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I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />i <br />I <br /> <br />CASE # <br /> <br /> FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION <br />NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND <br />REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES <br /> By: Cindy Sherman, Community Development Director <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />Northern Natural Gas Company is intending to install a 16 inch line within an existing easement <br />that currently has a 6 inch line in the northern part of Rarnsey. The line provides natural gas to <br />NSP and Minnegasco and is needed to provide service to the Elk River-Ramsey area. The line is <br />14.7 miles long and hms from Hugo to Elk River. <br /> <br />As part of the process the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has sent us notice of <br />their intent to prepare an environmental assessment of the proposed pipeline installation. They <br />have identified the following issues for further review: <br /> <br />· 39 wetlands would be crossed, with 2612 acres of potential wetland impacts. <br /> Seventy residences in the project area would be within 50 feet of the construction right-of- <br /> way (ROW). <br />· 112 drinking water supply wells would be within 150 feet of the construction ROW. <br />· About 9.8 miles of prime farmland soils would be crossed by the project route. <br />· Alternative route(s) may be available to mitigate impact on sensitive areas. <br /> <br />FERC is asking for comments that focus on the potential environmental effects of the proposal <br />and alternatives to the proposal that may lessen the environmental effects. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />In addition to the issues already identified staff suggests including the following issues for <br />further study: <br /> <br />· A comparison ofaltemative routes including number of residences impacted. <br />· Vegetation disruption and restoration including erosion control measures proposed. <br />· The ability to consolidate the existing pipeline and the proposed pipeline. <br />· Impacts of two routes verses one route through the community if an alternative is selected. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff recommends the City Council authorize staff to prepare a letter for signature by the mayor <br />to be submitted to FERC requesting inclusion of the listed items and any other items identified in <br />their environmental review. <br /> <br />/D <br /> <br /> <br />