Pacific Gas and Electric Company Submits Water Quality Plan for FERC Approval

Strategic Insights -

Pacific Gas and Electric Company has submitted a Water Quality Plan for the Pit 1 Hydroelectric Project to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in accordance with Condition 20 of the amended Water Quality Certification (WQC) issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) on June 29, 2021. The plan aims to ensure that the construction of new overflow parking spaces at the Pit River does not impact water quality. The submission, made on May 21, 2025, marks a significant step in the project's development, following the FERC's order incorporating the amended WQC on December 22, 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Water Quality Plan, prepared by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, was submitted to the SWRCB and FERC on May 21, 2025, for review and approval.
  • The plan was developed in consultation with stakeholders, including the SWRCB, CVRWQCB, AW, CDFW, and USFWS.
  • Condition 20 of the WQC requires the construction of 12 new overflow parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the existing parking facility and the completion of a Water Quality Monitoring and Protection Plan within two years.
  • The plan aims to ensure that the construction of the new overflow parking does not impact water quality and must be submitted to the SWRCB and FERC for review prior to the start of construction.
  • The FERC's order incorporating the amended WQC on December 22, 2023, required the submission of the Water Quality Plan to FERC for review and approval within 90 days prior to the desired construction start date.

Statistics:

  • 12 new overflow parking spaces are required to be constructed in the immediate vicinity of the existing parking facility.
  • The construction of the new overflow parking must be completed within two years following the FERC's incorporation of the WQC into the license.
  • The Water Quality Plan was submitted to the SWRCB and FERC on May 21, 2025.
  • 90 days prior to the desired construction start date is the deadline for submission of the Water Quality Plan to FERC for review and approval.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
  • State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)