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proposed alternative would trigger undue noise impacts to those using the park <br /> reserve.74 <br /> 75. Michael P. Gaffron, Assistant City Administrator, submitted comments on behalf of <br /> the City of Orono. Like many of the residents of the Huntington Farms <br /> neighborhood, the City expressed concerns over the visual impacts of the proposed <br /> substation. Specifically, it urged the Commission to condition any approval of the <br /> application on the installation of effective, natural measures to screen the visual <br /> impacts of the proposed substation. In its comments it detailed a number of <br /> interventions that it regards as necessary— such as the installation of trees of certain <br /> types and height. Additionally, the City seeks an opportunity to have its engineer <br /> review finalized site plans before project construction begins.75 <br /> 76. Jamie Schrenzel, Principal Planner for the Minnesota Department of Natural <br /> Resources' Environmental Review Unit, submitted comments on behalf of the <br /> DNR. She urged greater coordination between agency permitting activities, in <br /> general, and as to this project in particular, because the mitigation measures raise <br /> matters of common concern. Specifically, Ms. Schrenzel recommended that the <br /> mitigation plans require compliance with the winter construction methods required <br /> by Minn. R. 6135.1300, deployment of Swan Flight Diverters along the <br /> transmission line alignment so as to reduce collisions by trumpeter swans and <br /> annotation of project plans or materials so as to specify where these diverters will <br /> be placed.76 <br /> 77. Craig Affeldt, Supervisor of the Environmental Review Unit of the MPCA, <br /> submitted comments on behalf of the agency. Because Katrina Lake is an impaired <br /> water for nutrient/eutrophication increased stormwater treatment may be necessary <br /> during construction and post construction. These requirements must be addressed <br /> in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System <br /> Construction Stormwater Permit application prepared for the project. Mr. Affeldt <br /> also noted the presence of several properties near the project area with actual or <br /> potential soil or groundwater contamination. Any contaminated soil or water <br /> uncovered or disturbed during construction must be managed properly." <br /> Environmental Assessment of Routes <br /> 78. The EA evaluated the Xcel Energy Proposed Route (Finding 7) along with one <br /> route alternative, the Baker Park Reserve Alternative (Finding 9). The EA <br /> described, but did not evaluate alternative substation locations.78 <br /> 74 Ex.26 at p.5 (AU Report) <br /> 75 Ibid. <br /> 76 Ibid. <br /> 77 Ex.23(MPCA comment letter) <br /> '$Ex. 12 at pp. 5-7(EA) <br /> 17 <br />