EQB & MN Rules - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DOC EFP Staff Comments and Recommendations PUC Docket E002/TL-I 1-223 Page 7 EFP Staff Analysis: The developed site of the replacement substation is much larger, 1.2 acres, than the present 0.1 acre site and the concern of neighborhood residents at the change is very understandable. - • Xcel Energy's noise assessment concluded that construction of a concrete wall of between 14 and 16 feet around the transformer location, would ensure that noise from the new 115/13.8 kV transformer as well and a possible additional transformer that is not a part of this project but may be added at a future date. Xcel Energy's preliminary site layout and grading plan anticipates the addition of conifer trees along the grade on the western edge of the substation area and the addition shrubs and deciduous trees along the southern edge of the substation area. The landscaping plan also identifies the option of a berm along the western side of the substation site. Although a berm along the western side of the substation site can be constructed within Xcel Energy's parcel, if residents prefer a larger berm, additional land from the Huntington Farm Home Owners Association would be required to establish a larger base for the berm. EFP staff recommends that Xcel Energy be required to develop a Replacement Substation Design Plan to minimize aesthetic and noise impacts to area residents and those travelling along Hennepin County Road 6. As detailed at Special Condition 5.3 of the proposed HVTL Site Permit, EFP staff recommends that Xcel Energy provide a preliminary design plan for the substation within 60 days of the permit issuance. The preliminary design plan would identify mitigation measures to address noise and aesthetic concerns identified in the record and provide more detailed substation design information. Area residents, the city of Orono, and the Commission would have a minimum of 30 days to review and provide comments on the preliminary plan to Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy would submit the final replacement substation design, including a discussion of the comments received and rationale for their final design decisions, as part of the plan and profile filing required under section 3.1 of the permit. Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative. As discussed above, the EA evaluated two routes, Xcel Energy's Proposed Route and the Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative. The Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative was suggested for evaluation at the request of residents of the Huntington Farm neighborhood. The two routes share the first 866 feet out of the substation and the last 590 feet consisting of the relocation of Transmission Line 0831. The difference between the two routes is that the Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative would add an additional crossing of the BNSF Railroad and U.S. Highway 12 to establish a new right-of-way of approximately 944 feet in length within the Baker Park Reserve. EFP Staff Analysis: The Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative is supported by some residents of the Huntington Farm Neighborhood Association and opposed by the Three Rivers Park District and the DNR. For both routes, the nearest home is approximately 180 feet from the substation and approximately 275 feet from the single circuit portion of the project. Both routes would replace one existing structure in the Baker Park Reserve. Compared to the Xcel Energy