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On July 26 and 27, 2011, EFP staff issued and- mailed a Notice of Public Information and Scoping Meeting to those persons whose names are on the project list.42 40. Xcel Energy, on behalf of EFP staff, published the Notice of Public Information and Scoping Meeting in the in the Wayzata Lakeshore Weekly News on August 2, 2011.43 Public Meeting 41. In accordance with Minnesota Rule 7850.3500, subpart 1, EFP staff held a public information and scoping meeting on August 10, 2011, at the Orono City Council Chambers in Orono, Minnesota. 42. Approximately seven people attended the public information and scoping meeting. In total, two people provided oral comments and/or asked questions about the proposed project at the public scoping meeting. Topics and issues raised by the public at the meeting included: visual impact, structure heights, possible future expansion, extent of the cleared area, alternate substation locations, and a route alternative through Baker Park Preserve to minimize impacts to residences.44 43. The public comment period on the scope of EA closed on August 26, 2011. EFP received four comment letters during the scoping comment period. Xcel Energy also submitted a comment letter after the close of the comment period.45 44. A letter from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) raised issues such as the wetland impacts, tree removal, impacts to the Baker Park Preserve and potential impacts to trumpeter swans. The DNR also indicated a preference for the Proposed Route or Route Alternative 1 described in the application. DNR did recommended further coordination to minimize impacts to Painter Creek and use of bird flight diverters to minimize the risk of bird collisions." 45. The city of Orono submitted comments outlining issues they wanted to see addressed in the EA. These issues include: aesthetic impacts, relationship of the project to the land use and planning, project purpose and need, impacts to vegetation and habitat, impacts to cultural and sensitive ecological resources, impact to wetlands and water resources, plans for management of stormwater runoff, traffic, noise and air pollution, and cumulative potential effects from the 42 Ex.6(Mailed Notice of Public Information and Scoping Meeting) 43 Ex.7(Published Notice of Public Information and Scoping Meeting). 44 Ex. 8(Oral Comments from Public Information and Scoping Meeting) 45 Ex.9(Scoping Comment Letters),Ex. 10(Northern States Power Company comments on EA scope) 46 Ex.9(Scoping Comment Letters) 11