[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 140 (Friday, July 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17287]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: July 22, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project Nos. 1417-001, 1835-013]
Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Nebraska
Public Power District; Notice Extending Time to Comment on Revised
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
July 18, 1994.
On April 1, 1994, the Commission issued a revised draft
environmental impact statement (RDEIS) on applications for relicensing
the Kingsley Dam Project No. 1417 and the North Plate/Keystone
Diversion Dam No. 1835. These two hydropower projects are located on
the North Platte, South Platte, and Platte Rivers in Nebraska. Comments
on the RDEIS are currently due on July 25, 1994.
Several parties have filed motions requesting or supporting an
extension of time to comment on the RDEIS. Interior seeks an extension
until August 12, 1994, to submit comments on the RDEIS that will
incorporate pulse flow recommendations to be included in its revised
recommendations under Section 10(j) of the Federal Power Act. EPA
requests a conference on water quality issues pursuant to its EIS
review authority, and seeks a further extension of the comment period
on the RDEIS to September 8, 1994, to permit the conference to be held.
Interior states that the pulse flow recommendations are its highest
priority and, together with its other Section 10(j) recommendations,
will form the basis for formal consultation with the Commission under
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. In view of the potential
significance of Interior's recommendations in these proceedings, the
extension is reasonable and will be granted.\1\
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\1\Because all parties will benefit from a prompt ruling and it
appears that no prejudice will result, this notice is being issued
in advance of the usual 15-day period for answers to Interior's
motion. See 18 CFR Sec. 385.213(d). After reviewing the parties'
comments on the RDEIS and Interior's revised Section 10(j)
recommendations, the Commission staff will determine how Interior's
revised recommendations should be incorporated into the EIS process
and will provide an additional opportunity for comment, if
appropriate.
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EPA states that a conference is needed to assist the parties in
evaluating the RDEIS and to discuss issues related to water quality,
such as minimum flows to meet water quality temperature standards and
the Commission's role under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
However, by letter dated July 12, 1994, Governor Nelson of Nebraska
questioned the need for a conference and informed the Commission that
the State has no plans to change or reconsider its Section 401
certifications for these projects. In view of the general nature of
EPA's request, the advanced stage of these proceedings, and the
information presented in Governor Nelson's letter, the Commission staff
has determined that there is no need for a conference on water quality
issues as part of the EIS process.
The comment period on the RDEIS is extended to August 12, 1994.
Anyone wishing to comment in writing on the RDEIS must do so by that
date. Comments must be filed with the Secretary, Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 825 North Capitol Street, NE., Washington, DC
20426. Comments should clearly reference the Kingsley Dam Project No.
1417 and the North Platte/Keystone Diversion Dam Project No. 1835 on
the first page.
For further information, please contact Frankie Green at (202) 501-
7704.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 94-17287 Filed 7-21-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M
