Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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The Company also performed an analysis of environmental resources in the Project Area by using computer mapping aerial photographs, topographic maps and ground reconnaissance. Environmental resources identified within the general vicinity of the Project are discussed in Sections 6.5 and 6.6 of this Application. The Proposed Route is designed to best minimize the overall impacts of the Project. The proposed location of transmission line locations and associated structures and facilities were developed with the following primary objectives: • Maximize use of existing Xcel Energy property; • Minimize land use impacts by routing along transportation corridors and existing distribution and transmission lines to reduce the amount of new right-of-way required; • Minimize land use impacts by routing along natural corridors, field lines, and property lines, where an existing corridor (e.g., fence line, drainage ditch, access road) is present; • Minimize use of new right-of-way; • Minimize impacts to residences; • Minimize impacts to public resources, including Baker Park Reserve; and • Minimize impacts to environmental and sensitive resources. The Company believes the Proposed Route and use of the existing 16 -acre Xcel Energy property best meets the objectives stated above. The Proposed Route is within or adjacent to the existing rights-of-way of highways, railroads and Xcel Energy property for approximately 2,661 feet of the length of the route or 84 percent. The remaining 475 feet of the route crosses an undeveloped area of HFA property. Together, the Proposed Route is within the 16 -acre Xcel Energy property and undeveloped HFA land for 100 percent of the route. The Proposed Route does not cross any public roads, trails or railways. The Proposed Route requires some clearing of trees and vegetation. The clearing of trees and vegetation is required where the existing 115 kV transmission Line 0831 crosses two residential lots that are associated with the HFA. During the route investigation phase of the Project, Xcel Energy met with these two landowners and began discussing an option to remove the existing 115 kV transmission Line 0831 and associated structures located at their properties and to relocate them with a new line and structures north and on adjacent HFA property (see Figure B-2 in Appendix B). While removing the existing transmission facilities from residential parcels will minimize impacts to these residents and no longer require clearing of trees and vegetation at these parcels, it will increase the overall length of new transmission line for the Project (approximately 885 feet of additional line), add additional support structures and require some additional right-of-way clearing. The use of existing transmission line corridors, existing railroad corridor, and Xcel Energy's own property was an important factor for this Project because using existing corridors reduces transmission line proliferation and minimizes and reduces impacts to residences and environmental and sensitive resources. Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 15