2022.11.21 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minnesota Joint Application – Attachment C: Avoidance and Minimization 13620 Fenway Boulevard North – Hugo, Minnesota Carlson McCain, Inc. Page 3 Project Purpose, Need, and Requirements. Clearly state the purpose of your project and need for your project. Also include a description of any specific requirements of the project as they relate to project location, project footprint, water management, and any other applicable requirements. Attach an overhead plan sheet showing all relevant features of the project (buildings, roads, etc.), aquatic resource features (impact areas noted) and construction details (grading plans, storm water management plans, etc.), referencing these as necessary: In 2013, the current Xcel Energy Hugo Training Center (HTC) building was designed, permitted, and constructed. The original plans for the site included several future training facility expansions and space to locate a future service center on the north half of the property. The company’s vision would have the site become the host for most of the company’s staff training of gas, electrical and nuclear operators in their northern territories. The proposed site facilities and co-location of training staff will create operating efficiencies and provide new opportunities for training collaboration with other utilities’ staff and first responders from throughout the region. Safety is a core value at Xcel Energy, and the development of high-quality training facilities for their employees has been prioritized. By centralizing their training operations and dedicating the entire HTC property to support training activities, Xcel can expand and improve an already industry-leading training facility. The proposed development of the site consists of two separate, but related projects. The first, a transmission lines and substation outdoor training facility would greatly increase the training effectiveness of these facilities as it fully replicates real-world conditions with transmission lines, a substation, and interactions between the two facilities. The design will consist of 3 different line sizes and approximately 25 different pole type structures with a height range of approximately 43’ to 105’. The substation will be an approximately 1.65-acre class-5 gravel pad, enclosed by a 10’ chain link galvanized fence (simulating a real-life substation). From a training perspective, this is far superior to separate training facilities for different infrastructure. Benefits for constructing the new facilities on the north half of the HTC site: • Offers a centralized training center with convenient access to the adjacent indoor training center building that offers classrooms, restrooms, and protection during inclement weather. • Connecting the Substation and Transmission Line outdoor yards together would create a “real life scenario” training yard that could provide more teaching opportunities about safety. • Wide open areas without obstacles allow for increased safety while maneuvering larger equipment around transmission line structures for training exercises. • Adequate space to host larger groups of both Xcel Energy and foreign utility (non-Xcel Energy) crews for training purposes. This larger yard could host a “lineman rodeo”, which is a competitive training event where approximately 4-groups of 15-20 people per group (up to 100- 150 people total) would simultaneously cycle through different stations to train on various real- life scenarios. • Potential to host training exercises for contractors, other utility companies, and various governmental emergency services.