FR 2021-02329

The Federal Register recently published a notice regarding a significant application filed by Eagle Creek Hydro Power, LLC, and associated entities. This application seeks a new major license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Mongaup Falls Hydroelectric Project in Sullivan County, New York. The document is dense with technical and legal language, making it challenging for the general public to decipher all the details.

General Summary

The document announces the acceptance of a new major license application by Eagle Creek for the operation of the Mongaup Falls Hydroelectric Project. This project plays a crucial role in generating electric power, boasting an annual output of approximately 10,860 megawatt-hours. Furthermore, the application proposes to continue operations at the Mongaup Falls Development and to decommission the Black Brook Development, which has been out of service since 1984. Stakeholders interested in filing motions to intervene or provide feedback have a 60-day window from the notice issuance date to do so.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from the notice that may concern stakeholders:

1. Lack of an Abstract: The document lacks an abstract in its metadata, which might hinder a quick grasp of its main points for those unfamiliar with regulatory documentation.

2. Complex Language: The procedures and requirements for filing interventions and comments are described in complex legal jargon, which can be difficult for laypeople to navigate, potentially limiting public participation.

3. Omission of Environmental Impact Discussion: The document does not explicitly discuss potential environmental or community impacts associated with the decommissioning of the Black Brook Development. This omission might be a significant concern for environmental stakeholders or local communities.

4. Navigation of Filing Systems: There is an assumption that readers are familiar with using FERC's eFiling system. No guidance is provided for first-time users, which could exclude some individuals from participating effectively.

5. Ambiguity of Deadlines: The timeline for submissions is stated in terms of days relative to the notice date, without specifying an absolute deadline, creating possible confusion for stakeholders attempting to engage in a timely manner.

Impact on the Public

The public impact of this document primarily revolves around the participation in the decision-making process for the hydroelectric project. Given that the project involves public waterways and local resources, broad public engagement is crucial. However, the complexity of the document and the technicalities involved may deter public involvement, thus potentially skewing feedback toward informed stakeholders or organized groups with legal expertise.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Local Communities and Environmental Groups: For these groups, the lack of detailed discussion on potential environmental impacts is concerning. The local environment and community could undergo significant changes due to the decommissioning and continued operation of the facilities. Advocacy groups must closely monitor these developments and engage in the commenting process to ensure their voices are heard.

Industry Participants: Companies and professionals in the energy sector may view this notice as an opportunity to analyze the operational strategies of Eagle Creek and assess the potential for involvement or investment. Neutral or favorable terms and conditions in the final licensing can provide industry players opportunities for collaboration or innovation in similar projects.

In conclusion, while the document at hand provides essential procedural details regarding the Mongaup Falls Hydroelectric Project, it also presents challenges that could affect stakeholder participation. Clarifying these issues and fostering a broader understanding of the impacts will be crucial in ensuring inclusive and effective public engagement in the project's regulatory approval process.