[Federal Register: December 10, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 237)]
[Notices]               
[Page 68268-68269]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de98-67]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
[Project No. 11597-000, AK]

 
Ketchikan Public Utilities; Notice of Ketchikan Public Utilities 
Request To Use Alternative Procedures in Filing a License Application

December 4, 1998.
    The preliminary permit holder, Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU), 
has asked to use an alternative procedure in filing an application for 
original license for the proposed Whitman Lake Hydroelectric Project 
No. 11597.\1\ KPU 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

[[Page 68269]]

this case. KPU has also submitted a communication protocol that is 
supported by most interested entities.
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    \1\ The 4,500-kilowatt project would be located on Whitman 
Creek, in Ketchikan Gateway Borough Alaska, partially within the 
Tongass National Forest.
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    The purpose of this notice is to invite any additional comments on 
KPU'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.
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    \2\ 81 FERC para. 61,103 (1997).
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    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 Whitman Lake Project Schedule

    On November 14, 1998, KPU distributed a schedule for the proposed 
project to state and federal resource agencies, Indian tribes, and 
NGOs. KPU scheduled a consultation meeting and site visit for all 
interested parties in early January 1999. Notices announcing the 
meeting and site visit would be published locally, as required by 
Commission regulations.
    Public scoping meetings are planned for Spring 1999. Based on study 
requests from the January meetings, study plans would be developed 
early in 1999. Studies would be conducted during spring, summer, and 
fall 1999, as needed. The application, including the applicant-prepared 
EA, would be filed with the Commission on or before May 2000, the 
expiration date of KPU's preliminary permit is June 05, 2000.

Comments

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

Filing Requirements

    The comments must be filed by 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 
(Whitman Lake Hydroelectric Project, No. 11597).
    For further information, call Gaylord Hoisington of the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission at (202) 219-2756, or E-mail 
Gaylord.Hoisington@FERC.FED.US. Information is also available on the 
web at www.ferc.fed.us. Call (202) 208-2222 for assistance.
David P. Boergers,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-32832 Filed 12-9-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-M