2011-9068. City and Borough of Sitka, AK; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Ready for Environmental Analysis, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, Protests, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Fishway Prescriptions

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

a. Type of Application: Amendment of License.

b. Project No.: 2230-044.

c. Date Filed: November 23, 2010; supplemented by filings on March 10 and April 6, 2011.

d. Applicant: City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska.

e. Name of Project: Blue Lake Project.

f. Location: The project is located on Sawmill Creek in the Borough of Sitka, Alaska. The project occupies federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Tongass National Forest.

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

h. Applicant Contact: City and Borough of Sitka, Electric Department, Attn: Christopher Brewton, Utility Director, 105 Jarvis Street, Sitka, Alaska 99835 [phone].

i. FERC Contact: Mr. Steven Sachs [phone] or [e-mail].

j. Deadline for filing motions to intervene and protests, comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and fishway prescriptions is 60 days from the issuance date of this notice; reply comments are due 105 days from the issuance date of this notice.

All documents may be filed electronically via the Internet. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​efiling.asp. If unable to be filed electronically, documents may be paper-filed. To paper-file, an original and seven copies should be mailed to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. 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.

Please include the project number (P-2230-044) on any comments, motions, recommendations, or terms and conditions filed.

k. Description of Request: The applicant proposes to increase the height of the project's concrete arch dam by 83 feet and to construct a new water intake in the reservoir 109 feet above the existing intake. The higher maximum reservoir elevation would inundate an additional 362 acres of Forest Service lands within the Tongass National Forest. The proposal also includes the construction of a new Blue Lake Unit powerhouse containing three 5.3 megawatt (MW) turbine-generator units near the existing powerhouse. Additionally, the Fish Valve Unit would be replaced with a new 1 MW turbine-generator unit and the 870 kilowatt Pulp Mill Feeder Unit would be decommissioned. The project's total installed capacity would change from an existing 7.5 MWs to 16.9 MWs. The licensee also proposes to construct a new underground surge chamber located about a quarter mile up the power conduit from the powerhouse on land owned by the licensee.

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 Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/​docs-filing/​efiling.asp. 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 e-mail [e-mail], for TTY, call [phone]. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item (h) above.

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, .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: All filings must (1) Bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, “MOTION TO INTERVENE”, “TERMS AND CONDITIONS” or “FISHWAY PRESCRIPTIONS” 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 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 and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). All comments, motions to intervene, or protests should relate to project works which are the subject of the amendment. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. A copy of any protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative of the applicant specified in the particular application. If an intervener 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. A copy of all other filings in reference to this application 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 4.34(b) and 385.2010.

p. As provided for in 18 CFR 4.34(b)(5)(i), a license applicant must file, no later than 60 days following the date of issuance of this notice of acceptance and ready for environmental analysis: (1) A copy of the water quality certification; (2) a copy of the request for certification, including proof of the date on which the certifying agency received the request; or (3) evidence of waiver of water quality certification.

Dated: April 8, 2011.

Kimberly D. Bose,

Secretary.