[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 250 (Friday, December 29, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67353-67356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-31483]



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FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Project Nos. 1962-000, et al.]


Hydroelectric Applications (Pacific Gas & Electric Company, et 
al.); Notice of Applications

    Take notice that the following hydroelectric applications have been 
filed with the Commission and are available for public inspection:
    1a. Type of Application: New License.
    b. Project No.: 1962-000.
    c. Date Filed: September 28, 1979.
    d. Applicant: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
    e. Name of Project: Rock Creek-Cresta Project.
    f. Location: North Fork Feather River near the towns of Marysville 
and Oroville in Butte, Plumas, Sutter, and Yuba counties, California.
    g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 USC Secs. 791(a)-
825(r).
    h. Applicant Contact: Tom Jereb, Project Manager, Pacific Gas and 
Electric Company, P.O. Box 770000, Mail Code N11D, San Francisco, CA 
94177, (415) 973-9320.
    i. FERC Contact: James Haimes at (202) 219-2780.
    j. Deadline Date: February 16, 1996.
    k. Status of Environmental Analysis: This application is ready for 
environmental analysis at this time--see attached paragraph D6.
    l. Description of Existing Project: The constructed Rock Creek-
Cresta Project includes two developments--Rock Creek and Cresta. There 
are 

[[Page 67354]]
approximately 542 acres of United States lands within the project 
boundary, including 416.5 acres within Plumas National Forest. Most 
(292.6 acres) of the project's federal lands are occupied by project 
transmission line right-of-way.
    Rock Creek Development is comprised of the following facilities: 
(1) Rock Creek Dam, a 126-foot-high concrete gravity dam with overflow 
structure that has a crest length of 567 feet; (2) a primary spillway 
containing two 124-foot-wide bays, each controlled by a hydraulically 
operated drum gate; (3) a 22.5-foot-wide supplementary spillway, 
located to the west of the drum gates, controlled by a radial gate; (4) 
Rock Creek Reservoir, the 2.8-mile-long, 118-acre impoundment formed in 
1950 by Rock Creek Dam; (5) a reinforced concrete intake structure 
within the reservoir, about 100 feet upstream of the dam near the 
western abutment; (6) a 34,110-foot-long tunnel, varying in diameter 
from 19 to 25 feet, with an underground surge chamber; (7) two 
penstocks, 906 and 938 feet long, with diameters varying from 12 feet 
to 9.75 feet; (8) a reinforced concrete and steel frame powerhouse, 
located on the west bank of the river about 6.5 miles downstream from 
Rock Creek Dam, containing 2 vertical Francis turbines with a combined 
maximum hydraulic capacity of 3,660 cubic feet per second (cfs), each 
turbine rated at 73,500 horsepower (HP) (54.8 megawatts [MW]), and 
direct-connected to a generator with a capacity of 62.4 MW, resulting 
in a total turbine-controlled installed capacity of 109.6 MW; and (9) a 
switchyard, adjacent to the powerhouse, containing two 13.8/230-
kilovolt (kV) transformer banks.
    Cresta Development includes the following facilities: (1) Cresta 
Dam, a 114-foot-high concrete gravity dam with overflow structure that 
has a crest length of 377.5 feet; (2) a primary spillway containing two 
124-foot-wide bays, each controlled by a hydraulically operated drum 
gate; (3) a 22.5-foot-wide supplementary spillway, located to the east 
of the drum gates, controlled by a radial gate; (4) Cresta Reservoir, 
the 2.9-mile-long, 95-acre impoundment formed in 1949 by Cresta Dam; 
(5) a reinforced concrete intake structure within the reservoir, about 
100 feet upstream of the dam, near the eastern abutment; (6) a 21,080-
foot-long tunnel, varying in diameter from 19 to 26 feet, with an 
underground surge chamber; (7) two 12-foot-diameter steel penstocks, 
800 and 775 feet long; (8) a reinforced concrete, steel frame 
powerhouse, located on the east bank of the river about 4 miles 
downstream of Cresta Dam, containing 2 vertical Francis turbines with a 
combined maximum hydraulic capacity of 4,065 cfs, each turbine rated at 
46,500 HP (34.7 MW) and direct-connected to a generator having a 
capacity of 36.9 MW, resulting in a total turbine-controlled installed 
capacity of 69.4 MW; and (9) a switchyard, located adjacent to the 
powerhouse, containing two 11.5/230-kv transformer banks.
    The Rock Creek-Cresta Project also includes three 230-kilovolt 
transmission lines: (1) A 71.6-mile-long line from Rock Creek 
switchyard to the Rio Oso substation in the Sacramento Valley; (2) a 
7.7-mile-long line connecting the Rock Creek and Cresta switchyards; 
and (3) a 63.8-mile-long line from the Cresta switchyard to the Rio Oso 
substation.
    PG&E currently proposes to: (1) Continue operating the existing 
Rock Creek and Cresta Developments as peaking facilities to generate an 
average of 1,014.3 gigawatt-hours per year; (2) install at the Rock 
Creek powerhouse new runners on both turbines and new main 
transformers; (3) implement the provisions of its 1991 Fish and 
Wildlife Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game 
concerning the Rock Creek-Cresta Project; (4) construct, operate, and 
maintain handicapped-accessible public access areas for fishing and 
carry-in boating at Indian Bar on Rock Creek Reservoir and also at Rock 
Creek Inlet, located at the upper end of Cresta Reservoir, each area to 
include paved parking for 12 vehicles, one sealed-vault restroom, 
refuse containers, and signs; (5) install informational signs and 
traffic barriers to prevent the launching of trailered boats at the 
existing, undeveloped Chips Creek access area on Rock Creek reservoir; 
and (6) implement the sediment management measures filed with the 
Commission on November 6, 1995.
    By letters dated March 18, 1993, and February 13, 1995, PG&E 
informed the Commission that it was withdrawing several previously 
filed proposals to construct and operate: (1) Two water diversion 
facilities and associated conduits, which would have diverted flows 
from Jackass Creek and Chambers Creek into Rock Creek tunnel; and (2) 
additional facilities at the Rock Creek--Cresta Project.
    The following facilities that PG&E previously proposed to construct 
and operate at the Rock Creek Development are no longer included in the 
application for new license: (1) A small powerhouse at Rock Creek Dam 
containing one turbine-generator unit with a maximum hydraulic capacity 
of 108 cfs and an installed capacity of 750 kilowatts (kW); (2) an 
enlarged intake to and concrete liner in the unlined portions of Rock 
Creek tunnel, which would have increased this facility's hydraulic 
capacity; (3) a 14-foot-diameter, 500-foot-long steel penstock to serve 
a new turbine-generator; and (4) a new powerhouse containing one 
turbine-generator unit having a maximum hydraulic capacity of 2,000 cfs 
and an installed capacity of 78 MW.
    The following facilities that PG&E previously proposed to construct 
and operate at the Cresta Development are no longer included in the 
application for new license: (1) A small powerhouse at Cresta Dam 
containing one turbine-generator unit having a maximum hydraulic 
capacity of 52 cfs and an installed capacity of 375 kW; (2) an enlarged 
intake to and concrete liner in the unlined portions of Cresta tunnel; 
(3) a 15-foot-diameter, 655-foot-long steel penstock to serve a new 
turbine-generator; (4) a new powerhouse containing one turbine-
generator unit with a maximum hydraulic capacity of 1,535 cfs and an 
installed capacity of 34 MW; (5) new turbine runners on the existing 
units at Cresta powerhouse; and (6) new transformers.
    m. Purpose of Project: The average annual generation of the Rock 
Creek - Cresta Project is 1,014.3 GWh. Power generated at the project 
is delivered to customers within the applicant's service area.
    n. This notice also consists of the following standard paragraphs: 
B and D6.
    o. Available Locations of Application: A copy of the application is 
available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public 
Reference and Files Maintenance Branch, located at 888 First Street, 
NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling (202) 208-1371. A 
copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at Pacific Gas 
and Electric Company's office at 245 Market Street, Room 1124, San 
Francisco, California 94177.

    2a. Type of Application: Joint Application for Transfer of License 
(Minor License).
    b. Project No.: 2446-013.
    c. Date Filed: November 3, 1995.
    d. Applicants: Commonwealth Edison Company and Dixon Energy, L.L.C.
    e. Name of Project: Dixon Hydroelectric Project.
    f. Location: On the Rock River in Dixon, Lee County, Illinois, 
approximately 100 miles west of Chicago and 35 miles south and west of 
Rockford, Illinois.
    g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 USC Secs. 791(a)-
825(r)./
    h. Contacts:


[[Page 67355]]

Ms. Pamela B. Strobel and Mr. Robert E. Berdelle, Commonwealth Edison 
Company, One First National Plaza, Chicago, IL 60690 (708) 663-5054
Mr. Paul F. Hanzlik, Hopkins & Sutter, Three First National Plaza, 
Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 558-4231

    i. FERC Contact: Mr. Lynn R. Miles, (202) 219-2671.
    j. Comment Date: February 5, 1996.
    k. Description of the Proposed Action: The licensee, Commonwealth 
Edison Company, seeks to transfer the project license and become a co-
licensee with Dixon Energy, L.L.C.
    l. This notice also consists of the following standard paragraphs: 
B, C1, and D2.

    3a. Type of Application: Conduit Exemption.
    b. Project No.: 11564-000.
    c. Date filed: November 29, 1995.
    d. Applicant: Robert Z. Walker and Harold Foster.
    e. Name of Project: West Hill.
    f. Location: On Cold Springs, a tributary of Cold Creek, in 
Siskiyou County, California. Township 47N, Range 4W, Section 18.
    g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act 16 USC Secs. 791(a)-825(r).
    h. Applicant Contact: Mr. Robert Z. Walker, 11834 Ager Beswick 
Road, Montague, CA 96064.
    i. FERC Contact: Michael Spencer at (202) 219-2846.
    j. Description of Project: The proposed project would consist of: 
(1) a bifurcation attached to the applicant's existing irrigation 
conduit; (2) a 1,500-foot-long, 24-inch-diameter penstock; (3) a 
powerhouse containing four generating units with a combined capacity of 
100.4 kW and an average annual generation of 280.0 MWh; and (4) a 
tailrace discharging into Cold Creek, consisting of two 15-inch-
diameter PVC pipes.
    k. With this notice, we are initiating consultation with the State 
Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), as required by section 106, 
National Historic Preservation Act, and the regulations of the Advisory 
council on Historic Preservation, 36 CFR 800.4.
    l. Under Section 4.32 (b)(7) of the Commission's regulations (18 
CFR), if any resource agency, Indian Tribe, or person believes that the 
applicant should conduct an additional scientific study to form an 
adequate factual basis for a complete analysis of the application on 
its merits, they must file a request for the study with the Commission, 
not later than 60 days after the date of the filing of the application, 
and must serve a copy of the request on the applicant.

    4a. Type of Application: Major License--Existing Dam.
    b. Project No.: 11565-000.
    c. Date filed: December 1, 1995.
    d. Applicant: Thermalito Power Corporation.
    e. Name of Project: Therm II.
    f. Location: At the California Department of Water Resources' 
Thermalito afterbay dam, in Butte County, California. Township 19 N, 
Range 1 E, Section 33.
    g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act 16 USC 791(a)-825(r).
    h. Applicant Contact: Mr. Stan Malinky, 311 D Street, West 
Sacramento CA 95605, (916) 372-0534.
    i. FERC Contact: Michael Spencer at (202) 219-2846.
    j. Description of Project: The proposed project would develop the 
excess capacity of licensed Project No. 2100, and would consist of: (1) 
a new gated outlet structure installed at the dam; (2) a powerhouse 
containing three generating units with a combined capacity of 10,900 Kw 
and an average annual generation of 56 Gwh; (3) a 400-foot-long, 200-
foot-wide tailrace canal leading to the Feather River and connecting 
to; (4) the existing Sutter-Butte canal to be used for releases (5) a 
350-foot-long transmission line; and (6) appurtenant facilities.
    k. With this notice, we are initiating consultation with the State 
Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), as required by section 106, 
National Historic Preservation Act, and the regulations of the Advisory 
council on Historic Preservation, 36 CFR 800.4.
    l. Under Section 4.32 (b)(7) of the Commission's Regulations (18 
CFR), if any resource agency, Indian Tribe, or person believes that the 
applicant should conduct an additional scientific study to form an 
adequate factual basis for a complete analysis of the application on 
its merits, they must file a request for the study with the Commission, 
not later than 60 days after the date of the filing of the application, 
and must serve a copy of the request on the applicant.

    5a. Type of Application: Amendment of Recreation Plan and Change of 
Project Boundary.
    b. Project No.: 2628-047.
    c. Date Filed: November 1, 1995.
    d. Applicant: Alabama Power Company.
    e. Name of Project: R. L. Harris Project.
    f. Location: The project reservoir is located on the Tallapoosa 
River in east-central Alabama in Clay, Cleburne, and Randolph counties 
near the cities of Lineville and Wedowee.
    g. Filed pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 791(a)-
825(r).
    h. Applicant Contact: Barry Lovett, Alabama Power Company, 600 
North 18th Street, P. O. Box 2641, Birmingham, AL 35291-0364, (205) 
250-1268.
    i. FERC contact: John K. Hannula, (202) 219-0116.
    j. Comment date: February 5, 1996.
    k. Description of Application: The licensee proposes to remove 
residential lands from the project, increase the amount of hunting 
lands, open hunting areas to the handicapped, add Flatrock Park to the 
project, and encourage recreation within natural areas. The licensee 
will maintain total project acreage but the project boundary would be 
changed. The proposed changes would improve the management, 
maintenance, security and recreational uses of project lands.
    l. This notice also consists of the following standard paragraphs: 
B, C1, and D2.

    6a. Type of Application: Non-Project Use of Project Lands and 
Waters and Amending License.
    b. Project No: 2009-009.
    c. Date Filed: November 21, 1995.
    d. Applicant: Virginia Electric and Power Company.
    e. Name of Projects: Gaston and Roanoke Rapids.
    f. Location: Lake Gaston Reservoir of the Gaston Development in 
Mecklenberg County, Virginia.
    g. Filed Pursuant to: Section 23(b) of the Federal Power Act.
    h. Applicant Contact: Mr. W. R. Cartwright, Senior Vice President--
Fossil and Hydro, Virginia Power, 5000 Dominion Boulevard, Glen Allen, 
VA 23060, (804) 273-3590.
    i. FERC Contact: Steve Edmondson (202) 219-2653.
    j. Comment Date: February 2, 1996.
    k. Description of Project: Virginia Power has filed for Commission 
approval, a request for non-project use of project lands and waters to 
allow the Town of South Hill Virginia to construct, operate and 
maintain a water intake facility within the Gaston and Roanoke Rapids 
Project in the Lake Gaston Reservoir approximately 300 feet upstream of 
the US Highway No. 1 Bridge. The applicant is proposing the withdrawal 
of up to 14 million gallons per day of water from the Lake Gaston 
Reservoir for municipal purposes.
    l. This notice also consists of the following standard paragraphs: 
B, C1, and D2.

Standard Paragraphs

    B. Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene--Anyone may submit 

[[Page 67356]]
    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.
    C1. Filing and Service of Responsive Documents--Any filings must 
bear in all capital letters the title ``COMMENTS'', ``RECOMMENDATIONS 
FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS'', ``PROTEST'', OR ``MOTION TO INTERVENE'', as 
applicable, and the Project Number of the particular application to 
which the filing refers. Any of the above-named documents must be filed 
by providing the original and the number of copies provided by the 
Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, 888 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20426. A copy of 
any motion to intervene must also be served upon each representative of 
the Applicant specified in the particular application.
    D2. Agency Comments--Federal, state, and local agencies are invited 
to file comments on the described application. A copy of the 
application may be obtained by agencies directly from the Applicant. If 
an agency does not file comments within the time specified for filing 
comments, it will be presumed to have no comments. One copy of an 
agency's comments must also be sent to the Applicant's representatives.
    D6. Filing and Service of Responsive Documents--The application is 
ready for environmental analysis at this time, and the Commission is 
requesting comments, reply comments, recommendations, terms and 
conditions, and prescriptions.
    The Commission directs, pursuant to section 4.34(b) of the 
regulations (see Order No. 533 issued May 8, 1991, 56 FR 23108, May 20, 
1991) that all comments, recommendations, terms and conditions and 
prescriptions concerning the application be filed with the Commission 
within 60 days from the issuance date of this notice. (February 16, 
1996 for Project No. 1962-000). All reply comments must be filed with 
the Commission within 105 days from the date of this notice. (April 1, 
1996 for Project No. 1962-000).
    Anyone may obtain an extension of time for these deadlines from the 
Commission only upon a showing of good cause or extraordinary 
circumstances in accordance with 18 CFR 385.2008.
    All filings must (1) bear in all capital letters the title 
``PROTEST'', ``MOTION TO INTERVENE'', ``COMMENTS,'' ``REPLY COMMENTS,'' 
``RECOMMENDATIONS,'' ``TERMS AND CONDITIONS,'' or ``PRESCRIPTIONS;'' 
(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, recommendations, terms and 
conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and 
otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may 
obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. Any of 
these documents must be filed by providing the original and the number 
of copies required by the Commission's regulations to: The Secretary, 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, N.E., 
Washington, D.C. 20426. An additional copy must be sent to Director, 
Division of Project Review, Office of Hydropower Licensing, Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission, at the above address. A copy of any 
protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative 
of the applicant specified in the particular application. 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: December 26, 1995.
Lois D. Cashell,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-31483 Filed 12-28-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P