Santa Clara Valley Water District; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Surrender of Exemption, Schedule for Environmental Review, and Request for Comments, 84565-84567 [2024-24520]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 23, 2024 / Notices The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Dated: October 17, 2024. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–24527 Filed 10–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL25–2–000; Docket No. EL25– 3–000; Docket No. EL25–4–000] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.; Deseret Generation & Transmission Co-Operative, Inc.; Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Institution of Section 206 Proceeding and Refund Effective Date On October 17, 2024, the Commission issued an order in Docket Nos. EL25–2– 000, EL25–3–000, and EL25–4–000, pursuant to section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), 16 U.S.C. 824e, instituting an investigation to determine whether Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.’s, Deseret Generation & Transmission Cooperative, Inc.’s, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.’s Open Access Transmission Tariffs are unjust, unreasonable, unduly discriminatory or preferential, or otherwise unlawful. Pub. Serv. Co. of Colo., 189 FERC ¶ 61,028 (2024). The refund effective date in Docket Nos. EL25–2–000, EL25–3–000, and EL25–4–000 established pursuant to section 206(b) of the FPA, will be the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Any interested person desiring to be heard in Docket Nos. EL25–2–000, EL25–3–000, and EL25–4–000 must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, in accordance with Rule 214 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.214 (2024), within 21 days of the date of issuance of the order. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:48 Oct 22, 2024 Jkt 265001 In addition to publishing the full text of this document in the Federal Register, the Commission provides all interested persons an opportunity to view and/or print the contents of this document via the internet through the Commission’s Home Page (https:// 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. From FERC’s Home Page on the internet, this information is available on eLibrary. The full text of this document is available on eLibrary in PDF and Microsoft Word format for viewing, printing, and/or downloading. To access this document in eLibrary, type the docket number excluding the last three digits of this document in the docket number field. User assistance is available for eLibrary and the FERC’s website during normal business hours from FERC Online Support at 202–502– 6652 (toll free at 1–866–208–3676) or email at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov, or the Public Reference Room at (202) 502– 8371, TTY (202)502–8659. Email the Public Reference Room at public.referenceroom@ferc.gov. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the ‘‘eFile’’ link at https://www.ferc.gov. In lieu of electronic filing, you may submit a paper copy. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202)502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Dated: October 17, 2024. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–24523 Filed 10–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 84565 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 5737–032] Santa Clara Valley Water District; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Surrender of Exemption, Schedule for Environmental Review, and Request for Comments The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will discuss the environmental impacts of the Anderson Dam Project No. 5737 (Exemption) involving the proposal by the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) to retrofit the Anderson Dam and to surrender the Exemption 1 located on Coyote Creek, in Santa Clara County, California.2 The surrender of the exemption and the retrofit of the dam are collectively referred to as the Project. The Commission will use this EIS in its decision-making process in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The schedule for preparation of the EIS is discussed in the Schedule for Environmental Review section of this notice.3 As part of the NEPA review process, the Commission takes into account concerns the public may have about proposals and the environmental impacts that could result whenever it considers the issuance of a surrender order. This gathering of public input is referred to as ‘‘scoping.’’ By notice issued on August 21, 2024, in Docket No. P–5737–032, the Commission opened a scoping period to solicit comments; this scoping period expires on October 21, 2024; however, Commission staff continues to accept comments after the comment period closes. Staff also held two scoping sessions in Morgan Hill, CA on August 18 and 19, 2024, to take oral scoping comments. Commission staff intends to prepare an EIS that will address the concerns raised during the scoping process and comments received in response to this notice. Therefore, if you previously submitted comments on this 1 Santa Clara Valley Irrigation District, 28 FERC ¶ 62,276 (1984). 2 The surrender application was filed February 20, 2024, and supplemented on May 20, May 28, July 2, and July 3, 2024. 3 In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations, the unique identification number for documents relating to this environmental review is EISX–019–20–000– 1727256582. 40 CFR 1502.4(e)(10) (2024). E:\FR\FM\23OCN1.SGM 23OCN1 84566 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 23, 2024 / Notices Project to the Commission during the scoping period, you do not need to file those comments again. By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the scope of issues to address in the environmental document, including comments on potential alternatives and impacts, and any relevant information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts affecting the quality of the human environment. To ensure that your comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 18, 2024.4 Comments may be submitted in written form. Further details on how to submit comments are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Public Participation There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has staff available to assist you at (866) 208–3676 or FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov. Please carefully follow these instructions so that your comments are properly recorded. (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment feature, which is located on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for submitting brief, text-only comments on a Project; (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling feature, which is located on the Commission’s website (www.ferc.gov) under the link to FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking on ‘‘eRegister.’’ You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making; a comment on a particular Project is considered a ‘‘Comment on a Filing’’; or (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to the 4 The Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure provide that, if a filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or other day when the Commission is not open for business, the filing deadline does not end until the close of business on the next business day. 18 CFR 385.2007(a)(2) (2024). The filing deadline is 30 days from issuance of the notice (i.e., November 16, 2024), which falls on a Saturday, thus the filing deadline is the close of business Monday, November 18, 2024. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:48 Oct 22, 2024 Jkt 265001 Commission. Be sure to reference the Project docket number (P–5737–032) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Additionally, the Commission offers a free service called eSubscription. This service provides automatic notification of filings made to subscribed dockets, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to https:// www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register for eSubscription. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202)502–6595 or OPP@ ferc.gov. Summary of the Proposed Surrender The purpose of and need for this EIS is to analyze the exemptee’s proposal to retrofit the Anderson Dam and to surrender the Exemption. The proposed action includes: (1) drawing down the Anderson reservoir to perform a seismic retrofit of the dam which would include removing Anderson Dam in stages and rebuilding the dam and spillway to meet public safety requirements; (2) decommissioning the hydroelectric facility; (3) implementing conservation measures downstream of the dam on Coyote Creek; and (4) surrendering the hydroelectric exemption. Construction to retrofit the dam would take approximately seven years to complete, proposed to begin in 2026. The proposal includes various environmental monitoring plans, site restoration activities, and mitigation measures including improvements to Ogier Ponds and enhancements to the fish passage facilities at the Coyote Percolation Dam located downstream and outside of the Anderson Dam Hydroelectric Project on Coyote Creek. After the surrender, Valley Water would continue to PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 maintain Anderson Reservoir and the rebuilt dam under specific operational conditions discussed in the surrender application. The NEPA Process and the EIS The EIS issued by the Commission will discuss impacts that could occur as a result of the proposed dam retrofit and surrender under the relevant general resource areas: • geology and soils • water quantity • water quality • aquatic resources • terrestrial resources • threatened and endangered species • recreation • land use • aesthetic resources • socioeconomics • cultural resources • air quality, noise, and greenhouse gases; and • environmental justice. Commission staff will also make recommendations on how to lessen or avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Some of the expected effects include: (1) erosion of exposed soils during and following construction and associated effects of suspended and/or contaminated sediments on water quality; (2) effects on Valley Water’s municipal water system and downstream water avalability for groundwater recharge; (3) aquatic habitat connectivity and fish passage, including species listed under the Endangered Species Act; (4) removal of existing recreational facilities and the proposed construction schedule affecting the visitation to recreational sites; (5) construction-related effects on public safety, local roads and traffic, and emergency response times; (6) effectiveness of short and long-term measures to avoid adverse effects on fire management; (7) the visual and audible experience of visitors and residents in the Project vicinity; (8) effects of reservoir drawdown and construction on property values around Anderson Reservoir and Anderson Dam, Morgan Hill; and Santa Clara County; (9) off-site effects to air quality and noise along haul and access routes; and (10) Projectrelated effects on communities with environmental justice concerns such as construction traffic and the removal of recreational facilities. Your comments will help Commission staff focus its analysis on the issues that may have a significant effect on the human environment. E:\FR\FM\23OCN1.SGM 23OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 23, 2024 / Notices The EIS will present Commission staff’s independent analysis of the issues. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is a cooperating agency in the preparation of the EIS.5 Staff will prepare a draft EIS which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will consider all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft EIS and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. Any draft and final EIS will be available in electronic format in the public record through eLibrary.6 (If eSubscribed, you will receive instant email notification when the environmental document is issued. Alternatives Under Consideration As part of our review in the NEPA document, the Commission will consider a range of reasonable alternatives that are technically and economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for the proposed action.7 Alternatives that do not meet these requirements will be summarized and dismissed from further consideration in the NEPA document. Staff will also consider the no-action alternative. Currently, we are considering an alternative to the proposed action that potentially meets the above criteria: the applicants’ proposed action with staff modifications. The alternatives we are considering may be expanded based on the comments we receive, provided they meet the required criteria. With this notice, we ask commenters to identify other potential alternatives for consideration. Schedule for Environmental Review On March 21, 2024, the Commission issued its Notice of Application for Surrender of Exemption Accepted for Filing for the Project. This Notice of Intent identifies Commission staff’s planned schedule for completion of the final EIS for the Project, which is based on an issuance of the draft EIS in May 2025, opening a 45-day public comment period. All comments filed will be reviewed by staff and considered in the Commission’s final decision on the proceeding. Issuance of Notice of Availability of the final EIS—November 21, 2025 In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations for EISs, agencies are to make schedules for Agency khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Additional Information Additional information about the Project is available on the FERC website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the Docket No. P–5737 in the ‘‘Docket Number’’ field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or (866) 208–3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to Jennifer Polardino at jennifer.polardino@ferc.gov, or (202) 502–6437. 5 The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing cooperating agency responsibilities are at 40 CFR 1501.8. 6 For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the last page of this notice. 18:48 Oct 22, 2024 Jkt 265001 completing the NEPA process publicly available.8 This notice identifies the Commission’s anticipated schedule for issuance of the final order for the Project, which serves as the Commission’s record of decision. We currently anticipate issuing a final order for the Project no later than: Issuance of the Surrender Order— February 19, 2026 If a schedule change becomes necessary, an additional notice will be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the Project’s progress. After the final EIS is issued, the Commission will make a decision on the proposal. Permits and Authorizations The table below lists the anticipated permits and authorizations for the Project required under federal law. This list may not be all-inclusive and does not preclude any permit or authorization if it is not listed here. Agencies with jurisdiction by law and/ or special expertise may formally cooperate in the preparation of the Commission’s EIS and may adopt the EIS to satisfy its NEPA responsibilities related to this Project. Permit or authorization U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ................................................................. California State Water Resources Control Board .................................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 84567 Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Permit. Section 401 Water Quality Certification. Dated: October 17, 2024. Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024–24520 Filed 10–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP24–508–000] Rover Pipeline LLC; Notice of Schedule for the Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the Rover–Sunny Farms Receipt and Delivery Meter Station Project On August 2, 2024, Rover Pipeline LLC (Rover) filed an application in Docket No. CP24–508–000 requesting a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act to construct facilities at 7 40 CFR 1508.1(hh). CFR 1501.10(h). 1 In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations, the unique 8 40 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 a new interconnect on Rover’s mainline in Hancock County, Ohio. The proposed project is known as the Rover–Sunny Farms Receipt and Delivery Meter Station Project (Project). On August 16, 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) issued its Notice of Application for the Project. Among other things, that notice alerted agencies issuing federal authorizations of the requirement to complete all necessary reviews and to reach a final decision on a request for a federal authorization within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff’s environmental document for the Project. This notice identifies Commission staff’s intention to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Project and the planned schedule for the completion of the environmental review.1 The EA will be issued for a 30day comment period. identification number for documents relating to this environmental review is EAXX–019–20–000– 1725459309. 40 CFR 1501.5(c)(4) (2024). E:\FR\FM\23OCN1.SGM 23OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 23, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 84565-84567]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24520]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Project No. 5737-032]


Santa Clara Valley Water District; Notice of Intent To Prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Surrender of Exemption, 
Schedule for Environmental Review, and Request for Comments

    The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or 
Commission) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that 
will discuss the environmental impacts of the Anderson Dam Project No. 
5737 (Exemption) involving the proposal by the Santa Clara Valley Water 
District (Valley Water) to retrofit the Anderson Dam and to surrender 
the Exemption \1\ located on Coyote Creek, in Santa Clara County, 
California.\2\ The surrender of the exemption and the retrofit of the 
dam are collectively referred to as the Project. The Commission will 
use this EIS in its decision-making process in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The schedule for preparation 
of the EIS is discussed in the Schedule for Environmental Review 
section of this notice.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Santa Clara Valley Irrigation District, 28 FERC ] 62,276 
(1984).
    \2\ The surrender application was filed February 20, 2024, and 
supplemented on May 20, May 28, July 2, and July 3, 2024.
    \3\ In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality's 
regulations, the unique identification number for documents relating 
to this environmental review is EISX-019-20-000-1727256582. 40 CFR 
1502.4(e)(10) (2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As part of the NEPA review process, the Commission takes into 
account concerns the public may have about proposals and the 
environmental impacts that could result whenever it considers the 
issuance of a surrender order. This gathering of public input is 
referred to as ``scoping.'' By notice issued on August 21, 2024, in 
Docket No. P-5737-032, the Commission opened a scoping period to 
solicit comments; this scoping period expires on October 21, 2024; 
however, Commission staff continues to accept comments after the 
comment period closes. Staff also held two scoping sessions in Morgan 
Hill, CA on August 18 and 19, 2024, to take oral scoping comments. 
Commission staff intends to prepare an EIS that will address the 
concerns raised during the scoping process and comments received in 
response to this notice. Therefore, if you previously submitted 
comments on this

[[Page 84566]]

Project to the Commission during the scoping period, you do not need to 
file those comments again.
    By this notice, the Commission requests public comments on the 
scope of issues to address in the environmental document, including 
comments on potential alternatives and impacts, and any relevant 
information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts 
affecting the quality of the human environment. To ensure that your 
comments are timely and properly recorded, please submit your comments 
so that the Commission receives them in Washington, DC on or before 
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 18, 2024.\4\ Comments may be 
submitted in written form. Further details on how to submit comments 
are provided in the Public Participation section of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure provide 
that, if a filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or 
other day when the Commission is not open for business, the filing 
deadline does not end until the close of business on the next 
business day. 18 CFR 385.2007(a)(2) (2024). The filing deadline is 
30 days from issuance of the notice (i.e., November 16, 2024), which 
falls on a Saturday, thus the filing deadline is the close of 
business Monday, November 18, 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Participation

    There are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the 
Commission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and 
has staff available to assist you at (866) 208-3676 or 
[email protected]. Please carefully follow these instructions 
so that your comments are properly recorded.
    (1) You can file your comments electronically using the eComment 
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the link to FERC Online. Using eComment is an easy method for 
submitting brief, text-only comments on a Project;
    (2) You can file your comments electronically by using the eFiling 
feature, which is located on the Commission's website (www.ferc.gov) 
under the link to FERC Online. With eFiling, you can provide comments 
in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your 
submission. New eFiling users must first create an account by clicking 
on ``eRegister.'' You will be asked to select the type of filing you 
are making; a comment on a particular Project is considered a ``Comment 
on a Filing''; or
    (3) You can file a paper copy of your comments by mailing them to 
the Commission. Be sure to reference the Project docket number (P-5737-
032) on your letter. Submissions sent via the U.S. Postal Service must 
be addressed to: Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE, Room 1A, Washington, DC 
20426. Submissions sent via any other carrier must be addressed to: 
Debbie-Anne A. Reese, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 
12225 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
    Additionally, the Commission offers a free service called 
eSubscription. This service provides automatic notification of filings 
made to subscribed dockets, document summaries, and direct links to the 
documents. Go to https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview to register 
for eSubscription.
    The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports 
meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission 
proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, 
environmental justice communities, Tribal members and others, access 
publicly available information and navigate Commission processes. For 
public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as 
interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is 
encouraged to contact OPP at (202)502-6595 or [email protected].

Summary of the Proposed Surrender

    The purpose of and need for this EIS is to analyze the exemptee's 
proposal to retrofit the Anderson Dam and to surrender the Exemption. 
The proposed action includes: (1) drawing down the Anderson reservoir 
to perform a seismic retrofit of the dam which would include removing 
Anderson Dam in stages and rebuilding the dam and spillway to meet 
public safety requirements; (2) decommissioning the hydroelectric 
facility; (3) implementing conservation measures downstream of the dam 
on Coyote Creek; and (4) surrendering the hydroelectric exemption. 
Construction to retrofit the dam would take approximately seven years 
to complete, proposed to begin in 2026. The proposal includes various 
environmental monitoring plans, site restoration activities, and 
mitigation measures including improvements to Ogier Ponds and 
enhancements to the fish passage facilities at the Coyote Percolation 
Dam located downstream and outside of the Anderson Dam Hydroelectric 
Project on Coyote Creek. After the surrender, Valley Water would 
continue to maintain Anderson Reservoir and the rebuilt dam under 
specific operational conditions discussed in the surrender application.

The NEPA Process and the EIS

    The EIS issued by the Commission will discuss impacts that could 
occur as a result of the proposed dam retrofit and surrender under the 
relevant general resource areas:

 geology and soils
 water quantity
 water quality
 aquatic resources
 terrestrial resources
 threatened and endangered species
 recreation
 land use
 aesthetic resources
 socioeconomics
 cultural resources
 air quality, noise, and greenhouse gases; and
 environmental justice.

    Commission staff will also make recommendations on how to lessen or 
avoid impacts on the various resource areas. Some of the expected 
effects include: (1) erosion of exposed soils during and following 
construction and associated effects of suspended and/or contaminated 
sediments on water quality; (2) effects on Valley Water's municipal 
water system and downstream water avalability for groundwater recharge; 
(3) aquatic habitat connectivity and fish passage, including species 
listed under the Endangered Species Act; (4) removal of existing 
recreational facilities and the proposed construction schedule 
affecting the visitation to recreational sites; (5) construction-
related effects on public safety, local roads and traffic, and 
emergency response times; (6) effectiveness of short and long-term 
measures to avoid adverse effects on fire management; (7) the visual 
and audible experience of visitors and residents in the Project 
vicinity; (8) effects of reservoir drawdown and construction on 
property values around Anderson Reservoir and Anderson Dam, Morgan 
Hill; and Santa Clara County; (9) off-site effects to air quality and 
noise along haul and access routes; and (10) Project-related effects on 
communities with environmental justice concerns such as construction 
traffic and the removal of recreational facilities. Your comments will 
help Commission staff focus its analysis on the issues that may have a 
significant effect on the human environment.

[[Page 84567]]

    The EIS will present Commission staff's independent analysis of the 
issues. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is a cooperating 
agency in the preparation of the EIS.\5\ Staff will prepare a draft EIS 
which will be issued for public comment. Commission staff will consider 
all timely comments received during the comment period on the draft EIS 
and revise the document, as necessary, before issuing a final EIS. Any 
draft and final EIS will be available in electronic format in the 
public record through eLibrary.\6\ (If eSubscribed, you will receive 
instant email notification when the environmental document is issued.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Council on Environmental Quality regulations addressing 
cooperating agency responsibilities are at 40 CFR 1501.8.
    \6\ For instructions on connecting to eLibrary, refer to the 
last page of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternatives Under Consideration

    As part of our review in the NEPA document, the Commission will 
consider a range of reasonable alternatives that are technically and 
economically feasible and meet the purpose and need for the proposed 
action.\7\ Alternatives that do not meet these requirements will be 
summarized and dismissed from further consideration in the NEPA 
document. Staff will also consider the no-action alternative. 
Currently, we are considering an alternative to the proposed action 
that potentially meets the above criteria: the applicants' proposed 
action with staff modifications.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 40 CFR 1508.1(hh).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The alternatives we are considering may be expanded based on the 
comments we receive, provided they meet the required criteria. With 
this notice, we ask commenters to identify other potential alternatives 
for consideration.

Schedule for Environmental Review

    On March 21, 2024, the Commission issued its Notice of Application 
for Surrender of Exemption Accepted for Filing for the Project. This 
Notice of Intent identifies Commission staff's planned schedule for 
completion of the final EIS for the Project, which is based on an 
issuance of the draft EIS in May 2025, opening a 45-day public comment 
period. All comments filed will be reviewed by staff and considered in 
the Commission's final decision on the proceeding.

Issuance of Notice of Availability of the final EIS--November 21, 2025

    In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality's 
regulations for EISs, agencies are to make schedules for completing the 
NEPA process publicly available.\8\ This notice identifies the 
Commission's anticipated schedule for issuance of the final order for 
the Project, which serves as the Commission's record of decision. We 
currently anticipate issuing a final order for the Project no later 
than:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 40 CFR 1501.10(h).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issuance of the Surrender Order--February 19, 2026

    If a schedule change becomes necessary, an additional notice will 
be provided so that the relevant agencies are kept informed of the 
Project's progress. After the final EIS is issued, the Commission will 
make a decision on the proposal.

Permits and Authorizations

    The table below lists the anticipated permits and authorizations 
for the Project required under federal law. This list may not be all-
inclusive and does not preclude any permit or authorization if it is 
not listed here. Agencies with jurisdiction by law and/or special 
expertise may formally cooperate in the preparation of the Commission's 
EIS and may adopt the EIS to satisfy its NEPA responsibilities related 
to this Project.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Agency                      Permit or authorization
------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers...........  Section 404 of the Clean Water
                                          Act Permit.
California State Water Resources         Section 401 Water Quality
 Control Board.                           Certification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional Information

    Additional information about the Project is available on the FERC 
website at www.ferc.gov using the eLibrary link. Click on the eLibrary 
link, click on ``General Search'' and enter the Docket No. P-5737 in 
the ``Docket Number'' field. Be sure you have selected an appropriate 
date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at 
[email protected] or (866) 208-3676, or for TTY, contact (202) 
502-8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of all 
formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and 
rulemakings.
    Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to Jennifer 
Polardino at [email protected], or (202) 502-6437.

    Dated: October 17, 2024.
Debbie-Anne A. Reese,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2024-24520 Filed 10-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P
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