Laserfiche WebLink
Page 2 <br /> January 10, 2011 <br /> Depending upon the final selected route, the Project may cross over adjacent wetlands or railroad/roads. <br /> A portion of the proposed Project may be located within existing easements maintained by Xcel Energy <br /> or other road authorities and utilities. However, some new easement acquisition is anticipated. For new <br /> construction of structures and transmission line, Xcel Energy typically proposes a 400-foot-wide route <br /> corridor, 200 feet on either side of the proposed new line location. <br /> Permitting Requirements <br /> The proposed new 115 kV transmission line meets the definition of a High Voltage Transmission Line <br /> (HVTL) under Minn. Rules Chapter 7850.1000, subp. 9. A Route Permit is required for the Project, for <br /> which Xcel Energy will apply. The Project qualifies for the Alternative Permitting Process under Minn. <br /> Stat. §216E.04, subd. 2(3) and pursuant to Minn. Rules Chapter 7850.2800 to 7850.3900 (see Minn. <br /> Rules Chapter 7850.2800, subp. 1(C)), which Xcel Energy may elect to use. <br /> A Certificate of Need (CON) is not required for the Project because it is not classified as a large energy <br /> facility(LEF) under Minn. Stat. §§2166.243 and 216B.2421, subd. 2(3). While the Project is a HVTL <br /> with a capacity of 100 kV or more, it is not more than 10 miles long in Minnesota nor does it cross a state <br /> line. Therefore, Xcel Energy will not need to apply for a CON for the Project. <br /> The Route Permit proceeding will determine where the proposed facilities will be located. As part of the <br /> permitting process, the MPUC considers input from the applicant utility, interested stakeholders, local <br /> government units, state and federal agencies, and landowners who may be affected by the Project. Xcel <br /> Energy plans to submit an application for a Route Permit for the Project to the MPUC within the next <br /> several months. Additional environmental review will occur during the routing process. The routing <br /> process will consider environmental, land use, and other potential routing impacts, and provide the <br /> opportunity for the public to comment. <br /> Pursuant to Minn. Stat. §216E.03, subd. 3b, you may request a pre-application consultation meeting <br /> regarding the proposed Project within 30 days of receiving this notice. Please review this information <br /> and provide comments, questions, or concerns you may have regarding the proposed Project, or if you <br /> would like to request a pre-application consultation meeting. <br /> Please contact me at(612) 330-6435 or joseph.q.sedarski(axcelenergy.com if you have any questions or <br /> comments regarding the Project or this notice. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Xcel Energy <br /> Senior Permitting Analyst <br /> Enc. Figure 1 <br /> cc: Chris Rogers, Xcel Energy <br />