FR 2021-00311

The document from the Federal Register outlines a notice by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) regarding the approval of various projects for the consumptive use of water in December 2020. These approvals are given under regulations specified as 18 CFR 806.22 (e) and 18 CFR 806.22 (f). The notice includes a comprehensive list of companies and projects, along with the maximum allowable consumptive water use in million gallons per day. Consumptive use permits the withdrawal of water without returning it to its source, which may have significant implications.

General Summary

The document essentially acts as a formal announcement, detailing the approvals of several projects that intend to use water consumptively. The involved parties range from corporations in the oil and gas sector to food companies, suggesting the diverse nature of industries drawing upon these water resources. Each entry notes the maximum water usage permitted and the approval dates within December 2020. The announcement was formalized on January 6, 2021, with Jason E. Oyler, General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission, as the issuing authority.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are several noteworthy concerns associated with this notice:

• Lack of Cost Information: The document lacks any details regarding the financial aspects of these projects. By omitting cost information, it becomes challenging to assess whether these water rights are allocated efficiently or to audit for potential misuse of funds.
• Selection Process Transparency: The document does not describe how these projects were selected or evaluated. Such lack of transparency could raise questions about potential favoritism or inadequate scrutiny in the approval process.
• Technical Language: The use of technical language and references to specific regulations may render the document inaccessible to the general public, hindering widespread understanding and engagement with the content.
• Environmental Impact Unmentioned: There is no mention of any ecological or environmental impact assessments relevant to these water usage approvals. Considering the possible significant effects of such large water withdrawals, it is a critical area left unaddressed.
• Community Involvement: Public input or community engagement in the approval process appears absent. This omission might overlook human and community perceptions or concerns, particularly in regions directly affected by these projects.
• Compliance and Enforcement: The document does not clarify how the consumptive water use will be monitored or enforced post-approval. Ensuring compliance is vital to maintain accountability and protect water resources.

Public Impact

The broad approval of consumptive water use projects has potential implications for public water availability, especially in regions where the approved projects are located. An increase in water withdrawals could influence local water supplies, with potential downstream effects on agriculture, municipal water usage, and ecological resources. The lack of disclosed environmental impact assessments may concern environmentalists and residents about possible repercussions on local ecosystems.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Companies: Benefiting directly, companies are permitted to withdraw specified amounts of water, enabling them to advance their operational ambitions. These approvals can lead to economic growth and job creation within the involved sectors.

• Local Communities: Residents near project sites might experience changes in water availability or quality. Without public inclusion in the approval processes, community interests might go underrepresented, leading to discontent or opposition.

• Environmental Groups: For environmental advocates, the absence of ecological assessments is a crucial oversight, potentially complicating efforts to conserve local habitats and biodiversity.

• Regulatory Bodies: The SRBC may face scrutiny over its decision-making transparency and accountability processes, and it may need to bolster communication and responsive engagement with public and private stakeholders to address these issues effectively.

In conclusion, this notice carries significant implications for water resource management and balances the economic benefits of consumptive use projects with potential environmental and community consequences. Further transparency and detailed planning could enhance stakeholder trust and ensure sustainable water governance.