FR 2021-03368

This document is a notice regarding BOST2 Hydroelectric LLC's application for a preliminary permit to assess the feasibility of a proposed hydroelectric project in Shawano County, Wisconsin. The notice serves to inform the public and stakeholders about the project details, the process of application, and an invitation for comments and any competing applications. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is overseeing the process and has provided specific guidelines on how interested parties can engage.

General Summary

The proposed hydroelectric project will be located near the Embarrass River and involves significant construction, including reservoirs, tunnels, and a powerhouse. With a total project capacity of 666 megawatts, the Shawno County Pump Storage Project aims to generate around 1,450 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This application, if approved, would give BOST2 Hydroelectric LLC priority to later file for a full license, without authorizing any land-disturbing work.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several notable issues accompany this document. Firstly, there is a lack of information regarding the project's costs and potential funding sources. This omission might be a concern for those worrying about financial accountability and resource allocation. Moreover, the detailed technical descriptions of the project may not be easily accessible to the general public, hindering broader community engagement.

Another point of concern is the absence of specific deadlines for public commentary and interventions, as the notice only provides a 60-day window from issuance without precisely dating it. This may cause confusion among stakeholders who need clear timelines to prepare their responses.

Importantly, the document does not mention any environmental assessments or studies on community impacts, crucial for evaluating the project's feasibility and gauging its comprehensive effects on local environments and communities. Finally, while the contact information is provided, email addresses could aid in more efficient, accessible communication in today's digital context.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this notice may affect local communities, particularly in Shawano County, where the proposed project resides. For the public, understanding the project's scope and feasibility is essential since it can potentially alter the local landscape and ecosystem. However, the technical nature of the documentation and lack of detailed assessments might limit meaningful public engagement and contribution.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For the stakeholders directly involved, such as local residents, government officials, and environmental groups, the document presents both opportunities and challenges. Residents might have concerns about how the project affects their surroundings, while governmental and environmental stakeholders need a more comprehensive analysis of benefits versus potential ecological impacts.

Businesses and industries related to construction and energy could see positive impacts through the project. However, they will have to navigate the application process, impacting timelines and potentially incurring additional costs if the requirements are not clear or well managed.

In summary, while the document lays the groundwork for a potential hydroelectric project that could bring energy benefits, several gaps in detail might hinder effective public participation and evaluation. Adjustments in communication and transparency, along with more vigorous environmental and community assessments, would likely be beneficial.