State officials are considering a site permit for Elk Creek Solar Project in Rock County, and a public meeting Monday will offer information and consider the environmental scope of the project.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Commerce will conduct the meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at Grand Prairie Events in Luverne.
Information gathered at the meeting will help determine whether or not a site permit should be granted to the proposed 80-megawatt solar energy project.
The PUC will also decide which, if any, environmental factors should be considered before allowing the project to be built.
Geronimo Energy of Edina submitted both applications to the PUC for permission to construct the first of two solar farms.
Elk Creek I will be on 976 acres in Vienna Township, north of Magnolia.
The project will connect to the existing Magnolia substation in Section 35 of Vienna Township, adjacent to the project area. A fence will surround the entire solar farm area.
Elk Creek I, which is expected to be complete in 2021, has a power purchase agreement with Xcel Energy for the energy generated by Elk Creek I.
Application for a second solar farm will be completed later. Elk Creek II will be constructed adjacent to Elk Creek I on 980 acres in Vienna and Magnolia townships.
Written comments on Elk Creek I can also be made for the environmental review.
Comments are due by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at https://mn.gov/commerce/energyfacilities/#comment or to bill.storm@state.mn.us.
Refer to the project’s PUC docket numbers 19-351 or 19-495.
Comments should address one or more of five questions:
•What potential human and environmental impacts should be considered in the environmental assessment?
•Are there any methods to minimize, mitigate or avoid potential impacts of the proposed project?
•Are there any unique characteristics of the proposed project site that should be considered?
•Are there other ways to meet the stated need for the project; for example, a different size project or a different type of facility?
•Are there any items missing or mischaracterized in the certificate of need or site permit application?
The applications for a site permit and a certificate of need are processed together, requiring only one public information meeting.
Later this year, a public hearing will be conducted locally about the completed environmental assessment report.
A final decision by the commission is expected this fall. A site permit and a certificate of need are needed for construction to begin.