Orono Substation Expansion - Enviromental Assessment (1)

Home Browse Search

I Table 4: 2010 Population Characteristics I Category Minnesota Hennepin County City of Orono I 2000 Population 4,919,492 1,164,200 7,538 2010 Population 5,303,925 1,152,425 7,437 Percent Change 2000-2010 7.8 3.2 -1.3 Non-white,Non-Hispanic or I Latino Origin,2010 Population 14.7 25.6 3.5 (percent) Median Household Income (average over 2001-2009) $55,621 $61,651 $114,702a I Percent Below Poverty Level 10.9 11.9 1.4 (average 2005-2009) Land Area(sq.miles) 79,727 554 15.98 I Population Density(person/sq. 66.6 2,082 465.3 mile) Source: U.S,Census Bureau,2011 I Xcel Energy anticipates that construction of the transmission line would require approximately 6-25 workers over the course of approximately eight weeks. Xcel Energy also anticipates that construction of the substation would occur over the course of 9-12 months,with an average work I force of approximately six workers (Xcel Energy,personal communication,October 13,2011). It is not expected that additional permanent jobs will be created the Project. Construction of the Project should also result in small,short-term positive economic impacts in the 1 form of increased spending for lodging,meals and other consumer goods and services as well as purchase of some construction material. Short-term economic benefits from increased economic I activity during the construction phase of the Project are likely to be absorbed within the larger Twin Cities metro economy and not limited to the immediate project area. No disproportionate impacts on minority or low-income populations are anticipated. I Long-term socioeconomic effects from the Project would include an increase to the county's tax I revenues as a result of the value of construction and the increased value of utility property resulting from the Project. In addition to the relatively small increase to county tax revenues,the Project would improve the overall transmission stability and ensure voltage stability. I Mitigation Measures The socio-economic impacts from the Project are likely to be mostly positive,no additional I mitigation measures are proposed. 5.3 Human Settlement I Transmission lines have the potential to produce impacts to human settlement resulting from possible displacement of homes or businesses,aesthetics,and potential impacts to property values. Regulators and utilities try to select routes that avoid residences as much as possible to minimize I impacts to residents and businesses. Specifically,Minnesota Statute 216E.02,subd. 1 provides that, "... the commission shall locate transmission lines in a manner that minimize adverse human and environmental impact while insuring continuing electric power system reliability and integrity and I insuring that electric energy needs are met and fulfilled in an orderly and timely fashion." Environmental Assessment I PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 22 I