Xcel Energy’s W3351/ W3353 Saxon Pump Transmission Line Rebuild Project-Wetland Permit Public Informational Meeting

Date: 09/27/2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Weston Matthews, Weston.Matthews@wisconsin.gov or 608-228-9164

Xcel Energy c/o Sarah Schwartz, 1414 W. Hamilton Ave., PO Box 8, Eau Claire, WI, 54701, has applied to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a permit for wetland impacts and temporary clear span bridge installation. The project is located in Section 35, Township 47N, Range 01E, Sections 1 and 2, Township 46N, Range 01E, and Sections 6, 8, 9, 10, 15, 22 and 23, Township 46N, Range 02E, in the town of Kimball, Iron County.

The Project proposes to rebuild the existing W3351 88 kilovolt (kV)/W3353 34.5 kV Saxon Pump transmission line. The overall Project is approximately 8.2 miles long. The rebuild will occur both within the existing right of way (ROW) corridor and within new ROW corridor as new alignment. Approximately 6.6 miles will be rebuilt within the existing ROW corridor and will require expansion of the ROW to 100 feet in width. Approximately 1.6 miles will be rebuilt in new alignment within a new ROW corridor 50 feet in width. A new alignment will run straight north along Valley Road to Highway 2, then back east along Highway 2 to structure 261. The new alignment is planned to remove structures from Northwoods Paving’s quarry. The Project is planned to take place in two phases. Clearing will be begin in October of 2024 and February 2025. Phase 1 will take place between March and October 2025 and will begin at N. County Highway D at structure 314 and run northwest to Valley Road at Structure 268. Phase 2 rebuild will take place between March and October 2026 and will begin just north of Highway 2 at structure 260 and run northwest to the Saxon Pump Substation. Areas that require restoration will be temporarily restored promptly upon completion of construction and permanent stabilization will occur as soon as possible.

The Project as proposed will result in a total of up to 8.303 acres of temporary wetland fill from the placement of construction matting, 0.067 acres of permanent wetland fill from the replacement, installation, and/or removal of pole structures, and 7.891 acres of wetland conversion. Multiple waterways intersect the Project. Waterways located within the temporary access roads will be traversed for vehicle and equipment access; a total of 13 temporary clear span bridges (TCSB’s) are proposed as part of the project.

The DNR will review the proposal provided by the applicant and any information from public comments and the public informational hearing. The DNR will determine whether the proposal complies with ss. 1.11, 30.123, 30.208, and 281.36, Wis. Stats., and ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code, and ensure that the required mitigation meets the standards in s. 281.36(3r), Stats. if the project impacts wetlands.

Join this meeting via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 839 2013 8770; Passcode: 545473

Join this meeting via phone: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 839 2013 8770; Passcode: 545473