Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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to be acquired where the Proposed Route turns southwest at the western edge of the Project near the terminations point at existing Xcel Structure 078 of transmission Line 0831. 5.1.3 Right -of -Way Evaluation and Acquisition Where the Project is expected to use existing rights-of-way, the right-of-way agent will evaluate all existing easements. If the terms of the existing easement are sufficient and no new right-of-way is needed, the right-of-way agent will continue to work with the landowner to address any construction needs, access, impacts, damages, or restoration issues. To the extent new right-of-way acquisition is necessary, the right-of-way agent will work with landowners to determine how to expand or modify existing easements. The current status of this evaluation is further discussed in Sections 8.1 to 8.3 of this Application. For those segments of the Project where new right-of-way will be necessary, the acquisition process begins early in the detailed design phase. For transmission lines, utilities acquire easement rights across certain parcels to accommodate the facilities. The evaluation and acquisition process includes title examination, initial owner contacts, survey work, document preparation, and purchase. Each of these activities, particularly as it applies to easements for transmission line facilities, is described in more detail below. The first step in the right-of-way process is to identify all persons and entities that may have a legal interest in the real estate upon which the facilities will be built. To compile this list, a right-of-way agent or other persons engaged by the utility will complete a public records search of all land involved in the Project. A title report is then developed for each parcel to determine the legal description of the property and the owner(s) of record of the property, and to gather information regarding easements, liens, restriction, encumbrances, and other conditions of record. After owners are identified, a right-of-way representative contacts each property owner or the property owner's representative. The right-of-way agent describes the need for the transmission facilities and how the Project may affect each parcel. The right-of-way agent also seeks information from the landowner about any specific construction concerns. The next step in the acquisition process is evaluation of the specific parcel. For this work, the right- of-way agent may request permission from the owner for survey crews to enter the property to conduct preliminary survey work. Permission may also be requested to take soil borings to assess the soil conditions and determine appropriate foundation design. Surveys are conducted to locate the right-of-way corridors, natural features, man-made features, and associated elevations for use during the detailed engineering of the line. The soil analysis is performed by an experienced geotechnical testing laboratory. During the evaluation process, the location of the proposed transmission line or substation facility may be staked with permission of the property owner. This means that the survey crew locates each structure or pole on the ground and places a surveyor's stake to mark the structures or substation facility's anticipated location. By doing this, the right-of-way agent can show the landowner where the structure(s) will be located on the property. The right-of-way agent may also delineate the boundaries of the easement area required for safe operation of the line. Prior to the acquisition of easements or fee purchase of property, land value data will be collected. Based on the impact of the easement or purchase to the market value of each parcel, a fair market Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 27