[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 14, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 2223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-837]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project 11561-000, AK]


Alaska Village Electric Corporation; Notice of Alaska Village 
Electric Corporation's Request To Use Alternative Procedures in Filing 
a License Application

January 8, 1998.
    The preliminary permit holder, Alaska Village Electric Corporation 
(AVEC), has asked to use an alternative procedure in filing an 
application for original license for the proposed Old Harbor 
Hydroelectric Project No. 11561.\1\ AVEC has demonstrated that they 
have made an effort to contact all resource agencies, Indian Tribes, 
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and others affected by their 
proposal, and that a consensus exists that the use of an alternative 
procedure is appropriate in this case. AVEC has also submitted a 
communication protocol that is supported by most interested entities.
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    \1\ The 380-kilowatt project would be located on Kodiak Island, 
near Old Harbor, Alaska, partially within the boundaries of the 
Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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    The purpose of this notice is to invite any additional comments on 
AVEC'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.

Applicant Prepared EA Process and Old Harbor Project Schedule

    On November 13, 1997, AVEC distributed an Initial Stage 
Consultation Document for the proposed project to state and federal 
resource agencies, Indian tribes, and NGOs. AVEC scheduled a 
consultation meeting and site visit for all interested parties on 
December 15 and 16, 1997, respectively, to solicit study requests from 
participants. Notices announcing the meeting and site visit were 
published locally, as required by Commission regulations.
    Public scoping meetings are planned for Spring 1998. Based on study 
requests from the December 15, 1997, meeting, study plans would be 
developed early in 1998. Studies would be conducted during spring, 
summer, and fall 1998, as needed. The application, including the 
applicant-prepared EA, would be filed with the Commission on or before 
March 11, 1999, the expiration date of AVEC's preliminary permit.

Comments

    Interested parties have 30 days from the date of this notice to 
file with the Commission, any comments on AVEC's proposal to use the 
alternative procedures to file an application for the Old Harbor 
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 (Old 
Harbor Hydroelectric Project, No. 11561).
    For further information, please contact Nan Allen of the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission at 202-219-2938 or E-mail at 
[email protected].
David P. Boergers,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-837 Filed 1-13-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M