Overview
Title
FFP Missouri 12, LLC; Notice of Application for Amendment of License, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is looking at a new plan from a company called FFP Missouri 12, LLC to change the way a water-powered electricity project works. They want to use smaller machines to make less electricity. People have until March 25, 2021, to share their thoughts or ask questions.
Summary AI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has announced a new application filed by FFP Missouri 12, LLC to amend the license for the Allegheny Lock and Dam 2 Hydroelectric Project. This proposal involves altering the project's design, including changing the size and capacity of the turbine generators, which would reduce the overall megawatt output from 17 MW to 10 MW. Members of the public can comment, protest, or request to be involved in the decision-making process by March 25, 2021. The Commission encourages submissions through its eFiling system or by mail, providing contact details for further assistance.
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AnalysisAI
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a notice documenting an important application filed by FFP Missouri 12, LLC. The company has requested an amendment to the license for the Allegheny Lock and Dam 2 Hydroelectric Project situated on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. This document is crucial as it solicits public input on proposed adjustments to the hydroelectric project's design.
General Summary
The proposal primarily seeks to alter the structural specifications and the capacity of the hydroelectric facility. Originally planned to generate 17 megawatts (MW) through three Kaplan turbine generators, the new design suggests downsizing to two generators, reducing the total output to 10 MW. Various structural dimensions including the powerhouse and intake channel would also undergo changes to accompany this downscaling. Significantly, the deadline for public comments, motions to intervene, and protests related to this application is March 25, 2021. FERC encourages the public to provide input through its electronic filing system or by mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document traverses legal technicalities that might pose challenges for an average reader. References to specific legal frameworks like 16 U.S.C. 791a-825r and 18 CFR 385.210 underscore the complexity of the regulatory environment surrounding such projects. There is also a notable absence of discussion on the environmental implications of the proposed modifications, which stakeholders might find concerning.
Moreover, the procedural instructions for comment submission and intervention participation could be cumbersome for those unused to engaging with regulatory frameworks. This complexity raises potential barriers to meaningful public participation, limiting the ability of citizens to voice concerns or support effectively.
Broad Public Impact
From a broad perspective, the document represents a formal avenue for public engagement in energy infrastructure decisions. By soliciting comments, FERC acknowledges the role of community voices in shaping energy projects that might impact local ecosystems and economies. This engagement is not only a regulatory formality but serves as an essential democratic process in environmental governance.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders, particularly in the City of Sharpsburg and surrounding areas, the proposed changes may have both positive and negative effects. On one hand, reducing the project's scale might lower potential construction disruption and ecological impacts. Conversely, less energy generated means potentially reduced benefits from renewable energy gains and economic incentives associated with a larger project scale.
For industry stakeholders, such as environmentalists or local business groups, the lack of detail on environmental considerations may trigger requests for more exhaustive environmental assessments. It could also prompt discussions on sustainability and long-term impacts on local waterways and biodiversity.
In conclusion, while the notice is a critical step in project amendment procedures, it emphasizes the need for clear communication and accessible procedures to facilitate broad and informed public participation. The success of this engagement can impact not just the immediate stakeholders but also contribute to broader discussions on sustainable energy practices and community resilience.
Issues
• The document is a notice of application for amendment of license and does not involve direct spending, so there are no apparent issues related to wasteful spending or favoritism.
• The language used in the document is generally formal and appropriate for legal and regulatory notices, but may be considered complex by the general public without legal background.
• The document contains multiple references to specific legal references and codes such as 16 U.S.C. 791a-825r and 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214, which might not be immediately clear to a layperson without further explanation or context.
• The document's instructions for submitting comments and interventions are specific but could be confusing for those not familiar with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's processes.
• The description of the project's technical changes (e.g., structural dimensions and generating capacity adjustments) is detailed but could be challenging for readers without an engineering background to fully understand.
• The document does not include any information about the potential environmental impact of the project modifications, which might be a concern to stakeholders.