[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 13, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 1964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-726]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project No. 2016-WA]


Tacoma Public Utilities; Notice of Tacoma Public Utilities' 
Request to Use Alternative Procedures in Filing a License Application

January 7, 1998.
    By letter dated December 16, 1997, Tacoma Public Utilities (Tacoma) 
asked to use an alternative procedure in filing an application for a 
new major license for its Cowlitz River Project No. 2016.\1\ Tacoma has 
demonstrated that they have made an effort to contact all resource 
agencies, Indian tribes, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and 
others affected by the applicant's proposal, and that a consensus 
exists that the use of an alternative procedure is appropriate in this 
case. Tacoma also submitted a communication protocol and a Memorandum 
of Agreement that is supported by most interested entities.
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    \1\ The 462-megawatt project consists of the Mayfield Dam and 
Powerhouse, Mossyrock Dam and Powerhouse, Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery, 
Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, Mossyrock Park, Taidnapam Park, and other 
associated facilities.
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    The purpose of this notice is to invite any additional comments on 
Tacoma's request to use the alternative procedure, as required under 
the final rule for Regulations for the Licensing of Hydroelectric 
Projects.\2\ Additional notices seeking comments on the specific 
project proposal, interventions and protests, and recommended terms and 
conditions will be issued at a later date.
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    \2\ 81 FERC para. 61,103 (1997).
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    The alternative procedure being requested here combines the 
prefiling consultation process with the environmental review process, 
allowing the applicant to complete and file an Environmental Assessment 
(EA) in lieu of Exhibit E of the license application. This differs from 
the traditional process, in which the applicant consults with agencies, 
Indian tribes, and NGOs during preparation of the application for the 
license and before filing it, but the Commission staff performs the 
environmental review after the application is filed. The alternative 
procedure is intended to simplify and expedite the licensing process by 
combining the prefiling consultation and environmental review processes 
into a single process, to facilitate greater participation, and to 
improve communication and cooperation among the participants. The 
alternative procedure can be tailored to the particular project under 
consideration.

Applicant-Prepared EA Process and the Cowlitz Project Schedule

    On May 3, 1996, Tacoma distributed an Initial Stage Consultation 
document for the Cowlitz Project to state and federal resource 
agencies, Indian Tribes, and NGOs. Tacoma scheduled a consultation 
meeting and site visit for all interested parties on June 26 and 28, 
1996, respectively, to solicit study requests from participants. Tacoma 
also held a public meeting in Mossyrock, Washington on June 27, 1996, 
to solicit comments on the relicensing of the Cowlitz Project. Notices 
announcing the meetings and site visit were published locally, as 
required by Commission regulations.
    Tacoma has been working collaboratively with the various interested 
entities to refine the scope of studies identified during the initial 
consultation meetings and during subsequent resource group meetings. On 
April 10, 1996, Tacoma issued a report describing the results of 
aquatic studies completed in 1996. On November 24, 1997, Tacoma 
distributed a technical report summarizing the scope, method, and 
results of all studies completed in 1997.
    Public scoping meetings are planned for Spring 1998. Notice of the 
scoping meetings and requests for additional studies will be published 
at least 30 days prior to the meetings. The application, including any 
applicant-prepared EA, must be filed with the Commission on or before 
December 31, 1999, which is two years before the date of expiration of 
the existing license.

Comments

    Interested parties have 30 days from the date of this notice to 
file with the Commission, any comments on Tacoma's proposal to use the 
alternative procedures to file an application for the Cowlitz 
Hydroelectric Project.

Filing Requirements

    The comments must be filed by providing an original and 8 copies as 
required by the Commission's regulations to: Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, Office of the Secretary, Dockets--Room 1A, 888 First 
Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426.
    All comment filings must bear the heading ``Comments on the 
Alternative Procedure,'' and include the project name and number 
(Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project, No. 2016).
    For further information, please contact David Turner of the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission at (202) 219-2844 or e-mail at 
[email protected].
David P. Boergers,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-726 Filed 1-12-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M