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

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Scoping Decision Document PUC Docket No. ET2/TL-11-915 Public Comments A public comment period, ending on December 19, 2011, provided the public an opportunity to submit comments to EFP staff via e-mail, fax, U.S. mail, or online on issues and alternative routes and alignments for consideration for the scope of the EA. EFP staff received four comment letters by the close of the comment period from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and two citizens who own land or live in the project area. No alternative routes were proposed in the written comments received. The scoping meeting comment report and each comment letter are available for viewing and downloading on the project website maintained by the Commission at: httn://eneravfacilities.nuc.state.mn.us/Docket.html?Id=32289 or on the eDockets website at: httns://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFilina/search.isn (enter the year "11" and the number "915"). Issues raised Issues raised by the public for inclusion in the scope of the environmental assessment include transmission line routing near athletic fields, and possible noise mitigation strategies between a MnDOT garage and residential area once existing trees are removed for the transmission line right-of-way. DNR requested that information be provided in the EA on vegetation removal minimization techniques, including at the Rum River crossing, a state -designated Wild and Scenic River. DNR also requested information on placement of bird flight diverters in the Rum River area. DNR also sought clarification of the administrator of a parcel of land along the route owned by the State of Minnesota. DNR sent a follow-up email clarifying that the land is administered by the Department of Administration. DNR attached to its letter fact sheets on wildlife -friendly erosion control matting, and the Blanding's turtle, a state -listed threatened species, along with a flyer on best management practices for reducing the potential for impacts to the species. MnDOT requested information on transmission line impacts to Trunk Highway 10 interchanges at 7th Avenue and Thurston Avenue. Having reviewed the matter, consulted with EFP staff, and in accordance with Minnesota Rule 7850.3700, I hereby make the following scoping decision: Matters to be Addressed The issues outlined below will be identified and described in the EA for the proposed Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV project. The EA will describe the project and current setting of the proposed project area. It will also provide information on the potential impacts the proposed project could have as they relate to the topics outlined in this scoping decision document, including possible mitigation for identified impacts, identification of irretrievable commitment of resources and permits from other government entities that may be required. Page 3 of 9