Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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is set. Insulators and other hardware are attached while the pole is on the ground. The pole is then lifted, placed and secured using a crane. Poles that are considered medium angle, heavy angle or deadened structures will have concrete foundations, also referred to as drilled pier foundations. In those cases, holes are drilled in preparation for the foundation. Drilled pier foundations may vary from approximately 5 to 7 feet in diameter and 25 or more feet in depth, depending on soil conditions. After the concrete foundation is set, the pole is bolted to the foundation. Tangent and light angle structures may be placed on poured concrete foundations or direct embedded. Direct embedding involves digging a hole for each pole, filling it partially with crushed rock and then setting the pole on top of the rock base. The area around the pole is then backfilled with crushed rock and/or soil. Environmentally sensitive and wetland areas may require special construction techniques, which may vary according to conditions at the time of construction. During construction, impacts on wetland areas will be minimized to the extent possible. Additionally, construction practices that help prevent soil erosion will be utilized and measures will be taken to ensure that equipment fueling and lubricating will occur at a distance from waterways. Additional mitigative measures relating to wetlands are contained in Section 6.5.4. 5.1.5 Restoration Procedures During construction, crews will attempt to limit ground disturbance wherever possible. However, areas are disturbed during the normal course of work, which can take several weeks in any one location. As construction is completed, disturbed areas are restored to their original condition to the maximum extent practicable. The right-of-way agent attempts to contact each property owner after construction is completed to see if any remaining damage has occurred as a result of a project. If damage has occurred to crops, fences or the property, Xcel Energy will fairly reimburse the landowner for the damages sustained that are not repaired or restored by Xcel Energy or its representatives. In some cases, Xcel Energy may engage an outside contractor to restore the damaged property as nearly as possible to its original condition. Portions of vegetation that are disturbed or removed during construction of transmission lines will naturally reestablish to pre -disturbance conditions. Resilient species of common grasses and shrubs typically reestablish with few problems after disturbance. Areas with significant soil compaction and disturbance from construction activities along the proposed transmission line corridor may require assistance in reestablishing the vegetation stratum and controlling soil erosion. Commonly used methods to control soil erosion and assist in reestablishing vegetation include, but are not limited to: • re -seeding and mulching; • erosion control blankets; • silt fence installation; and • minimizing soil disturbance during construction. Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 30