Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station, Minn. -- The proposed action grants Xcel Energy permission to access Air Force property, for the purposes of accessing older Xcel Energy power utility poles and hardware to replace them with new poles and up to date hardware. Xcel Energy has determine the poles to be outdated and no longer serviceable and status quo is unacceptable.
The specific activity that, if conducted by the Air Force, could be categorically excluded in accordance with 32 CFR 989, Appendix B, is installing and operating a utility system, using existing rights of way, easements, distribution systems, or facilities (A2.3.12).
The power utility poles are Xcel property already in service and need to be updated with new poles and hardware.
The Power utility poles run through and across Air Force property.
None of the "additional analysis" circumstances listed within 32 CFR 989, Appendix B, A2.2, are relevant or applicable to this proposed action.
Xcel Energy will conduct the USFWS Section 7 consult for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and provide the Air Force with a copy of the documents.
Link to source document here.