Energy // Featured Projects

EA for Transmission System Upgrade

EVS performed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for Xcel Energy's Southeast Twin Cities Metro Area Transmission Upgrade. Tasks included:

• Permits and Appraisals
• Land Use
• Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources
• Water Resources
• Soils and Erosion
• Visual Impacts

Xcel Energy Power Plant Projects

EVS has worked on projects at several plants including Prairie Island, Black Dog, High Bridge, and King Plant.

High Bridge Plant: As part of Xcel's transition to the new High Bridge steam power plant, EVS was selected to perform a pre-conditions survey of the area prior to demolition of the coal plant and stack. EVS also performed land surveying services.

King Plant: EVS also worked at Xcel's King Plant on a plant modification project consisting a major upgrade and rebuild of the generating facilities. Services included:

• Topographic and Boundary Control Surveys
• Project Coordination and Management
• Research and Resolution of Multiple Coordinate Systems
• Final Survey Drawings and Report

Pipeline Stabilization and Scour Protection for High-Pressure Gas Pipeline River Crossing

Centerpoint Energy selected EVS as the design/build contractor to stabilize, provide scour protection for a high-pressure gas pipeline crossing of the Minnesota River downstream of the I-35W bridge in Bloomington. EVS scope included:

• Design Survey of the Underwater Pipeline Crossing and River Banks
• Design of River Bank and River Channel Stabilization and Pipeline Scour Protection
• Construction Cost Estimate
• Application and Acquisition of Local, State, and Federal Permits for Environmental, Navigation and Construction Purposes
• Construction Management
• Construction Staking
• As-Built Survey

Viking Voyageur Pipeline - States of Minnesota and Wisconsin:

EVS was part of a team that conducted a detailed wetland identification and delineation within an 825-mile long gas pipeline route. The pipeline route extended from far northwestern Minnesota to the Wisconsin-Illinois border. Wetland identification and delineation required detailed record keeping of wetland parameters, location and surrounding topography. Wetlands were mapped using GPS surveying.

EVS was also able to provide a detailed investigation of the proposed St. Croix River crossing. Detailed hydrographic mapping was conducted using multi-beam type echosounders and associated mapping software. River cross sections were surveyed for approximately 3 miles downstream of a proposed pipeline crossing location.

University of Minnesota Utilities Environmental Permit Study:

EVS was contracted to investigate environmental permitting of several alternatives for steam plants at the Minneapolis-St. Paul campuses of the University of Minnesota. The alternatives included coal-fired plants with and without electric generation, gas/oil-fired plants, thermal energy-user networks, and third-party ownership of energy supplies. A listing was developed to show required permits for each alternative. Air emissions for each alternative were calculated to determine regulatory compliance. Alternatives hindered by "fatal flaws" were identified, as well as limiting factors involving offset rules, fuel usage, air quality, fly ash generation and disposal.