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• On page 25, in a discussion of the impact on human settlement and possible mitigation measures,the EA states, The primary mitigation strategy to minimize impacts to homes and businesses is avoidance through routing.No additional mitigation is proposed."(Emphasis added.) Xcel admitted it has explored no other sites. Does this mean it intends to take no steps to mitigate the impact on Hunt Farm homeowners and other citizens of Orono created by this potential blight? • In the same paragraph,the EA states that impacts on property values will be mitigated through negotiation of an easement with the landowner. In this instance, however, the right of way would run over property that is held by the homeowners association. The inference that affected homeowners will be compensated for diminution in the value of their homes is fatuous,if not dishonest. Nor does it compensate Orono residents--who share the city's critical concerns, and interest in protecting natural vistas without manmade intrusions—or Minnesota taxpayers whose investment in Highway 12 will be desecrated by this project. • Xcel's proposed efforts to mitigate the aesthetic impact of the substation are altogether insufficient. As demonstrated by the photographs attached to this comment letter(below), there are many imaginative and effective designs that would conceal the substation or present an attractive edifice. We propose that the substation structures be either buried or enclosed, or be otherwise fully concealed from view— both from nearby homes, as well as from County Road 6. Prairie landscaping and planting the few trees as shown on the drawing provided by Xcel do not begin to mitigate the aesthetic impact on the neighborhood and city. We expect Xcel will oppose this based on the additional cost, but we do not believe that is a sufficient reason for us to take the monkey off its back. • While the proposed substation expansion poses substantial negative impacts on the Hunt Farm Road homeowners and other residents of Orono,the alleged benefits accrue to others. As a condition of approval, mitigation proposals should be presented to and negotiated with affected homeowners. The Hunt Farm Road homeowners have attempted to meet with representatives of Xcel to discuss our concerns, but have been unable to schedule a meeting at a time that is convenient for all the interested parties. If Xcel is serious about addressing and resolving the concerns of those it proposes to harm with this substation expansion,we believe they should address those homeowners individually and collectively before further action is taken on their application. Thank you for considering our remarks. We are hopeful we can reach a prudent and effective resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved. Very truly yours, Paul, Melissa, Emily, Julia& Sara Fogelberg