ML070470411
| ML070470411 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | FitzPatrick  |
| Issue date: | 01/01/2006 |
| From: | US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service |
| To: | Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| Download: ML070470411 (1) | |
Text
Hydropower Service Hydropower Service Hydropower I
Hydropower I
Hydropower nvolvement Hydropower nvolvement Hydropower Involvement I
Hydropower I
Hydropower nvolvement Hydropower I
Hydropower Service involvement in relicensing actions typically begins two years before an application is " led with FERC. During this pre-" ling process, an applicant is required to consult with the Service regarding the types of resources that may be affected by speci" c project plans.
The Service may identify the types of information needed, including recommending new studies necessary to identify potential impacts of the project on " sh and wildlife and related habitats. The applicant would then include all of the available information from the studies conducted during the pre-application period, in the " nal license application " led with FERC.
FERC then considers the application in accordance with applicable law, primarily the Federal Power Act (which incorporates by reference the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act) and the National Environmental Policy Act. FERC is required to consult with the Service under both laws and additionally under the Endangered Species Act if listed species are likely to be affected.
Following FPA and NEPA consultation with the Service (and after having received comments from other Federal and State agencies, Indian tribes and the public), FERC conducts a review of the merits of the project. This review attempts to balance the developmental and natural resource value of the affected environment. FERC must include the Services requirements for " sh passage an any license issued and must include recommendations to protect and enhance " sh and wildlife unless it concludes that the Services recommendations would be inconsistent with FPA. The law establishes procedures for coordination on these matters. Once FERC has developed the anticipated license terms and conditions, ESA consultation is conducted (when necessary) on the proposed action. Issuance of a license follows completion of a biological opinion.
The Service continues to be involved in most projects after FERC issues a license by assisting the licensee in com-plying with the " sh and wildlife terms in the license.