Agenda - Council - 06/25/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV Transmission Line March 2012 Environmental Assessment The entire width of the transmission line right-of-way will need to be cleared of tall - growing vegetation that could potentially grow into the conductors. The Applicant has stated it will replace or compensate landowners for any impacts to landscaping (lawn, gardens, trees, etc.) through negotiations with each individual landowner. The Applicant has stated it is working with the city of Ramsey park staff on avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating the impacts of any tree clearing in River Bend Park. In accordance with MnDNR guidance on invasive species control, the Applicant has stated it will incorporate the following BMPs during construction and operation of the transmission line:: • Before arriving at a work site, the Applicant will inspect for and remove all visible plants, seeds, mud, soil, and animals from construction/maintenance equipment. • Before leaving a work site, the Applicant will inspect for and remove all visible plants, seeds, mud, soil and animals from construction/maintenance equipment. • Before leaving an aquatic work site, the Applicant will drain water from any equipment, tanks, or water -retaining components of construction /maintenance equipment. • After working on infested waters or waters known to harbor pathogens of concern, the Applicant will clean and dry equipment prior to using in locations not known to be infested with species or pathogens present at the last location visited. 5.2.5. Fauna The Project would be located primarily along existing road ROWs in a developed, suburban environment. In general, wildlife near the Project consists of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, typical of a suburban developed area. No State Wildlife Management Areas are within the Project area. Construction of new transmission lines can affect fauna through temporary impacts, permanent impacts, and avian -specific impacts. Temporary impacts include displacement and habitat alteration caused by temporary disturbances and noise associated with construction activities. Such impacts are most likely to affect fauna at the proposed structure locations where activity would be most intense. Similarly, staging and stringing areas also have the potential to temporarily impact fauna within the Project construction area. Such activities have the potential to impact small birds (e.g., eggs or nestlings) and small mammals that may be unable to avoid equipment. Many wildlife species would likely avoid the immediate area during construction. The distance that 49