Biomass Feasibility Project Final Report - Xcel Energy

Surface Water
If a facility is to rely on surface waters some of the primary considerations relate to the
maintenance of habitat quality and the ability to continue to use a water body for existing and
higher priority uses.
More information regarding water appropriations permit requirements can be found at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/appropriations/permits.html.
Water Discharge Permit
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is responsible for the issuance of water discharge
permits. A power plant may require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
and/or a State Disposal System (SDS) permit. If required, these permits must be issued prior to the
start of construction. Further information can be found on the MPCA website at
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/permits/index.html.
Public Waters Work Permit
A bio-power project that will impact a body of water may require a public waters work permit.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is the agency responsible for these permits.
Information regarding the requirements for these is available at
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/pwpermits/requirements.html.
UTILITY INTERCONNECTION AND RATE AGREEMENTS
The terms of utility interconnection and rate agreements will vary depending on project size.
Minnesota has enacted a number of measures to facilitate the interconnection of small
distributed generating facilities. Facilities with generating capacity of 10 MW or less are eligible
for standardized interconnection and rate agreements. Larger facilities must negotiate a PPA
with a purchasing utility, or choose to sell power to the wholesale market.
Utility Interconnection
With direction from the legislature, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has established
standards relating to the interconnection process and requirements for electric generators of 10
MW or less. The order establishing these standards is available here
https://www.edockets.state.mn.us/EFiling/ShowFile.doDocNumber=1904618.
In addition, local utilities may have information regarding the interconnection process on their
websites.
Facilities larger than 10 MW are not governed by the standardized requirements. Those
interested in a plant larger than 10 MW should contact their local utility to enquire about the
interconnection process.
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Identifying Effective Biomass Strategies:
Quantifying Minnesota’s Resources and Evaluating Future Opportunities