Environmental Assis for Orono Substation Expansion

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The nearest airport is Maple Airport, a private airport located approximately three miles west of the Project. It is not anticipated that the Project would impact air traffic. Utilities Metropolitan Council maintains a 12 -inch sewer interceptor, forcemain interceptor 8352, buried approximately 12 feet between the BNSF railroad line and U.S. Highway 12. The Project will cross the Metropolitan Council forcemain interceptor 8352 at least once. In both routes evaluated, the current crossing would be used and the interceptor would be easily spanned. If the Baker Park Reserve Alternative were selected, the route would also cross the interceptor proceeding north from the substation to the Baker Park Reserve. Both Xcel Energy and Wright -Hennepin Electric Cooperative serve Orono. The area immediately surrounding the proposed Project is served by Wright -Hennepin Electric Cooperative. The Project will not change electric service, but will increase reliability of the electric transmission grid. Xcel Energy will not install water or wastewater facilities at the substation. Mitigation Measures Any crossing of U.S. Highway 12 would require approval from MnDOT. Poles would need to be placed outside the MnDOT clear zone for any road crossings or portions paralleling U.S. Highway 12. Xcel Energy would work with MnDOT to ensure that transmission structures are outside of MnDOT's clear zone and that all safety requirements are met (Xcel Energy, personal communication, October 13, 2011). Construction of any portion of the Project would require coordination with the local jurisdiction (City or County) to minimize traffic impacts. Signage during construction activities can help to minimize traffic disruption. Guard structures, such as temporary wood poles with a cross arm or line trucks with booms, can be used to protect traffic lanes. The Occupancy Permit from BNSF details mitigation measures to minimize the potential for interference between the Project and the railroad. Prior to construction the location of the Metropolitan Council forcemain interceptor 8352 will be marked to ensure that construction activities avoid the interceptor. 5.8 Zoning and Compatibility The Orono Zoning Code, at Section 78-946, lists public service structures integral to transmitting power as an allowed conditional use within all zoning districts (Orono, n.d.). The portion of the Project on Xcel Energy's property is zoned as RR -1A, allowing one family per five acres. The remainder of Xcel Energy's Route is located in an area zoned as Planned Residential Development. The portion of the Baker Park Reserve Alternative located within the Baker Park Reserve is zoned as RR -1B, allowing one family per two acres. The Orono 2030 Land Use Plan designates the land south of U.S. Highway 12 as Rural, with one home per 5 acres, and the Baker Park Reserve as park or open space (Orono, 2010). Environmental Assessment PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 41