2015-23320. Alcoa Power Generating, Inc.; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests

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

a. Type of Application: Request for a Temporary Variance from Minimum Flow and Reservoir Level Requirements—Article 33.

b. Project No.: 2197-108.

c. Date Filed: September 4, 2015.

d. Applicant: Alcoa Power Generating, Inc. (licensee).

e. Name of Project: Yadkin Hydroelectric Project.

f. Location: Davidson, Davie, Montgomery, Rowan, and Stanly counties, North Carolina.

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

h. Applicant Contact: Mark Gross, Vice President of Hydro Operations, [phone], or [e-mail].

i. FERC Contact: Alicia Burtner, [phone], or [e-mail].

j. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, protests, and recommendations is 30 days from the issuance date of this notice by the Commission.

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-2197-108) on any comments, motions, or recommendations filed.

k. Description of Request: The licensee requests a temporary variance from the requirements of license Article 33, which mandates the implementation of the Reservoir Operating Guides. The requirements, as amended in 1968, pertain to minimum flows and reservoir levels at the four project developments. The licensee is required to maintain a minimum 900 cubic feet per second (cfs) daily average flow and a 1,400 cfs weekly average minimum flow. Article 33 also stipulates a rule curve relating reservoir levels of the upstream High Rock reservoir to the downstream Badin (Narrows) reservoir level seasonally. The licensee indicates that, as a result of ongoing drought conditions throughout the watershed, it consulted with its Drought Management Team to determine alternative operating procedures to conserve water. The licensee requests that the weekly minimum flow requirement be reduced to a 1,200 cfs average, and it outlines additional modifications to daily and weekly minimum flows based on conditions, updated mid-month.

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/​elibrary.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 email [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: 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 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 minimum flows and/or impoundment levels at the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project, which are the subject of the variance. 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.

Dated: September 10, 2015.

Kimberly D. Bose,

Secretary.