EIS “Record of Decision” soon?
November 9th, 2015
Last week there was a large info dump from the DOE. Environmental Impact Statements are rolling through the Dept. of Energy’s Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, one for the Plains & Eastern Clean Line (see BLOCK Clean Line) and its ; another for the Great Northern Transmission Line (see Not-so-Great Northern Transmission Line) They’re in different departments at this office, “Clean Line” is a “Section 1222” review and the “Not-so-Great Northern” is a Presidential Permit application.
Here’s the Record of Decision schedule (click for larger version):
And the full DOE EIS schedule (they’ve not yet released the November schedule):
- Record of Decision expected 1/16/2016. The Clean Line project has no associated state permitting and review process, because the applicant was rejected by the State of Arkansas as a utility, and because they’re not a utility, they’re not eligible for a state permit. To make things more complicated, the Section 1222 review is something new, there are no rules, and it’s a financing law, and that is all (though Clean Line wants it to be so much more!). The DOE held scoping meetings and hearings in Texas and Tennessee, and in multiple locations across Oklahoma and Arkansas, but these were only about environmental review, and not the Section 1222 issues or anything else. They’ve not scheduled hearings, there’s no evidentiary hearing, nothing, despite a specific request. Comment letters are in Appendix Q, and there are THREE of them! They listed on the comments the FEIS sections where comments are addressed. What a pain to go back and forth, where the sections are not clearly identified on the links.
- Record of Decision “uncertain.” What does that mean? The “Not-so-Great” Northern Transmission Project is before the DOE because the applicants Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro (in the U.S., it’s just Minnesota Power, doing the lifting for both) have applied for a Presidential Permit, essentially permission to market power between Canada and the US. In tandem with this DOE Presidential Permit, MP has applied for a state Certificate of Need and Routing Permit. Hearings are over, briefs are in (there are NO intervenors in this docket), and now we’re waiting for the ALJ Recommendation. Then exceptions to the Recommendation, and on the the PUC. that’s probably why the RoD date is “uncertain,” because there’s the state agency that they’re dealing with.
So there are procedural differences, timing differences. But it sure is a lot to wade through. Plus the PolyMet FEIS just came out.
NOTICE – PPSA ANNUAL HEARING 12/1
November 9th, 2015
Notice of the Power Plant Siting and Transmission Line Routing Program Annual Hearing
Issued: November 6, 2015
In the Matter of the 2015 Power Plant Siting Act Annual Hearing
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Docket Number: E999/M-15-785
Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Docket Number: 60-2500-32901
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Large Hearing Room, 121 7th Place East, Suite 350, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Bad weather? Find out if a meeting is canceled. Call (toll-free) 1-855-731-6208 or 651-201-2213 or visit mn.gov/puc
Hearing Description
The annual hearing is required by Minnesota Statute § 216E.07, which provides that:
Thecommission shall hold an annual public hearing at a time and place prescribed by rule in order to afford interested persons an opportunity to be heard regarding any matters relating to the siting of large electric generating power plants and routing of high-voltage transmission lines. At the meeting, the commission shall advise the public of the permits issued by the commission in the past year….
Note – No decisions about specific projects are made at the annual hearing.
Public Hearing Information
- Public hearings start on time.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to sign in, pick up materials, and find a seat.
- Administrative Law Judge James LaFave will preside over the hearing.
- Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce staff members are available to answer questions about the Power Plant Siting Act processes and the projects.
- You may add verbal comments, written comments, or both into the record.
- Learn more about participating at a public hearing at http://mn.gov/puc/resources/meetings-and-hearings.jsp
- Judge LaFave will use information gathered at the public hearing and during the comment period to write a summary report for the Commission
Submit Comments
Topics for Public Comment:
- Any matters related to the site permit process for large electric generating power plants and routing of high-voltage transmission lines.
Comment Period: November 6, 2015 through January 5, 2016 at 4:30pm.
- Comments must be received by 4:30pm on the close date
- Comments received after comment period closes may not be considered
Online Visit mn.gov/puc, select Speak Up!, find this docket (15-785), and add your comments to the discussion.
If you wish to include an exhibit, map or other attachment, please send your comments via eFiling (see below) or U.S. Mail.
Please include the Commission’s docket number in all communications.
Filing Requirements: Utilities and state agencies are required to file documents using the Commission’s electronic filing system (eFiling). All parties, participants and interested persons are encouraged to use eFiling: mn.gov/puc, select eFiling, and follow the prompts.
Important Comments will be made available to the public via the Public Utilities Commission’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The Commission does not edit or delete personal identifying information from submissions.
Hearing Agenda
I. Introductions
II.Overview of Programs
A. Public Utilities Commission – Facilities Permitting and Public Advisor
B. Department of Commerce – Energy Facilities Permitting Unit
C. Role of Other Agencies
III. Projects Reviewed
A. Projects Permitted in 2015
B. Pending and Anticipated Projects
C. Electric Facilities Subject to Power Plant Siting Act
1. Generating Plants
2. Transmission Lines
IV. Public Questions and Testimony
V. Adjourn
How to Learn More
Subscribe to the Docket: Subscribe to receive email notifications when new documents are filed. Note – subscribing may result in a large number of emails.
- mn.gov/puc
- Select Subscribe to a Docket
- Type your email address
- For Type of Subscription, select Docket Number
- For Docket Number, select 15 in the first box, type 785 in the second box
- Select Add to List
- Select Save
Full Case Record: See all documents filed in this docket via the Commission’s website – mn.gov/puc, select Search eDockets, enter the year (15) and the docket number (785), select Search.
Project Mailing Lists: Sign up to receive notices and opportunities to participate in other dockets relating to specific projects in which you are interested (meetings, comment periods, etc.). Contact docketing.puc@state.mn.us or 651-201-2234 with the docket number, your name, mailing address and email address.
Minnesota Statutes and Rules: The hearing is being conducted according to Minnesota Statute 216E.07. Minnesota Statutes are available at www.revisor.mn.gov.
Project Contacts
Public Utilities Commission Public Advisor
Tracy Smetana – consumer.puc@state.mn.us, 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782
Today – train derailment north of Alma, WI
November 7th, 2015
And the good news is that it’s NOT Bakken BOOM! oil, only denatured alcohol and some empty car cars. The evacuation has been lifted and people are returning. The other good news is that this means they won’t be shipping on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi anytime soon, with the associated bad news that then they’ll be shipping through Red Wing more often.
Some good photos here:
NOTE: There’s a Minneapolis CARS message below regarding the November 10th Mpls. City Council meeting.
From News8000:
Emergency crews on scene of 32-car train derailment north of Alma
From KSTP 5:
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Here’s the Minneapolis CARS (Citizens Acting for Rail Safety) message:
Nov 10th -- Attention Minneapolis residents: Support a Strong Rail Safety Resolution! Hello CARS network, as we reported last month, the City of Minneapolis is preparing a rail safety resolution that will come before the Transportation and Public Works committee on November 10th. We are encouraged from conversations with City Council members that the resolution will be a great first step forward and that the resolution is likely to pass the committee and the City Council. There is also understanding that this will be a living document that will need updating as more information is available. It is important that the City Council hear from us to know that the community is supportive of this important work. There are two ways you can do this: 1) Mark your calendars to attend the Minneapolis City Council Transportation & Public Works Committee meeting next Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 9:30 am in the Council Chamber, Room 317 of City Hall. If you are able to attend, please let us know by replying to this email. Comments will not be allowed, but your presence will be important. Please also plan to stay for a brief press conference that is being organized for approximately 11:30 am. As the media reports this important success, it is important that we have as many people in attendance as possible showing community support. 2) Contact your Minneapolis City Council member to thank them for supporting a strong rail safety resolution. Call or Email them with some version of the following message, sharing your own personal story of living near the rails if you are willing. I am concerned about the risks that freight trains carrying crude oil, ethanol and other hazardous materials pose to my neighborhood. I thank the City for its leadership in supporting a strong Rail Safety Resolution that will protect Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION Ward 1 - kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2201 Ward 2 - cam.gordon@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2202 Ward 3 - jacob.frey@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2203 Ward 4 - barbara.johnson@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2204 Ward 5 - blong.yang@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2205 Ward 6 - abdi.warsame@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2206 Ward 7 - lisa.goodman@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2207 Ward 8 - elizabeth.glidden@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2208 Ward 9 - alondra.cano@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2209 Ward 10 - lisa.bender@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2210 Ward 11 - john.quincy@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2211 Ward 12 - andrew.johnson@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2212 Ward 13 - linea.palmisano@minneapolismn.gov - (612)673-2213 Cars Contact Info: Cathy Velasquez Eberhart Citizens Acting for Rail Safety - Twin Cities saferailstwincities@gmail.com 651-587-5356 on Facebook at: facebook.com/saferailstwincities
Criminal Record for Assailant Burchard-Risch
November 6th, 2015
From the “What the Hell is Wrong with People” department: The report of Jodie Marie Burchard-Risch’s assault of another customer at the Coon Rapids Applebee’s was pretty disturbing — Burchard-Risch started yelling at her, threw a drink on her and then smashed her in the face with a beer mug because she didn’t like that she wasn’t speaking English. Clearly doesn’t get the concept that she doesn’t rule the world, and that her rights end at someone else’s nose. It seems that the management at Applebee’s handled it well, tried to eject her, and then after the assault followed her until she was arrested.
There’s a gofundme site for Asma who was attacked.
Here’s something important — this Burchard-Risch woman is really a peach. Check out all the alcohol and traffic charges and convictions. This is at least a 2nd assault, and also likely alcohol is a factor here. There’s an established pattern of behavior, and she’s someone in need of treatment. She’s way off the charts:
Hope the prosecutor and judge push for a stint in jail and a long probation and mandatory treatment.
There’s been a lot of news coverage:
CAIR calls for hate-crime charges in attack on diner at Coon Rapids Applebee’sMinneapolis Star Tribune – 1 hour ago Jodie Burchard-Risch, 43, of Ramsey, was charged Monday in Anoka County District Court with third-degree assault. Burchard-Risch was dining Friday with her husband when she overheard the woman, who was sitting in a nearby booth, according to the …
Group wants hate crime charges in restaurant attackMinnesota Public Radio News – 1 hour ago
A Muslim advocacy group in Minnesota is calling for hate crime charges to be filed in an attack on a woman at a restaurant in suburban Minneapolis. A criminal complaint says Jodie Burchard-Risch is accused of striking the Muslim woman with a beer mug …
Applebee’s customer accused of assaulting non-English speakerTwinCities.com-Pioneer Press – 9 minutes ago
Jodie Marie Burchard-Risch, 43, was charged Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, with third degree assault for allegedly striking a woman at a Coon Rapids Applebee’s restaurant because the woman was speaking a foreign language. (Photo courtesy Anoka County …
Charges: Woman attacked restaurant patron for not speaking EnglishRick Kupchella’s BringMeTheNews – 5 hours ago
An apparent assault led to charges against a Ramsey woman after authorities say she attacked another female patron at the Applebee’s in Coon Rapids. KSTP reports Jodie Burchard-Risch, 43, was dining at the restaurant with her husband on Friday when …
Charges: Woman attacked non-English speaking Applebee’s diner13WMAZ – 21 hours ago
COON RAPIDS, Minn. – A woman is charged with assault for allegedly smashing a beer mug across a diner’s face at a local Applebee’s — all because the victim wasn’t speaking English, according to the complaint. Jodie Marie Burchard-Risch, 43, was …
Charges: Applebee’s customer attacked for speaking SwahiliFOX 29 News Philadelphia – 2 hours ago
Jodie Marie Burchard-Risch, 43, of Ramsey and her husband were eating at the Applebee’s at 129th Street NW on Oct. 30, according to the criminal complaint. Witnesses say the pair was upset that the victim, who was sitting in a booth next to them, was …
Charges: Woman Assaulted at Coon Rapids Applebee’s for Not Speaking EnglishKSTP.com – Nov 5, 2015
They both said that a woman identified as 43-year-old Jodie Marie Burchard-Risch of Ramsey was at the restaurant with her husband, and another woman was seated at a booth next to Burchard-Risch. The managers said Burchard-Risch and her husband …
Diner Accused of Assaulting Woman At Twin Cities RestaurantWJON News – Nov 5, 2015
Jodie Burchard-Risch was charged Monday with third-degree assault in Anoka County District Court. She was arrested Friday shortly after the incident at Applebee’s in Coon Rapids. Burchard-Risch is accused of yelling at the woman, who was sitting in a …
Diner accused of assaulting woman at Minnesota restaurantWXOW.com – Nov 5, 2015
COON RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – A 43-year-old woman is accused of attacking another woman because she didn’t speak English while they were dining separately at a restaurant in the Twin Cities. Jodie Burchard-Risch was charged Monday with third-degree …
Charges: Woman Attacked For Speaking Foreign Language At Applebee’sCBS Local – 14 hours ago
COON RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) — Asma Mohamed Jama’s face now carries the scars from what she says was an unprovoked attack inside the Applebee’s on 129th Avenue in Coon Rapids. Jama was with her cousins and a total of four children having dinner …
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Plains & Eastern EIS released today!
November 4th, 2015
Hot off the press,here at the Plains & Eastern EIS site!
Appendix Q contains the Comments and responses to those Comments:
Here’s a very problematic statement from the intro letter:
Why? Most improper in that the EIS is not supposed about a “preferred alternative,” which goes too far towards bias of a supposedly neutral party. It’s pretty basic — the purpose of an EIS is to inform the record, and the decision makers, of the IMPACTS. It is not a decisional document, it is not the basis for a recommendation. Add to that the lack of a thorough evaluation of need, which, particularly in this case, is to be the deciding factor. A project of this magnitude doesn’t go forward just because, or because the developers want it. That’s not enough. It’s about need. If you search the Table of Contents, there is only one mention of “need” in the intro, talking about the “need” for an EIS, and there is one section in the text, entitled “Department of Energy Purpose and Need.” There doesn’t seem to be any evaluation of need for the P-R-O-J-E-C-T!
Here ’tis:
And HERE’S a nearly verbatim cut and paste of their email, release of yet another FEIS from the Department of Energy:
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