FR 2025-01580

The document in question is an official notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding an application filed by Current Hydro Project 19, LLC. This application seeks a major license to develop the New Cumberland Hydroelectric Project in West Virginia. The proposed project would be situated at the existing New Cumberland Locks and Dam on the Ohio River. Notably, the project will feature several new facilities, including a powerhouse, a substation, and a 19.99-megawatt capacity that holds potential importance for local energy infrastructure.

General Summary

This notice serves to inform stakeholders and the general public about the specifics of the hydroelectric application, the procedural steps that will be taken, and the opportunity for public participation. The key takeaway is that interested parties have a 60-day window from the notice date to file motions to intervene or protests concerning the project. Additionally, the FERC will issue a series of scoping documents and may request further information, indicating structured steps through which the project will proceed toward potential approval.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues within this notice. First, it states that the application is accepted but not ready for environmental analysis, yet it does not provide a detailed explanation for this status. This omission could cause concern among environmental stakeholders and the public who might be wary of potential ecological impacts.

Further, the procedural timeline is somewhat vague with certain activities lacking precise dates. For stakeholders and interested parties trying to track the project’s progress, this lack of specificity can lead to confusion and difficulties in participation.

The document also disperses contact information for filing motions and processes throughout, which might make it hard for those interested to locate and use the information. Additionally, the document does not actively promote public engagement or detail how individuals can effectively participate, thus potentially limiting meaningful involvement.

Lastly, there's an absence of detailed financial information. Lack of transparency on this front might raise auditing red flags or cause public concern about the funding and costs associated with the project.

Public Impact

Broadly, this notice could impact the public by signaling potential changes in local energy infrastructure and by defining a pathway for public input in the regulatory process. Citizens in the area might be interested in how this project can contribute to energy sustainability or economic benefits such as job creation.

However, the lack of clarity around environmental issues and procedural specifics might result in members of the public feeling inadequately informed or engaged in decisions that could affect their environment and community.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For specific stakeholders such as local environmental groups, the ambiguity around environmental analysis poses a particular challenge, as it limits their ability to adequately assess and respond to potential environmental impacts.

For utility companies and developers, the notice represents an official step forward in project development, offering them an opportunity for investment and development within the state's energy sector. Nonetheless, they might find themselves navigating procedural uncertainties due to the lack of detailed scheduling information.

On the whole, while the document is a crucial step in the regulatory process for the New Cumberland Hydroelectric Project, its current ambiguity could limit effective stakeholder engagement and raise concerns absent a more transparent and participatory approach.