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DOC EFP Staff Comments and Recommendations PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 2 The enclosed materials are work papers of the Department of Commerce (Department) Energy Facility Permitting (EFP) staff. They are intended for use by the Public Utilities Commission (Commission) and are based on information already in the record unless otherwise noted. Documents Attached. 1. Site map illustrating the study area in which the route will be located. 2. Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions, Order. 3. Proposed HVTL Route Permit. (Note: Relevant documents and additional information can be found on eDockets (E002/TL-11- 223) Statement of the Issue Should the Commission find that the Environmental Assessment (EA) and the record adequately address the issues identified in the Scoping Decision? Should the Commission issue a high voltage transmission line (HVTL) route permit identifying specific routes and other permit conditions for the proposed Orono Substation Replacement and 115 kV Transmission Line Project? Introduction On June 7, 2011, Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (Xcel Energy or Applicant), submitted a high voltage transmission line (HVTL) Route Permit application to the Commission for the proposed Orono Substation Replacement and 115 kV Transmission Line Project (Project). Project Description The Project, as proposed by the Applicant, would replace the existing 69 kV Orono Substation with a new 115 kV Substation at the same location, but with a larger footprint. The Project -would connect the new substation to the existing Xcel Energy 115 kV transmission line 0831 through a new double circuit 115 kV transmission lines of approximately 2,040 feet. The Project would also remove approximately 0.4 miles of 115 kV transmission line and replace it with approximately 0.2 miles of new single circuit 115 kV transmission line. While not part of the Route Permit requested by Xcel Energy, approximately 400 feet of the existing Great River Energy 69 kV transmission line BD would be rerouted around the new Orono Substation. Xcel Energy proposes to use steel single-pole structures with spans of approximately 300 to 500 feet between poles; structure heights are anticipated to range from 70 to 90 feet for the single- circuit structures to 75 to 115 feet for the double-circuit structures. In the route permit application, Xcel Energy requested a 400 foot route width for the entire length of the proposed transmission line route, 200 feet on each side of the centerline of the proposed route. Over the course of the proceedings, Xcel Energy identified a somewhat narrower route, varying from 100 to 200 feet in width, described in detail in Finding 14, and shown in the Route Map attached to the proposed permit. The anticipated right-of-way for the new transmission line would be 75 feet.