Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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Report recommended that archaeological field surveys be initiated in areas previously undisturbed prior to construction at the Orono Substation replacement site. On May 12, 2011, the SHPO responded to the April 2011 request and it concurred with the conclusions and recommendations of the Phase Ia Report (see Appendix C.7). Xcel Energy will continue to work with the Minnesota SHPO to determine the appropriate next steps for the Project. 8.1.8 Metropolitan Council In a letter dated October 26, 2010, Metropolitan Council indicated that the potential visual and noise impacts to the Baker Park Reserve should be evaluated in the EA. Additionally the Metropolitan Council indicated that the proposed transmission line will cross Council forcemain interceptor 8352 which is a 12 -inch outside diameter ductile iron pipe. The Metropolitan Council requested that preliminary plans be sent to Scott Dentz for review and comment prior to construction to assess potential impacts to the interceptor pipe. (See Appendix C.8). 8.1.9 Three Rivers Park District The Three Rivers Park District provided three responses to request for comment regarding the Project (October 26, 2010, November 12, 2010, and January 26, 2011) (see Appendix C.9). In its October letter the Three Rivers Park District indicated that it appeared no new construction from the Proposed Route will affect the Park District Property. Comments in the November letter from the Three Rivers Park District related to the evaluation of the Alternative Routes. The Three Rivers Park District indicated that it had concerns with at least one of the Alternative Routes discussed at meeting between the Three Rivers Park District and Xcel Energy on November 1, 2010. Of concern, was that one of the Alternative Routes discussed was proposed to be located within the Baker Park Reserve and that under Minnesota State Statutes the Park District is charged to operate, maintain, protect, improve and preserve the park system. Further the November letter explained that under the State Statute, diversion of Park District property for any purpose other than those for which the lands were acquired will be strongly opposed by the Three Rivers Park District. In the January letter, the Three Rivers Park District thanked Xcel Energy for informing the District of the proposal to expand and upgrade the Orono Substation and construct the new 115 kV transmission line. 8.2 Identification of Landowners A list of the nine landowners surrounding the Project location is included in Appendix D.1. Addresses have been redacted from the landowner list and comment forms due to privacy concerns. 8.3 Public Participation In developing the route alternatives, Xcel Energy consulted with local, state, and federal agencies associated with the area with which the Project lies. As discussed in Section 8.1, Xcel Energy provided a notification letter to the Project's LGU on January 10, 2011. Xcel Energy also provided a request for comment letter to various agencies that may have interest in the Project on January 10, 2011. Agencies generally responded with specific environmental or other data (e.g., special status Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 67