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1.2. How is the request consistent with City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan? <br /> The proposed project supports the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan (Adopted May 19, 2014) in <br /> several ways: <br /> Preserve and maintain the environment(pg. 7) <br /> • Elk River seeks to promote clean air and water in the management, development, and delivery of <br /> municipal services. <br /> The proposed project is integral to Great River Energy's plan to increase the share of our energy <br /> supplied from renewable energy resources while ensuring reliable electric services.The project <br /> can produce electricity when renewable power production is low to ensure that the lights can <br /> stay on. Emissions from, and water use by,the proposed combustion turbine will be lower than <br /> those from the former ERERS. <br /> • Development must be served by well maintained and reliable infrastructure. <br /> Great River Energy has a long track history of maintaining our facilities to ensure that when <br /> electric power demand increases,we have the power sources available. <br /> • Development seeks to incorporate and blend the built and natural environments. <br /> Great River Energy's Elk River Campus has a long and prominent history in Elk River, including <br /> electricity production.The proposed project is consistent with this history and will ensure the <br /> local families and businesses have a local and reliable power supply. Reliability is a main tenant <br /> of our corporate mission. Additionally,the proposed project will not impact the pollinator- <br /> friendly habitat or other vegetated areas Great River Energy has created on the campus. <br /> • As Energy City, Elk River seeks to promote sustainable and energy efficient forms of <br /> development. <br /> As noted above, one of the drivers for the proposed project is to facilitate an increase in power <br /> being provided by sustainable and renewable resources such as wind and solar while retaining <br /> the high reliability. <br /> Promote the expansion of industrial uses in those areas identified in the Land Use Plan. Ensure that the <br /> expansion complements existing uses, protects the natural environment, and respects the surrounding <br /> neighborhoods. (pg.43) <br /> The subject parcel is currently zoned as Light Industrial and this zoning classification is maintained in the <br /> Future Land Use Map.The proposed project is consistent with this zoning classification. Great River <br /> Energy will continue to operate as a neighbor in good standing with the businesses, residences, and <br /> municipal operations that are near the campus. <br /> 2. Hours of Operation <br /> The proposed combustion turbine will be available 24 hours per day and 365 days per year for MISO to <br /> call upon to run. <br /> 3. Number of Employees <br /> Existing staff who operate and maintain the existing 200 MW combustion turbine may be sufficient to <br /> operate and maintain the proposed new combustion turbine. As discussions progress with the <br /> equipment vendors,we will explore staffing needs. If additional staff are determined to be necessary, <br /> we presently anticipate needing no more than two new staff. <br /> Currently seven full-time equivalent, permanent staff are assigned to operate and maintain the existing <br /> 200 MW combustion turbine.Approximately 130 staff are off iced within the Elk River Campus. <br /> Project Narrative 2 <br /> Great River Energy—Proposed Combustion Turbine Addition <br />