2018-27488. Notice of Application Accepted For Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests: Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection:

a. Application Type: Application for temporary variances from license requirements.

b. Project No.: 1999-073.

c. Date Filed: November 30, 2018.

d. Applicant: Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

e. Name of Project: Wausau Project.

f. Location: The project is located on the Wisconsin River, in the city of Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin.

g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791a-825r.

h. Applicant Contact: Mr. Todd Jastremski, [e-mail], 906-779-4099, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, 800 Industrial Park Drive, Iron Mountain, MI 49801.

i. FERC Contact: Ms. Diana Shannon, 202-502-6136, or [e-mail].

j. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: January 14, 2019.

The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please file motions to intervene, protests and comments using the Commission's eFiling system at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at [e-mail], [phone] (toll free), or [phone] (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. The first page of any filing should include docket number P-1999-073. Comments emailed to Commission staff are not considered part of the Commission record.

The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency.

k. Description of Request: The licensee plans to perform a series of maintenance activities at the project that would require temporary variances in reservoir elevation and flow requirements contained in its license. The work would require a reservoir drawdown from mid-April to November 2019, deviating from the requirements of article 402. Flow would continue to be released downstream of the project. However, recreational flows in the east channel that are required by article 403 would cease because of the reduction in reservoir elevations during the drawdown. Deviations from these license requirements are necessary to complete the planned work. The licensee included with its filing a reservoir drawdown plan, as required by article 405. The licensee also included documentation of consultation with various parties, including the city of Wausau, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office.

l. Locations of the Application: A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street NE, Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling [phone]. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or email [e-mail], for TTY, call [phone]. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item (h) above. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant.

m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission.

n. Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene: Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .212 and .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application.

o. Filing and Service of Responsive Documents: Any filing must (1) bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE” as applicable; (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person commenting, protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, motions to intervene, or protests must set forth their evidentiary basis. Any filing made by an intervenor must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 385.2010.

Dated: December 13, 2018.

Kimberly D. Bose,

Secretary.