FR 2024-30064

The document from the Federal Register is an official notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding an application by Kram Hydro 6, LLC, for a preliminary permit. The company is looking to evaluate the feasibility of a hydropower project at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Dewey Lake Dam in Kentucky. This proposed endeavor would potentially generate 24 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, involving various construction elements such as a powerhouse, turbines, and transmission infrastructure. While the permit doesn't authorize construction activities, it provides Kram Hydro with the priority to apply for a subsequent license if they choose to proceed with development.

General Summary

The notice communicates that public comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications are solicited within 60 days of the notice's publication. The document lays out the technical details of the proposed project components and provides contact information for both the applicant and the FERC point of contact. It also details the procedures for electronic and paper submissions and outlines the supportive role of FERC's Office of Public Participation for public engagement in the process.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A few notable issues arise from this document:

• Applicant Background: There is no contextual information about Kram Hydro 6, LLC, such as its qualifications, history, or previous projects. This absence leaves the audience in the dark about why this specific company is pursuing the permit.

• Evaluation Criteria: The document does not explain how FERC will evaluate the feasibility study applications. Clarifying these criteria could guide stakeholders, including public and private entities, in understanding the project's potential merit.

• Public Participation: The document briefly mentions the Office of Public Participation's supportive role but lacks practical examples or detailed guidance on public engagement methods, which may limit meaningful participation.

• Environmental and Social Impacts: The lack of information regarding environmental or social impact assessments is concerning, as these assessments are crucial for stakeholders interested in potential negative outcomes.

• Cost Implications: There is no discussion of potential costs for public resources or stakeholders, important elements for transparency and trust.

• Contact Roles and Responsibilities: Contact information is offered, but without clarity regarding the specific roles and responsibilities of these contacts, stakeholders seeking detailed information may encounter confusion.

Public and Stakeholder Impact

The document's potential impact on the public is multifaceted:

• Public Awareness and Involvement: The notice potentially engages the local community and broader stakeholders who might be impacted or have an interest in the project's development. However, the issues raised, particularly around public participation and environmental concerns, might limit effective public engagement.

• Stakeholder Influence: For specific stakeholders, such as local landowners, environmental groups, and businesses, the preliminary permit could indicate upcoming changes in the area's energy landscape. However, the lack of detailed information might lead to uncertainty about how these changes will be managed or mitigated.

• Regulatory Confidence: The absence of clear evaluation criteria and detailed support for public engagement might affect public confidence in FERC's regulatory processes and transparency. Stakeholders may feel unprepared to contribute effectively without a better understanding of these elements.

Despite its informative intentions, the document leaves significant questions unanswered, posing challenges for stakeholders and the general public in comprehensively assessing the project's implications. A more detailed approach in addressing the areas identified could enhance understanding, engagement, and trust in the regulatory process.