Orono_Route_Permit_Application - Docket # W002/TL-11-223

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species, land use maps) and applicable guidelines, rules, and regulations, a summary of which is provided in Section 8.1 above. Xcel Energy will continue to communicate with these agencies throughout the permitting process. As discussed in Section 4.2.2, Xcel Energy initially sought local review of the Project from the City of Orono. On August 20, 2010, Xcel Energy applied for a CUP from the City pursuant to Minn. Stat. 216E.05, subd. 1(a), and MN Rule 7850.5300 subp. 1. On December 13, 2010, the Orono City Council voted to refer review and permitting of the routing and siting of the Project to the Commission pursuant to Minn. Stat. 216E.05, subd. 1(b), and MN Rule 7850.5300 subp. 4. The following summarizes the several meetings Xcel Energy has participated in during the route development and initial permitting processes. • City of Orono Planning Commission meeting on September 20, 2010; • Meeting with Three Rivers Park District on November 1, 2010; • City of Orono City Council meeting on December 13, 2010; • Meetings with surrounding landowners on various dates; and • Meeting with BNSF on March 17, 2011. Comments from the public are included in Appendix D.2. In general, public comments have been related to the following; a concern that the proposed Project will decrease property values of homes within the HFA, EMF risks, environmental issues and mosquito control. Additionally, many of the HFA home owners commented to the City of Orono on their preference that the City maintain local review of the project and not refer it back to the Commission. Xcel Energy has been working with the City, various agencies, and landowners to establish an acceptable route that results in the least impacts practicable on current infrastructure, residences, and future development. On several occasions last winter and spring of 2011 Xcel Energy met or corresponded with the two landowners who own residences where existing Line 0831 crosses their respective properties. The parties discussed options for routing the new proposed 115 kV transmission line that would connect to Line 0831, and the possibility of moving existing Line 0831 from their properties onto adjacent HFA land. At this time, the parties are working toward an agreement to move existing Line 0831 from these properties and re-routing Line 0831 on HFA property which parallels the BNSF railroad right-of-way. Xcel Energy is also working with representatives of HFA concerning this matter. Xcel Energy also met with the landowner west and adjacent to the existing substation site regarding replacement of the substation, placement of transmission structures, site grading and vegetation. Xcel Energy will continue to work with this landowner. Xcel Energy also corresponded and met with BNSF representatives concerning placement of the new 115 kV transmission structures and conductors at least five feet from existing BNSF railroad right-of-way. On May 9, 2011, Xcel Energy submitted to BNSF an "Application for Wireline Crossing or Longitudinal' for the proposed transmission line. On June 2, 2011, BNSF approved Orono Project June 7, 2011 MPUC Docket No. E002/TL-11-223 68