[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31045]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: December 19, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
Section 4(e) Conditions for the Kerr Hydroelectric Project,
Montana
AGENCY: Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Extension of Public Comment Period.
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SUMMARY: On November 22, 1994 (59 FR 60158), the Department of the
Interior published a notice of availability and a request for comment
regarding its proposed Section 4(e) conditions for the Kerr
Hydroelectric Project license. In an effort to allow more time for
public participation the Department is extending the comment period for
an additional 45 days. Pursuant to the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C.
797(e), the proposed conditions provide for the adequate protection and
utilization of the Flathead Indian Reservation and the Fish and
Wildlife Service administered Flathead Waterfowl Production Area.
DATES: The Department will consider all comments on the proposed
section 4(e) conditions received on or before February 6, 1995 in the
formulation of the Secretary's final section 4(e) conditions for the
Kerr Hydroelectric Project.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to Anne Crichton, Department of the
Interior, Office of the Solicitor, 1849 C Street, NW., Mail Stop 6456,
Washington, DC 20240.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice Schneider, Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor,
1849 C Street, NE., Mail Stop 6456, Washington, DC 20240, 202-208-6967.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The November 22, 1994 (59 FR 60158) notice
of availability and request for comment provided a 30 day period during
which the Department would receive comments regarding its proposed
Section 4(e) conditions for the Kerr Hydroelectric Project. Pursuant to
the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 797(e), the proposed conditions
provide for the adequate protection and utilization of the Flathead
Indian Reservation and the Fish and Wildlife Service administered
Flathead Waterfowl Production Area. The proposed conditions for the
Flathead Indian Reservation provide for the imposition of a base load
operational scenario at the Kerr Project. This operational scenario
precludes the use of Kerr Dam as a load regulating or peak power
generation facility, and requires minimum flows, certain restrictions
on flow fluctuations (ramping rates), and a two year ramping rate
study. In addition, the proposed conditions provide for non-operational
measures designed to protect and provide for adequate utilization of
the Flathead Indian Reservation in conjunction with operational
measures. The non-operational measures include the development of a
Fish and Wildlife Implementation Strategy, development of an
operational rule curve, habitat acquisition, habitat development,
fishery supplementation and reintroduction, development of recreational
resources, and the identification and protection of cultural resources
on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The proposed conditions for the
Flathead WPA provide for the imposition of erosion control on the north
shore of Flathead Lake and the upper Flathead River, island
restoration, and habitat acquisition and development. The costs of all
measures will be borne by the project licensees.
The deadline for comment on the proposed Section 4(e) conditions is
extended for 45 days by this notice. The comment period, which began on
November 22, 1994, therefore, consists of a total of 75 days. All
comments are due to the Department on or before February 6, 1995. In
addition, the Department will be making available two technical reports
that further support the proposed Section 4(e) conditions, the ``Kerr
Hydro-electric Project Report'' by Stetson Engineers, Inc., and ``An
Evaluation of the Wildlife Components of the Kerr Dam Project
Mitigation and Management Plan and Recommended Section 4(e) Articles''
by BioSystems Analysis, Inc. The proposed conditions and the above
referenced reports are available for review and copying at the
Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC in room
6443. Copies of the proposed Section 4(e) conditions and the above
referenced reports will be made available to all interested parties
upon request.
Dated: December 12, 1994.
Willie R. Taylor,
Acting Director, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance.
[FR Doc. 94-31045 Filed 12-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-02-M
