Exploratory meeting #3

Will there need to be new power poles installed to access either of the proposed sites?  

• No.  NorthWestern Energy has committed to use a low-profile substation design at whichever site is selected.  This design uses underground transmission and distribution into the site and will require no additional power poles or lines to be installed. 
   

The project costs projected by NorthWestern Energy indicate that the Rainham site will be more expensive.  Does this mean that it is no longer under consideration?

• The Rainham site is more expensive to build due to the site work needed, screening, and electric distribution requirements. NorthWestern is prepared to accept this higher cost if the Rainham site is ultimately selected and believes that there is a reasonable chance of regulatory approval based on meeting the MT Public Service Commission’s "Reasonably adequate service and facilities" and "Reasonable and just" rates criteria. 
   

What sort of impact will the construction process have on drivers? And once construction is complete, how much traffic will there be to the facility?

• One of NorthWestern Energy’s main constructability requirements is access and has been a challenge at both the Midway and Rainham sites. However, NorthWestern’s disturbance will only be temporary. During site development and construction large trucks would need to access the site and that would only last while snow is not present at the site. Pulling past the entrance is actually a benefit by saving space and trees, while not needing extra room for a large turnaround area. Our team would also take input on how to improve Ridgeback Road if adjacent landowners see the need. NorthWestern’s access to the site after construction will only include a monthly check of the facility and access during infrequent maintenance or outage scenarios.
   

One of the purported benefits of the Rainham site is that the existing stand of trees at the site could screen a facility.  Won’t the construction process require many of those trees to be removed?

• Tree screening at the site is very important and will help conceal the site. NorthWestern’s civil site contractor’s initial plans are to disturb as few trees as possible and the engineering team has reduced the footprint of the site multiple times to protect existing trees and make the site less visible. With the use of masonry walls, low vertical height equipment, and additional tree screening, NorthWestern feels the site can be concealed while protecting the view shed for landowners and visitors.
   

How close are the nearest homes to the proposed sites?

• Using satellite imagery, NorthWestern Energy’s engineering team has determined that the closest homeowners are approximately 510 feet from the proposed Rainham site and 400 feet from the Midway site.