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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Energy Northwest Requests 6-Month Extension for Alternative Restoration Plan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Energy Northwest (EN) has submitted a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a 6-month extension to file the Alternative to Lower Lake Creek Restoration Plan for the Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project. According to the document, EN had been working with the Restoration Subcommittee to identify an alternative approach to the original restoration plan due to concerns and denial of access by landowners. Despite making substantial progress, further detail is needed to adequately develop the revised plan. With unanimous support from the Subcommittee, EN is requesting a total of 6 months for additional time to finalize the plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • Energy Northwest was issued a new operating license by FERC on October 11, 2018, for the Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project, which required the development of a Lake Creek Restoration Plan within 2 years.
  • EN filed the initial iteration of the LCR Plan on September 29, 2022, but faced concerns and denial of access by landowners, making it impossible to implement the lower Lake Creek restoration efforts.
  • EN worked with the Restoration Subcommittee to identify alternative approaches and collaborative dialogue has been ongoing to develop a viable and commensurate plan.
  • Substantial progress has been made since the extension of time was granted, including consistent bi-monthly meetings with the Subcommittee and development of a cost for the design, permitting, and in-stream implementation of the alternative plan.
  • EN reached agreements with the US Forest Service (USFS) on a path forward, funding amount, and utilization of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board (LCFRB) to assist with implementation.
  • The USFS has identified specific project alternatives for EN to consider, and the Subcommittee has unanimously supported the request for a 6-month extension.

Statistics:

  • 2 years: the time period within which EN was required to develop and file the Lake Creek Restoration Plan with FERC.
  • September 29, 2022: the date on which EN filed the initial iteration of the LCR Plan.
  • 2-year extension: the initial extension of time granted to EN for filing the alternative plan, which has now expired.
  • 6 months: the additional time requested by EN to finalize the Alternative to Lower Lake Creek Restoration Plan.
  • March 31, 2026: the proposed new filing date for the Alternative Plan, if the extension is granted.

Sources:

  • FERC Order Issuing New License (October 2018)
  • FERC Order Granting Extension of Time for Development of the Lake Creek Restoration Plan (August 2023)
  • FERC article 401
  • USFS Condition No. 7
  • NMFS RPM #2
  • Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board (LCFRB)

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