CC Staff Report 12-12-05
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM:
Sharmeen AI-Jaff, Senior Planner
DATE:
December 12, 2005
SUBJ:
Scope of an Environmental Assessment
Minnesota Valley Electric - Planning Case No. 05-30
COUNCIL ACTION
This is an informational item intended to apprise the City Council of the progress
of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for Minnesota Valley Electric. No action
is needed unless the City Council wishes to amend the scope of the EA.
BACKGROUND
On November 15, 2005, the Planning Commission conducted a Public
Hearing to determine the scope of an Environmental Assessment, request for a
Conditional Use Permit with variances and Site Plan Review application to
construct a local electric distribution substation on property zoned Industrial
Office Park, Minnesota Valley Electric - Planning Case No. 05-30. The
Planning Commission recommended approval of the Environmental
Assessment Scoping, directed staff to prepare the EA consistent with the
scoping, and tabled further proceedings on the Conditional Use Permit, Site
Plan, and Variance until such time as the EA is completed and submitted to
the Planning Commission.
PROPOSAL
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative is proposing to construct a local 115-
kilovolt electric distribution substation on property located east of the Gedney
Pickle plant, north of Stoughton Avenue and south of Flying Cloud Drive. Any
transmission line over 100 kilovolts requires an Environmental Assessment (EA).
The EA contains information on the human and environmental impacts of the
proposed project and addresses methods to mitigate such impacts.
DISCUSSION
In preparation of the EA, the City must determine the scope of the study.
Depending on the development that may occur, the EA should cover possible
impacts through a "worst-case scenario" analysis and establish measures to
prevent negative impacts through the provision of a mitigation plan.
The City 01 Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
Todd Gerhardt
Minnesota Valley Electric - Planning Case No. 05-30
December 12, 2005
Page 2
Staff proposed the following elements of the EA be addressed which were approved by the
Planning Commission through a Public Hearing process on November 15,2005:
1. Introduction
. Project Description
· Project Location (all land lying south of Highway 212, north of Stoughton Avenue,
and east of Audubon Road)
· Project Proposal
· Sources of Information
2. Regulatory Framework
. Public Utilities Commission
· Environmental Assessment Requirement
· Scoping of Environmental Impacts and Alternative Routes
3. Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation
· Description of Environmental Setting
· Impacts on Human Settlement
· Socioeconomic
. Displacement
. Noise
. Aesthetics
· Human Health and Safety
· Electric and Magnetic Fields
4. Impacts on Land-based Economies
. Recreation
· Prime Farmland
· Transportation
. Mining and Forestry
· Archaeological and Historic Resources
5. Natural Environment
. Air Quality
· Water Quality, Storm Water Runoff, Waste Water, Soils and Geology
· Groundwater and Wetlands
· Fish and Wildlife Resources
· Vegetation
6. Rare and Unique Natural Resources
7. Infrastructure-planned (roads, sewers, water, storm water system)
Todd Gerhardt
Minnesota Valley Electric - Planning Case No. 05-30
December 12, 2005
Page 3
8. Information about the anticipated staging of various developments
9. Permits and approvals required
10. Anticipate types and intensity of development - Land Use
11. Air Quality - Vehicle-related air emissions
12. Water-related Land Use Management Districts (Watershed Districts)
13. Erosion and sedimentation (Best Management Practice)
14. General discussion of earth moving needs (Grading)
15. Geologic hazards and soil conditions
16. Groundwater hazards
17. Solid wastes; hazardous wastes; storage tanks
18. Traffic
19. Sensitive Resources
· Archeological, historic and architectural resources
. Prime or unique farmlands
· Designated parks, recreation area, or trails
· Scenic views and vistas
· Adverse visual impacts
· Compatibility with Plans
20. The EA must include a statement of certification from the Responsible Governmental
Unit
21. Impact on infrastructure and public services
22. Impacts on school, police, fire, etc.
23. Summary of Issues
The Responsible Governmental Unit is legally responsible for the accuracy and completeness of
the document.
The final EA must include a section specially responding to each element.
Todd Gerhardt
Minnesota Valley Electric - Planning Case No. 05-30
December 12, 2005
Page 4
RECOMMENDA TION
No action necessary. Pending findings and approval of the EA, staff will prepare a staff report
addressing the Site Plan, Conditional Use and Variance permits.
g:\plan\2005 planning cases\05-30 mvec sub station\ea\scoping cc.doc