FR 2024-28245

The document from the Federal Register pertains to the South Sutter Water District’s application for a new license concerning the Camp Far West Hydroelectric Project on the Bear River in California. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project, indicating that it is not expected to significantly impact the environment. The assessment process involves public review and feedback, with support provided by the Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP).

General Summary

The application for the new license was first filed in 2019 and amended in 2023. The Camp Far West Project, with a capacity of 6.8 megawatts, operates on the Bear River without affecting Federal or Tribal lands. Notably, the Commission does not expect the project to have significant environmental impacts, which is why an Environmental Assessment, rather than a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement, will be prepared. The EA will be open for public review, allowing any interested parties to provide their insights and concerns.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues raised by the document could be of concern to the general public:

1. Budget and Costs: The document does not disclose the budget or costs associated with preparing the Environmental Assessment. This omission might lead to concerns about potential waste or inefficiencies in resource allocation.

2. Public Participation: Although the Office of Public Participation is mentioned, there is no detailed explanation of how it ensures all parties have fair and equitable access to participate in the process. Consequently, stakeholders may be uncertain about the level of assistance or support they can expect.

3. Complexity in Legal References: The document references specific regulations and acts without providing layman-friendly explanations. This could be challenging for those without a legal or regulatory background to fully understand the implications of these references.

4. Lack of Detailed Timeline: While a schedule for processing the application is alluded to, specifics are absent. Stakeholders who are eager for detailed timelines for the licensing and assessment process might find this lack of information unsatisfactory.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

The preparation of an Environmental Assessment is an essential step in ensuring that the Camp Far West Project is environmentally sustainable. The public broadly benefits from this examination as it holds the project accountable for environmental considerations. Additionally, feedback from public review allows community voices to be heard in decisions that may affect local ecosystems and economies.

For stakeholders directly related to the project, including those residing near the Bear River and environmental organizations, the opportunity to engage in the EA process is crucial. However, the lack of clarity in participation support and a detailed timeline could frustrate efforts to effectively engage and prepare responses.

Moreover, landowners and tribal communities, although not directly impacted according to the document, may still have interests due to historical, cultural, or environmental considerations. Clearer communication regarding these aspects would likely improve stakeholder engagement and trust.

In summary, while the document outlines an important procedural step towards environmental responsibility, it could benefit from greater clarity and transparency in certain areas to ensure that interested and affected parties are adequately informed and supported during the assessment process.