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Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Project Decommissioning FERC Project No. 606 Shasta County Board of Supervisors March 4, 2008. Project Features. Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Project – approximately 30 miles east of Redding near the Community of Whitmore Cow Creek Development 1.8 MW
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Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Project Decommissioning FERC Project No. 606Shasta County Board of SupervisorsMarch 4, 2008
Project Features Kilarc-Cow Creek Hydroelectric Project – approximately 30 miles east of Redding near the Community of Whitmore • Cow Creek Development 1.8 MW • Kilarc Development 3.2 MW • Operated by PG&E, under license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Background • PG&E initially sought to renew the operating license and filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with FERC in 2002. • In 2004, 2 years into the relicensing process, after environmental studies, and consultation with resource agencies and NGOs, PG&E decided not to relicense the project. • PG&E developed a Project Agreement with resource agencies and NGOs to define parameters of decommissioning, if no other entity relicensed the Project • Decision Not to Relicense Based On: • Project economics • Anticipated new license conditions • Environmental benefits of decommissioning
FERC Regulatory Process • When an existing licensee decides not to relicense a project, FERC regulations provide an opportunity for other entities to apply for the project license. • On April 7, 2005, FERC issued a public notice soliciting applicants, pursuant to 18 CFR §16.25. • Synergics Energy Services filed an NOI, but did not file a license application by FERC’s December 2006 deadline • FERC then ordered PG&E to develop a decommissioning plan and file a License Surrender Application by March 2009. • Federal Power Act prohibits PG&E from obtaining a new license to operate the project
Decommissioning the Project • PG&E is required by FERC to file a Surrender Application by March 2009 • To solicit public input, PG&E held several public meetings and conducted a site visit • In response to requests from the public, on January 24, 2008 FERC held public meetings to discuss the decommissioning process and answer questions • FERC will conduct an environmental assessment on PG&E's proposed decommissioning plan and then will issue an order for PG&E to remove the project facilities. • Once PG&E’s decommissioning work is completed and FERC’s order becomes final, other entities can file Notices of Intent for proposed projects at the site (18 CFR § 5).
Potential Future Recreation and/or Public Uses • Kilarc Forebay – PG&E has prepared a paper that outlines, to the best of our knowledge, what would be required for another entity to operate the Forebay as a recreation facility • Kilarc Powerhouse – PG&E is in the process of completing a paper outlining requirements and opportunities for future public use, recreational or historical in nature. • Entities with interest in these facilities will need to develop a preliminary plan for PG&E’s approval to submit with the Surrender Application by March 2009 • PG&E will issue a solicitation of interest form for Kilarc Forebay and Kilarc Powerhouse to interested parties for PG&E’s initial assessment of qualifications.
FERC Processing of PG&E’s License Surrender Application 1. PG&E Files Application With FERC (3/2009) 2. FERC requests additional information (if needed) 3.FERC Staff Prepares NEPA Document (1 to 2 years, 2009-2011) 4. FERC issues order for PG&E to develop engineering removal and site restoration plans 5.PG&E files plans (6-12 months) 6. FERC Orders PG&E to discontinue generation and remove Project facilities 7. PG&E Decommissions Project (2010 to 2013) 8. Follow-up Monitoring (2012 to 2015) 9. FERC issues final approval
Contact Information • Stacy Evans, Project Manager • Pacific Gas and Electric Company • 415- 973-4731 • Janet Walther, Governmental Relations • Pacific Gas and Electric Company • 530-518-6790