Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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Xcel Energy's transmission line design standards provide adequate spacing to eliminate such risks, so it is unlikely that any birds will be electrocuted as a result of the proposed Project. In addition to the mitigation Xcel Energy proposes above, the MnDNR recommends two measures to avoid impacts on rare features within the Project site (MnDNR) (see Appendix C.1). These recommended MnDNR measures include the following: • due to the documented presence of Trumpeter Swans, a state -listed threatened species, in close proximity to the proposed Project, use of bird diverters on overhead lines near lakes and rivers, or other areas that may attract large concentrations of waterfowl; and discuss in the Route Permit Application if the proposed Project has the potential to adversely affect the Trumpeter Swan and, if so, any avoidance or mitigation measures that will be implemented. Avian collisions are possible in areas where agricultural fields serve as feeding areas, as well as in wetlands and on open water. However, the Project site is not located near agricultural fields but is located near many existing transportation and utility corridors, as well as other infrastructure (e.g. residences). Therefore, these species are likely already acclimatized to human development. Xcel Energy is working with the MnDNR Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist to determine appropriate and applicable mitigation measures to address these concerns regarding the Project. Mitigation measures specific to those species identified by the MnDNR as threatened or species of concern are also discussed in Section 6.6. 6.6 Rare and Unique Natural Resources A request for a MnDNR NHIS search and comments regarding rare species and natural communities for the Project was submitted to the MnDNR on February 17, 2011. The results of the MnDNR NHIS response dated March 31, 2011 are included in Appendix C.1. The following assessment is based on MnDNR response, a review of the Natural Heritage Database that is licensed to Xcel Energy by the MnDNR, and other state and federal rare species and natural community information. The MnDNR NHIS database was queried to obtain the locations of rare and unique natural resources across the Project Site. Queries to the NHIS database often display species that either do not have a status or are of special concern (referred to as "SPC" in the tables below). Species or communities that do not have a status, or are classified as special concern, have no legal protection in Minnesota. Only potential impacts on non -aquatic species with legal protection (threatened and endangered) are discussed below. Within one mile of the proposed Project routes, the NHIS database identified one rare and unique species. See Appendix C.1. The identified species included the Trumpeter Swan. The Trumpeter Swan is listed as threatened at the state level. The Trumpeter Swan is typically found in shallow marshes and lakes. Additionally, the NHIS database identified one additional species (Bald Eagle), one animal assemblage (Colonial Waterbird Nesting Area), one vascular plant (American Ginseng) and two native plant communities (Undetermined Class and Red Oak -Sugar Maple -Basswood Forest Type). Although the NHIS database identified these additional resources they have a State listing status of either special concern or N/A. Due to their State status these additional resources Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 60