83 FR 7032 - Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 33 (February 16, 2018)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 33 (February 16, 2018)
| Page Range | 7032-7033 | |
| FR Document | 2018-03204 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 33 (Friday, February 16, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 7032-7033] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-03204] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 2727-092] Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC; Notice of Application Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene and Protests, Ready for Environmental Analysis, and Soliciting Comments, Recommendations, Terms and Conditions, and Prescriptions Take notice that the following hydroelectric license application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection. a. Type of Application: New Major License. b. Project No.: 2727-092. c. Date filed: December 30, 2015. d. Applicant: Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC (Black Bear Hydro). e. Name of Project: Ellsworth Hydroelectric Project (Ellsworth Project). f. Location: On the Union River in Hancock County, Maine. There are no federal or tribal lands within the project boundary. g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r). h. Applicant Contact: Ms. Kelly Maloney, Manager of Licensing and Compliance, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, 150 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240; Telephone: (207) 755-5606. i. FERC Contact: Dr. Nicholas Palso, (202) 502-8854 or [email protected]. j. Deadline for filing motions to intervene and protests, comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions: 60 days from the issuance date of this notice; reply comments are due 105 days from the issuance date of this notice. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filing. Please file motions to intervene and protests, comments, recommendations, terms and conditions, and prescriptions 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) 208-3676 (toll free), or (202) 502-8659 (TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. The first page of any filing should include docket number P-2727-092. The Commission's Rules of Practice require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. This application has been accepted for filing and is now ready for environmental analysis. l. The existing Ellsworth Project consists of two developments (Graham Lake and Ellsworth) with a total installed capacity of 8.9 megawatts (MW). The project's average annual generation is 30,511 megawatt-hours. The power generated by the project is sold to the regional power pool administered by ISO New England, Inc. Graham Lake Development The existing Graham Lake Development consists of: (1) A 630-foot- long, 58-foot-high dam that includes: (i) An 80-foot-long, 58-foot-high concrete spillway section with three 20-foot-wide, 22.5-foot-high spillway gates and one 8-foot-wide sluice gate used for downstream fish passage; and (ii) a 550-foot-long, 45-foot-high earthen embankment section with a concrete and sheet pile core wall; (2) an approximately 10,000-acre impoundment (Graham Lake) with a useable storage volume of 133,150 acre-feet at a normal maximum elevation of 104.2 National Geodetic Vertical Datum 1929 (NGVD); (3) a 720-foot-long, 58-foot-high concrete gravity flood control structure and a 65-foot-diameter, 55- foot-high stone-filled sheet pile retaining structure; (4) a 71-foot- long, 36.5-foot-high concrete wing wall; and (5) appurtenant facilities. Ellsworth Development The existing Ellsworth Development consists of: (1) A 377-foot- long, 60-foot-high dam that includes: (i) A 102-foot-long, 60-foot-high concrete bulkhead section; and (ii) a 275-foot-long, 57-foot-high concrete overflow spillway with 1.7-foot-high flashboards; (2) an 85- foot-long, 71-foot-high concrete non-over flow wall at the west end of the bulkhead section; (3) a 26-foot-high abutment at the east end of the spillway; (4) a 90-acre impoundment (Lake Leonard) with a gross storage volume of 2,456 acre-feet at a normal maximum elevation of 66.7 feet NGVD; (5) generating facility No. 1 that includes: (i) a 15-foot- wide, 10-foot-high headgate with a 15-foot-wide, 12.5-foot-high trashrack; (ii) a 10-foot-diameter, 74-foot-long penstock; and (iii) a 26-foot-long, 28-foot-wide concrete and masonry powerhouse that is integral to the concrete non-overflow dam section and contains a single 2.5-MW turbine-generator unit; (6) generating facility No. 2 that includes: (i) an 88.4-foot-wide, 32-foot-high intake structure with two, 8-foot-wide, 15-foot-high headgates with 8-foot-wide, 14-foot-high trashracks, and one 12-foot-wide, 15-foot-high headgate with a 12-foot- wide, 14-foot-high trashrack; (ii) an 8-foot-diameter, 164-foot-long penstock, an 8-foot-diameter, 195-foot-long penstock, and a 12-foot- diameter, 225-foot-long penstock; and [[Page 7033]] (iii) a 52.5-foot-long, 68-foot-wide concrete and masonry powerhouse that is attached to a 15-foot-long, 30-foot-wide switch house and that contains two 2.0-MW and one 2.4-MW turbine-generator units; (7) downstream fish passage facilities that include three 3-foot-wide surface weirs and an 18-inch-diameter transport pipe; (8) upstream fish passage facilities that include a 120-foot-long, 8-foot-wide fishway with a 3-foot-wide opening and collection station; (9) a 450-foot-long, 2.3 kilovolt generator lead line and step-up transformer connecting the turbine-generator units to the local utility's electric distribution system; and (10) appurtenant facilities. The Ellsworth Project operates as a water storage facility and a peaking generation facility, depending on available inflows. Water is stored at the Graham Lake Development to reduce downstream flooding during periods of high flow, and is released during periods of low flow so that minimum flows can be maintained in the Union River below Graham Lake Dam. The ability to store and release water at the Graham Lake Development makes it possible for the Ellsworth Development to operate in a peaking mode during periods of high electric demand. The existing license requires an instantaneous minimum flow release of 250 cubic feet per second (cfs), or inflow (whichever is less), downstream of each development from May 1 to June 30 each year. The minimum flow release from each development is reduced to 105 cfs from July 1 to April 30 each year. In addition to the minimum flows, the existing license requires Black Bear Hydro to maintain Graham Lake and Lake Leonard between elevations 93.4 and 104.2 feet NGVD and 65.7 and 66.7 feet NGVD, respectively. Black Bear Hydro proposes to continue the current licensed mode of operation, including minimum flow releases. Black Bear Hydro also proposes to install upstream eel passage facilities at the Graham Lake and Ellsworth Developments, construct a canoe portage trail at the Graham Lake Development, and improve angler access at the Graham Lake Development. m. A copy of the application is available for review at the Commission in the Public Reference Room or may be viewed on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov using the ``eLibrary'' link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item h above. n. Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, and .214. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. All filings must (1) bear in all capital letters the title ``PROTEST,'' ``MOTION TO INTERVENE,'' ``COMMENTS,'' ``REPLY COMMENTS,'' ``RECOMMENDATIONS,'' ``TERMS AND CONDITIONS,'' or ``PRESCRIPTIONS;'' (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, recommendations, terms and conditions or prescriptions must set forth their evidentiary basis and otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. A copy of any protest or motion to intervene must be served upon each representative of the applicant specified in the particular application. A copy of all other filings in reference to this application must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 4.34(b) and 385.2010. You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support. o. Procedural Schedule: The application will be processed according to the following revised schedule. Revisions to the schedule may be made as appropriate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Milestone Target date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Filing of interventions, protests, April 2018. comments, recommendations, preliminary terms and conditions, and preliminary fishway prescriptions. Commission issues Draft Environmental August 2018. Assessment. Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment. October 2018. Modified terms and conditions, and fishway December 2018. prescriptions. Commission issues Final Environmental March 2019. Assessment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final amendments to the application must be filed with the Commission no later than the comment period listed in item j above. p. A license applicant must file no later than 60 days following the date of issuance of this notice: (1) A copy of the water quality certification; (2) a copy of the request for certification, including proof of the date on which the certifying agency received the request; or (3) evidence of waiver of water quality certification. Dated: February 9, 2018. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018-03204 Filed 2-15-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
![7032 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 33 / Friday, February 16, 2018 / Notices
Tucson Electric Power Company, UNS b. Project No.: 2727–092. Lake and Ellsworth) with a total
Electric, Inc., Public Service Company c. Date filed: December 30, 2015. installed capacity of 8.9 megawatts
of New Mexico, Arizona Public Service d. Applicant: Black Bear Hydro (MW). The project’s average annual
Company, El Paso Electric Company, Partners, LLC (Black Bear Hydro). generation is 30,511 megawatt-hours.
Black Hills Power, Inc., Black Hills e. Name of Project: Ellsworth The power generated by the project is
Colorado Electric Utility Company, LP, Hydroelectric Project (Ellsworth sold to the regional power pool
Cheyenne Light, Fuel, & Power Project). administered by ISO New England, Inc.
Company, NV Energy, Inc.; and Xcel f. Location: On the Union River in
Hancock County, Maine. There are no Graham Lake Development
Energy Services, Inc. on behalf of Public
Service Company of Colorado: federal or tribal lands within the project The existing Graham Lake
boundary. Development consists of: (1) A 630-foot-
WestConnect Stakeholder Meeting
g. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power long, 58-foot-high dam that includes: (i)
February 14, 2018, 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
Act 16 U.S.C. 791(a)–825(r). An 80-foot-long, 58-foot-high concrete
(MST) h. Applicant Contact: Ms. Kelly
Planning Management Committee spillway section with three 20-foot-
Maloney, Manager of Licensing and wide, 22.5-foot-high spillway gates and
Meeting
Compliance, Brookfield Renewable one 8-foot-wide sluice gate used for
April 11, 2018, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (MST)
Energy Group, 150 Main Street, downstream fish passage; and (ii) a 550-
The February 14, 2018 WestConnect Lewiston, ME 04240; Telephone: (207) foot-long, 45-foot-high earthen
Stakeholder Meeting will be held at: 755–5606. embankment section with a concrete
Pera Club, 1 E Continental Dr., Tempe, i. FERC Contact: Dr. Nicholas Palso, and sheet pile core wall; (2) an
AZ 85281. (202) 502–8854 or nicholas.palso@ approximately 10,000-acre
The April 11, 2018 Planning ferc.gov. impoundment (Graham Lake) with a
Management Committee Meeting will be j. Deadline for filing motions to useable storage volume of 133,150 acre-
held at: TSGT Offices, 1100 W 116th intervene and protests, comments, feet at a normal maximum elevation of
Ave., Westminster, CO 80234. recommendations, terms and 104.2 National Geodetic Vertical Datum
The above-referenced meetings will conditions, and prescriptions: 60 days 1929 (NGVD); (3) a 720-foot-long, 58-
be available via web conference and from the issuance date of this notice; foot-high concrete gravity flood control
teleconference. reply comments are due 105 days from structure and a 65-foot-diameter, 55-
The above-referenced meetings are the issuance date of this notice. foot-high stone-filled sheet pile
open to stakeholders. The Commission strongly encourages retaining structure; (4) a 71-foot-long,
Further information may be found at electronic filing. Please file motions to 36.5-foot-high concrete wing wall; and
http://www.westconnect.com/. intervene and protests, comments, (5) appurtenant facilities.
The discussions at the meetings recommendations, terms and
described above may address matters at conditions, and prescriptions using the Ellsworth Development
issue in the following proceeding: Commission’s eFiling system at http:// The existing Ellsworth Development
ER13–75, Public Service Comapny of www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. consists of: (1) A 377-foot-long, 60-foot-
New Mexico; El Paso Electric Company. Commenters can submit brief comments high dam that includes: (i) A 102-foot-
For more information contact Nicole up to 6,000 characters, without prior long, 60-foot-high concrete bulkhead
Cramer, Office of Energy Market registration, using the eComment system section; and (ii) a 275-foot-long, 57-foot-
Regulation, Federal Energy Regulatory at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ high concrete overflow spillway with
Commission at (202) 502–6775 or ecomment.asp. You must include your 1.7-foot-high flashboards; (2) an 85-foot-
nicole.cramer@ferc.gov. name and contact information at the end long, 71-foot-high concrete non-over
Dated: February 9, 2018. of your comments. For assistance, flow wall at the west end of the
Kimberly D. Bose, please contact FERC Online Support at bulkhead section; (3) a 26-foot-high
Secretary. FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866) abutment at the east end of the spillway;
208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659 (4) a 90-acre impoundment (Lake
[FR Doc. 2018–03205 Filed 2–15–18; 8:45 am]
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please Leonard) with a gross storage volume of
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal 2,456 acre-feet at a normal maximum
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 elevation of 66.7 feet NGVD; (5)
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426. generating facility No. 1 that includes:
The first page of any filing should (i) a 15-foot-wide, 10-foot-high headgate
Federal Energy Regulatory include docket number P–2727–092. with a 15-foot-wide, 12.5-foot-high
Commission The Commission’s Rules of Practice trashrack; (ii) a 10-foot-diameter, 74-
require all intervenors filing documents foot-long penstock; and (iii) a 26-foot-
[Project No. 2727–092] long, 28-foot-wide concrete and
with the Commission to serve a copy of
that document on each person on the masonry powerhouse that is integral to
Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC;
official service list for the project. the concrete non-overflow dam section
Notice of Application Accepted for
Further, if an intervenor files comments and contains a single 2.5–MW turbine-
Filing, Soliciting Motions To Intervene
or documents with the Commission generator unit; (6) generating facility No.
and Protests, Ready for Environmental
relating to the merits of an issue that 2 that includes: (i) an 88.4-foot-wide,
Analysis, and Soliciting Comments,
may affect the responsibilities of a 32-foot-high intake structure with two,
Recommendations, Terms and
particular resource agency, they must 8-foot-wide, 15-foot-high headgates with
Conditions, and Prescriptions
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
also serve a copy of the document on 8-foot-wide, 14-foot-high trashracks, and
Take notice that the following that resource agency. one 12-foot-wide, 15-foot-high headgate
hydroelectric license application has k. This application has been accepted with a 12-foot-wide, 14-foot-high
been filed with the Commission and is for filing and is now ready for trashrack; (ii) an 8-foot-diameter, 164-
available for public inspection. environmental analysis. foot-long penstock, an 8-foot-diameter,
a. Type of Application: New Major l. The existing Ellsworth Project 195-foot-long penstock, and a 12-foot-
License. consists of two developments (Graham diameter, 225-foot-long penstock; and
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 33 / Friday, February 16, 2018 / Notices 7033
(iii) a 52.5-foot-long, 68-foot-wide Hydro to maintain Graham Lake and TO INTERVENE,’’ ‘‘COMMENTS,’’
concrete and masonry powerhouse that Lake Leonard between elevations 93.4 ‘‘REPLY COMMENTS,’’
is attached to a 15-foot-long, 30-foot- and 104.2 feet NGVD and 65.7 and 66.7 ‘‘RECOMMENDATIONS,’’ ‘‘TERMS
wide switch house and that contains feet NGVD, respectively. Black Bear AND CONDITIONS,’’ or
two 2.0–MW and one 2.4–MW turbine- Hydro proposes to continue the current ‘‘PRESCRIPTIONS;’’ (2) set forth in the
generator units; (7) downstream fish licensed mode of operation, including heading the name of the applicant and
passage facilities that include three 3- minimum flow releases. Black Bear the project number of the application to
foot-wide surface weirs and an 18-inch- Hydro also proposes to install upstream which the filing responds; (3) furnish
diameter transport pipe; (8) upstream eel passage facilities at the Graham Lake the name, address, and telephone
fish passage facilities that include a 120- and Ellsworth Developments, construct number of the person protesting or
foot-long, 8-foot-wide fishway with a 3- a canoe portage trail at the Graham Lake intervening; and (4) otherwise comply
foot-wide opening and collection Development, and improve angler with the requirements of 18 CFR
station; (9) a 450-foot-long, 2.3 kilovolt access at the Graham Lake 385.2001 through 385.2005. All
generator lead line and step-up Development. comments, recommendations, terms and
transformer connecting the turbine- m. A copy of the application is conditions or prescriptions must set
generator units to the local utility’s available for review at the Commission forth their evidentiary basis and
electric distribution system; and (10) in the Public Reference Room or may be otherwise comply with the requirements
appurtenant facilities. viewed on the Commission’s website at
of 18 CFR 4.34(b). Agencies may obtain
http://www.ferc.gov using the
The Ellsworth Project operates as a copies of the application directly from
‘‘eLibrary’’ link. Enter the docket
water storage facility and a peaking the applicant. A copy of any protest or
number excluding the last three digits in
generation facility, depending on motion to intervene must be served
the docket number field to access the
available inflows. Water is stored at the upon each representative of the
document. For assistance, contact FERC
Graham Lake Development to reduce applicant specified in the particular
Online Support. A copy is also available
downstream flooding during periods of application. A copy of all other filings
for inspection and reproduction at the
high flow, and is released during in reference to this application must be
address in item h above.
periods of low flow so that minimum n. Anyone may submit comments, a accompanied by proof of service on all
flows can be maintained in the Union protest, or a motion to intervene in persons listed in the service list
River below Graham Lake Dam. The accordance with the requirements of the prepared by the Commission in this
ability to store and release water at the Commission’s Rules of Practice and proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR
Graham Lake Development makes it Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, and 4.34(b) and 385.2010.
possible for the Ellsworth Development .214. In determining the appropriate You may also register online at http://
to operate in a peaking mode during action to take, the Commission will www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
periods of high electric demand. consider all protests or other comments esubscription.asp to be notified via
The existing license requires an filed, but only those who file a motion email of new filings and issuances
instantaneous minimum flow release of to intervene in accordance with the related to this or other pending projects.
250 cubic feet per second (cfs), or inflow Commission’s Rules may become a For assistance, contact FERC Online
(whichever is less), downstream of each party to the proceeding. Any comments, Support.
development from May 1 to June 30 protests, or motions to intervene must
each year. The minimum flow release be received on or before the specified o. Procedural Schedule:
from each development is reduced to comment date for the particular The application will be processed
105 cfs from July 1 to April 30 each application. according to the following revised
year. In addition to the minimum flows, All filings must (1) bear in all capital schedule. Revisions to the schedule may
the existing license requires Black Bear letters the title ‘‘PROTEST,’’ ‘‘MOTION be made as appropriate.
Milestone Target date
Filing of interventions, protests, comments, recommendations, preliminary terms and conditions, and preliminary fishway April 2018.
prescriptions.
Commission issues Draft Environmental Assessment ............................................................................................................... August 2018.
Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment ........................................................................................................................ October 2018.
Modified terms and conditions, and fishway prescriptions ......................................................................................................... December 2018.
Commission issues Final Environmental Assessment ............................................................................................................... March 2019.
Final amendments to the application water quality certification; (2) a copy of Dated: February 9, 2018.
must be filed with the Commission no the request for certification, including Kimberly D. Bose,
later than the comment period listed in proof of the date on which the certifying Secretary.
item j above. agency received the request; or (3) [FR Doc. 2018–03204 Filed 2–15–18; 8:45 am]
p. A license applicant must file no evidence of waiver of water quality BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
later than 60 days following the date of certification.
issuance of this notice: (1) A copy of the
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Document Created: 2018-02-16 00:55:30
Document Modified: 2018-02-16 00:55:30
| 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 | 83 FR 7032 |
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