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' 1 INTRODUCTION Xcel Energy (applicant) has made application to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ' (Commission) for a route permit under the alternative permitting process of the Power Plant Siting Act(Minnesota Statute 216E). The route permit application is for the replacement of the existing 69 kV Orono Substation with a larger 115 kV substation at the same site and for the construction of ' approximately 0.4 miles of double circuit 115 kV transmission line,and relocation of approximately 0.2 miles of single-circuit 115 kV transmission line. ' Xcel Energy proposes to construct the Orono Substation Expansion and new 115 kV Transmission Line Project(Project). The Project is located entirely within the city of Orono in Hennepin County. As proposed,the Project 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 0.4 miles. Xcel Energy also proposes to relocate ' approximately 0.2 miles single circuit 115 kV transmission line as part of the Project. While not part of the Route Permit requested by Xcel Energy,approximately 400 feet of the existing Great River Energy(GRE) 69 kV transmission line BD would be rerouted around the expanded 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. Xcel Energy is requesting a route width of approximately 400 feet,or 200 feet either side of the proposed alignment shown in the Application maps. The anticipated right-of-way for the new transmission line would be 75 feet. Xcel Energy estimates the total Project cost to be approximately$5.3 million dollars. Energy Facility Permitting(EFP) staff is tasked with conducting environmental review of applications for high-voltage transmission line route permits. The intent of the environmental review process is to inform the public,the applicant,and decision-makers about potential impacts and possible mitigation measures for a proposed high-voltage transmission line project. This environmental assessment(EA) covers the environmental review requirements in accordance with the Scoping Decision Document for this EA,and as outlined in Minnesota Rules 7850,for the ' proposed project and route permit application as follows: Section 1.0-Introduction ' Section 2.0—Describes the regulatory framework associated with the project,which includes information on the certificate of need criteria,route permit requirements,and the alternative ' permitting processes. Section 3.0—Provides a detailed description of the Project as proposed by Xcel Energy and the ' Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative. Alternatives proposed,but not carried forward for detailed analysis are also described here. ' Section 4.0—Describes the methods used when constructing the transmission line along with clean- up and restoration,maintenance procedures,and utility rights-of-way acquisition. ' Environmental Assessment PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 1 1