The Minnesota Department of Commerce has released the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Plum Creek Wind Project in southwest Minnesota.  

 

Plum Creek is an affiliate of National Grid Renewables (formerly Geronimo Energy, LLC). The proposed project would be located in portions of Cottonwood, Murray and Redwood counties.  It would involve construction of a 414 MW large wind energy conversion system consisting of 67 to 74 wind turbines and an associated 31-mile transmission line, which would connect the wind facility to the existing Brookings-to-Hampton transmission line via a new switching station.  

 

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission must approve a certificate of need, a site permit, and a route permit before the proposed Plum Creek Wind Project can be built. 

 

The final EIS for the Plum Creek Wind Project can be viewed online at Commerce’s Energy Facilities page.  Select “Wind Turbines” and then select “Plum Creek Wind Project.” The EIS can also be viewed through the Public Utilities Commission website.  Select “eDockets,” enter the year (“18”) and the docket number (“699,””700,” or “701”), and then select “Search.” 

 

Print copies of the final EIS will only be available upon request; electronic copies of the final EIS will also be available.  The Plum Creek Wind Project EIS was issued in draft form on January 11, 2021.  Comments on the draft EIS were accepted through February 1, 2021. 

 

 

The Public Utilities Commission process for certificate of need, site permit and route permit, as proscribed by state law, provides for citizen participation and includes several opportunities for public input such as public meetings, public comment periods, and public hearings. The information gathered throughout the permitting process informs the Public Utilities Commission’s final decision on a certificate of need and permit.  

 

 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce mission is to protect all Minnesotans in their everyday financial transactions by investigating and evaluating services, and advocating that they be fair, accessible and affordable. Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what. The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Learn more at mn.gov/commerce.  

 

Mo Schriner, Director of Communications 

651-363-1227  |  mo.schriner@state.mn.us