[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68268-68269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32832]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project No. 11597-000, AK]
Ketchikan Public Utilities; Notice of Ketchikan Public Utilities
Request To Use Alternative Procedures in Filing a License Application
December 4, 1998.
The preliminary permit holder, Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU),
has asked to use an alternative procedure in filing an application for
original license for the proposed Whitman Lake Hydroelectric Project
No. 11597.\1\ KPU 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
[[Page 68269]]
this case. KPU has also submitted a communication protocol that is
supported by most interested entities.
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\1\ The 4,500-kilowatt project would be located on Whitman
Creek, in Ketchikan Gateway Borough Alaska, partially within the
Tongass National Forest.
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The purpose of this notice is to invite any additional comments on
KPU'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 Whitman Lake Project Schedule
On November 14, 1998, KPU distributed a schedule for the proposed
project to state and federal resource agencies, Indian tribes, and
NGOs. KPU scheduled a consultation meeting and site visit for all
interested parties in early January 1999. Notices announcing the
meeting and site visit would be published locally, as required by
Commission regulations.
Public scoping meetings are planned for Spring 1999. Based on study
requests from the January meetings, study plans would be developed
early in 1999. Studies would be conducted during spring, summer, and
fall 1999, as needed. The application, including the applicant-prepared
EA, would be filed with the Commission on or before May 2000, the
expiration date of KPU's preliminary permit is June 05, 2000.
Comments
Interested parties have 30 days from the date of this notice to
file with the Commission, any comments on KPU's proposal to use the
alternative procedures to file an application for the Whitman Lake
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
(Whitman Lake Hydroelectric Project, No. 11597).
For further information, call Gaylord Hoisington of the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission at (202) 219-2756, or E-mail
[email protected] Information is also available on the
web at www.ferc.fed.us. Call (202) 208-2222 for assistance.
David P. Boergers,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-32832 Filed 12-9-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M
