Energy Facilities

Project docket

Excelsior Energy, Inc (Excelsior) is proposing to construct and operate a coal-feedstock Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (“IGCC”) power plant.  The proposed power plant will be constructed in two phases; each phase will be capable of producing approximately 600 MW (net) of baseload power.

  

Minnesota rule Chapter 4400.0675, Joint Processing, allows an applicant to combine applications for a LEPGP site permit, a HVTL route permit and a pipeline route permit into a single, joint filing.  Excelsior Energy, filed a joint application for a LEPGP site permit, a HVTL routing permit and a pipeline routing permit on June 19, 2006.

   

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected the Mesaba Energy Project under the Clean Coal Power Initiative Round 2 solicitation for negotiation of a Cooperative Agreement.  Under the Cooperative Agreement DOE would provide financial assistance for the proposed project.  On October 5, 2005, DOE published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register (70 FR 58207).  It is DOE’s intent to prepare, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, an EIS that will fulfill the requirements of both the Federal and State environmental review processes.

   

Each phase consists of two CTG (approximately 220 MW each) and one STG (approximately 300 MW).  Three gasifers, two on-line and one off-line during operation, will supply the CTG with syngas.  Power generated from the project will be interconnected to the regional electrical grid via high voltage transmission lines, either at the Blackberry or Forbes substations depending on which site (i.e., West Range or East Range, respectively) is selected.

 

File register
Date	Project name	Description
February 09, 2010	OES-EFP Staff Comments and Recommendations: Final Decision Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Attached are the comments and recommendations of the Office of Energy Security (OES) Energy Facility Permitting (EFP) Staff in the above stated matter, including cover letter, staff papers, proposed FOF, proposed LEPGP, HVTL & Pipeline Permits
December 31, 2009	Administrative Law Judge's Report on the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Administrative Law Judge Steve M. Mihalchick conducted evidentiary and public hearings at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on January 29, 2008, at the Taconite Community Center in Taconite, Minnesota, and at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on January 30, 2008, at the Hoyt Lakes Arena in Hoyt Lakes
December 14, 2009	Public Comments on the Final EIS	Public comments submitted to the ALJ on the Final EIS
November 16, 2009	Public Notice: Availability of the Final EIS	PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Mesaba Energy Project (PUC Docket E6472/GS-06-668) for public comment
November 16, 2009	Final EIS: Mesaba Energy Project	the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Mesaba Energy Project (PUC Docket E6472/GS-06-668) for public comment
September 02, 2008	MPCA comment letter date August 12, 2008 | document details	This letter is being sent as a follow up to MPCA written comments, submitted January 11, 2008
January 28, 2008	DOC EFP exhibit list for the public hearing | document details	The Department Energy Facility permitting staff entered 44 exhibits into the record
January 21, 2008	Excelsior Energy press release concerning use of zero liquid discharge on the west range site | document details	Excelsior Energy announced today that it has reached an agreement with governmental leaders on the Iron Range to undertake a major regional water quality improvement program in connection with its Mesaba Energy Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (“IGCC”) power generation project
January 11, 2008	Public Comments on the DEIS	Comments received from the public on the draft environmental impact statement
January 11, 2008	Governmental Agency Comments on the DEIS	Comments received from governmental agencies on the draft environmental impact statement
January 08, 2008	Notice of Public Hearings, January 28 at Taconite and January 30 at Hoyt Lakes | document details	PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Public Hearings will be held on the Joint Permit Application submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) by Excelsior Energy (Excelsior) concerning the proposed Mesaba Energy Project
December 26, 2007	Letter from Ed Anderson and DOC EFP staff response | document details	On December 17, 2007 the DOC EFP staff received a letter from Ed Anderson requesting clarification of certain rule procedures. On December 26, 2007 the DOC EFP staff responded to Mr. Anderson's letter
December 24, 2007	Sixth Pre-Hearing Order | document details	On December 21, 2007, Excelsior Energy Inc., as allowed by the fifth prehearing order, provided notice of substitution of a witness sponsoring the testimony of another witness and requested permission to exempt a specific witness from attending one Stage Two session
November 28, 2007	Transcript: DEIS Information/Comment Meeting, Hoyt lakes, MN | document details	Transcript from the Mesaba Energy Project DEIS meeting on November 28, 2007, in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota
November 27, 2007	Transcript: DEIS Information/Comment Meeting, Taconite, MN | document details	Transcript from the Mesaba Energy Project DEIS meeting on November 27, 2007, in Taconite, Minnesota
November 19, 2007	Fifth Pre-Hearing Order | document details	On November 16, 2007, a telephone scheduling conference was held..
November 05, 2007	DEIS	Joint DOC and DOE Draft Environmental Impact Statement
October 29, 2007	Notice of Availibility of Draft EIS and Public Meeting | document details	PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Mesaba Energy Project (PUC Docket E6472/GS-06-668) for public comment, as well as the dates, locations and times for public meetings
May 01, 2007	Fourth Prehearing Order | document details	On May 1, 2007, Excelsior Energy Inc., on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiaries MEP-I LLC and MEP-II LLC, (Excelsior or Applicant) submitted a letter requesting that the schedule in this matter be revised. The revision is necessary because the Draft EIS being prepared by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy is now expected to be completed and ready for public release by June 30, 2007
March 15, 2007	Prepared Supplemental Testimony: Excelsior Energy	Enclosed please find the Prepared Supplemental Testimony and Exhibits of Robert Evans
February 02, 2007	OAH Docket No. 12-2500-17512-2: Mesaba Energy Project Second Pre-Hearing Order | document details	A telephone prehearing conference was held 1/31/07, before ALJs.
January 19, 2007	OAH Docket No. 12-2500-17512-2: Mesaba Energy Project First Pre-Hearing Conference Order | document details	A prehearing conference was held 9/26/06, in the Commission's large hearing room before ALJs
January 16, 2007	Prepared Direct Testimony: Excelsior Energy	Prepared Direct Testimony & Exhibits of Excelsior Energy, Inc., MEP-I LLC and MEP II LLC
December 27, 2006	US Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers 12/13/06 & 12/27/06 Comment Letters | document details	USCOE Comment Letters
November 07, 2006	Excelsior Energy's response to public comments on the scope of the EIS | document details	Excelsior Energy's response to public comments on the scope of the EIS
October 13, 2006	Excelsior Energy letter to ALJ (10-13-2006) | document details	Excelsior Energy letter to ALJ regarding MCEA comments
October 13, 2006	Assistant AG letter to ALJ (10-13-2006) | document details	Assistant AG letter to ALJ regarding MCEA comments
October 06, 2006	Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy letter to ALJ Mihalchick | document details	Response to issues raised at the September 26, 2006, prehearing conference
October 06, 2006	Excelsior Energy letter to ALJ Mihalchick | document details	Response to the issues raised at the September 26, 2006, prehearing conference
September 13, 2006	EIS Scoping Decision: Mesaba Energy Project | document details	The above matter has came before the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce (the Department) for a decision on the content of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be prepared in consideration of the Joint Permit Application for the proposed Mesaba Energy Project from Excelsior Energy
September 07, 2006	Final Comments of the Mesaba Citizens Advisory Task Force | document details	Final Comments on the Mesaba Citizens Advisory Task Force on the Scope of the EIS and additional items included in the PUC issued charge of the Task Force
September 06, 2006	Transcript of August 22, 2006 Public Informational/EIS Scoping Meeting | document details	The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) held two public informational and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping meetings for the Mesaba Energy Project on consecutive nights in the vicinities of the preferred and alternative site in northeastern Minnesota
September 06, 2006	Transcript of August 23, 2006 Public Informational/EIS Scoping Meeting | document details	The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) held two public informational and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping meetings for the Mesaba Energy Project on consecutive nights in the vicinities of the preferred and alternative site in northeastern Minnesota
September 06, 2006	Public comments received following the Public Informational/EIS Scoping Meeting | document details	Public Comments
September 06, 2006	DNR comment letter on the EIS Scope | document details	The DNR has reviewed the EIS Draft Scoping Document for the proposed Mesaba Energy Project in northeastern Minnesota
September 05, 2006	Additional Public Comment Letters (EIS Scope) | document details	Public comment letters on EIS scope
August 03, 2006	Public Notice: Mesaba Energy Project, Informational & EIS Scoping Meetings Scheduled for August 22 and 23 | document details	The DOC will conduct two public information/scoping meetings in which details concerning the proposed Mesaba Project will be presented and governmental agencies, organizations, and the general public will be afforded an opportunity to ask questions and provide input into the EIS scoping decision
August 01, 2006	Notice of the appointment of a Citizens Advisory Task Force for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Notice indicating the members that have been selected for the Mesaba Energy Project Citizens Advisory Task Force
July 31, 2006	MPCA comment letter on the Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Pursuant to agreements with the DOC, the MPCA staff has reviewed the pertinent section of the Joint Permit Application submitted by Excelsior Energy for the Mesaba Energy Project
July 28, 2006	PUC Order concerning the Mesaba Energy Joint Permit Application | document details	Order accepting the Joint Permit Application
July 10, 2006	Department of Commerce solictation letter: Mesaba Energy Project/Advisory Task Force | document details	Staff of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Energy Facilities Permitting Unit (EFP Staff) are soliciting individuals to serve as members of a Citizens Advisory Task Force.
July 06, 2006	Citizen Advisory Task Force: Structure and Charge | document details	The DOC EFP staff has prepared a suggested structure and charge in the event that the Commission authorizes the creation of a citizen advisory task force
July 05, 2006	Citizen Comments Regarding the Matters before the PUC on July 6, 2006 | document details	Citizen comments
July 05, 2006	Draft Scoping Document: Mesaba Energy Project | document details	The purpose of the EIS scoping process is to reduce the scope and bulk of the EIS by identifying the potentially significant issues and alternatives requiring analysis. In determining the scope of the EIS the DOC solicits the input of the public on the appropriate issues and alternatives to address.
June 26, 2006	DOC Energy Facility Permitting staff comments and recommendations on the Mesaba Energy Project Joint Permit Application | document details	The Department EFP staff recommends acceptance of the Joint Permit Application with the understanding that any additional information necessary for processing the application will be provided promptly
June 26, 2006	Letter from Carol Overland requesting appointment of a citizen advisory task force | document details	I ask that the Board appoint a Citizen Advisory Task Force in the above-entitled matter
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Title page and Table of Contents | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 1-Introduction | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 2-Overview of LEPGP Sites & HVTL/Pipeline Routes | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 3-Generating Plant Engineering & Operational Design | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 4-Transmission Line Engineering & Operational Design | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 5-Gas Pipeline Engineering & Operational Design | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 6-NonSite Specific Environmental Information | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 7-West Range Site Environmental Impacts | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 8-East Range Site Environmental Impacts | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 9-References | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Section 10-Agency Contacts | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Appendix 4-Natural Gas MSDS | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Appendix 7-East Range Water Quality Data | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Appendix 8-Market Analysis for Slag and Sulfur Produced by the IGCC Power Station | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Appendix 6-NPDES/State Disposal System Permit (West Range Site) | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Appendix 9-Water Appropriation Permit Application (West Range Site) | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Joint Permit Application: Appendix 5-Part 70/New Source Review Construction Authorization Permit (West Range Site) | document details	Excelsior Energy Inc. Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Environmental Supplement: Section 3-Environmental Consequences | document details	Excelsior Energy, Inc. submitted an Environmental Supplement to the Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Prject
June 19, 2006	Environmental Supplement: Section 2-Description of the Affected Environment | document details	Excelsior Energy submitted an Environmental Supplement to the Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Environmental Supplement: Section 1.1 through Section 1.8-Introduction | document details	Excelsior Energy, Inc. submitted an Environmental Supplement to the Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Environmental Supplement: Section 1.9 through 1.14 Introduction | document details	Excelsior Energy submitted an Environmental Supplement to the Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
June 19, 2006	Environmental Supplement: Table of Contents | document details	Excelsior Energy, Inc. submitted an Environmental Supplement to the Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project
May 26, 2006	US Corp of Engineers Comment Letter addressing Wetland Delineations | document details	We have reviewed the draft wetland delineation reports and concur that the wetland boundaries on the property appear to have been established in accordance with Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987)
May 05, 2006	DNR Comment Letter on the Draft Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	The DNR has reviewed the Draft LEPGP/HVTL/Pipeline permit application for Excelsior Energy's proposed Mesaba project
May 04, 2006	MPCA Comment Letter on the Draft Joint Permit Application for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Pursuant to agreements with the MDOC, the MPCA staff has reviewed the pertinent sections of the draft LEPGP/HVTL/Pipeline permit application submitted by Excelsior Energy for the Mesaba Energy Project
December 14, 2005	US EPA letter addressing EIS scope | document details	US EPA comments on EIS scoping
November 21, 2005	Public Comments/Response to DOE Scoping Meeting | document details	Various public comments
November 21, 2005	Public Comment/Response to DOE Scoping Meeting | document details	Additional public comments
October 26, 2005	Transcript of Proceedings: Mesaba Energy Project Public Scoping Meeting, Hoyt Lakes | document details	Transcript of public meeting
October 26, 2005	DOE Scoping Power Point Presentation | document details	October 25th & 26th DOE Presentation
October 25, 2005	Transcript of Proceeding: Mesaba Energy Project Public Scoping Meeting, Taconite | document details	Public Meeting Transcript
October 06, 2005	DOE Notice of Public Scoping Meeting for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	DOE Public Notice
October 05, 2005	Department of Energy: Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statment for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	DOE Notice of Intent
October 05, 2005	Department of Energy: Notice of Intent Published in Federal Register | document details	The DOE announces its intent to prepare an EIS pursuant to the NEPA to assess the potential environmental impacts of a project proposed by Excelsior Energy, Inc
August 29, 2005	Excelsior Energy, Inc.: Press Release | document details	Excelsior Energy announced it has selected the preferred and alternative sites for its Mesaba Energy Project Unit I
August 09, 2005	DOE Cooperative Agency Letters | document details	Please reply at your earliest convenience to indicate whether your agency has an interest in becoming a cooperating agency on the EIS
June 01, 2005	Excelsior Energy annouces candidate site for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Potential location for Iron Range electric power facility
March 14, 2005	Letter from Excelsior Energy Inc. requesting EQB to establish a docket for the Mesaba Energy Project | document details	Mesaba Energy Project