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2.0 METHODS The purpose of performing a cultural resources literature review is to identify previously recorded cultural properties and assess the potential for additional properties needing field survey within the APE prior to construction. ' On September 23,2010,Xcel Energy sent the SHPO a letter with Project information and requested comments from the SHPO concerning the Project (see Appendix A). In an October 21,2010,letter to the Company, the SHPO indicated that it reviewed the Project (see Appendix A). Due to the nature of the Project, the SHPO recommended that an archeological survey be conducted that meets the requirements of the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Identification and Evaluation, ' and an evaluation of National Register eligibility for any properties that are identified. The SHPO also indicated that if the Project area can be documented as previously disturbed or previously surveyed, the SHPO will re-evaluate the need for the survey. URS personnel followed the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office ("SHPO") guidelines for conducting cultural resources literature reviews in Minnesota. (Anfinson 2005). A site file search was requested for both archaeological sites and historic properties from the SHPO database coordinator Tom Cinadr prior to visiting the SHPO office on March 8,2011. Several visual resources were used in the process of evaluating both the current and historic land uses of the study area. Topographic and Quaternary maps were used to examine the Study Area in terms of landscape evolution and how it relates to settlement and land use patterns. Modern and historic aerial photographs were used to evaluate historic properties in the Study Area. Additionally, General Land Survey ("GLO") maps,Trygg maps, and county plat maps were examined as a part of better understanding the historic development of the Study Area. Online resources documenting the history of Hennepin County, and the townships of Independence, Medina, and Orono were used to gather information pertaining to the Study Area. 1 Orono Project Phase Ia literature Review April,2011 ' MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 8 1