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

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MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE L. _411111 In the Matter of the Route Permit Application for the Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV Transmission Line Project in Anoka County, Minnesota Introduction Environmental Assessment Scoping Decision Document PUC Docket No. ET2/TL-11-915 The above matter has come before the deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce for a decision on the scope of the environmental assessment (EA) to be prepared on the Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV transmission line project proposed by Great River Energy (applicant). Great River Energy has submitted this application on behalf of itself and other anticipated co -owners of the project, including Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Anoka Municipal Utility, and Xcel Energy. Project Description On October 4, 2011, the applicant filed a route permit application (RPA) under the alternative permitting process for the construction of approximately 5.8 miles of new, overhead 115 kV transmission line between Xcel Energy's existing Crooked Lake Substation in Coon Rapids, Minn., and Anoka Municipal Utility's existing Enterprise Park Substation in Anoka, Minn., in Anoka County (see Figure 1 attached). The project will remove, rebuild, and attach Anoka Municipal Utility's existing overhead (12.5 kV) distribution lines to the new 115 kV transmission line where the new line overtakes the existing distribution lines. (Alternatively, Anoka Municipal Utility may choose to bury some of the distribution lines.) The project would also include modifications to the Crooked Lake and Enterprise Park substations to accommodate the new transmission line, including a new ring bus, breaker additions, step down transformers, and associated switch gear. The applicant is requesting a route width as narrow as 100 feet in some locations, and as wide as 400 feet in others, except for the area near Anoka High School where the requested route width is 800 feet. The variation in route width is due to the developed nature of the project area. The typical right-of-way for the 115 kV line is 50-75 feet, depending on the structure used. The typical span between poles without underbuild is 300 to 400 feet, and 250 to 300 where 12.5 kV distribution lines are attached. Poles range in height from 60 to 85 feet. Most poles will be constructed as single -pole, wood structures with horizontal post insulators. Purpose In its RPA, the applicant states the purpose of the proposed project is to meet future electric load requirements in the area, to provide relief on the existing transmission system, and to provide backup service to an existing 69 kV transmission line. This document can be made available in alternative formats (i.e. large print or audio) by calling 651-296-0391 (voice). Persons with hearing or speech disabilities may call us through Minnesota Relay at 1-800-627-3529 or by dialing 711.