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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, December 13, 2010 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />(12. #10-3486 XCEL ENERGY, 3960 SIXTHA VENUE NORTH, Continued) <br />Cox stated it would be essentially a 15-20 mile perimeter around the substation. The existing line is at <br />capacity and does not have full protection because it does not have a shield wire. The I I5kV line would <br />provide for better voltage support, superior reliability and protection. Currently there is only one source <br />of power to the area and with the upgrade, if one side of the service goes down, the other side would be <br />able to provide power, which increases the reliability of the system. <br />Mayor White asked what noise level is generated. <br />Sedarski stated they do monitor the noise as part of the EA process and Xcel will be providing those <br />numbers. <br />Dassel asked why this project would not require a full environmental impact statement. <br />Sedarski stated this process is not part of the environmental quality board where the environment <br />assessment is used to determine whether an environmental impact statement is required. Xcel is <br />requesting permitting from the City and the City has 60 days to decide whether to accept the application. <br />In the environmental assessment there is information on the wetlands, and Xcel will review all the <br />impacts and do whatever mitigation is necessary. Xcel follows certain construction techniques that are <br />designed to minimize the impact to the wetlands and would do the construction during the winter. <br />Dassel noted impacts can also be felt outside the wetlands, such as runoff. <br />Sedarski indicated the environmental assessment will provide the design. <br />McMillan asked what the PUC process would entail. <br />Sedarski stated the process before the PUC would involve a similar process as the City's except for an <br />environmental assessment being completed. Xcel would still hold a public meeting with the residents, <br />which is not required under the PUC rules. Once application is filed, it typically takes six to eight months <br />with the PUC. The PUC offers two options for review. The ultimate review process with the PUC does <br />not require Xcel to look at alternate routes but the full permitting process does, which is the only <br />difference between the two processes. <br />McMillan asked why this project does not require the full permitting process. <br />Sedarski indicated the voltage and the distance determines which process should be followed. <br />Mayor White closed the public hearing at 9:23 p.m. <br />Mayor White commented that in his view the City does not have the expertise or established criteria to <br />handle this type of application. <br />McMillan indicated she is in agreement with Mayor White. <br />Murphy stated he is sympathetic to the concerns of the residents, but that in his view it would take a lot of <br />time and energy on the part of the City to deal with this application and that Xcel will probably get what <br />Page 18 of 27 <br />