Search Results for keywords:"environmental assessment"

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has requested a temporary change in the requirements for maintaining the water level at Lake Fordyce. This request is part of a project to fix seepage issues at the Fordyce Dam, which is a component of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project in California. PG&E plans to lower the lake’s water level to install a liner on the dam and ensure a safe working environment, while still maintaining a minimal water flow downstream. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is seeking public comments, protests, or motions to intervene concerning this request within 15 days of the notice's issue.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the USDA has released a final supplemental environmental assessment and found no significant environmental impact in their response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in U.S. migratory bird flyways. This assessment updates an earlier one from September 2022 that only covered initial outbreaks in seven states. Since then, the virus has affected approximately 110 million birds across 49 states. Public comments, which raised concerns about consultation with other agencies and environmental effects, were considered, and the final documents reflect responses to those concerns.

The Kennebunk Light and Power District has applied to surrender its license for the Lower Mousam Hydroelectric Project in Maine because it is no longer cost-effective. The district plans to deactivate the facility without removing the dams, a proposal that numerous groups, including environmental organizations, have opposed, suggesting instead that the dams should be completely removed. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff plan to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed surrender and has invited relevant agencies to cooperate in its preparation. The EA is expected to be issued by April 2025.

Lock 7 Hydro Partners, LLC has filed an application for a new major license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Mother Ann Lee Hydroelectric Station, located on the Kentucky River. The public is invited to submit comments on this application until February 25, 2021, via FERC's electronic filing system or by mail. The project includes various existing facilities like a dam, powerhouse, and transmission line and is expected to produce an average of 9,200 megawatt-hours annually. FERC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement to assess the environmental impacts and alternatives, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, no public scoping meetings will be held; written comments are encouraged instead.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reviewing Amendment 20 to the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan, submitted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. If approved, this amendment would change the schedule for implementing annual management measures and adjust the southern boundary of the Klamath Management Zone by 5 nautical miles north. The amendment also aims to update outdated language in the fishery management plan. Public comments on this proposal are being considered until April 12, 2021.

The City of Nashua has filed for a new license to continue operating the Mine Falls Hydroelectric Project in New Hampshire. Initially, an environmental assessment of the project's effects was expected to be completed by February 2025. However, the schedule for completing this assessment is being revised to ensure all information is fully considered. For questions, contact Khatoon Melick at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company submitted a request on November 8, 2024, to temporarily change the flow requirements of the Haas-Kings Hydroelectric Project in California. The change involves stopping a supplemental water flow to replace a turbine valve from January 6 to May 31, 2025, ensuring a natural flow remains. Public comments on this request are accepted until January 15, 2025, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to prepare an environmental assessment by February 28, 2025. Public participation is encouraged, and assistance is available through the Commission's Office of Public Participation.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a new rule under the Tuna Conventions Act that would set annual and trip limits on the U.S. commercial catch of Pacific bluefin tuna for 2025-2026. These measures aim to conserve the tuna population and meet the U.S.'s international commitments with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The proposed rule outlines specific trip limits that decrease as the cumulative catch approaches annual limits, and details a system for announcing and managing in-season actions to adjust these limits. Public comments on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment are invited until January 29, 2025, and can be submitted through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is considering an amendment to extend the operations of the high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) demonstration program at the American Centrifuge Plant until June 30, 2025, with a possibility of further extension if the contract with the U.S. Department of Energy is extended. The NRC issued an environmental assessment and determined there would be no significant environmental impacts from this proposed action, meaning a more detailed environmental impact statement is unnecessary. The extended operations would adhere to current safety regulations without major changes to the facility or processes, and would not significantly affect air quality, public health, or waste management.

Green Lake Water Power Company has applied to continue operating the Green Lake Hydroelectric Project, which generates 425 kilowatts of power. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing this application and preparing an environmental assessment (EA) to understand the potential effects of renewing the project's license. The timeline for completing this assessment has been updated multiple times and may continue to change. Any inquiries about the procedure can be directed to Amanda Gill at the contact details provided.