80 FR 23532 - Bison Peak Pumped Storage, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 81 (April 28, 2015)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 81 (April 28, 2015)
| Page Range | 23532-23533 | |
| FR Document | 2015-09840 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 23532-23533] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-09840] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14201-001] Bison Peak Pumped Storage, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications On January 2, 2015, the Bison Peak Pumped Storage, LLC., filed an application for a successive preliminary permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act (FPA), proposing to study the feasibility of the Bison Peak Pumped Storage Project (Bison Peak Project or project) to be located in the Tehachapi Mountains south of Tehachapi, Kern County, California. The sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if issued, is to grant the permit holder priority to file a license application during the permit term. A preliminary permit does not authorize the permit holder to perform any land-disturbing activities or otherwise enter upon lands or waters owned by others without the owners' express permission. The proposed project would be a closed-loop pumped storage project with an upper reservoir and the applicant has proposed three alternatives for the placement of a lower reservoir, termed ``West,'' ``South,'' and ``East''. Water for the initial fill of each of the alternatives would be obtained from local water agency infrastructure via a route that would be identified during studies. A ring dam of varying heights and a perimeter of 6,000 feet would form the project's upper reservoir. The upper reservoir would have a total storage capacity of 4,196 acre-feet and a surface area of 45.4 acres at an elevation of 7,800 feet mean sea level (msl) and a concrete lined intake/tailrace facility. The upper reservoir would be connected to one of the three proposed lower reservoir alternatives as described below. The West lower reservoir alternative would consist of the following: (1) The upper reservoir; (2) a 43-acre lower reservoir at 5,380 feet msl created by a dam with a crest height of 250 feet, crest length of 1,435 feet, and a storage capacity of 5,347 acre-feet; (3) four 10-foot diameter, 5,890-foot-long penstocks from the concrete lined intake/tailrace facility at the upper reservoir; (4) an underground powerhouse with four 250-megawatt (MW) reversible pump- turbines; (5) an intake/tailrace facility; and (6) appurtenant facilities. The estimated annual generation of the Bison Peak Pumped Storage Project West lower reservoir alternative would be about 2,190 gigawatt-hours. The South lower reservoir alternative proposal would consist of the following: (1) The upper reservoir; (2) a 41.8-acre lower reservoir at 4,875 feet msl created by a dam with a crest height of 260 feet, crest length of up to 1,285 feet, and a storage capacity of 4,616 acre-feet; (3) four 10-foot diameter, 9,420-foot-long penstocks from the concrete lined intake/tailrace facility at the upper reservoir to; (4) an underground powerhouse with four 250-megawatt (MW) reversible pump- turbines; (5) an intake/tailrace facility; and (6) appurtenant facilities. The estimated annual generation of the Bison Peak Pumped Storage Project South lower reservoir alternative would be about 2,190 gigawatt-hours. The East lower reservoir alternative would consist of the following: (1) The upper reservoir; (2) a 47-acre lower reservoir at 5,800 feet msl created by a dam with a crest height of 320 feet, crest length of 1,150 feet, and a storage capacity of 5,724 acre-feet; (3) three 12-foot diameter, 5,890-foot-long penstocks from the concrete lined intake/tailrace facility at the upper reservoir to; (4) an underground powerhouse with three 250-megawatt (MW) reversible pump- turbines; (5) an intake/tailrace facility; and (6) appurtenant facilities. The estimated annual generation of the Bison Peak Pumped Storage Project East lower reservoir alternative would be about 1,642 gigawatt-hours. Applicant Contact: Mario Lucchese, Bison Peak Pumped Storage, LLC. 9795 Cabrini Dr., Ste. 206, Burbank, CA 91504; phone: (818) 767-5552. FERC Contact: Matt Buhyoff; phone: (202) 502-6824. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, competing applications (without notices of intent), or notices of intent to file competing applications: 60 days from the issuance of this notice. Competing applications and notices of intent must meet the requirements of 18 CFR 4.36. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please file comments, motions to intervene, notices of intent, and competing applications using the Commission's eFiling system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at [email protected], (866) [[Page 23533]] 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. The first page of any filing should include docket number P- 14201-001. More information about this project, including a copy of the application, can be viewed or printed on the ``eLibrary'' link of Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P-14201) in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. Dated: April 14, 2015. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015-09840 Filed 4-27-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
![23532 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 81 / Tuesday, April 28, 2015 / Notices
If we publish and distribute the EA, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Bison Peak Pumped Storage Project
copies will be sent to the environmental West lower reservoir alternative would
mailing list for public review and Federal Energy Regulatory be about 2,190 gigawatt-hours.
comment. If you would prefer to receive Commission The South lower reservoir alternative
a paper copy of the document instead of [Project No. 14201–001]
proposal would consist of the following:
the CD version or would like to remove (1) The upper reservoir; (2) a 41.8-acre
your name from the mailing list, please Bison Peak Pumped Storage, LLC; lower reservoir at 4,875 feet msl created
return the attached Information Request Notice of Preliminary Permit by a dam with a crest height of 260 feet,
(appendix 2). Application Accepted for Filing and crest length of up to 1,285 feet, and a
Soliciting Comments, Motions To storage capacity of 4,616 acre-feet; (3)
Becoming an Intervenor four 10-foot diameter, 9,420-foot-long
Intervene, and Competing Applications
In addition to involvement in the EA penstocks from the concrete lined
scoping process, you may want to On January 2, 2015, the Bison Peak intake/tailrace facility at the upper
become an ‘‘intervenor’’ which is an Pumped Storage, LLC., filed an reservoir to; (4) an underground
official party to the Commission’s application for a successive preliminary powerhouse with four 250-megawatt
proceeding. Intervenors play a more permit, pursuant to section 4(f) of the (MW) reversible pump-turbines; (5) an
formal role in the process and are able Federal Power Act (FPA), proposing to intake/tailrace facility; and (6)
to file briefs, appear at hearings, and be study the feasibility of the Bison Peak appurtenant facilities. The estimated
heard by the courts if they choose to Pumped Storage Project (Bison Peak annual generation of the Bison Peak
appeal the Commission’s final ruling. Project or project) to be located in the Pumped Storage Project South lower
An intervenor formally participates in Tehachapi Mountains south of reservoir alternative would be about
the proceeding by filing a request to Tehachapi, Kern County, California. The 2,190 gigawatt-hours.
intervene. Instructions for becoming an sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if The East lower reservoir alternative
intervenor are in the User’s Guide under issued, is to grant the permit holder would consist of the following: (1) The
the ‘‘e-filing’’ link on the Commission’s priority to file a license application upper reservoir; (2) a 47-acre lower
Web site. during the permit term. A preliminary reservoir at 5,800 feet msl created by a
permit does not authorize the permit dam with a crest height of 320 feet, crest
Additional Information holder to perform any land-disturbing length of 1,150 feet, and a storage
Additional information about the activities or otherwise enter upon lands capacity of 5,724 acre-feet; (3) three 12-
project is available from the or waters owned by others without the foot diameter, 5,890-foot-long penstocks
Commission’s Office of External Affairs, owners’ express permission. from the concrete lined intake/tailrace
at (866) 208–FERC, or on the FERC Web The proposed project would be a facility at the upper reservoir to; (4) an
site at www.ferc.gov using the closed-loop pumped storage project underground powerhouse with three
‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Click on the eLibrary with an upper reservoir and the 250-megawatt (MW) reversible pump-
link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and applicant has proposed three turbines; (5) an intake/tailrace facility;
enter the docket number, excluding the alternatives for the placement of a lower and (6) appurtenant facilities. The
last three digits in the Docket Number reservoir, termed ‘‘West,’’ ‘‘South,’’ and estimated annual generation of the
field (i.e., CP15–88). Be sure you have ‘‘East’’. Water for the initial fill of each Bison Peak Pumped Storage Project East
selected an appropriate date range. For of the alternatives would be obtained lower reservoir alternative would be
assistance, please contact FERC Online from local water agency infrastructure about 1,642 gigawatt-hours.
Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov via a route that would be identified Applicant Contact: Mario Lucchese,
or toll free at (866) 208–3676, or for during studies. Bison Peak Pumped Storage, LLC. 9795
TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The A ring dam of varying heights and a Cabrini Dr., Ste. 206, Burbank, CA
eLibrary link also provides access to the perimeter of 6,000 feet would form the 91504; phone: (818) 767–5552.
texts of formal documents issued by the project’s upper reservoir. The upper FERC Contact: Matt Buhyoff; phone:
Commission, such as orders, notices, reservoir would have a total storage (202) 502–6824.
and rulemakings. capacity of 4,196 acre-feet and a surface Deadline for filing comments, motions
In addition, the Commission now area of 45.4 acres at an elevation of to intervene, competing applications
offers a free service called eSubscription 7,800 feet mean sea level (msl) and a (without notices of intent), or notices of
which allows you to keep track of all concrete lined intake/tailrace facility. intent to file competing applications: 60
formal issuances and submittals in The upper reservoir would be connected days from the issuance of this notice.
specific dockets. This can reduce the to one of the three proposed lower Competing applications and notices of
amount of time you spend researching reservoir alternatives as described intent must meet the requirements of 18
proceedings by automatically providing below. CFR 4.36.
you with notification of these filings, The West lower reservoir alternative The Commission strongly encourages
document summaries, and direct links would consist of the following: (1) The electronic filing. Please file comments,
to the documents. Go to www.ferc.gov/ upper reservoir; (2) a 43-acre lower motions to intervene, notices of intent,
docs-filing/esubscription.asp. reservoir at 5,380 feet msl created by a and competing applications using the
Finally, public meetings or site visits dam with a crest height of 250 feet, crest Commission’s eFiling system at http://
will be posted on the Commission’s length of 1,435 feet, and a storage www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp.
capacity of 5,347 acre-feet; (3) four 10- Commenters can submit brief comments
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
calendar located at www.ferc.gov/
EventCalendar/EventsList.aspx along foot diameter, 5,890-foot-long penstocks up to 6,000 characters, without prior
with other related information. from the concrete lined intake/tailrace registration, using the eComment system
facility at the upper reservoir; (4) an at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
Dated: April 17, 2015. underground powerhouse with four ecomment.asp. You must include your
Kimberly D. Bose, 250-megawatt (MW) reversible pump- name and contact information at the end
Secretary. turbines; (5) an intake/tailrace facility; of your comments. For assistance,
[FR Doc. 2015–09746 Filed 4–27–15; 8:45 am] and (6) appurtenant facilities. The please contact FERC Online Support at
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P estimated annual generation of the FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866)
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:18 Apr 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM 28APN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_23613/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 81 / Tuesday, April 28, 2015 / Notices 23533
208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Applicant Contact: Paul Maselbas,
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please Los Angeles County Public Works,
send a paper copy to: Kimberly D. Bose, Federal Energy Regulatory Waterworks Division, 900 S. Freemont
Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803, (626) 300–
Commission, 888 First Street NE., 3302.
Washington, DC 20426. The first page of [Docket No., CD15–23–000] FERC Contact: Robert Bell, Phone No.
any filing should include docket (202) 502–6062, email:
number P–14201–001. Los Angeles County Public Works; robert.bell@ferc.gov.
Notice of Preliminary Determination of Qualifying Conduit Hydropower
More information about this project, Facility Description: The proposed
a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower
including a copy of the application, can Facility and Soliciting Comments and project would consist of: (1) an existing
be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’ Motions To Intervene 51-foot by 38-foot building, which will
link of Commission’s Web site at serve as the powerhouse; (2) an existing
http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ On April 14, 2015, Los Angeles 30-inch-diameter pipe to the treatment
elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number County Public Works filed a notice of plant; (3) one proposed turbine-
(P–14201) in the docket number field to intent to construct a qualifying conduit generator unit with an installed capacity
access the document. For assistance, hydropower facility, pursuant to section of 215 kW, which will replace pressure
contact FERC Online Support. 30 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), as reducing valve CV5; (4) an existing 125-
Dated: April 14, 2015. amended by section 4 of the foot-long, 30-inch-diameter discharge
Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act pipe that delivers potable water to
Kimberly D. Bose,
of 2013 (HREA). The proposed M7W storage tanks for distribution to parts of
Secretary. Pressure Reducing Station Hydroelectric the City of Palmdale, California and (5)
[FR Doc. 2015–09840 Filed 4–27–15; 8:45 am] Project would have an installed capacity appurtenant facilities. The proposed
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P of 215 kilowatts (kW) and would be project would have an estimated annual
located at the Quartz Hill Water generating capacity of 730 megawatt-
Treatment Plant, which treats water for hours.
municipal consumption. The project A qualifying conduit hydropower
would be located near the Town of facility is one that is determined or
Palmdale in Los Angeles County, deemed to meet all of the criteria shown
California. in the table below.
TABLE 1—CRITERIA FOR QUALIFYING CONDUIT HYDROPOWER FACILITY
Satisfies
Statutory provision Description (Y/N)
FPA 30(a)(3)(A), as amended The conduit the facility uses is a tunnel, canal, pipeline, aqueduct, flume, ditch, or similar Y
by HREA. manmade water conveyance that is operated for the distribution of water for agricultural,
municipal, or industrial consumption and not primarily for the generation of electricity.
FPA 30(a)(3)(C)(i), as amended The facility is constructed, operated, or maintained for the generation of electric power and Y
by HREA. uses for such generation only the hydroelectric potential of a non-federally owned conduit.
FPA 30(a)(3)(C)(ii), as amend- The facility has an installed capacity that does not exceed 5 megawatts .................................. Y
ed by HREA.
FPA 30(a)(3)(C)(iii), as amend- On or before August 9, 2013, the facility is not licensed, or exempted from the licensing re- Y
ed by HREA. quirements of Part I of the FPA.
Preliminary Determination: Based deadline date for the particular facility meets the qualifying criteria
upon the above criteria, Commission proceeding. must set forth their evidentiary basis.
staff preliminarily determines that the Filing and Service of Responsive The Commission strongly encourages
proposal satisfies the requirements for a Documents: All filings must (1) bear in electronic filing. Please file motions to
qualifying conduit hydropower facility, all capital letters the ‘‘COMMENTS intervene and comments using the
which is not required to be licensed or CONTESTING QUALIFICATION FOR A Commission’s eFiling system at http://
exempted from licensing. CONDUIT HYDROPOWER FACILITY’’ www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp.
Comments and Motions to Intervene: or ‘‘MOTION TO INTERVENE,’’ as Commenters can submit brief comments
Deadline for filing comments contesting applicable; (2) state in the heading the up to 6,000 characters, without prior
whether the facility meets the qualifying name of the applicant and the project registration, using the eComment system
criteria is 45 days from the issuance number of the application to which the at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
date of this notice. filing responds; (3) state the name, ecomment.asp. You must include your
address, and telephone number of the name and contact information at the end
Deadline for filing motions to
of your comments. For assistance,
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
intervene is 30 days from the issuance person filing; and (4) otherwise comply
with the requirements of sections please contact FERC Online Support at
date of this notice.
385.2001 through 385.2005 of the FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866)
Anyone may submit comments or a 208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659
motion to intervene in accordance with Commission’s regulations.1 All
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please
the requirements of Rules of Practice comments contesting Commission staff’s
send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal
and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210 and preliminary determination that the
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
385.214. Any motions to intervene must First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.
be received on or before the specified 1 18 CFR 385.2001–2005 (2014). A copy of all other filings in reference
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:18 Apr 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM 28APN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_23613/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-16 08:36:09
Document Modified: 2015-12-16 08:36:09
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 23532 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR