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More about the upcoming pipe cleaning procedure <br />The cleaning is essential to the safe and reliable operation of the natural gas combustion <br />turbine being constructed for our new peaking facility (see map). For the cleaning, we <br />will send natural gas through the pipe at high velocity to remove any debris in the pipe <br />prior to connecting it to the combustion turbine. This cleaning procedure is common with <br />all new gas turbine installations. We do not expect to have to repeat the cleaning <br />process during the 30-year life of the plant. <br />During the cleaning, a loud, low-pitched sound much like that of a hot air balloon burner <br />will be produced and it may sound as loud as the train horn as it passes through Elk <br />River. There will be approximately 15-20 intermittent flushes, each lasting between 30 <br />seconds and 4 minutes, with most of flushes lasting about 1 minute. <br />Again, this is a very common procedure and there is no need for concern. The natural <br />gas that will be released into the air during this process will rise and dissipate very <br />quickly. As an added safety precaution, we will collect and monitor air samples <br />throughout the process. <br />If the pipe cleaning is delayed due to weather or other causes, the cleaning may be <br />rescheduled to one of the following dates: <br />• Alternate 1: Saturday, January 31St, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm <br />• Alternate 2: Saturday, February 7th, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm <br />• Alternate 3: Saturday, February 14th, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm <br />If you have any questions about the pipe cleaning or open house, please contact Mark <br />Strohfus at (763) 445-5210 or MStrohfus(a~GREnergy.com. <br />Sincerely, <br />Wayne Hanson, <br />Director, Minnesota Generation <br />cc: Rebecca Haug, Elk River Environmental Administrator <br />bcc: Wayne Hanson <br />Tim Steinbeck <br />Vince Herda <br />