfelder West, Inc.
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NEW COMSTOCK WIND ENERGY
PROJECT
PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT -
DRAFT
1. INTRODUCTION AND
SCOPE
1.1
Project Background
Twenty
five states now have renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS) that call for a
mix of power supplied from renewable energy sources such as wind. There is
currently an insufficient supply of alternative energy to meet these
requirements. The Nevada State Public Utilities Commission has established an
RPS (NRS 704.7821) for Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power that requires 20% of the
total amount of electricity sold by them to retail customers be
generated from renewable energy sources by the year 2015. Currently, there is
no commercially produced wind energy in
1.2
Project Description
The
proposed project is to construct, operate and maintain an electric power wind
generating facility in the Virginia Mountain Range located within Washoe and
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Substation
located just south of Highway 50, approximately 4 1/2 miles east of
Site
Selection - Wind turbine sites are selected for meeting a specific set of
criteria including:
• Sites receiving long periods of sustained wind
between 8 and 58 mph without frequent occurrences of violent wind gusts in excess
of 58 mph;
• Sites relatively free of heavy snow and
ice-loading;
• Large contiguous sites away from sensitive
receptors such as residences;
• Close proximity to an electric transmission
line with voltage of at least 120kV; and
• Sites with good access for construction,
operation and maintenance activities.
Alternate
sites were analyzed for feasibility but were eliminated. These sites were
located sites in the Pah Rah and Pine Nut Ranges.
Both sites were too high in elevation and too remote, with potentials for
long-term operational problems from density altitude, icing and extreme winds.
In addition, the Pine Nut site was frequented by gliders and the Pah Rah site has a NOAH radar site on
Two
other sites with potential include Churchill Buttes and Eagle Ridge in
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2. METHODS OF STUDY
2.1 Schedule
Preconstruction
Monitoring/Surveys
Wildlife
Birds
and Bats - A preconstruction bird and bat monitoring program has
been developed to document the species present and degree of use of the
proposed project site. The program consists of 6 tasks designed to identify the
bird and bat species using or flying over the site and the magnitude of that
use. The information gathered in the program will enable risk assessment to be
predicted if construction of the proposed project is approved.
2.1.1
Task 1 — Conduct Background Research
Meet
with the wildlife and land managing agencies and organizations to obtain
existing information on the sites. Contacts will be made with the Bureau of
Land Management, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada Natural Heritage
Program, Great Basin Bird Observatory,
2.1.2
Task 2 — Establish Study Area and Observation Points
The
bird study will utilize a fixed point count methodology. A study area will be
established with observation points identified to cover the range of vegetation
and topographic variations of the sites and account for features such as the
presence of water and cover. The points will be set by GPS and rebar with
flagging to make the points easy to re-establish each season. Observation
points will be approximately 200 meters (600 feet) apart, allowing for
approximately 65 points. Basic vegetation mapping of each site will ensure
proper coverage. A vegetation community map will be generated to ensure
adequate sampling coverage.
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2.1.3
Task 3 — Conduct Four Seasons of Bird Observations
In
order to adequately document bird use at the sites, observations will be made
during four separate seasons: Fall Migration, Wintering, Spring Migration and
Nesting/Breeding Season. The four season observations will allow for
documentation of year-long residents, seasonal users and migrants passing
through the area to other locations.
Observation Methodology
(point count)
An
observer will stand at each point for 10 minutes and record species and
individual birds. There is a range of time when three different species are
present and in order to adequately record their presence, three separate visits
(early, middle and late) will be made during each season. A series of three
consecutive observation days for each visit period will be performed, making
for nine observation days per season and 36 observation days at each site
through the year. Starting positions at each site will vary each day to account
for daily variations. Observations will be made at sunrise and sunset with the
observations starting 1/2 hour before sunrise and extending to at least three
hours after sunrise for the morning period and start at least three hours
before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunset for the evening observation period.
Observations will be made at each of the observation points and also throughout
the observation intervals to record birds in flight. All nests and nesting
activity will be recorded and mapped. Young birds will be distinguished from
adults and sexing will be documented where dimorphism is apparent. In addition
to actual bird observations signs of wildlife activity (nests, whitewashing,
castings, bones, feathers, etc.) will also be documented. Observations will not
be performed during inclement weather, so as to maximize the observation efficiency
and reduce travel time. A team of 2 observers will be used to ensure full
coverage during the observation day.
2.1.4
Night-time Radar
In order to record night-time bird (and bat) activity a night-time radar station will be used during the Spring and Fall migration periods. There is a three month lead time for renting the portable radar unit (from Detect of Arizona). The DeTect System has been recommended by biologists and is discussed on many websites. A range of 20 to 60 days per migration season has been discussed. We propose a 30 day observation period. The rental costs include delivery, training in use, start-up, data processing and other support.
One
radar station will be set up during the height of Spring
and Fall migration for a period of one month at each site to record all
activity. The site will be selected based
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upon the best likelihood of making unobscured observations. The range of the unit is a 4-mile
radius. It may be possible to compare some data with the military and local
airports for Quality Assurance purposes. The night-time radar will not provide
for species identification but will allow for a relative count of bird and bat
activity in the area. Flight patterns should allow for distinguishing between
birds and bats. Availability of radar units may be of some concern because of
the increasing demand for them at wind energy study sites.
2.1.5
Sage Grouse Observations/Nest Survey
The
Nevada Department of Wildlife has identified the potential presence of approximately
200 Sage Grouse (unconfirmed) at the south end of the site. Sage Grouse are a
species of high concern by the BLM, USFWS and NDOW and as such will require a
separate effort to document. It is proposed that a survey be conducted in the Spring to locate potential leks,
observe strutting and count both males and females present. All leks identified will need a series of three days of
observations during the lek season to ensure a good
count of individuals present. Non-lek use
observations will also be made during the point count surveys.
In
addition to the Sage Grouse survey, the site will require a nesting survey
conducted at three separate times during the nesting season. Breeding and
nesting behaviors will be recorded in addition to identification of nesting
territories and nest sites. Standard Breeding Bird Survey methodology will be
utilized during the nest survey.
2.1.6
Bat Species Identification
The
night-time radar observations identified in task 4 will record relative bat
activity within the equipment's range, but will not allow for identification of
species in the area. Because bats are nocturnal in nature, identification is
difficult unless individuals can be observed up close, or. The Anabat system (the state of the art since 2000) records
echolocation vocalizations over long periods of time for the purpose of
providing species identification. A professional with experience in reading the
Anabat recordings can quickly produce a list of
species. Local bat identification will also include talking to agency resource
specialists familiar with the area and a visit to some of the local roosts and
hibernacula. Three separate units will be purchased for the site and will need
to be placed high up on the meteorological towers or a similar platform. Sites
will be selected to observe a variety of site conditions such as water sources,
canyons and deep gullies. Mist netting for identification will be avoided as
this method is very species selective, time consuming and invasive to the bats.
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Other Wildlife - The Nevada Department
of Wildlife has identified the potential presence for Pygmy Rabbits. A survey
will be conducted for pygmy rabbits, in addition to noting sign and presence by
biologists while working on the site.
Vegetation
Sensitive Plants - A records search will
be conducted of State and federally-listed plant species through the Nevada
Natural Heritage Program. A field survey of habitats that have the potential to
support identified species will be conducted in all areas anticipated for
disturbance.
Noxious Weeds - All State and
federally-listed noxious weeds within the areas identified for disturbance
(including access roads) will be identified and mapped. A Noxious Weed Control
Plan will be developed to control the spread of weeds during construction and
into the reclamation period.
Meteorological
Meteorological
conditions (wind speed and direction, temperature, barometric pressure,
humidity and precipitation) have been measured from a tower located on Ophir Hill continuously since mid-June 2006. A Sodar unit located on
Cultural Resources - A Class I Literature
Review and Class III Intensive Field Survey will be conducted by an authorized
Archaeologist on all areas within the Area of Potential Effect. Native American
consultation will be managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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3. PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
3.1 Construction Process
Upon
receipt of all permits, the site will be surveyed and flagged to locate each
turbine site. Pre-construction surveys will have been performed at this time
and avoidance areas clearly identified. All construction crews will have
environmental sensitivity training before construction begins to understand
specific environmental compliance measures and to know what to do should
sensitive resources be encountered.
The
first construction activity will be to establish access roads. Roads to the
site must be able to accommodate large tractor trailer trucks with oversized
turning radii. In order to allow for 2-way traffic, approximately 25-foot wide
roads are anticipated throughout and maybe significantly wider roads at each
turn. Existing road pathways will be used whenever feasible to keep new
disturbance to a minimum. Roads constructed between turbine pads will initially
be constructed to be approximately 38 feet in width to walk the construction
crane between turbine pads within a row. Once construction has been completed,
the excess road width will be disked and reseeded leaving a remaining road of
about 15-25 feet in width — depending on the anticipated traffic level of the
road in question.
Individual
turbine sites will need to be graded level and excavated to provide depth for
the concrete foundations. Drilled shaft foundations approximately 14 feet in
diameter and 30 foot in depth or slab foundation with multiple anchoring
"mini-piles" of up to 1 foot diameter and 60 foot in depth, will be
utilized depending on the soil type at the turbine site. Blasting (as a last
resort) may be necessary to break up large rock. The concrete will be brought
to the site from a nearby batch plant by truck.
The turbines are installed in sections using large cranes which will require a very flat surface to operate. Each turbine tower will be installed in 4 sections, while the nacelle and each blade are typically installed separately. No guy wires will be installed on the turbines. The 4 tower sections will be bolted together first, then the nacelle and blades are attached. Each turbine location will have a graded pad for the crane to operate as well as a graded pad for each turbine and transformer. Each crane pad will be approximately 6,000 square feet in size and the turbine and transformer pad approximately 3,500 square feet. The turbine tower sections, nacelle, and blades will be brought to each turbine site by truck (they are too heavy for the maximum lift of 10
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tons by helicopter). Staging areas for equipment
storage and component construction will be necessary and may need to be fenced for
security. Multiple staging areas may be required to transport the turbine
sections up the mountain. All but one of these staging areas will be temporary
use areas that are approximately 2-3 acres in size but one will likely remain
after construction. Once construction is complete, all temporary staging areas
will be revegetated and recontoured
to pre-existing conditions.
Best
Management Practices (BMPs) will be employed
throughout all stages of the project for soil and erosion control. Roads will
be constructed to minimize sedimentation and erosion control concerns. Other
BMP measures that will be implemented including use of fiber rolls and fabric
filter fencing to contain sediment, and revegetating
disturbed areas with native seed once construction is complete. Watering will
be used for dust control throughout the construction process.
3.2 Powerline
Construction
Powerline construction will connect the turbines
to a proposed distribution substation and provide a system connection to allow for
sale of the generated power to Sierra Pacific/Nevada Power Company. It is
anticipated that Great Basin Wind would own the distribution and transmission
portions of these facilities, b ut Sierra Pacific may
be involved in its design and will be involved in the connection to Brunswick
Substation.
3.3 Underground
Distribution Line Construction
The
process for distribution line construction includes: surveying for location,
and trenching (typically 4-6 feet deep and 2-4 feet wide) with a backhoe for direct
burial of insulated conductor. Topsoil of sufficient quality will be separated
and stockpiled for covering the trench. Excavated material will be piled on the
side of the trench for reuse. The distribution conductor is delivered to the
site by trucks pulling a trailer with large reels. The trenches are compacted
and then covered with salvaged topsoil. A front-loader is used to backfill the
excavated soil. The distribution lines will connect to a proposed substation
that will be located at the south end of the project near
3.4 Overhead
Transmission Line Construction
The
overhead transmission line is expected to be a 120 kV line approximately 4.7
miles in length, with single wood or steel-poles. Low profile, raptor safe
construction will be
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used. Poles are expected to be approximately 60-75
feet in height and placed with an approximate 250 to 300-foot span which would
vary depending upon terrain. All conductors would be deglared/non-reflective
material. The transmission line would connect the proposed distribution substation
with the existing Brunswick Substation location just south of Highway 50, 4.5
miles east of
3.5 Substation
Construction
One
new electrical substation is proposed to convert the voltage from distribution
power to transmission. The proposed substation site is just south of
3.6 Other Structures and Temporary Use Areas
It
is anticipated that two to three small outbuildings will be located in the
project area for storage, maintenance and operational uses. Three
(approximately 2-3 acres) temporary equipment storage/staging yards will be
bladed and located on the ridge near the turbines. These temporary use areas
will be reclaimed at the completion of construction. A forth, larger
(approximately 10 acre) staging area will be located near Highway 50. This yard
could be used for helicopter operations if that is selected as the preferred
method for construction and concrete hauling.
3.7 Safety,
Emergency Response, Fire Prevention
A
program for safety, emergency response and fire prevention will be developed.
The program will include worker training. In addition safety inspections and
tailgate sessions will occur regularly throughout the construction period. Fire
suppression equipment will be conveniently located on site and training in its
use will be provided to site workers.
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3.8 Soil/Rock Handling
3.8.1 Rock
Rock
excavated during construction will be buried on site, used as a road base, used
in construction or removed from the site and disposed at an approved facility.
3.8.2 Soil
Soil
excavated during road and site construction will be used as fill on site. Soil
piles will be, protected from erosion through use of staked fiber rolls and
sufficiently wetted to prevent fugitive blowing dust from leaving the site.
Soil will not be placed on native vegetation or in a manner that would block
natural site drainage.
3.8.3 Topsoil Salvage
In
areas where topsoil of sufficient quantity and quality exists, the top 6 inches
will be salvaged in piles (to conserve the existing seed bank and to facilitate
reclamation success) for redistribution during reclamation. The piles will be
protected from disturbance during construction and signed for identification.
3.9 Resource
Protection During Construction (to be developed during
the Environmental Assessment and mitigation identification process)
Environmental
Sensitivity training of all on-site personnel and visitors - An introductory
training program will be developed to provide information to workers -and
visitors to the site regarding sensitive resources (wildlife, vegetation,
cultural, etc.) should they be encountered.
• Birds
• Bats
• Other wildlife
• Vegetation
• Wetlands, springs and seeps
• Soils
• Air Quality
• Cultural Resources
• Visual Resources
• Noise
• Other Resources
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3.10 Construction Compliance Monitoring
It
is anticipated that a program will be developed to provide compliance
monitoring during construction. Qualified monitors will help ensure protection
of resources (including wildlife, vegetation, cultural resources, water
quality, air quality, noise) and compliance with measures identified in the
Environmental Assessment, compliance plans and permits received. Monitors will
be onsite during all construction activities.
3.11 Post Construction Monitoring and Mitigation
It
is anticipated that avoidance of sensitive resources (where practical and
possible) would be planned as a part of the facility siting
process. Where that is not possible, offsetting mitigation (such as wildlife
habitat replacement) would be developed as the impacts are identified.
Areas
that are temporarily disturbed during construction will be recontoured
and revegetated to conditions similar to those
existing prior to disturbance. Temporary access roads only required for
construction will be recontoured, decompacted
and revegetated. Temporary material storage and
construction yards will be decompacted, recontoured and revegetated.
Permanent
(best management practice) erosion controls including water bars on roads, and
structures to control runoff may be necessary to protect access roads.
3.11.1 Site Revegetation/Noxious
Weeds
A
plan will be prepared to document the success of revegetation
measures and monitor the spread of noxious weeds. Annual monitoring reports
will include recommendations for action (such as additional seeding or weed
treatment) should it be necessary.
3.11.2 Erosion Control
A plan will be developed to provide post-construction monitoring of potential erosion issues with specific attention paid to areas that were disturbed during construction and potential problems caused by natural drainage. Practices and experience in successful erosion control that has been gained by the proponents at other windfarms shall be utilized when possible.
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3.11.3 Mortality Monitoring
A
Bird and Bat Mortality Monitoring Program including carcass search methodology
will be developed as a part of the mitigation for the proposed project.
3.11.4 Wildlife Monitoring
A
Wildlife Monitoring Program will be developed to document bird, bat and other
wildlife use in the proposed project area. Monitoring will include observing
flight avoidance and colonization of areas disturbed and reclaimed from
construction activity.
3.12 Operation and Maintenance
The
proposed project is designed to operate for a period of no less than 50 years.
It is anticipated that changes would be made to the functional portions of the
project as the technology for wind power generation makes advances. Because
moving parts are the basis for the functioning of the project, maintenance is a
full-time, ongoing process. As components break or wear, they are replaced.
Some of those repairs will require the use of cranes to access the nacelle and
turbine hub. Each turbine has an access port at the base (is hollow inside) and
internal ladder for taking operating readings and performing minor repairs and
maintenance. Maintenance activities with the wind turbines may include checking
oil and bolts, monitoring brake pads, brake systems, and hydraulics. Grounds
maintenance may include painting, grading roads, maintaining erosion control
measures, and reseeding disturbed areas.
Three full time, year-round maintenance employees will be on site during normal working hours, who will handle day-to-day maintenance and monitoring. Specialty crews would be brought to the site as needed for more complex tasks.
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3.13
Hazardous Material Proposed For Use On Site
Hazardous Materials
Proposed For Use On The New Comstock Wind Energy
Project
ABC
Fire Extinguisher Mastic
Coating
Acetylene
Gas Methyl
Alcohol
Air
Tool Oil Wasp
and Hornet Spray
Ammonium
hydroxide Oxygen
Ammonium
nitrate/fuel oil fertilizer explosives Paint
Thinner
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Petroleum
Products
Canned
Spray Paint Propane
Chain
Lubricant (Methylene
chloride) Puncture
Seal Tire Inflator
Connector
Grease Safety
Fuses
Contact
Cleaner Starter
Fluid
Diesel
deicer Brake
Fluid
Diesel
fuel additive WD-40
Gas
Treatment Zep Safety Solvent
Gasoline
Zip1,1,1 Trichloroethane
Insulating
Oil 2-cycle
oil
Lubricating
Grease
3.14 Maps
·
Facility
locations (turbines, meteorological towers, powerlines,
access roads, buildings, substation, staging areas);
·
Resources
to be protected; and
·
BMP
locations.
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3.15 Plans Anticipated To Be Developed
3.15.1 Wildlife Monitoring Plan
A post-construction monitoring plan with
components to document mortality from operation of the proposed project and to
determine the degree of other impacts such as site avoidance.
3.15.2 Reclamation Plan
A
post construction implementation and monitoring plan to reclaim temporarily
disturbed areas and document the success of reclamation. The plan would spell
out in detail the processes used for reclamation including seed mixtures, planting
procedures and how monitoring for compliance with reclamation mitigation goals
for species diversity and percent cover will be conducted.
3.15.3 Noxious Weed Control Plan
A
plan to reduce the impacts caused by the potential spread of noxious weeds The
plan will contain measures that will need to be followed during construction
and monitoring in the post-construction phase. Measures are expected to include
treatment of existing noxious weed population and new populations that are
discovered during the post construction phase
3.15.4 Historic Properties Treatment Plan
A
plan to mitigate potentially impacted historic and prehistoric resources that
are identified during resource surveys.
3.15.5 Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Plan
A
plan developed in compliance with the Stormwater
General Permit anticipated being required for the proposed project. The Plan
will include Best Management Practices that will be incorporated during and
after construction to control sediment and erosion control caused by site
disturbance.
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3.15.6 Emergency Response Plan
A
contingency plan with protocols should an emergency arise. The plan will
include procedures to handle fire prevention and suppression, medical emergencies
and environmental disasters. It will contain responsibilities by party and a
list of contact names and phone numbers.
3.15.7 Spill Prevention Containment and
Countermeasures Plan
A plan to identify the measures to take should
an oil or hazardous chemical spill occur. The plan will address prevention,
cleanup, notification and disposal of hazardous spilled substances.
3.15.8 Dust Control Plan
The
plan will identify measures to be employed during construction to reduce the
potential for fugitive dust leaving the proposed project site. Measures to be
addressed will include minimizing surface disturbance and vegetation removal,
watering for short term control and revegetating
disturbed areas for a long term control.
3.16 Permit Conditions
This
section will identify all of the permit conditions as they relate to the
project.
•
BLM Permits
•
Washoe County SUP
•
•
Carson City SUP (powerline)
•
Stormwater Permit
•
Surface Protection (Dust Control) Permit
.end