Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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The existing fenced area of the substation site is approximately 0.1 acres. It currently contains an Electrical Equipment Enclosure (EEE) and several pieces of electrical equipment, which are mainly metal. The existing substation site is somewhat screened from view by trees and vegetation located along the south and west property borders. The replacement substation will comprise a new fenced area of approximately 1.2 acres, which will subsume the existing 0.1 acre fenced area. Because the existing substation area will become a part of the new substation site, the elevation of the new substation site will be similar to the existing site. The new substation will contain approximately eight pieces of mainly metal electrical equipment and include a new EEE, and the maximum height of the new equipment will be approximately 13-18 feet above ground surface. The new equipment and fenced area will be located to comply with applicable property line setbacks. During site grading, some vegetation and trees will need to be removed in the substation replacement area to the south and west of the existing fenced area, as well as along the Proposed Route. Existing GRE transmission line structures at the substation site are wood monopole structures. The proposed structures for the single circuit and double circuit 115kV line will be a single pole design. The single circuit and double circuit structures will be approximately 70 to 90 and 75 to 115 feet tall respectively and will have an average span of 325 feet. A maximum span of 450 feet will be used between the structures, which will still keep the conductor within the right-of-way under blowout conditions. The typical right-of-way required for these types of structures is 75 feet wide. The overall spacing of the poles will be comparable to other Xcel Energy 115 kV transmission structures, which can vary based on soil conditions, engineering requirements and land use constraints. The finish of the proposed transmission poles will be galvanized steel or self -weathering steel. The existing transmission line structures in this area are wood poles, and some of the existing poles are of H -frame construction. The proposed galvanized or weathering steel poles will give the new transmission line a somewhat cleaner and more modern appearance. The landscape surrounding the Orono Substation site is gently rolling, lightly wooded or wetland areas with undeveloped or residential parcels and associated county and private access roads, as well as major double lane thoroughfare (U.S. Highway 12), a Metropolitan Council sewer line and the BNSF railroad. While the double circuit line is proposed to be located within existing Xcel Energy property and on HFA land along the BNSF railroad right-of-way, it will be visible to area residents. The visual effect will depend largely on the perceptions of the observers. The visual contrast added by the transmission structures and lines may be perceived as a visual disruption or as points of visual interest. The existing transmission and distribution lines and Orono Substation limit the extent to which the proposed new transmission line and new substation are viewed as a disruption to the area's scenic integrity. Mitigative Measures The proposed substation and transmission line will be partially visible by some residents near the Project. However, the proposed substation replacement and transmission route maximizes the use of existing Xcel Energy property, transportation and utility corridors, and avoids residences to the greatest extent practicable. Also, a portion of the Project site contains the visible existing Orono Substation and transmission and distribution lines that result in a visual impact and, therefore, the installation of new transmission facilities associated with the Project will incrementally increase visual impacts. Visual mitigation is also provided by building the substation partially into the Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 46