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Public utilities

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Issues Document on Beaver Creek 161-kV Transmission Line

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reviewed the Environmental Assessment for the Beaver Creek 161 kV Transmission Line, proposed by Dairyland Power Cooperative. The DNR has provided comments on the project, highlighting concerns for natural heritage, hydrology, karst features, and dust control. The comments include recommendations for special permit conditions to minimize impacts on state-listed species, calcareous fens, and karst features.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed a Natural Heritage Review for the Beaver Creek 161 kV Transmission Line project, recommending a special permit condition to comply with applicable requirements related to state-listed endangered and threatened species.
  • A calcareous fen has been documented in the vicinity of the project, and the DNR requests a special permit condition to work with the Applicant to determine if any impacts will occur during any phase of the project.
  • The project area is prone to karst surface feature development, and the Applicant should inspect the project area for karst features before conducting any construction activities.
  • The DNR recommends conducting a geotechnical evaluation prior to construction activities given the substantial size of the pole structures.
  • The DNR recommends including a special permit condition requiring a Karst Survey Plan prior to construction.
  • The Applicant must contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451 at the first sign of any spill within or near a karst feature.
  • The DNR recommends avoiding products containing calcium chloride or magnesium chloride for dust control, due to their potential to accumulate and be toxic to plants and wildlife.

Statistics:

  • The project area is located in Fillmore County, Minnesota.
  • The project involves the construction of a 161-kV transmission line.
  • The project will impact a calcareous fen.
  • The project area is located in a region prone to karst surface feature development.
  • The majority of the project area is karst terrain.

Sources:

  • Consumer Affairs Office Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7th Place East, Suite 350 St. Paul, MN 55101 (May 13, 2025)
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  • Dairyland Power Cooperative
  • Minnesota Stormwater Manual
  • Minn. Stat. § 103G.223 (Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0895)
  • Minnesota Rules, part 6212.1800 to 6212.2300 and 6134

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