Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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Resolution of South St. Paul Page 3 of 5 2.10 Opponents expressed concern that the new transmission line will result in devaluing property adjacent to the line and make the property unusable or difficult to sell. The FHA will not finance houses adjacent to transmission lines. NSP stated that FHA has financed house sales adjacent to transmission lines upon receiving advice from NSP that the line was constructed according to all applicable codes and requirements. 2.11 A study by Colliers Towle, Inc. of sale price comparisons among houses adjacent to transmission lines and those not adjacent to transmission lines average. Those adjacent to a line sold on the average for 0.5 percent less and took an average of 5.5 days longer to sell. 2.12 Some of the opponents were concerned about adverse health effects to persons living adjacent to the transmission line that may be caused by the electric and magnetic fields of the transmission line. They are fearful of the levels of these fields even though double circuiting will reduce these levels by about fifty percent. 2.13 NSP, on the other hand, refers to the decision of the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board concerning this project in which it determined that the proposed project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects and issued a negative declaration on the need for an environmental impact statement. 2.14 It appears that the scientific community has not conclusively demonstrated a lack of causal relationship between EMF and adverse health effects and that research about this issue continues. The research to date is inconclusive with regard to the issue of transmission lines and adverse health effects. 2.15 The estimated cost of construction of the double -circuit overhead 11 5k transmission line through the residential portion in the City of South St. Paul is $390,000; the estimated cost to underground the same segment is $5,000,000. 2.16 The Proposed construction schedule for the Red Rock to Rogers Lake segment of the project is fall 2001 - winter 2002 Red Rock substation construction, winter 2002 -spring 2003 Rogers Lake substation line foundations and structures construction SECTION THREE Conclusions 3.01 This matter is properly before the City Council pursuant to Subsection 1500.29, Subd. 4, of the South St. Paul City Code of 1992. 3.02 All persons who desired to be heard in favor or in opposition to the Application have been given an opportunity to present evidence and argument. 3.03 There is credible evidence of the need for the project. 3.04 The general characteristics of the residential neighborhood will not change because the configuration of an existing transmission line will only change. The monopoles will be approximately 25 feet higher than the existing H -frame structures and will be the same number. However, the monopoles will be significantly more visible in the local community and will have a greater impact on the landscape than the existing structures. If the proposed double circuit line was constructed underground, the visual impact would be eliminated. 3.05 There will be diminution or impairment of property values and FHA insured loans may not be available because of the presence of the transmission line 3.06 Noise levels will increase by approximately five decibels because of the proposed transmission line. Noise levels will not be a concern if the double circuit line is constructed underground. http://www.powerlinefacts.com/South%20St%20Pau1%20Resolution.htm 4/19/2011