Duluth Loop Reliability Project
Project Details
On October 21, 2021, Minnesota Power (Applicant) submitted a Certificate of Need (CN) Application and a high voltage transmission line (HVTL) Route Permit Application (RPA) to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission). The RPA is submitted under the alternative review process (Minnesota Statute 216E.04; Minnesota Rule 7850.2800-3900).
Project Contact
Project Summary
The Duluth Loop Project includes: (1) construction of about 14 miles of new 115 kV transmission line between the Ridgeview, Haines Road, and Hilltop Substations; (2) construction of a new approximately one-mile extension connecting an existing 230 kV transmission line to the Arrowhead Substation; (3) upgrades to the Ridgeview, Hilltop, Haines Road, and Arrowhead substations; and (4) reconfiguration, rebuild, and upgrade to existing transmission lines and communications infrastructure in the Project area. Minnesota Power will own all of the facilities proposed for the Duluth Loop Project.
Interactive Map
Key Project Documents
| Date | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2023 | Draft EA Scoping Document | Scoping focusses the Environmental Assessment on the most relevant information. It provides an opportunity for public input on the table of contents. |
| July 12, 2022 | Environmental Assessment - Duluth Loop Reliability Project | This environmental assessment has been prepared for the Duluth Loop Reliability Project, which includes construction of new 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines, extension of an existing 230kV transmission line, and upgrades to several substations. This EA evaluates the potential human and environmental impacts of the proposed project and possible mitigation measures including project alternatives. This EA is not a decision-making document, but rather serves as a guide for decision makers. The EA is intended to facilitate informed decisions by state agencies. |
| May 23, 2022 | EA Scoping Decision | Signed decision on the scope of the environmental assessment (EA) prepared for the Byron Solar Project and associated 345 kV transmission line. In addition to the applicant's proposed site and route, the EA will evaluate one additional route alternative for the proposed 345 kV transmission line. The Department anticipates the EA will be available for review in late September 2022. |
| February 10, 2022 | EA Scoping Comments | Commission staff and Department held a Public Information EA Scoping Meeting on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 6:00 p.m. at the AAD Shrine Meeting & Event Center 5152 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811. The following comments were received. |
| January 27, 2022 | Public Information & EA Scoping Meeting Presentation | The state of Minnesota requires that potential human and environmental impacts be studied before the commission decides whether to grant a certificate of need and site permit. This is called environmental review. The intent of environmental review is informed decision making. |
| January 11, 2022 | NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SCOPING MEETING - Duluth Loop Reliability Project | PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will hold in person and remote access public meetings on the application of Minnesota Power for a Certificate of Need and a High-Voltage Transmission Line Route Permit for their proposed Duluth Loop Reliability Project. The purpose of the meetings is to provide information about the proposed project, the application review process being used, and to obtain public input on the environmental assessment that will be prepared by the Minnesota Department of Commerce on this project. |
| October 25, 2021 | Minnesota Power Duluth Loop Reliability Project - HVTL Route Permit Application | Minnesota Power submits this application to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Need and Route Permit to construct the Duluth Loop Reliability Project. The Duluth Loop Project includes: (1) construction of about 14 miles of new 115 kV transmission line between the Ridgeview, Haines Road, and Hilltop Substations; (2) construction of a new approximately one-mile extension connecting an existing 230 kV transmission line to the Arrowhead Substation; (3) upgrades to the Ridgeview, Hilltop, Haines Road, and Arrowhead substations; and (4) reconfiguration, rebuild, and upgrade to existing transmission lines and communications infrastructure in the Project area. |