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Independent regulatory commissions

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Seeks Temporary Amendment for Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting a temporary amendment to the minimum instream flow (MIF) in the Bear River below the Spaulding No. 1 Powerhouse. This amendment is part of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2310, and was first requested in a letter dated April 25, 2025. The amendment aims to alter the MIF at compliance gage YB-198 in the Bear River. PG&E has been working with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to determine the potential impact of the temporary flow amendment on endangered species, including the California red-legged frog and the northwestern pond turtle.

Key Takeaways:

  • PG&E submitted a request to temporarily amend the MIF in the Bear River as part of the Drum-Spaulding Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2310.
  • The amendment aims to alter the MIF at compliance gage YB-198 in the Bear River, with a letter dated April 25, 2025, serving as the formal request.
  • PG&E initiated informal consultation with the USFWS on May 12, 2025, to determine the potential impact of the temporary flow amendment on endangered species.
  • The USFWS provided a response on June 11, 2025, stating that no consultation is necessary for the California red-legged frog, but postponed consultation on the northwestern pond turtle until further notice.
  • PG&E believes that the temporary amendment request is in compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
  • Trevor Moore, license coordinator for PG&E, can be contacted at (530) 205-7345 for questions or comments regarding the matter.
  • Matthew Joseph, supervisor of hydro license compliance at PG&E, sent the letter to the FERC on behalf of the company.

Statistics:

  • The MIF in the Bear River below the Spaulding No. 1 Powerhouse is set to be temporarily altered.
  • The proposed temporary flow amendment was formally requested in a letter dated April 25, 2025.
  • The USFWS provided a response to PG&E's request for informal consultation on June 11, 2025.
  • 1 enclosure, USFWS correspondence, was included with the letter to FERC.
  • 1 enclosure, the biological assessment provided by PG&E, was attached to the letter to FERC.

Sources:

  • A letter from Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, dated June 11, 2025.
  • A letter from Matthew Joseph, supervisor of hydro license compliance at PG&E, dated June 11, 2025.
  • The USFWS correspondence, dated June 11, 2025.
  • The biological assessment provided by PG&E.

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