Applications, hearings, determinations, etc.: Alaska Village Electric Corp.,

[Federal Register: January 14, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 9)]

[Notices]

[Page 2223]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr14ja98-54]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Project 11561-000, AK]

Alaska Village Electric Corporation; Notice of Alaska Village Electric Corporation's Request To Use Alternative Procedures in Filing a License Application

January 8, 1998.

The preliminary permit holder, Alaska Village Electric Corporation (AVEC), has asked to use an alternative procedure in filing an application for original license for the proposed Old Harbor Hydroelectric Project No. 11561.\1\ AVEC has demonstrated that they have made an effort to contact all resource agencies, Indian Tribes, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and others affected by their proposal, and that a consensus exists that the use of an alternative procedure is appropriate in this case. AVEC has also submitted a communication protocol that is supported by most interested entities.

\1\ The 380-kilowatt project would be located on Kodiak Island, near Old Harbor, Alaska, partially within the boundaries of the Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The purpose of this notice is to invite any additional comments on AVEC's request to use the alternative procedure, as required under the final rule for Regulations for the Licensing of Hydroelectric Projects.\2\ Additional notices seeking comments on the specific project proposal, interventions and protests, and recommended terms and conditions will be issued at a later date.

\2\ 81 FERC para. 61,103 (1997).

The alternative procedure being requested here combines the prefiling consultation process with the environmental review process, allowing the applicant to complete and file an Environmental Assessment (EA) in lieu of Exhibit E of the license application. This differs from the traditional process, in which the applicant consults with agencies, Indian tribes, and NGOs during preparation of the application for the license and before filing it, but the Commission staff performs the environmental review after the application is filed. The alternative procedure is intended to simplify and expedite the licensing process by combining the prefiling consultation and environmental review processes into a single process, to facilitate greater participation, and to improve communication and cooperation among the participants.

Applicant Prepared EA Process and Old Harbor Project Schedule

On November 13, 1997, AVEC distributed an Initial Stage Consultation Document for the proposed project to state and federal resource agencies, Indian tribes, and NGOs. AVEC scheduled a consultation meeting and site visit for all interested parties on December 15 and 16, 1997, respectively, to solicit study requests from participants. Notices announcing the meeting and site visit were published locally, as required by Commission regulations.

Public scoping meetings are planned for Spring 1998. Based on study requests from the December 15, 1997, meeting, study plans would be developed early in 1998. Studies would be conducted during spring, summer, and fall 1998, as needed. The application, including the applicant-prepared EA, would be filedwith the Commission on or before March 11, 1999, the expiration date of AVEC's preliminary permit.

Comments

Interested parties have 30 days from the date of this notice to file with the Commission, any comments on AVEC's proposal to use the alternative procedures to file an application for the Old Harbor Hydroelectric Project.

Filing Requirements

The comments must be filedby providing an original and 8 copies as required by the Commission's regulations to: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Office of the Secretary, Dockets--Room 1A, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426.

All comment filings must bear the heading ``Comments on the Alternative Procedure,'' and include the project name and number (Old Harbor Hydroelectric Project, No. 11561).

For further information, please contact Nan Allen of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at 202-219-2938 or E-mail at Nan.Allen@FERC.Fed.US. David P. Boergers, Acting Secretary.

[FR Doc. 98-837Filed1-13-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-M