FERC Issues Delegated Order for Lundy Lake Drilling Program Plan

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order for the Lundy Lake Drilling Program Plan (DPP) following a revised submission by Southern California Edison Company (SCE). The Lundy Project, FERC No. 1390, involves embankment and foundation material investigations at Lundy Lake Dam. FERC has reviewed the revised DPP and has provided comments and suggestions for improvement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The revised DPP was submitted in response to comments provided in FERC's letters dated March 24, 2022, and November 21, 2024.
  • FERC has asked SCE to provide a start and completion date for the proposed drilling at the dam, as per Section 12 of the revised DPP.
  • The revised DPP has omitted bullet points that were included in the previous DPP version, submitted by letter dated March 20, 2024. FERC has asked SCE to clarify any changes to the intended procedures and add the omitted bullet points back in as necessary.
  • The on-site field engineer/geologist contact information in Table 8-1 Project Personnel needs to be updated, as per comment 4.
  • Mr. David Heavilin, listed as a driller in Table 8-1 Project Personnel, does not have a resume included in Appendix E. FERC has asked SCE to submit Mr. Heavilin's resume for review before he can be permitted to drill at the project.
  • Borings GSC-1 and GSC-2 are close to the powerhouse outlet conduit, and SCE's staff should verify clearance between the borings and the dam's underground conduits before starting drilling work.
  • SCE is responsible for ensuring completion of any necessary environmental coordination with resource agencies and procurement of federal, state, or local permits required for the work.

The FERC delegated order, dated July 24, 2025 (Document Accession # 20250724-3076), authorizes SCE to proceed with the drilling activities as outlined in the revised DPP, provided that the comments and suggestions are adequately addressed within 10 days of the date of the letter.

Statistics:

  • 10 days: The timeframe within which SCE must address FERC's comments and suggestions.
  • 2 letters: FERC letters dated March 24, 2022, and November 21, 2024, that prompted the revised DPP submission.
  • 3 comments: FERC's comments on the revised DPP, concerning the drilling schedule, omitted bullet points, and other project-related details.
  • 10: The number of federal, state, or local permits required for the work that SCE is responsible for procuring.

Sources:

  • FERC (2025, July 24). Document Accession # 20250724-3076. Filed Date: 07/24/2025.
  • Southern California Edison Company (2025, March 5). Letter to FERC, Project No. 1390-CA VIA FERC Service.