Orono Substation Expansion - Enviromental Assessment (1)

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IMINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF L COMMERCE ' In the Matter of the Application for a HVTL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Route Permit for the Orono Substation SCOPING DECISION DOCUMENT Expansion and New 115 kV Transmission Line PUC DOCKET NO.E002/TL-11-223 ' Project. INTRODUCTION ' The above matter has come before the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Commerce (Department) for a decision on the scope of the environmental assessment(EA)to be prepared ' on the Orono Substation Expansion and New 115 kV Transmission Line Project proposed by Xcel Energy. ' PROJECT DESCRIPTION Xcel Energy proposes to construct the Orono Substation Expansion and new 115 kV ' Transmission Line Project(Project). As proposed,the Project would replace the existing 69 kV Orono Substation with a new 115 kV substation at the same location,but with a larger footprint. The Project would connect the expanded substation to the existing Xcel Energy 115 kV ' transmission line 0831 through a new double circuit 115 kV transmission lines of approximately 2,040 feet. The Project, as proposed,would also remove approximately 1,030 feet of 115 kV transmission line and replace it with approximately 1,100 feet of new single circuit 115 kV transmission line. While not part of the Route Permit requested by Xcel Energy, approximately ' 400 feet of the existing Great River Energy 69 kV transmission line BD would be rerouted around the new Orono Substation. Xcel Energy proposes to use steel single-pole structures with spans of approximately 300 to 500 feet between poles; structure heights are anticipated to range from 70 to 90 feet for the single- circuit structures to 75 to 115 feet for the double-circuit structures. Xcel Energy is requesting a route width of approximately 400 feet, or 200 feet either side of the proposed alignment shown in the Application maps. The anticipated right-of-way for the new transmission line would be 75 feet. ' The Project is located entirely within the city of Orono in Hennepin County. Xcel estimates the total Project cost to be approximately$5.3 million dollars. In its application,Xcel Energy included a description of four alternative routes that were considered,but ultimately rejected. Xcel Energy indicates that the Proposed Route,when compared to the alternatives,minimizes impacts to existing residences,provides greater ' This document can be made available in alternative formats(i.e.large print or audio)by calling 651-296-0391 (voice). Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may call us through Minnesota Relay at 1-800-627-3529 or by dialing 711.