Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Transcription

1 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Scoping of Environmental Issues for the Potter Valley Project June 28, 2017

2 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Independent Regulatory Agency Five member Commission Appointed by President Confirmed by the Senate Chairman designated by President

3 Regulation Electric Power Natural Gas Oil Pipelines Hydroelectric Projects

4 Hydropower Program Licensees Resource agencies Tribes NGOs Local stakeholders LICENSE ADMINISTRATION & COMPLIANCE

5 Why are we here? Identify potential environmental effects, issues, concerns and opportunities associated with the relicensing of the existing project and alternatives Identify information and study needs that will ultimately be used to develop operational and environmental recommendations

6 What do we talk about? Existing conditions at the project Resource management objectives Existing information Study needs Process plan Cooperating agency status

7 Agenda Introduction FERC Staff Description of Project Applicant Status of Proceeding Applicant Agency and Public Comments Discussion of Other Issues

8 Procedural Issues Sign-in sheets Handouts Other Resources (ferc.gov, etc.) Court reporter Transcripts

9 Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) Created in 2003, now default process Early issue identification and study plan development Established time frames

10 Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) NOI/PAD Scoping/ Process Plan Study Plan Dev. Studies/ Application Dev. 1 year 1-2 years Application filed REA Notice EA/EIS Order 1.5 years

11 Initial Steps NOI/PAD Scoping/ Process Plan Study Plan Dev. Studies/ Application Dev. 1 year 1-2 years Identifies and contacts potential stakeholders Gathers available information Applicant files Notice of Intent (NOI) and Pre-Application Document (PAD)

12 The Purpose of the PAD Brings together all existing, relevant, and reasonably available information Provides basis for identifying issues, data gaps, and study needs In the form of a NEPA document Foundation for future documents

13 Scoping NOI/PAD Scoping/ Process Plan Study Plan Dev. Studies/ Application Dev. 1 year 1-2 years Scoping meetings are held early within 90 days of NOI/PAD Process plan is refined - to integrate other agency processes and milestones

14 Purposes of Scoping Identify significant issues for analysis Identify cumulatively affected resources Identify reasonable alternatives for analysis Identify issues and resources not requiring detailed analysis

15 Resource Issue Categories Geology and Soils Water Resources Aquatic Resources Terrestrial Resources Threatened and Endangered Species Recreation

16 Resource Categories, Ctd. Land Use Aesthetic Resources Socioeconomic Resources Cultural Resources Developmental Resources

17 Scoping Document 1 EIS Preparation Schedule Proposed EIS Outline Comprehensive Plans Mailing List Process Plan and Schedule How to Comment

18 Study Plan Development NOI/PAD Scoping/ Process Plan Study Plan Dev. Studies/ Application Dev. 1 year 1-2 years Applicant prepares Proposed Study Plan Stakeholders meet to discuss studies and resolve issues Applicant submits Revised Study Plan FERC staff approves Study Plan with changes

19 Study Request Criteria Goals and objectives of study Relevant resource management goals Public interest considerations Information existing and need for more Study nexus and how results would help Method and how it s consistent with accepted practice Study effort, cost, need if it s an alternative study

20 Conduct Studies and Prepare Application NOI/PAD Scoping/ Process Plan Study Plan Dev. Studies/ Application Dev. 1 year 1-2 years Applicant conducts studies Applicant files study reports for stakeholder review each year Applicant prepares Preliminary Licensing Proposal

21 Impementable Licenses Minimize Post-Licensing Plans License application should contain detailed plans for implementing any proposed environmental or other measures Examples: water quality monitoring plans; recreation plans; HPMPs Ensures timely implementation of needed measures, reduces workload following license issuance

22 File Application Applicant files application FERC Staff reviews application Application filed REA Notice EA/EIS Order 1.5 years

23 Ready for Environmental Analysis FERC staff asks for comments, recommendations and conditions Agencies file recommendations and conditions Some are mandatory Application filed REA Notice EIS Order 1.5 years

24 Environmental Document Staff prepares analysis Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Staff makes licensing recommendation to the Commission Application filed REA Notice EIS Order 1.5 years

25 Licensing Decision Commissioners review project record Commission makes licensing decision Application filed REA Notice EIS Order 1.5 years

26 Initial Potter Valley Project Process Schedule FERC s study plan determination 2/15/18 Do 1 st and 2 nd year studies 2018 & 2019 File preliminary license proposal or draft Application 11/15/2019 File License Application 4/14/2020

27 Upcoming Milestones Comments on PAD, SD1, and study requests due August 4, 2017 FERC issues SD2 September 18, 2017 Applicant files Proposed Study Plan September 18, 2017 Study Plan Meeting October?, 2017