Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 138 - Public Utilities Commission
Chapter 7854 - SITE PERMIT; LARGE WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
Part 7854.1000 - FINAL SITE PERMIT DECISION

Subpart 1. Commission action.

Upon completion of the procedures and requirements of this chapter, the matter must be brought to the commission for a final decision. If a contested case hearing has been held, the commission shall act according to applicable requirements for action in a contested case proceeding. If no contested case hearing has been held, the commission shall compile the record that has been created and make a decision on the basis of that record.

Subp. 2. Time limit for decision.

The commission shall take final action on the application for a site permit for an LWECS within 180 days after acceptance of an application by the commission, unless the applicant agrees to an extension or the commission extends this deadline for cause.

Subp. 3. Determination by commission.

The commission shall not issue a site permit for an LWECS unless the commission determines that the project is compatible with environmental preservation, sustainable development, and the efficient use of resources, and the applicant has complied with this chapter.

Subp. 4. Conditions.

The commission may include in a site permit conditions for turbine type and designs, site layout and construction, and operation and maintenance of the LWECS, including the requirement to restore, to the extent possible, the area affected by construction of the LWECS to the natural conditions that existed immediately before construction of the LWECS and other conditions that the commission determines are reasonable to protect the environment, enhance sustainable development, and promote the efficient use of resources.

Subp. 5. Term.

The term of a site permit for an LWECS is 30 years. The commission may renew the permit for an appropriate period of time upon request of the permit holder.