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Independent regulatory commissions

Pacific Gas and Electric Company Submits Request for Section 401 Water Quality Certification for Balch Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has submitted a request for water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for the Balch Hydroelectric Project. This project, which falls under FERC Project No. 175, involves the licensing of an existing dam. The company has filed additional information on January 28, 2025, and March 21, 2025, and has complied with the Commission's notice, which was issued on May 15, 2025. The request for certification has been submitted to the California State Water Resources Control Board, along with proof of the date the application was received.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed a Final Application for New License Major Project - Existing Dam (FLA) for the Balch Hydroelectric Project on April 18, 2024, and submitted additional information on January 28, 2025, and March 21, 2025.
  • The Commission issued notice that the FLA was Ready for Environmental Analysis on May 15, 2025, and established July 14, 2025, as the deadline to comply with 18 C.F.R. § 4.34(b)(5)(i) regarding water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company submitted a request for water quality certification associated with its pending FLA before FERC pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA and applicable implementing regulations, 40 C.F.R. Part 121.
  • The request for certification is consistent with Title 23, sections 3855 and 3856 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
  • A pre-filing meeting was requested on May 29, 2025, with State Water Board staff and was held on July 2, 2025.

Statistics:

  • April 18, 2024: Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed a Final Application for New License Major Project - Existing Dam (FLA) for the Balch Hydroelectric Project.
  • January 28, 2025, and March 21, 2025: Pacific Gas and Electric Company submitted additional information.
  • May 15, 2025: The Commission issued notice that the FLA was Ready for Environmental Analysis and established July 14, 2025, as the deadline to comply with 18 C.F.R. § 4.34(b)(5)(i).
  • July 14, 2025: Deadline to comply with 18 C.F.R. § 4.34(b)(5)(i) regarding water quality certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

Sources:

  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (2024, April 18). Final Application for New License Major Project - Existing Dam (FLA) for the Balch Hydroelectric Project.
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (2025, January 28). Additional Information.
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company. (2025, March 21). Additional Information.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. (2025, May 15). Notice that the FLA was Ready for Environmental Analysis.
  • California State Water Resources Control Board. (2025, May 29). Pre-filing meeting request.
  • California State Water Resources Control Board. (2025, July 2). Pre-filing meeting.

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