MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SCOPING MEETING components of the proposed project. The ALJ will submit a report to the Commission containing findings, conclu- sions, and a recommendation. Upon receipt of the report from the ALJ, the Commission will make a decision on the certificate of need, site permit, and route permit applica- tions. Comments may be submitted via: https://mn.gov/commerce/ energyfacilities/# comment Online: Email: bill.storm@ state.mn.us In the Matter of the Applications of Plum Creek Wind Farm, LLC for a Certificate of Need, Site Permit, and U.S. Mail: Bill Storm Environmental Review Manager Department of Commerce 85 7th Place East, Suite 500 St. Paul MN 5101 For statute and rule information see Minn. Stat. 5 216B.243 and Minn. R. ch. 7849 (certificate of need);: Minn. Stat. ch. 216F and Minn. R. ch. 7854 (site permit); Minn. Stat. ch. 216E and Minn. R. ch. 7850 (route permit) at: https://www.revisor.mn.gov. Additional Information Conversion System and 345 kV Transmission Line in Cot- tonwood, Murray, and Redwood Counties, Minnesota PUC Docket Numbers: IP6997/CN-18-699 (Certificate of Need). IP6997/wS-18-700 (Site Permit), and IP6997/TL-18- 701 (Route Permit) Fax: 651-539-0109 Important. Comments will be made available to the PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utili- public via the Commission's website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Govern- Filing Requirements. Utilities, telecommunications carriers, official parties, and state agencies are required ment Data Practices Act. The Commission does not edit or to file documents using the Commission's electronic filing ties Commission (Commission) and Minnesota Depart- ment of Commerce (Department) will hold a public infor- mation and environmental impact statement (EIS) scoping delete personal identifying information from submissions. system (eFiling): https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFil- meeting on the applications of Plum Creek Wind Farm, LLC (Plum Creek) for its proposed 414 megawatt (MW) ing. Project Description Full Case Record. See all documents filed in this matter on the Commision's website at mn.gov/puc, select eDock- ets, enter the year (18) and the docket number (699, 700, or 701), and select Search. large wind energy conversion system and 345 kilovolt (kV) Plum Creek, an affiliate of Geronimo Energy, LLC, is pro- high-voltage transmission line project. The purpose of the posing to construct a 414 MW large wind energy conver sion system (LWECS) consisting of 74 to 110 wind turbines ranging from 2.8 to 5.6 MW in size and an associated 31- mile 345 kV transmission line. The proposed wind facility would also include: above- or below-ground electric collec- tion and communications lines; an above-ground electric feeder line; two collector substations; four permanent me- teorological towers; a sonic detection and ranging or light detection and ranging unit; two aircraft detection lighting system radars; an operation and maintenance build- ing, and new gravel access roads. The associated 345 kV transmission line would be constructed on single-circuit monopole structures within a 150-foot right-of-way and would connect the wind facility to the existing Brookings- to-Hampton 345 kV transmission line via a new switching station. The proposed project would be located in portions meeting is to provide information to the public about the proposed project and the state's permit application review process. The meeting is also an opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on potential issues and alternatives to be considered for analysis in the EIS or included as a condition in a draft site permit. Subscribe to the Docket. To receive email notification when new documents are filed in this matter visit: https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling, select Sub- scribe to Dockets and follow the prompts. Date: Time: Location: Walnut Grove Community Center Wednesday, March 25, 2020 6:00 p.m. Project Mailing List. Sign up to receive notices about project milestones and opportunities to participate or change your mailing preference. Email docketing.puca state.mn.us or call Leesa Norton at 651-201-2246 with the docket number (18-699, 18-700, or 18- 701), your name, mailing address, and email address. 311 6th St, Walnut Grove, MN 56180 To find out if a meeting is canceled due to bad weather or other call 1-855-731-6208 or 651-201-2213 or visit mn.gov/ pue. Department of Commerce Project Website: https://mn.gov/commerce/energyfacilities Written Comment Period of Cottonwood, Murray, and Redwood counties. Community Locations. The applications are available for viewing at these locations: Written comments will be accepted through April 8, 2020, by 4:30 p.m. Please include the docket numbers (18- 699, 18-700, or 18-701) in all communications. Comments received after the close of the comment period may or may site permit, and a route permit before the proposed Plum not be considered by the Commission. Process Information The Commission must approve a certificate of need, a Tracy Public Library, 189 3rd St, Tracy, MN 56175 Lamberton Public Library, 101 2nd Ave E, Lamberton. MN 56152 Westbrook Public Library, 556 Ist Ave, Westbrook, MN 56183 Creek Wind project can be built. The permitting process provides for extensive citizen participation and includes several opportunities for public input such as public meet- ings, public comment periods, and public hearings. The information gathered throughout the permitting process informs the Commission's final decision on a permit. The permitting process begins with the Commission's accep- tance of a permit application. The Commission accepted Plum Creek Wind's applications as substantially complete on January 30, 2020. The review time generally varies between 6 to 12 months depending on the size, type, and complexity of the project. Please focus your comments on information that will help answer the following questions: What potential human and environmental impacts of the proposed project should be considered in the ElS and the draft site permit? Project Contacts What are possible methods to minimize, mitigate, or avoid potential impacts of the proposed project that should be considered in the EIS and the draft site per- mit? Public Utilities Commission Charley Bruce, Public Advisor, publicadvisor.pucie state.mn.us or 651-201-2251 Scott Ek, Energy Facilities Planner. scott.eka state.mn.us or 651-201-2255 Department of Commerce Are there any alternative routes or route segments Following the written comment period associated with the Bill Storm, Environmental Review Manager, public information and scoping meeting, the Department will prepare and propose an EIS scoping decision and a draft site permit for Commission approval. Once the EIS scoping decision is issued, the Department will prepare the draft EIS. Upon completion of the draft EIS, an infor- mation meeting will be held to answer questions and to solicit comments on the draft EIS and draft site permit. Following the close of the comment period on the draft EIS and draft site permit, a contested case hearing will be held in the project area. The hearing will be conducted by an administrative law judge (ALJ) from the Office of Administrative Hearings. The hearing will provide an op- portunity for interested persons to ask questions, provide verbal and written comments, and present evidence on all that should be considered to address potential impacts associated with the 345 kV transmission line? bill.storm@state.mn.us or 651-539-1844 Are there any unique characteristics of the proposed site or the project that should be considered? Plum Creek Wind Farm, LLC Jenny Monson-Miller, Permitting Specialist, jenny@ geronimoenergy.com or 9s2-988-9000 Are there other ways to meet the stated need for the project, for example, a different size project or a dif- ferent type of facility? If so, what alternatives to the project should be studied in the EIS? If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these meetings, please contact the Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782 at least one week in advance of the meeting. To request this document in another format such as large print or audio, call 651- 296-0406 (voice), Persons with a hearing or speech impair- ment may call using their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service or email consumer.puc@ state.mn.us for assistance. ·Are there any items missing or mischaracterized in any of the applications or issues that need further development? MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SCOPING MEETING components of the proposed project. The ALJ will submit a report to the Commission containing findings, conclu- sions, and a recommendation. Upon receipt of the report from the ALJ, the Commission will make a decision on the certificate of need, site permit, and route permit applica- tions. Comments may be submitted via: https://mn.gov/commerce/ energyfacilities/# comment Online: Email: bill.storm@ state.mn.us In the Matter of the Applications of Plum Creek Wind Farm, LLC for a Certificate of Need, Site Permit, and U.S. Mail: Bill Storm Environmental Review Manager Department of Commerce 85 7th Place East, Suite 500 St. Paul MN 5101 For statute and rule information see Minn. Stat. 5 216B.243 and Minn. R. ch. 7849 (certificate of need);: Minn. Stat. ch. 216F and Minn. R. ch. 7854 (site permit); Minn. Stat. ch. 216E and Minn. R. ch. 7850 (route permit) at: https://www.revisor.mn.gov. Additional Information Conversion System and 345 kV Transmission Line in Cot- tonwood, Murray, and Redwood Counties, Minnesota PUC Docket Numbers: IP6997/CN-18-699 (Certificate of Need). IP6997/wS-18-700 (Site Permit), and IP6997/TL-18- 701 (Route Permit) Fax: 651-539-0109 Important. Comments will be made available to the PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utili- public via the Commission's website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Govern- Filing Requirements. Utilities, telecommunications carriers, official parties, and state agencies are required ment Data Practices Act. The Commission does not edit or to file documents using the Commission's electronic filing ties Commission (Commission) and Minnesota Depart- ment of Commerce (Department) will hold a public infor- mation and environmental impact statement (EIS) scoping delete personal identifying information from submissions. system (eFiling): https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFil- meeting on the applications of Plum Creek Wind Farm, LLC (Plum Creek) for its proposed 414 megawatt (MW) ing. Project Description Full Case Record. See all documents filed in this matter on the Commision's website at mn.gov/puc, select eDock- ets, enter the year (18) and the docket number (699, 700, or 701), and select Search. large wind energy conversion system and 345 kilovolt (kV) Plum Creek, an affiliate of Geronimo Energy, LLC, is pro- high-voltage transmission line project. The purpose of the posing to construct a 414 MW large wind energy conver sion system (LWECS) consisting of 74 to 110 wind turbines ranging from 2.8 to 5.6 MW in size and an associated 31- mile 345 kV transmission line. The proposed wind facility would also include: above- or below-ground electric collec- tion and communications lines; an above-ground electric feeder line; two collector substations; four permanent me- teorological towers; a sonic detection and ranging or light detection and ranging unit; two aircraft detection lighting system radars; an operation and maintenance build- ing, and new gravel access roads. The associated 345 kV transmission line would be constructed on single-circuit monopole structures within a 150-foot right-of-way and would connect the wind facility to the existing Brookings- to-Hampton 345 kV transmission line via a new switching station. The proposed project would be located in portions meeting is to provide information to the public about the proposed project and the state's permit application review process. The meeting is also an opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on potential issues and alternatives to be considered for analysis in the EIS or included as a condition in a draft site permit. Subscribe to the Docket. To receive email notification when new documents are filed in this matter visit: https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling, select Sub- scribe to Dockets and follow the prompts. Date: Time: Location: Walnut Grove Community Center Wednesday, March 25, 2020 6:00 p.m. Project Mailing List. Sign up to receive notices about project milestones and opportunities to participate or change your mailing preference. Email docketing.puca state.mn.us or call Leesa Norton at 651-201-2246 with the docket number (18-699, 18-700, or 18- 701), your name, mailing address, and email address. 311 6th St, Walnut Grove, MN 56180 To find out if a meeting is canceled due to bad weather or other call 1-855-731-6208 or 651-201-2213 or visit mn.gov/ pue. Department of Commerce Project Website: https://mn.gov/commerce/energyfacilities Written Comment Period of Cottonwood, Murray, and Redwood counties. Community Locations. The applications are available for viewing at these locations: Written comments will be accepted through April 8, 2020, by 4:30 p.m. Please include the docket numbers (18- 699, 18-700, or 18-701) in all communications. Comments received after the close of the comment period may or may site permit, and a route permit before the proposed Plum not be considered by the Commission. Process Information The Commission must approve a certificate of need, a Tracy Public Library, 189 3rd St, Tracy, MN 56175 Lamberton Public Library, 101 2nd Ave E, Lamberton. MN 56152 Westbrook Public Library, 556 Ist Ave, Westbrook, MN 56183 Creek Wind project can be built. The permitting process provides for extensive citizen participation and includes several opportunities for public input such as public meet- ings, public comment periods, and public hearings. The information gathered throughout the permitting process informs the Commission's final decision on a permit. The permitting process begins with the Commission's accep- tance of a permit application. The Commission accepted Plum Creek Wind's applications as substantially complete on January 30, 2020. The review time generally varies between 6 to 12 months depending on the size, type, and complexity of the project. Please focus your comments on information that will help answer the following questions: What potential human and environmental impacts of the proposed project should be considered in the ElS and the draft site permit? Project Contacts What are possible methods to minimize, mitigate, or avoid potential impacts of the proposed project that should be considered in the EIS and the draft site per- mit? Public Utilities Commission Charley Bruce, Public Advisor, publicadvisor.pucie state.mn.us or 651-201-2251 Scott Ek, Energy Facilities Planner. scott.eka state.mn.us or 651-201-2255 Department of Commerce Are there any alternative routes or route segments Following the written comment period associated with the Bill Storm, Environmental Review Manager, public information and scoping meeting, the Department will prepare and propose an EIS scoping decision and a draft site permit for Commission approval. Once the EIS scoping decision is issued, the Department will prepare the draft EIS. Upon completion of the draft EIS, an infor- mation meeting will be held to answer questions and to solicit comments on the draft EIS and draft site permit. Following the close of the comment period on the draft EIS and draft site permit, a contested case hearing will be held in the project area. The hearing will be conducted by an administrative law judge (ALJ) from the Office of Administrative Hearings. The hearing will provide an op- portunity for interested persons to ask questions, provide verbal and written comments, and present evidence on all that should be considered to address potential impacts associated with the 345 kV transmission line? bill.storm@state.mn.us or 651-539-1844 Are there any unique characteristics of the proposed site or the project that should be considered? Plum Creek Wind Farm, LLC Jenny Monson-Miller, Permitting Specialist, jenny@ geronimoenergy.com or 9s2-988-9000 Are there other ways to meet the stated need for the project, for example, a different size project or a dif- ferent type of facility? If so, what alternatives to the project should be studied in the EIS? If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these meetings, please contact the Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782 at least one week in advance of the meeting. To request this document in another format such as large print or audio, call 651- 296-0406 (voice), Persons with a hearing or speech impair- ment may call using their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service or email consumer.puc@ state.mn.us for assistance. ·Are there any items missing or mischaracterized in any of the applications or issues that need further development?