Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project, Tehama and Shasta Counties, CA, 43862-43863 [05-15013]

Download as PDF 43862 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 145 / Friday, July 29, 2005 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project, Tehama and Shasta Counties, CA Bureau of Reclamation, Interior; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, DOE. ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report. AGENCIES: SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Public Resources Code, sections 21000–21177 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency; the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), a cooperating Federal agency; and the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), the lead State agency; have prepared a joint Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR) for the Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project (Restoration Project). The Restoration Project proposed action considered by the lead agencies is the five-dam removal alternative that includes the decommissioning and removal of five small hydropower diversion dams, construction of new fish screens at the intakes and fish ladders at three other dams, and the modification of several hydropower facilities to ensure continued hydropower operations. This action will require a FERC license amendment of the Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project, owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). DATES: No decision will be made on the proposed action until 30 days after the release of the Final EIS/EIR. After the 30-day waiting period, Reclamation and the State Water Board will complete their respective Record of Decision (ROD) and CEQA Findings. The ROD and CEQA Findings will identify the recommended action to be implemented including any measures found necessary to avoid, reduce or mitigate any significant adverse project effects to less than significant. FERC will then make its own independent decision regarding the proposed Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project license amendment and any VerDate jul<14>2003 17:05 Jul 28, 2005 Jkt 205001 measures it may find necessary to avoid, reduce or mitigate any significant adverse project effects. ADDRESSES: Requests for a compact disk or a bound copy of the Final EIS/EIR should be addressed to Ms. Rosemary Stefani, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, telephone: (916) 978–5309, TDD (916) 978–5608, or e-mail: rstefani@mp.usbr.gov. The final EIS/EIR is available online at https:// www.usbr.gov/mp/battlecreek/ documents.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mary Marshall, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, telephone: (916) 978–5248, TDD (916) 978–5608, e-mail: mmarshall@mp.usbr.gov; or Mr. Jim Canaday, California State Water Resources Control Board, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 341–5308, e-mail: jcanaday@waterboards.ca.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed Restoration Project is to restore approximately 48 miles of salmonid habitat in Battle Creek and its tributaries and to facilitate the safe passage for, and the growth and recovery of, naturally-produced anadromous fish populations, including three federally-listed runs: the Central Valley spring-run chinook salmon, the Central Valley steelhead trout, and the Sacramento River winter-run chinook salmon. The Restoration Project’s proposed action (five-dam removal alternative) stems from the 1999 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pursue a restoration project for Battle Creek that modifies both Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project facilities and water management operations, while at the same time minimizing loss of renewable energy produced. The MOU is signed by Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, and PG&E. The Restoration Project Final EIS/EIR discusses the project purpose and need, project description, project background, and related projects. The Final EIS/EIR evaluates a ‘‘No Action’’ alternative and several action alternatives, which consist of various combinations of dam decommissioning and removals, fish screen/fish ladder improvements, and increased in-stream flows, and also describes the affected environment and environmental consequences of the Restoration Project alternatives. The proposed action (five-dam removal alternative) combines the decommissioning and removal of five PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 small hydropower diversion dams and construction of new fish screens/ladders on another three dams, with modification of several hydropower facilities to ensure continued hydropower operations. The Final EIS/ EIR addresses the impacts of project construction and operation on fisheries; botanical, wetland and wildlife resources; hydrology; water quality; groundwater; land use; geology and soils; aesthetics and visual resources; transportation; noise; air quality; public health and safety; public services and utilities; recreation; cultural resources; power generation and economics; socioeconomics; environmental justice; and Indian trust assets. The Notice of Availability of the original joint Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR), notice of public workshop, and notice of public hearing was published in the Federal Register on July 18, 2003. Two public information workshops and a public hearing were held on July 23 and August 12, and August 27, 2003, respectively; all meetings occurred in Manton, CA. A Draft Supplemental EIS/ Revised EIR (Draft SEIS/REIR) was released on March 1, 2005 for a 60-day public review and comment period. Responses to all comments received from interested organizations and individuals on the Draft EIS/EIR and the Draft SEIS/REIR during the public review periods and at the public hearing are addressed in the Final EIS/EIR. Copies of the Final EIS/EIR are available at the following locations: • Tehama County Library, 645 Madison, Red Bluff, CA 96080, (530) 527–0604 • Shasta County Library, 1855 Shasta Street, Redding, CA 96001, (530) 225– 5769 • Susanville Library, Lassen County, 1618 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130, (530) 251–8127 • Bureau of Reclamation, Red Bluff Field Office, 22500 Altube Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080, (530) 529–3890 • Bureau of Reclamation, Office of Public Affairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825–1898, (916) 978– 5100 • Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office Library, Building 67, Room 167, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Denver, CO 80225, (303) 445–2072 • Natural Resources Library, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Main Interior Building, Washington, DC 20240–0001 • California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights, 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 341–5300 E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM 29JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 145 / Friday, July 29, 2005 / Notices Dated: May 19, 2005. Kirk C. Rodgers, Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region, Bureau of Reclamation. Dated: May 16, 2005. Joseph D. Morgan, Director, Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. [FR Doc. 05–15013 Filed 7–28–05; 8:45 am] For further information, contact Rebecca Martin at (202) 502–6012. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E5–4032 Filed 7–28–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission BILLING CODE 4310–MN–P [Docket No. ER05–795–001] DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool; Notice of Technical Conference [Project No. 2105–095] July 22, 2005. Pacific Gas & Electric Company; Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment July 21, 2005. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (Commission) regulations, 18 CFR Part 380 (Order No. 486, 52 FR 47897), the Office of Energy Projects’ staff has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for an application for a non-capacity related amendment of the Lake Almanor Development of the Upper North Fork Feather River Project. The Upper North Fork Feather River Project, FERC No. 2105, is located on the Butt Creek and North Fork Feather River in Plumas County, California. The EA contains the staff’s analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the proposal and concludes that approval of the proposal would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A copy of the EA is attached to a July 20, 2005, Commission order titled ‘‘Order Approving Application for Amendment of License and Revised Exhibit K,’’ which is available for review and reproduction at the Commission’s Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426. The EA may also be viewed on the Commission’s website at https://www.ferc.gov using the ‘‘elibrary’’ link. Enter the docket number (prefaced by P-) and excluding the last three digits, in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or tollfree at (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. VerDate jul<14>2003 17:05 Jul 28, 2005 Jkt 205001 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hereby gives notice that members of its staff will hold a technical conference with ISO New England Inc. (ISO–NE) to discuss certain aspects of the ‘‘Joint Request for Clarification, or in the Alternative, Rehearing; Request for Expedited Action; and Request for Deferral of Filing Requirements of ISO New England Inc. and New England Power Pool’’ (Joint Request) filed on June 23, 2005 in Docket No. ER05–795–001. The conference will take place on Thursday, July 28, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (e.d.t.), in Room 3M–3 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Washington DC 20426. Specifically, the purpose of the conference is to discuss the mechanism for selecting generating units to provide Regulation Service as proposed in an April 7 filing, and how Regulation Clearing Prices would be established. The conference will also discuss any possible inconsistencies in the description of the mechanism as found in (i) the proposed Tariff revisions (especially section III.1.11.5 and section III.3.2.2), (ii) the Joint Request,1 and (iii) the proposed revisions to the ISO–NE Manual for Market Operations, Manual M–11 (Revision XX—ASM Phase I), section 3 (especially section 3.2.5).2 During the conference, ISO–NE should be prepared to explain the proposed steps that would be taken to select generators to provide Regulation Service and to determine the Regulation 1 The Joint Request (at 6–7) describes a 7-step process for determining the Resources that would be selected to provide Regulation Service and for determining the Regulation Clearing Price. 2 The ISO–NE Manual for Market Operations has not been filed with the Commission. It may be found on the ISO–NE Web site at https://www.isone.com/rules_proceds/isone_mnls/M– 11_Market%20Operations_(Revision%20XX)_10– 01–05.doc. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 43863 Clearing Price. To aid in this discussion, Staff requests ISO–NE to use the hypothetical example described in the Appendix to this Notice to illustrate how Resources would be selected to provide Regulation Service and how the Regulation Clearing Price would be determined. ISO–NE should also be prepared to explain whether, under its proposal, the Resources selected to provide Regulation Service would be those whose total costs of providing Regulation Service are the lowest. In addition, ISO–NE should be prepared to discuss the rationale for recalculating updated Regulation Rank Prices for generating units with Regulation Offer Prices that are less than the initial Regulation Clearing Price, as described in section 3.2.5(2) of the proposed revision to Manual M–11. The conference is open for the public to attend. In addition, a telephone line will be provided for interested parties to call in and participate in the conference. Below is the call-in information for the conference call: Date: July 28, 2005. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. e.d.t. Toll-free Number: 877–546–1566. Passcode: 65271. Leader’s Name: Mr. David Mead. Parties interested in submitting comments following the conference must do so no later than August 11, 2005. FERC conferences are accessible under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please send an e-mail to accessibility@ferc.gov or call toll free 1–866–208–3372 (voice) or 202–208– 1659 (TTY), or send a FAX to 202–208– 2106 with the required accommodations. For more information about the conference, please contact: David Mead at (202) 502–8028 or david.mead@ferc.gov. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. Appendix The following is a hypothetical example to be used during the technical conference to help illustrate how Resources would be selected to provide Regulation Service and how the Regulation Clearing Price would be determined. Assume that 150 MW of Regulation Capability must be procured to provide Regulation Service for a particular hour. Assume that 6 different Resources, A through F, have submitted offers to provide Regulation Service. Each of the 6 Resources has an Automatic Response Rate of 10 MW per minute, and thus, a Regulation Capability of 50 MW (i.e., 10 MW per minute times 5 minutes). Although each Resource has submitted a different Energy Bid (shown in E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM 29JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 145 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43862-43863]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15013]



[[Page 43862]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission


Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project, Tehama and 
Shasta Counties, CA

AGENCIES: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior; Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement/Environmental Impact Report.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Public Resources Code, sections 21000-
21177 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of 
Reclamation (Reclamation), the lead Federal agency; the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission (FERC), a cooperating Federal agency; and the 
California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), the 
lead State agency; have prepared a joint Final Environmental Impact 
Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR) for the Battle 
Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project (Restoration Project). 
The Restoration Project proposed action considered by the lead agencies 
is the five-dam removal alternative that includes the decommissioning 
and removal of five small hydropower diversion dams, construction of 
new fish screens at the intakes and fish ladders at three other dams, 
and the modification of several hydropower facilities to ensure 
continued hydropower operations. This action will require a FERC 
license amendment of the Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project, owned and 
operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

DATES: No decision will be made on the proposed action until 30 days 
after the release of the Final EIS/EIR. After the 30-day waiting 
period, Reclamation and the State Water Board will complete their 
respective Record of Decision (ROD) and CEQA Findings. The ROD and CEQA 
Findings will identify the recommended action to be implemented 
including any measures found necessary to avoid, reduce or mitigate any 
significant adverse project effects to less than significant. FERC will 
then make its own independent decision regarding the proposed Battle 
Creek Hydroelectric Project license amendment and any measures it may 
find necessary to avoid, reduce or mitigate any significant adverse 
project effects.

ADDRESSES: Requests for a compact disk or a bound copy of the Final 
EIS/EIR should be addressed to Ms. Rosemary Stefani, Bureau of 
Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, telephone: (916) 
978-5309, TDD (916) 978-5608, or e-mail: rstefani@mp.usbr.gov. The 
final EIS/EIR is available online at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/
battlecreek/documents.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mary Marshall, Bureau of 
Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, telephone: (916) 
978-5248, TDD (916) 978-5608, e-mail: mmarshall@mp.usbr.gov; or Mr. Jim 
Canaday, California State Water Resources Control Board, 1001 I Street, 
Sacramento, CA 95814, telephone: (916) 341-5308, e-mail: 
jcanaday@waterboards.ca.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed Restoration Project is to 
restore approximately 48 miles of salmonid habitat in Battle Creek and 
its tributaries and to facilitate the safe passage for, and the growth 
and recovery of, naturally-produced anadromous fish populations, 
including three federally-listed runs: the Central Valley spring-run 
chinook salmon, the Central Valley steelhead trout, and the Sacramento 
River winter-run chinook salmon. The Restoration Project's proposed 
action (five-dam removal alternative) stems from the 1999 Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) to pursue a restoration project for Battle Creek 
that modifies both Battle Creek Hydroelectric Project facilities and 
water management operations, while at the same time minimizing loss of 
renewable energy produced. The MOU is signed by Reclamation, the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, the 
California Department of Fish and Game, and PG&E.
    The Restoration Project Final EIS/EIR discusses the project purpose 
and need, project description, project background, and related 
projects. The Final EIS/EIR evaluates a ``No Action'' alternative and 
several action alternatives, which consist of various combinations of 
dam decommissioning and removals, fish screen/fish ladder improvements, 
and increased in-stream flows, and also describes the affected 
environment and environmental consequences of the Restoration Project 
alternatives. The proposed action (five-dam removal alternative) 
combines the decommissioning and removal of five small hydropower 
diversion dams and construction of new fish screens/ladders on another 
three dams, with modification of several hydropower facilities to 
ensure continued hydropower operations. The Final EIS/EIR addresses the 
impacts of project construction and operation on fisheries; botanical, 
wetland and wildlife resources; hydrology; water quality; groundwater; 
land use; geology and soils; aesthetics and visual resources; 
transportation; noise; air quality; public health and safety; public 
services and utilities; recreation; cultural resources; power 
generation and economics; socioeconomics; environmental justice; and 
Indian trust assets.
    The Notice of Availability of the original joint Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/
EIR), notice of public workshop, and notice of public hearing was 
published in the Federal Register on July 18, 2003. Two public 
information workshops and a public hearing were held on July 23 and 
August 12, and August 27, 2003, respectively; all meetings occurred in 
Manton, CA. A Draft Supplemental EIS/Revised EIR (Draft SEIS/REIR) was 
released on March 1, 2005 for a 60-day public review and comment 
period. Responses to all comments received from interested 
organizations and individuals on the Draft EIS/EIR and the Draft SEIS/
REIR during the public review periods and at the public hearing are 
addressed in the Final EIS/EIR.
    Copies of the Final EIS/EIR are available at the following 
locations:
     Tehama County Library, 645 Madison, Red Bluff, CA 96080, 
(530) 527-0604
     Shasta County Library, 1855 Shasta Street, Redding, CA 
96001, (530) 225-5769
     Susanville Library, Lassen County, 1618 Main Street, 
Susanville, CA 96130, (530) 251-8127
     Bureau of Reclamation, Red Bluff Field Office, 22500 
Altube Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080, (530) 529-3890
     Bureau of Reclamation, Office of Public Affairs, 2800 
Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825-1898, (916) 978-5100
     Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office Library, Building 67, 
Room 167, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Denver, CO 80225, 
(303) 445-2072
     Natural Resources Library, U.S. Department of the 
Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Main Interior Building, Washington, DC 
20240-0001
     California State Water Resources Control Board, Division 
of Water Rights, 1001 I Street, 14th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 
341-5300


[[Page 43863]]


    Dated: May 19, 2005.
Kirk C. Rodgers,
Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region, Bureau of Reclamation.
    Dated: May 16, 2005.
Joseph D. Morgan,
Director, Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance, Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission.
[FR Doc. 05-15013 Filed 7-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P
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