Search Results for keywords:"Environmental Impact"

Black Canyon Hydrokinetic 1, LLC has submitted a notice of intent to build a hydropower facility on the Emmett Irrigation District North Side Main Canal in Idaho. The project will use turbines to generate up to 75 kilowatts of electricity and is expected to produce about 281 megawatt-hours each year. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has made a preliminary determination that the project is a qualifying conduit hydropower facility, which means it doesn't need a license. Comments and motions to challenge this determination must be submitted within 30 days of this notice's release on December 3, 2024.

The Coast Guard has established a new anchorage ground near Rice Island on the Lower Columbia River to enhance navigation safety by creating more space for commercial vessels to anchor. This rule, set to be effective from January 15, 2025, comes in response to increased commercial traffic in the area. During the review process, 42 comments were received, addressing concerns like the depth of the anchorage ground and potential environmental impacts on species such as the Green Sturgeon. The Coast Guard assessed regulatory requirements and determined that this new anchorage ground would not have significant economic or environmental impacts.

CW Bill Young Hydropower Group, Inc. has submitted a notice of intent to apply for a license to develop a hydropower project at the C.W. Bill Young Lock and Dam on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. They have also been approved to use the Traditional Licensing Process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As part of the process, consultations have begun with various agencies under environmental and historic preservation laws. The public is encouraged to engage with the proceedings, with support available from FERC's Office of Public Participation.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a final rule to repeal a previous requirement for State departments of transportation (State DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets and report their progress. This decision was made because the rule was seen as unnecessary and potentially burdensome, with no clear legal backing and minimal benefits. Notably, the courts had already blocked the rule, citing legal and regulatory issues. Repealing this requirement provides clarity and aligns with recent legal decisions, but it doesn't stop State DOTs and MPOs from voluntarily tracking their own CO2 emissions.

The Turlock & Modesto Irrigation District applied for a water quality certification with the California State Water Resources Control Board, as part of a project involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The application was submitted and received on December 13, 2024. The Water Board has until December 13, 2025, to make a decision on the request. If the Water Board does not act by this date, their certification authority may be considered waived under the Clean Water Act.

The U.S. Navy has requested the renewal of an incidental harassment authorization from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to allow for the taking of marine mammals during construction activities at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine. These activities, which have been delayed, involve modifications to Dry Dock 1 and are similar to those previously authorized, with minimal changes. The NMFS ensures these activities have a negligible impact on marine life, and they have opened a 15-day public comment period to gather further input. The Navy is required to follow specific measures to minimize impacts, including monitoring and reporting any interactions with marine mammals during construction.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the University of Texas at Austin. This authorization allows UT to accidentally disturb certain marine mammals, like dolphins, while conducting a marine geophysical survey off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey will use low-energy seismic airguns to gather data, and measures are in place to minimize impact on the animals. The authorization also includes monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure marine mammal protection.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the United Water Conservation District's plan to amend the license of the Santa Felicia Hydroelectric Project, located in Ventura County, California. The proposed Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project aims to enhance the dam's safety without significantly impacting the environment. Interested parties can view the EA on the Commission's website and must submit any comments by April 7, 2025. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments but accepts paper submissions as well.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to prepare a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) activities across the country. These systems are used to track and control drones, which have become a security concern. DHS seeks public comments on relevant environmental issues by April 7, 2025. The assessment will guide decision-making and establish practices to reduce environmental effects, with coordination from agencies with specific expertise or legal jurisdiction.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the East 300 Upgrade Project by Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company. This project involves modifying two existing compressor stations and building a new one in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to increase transportation capacity for Consolidated Edison Company of New York. The EA found that the project, with certain preventative measures, is unlikely to significantly impact the environment. FERC invites public comments on this assessment by March 22, 2021, through various submission methods, including online and mail.