Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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• When possible, construction will be scheduled for when the ground is frozen; • Crews will attempt to take the shortest route when they access the wetland; • The structures will be assembled on upland areas before they are brought to the site for installation; and • When construction during winter is not possible, construction mats will be used where wetlands will be affected. Xcel Energy will obtain the required permits if waters of the United States, as defined by the USACE, or wetlands, as defined under the Minnesota WCA, are affected. No impacts to the identified floodplain are anticipated from the Project. However, Xcel Energy will design the Project to avoid and minimize floodplain impacts by siting transmission structures outside of the floodplain and controlling storm water runoff from the replacement substation site, to the extent possible. 6.5.4 Flora Land use within Hennepin County varies greatly from major metropolitan centers to industrial use, rural residential use and agricultural use. Although the majority of the land within Hennepin County is used for agriculture, the land adjacent to the proposed Project is larger developed residential parcels, undeveloped association land, wetlands or undevelopable park land (see Appendices B-8 and B-9). Other land uses adjacent to or within the proposed Project include undeveloped open and herbaceous and forest land. Forest lands in the area primarily consist of deciduous forest types (e.g., maple, oak). On February 17, 2011, Xcel Energy requested that the MnDNR provide Natural History Inventory System ("NHIS") data related to the Project site. In its March 31, 2011 letter, the MnDNR did not identify any rare flora features near the Project location. See Appendix C.1. The majority of trees within and near the Project are associated with residential areas and the Baker Park Reserve. In total the requested 400 foot corridor encompasses approximately 28.8 acres, of which trees cover occurs on approximately 2.7 acre. Removal of vegetation and trees and impacts to wetlands will be minimized to the extent possible through detailed Project design, siting of transmission structures and construction methods. Mitigative Measures Xcel Energy has selected the Proposed Project Route and design of the proposed Orono Substation replacement within Xcel Energy property to avoid occupied residences, private land and associated trees as much as reasonably possible. In addition, where possible the new transmission line will be located during detailed design and during construction to avoid existing trees. To minimize impacts on trees, only trees located within the transmission line right-of-way, and expanded substation areas, or those trees that will affect the safe operation of the transmission line will be removed. Trees outside the right-of-way that may need to be removed will primarily include trees that are unstable and could potentially fall into the transmission facilities. Xcel Energy will work with landowners to Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 58