A. In addition to the general criteria in Section 12.40.10, the following criteria shall apply to applications proposing to locate and construct Major Facilities of a Public Utility.

1. Facilities shall be sited and constructed in areas which will result in the proper utilization of existing facilities and associated systems within or serving the County.
2. Facilities shall be allowed in those areas in which the anticipated growth and development that may occur as a result of such facility can be accommodated within the financial and environmental capacity of the area to sustain such growth and development and are in accordance with the applicable County land use plans.
3. Existing facilities and associated systems servicing the area must be at or near operational capacity.
4. If a facility extension or replacement is proposed, the age of existing facilities and associated systems, their operational efficiency, and their state of repair or level of service are such that extension or replacement is warranted.
5. If a new facility is proposed, existing facilities cannot be feasibly upgraded or expanded.
6. Where feasible, major facilities of a public utility shall be located so as to avoid direct conflict with adopted local comprehensive, State and regional master plans.
7. Where feasible, major facilities of a public utility shall be located so as to minimize dedication of new right-of-way and construction of additional infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, roads, and transmission lines).
8. If applicable, the Project complies with the County’s Scientific/Social Framework for Managing Impacts of Trans-Basin Water Diversions to Protect Stream Health in Pitkin County, Colorado, in accordance with the guidelines described therein.