Orono Substation Expansion - Enviromental Assessment (1)

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5.15 Fauna Wildlife within the Project area consists primarily of deer,small mammals,waterfowl,raptors,and perching birds. These species are typical of the land use in the Project area,which is a mixture of rural residential, open wetland,and woodland within the Baker Park Reserve. Threatened and endangered species are discusses in Section 5.16. Wildlife could temporarily be displaced and small amounts of habitat could be lost from the project area during construction. Because similar tree and wetland habitats are found adjacent to both routes evaluated,it is likely that these species will only be displaced a short distance and would not incur population level effects due to construction of the transmission line. In the case of the Project,the location is dominated by existing transportation and utility corridors as well as residences and,therefore,these species are likely already acclimatized to human development. No permanent impacts to wildlife are anticipated. The primary potential impact presented to fauna by transmission lines is the potential injury and death of migratory birds such as raptors,waterfowl,and other large bird species. The electrocution of large birds,such as raptors,is more commonly associated with small distribution lines than large transmission lines. Electrocution occurs when birds with large wingspans come in contact with two conductors or with a conductor and a grounding device. Xcel Energy's transmission line design standards and adherence to current industry standards outlined in the Avian Powerline Action Committee Report(APPLIC,2006)would provide for adequate spacing to eliminate the risk of raptor electrocution. As such,electrocution is not a concern related to the project. Avian collisions are also a recognized possibility with the construction and placement of a new transmission line. The species of birds more commonly involved in collisions are large-bodied and have long wing spans such as swans,geese,ducks,herons,pelicans,and cranes. Collision frequency may increase when a new transmission line is located between agricultural fields that serve as feeding areas,wetlands,or open water,which serve as resting areas. Mitigation Measures Xcel Energy has been working with various state and federal agencies over the past 20 years to address avian issues. Company personnel work to address problem areas as quickly and efficiently as possible. In 2002,Xcel Energy Inc.'s operating companies entered into a voluntary memorandum of understanding to work together to address avian issues through its territory (Xcel Energy,2011a). The USFWS and MnDNR both recommend installation of bird flight diverters along the transmission line (Xcel Energy, 2011a). In most cases, the shield wire of an overhead transmission line is the most difficult part of the structure for birds to see. Xcel Energy has successfully reduced collisions on certain transmission lines by marking the shield wires with Swan Flight Diverters, which are pre-formed spiral shaped devices made of polyvinyl chloride that are wrapped around the shield wire (Xcel Energy,2011a). 5.16 Rare and Unique Species and Habitat The MnDNR's Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program and the USFWS were consulted to determine the presence of any federal-and state-listed endangered,threatened,and special concern species in addition to any rare and unique native plant communities or Minnesota County Biological Survey sites within or near the proposed project area (Xcel Energy,2011a). Environmental Assessment ' PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 50 1