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DOC EFP Staff Comments and Recommendations PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 3 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. The Project will cost approximately$5.3 million dollars. State Regulatory Process and Procedures The proposed Orono Substation Expansion and New 115 kV Transmission Line Project qualifies for review under the Alternative Permitting Process authorized by Minnesota Statutes Section 216E.04, subd. 2(3), and Minnesota Rules 7850.2800, Subp. 1(C), for HVTLs between 100 and 200 kV. Route permit applications must provide specific information about the proposed project including, but not limited to, applicant information, route description, environmental impacts, alternatives, and mitigation measures (Minn. R. 7850.3100). The Commission may accept an application as complete, reject an application and require additional information to be submitted, or accept an application as complete upon filing of supplemental information (Minn. R. 7850.3200). The review process begins with the determination by the Commission that the application is complete. The Commission has six months to reach a final decision on the route permit application from the date the application is determined to be complete. The Commission may extend this limit for up to three months for just cause or upon agreement of the applicant(Minn. R. 7850.3900). Environmental Review Applications for high voltage transmission line route permits are subject to environmental review, which is conducted by EFP staff under Minn. R. 7850.3700. The staff will provide notice and conduct public information and scoping meetings to solicit public comments on the scope of the environmental assessment (EA). The Department of Commerce will determine the scope of the EA. An EA is a written document that describes the human and environmental impacts of a proposed project (and selected alternative routes) and methods to mitigate such impacts. The EA will be completed and made available prior to the public hearing. 3