Excel Substation 2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

This is a photograph of a substation(Bassett Creek)that is similar in size to the proposed substation.(Note: my car is parked in the far left corner.The substation is so large I was unable to back up far enough to capture the entire substation in the photograph): ay ill l ,.. _ ..... ,a ...-i..,:a Likewise, other descriptions and drawings in the EA do not accurately the enormity of the proposed substation. While these misleading depictions are subtle, it is our belief that they can have a tremendous influence over a reader. We do not suggest that the bias is purposeful. More probably,the bias reflects an unconscious belief that the outcome(i.e,approval)of the application is inevitable, and that Xcel's application will be approved regardless of homeonwer objections. An assessment that reflects such a bias should be discarded,and a new non-biased EA that accurately reflects the effects of the proposed project should be prepared. • The mitigation strategies proposed by Xcel in existing plans and testimony are wholly inadequate(more 9-9-9?). Among other things: choosing H-frame structure, which have longer span widths, would have less visual impact on the surroundings. Xcel has described the steps it will take to maintain the lines after they are constructed(assuming they are approved), but it has not indicted what steps it would take,either during or after construction,to prevent and detect invasive species that may be introduced by construction disturbances. Construction vehicles and equipment should be decontaminated before entering the wetlands. Construction areas and rights of way should be regularly inspected for invasive species on an ongoing basis. Rights of way in natural areas should be re-vegetated with DNR-approved seed mixes, both after initial construction and later as vegetation is removed as part of ongoing maintenance. It is not sufficient that herbicides be applied following EPA and state agency standards. Any such herbicides should be appropriate for use in wetlands. The property should not be used by Xcel as a storage facility,or to park Xcel vehicles. 5