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r ' DOC EFP Staff Comments and Recommendations PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 5 EFP Staff Analysis and Comments EFP staff conducted a completeness review of Xcel Energy's Orono Substation Expansion and New 115 kV Transmission Line Project HVTL route permit application and concludes that the Application meets the content requirements of Minnesota Rule 7850.3100 and is complete. Application acceptance allows staff to initiate and conduct the public participation and environmental review process. Advisory Task Force In analyzing the merits of establishing an Advisory Task Force for the project, EFP staff considered four project characteristics: size, complexity, known or anticipated controversy and sensitive resources. The proposed design information and preliminary environmental data contained in the HVTL route permit application were used to complete the following evaluation: Project Size. At approximately 3,100 feet, or 0.6 mile, this 115 kV transmission line is one of the smaller HVTL projects that have come before the Commission. Complexity. The Project is simple and straightforward. Consistent with its short length, the Project is located entirelywithin the city of Orono. The substation and approximately 870 feet of the proposed transmission line, as well as the re-route of GRE's 69 kV line, are located entirely on a 16-acre parcel owned by Xcel Energy. No homes are within 200 feet of the proposed centerline. Known/Anticipated Controversy. EFP staff anticipates a moderate level of public interest with this project, based on a review of the comments received during Xcel Energy's application for a conditional use permit from the city of Orono' and the agency comments included in the application.2 Concerns related to land values, aesthetics, and health the Project were raised during the conditional use permit process. These issues are typical of issues raised with other transmission line projects. Following the comments received during the Orono conditional use permit process, Xcel Energy modified the Project to move the route closer to the railroad and relocate a portion of its existing 115 kV transmission line further from homes. Comments received from the Three Rivers Park District and Metropolitan Council identify a number of issues to be evaluated in an Environmental Assessment. Sensitive Resources. No federally listed species or critical habitats are documented within the proposed route. No State Forest, Wildlife Management Areas or Scientific and Natural Areas are crossed by the proposed HVTL. Based on the information in the Natural Heritage Information system and comments from the DNR included in the application, the primary concern is the potential for collisions with the Project. This type of issue would be addressed in the Environmental Assessment. The environmental I Northern States Power Company Application to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Route Permit: Orono Substation Replacement and New 115 kV Transmission Line Project, Appendix D. See eDockets 20116- 63311-05 2 Ibid.,Appendix C. See eDockets 20116-63311-04 5