[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 14, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 2223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-837]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project 11561-000, AK]
Alaska Village Electric Corporation; Notice of Alaska Village
Electric Corporation's Request To Use Alternative Procedures in Filing
a License Application
January 8, 1998.
The preliminary permit holder, Alaska Village Electric Corporation
(AVEC), has asked to use an alternative procedure in filing an
application for original license for the proposed Old Harbor
Hydroelectric Project No. 11561.\1\ AVEC has demonstrated that they
have made an effort to contact all resource agencies, Indian Tribes,
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and others affected by their
proposal, and that a consensus exists that the use of an alternative
procedure is appropriate in this case. AVEC has also submitted a
communication protocol that is supported by most interested entities.
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\1\ The 380-kilowatt project would be located on Kodiak Island,
near Old Harbor, Alaska, partially within the boundaries of the
Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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The purpose of this notice is to invite any additional comments on
AVEC's request to use the alternative procedure, as required under the
final rule for Regulations for the Licensing of Hydroelectric
Projects.\2\ Additional notices seeking comments on the specific
project proposal, interventions and protests, and recommended terms and
conditions will be issued at a later date.
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\2\ 81 FERC para. 61,103 (1997).
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The alternative procedure being requested here combines the
prefiling consultation process with the environmental review process,
allowing the applicant to complete and file an Environmental Assessment
(EA) in lieu of Exhibit E of the license application. This differs from
the traditional process, in which the applicant consults with agencies,
Indian tribes, and NGOs during preparation of the application for the
license and before filing it, but the Commission staff performs the
environmental review after the application is filed. The alternative
procedure is intended to simplify and expedite the licensing process by
combining the prefiling consultation and environmental review processes
into a single process, to facilitate greater participation, and to
improve communication and cooperation among the participants.
Applicant Prepared EA Process and Old Harbor Project Schedule
On November 13, 1997, AVEC distributed an Initial Stage
Consultation Document for the proposed project to state and federal
resource agencies, Indian tribes, and NGOs. AVEC scheduled a
consultation meeting and site visit for all interested parties on
December 15 and 16, 1997, respectively, to solicit study requests from
participants. Notices announcing the meeting and site visit were
published locally, as required by Commission regulations.
Public scoping meetings are planned for Spring 1998. Based on study
requests from the December 15, 1997, meeting, study plans would be
developed early in 1998. Studies would be conducted during spring,
summer, and fall 1998, as needed. The application, including the
applicant-prepared EA, would be filed with the Commission on or before
March 11, 1999, the expiration date of AVEC's preliminary permit.
Comments
Interested parties have 30 days from the date of this notice to
file with the Commission, any comments on AVEC's proposal to use the
alternative procedures to file an application for the Old Harbor
Hydroelectric Project.
Filing Requirements
The comments must be filed by providing an original and 8 copies as
required by the Commission's regulations to: Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, Office of the Secretary, Dockets--Room 1A, 888 First
Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426.
All comment filings must bear the heading ``Comments on the
Alternative Procedure,'' and include the project name and number (Old
Harbor Hydroelectric Project, No. 11561).
For further information, please contact Nan Allen of the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission at 202-219-2938 or E-mail at
[email protected]
David P. Boergers,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-837 Filed 1-13-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M
