For a copy of the application call Xcel at 800-238-7968 or email lacrosseinfo@capx2020.com

You really need an application to deal with this.

Today’s CapX 2020 EIS Scoping Meeting (not hearing) sponsored by Commerce/MOES is in Pine Island:

May 5, 2010 – 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Pine Island
American Legion
108 1st Avenue SE

What happened yesterday?  On thing that caught my attention was that one of the farmers who testified was a “Wurst” as in John Wurst of Florence Township — they’re cousins.  He has a landing strip, and noted that the lines would interfere with safe operation, and that he’d shut it down “for adequate compensation.”  THAT’S one negotiation I’d like to see!

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE DEPT:  Matt Langan did a very good job in his moderation of the meeting, much better than some MOES toadies who have blighted the landscape.

Now the important thing in this is that we’ve got to get in comments that are relevant to the task, which is letting Commerce know what to include in the EIS and what we will raise a ruckus about if it is NOT there.  Things like missing state parks, or EMF modeling that does not come close to the amp levels expected, or that little matter of the connection from the Prairie Island-Blue Lake line to the Hampton substation (is it under the 1,500 foot threshold for a Certificate of Need?  I doubt it!).

Hint: Use the RUS information as a guide on what to cover — WHY WON’T COMMERCE WORK WITH RUS?  WHY THE DUPLICATION OF EFFORT?  It’s absurd…

RUS (USDA) Scoping Report

Once more with feeling, what are the criteria?  The specific factors considered from Minn. R. 7850.4100:

In determining whether to issue a permit for a large electric power generating plant or a high voltage transmission line, the commission shall consider the following:

A. effects on human settlement, including, but not limited to, displacement, noise, aesthetics, cultural values, recreation, and public services;

B. effects on public health and safety;

C. effects on land-based economies, including, but not limited to, agriculture, forestry, tourism, and mining;

D. effects on archaeological and historic resources;

E.  effects on the natural environment, including effects on air and water quality resources and flora and fauna;

F.  effects on rare and unique natural resources;

G.  application of design options that maximize energy efficiencies, mitigate adverse environmental effects, and could accommodate expansion of transmission or generating capacity;

H.  use or paralleling of existing rights-of-way, survey lines, natural division lines, and agricultural field boundaries;

I.  use of existing large electric power generating plant sites;

J.  use of existing transportation, pipeline, and electrical transmission systems or rights-of-way;

K.  electrical system reliability;

L.   csts of constructing, operating, and maintaining the facility which are dependent on design and route;

M.  adverse human and natural environmental effects which cannot be avoided; and

N.  irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.

And here’s a form that should trigger some comments:

Comment Form with criteria

You have until May 20th to send comments in.   As stolen from the MOES website:

The OES will accept written comments on the scope of the EIS until May 20, 2010.   Please include PUC Docket No. TL-09-1448 on your comments. Comments should be mailed, emailed, or faxed to:

Matthew Langan
State Permit Manager
Minnesota Office of Energy Security
85 7th Place East, Suite 500
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101-2198

Fax: 651-297-7891

matthew.langan@state.mn.us

Comments may also be submitted on the Commission’s energy facility permitting website:
http://www.energyfacilities.puc.state.mn.us .

Join us tomorrow in Cannon Falls, down by the truckstop:

May 6, 2010 – 1:30 & 6:30 p.m.
Cannon Falls
Grandpa’s Event Center