Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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an orderly and timely fashion." Minn. Stat. § 216E.02, subd. 1. The PPSA also authorizes the Commission to meet its routing responsibility by designating a "route" for a new transmission line when it issues a Route Permit. The route may have "a variable width of up to 1.25 miles" within which the right-of-way for the facilities can be located. Minn. Stat. § 216E.01, subd. 8. Based upon the following analysis, Xcel Energy respectfully requests that the Commission authorize a route width of 200 feet on each side of the route alignment on either side of Line 0831 to Structure 076 and up to the south side of U.S. Highway 12, for a total route width of up to 400 feet (see Figure 2) for the routes proposed in the Application. A detailed map showing currently planned route widths and proposed alignments is provided in Appendix B, Figure B-2. 4.2.2 Route Selection Process In developing the route proposed in this Application, Xcel Energy first analyzed the statutory and rule criteria set forth in the PPSA, Minn. Stat. Chapter 216E, and Minn. R. 7850.4100. Xcel Energy also gave due consideration to non-proliferation of new infrastructure corridors and met with interested stakeholders and landowners, including applicable municipalities and government agencies. Throughout the process, Xcel Energy evaluated several route alternatives, considering feedback provided at City of Orono ("City") planning meetings and through written comments. Xcel Energy also consulted with federal, state, and local agencies associated with the general vicinity of the Project. Xcel Energy initially sought local review of the proposed Project from the City. On September 1, 2010, the Company notified the Commission of its intent to follow the local review process for the Project (see Appendix C, C.3). The Commission, through the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security, acknowledged the Company notice in a letter dated September 10, 2010 (see Appendix C, C.10, Docket No. E002/LR-10-957). On August 20, 2010, Xcel Energy submitted a Conditional Use Permit ("CUP") to the City, the Local Government Unit ("LGU"). See Section 8.1.1 and Appendix C of this Application for additional information. On September 20, 2010 the City Planning Commission met to discuss the Project, review Environmental Assessment ("EA") requirements for the Project, and request public comment on the scope of the EA. Public interest focused primarily on the proposed location of the new 115 kV transmission line within and near HFA and residential properties near the Orono Substation site, impacts to land values, aesthetics and health concerns. On December 13, 2010, the Orono City Council voted to refer review and permitting of the routing and siting of the Project to the Commission pursuant to Minn. Stat. 216E.05, subd. 1(b), and Minn. Rule 7850.5300 subp. 4 (see Appendix C, C.3). Xcel Energy then initiated the State permitting process for the Project. The Proposed Route was subsequently developed by Xcel Energy's permitting and engineering personnel based on their investigation of the overall area in the vicinity of the Project and on input from the public and government agencies. The general vicinity around the Project was initially studied during the planning process by a team of siting, right-of-way, planning, environmental, ecological, and engineering personnel. The team also reviewed the general area surrounding the Project to help identify anticipated and significant routing issues that might arise. Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 14