[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 5393] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-2938] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [Project No. 2389-012] Edwards Manufacturing Company, Inc., City of Augusta, ME; Notice of Amendment of Application February 6, 1996. On October 30, 1995, Edwards Manufacturing Company, Inc., and the City of Augusta, Maine (applicants) filed an amendment to their application for a new license for the Augusta Hydroelectric Project No. 2389. In the application for new license, filed January 31, 1991, it was proposed to expand the project capacity from 3.5 to 11 megawatts (MW). The amendment reduces the proposed expansion to about 4.3 MW. Under the application as amended, the licensees propose only to replace the existing flashboards with an inflatable crest control system, install permanent upstream and downstream fish passage facilities, and upgrade turbine efficiency. The Applicants would forego constructing a new powerhouse and modifying the existing power canal and gatehouse, as originally proposed. There would be no increase in existing hydraulic capacity. The increase in generating capacity (between 0.5 and 1.0 megawatts) would be directly attributable to increases in turbine efficiency. Applicants state that the remaining project improvements and upgrades are substantially the same as improvements and upgrades proposed in the original application. Although the fish passage facilities proposed in the amendment are not those proposed in the application, they are the same facilities that applicants proposed in a 1990 application to amend the existing project license, and were designated in consultation with state and federal agencies and with other interested parties. The Commission approved the installation of these facilities, but the amendment was then withdrawn.\1\ \1\ Edwards Manufacturing Company, Inc. and City of Augusta, Maine, 69 FERC para. 61,335 (1994). The Commission approved the facilities as an interim enhancement of fisheries only. On rehearing, the Commission granted the licensees' request to allow the withdrawal of the amendment application and vacated its order amending the license. 71 FERC para. 61.227 (1995). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are providing an opportunity for additional interventions and for entities to reconsider their terms, conditions, prescriptions, and comments submitted previously with respect to the Augusta Project application. A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) evaluating the licensing or relicensing of 11 projects, including the Augusta Project, in the Kennebec River Basin was mailed to parties on January 4, 1996. Notice of the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on January 26, 1996, setting a due date for comments of March 25, 1996. By letter of January 29, 1996, the Director, Division of Project Review, Office of Hydropower Licensing, extended the due date for comments to April 8, 1996. Comments on the Augusta Project amendment will also be due on April 8, 1996, with reply comments due 15 days later, on April 23, 1996.\2\ \2\ A further request for extension of time by the National Marine Fisheries Service was denied by letter of February 2, 1996, signed by Fred E. Springer, Director, Office of Hydropower Licensing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copies of the application and amendment are available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference and Files Maintenance Branch located at 888 First Street, N.E., Room 2A, Washington, D.C. 20426 or by calling (202) 208-1371. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at 42A North Elm Street, Second Floor, Yarmouth, Maine, or by calling (207) 846-3991. The applicant contact for this project is Mark Isaacson. Contact Mr. John Blair (202) 219-2845 for questions relating to this proceeding. Lois D. Cashell, Secretary. [FR Doc. 96-2938 Filed 2-9-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-M