Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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5.1.4 Transmission Construction Procedures Construction will begin after federal, state, and local approvals are obtained, property and rights-of- way are acquired, soil conditions are established and final design is completed. The precise timing of construction will take into account various requirements that may be in place due to permit conditions, system loading issues, material procurement and available workforce. Construction will follow standard construction and mitigation practices, including best management practices ("BMPs") that were developed from experience with past transmission facility projects as well as any specific conditions identified in the Route Permit. These practices address right-of-way clearance, staging, erecting transmission line structures, and stringing transmission lines. Construction and mitigation practices to minimize impacts will be developed based on the proposed schedule for activities, permit requirements, prohibitions, maintenance guidelines, inspection procedures, terrain, and other factors. In some cases, activities or schedules are modified to minimize impacts on sensitive environments. Transmission line structures are generally designed for installation at existing grades. Typically, structure sites with 10 percent or less slope will not be graded or leveled. Sites with more than 10 percent slope will have working areas graded level or fill brought in for working pads. If the landowner permits, it is preferred to leave the leveled areas and working pads in place for use in future maintenance activities, if any. If permission is not obtained, the site is graded back to its original condition to the extent possible and imported fill is removed. Typical construction equipment used on a project consists of tree removal equipment, mowers, cranes, backhoes, digger -derrick line trucks, track -mounted drill rigs, dump trucks, front end loaders, bucket trucks, bulldozers, flatbed tractor -trailers, flatbed trucks, pickup trucks, concrete trucks, and various trailers. Many types of excavation equipment are set on wheel or track -driven vehicles. Poles are transported on tractor -trailers. Staging areas are often established for a project. Staging involves delivering the equipment and materials necessary to construct the new transmission line facilities. The materials are stored at staging areas until they are needed for a project. Staging areas may also be required for additional space for storage during construction. To the extent possible, Xcel Energy will use the existing Orono Substation site or other nearby Xcel Energy substation sites as staging areas for the Project. These areas will be selected for their location, access, security, and ability to efficiently and safely warehouse supplies. If needed, any temporary staging areas outside of the transmission line right-of-way or at non-Xcel Energy sites will be obtained through rental agreements. Access to the transmission line right-of-way corridor is made directly from existing roads or trails that run parallel or perpendicular to the transmission line right-of-way. In some situations, private field roads or trails are used. Existing access roads may be upgraded or new roads may be constructed where necessary to accommodate the heavy equipment used in construction, including cranes, cement trucks and hole drilling equipment. New access roads may also be constructed when no current access is available or the existing access is inadequate to cross roadway ditches. To the extent possible, these activities are coordinated with the owner of the property affected. When it is time to install the poles (structures), they are generally moved from the staging areas and delivered to the staked location. The poles are typically placed within the right-of-way until the pole Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 29