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

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Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV Transmission Line March 2012 Environmental Assessment 7. Route Comparison There are two routing scenarios presented in the scope of this environmental assessment, previously described as the Applicant's proposed route, and the Applicant's proposed route incorporating Route Segment Alternative A. These routes are described in Chapter 3 of this EA, and on all Figures contained in this document. In analyzing the two routing scenarios, many of the potential impacts would be the same or similar. For example, there are no cultural resources located in the area between 6th Avenue and Garfield Avenue, no matter if the proposed route or segment alternative is followed. However, there are differences in potential impacts with residences located near the line, cost, transportation, and land use. Route Segment Alternative A follows a route that would reduce the number of homes within 36 to 135 feet of the line. The proposed route has 20 more homes within this distance of the transmission line than does the segment alternative. Neither route alternative would cause displacement of residences as a result of constructing and operating the Project. Route Segment Alternative A would be 0.3 miles longer than the Applicant's proposed route. This would result in an increase to project costs of $450,000, or a 3.8 percent increase. Route Segment Alternative A would parallel a portion of the railroad ROW where insufficient ROW may exist for the placement of a transmission line. The BNSF railroad ROW in the project area is 125 feet in width. The communities within the Project area have developed around this railroad alignment, leaving minimal space between the railroad ROW and local businesses, industrial buildings, and communications towers. The Applicant's proposed route, instead of paralleling the railroad ROW in this area, makes a perpendicular crossing at 6th Avenue. Both the Applicant's preferred route and Route Segment Alternative A follow transportation ROW and property lines. Route Segment Alternative A crosses or parallels land owned by the city of Anoka and Anoka County. These lands have development occurring or planned. Volunteers of America has begun construction of a senior continuum of care campus on the property located east of 4th Avenue and north of Grant Street. There is a monopole cell tower located in the city's Public Services equipment yard that is close to the BNSF right-of-way and would likely be impacted by the proposed route segment alternative. Route Segment Alternative A may also impact the rail station which abuts both sides of the tracks. If the segment alternative were to be located on the south side of the tracks, it would impact the planned construction of a multi -level parking facility and pedestrian overpass as well as other commercial development. Locating the line along the north side of the tracks would impact the buildings at 2804 5th Avenue and 2707 6th Avenue which abut the BNSF right-of-way. It is likely that an easement would be required from BNSF to locate the line within this area or the line would have to be constructed over the building(s). The area along the north 62