Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conserv Enters FERC Proceeding for Pacific Gas & Electric Company's Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project

The Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation Improvement District has submitted a notice of intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding Pacific Gas & Electric Company's (PG&E) application for a temporary variance of flow requirements for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project. The District, formed to manage and utilize water from the East Fork Russian River and Lake Mendocino, seeks to ensure the interests of its constituents are represented in the proceeding. The District has substantial water supply contracts with local water districts and mutual water companies, and diversions from the Eel River through the Potter Valley Project provide a significant portion of the water allocated to Mendocino County.

Key Takeaways:

• The Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation Improvement District has submitted a notice of intervention to FERC regarding PG&E's application for a temporary variance of flow requirements for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
• The District seeks to ensure the interests of its constituents are represented in the proceeding, as it has substantial water supply contracts with local water districts and mutual water companies.
• The District was formed to manage and utilize the approximately 8,000 acre feet of water allocated to Mendocino County from the East Fork Russian River and Lake Mendocino.
• The District wishes to become a party to this proceeding to protect the rights of its constituency, including municipal supply, agricultural, commercial, and industrial users within its service area.
• The District has identified Elizabeth Salomone, General Manager, as the person to be included on the official service list for any matter related to the proceeding.

Statistics:

• 8,000 acre feet of water allocated to Mendocino County from the East Fork Russian River and Lake Mendocino.
• 4 local water districts: County Water Districts and Mutual Water Companies with water supply contracts with the District.
• 1: The number of diversions from the Eel River through the Potter Valley Project that provide a significant portion of the water allocated to Mendocino County.

Sources:

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conserv
• Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
• Certificate of Service by Elizabeth Salomone, General Manager, Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conserv

Publication Date: May 12, 2025