FR 2021-02620

Overview

The Federal Register has published a notice concerning Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) request to temporarily modify the water level regulations for Lake Fordyce. This request is related to necessary repairs at the Fordyce Dam, which is part of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project in California. Specifically, PG&E aims to lower the lake’s water level to install a membrane liner on the dam, addressing seepage issues while maintaining a minimal flow downstream.

Summary of the Notice

The application addresses procedural aspects, including how the public and stakeholders can respond to the request. PG&E submitted its filing on December 22, 2020, and subsequently updated it on January 13, 2021. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) invites public comments, objections, or motions to intervene within 15 days following the notice.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several concerns arise from this notice:

1. Lack of Financial Transparency: The document does not explain the financial aspects of the temporary variance. The absence of cost details leaves room for speculation about the project's financial implications.

2. Limited Environmental and Community Impact Discussion: The notice provides minimal information on environmental impacts, local community effects, or how stakeholders are involved aside from the general effort to mitigate issues at the dam.

3. Use of Technical Language: The document uses technical jargon like "membrane liner," "cofferdam," and "flow bypass" without clarifying these terms. This could lead to misunderstandings for those not familiar with engineering terminology.

4. Unclear Project Criteria: The phrase regarding periodic variance depending on the inflow lacks specificity, making it unclear under what conditions the project adjustments may be made.

5. Complex Submission Instructions: Although detailed, the instructions for submitting comments, protests, or motions to intervene involve numerous steps, potentially deterring laypersons from participating actively in the process.

Public Impact

Broadly, the notice opens up a crucial dialogue on the balance between infrastructure maintenance and environmental stewardship. While ensuring safety and operational efficiency at the Fordyce Dam is vital, a lack of detail regarding potential environmental and community impacts could foster concern among the public.

Stakeholder Impacts

• Local Communities: Residents near the project site might worry about potential disruption or changes in local water flow. Without clear insights into the environmental or social ramifications, local agencies may have to address public anxieties independently.

• Environmental Agencies and Advocates: Given the environmental significance of water bodies, stakeholders in this realm would likely emphasize a thorough assessment of ecological impacts. The inadequate discussion of such impacts might prompt these groups to advocate for more comprehensive environmental reporting.

• Legal and Regulatory Bodies: From a procedural standpoint, those involved in regulatory practices need to ensure that all stakeholder voices are considered, a task that becomes challenging with cumbersome submission processes.

The notice exemplifies the complex interplay between industrial activities and regulatory oversight, highlighting the need for improved communication and clarity for the benefit of all affected entities.