MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 

Between 

UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 

And 

THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION 

On 

NON-FEDERAL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS 

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission (Commission), as parties to this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), 

hereby acknowledge and declare as follows: 

I. Introduction 

In the interest of mutual cooperation for facilitating non-Federal hydropower 

development, the Commission and the Corps developed this Memorandum of 

Understanding to coordinate the respective regulatory processes associated with the 

authorizations required to construct and operate non-Federal hydropower projects. 

II. Purpose 

The purpose of this MOU is to establish a framework for early coordination and 

participation among the signatories to this agreement to ensure the timely review of and 

action on proposed non-Federal hydropower development applications. Cooperation 

among the MOU signatories will ensure each agency's review and responsibilities under 

the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other related statutes are met in 

connection with the authorizations required to construct and operate hydropower facilities 

licensed by the Commission. The MOU signatories anticipate that the Corps will act as a 

cooperating agency in most circumstances. However, there may be some circumstances 

where both agencies will be better served by a different form of coordination. This MOU 

does not preclude such arrangements. 

III. Statutory Background 

A. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.) requires 

all agencies of the Federal Government to use a systematic, interdisciplinary 

approach which will insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences in 

planning and decision-making which may have an impact on the environment. 

Prior to making any detailed statement, the responsible Federal official shall 

consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has 

jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact 

involved. 

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B. Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. § 403) requires 

authorization from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps, for the 

construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the United States. 

Structures or work outside the limits defined for navigable waters of the United 

States require a Section 10 permit if the structure or work affects the course, 

location, or condition of the water body. The law applies to any dredging or 

disposal of dredged materials, excavation, filling, re-channelization, or any other 

modification of a navigable water of the United States, and applies to all 

structures, from the smallest floating dock to the largest commercial undertaking. 

It further includes, without limitation, any wharf, dolphin, weir, boom breakwater, 

jetty, groin, bank protection (e.g. riprap, revetment, bulkhead), mooring structures 

such as pilings, aerial or sub-aqueous power transmission lines, intake or outfall 

pipes, permanently moored floating vessel, tunnel, artificial canal, boat ramp, aids 

to navigation, and any other permanent, or semi-permanent obstacle or 

obstruction. The Corps' Section 10 requirements for non-Federal hydropower 

development are met through the Commission's licensing process. 

C. Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 U.S.C. § 408) makes it illegal for 

anyone to occupy or alter a Corps civil works project without express permission 

of the Corps. Section 14 authorizes the Secretary of the Army, on the 

recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, to grant approval for the temporary 

occupation or use of any public works when the Secretary determines that such 

occupation or use will not be injurious to the public interest. Provided further, the 

Secretary may, on the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, grant approval 

for the alteration or permanent occupation or use of any public works when, in the 

judgment of the Secretary, such operation or use will not be injurious to the public 

interest and will not impair the usefulness of the public work. The authority to 

approve projects has been delegated from the Secretary of the Army to the Chief 

of Engineers. 

D. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1344) requires authorization 

from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps, for the discharge of 

dredged or fill material into all waters of the United States, including wetlands. 

Discharges of fill material generally include, without limitation: placement of fill 

that is necessary for the construction of any structure, or impoundment requiring 

rock, sand, dirt, or other material for its construction; site-development fills for 

recreational, industrial, commercial, residential, and other uses; causeways or 

road fills; dams and dikes; artificial islands; property protection or reclamation 

devices such as riprap, groins, seawalls, breakwaters, and revetments; beach 

nourishment; levees; fill for intake and outfall pipes and sub- aqueous utility 

lines; fill associated with the creation of ponds; and any other work involving the 

discharge of fill or dredged material. A Corps permit is required whether the work 

is permanent or temporary. Examples of temporary discharges include dewatering 

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of dredged material prior to final disposal, and temporary fills for access 

roadways, cofferdams, storage, and work areas. 

E. Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 

(33 U.S.C. § 1413), as amended, requires authorization from the Secretary of the 

Army, acting through the Corps, for the transportation of dredged material for the 

pm;pose of dumping it in ocean waters. Discharges of dredged or fill materials 

into territorial seas also requires authorization under Section 404 of the Clean 

Water Act (CWA). 

F. Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. § 791, et seq.) authorizes the Commission to issue 

preliminary permits and licenses under Part I for non-Federal hydropower 

projects, including those utilizing Corps facilities. The Commission considers 

applications from potential project developers for preliminary permits, which, 

upon issuance, give the permittee the right to priority of application for a license 

while the permittee obtains data and performs feasibility studies. In addition, 

before applicants can apply for a license, the Commission requires the applicant to 

participate in a rigorous pre-filing process. Prior to issuing a decision on a license 

application, the Commission conducts environmental, dam safety, public safety, 

and security reviews of hydropower projects and related facilities, including 

primary transmission lines, and as the lead federal agency prepares the overall 

NEPA documentation (18 C.F.R. Part 380).In conjunction with the NEPA review, 

the Commission performs a detailed review of the environmental effects and 

reasonable alternatives to the proposed project, including appropriate mitigation 

and enhancement measures. A summary of that review, including conclusions and 

recommendations, is included in the NEPA document. The Commission can 

impose requirements in any license issued to ensure the safety and security of, and 

protect navigation affected by, projects within its jurisdiction. During construction 

of the hydropower facilities, the Commission conducts periodic inspections to 

ensure compliance with conditions attached to the license and to ensure the 

constructed water retaining features of the project meet the Commission's Division 

Dam Safety and Inspections Engineering Guidelines. Once the project is in 

operation, the Commission conducts inspections of the project, which focuses on 

equipment, operation, dam safety, public safety and compliance with license 

requirements, including environmental measures. 

IV. Roles and Responsibilities 

A. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: The Commission issues 

preliminary permits and licenses to non-Federal entities for the development of 

hydropower projects under its jurisdiction, including projects utilizing Federal 

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dams or other Federal facilities where Congress has not authorized power 

development as a project purpose. 

B. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: The Corps has constructed water resources 

projects throughout the Nation where a potential exists for the development of 

hydropower energy. The Corps can allow the development ofhydropower by 

non-Federal entities at suitable projects, provided that the installation and 

operation of the hydropower facility is found to be compatible with the purposes 

for which Congress authorized the project and would not be injurious to the public 

interest, and provided that there is no Federal interest in developing hydropower at 

the facility. 

1. The Corps evaluates requests for the temporary or permanent modifications of 

its projects under Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 

§ 408) through information provided by the developer to the Corps District 

responsible for the project at which hydropower development is under 

consideration. Final approval of the request rests with the Director of Civil 

Works. To the maximum extent practicable, the Corps will use the design and 

environmental information the developer has provided to the Commission for 

jts license process. 

2. The Corps administers a regulatory program to protect the Nation's aquatic 

resources, including wetlands, under Sections 9 and 10 of the Rivers and 

Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Proposed nonF ederal hydropower plants may require one or more permits and/or approvals 

from the Corps under these statutes. The Corps' Section 10 requirements for 

non-Federal hydropower development are met through the Commission's 

licensing process. 

V. NEPA Lead Federal Agency. NEPA is the overarching environmental statute 

requiring the identification of impacts to the quality of the human environment, 

consideration of alternatives, and public involvement in the process. A primary objective 

of NEPA is to ensure that environmental information is available to public officials and 

citizens before irretrievable commitments of resources are made. This agreement 

supports these principles, and the signatory Federal agencies acknowledge their 

respective responsibilities for complying with the requirements of NEPA. To prevent the 

duplication of efforts by Federal agencies and encourage information sharing and 

integration of agency processes, NEPA allows for the designation of a lead Federal 

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agency for environmental documentation. Other agencies that have authorities related to 

the same project may serve as cooperating agencies on the environmental document. 1 

As the agency with the approval/disapproval authority for the licensing of hydropower 

projects, the Commission shall serve as the lead Federal agency for the preparation of the 

environmental document. This MOU encourages early involvement between the 

Commission and the Corps, and among public and other government agencies during the 

pre-filing stage oflicensing and the NEPA evaluation process. The Corps understands 

that it is the Commission's policy that an agency that has served as a cooperating agency 

in a proceeding may not thereafter intervene and become a party in the proceeding. 

This MOU acknowledges that it is critically important that the Commission receive 

comments from the Corps on all project-specific information regarding the proposed nonFederal hydropower development. This includes project specifications and plans and any 

impacts the project would have on Federally authorized Corps projects, project lands 

and/or on waters of the United States, including wetlands, at key stages of project 

development. These comments are necessary to foster an efficient procedure to develop 

documentation to meet both agencies' disclosure and decision-making requirements. This 

MOU establishes a process to facilitate the timely licensing and permitting of 

hydropower projects, whereby both agencies will follow the attached two-phased 

approach (or synchronizing the agencies' processes (Attachment A) to the extent a 

project developer is willing to participate as described in the attachment. In 

implementing the two-phased approach, both agencies will: 

VI. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Work together and with applicants and other stakeholders, as appropriate, 

including during the pre-filing scoping and study determination phase and before 

complete applications for the necessary authorizations are filed; 

Identify and resolve issues as quickly as possible; 

Attempt to build a consensus among governmental agencies and their 

stakeholders; 

Provide for the effective and efficient pre-filing and post-filing environmental 

review for non-Federal hydropower development. 

Project Purpose and Need and Alternatives Analysis Coordination 

A. Coordinate 

1. As the lead agency under NEPA responsible for the preparation of the analysis and 

decisions for the review of new hydropower projects and projects undergoing 

relicensing, the Commission is responsible for determining the purpose and need 

1 40 C.F .R. § 1501 .5 - NEPA and Agency Planning - Lead Agencies; 40 C.F .R. § 

1501.6 - NEPA and Agency Planning - Cooperating Agencies. 

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of the energy project for purposes of the Commission's NEPA document and the 

Commission's licensing process.2 The Commission shall coordinate early on the 

scope of the NEPA analysis for all activities under Federal purview and strive to 

ensure that the purpose and need, the suite of alternatives, and evaluation 

presented in the NEPA document are useable by the Corps in carrying out the 

Corps' legal responsibilities under binding statutes and regulations (e.g. 

conducting the Corps' public interest review, determining the "least 

environmentally damaging practicable alternative" under the CW A Section 

404(b )( 1) guidelines, and fulfilling other applicable legal requirements). Although 

the Corps must exercise its independent judgment while carrying out its regulatory 

responsibilities, the Corps will give deference, to the maximum extent that the 

Corps determines to be practicable, to the Commission in defining the project 

purpose, project need, and project alternatives. If the Corps cannot concur or 

conditionally concur with the Commission's determination as to the project 

purpose and need, and the suite of alternatives to be addressed in the NEPA 

document, every effort shall be made to resolve such disputes at the lowest level 

possible and in accordance with the dispute resolution process identified in 

Section VIIIA of this MOU, if necessary. 

2. The Corps will complete an independent permit decision in carrying out its 

regulatory responsibilities pursuant to Section 404 and an independent analysis 

and decision-making process pursuant to Section 14. When the Commission 

provides to the Corps its preliminary draft NEPA documents, the Corps will 

review and provide written comments on the relevant portions of those documents, 

as appropriate in accordance with the timelines established by the Commission 

regulations or for individual projects. Preliminary draft Commission NEPA 

documents will include advance copies of the purpose, need, and alternatives 

sections of the NEPA documents, as well as advance copies of the draft and final 

NEPA documents. As appropriate the Corps will assist the Commission in the 

preparation of relevant Regulatory sections of the environmental document to the 

extent that the information is necessary for the Corps to adopt the document to 

support its independent permit decision. 

3. Corps review of Commission NEPA documents will be completed and 

coordinated with the Commission as stated in the Commission's process schedule 

for t,hat project. The Commission will coordinate the relevant sections of the 

environmental documentation schedule with the Corps to ensure timely reviews. 

2 10 C.F .R. § 51 Subpart A - National Environmental Policy Act--Regulations 

Implementing § 102(2). 

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4. The Corps and the Commission hereby agree to work with each other and with 

other participating agencies or entities, as appropriate, to ensure that timely 

decisions are made and that the responsibilities of each agency are met. 

Specifically, subject to the availability of resources and in accordance with 

applicable laws, regulations, Army policies, and Commission policies, each 

agency agrees to: 

a. Commit to Early Involvement 

I. Conduct an early initial review. Each agency will fully participate 

during the pre-filing scoping and study determination phase of 

licensing in order that issues identified by the respective agencies 

and stakeholders may be fully disclosed and discussed as early as 

possible. 

ii. Identify agency contacts for the proposed project. If a prospective 

applicant or agency needs assistance in determining regional, local 

or project specific contacts, then the identified contacts will assist in 

identifying additional contacts. The initial agency contacts are: 

Chief, Operations and Regulatory Division 

Directorate of Civil Works 

Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

441 G Street, N.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20314 

Director, Division of Hydropower Licensing 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

Office of Energy Projects 

888 First Street 

Washington, D.C. 20426 

111. As appropriate, each agency will meet with prospective applicants 

and other agencies when requested by the prospective applicant, the 

lead agency, or at its own initiative, to identify areas of potential 

concern to other agencies and to assess the need for and availability 

of agency resources to address issues related to the proposed project. 

iv. Consult in establishing a schedule. For projects utilizing the 

Commission's Integrated Licensing Process (ILP), the Commission 

has established specific and expeditious timeframes for licensing. 

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The Commission will notify the Corps as early as possible of these 

timeframes for upcoming applications for the relicensing of existing 

projects and the licensing of new hydropower projects. Although the 

Commission will take into consideration the relative priorities of 

other projects subject to this agreement, it will, absent extraordinary 

circumstances, proceed according to the ILP timeframes. In 

establishing this schedule, the Commission and the Corps will strive 

to ensure that all applicable review and approval activities occur on a 

concurrent, rather than sequential, basis with the objective of 

avoiding unnecessary delays and redundancy in the process and the 

schedule established by the Commission. If at any point during the 

consultation process, the Corps or the Commission anticipates an 

inability to comply with the agreed-upon schedule, it will 

communicate the reason for this inability as soon as possible. The 

agencies will then work together to help avoid the anticipated delay 

when appropriate. The Commission will give public notice of the 

pre-filing and post- filing processing schedule for each project, 

including the timeframes for completing environmental 

documentation. 

b. Participate Proactively. After the Commission notifies the Corps and 

gives public notice that an applicant has filed a Notice of intent to file a 

license or relicense application and during the pre-filing stage of licensing 

under the ILP, the Corps will: 

I. Identify the applicable statutory, regulatory, and policy 

responsibilities for the application. 

II. Identify the issues and concerns related to the proposed project that 

need to be addressed in order for the Corps to meet its obligations. 

111. Provide the applicant, and/or other agencies, relevant studies, data, 

(such as maps showing features over which the agency may have 

jurisdiction), and any other information concerning the status of 

matters the agency considers relevant (including matters that may be 

under consideration, such as the results of threatened and 

endangered species consultation, essential fish habitat consultation, 

or cultural resources investigations). Corps project data requested 

by the applicant will be released, or otherwise made available, to the 

applicant pursuant to appropriate security measures for each phase of 

the licensing process (i.e. Notice of Intent; pre-filing; approval). 

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iv. Identify issues and concerns, and attempt to resolve same during the 

scoping and study determination phases of pre- licensing. 

v. Attempt to resolve outstanding environmental issues raised in the 

draft environmental document prior to issuance of the final 

environmental document. 

c. Share data. The agencies will share the information gathered, considered, 

and relied upon with all other relevant agencies. Specifically, the 

Commission and Corps agree to: 

I. Cooperate in the preparation of requests for additional studies or 

data, to avoid duplicative requests and strive to compile a consistent 

set of information on which all of the agencies will rely. The 

Commission will be responsible for requesting additional 

information to the extent that the Commission believes the analysis 

is needed and would normally be required by the Commission ifthe 

Corps were not involved. If the Corps believes that additional 

analysis is needed, but the Commission does not agree that such 

analysis would be required under the regulatory procedures of the 

Commission, such analysis will be the responsibility of the Corps. 

11. Cooperate in identifying and developing information at the level of 

detail required to complete environmental and cultural resources 

project review. 

d. Communicate informally. The signatory agencies agree to informally 

communicate with each other and other relevant agencies throughout the 

process to ensure that issues are raised as soon as possible and shared 

among all agencies. The lead agency will coordinate and share information 

with all relevant participating agencies consistent with the Commission's ex 

parte regulations. 

e. Attend Public Meetings/ Hearings. Upon request and as appropriate, the 

agencies will participate jointly in any public meetings, scoping meetings, 

and/or hearings held by the other agency as a normal part of the agency 

review process. The agencies' participation in the meetings or hearings will 

be consistent with all relevant laws and regulations and coordinated with 

appropriate Commission staff and Corps Division and District Commanders 

or their representatives. 

f. Coordinate Feasibility Study of Hydro power Potential. The 

Commission will require, in its preliminary permits granting priority of 

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application for a license at a Corps dam, that the permittee coordinate any 

studies for a proposed project with the appropriate Corps District Engineer. 

This is to ensure that the studies carried out during the preliminary permit 

term will result in a plan of development consistent with the authorized 

purposes including operations of the Federal project. 

VII. Process 

A. Design, Construction and Operation. 

1. The licensed hydropower facilities that will be an integral part of or that 

could affect the structural integrity or operation of the Corps' project shall 

be designed and constructed in consultation with and subject to the review 

and approval of the Corps under Section 14, Rivers and Harbors Act of 

1899, 33 U.S.C. 408 pursuant to the current guidance implementing that 

authority. 3 

Q. The Corps' approval of the final design with regard to impact on navigation 

will be exercised under Section 4(e) of the Federal Power Act for all 

proposed non-Federal hydropower facilities. 

3. Section 10 of the Federal Power Act requires licensees to reimburse the 

United States, through annual charges imposed by the Commission, the 

costs associated with the Corps' review and approval of the design and 

construction, plans and specifications, and the inspection of construction, 

cited in paragraph A(l) and A(2) above, for power development at Corps 

projects, provided that charges shall not be assessed for information, 

services, or relationships that would normally be provided to the public. 

Funds collected from the licensee for such reimbursement purposes cannot 

be made available to the Corps for expenditure. Section 17 of the Federal 

Power Act, as amended by Public Utilities Act of 1935 directs the 

disposition of all charges collected from licensees shall be paid into the 

Treasury of the United States. Therefore, within its Hydropower Program 

annual budget development, the Corps will request, without obligation, the 

funds it deems sufficient to cover administration costs related to the 

Commission licensing activities. 

3 Engineer Circular 1165-2-216, Water Resources Policies and Authorities, Policy 

and Procedural Guidance for Processing Requests to Alter US Army Corps of Engineers 

Civil Works Projects Pursuant to 33 USC 408. 

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4. Copies of all correspondence between the licensee and the Corps regarding 

the schedule and progress of the design review and approval will be 

provided to the Commission's appropriate Division Dam Safety and 

Inspections (D2SI) Regional Engineer. The D2SI-Regional Engineer will 

not authorize construction of the facility to start until the Corps District 

Engineer's written approval of the construction plans and specifications has 

been received by the D2SI-Regional Engineer. 

5. The Commission's D2SI-Regional Engineer will be responsible for 

surveillance of the construction activities within the licensed project 

boundary. The licensee's proposed Quality Control and Inspection Program 

(QCIP) will be furnished to the Corps for review and comment, for those 

features that could affect the Corps facility, prior to approval by the D2SIRegional Engineer. The construction of the facilities will be inspected by 

the D2SI-Regional Engineer's staff during construction of the project, 

generally at monthly intervals. Copies of the reports of these inspections 

will be furnished to the Corps. The Corps shall perform periodic or 

continuous inspections at critical stages of the construction of those 

portions of the licensed project works that, in the judgment of the Corps, 

may affect the integrity or operation of existing project structures. A 

schedule of Corps proposed inspections will be furnished to the D2SIRegional Engineer. The D2SI-Regional Engineer and the Corps shall take 

all necessary steps in coordination to avoid duplication of inspections. 

Copies of the Corps' inspection reports will be furnished to the D2SIRegional Engineer within 3 0 days of the date of inspection for routine 

inspections and Periodic Inspections within 150 days. Any conditions 

discovered during the Corps inspections that could affect the safety of the 

structures will be immediately reported to the appropriate D2SI-Regional 

Engineer. However, the Corps reserves the right to enter the construction 

site at any time to perform an inspection. Any construction deficiencies or 

difficulties detected by the Corps' inspections will be immediately reported 

to the D2SI-Regional Engineer. Upon review, the D2SI- Regional 

Engineer will refer the matter to the licensee for appropriate action. The 

Corps' inspector will report to the D2SI-Regional Engineer or his 

representative regarding the need to stop construction while awaiting 

resolution of construction deficiencies or difficulties if such deficiency or 

difficulty would affect the integrity of existing project structures. In cases 

when construction practice or deficiency may result in an imminent danger 

to the integrity and safety of the existing project, the Corps inspector has 

the authority to stop construction while awaiting the resolution of the 

problems. If construction is stopped permanently, the D2SI-Regional 

Engineer and Commission will ensure actions are taken to restore the Corps 

project to its preconstruction condition. 

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6. The completed licensed facilities will be inspected periodically by the 

D2SI-Regional Engineer's staff to determine that the facility is being 

properly operated, maintained, administered in conformance with license 

conditions, and that it continues to meet the Commission's Division Dam 

Safety and Inspections Engineering Guidelines. Copies of the reports of 

these inspections will be furnished to the Corps within 30 days of the date 

of inspection. 

7. Portions of the licensed project works that may affect the integrity and 

operation of the Corps' project will be inspected and evaluated by the Corps 

District Engineer as a separate item under the Corps' Periodic Inspection 

and Continuing Evaluation of Completed Civil Works Structures Program. 

Copies of the reports of these inspections will be furnished to the D2SIRegional Engineer within 30 days of the date of inspection. The Corps and 

the Commission will take all necessary steps in coordination to avoid 

duplication of inspections. 

8. The Commission will require that the licensee assist the Corps District 

office by integrating the operation of the licensed hydropower facility into 

the Corps' emergency action plan. Additionally, the Commission will 

require the licensee to participate at its own cost in any emergency action 

plan exercises that the Corps deems necessary. 

9. In the interest of hydropower operation compatible with other authorized 

functions of the Federal project, the Commission, upon recommendation by 

the Corps, will require the licensee to enter into a Memorandum of 

Agreement with the Corps describing the mode of hydropower operation 

acceptable to the Corps. The D2SI-Regional Engineer shall be a party to 

these decisions. This Memorandum of Agreement shall be subject to 

revision by mutual consent of the Corps and licensee as experience is 

gained by actual project operation. Should the Corps fail to reach an 

agreement with the licensee, the matter will be referred to the Director, 

Office of Energy Projects (OEP) or successor office, for resolution. Copies 

of the signed memorandum between the Corps and the licensee and any 

revision thereof shall be furnished to the OEP and the D2SI-Regional 

Engineer. 

B. Access to the Project. The Commission will require the permittee or licensee 

to coordinate the development of its plans for access to the site during site 

investigation, construction, and operation with the Corps. 

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C. Annual Charge for the Use of Government Facilities. Pursuant to Section 

lO(e) of the Federal Power Act, the Commission is required to assess a 

reasonable annual charge for the use of the Corps' facilities. 

D. Coordination with the Commission on Corps Regulatory Requirements 

under Section 10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899. The Corps' Section 

10 requirements for power-related activities are met through the Commission's 

licensing procedure including insertion of terms and conditions in the license, 

which are in the interest of navigation. Section 4( e) of the Federal Power Act 

requires approval of plans by the Secretary of the Army regarding navigation 

interests. This authority was delegated by the Chief of Engineers to respective 

Corps Division Engineers on September 5, 1980. 

VIII. Administration of the MOU 

A. Dispute Resolution. While retaining ultimate responsibility for making 

determinations and exercising individual responsibilities in accordance with 

existing statutory responsibilities, the Commission and the Corps will consult 

with one another to resolve disputes using existing dispute resolution methods 

in accordance with this agreement. If no agreement can be reached, either 

agency may refer the matter to a higher management level within its respective 

agency. The Commission and the Corps reserve the right to make a final 

decision on any matter within their respective regulatory authorities. 

B. Modification and Termination. This MOU may be modified or amended at 

any time upon written request of either party hereto and the subsequent written 

concurrence of the other. This MOU may be terminated by either party upon 

providing sixty (60) days advance written notice. 

C. Acknowledgement that the authority and responsibilities of the parties 

under their respective jurisdictions are not altered by the MOU. 

1. The policy and procedures contained within this MOU are intended solely 

as guidance to improve the working relationships of the signatory agencies 

in connection with expeditious decisions with regard to non-Federal 

hydropower project authorizations. This MOU does not, and is not intended 

to, impose any legally binding requirements on Federal agencies, States, or 

the regulated public, and does not restrict the authority of the employees of 

the signatory agencies to exercise their discretion in each case to make 

regulatory decisions based on their judgment about the specific facts and 

application of relevant statutes and regulations. 

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2. This MOU is not a final agency action by any of the signatory agencies, 

and does not, and is not intended to, create any right, benefit, or trust 

responsibility, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by 

any person or party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or 

any other person. 

3. This MOU is to be construed in a manner consistent with all existing laws 

and regulations. 

4. This MOU neither expands nor is in derogation of those powers and 

authorities vested in the participating agencies by applicable laws, statutes, 

or regulations. 

5. This MOU does not alter or modify compliance with any Federal law, 

regulation or guidance. 

6. This MOU does not direct or apply to any party outside of the signatory 

agencies. The terms of this MOU are not intended to be enforceable by any 

party other than the signatories hereto. 

U. The participating agencies intend to fully carry out the terms of this MOU. 

8. This MOU does not limit the ability of any of the participating agencies to 

review and respond to final applications. 

9. This MOU is neither a fiscal nor funds obligation document. It does not 

obligate, commit or authorize the expenditure of funds and cannot be used 

as the basis for the transfer of funds. Any endeavor involving the 

reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to the MOU 

will be in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures. 

Such endeavors, if any, will be outlined in separate agreements that shall be 

made in writing by representatives of the parties and shall be independently 

authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This MOU does not provide 

such authority. 

10. Nothing in this MOU, in and of itself, requires any signatory agency to 

enter into any contract, grant, or interagency agreement. 

11 . All provisions in this MOU are subject to the availability of funds. 

14 
ACCORDINGLY, the Parties have signed this Memorandum of Understanding on the 

dates set forth below, to be effective for all purposes as of the date last signed. The 

signatures may be executed using counterpart original documents. 

I 

·~ 

llen Darcy 

stant Secretary of the A my 

1vil Works) 

Norman C. Bay 

Chairman, Federal Energy 

Regulatory Commission 

Date 

15 
11 I 

Attachment A 

Two-Phased Approach to Synchronize the FERC-USACE Processes for Authorizing 

Non-Federal Hydropower Projects 

Overview 

The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that there is a potential for 12 gigawatts of new hydropower 

in the U.S. by adding power at non-powered dams.1 Assessments from DOE and the United States Army 

Corps of Engineers (USACE) agree that at least six gigawatts of that potential exist at USACE facilities. 2 

Adding power at USACE non-powered dams involves completing three regulatory processes: the 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process; the USACE 408 process (a technical 

review of hydropower development proposals and granting permission to modify a dam) and the USACE 

Regulatory 404 process (impacts to waters of the U.S. pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act). 

All three of these processes require project proposal identification, information gathering, and 

environmental and engineering analyses to support a licensing, permitting, or regulatory decision3

. 

In 2011, FERC and USACE revised an lnteragency MOU that describes the agencies' intent to coordinate 

their regulatory responsibilities for authorizing non-federal hydropower projects, including such projects 

at non-powered USACE dams. The MOU notes that "the signatory agencies will develop more specific 

guidance to ensure that the Corps' review is undertaken concurrently with the Commission's licensing 

and NEPA processes to the maximum extent practicable." 

Based on the MOU, and experience with developers sharing concern over the redundancy of the 

permitting processes, DOE and Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) facilitated a dialog between 

FERC hydro licensing, compliance, and dam safety staff, and USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff 

to explore ways for completing FERC's and USACE's permitting reviews in a more coordinated manner. 

This effort has involved a series of interviews with FERC, USACE, and developers with case experience, 

followed by workshops and webinars with FERC, USACE, DOE, and a facilitation team of ORNL staff 

supported by Kearns & West, a public workshop and comment period, and subsequent meetings with 

FERC, USACE, DOE and the facilitation team. This document is the result of this effort and outlines how a 

Phase 1 coordinated environmental review followed by a Phase 2 engineering and technical review 

could increase efficiency and decrease process time. 

1 The National Hydropower Asset Assessment Program, Non-Powered Dam Resource Assessment can be found 

here. 2 The Hydropower Resource Assessment at Non-Powered USACE Sites can be found here. 3 The term "permit" or "permitting" is used throughout the document to describe the three concurrent processes 

recognizing that the FERC process results in a license decision, the USACE 408 process results in a letter stating 

whether the dam can be modified, and the USACE Regulatory process results in a permit decision. 

1 
Synchronized Environmental Review Followed by Engineering and Technical Analysis 

Below is a flow chart showing how a two-phased approach can be followed, should the developer 

choose to do so. It is within the developer's discretion to use this new approach or the current 

approaches available (the "status quo"). It should be noted that none of these potential improvements 

would require a rulemaking or legislative action. 

The Two-Phased, Synchronized Environmental Review allows the environmental impacts of a project to 

be evaluated up front through one coordinated environmental review addressing FERC licensing, USACE 

408 environmental review (for non-federal hydropower projects at USACE facilities), and USACE 

Regulatory 404 environmental review. It provides for a FERC license, a USACE 408 status letter on the 

408 environmental review, and a USACE Regulatory 404 status letter on its environmental review to be 

issued prior to the USACE 408 decision, and USACE Regulatory 404 permit decision. This option is further 

described throughout this document. 

This document reflects a commitment by both FERC and USACE to coordinate information and 

regulatory needs for each of the three FERC and USACE processes, and to work with the developer, 

relevant agencies and others to achieve an efficient approach that synchronizes the set of processes. 

2 
.11 I 

FERC-USACE Two-Phase Process, Synchronized Environmental Review 

l .~ ~ ' . 

"" 

c....... eds ~ .J, "' ...••..... w ----

2. USACE 2. NOllPAllllnllllSlobla~ NOW'AD I ~\'iewcl proposed pFDject's lnpsctsonlli.tt"O'i2ed project USACE becomes• C<>ooem"9A9-ncy .... 

purposes. ls.sue11 stetusletteron whether the prtject fits with USA.CE Feedbackon PAO (duringoomment period) 'i"n ---

~ thellt..lthorized p1t1ject pufPO~or net --- USACE beoomese Ccx.iperetingAgercy 

lrll1 - P1evidefeedb8c:koo the PAO (dLXin9oommentpeOOd) 

" 3. ~AScoplng 

'· M-.UalNEPASooplra 3. ~PAllcoplng I Agercy Pre-Applicmion Meeti1l9 Agerr:;yPre-Appiaition Meetir'19 Agercy Pre-Application Meeting 

Srop~9MeetirgOLPJ SooongMeet;rgOLPJ Sropng ~etl119 0L P) 

i "91>ccy"'..CI<: Meet;rg (TLPJ "91>ccy"'"blc Meetirg (TLP) A9ercy,,,ci>lc Meetng (TLP) 

~ ~ -1 --

4. S\ldyf'lmn~ 4. 8•""'Yi8WY Pion~ o4. U8ACE R8glllllcfy-llllldy N-ln Bllllly- StudyPlnnMeet(iga Geotedi EJq:1kniOO Pl51 USA.CE a:ordf'l1'teswlh FERCon b studyneecBfor404 .. USACE oooldin81es with FERC oo it.a study needs for408 '"""""" '"'''""" If FERC'a .studydeemiMtion c:bes nd irrl.Jde404 s1udies 

Studies needed todetermne r proposed design impncbprqed needed, H-enUS.N'.::E naries thellppliaintiu,.j FERC cl purpoM!(couldoCOJr prior to environ merCa!:itudies) s1ude 1eq..1i"ed for 404 

40~water q..ialitydegradalionirduded n the envirormental 

<eVeW 

If FERC's study determimi.ion doe a not indude 4oa atudi~ 

ne«ied, then USACE pro\'ideu letterderf~nQ needs 

" ~ '~ s. ........ ~l'Nponllon 5 . 

--~"'-'""' & 8ludloolAll!llimllcll p,..,.,...,,, I CondL..ciStudiea JoiriTechniatl Meetings on ieievl!lnttopics(FERC, USACE, Joint Meetingaon Reievs1 Topics 

Study Report Meetnga OL P) Dewlopef) (1 )e81" l!lfter atudydeterlrination, inil il!l lst report USA.CE Coordil"IRa lta Needafor Reguletory404 Review 

Joiri T echnicl!ll Meeting a (TLP) QSR;l distributed, then hl!MI meeting>Mttin 15dl!lyal!l nd Developer to Prepere Stud'ea 

Developerto Pieptire Sludiea l!ldditior\81 techriatl meetings, as needed) 

.. ..... USA CE Coordnl!liea Its Need a for 408 EnvirormenUl1 Review 

De""loperto Piepere Sh.Dea 

J, 

•. l'relllril~ ....... l'!'ClllQlll[llJl)llnlt~ e. Pr'9l"'i1101YU....ir11PiopooolO~~ ~~u-lng~~Lloo- " 

Appllmlort Al>Pl-(Ttl') ..-i(T1..P) 30% Project Deai9n DrBwinga Affirm jJfiaddion (Aquatic Reaour12a) 

Prelimiruwy Ergineeriig TechriCl!ll An!llyaia ('ETA) 404 Atern«ives: l!l'l'Oid, mirimim, nitigl!lte (OCCU" througl'mi.t) 

Operd:ion lmpecta ldertify A~ilD rB I riormatiDn Needs J not elreadv eckl~d 

Miasion lmpl!lcia 

~ " ~ 7. Flnll lJce""!'Appl-.404 PwmltAjlpllclllort,end 7. Anet l..lc8rm Ajlpllclllan, 404 P9nn11AppllcSlon, Ind .01 7. Flnll Uoo-Appbllon, 404 -Apiiloetlon. end 401 

401SlnAppil ..... -Appl- -Ajlpllclllan 

AppHC!!lrt fiiea ftnal licenaetippla,tion (ond 404 .1md 401 USACE ieviewsMd oomdil"l!lleaon the NE PAOOcumert, AppllcertfilM404 permitl!lppl aiion (aid401 .,p11ce&ro 

21ppliCZ1tior8) ind.King 400envi'ormentl!!l1 review topics USA.CE reviewsl!lrdooordine~on the l\E PAdocu~ rt 

It FERC lioensina leztm moR:ti'lBteswithd.em safetv. wmolisrce Di\IHQ Briefing USA.CE issues .e publicnctice J spplicl!ltionia oomplete 

i J, ~ •• FERC NEPADoounatt a. USltCE F-an Fl!RC NEPADoclllwe &404~~ -.FERCNEPADocurnent One i'EPA OOcument, led by FERC, OO<lrdM!:ed wlh USACE USACE .Nfr ms lrfonmtion Needs USA.CE coordl"l!lteaon404 NEPAt1nelysis in FERC !\EPA 

m l!I axiperl!lting 8<]e"EY USACE OO<lldinl!ltea 408envi'on~ntlll:ml!lly:sisneedecl in doc:umert, inducing providingAupplemeri.Bll!lnl!llyaia,H 

FERC NEPAcbcument, provi:lin9aupplemertalt1n8y:sisas needed 

"'"""" 404 app liaition ia re...;e ~ 

Jolrt Meeting, ll& 8pproprltl'le 

'1- ~ -- ,, I . FEAC NEPADocultW!WllblloCannatt 9. UlW:E Feed-on FERCNEPA DoalnW'il I I. USM:EFeedb81:kan FERCNEl'A~ I EIS Publi::: Meeting. m 21ppropriste USACE Feecbl!l!Ck on Alteml!ltiveaAnl!llysia Joint Meeting, m l!ll)propri!!te 

.... Joirt Meeting, l!l&l!lpproprll!!e USA.CE BeginaDrtifting 404 Permi Dedaiot\ Supplemertl!ll 

-!, NEPAlrforrrmtion 

VI 

10. i.-.i Oeclllon 10. 40Sc.na...--..- 10.404PlmAApp_an __ i..llr I FERC licenaingdec:i.sion is issued USA.CE ~lmayiasueal!lslatus letter lits al"l!llymis .. . USACE isauesa 408:itatus letter that identifiea thBI, based on OOf1l'lete but for the 408 clecelon 

infomuitionprovided, the4 08 em1ronmert.l!llceview ia 

oomplete,or identifiesl!lddlionlll inform15tion needed 

·'· I - 11. ~saty 11. 408 o.dtlol1, .,d f'wl.Uoonllnlj/Dom Sor.Iii Roviow 04 perm~ ~ 408 Decak>n FERC Dml S:ifety Review MOA for Deaigillrd Constru:tion (istoutsll!lrdi1"9 items to be I Ste AccesaAgreement is needed for oon!l:ructio n a::lclres.!ed 90d.!!ys21fterlioeMe issuence) ···-

()perd:ing Pion is needed to operl!te Fnol De:oignJDetaoo ETA(6~ 00%> 60% """"' on:! o<j usl, . 100'Yo for dem sl!ll'etyllrelll!lfety/envi10nment/oi:ellllions 

Utimately neede<I 

~---~ In progreas re..;ewa at Oi.,..HQ at 60J90% le""h 

DiW~review , .............. ::. 100% Diatrict to Div/HQ 

Lettercif ~prov81for408 ci r if denied, 'lfl.tly 

w ... " 12. FERO~lh-~ 12. FERCAulllort-Cclrlotndan I 12. FERC_..,...COllllNc6>n I ..., "' "' 13. Conotnlollon 13. CGno1nJcllon I 11. COllllNr:lon I 

..J, .J, .J, 

14. Oponllcn 14. Oponllcn I 14. Oporolona I ... I ! ····~ . ...... 

3 
Potential Tradeoffs of the Two-Phased Process 

While each agency' s regulatory responsibilities remain unchanged the timeframes in which they occur 

change. Also, it should be noted that tradeoffs may need to be made in order to better coordinate the 

permitting efforts and reduce timeframes. An example is how agencies and prospective developers are 

encouraged to interact and provide information earlier and more often at certain points in the 

regulatory processes. This can represent an earlier commitment of effort and resources, with a greater 

investment in project planning and design at an earlier stage, particularly sharing conceptual designs, 

and considering USACE 408 and USACE 404 environmental impacts earlier. The benefits of cond ucting 

such investment are early identification of design conflicts, improved communication among and with 

review agencies, and more comprehensive environmental review during Phase 1. It will also likely 

facilitate the agencies having the necessary information to render a permit decision sooner. 

Benefits of Conducting Synchronized Processes 

Conducting FERC and USACE review processes in a synchronized manner should: 

• Increase Efficiencies. The FERC and USACE processes have often occurred in sequence: first the 

FERC licensing process is completed, and then the USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 

processes are completed . This can result in multiple iterations of the project proposal and 

associated engineering design, and duplicative information gathering and environmental 

analyses. Developer engagement and improved coordination with both agencies up front and 

throughout could reduce these inefficiencies by helping to better define the project and 

associated impacts, including refining the engineering design and other important attributes 

early, and determining and conducting a single set of studies acceptable to both agencies. 

• Reduce the Overall License/Permit Application Review Time. Although each process is distinct, 

conducting the permitting processes in a synchronized manner can potentially reduce the 

combined licensing/permitting review time relative to the status quo where one or more 

processes are conducted sequentially. 

• Result in a Single (Joint) NEPA Environmental Document, Supplemented, as needed. The 

proposed approach for synchronizing the permitting processes includes FERC conducting its 

NEPA environmental review with USACE being a cooperating agency. This would involve FERC 

and the USACE signing a Letter of Understanding (LOU) to establ ish USACE's status as a 

cooperating agency for the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental 

Impact Statement (EIS). Even in cases where the USACE is not a cooperating agency the 

environmental reviews will be synchronized . 

• Result in More Certainty and Less Risk for Developers. The synchronized process approach will 

increase the likelihood that the FERC license and 408 environmental review and USACE 

Regulatory 404 environmental review status letters are issued at approximately the same time, 

reduce environmenta l uncertainties in Phase 2, and, therefore, potentially increasing the 

likelihood that the project will move forward to construction authorization and operation. It also 

allows developers to invest in the project incrementally and to provide increased financial 

4 
U I 

investment in the technical and engineering designs of a project progressively as there is more 

certainty after the environmental review. 

FERC-USACE Two-Phased, Synchronized Permitting Processes 

This approach would enable a developer to complete the FERC licensing and USACE permitting 

processes in two phases where the environmental review process is completed first (incl uding the 

issuance of the FERC license and status letters on the USACE 408 environmental review completed with 

a 30% engineering design in Phase 1 and the USACE Regulatory 404 review), followed by Phase 2 which 

is t he USACE 408 decision and USACE Regulatory 404 permit decision and FERC administration of license 

req uirements. 

Phase 1 - Step 1: Initial Contact Prior to Filing the Notice of Intent (NOi) and Pre-Application Document 

(PAD) 

FERC Process 

Initial Contact/Pre-NOi & PAO 

- -- -, -- -----

USACE 408 Process 

lmtial Contact 

Oullmc infonnabOn needs 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

1.

1. Initial Contact 

. OuUine infonnation needs 

In Step 1, it is suggested that the developer engage both the FERC and USACE District FERC coordinators 

by convening joint or individual meetings. FERC staff is available to discuss the FERC licensing process. 

USACE District FERC coordinators will convene relevant USACE 408, USACE Regulatory 404 and other 

appropriate staff who outline the information that is required for each process to facilitate a 

coordinated FERC-USACE process. The developer should coordinate directly through the USACE 

District FERC Coordinator with the appropriate USACE District staff to informally explore initial 

designs and obtain preliminary or conceptual feedback on how design options could impact existing 

congressionally authorized purposes and mission areas at the dam, including operations and 

maintenance. 

As an initial step in the development process, the developer should provide USACE 408 staff with a 

description of the preliminary conceptual design of the proposed project, the proposed location of 

the powerhouse, and the anticipated changes, if any, in flow characteristics that would occur at the 

USACE facilities related to the hydropower project's operation. USACE 408 staff will conduct an 

initial review of the conceptual design to determine if it appears to be compatible with authorized 

project purposes. If additional information and/or studies are needed to address the compatibility 

of the proposed project with USACE purposes, USACE 408 staff will provide the developer with an 

outl ine of the data and study requirements. These studies could be done concurrently with or 

before other licensing studies. USACE 408 will also address water quality degradation in Phase 1. 

The developer should also work with USACE Regulatory 404 staff to the extent that impacts to 

waters of the U.S., as regulated under Section 404, are known or could potentially occur to ensure 

that they understand information needs for regulatory review. 

5 
u l 

Step 2: NOi/PAD and Initial 408 Status Letter 

FERC Process 

NOV PAO 

USACE 408 Process 

2 NOl/PAOnnitial Status Letter 

• ReVtCW ol proposed pt'Ojod 1 n1paas on authonzod PtOJoct 

purposes, lssuo a status lcttOf on whether lhc protect tits with 

lhc outnorizoo project purposes or not 

USACE bocomos a Cooperating Agency 

• Provklo rcoot>ack on the PAO (dunng comment period) 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

2. NOVPAD 

• USACE bcce<nos a Cooperoung Agency 

• l.5l<E Feedbcd<on ~ comrenlperiod) 

The developer files a Notice of Intent (NOi) and Pre-Application Document (PAD) with FERC, which 

includes a description of the proposed project, a compilation of existing information on potentially 

impacted resources, and a proposed list of studies to be conducted for the application. Under the twophased approach, in addition to what the FERC regulations require to be included in the NOi and PAD for 

the licensing process, the developer should include the information and proposed studies needed for 

USACE 408, such as a 30% engineering design, or as otherwise specified during Step 1 by USACE, and 

USACE Regulatory 404 such as a delineation of waters of the U.S., including wetlands that would be 

potentially impacted by any aspect of construction (e.g., construction, staging, access roads, borrow pits, 

etc.). (See http:/www.usace.army.mil/missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Programs-and-Permits/jusris/ 

for additional information). 

For the licensing process, as required by the 18 C.F.R. § S.6(d}, the PAD must identify the preliminary 

issues and studies list for each resource area, and address the following: 

• Issues pertaining to the identified resources; 

• Potential studies and information gathering requirements; 

• Relevant federal, state or tribal waterway plans; 

• Relevant resource management plans. 

Resource areas listed include: 

• Existing environment and resource impacts (based on existing, relevant and reasonably available 

information); 

• Geology, topography, and soils (descriptions and maps); 

• Water resources (quality and quantity); 

• Fish and aquatic resources (description and impacts); 

• Wildlife and botanical resources including invasive species; 

• Description of floodplains, wetlands, riparian and littoral habitat; 

• Rare, threatened and endangered species; 

• Recreation and land use; 

• Aesthetic resources; 

• Socioeconomic resources; 

• Cultural resources; 

• Tribal resources; 

• Description of river basin and sub-basin information. 

6 
The developer should also include the scope of studies necessary to verify that authorized project 

purposes are not impacted and to identify any potential impacts for USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 

404 purposes that may need to be addressed as well as FERC licensing needs. 

USACE Regulatory 404 requirements can be found at 33 CFR 325 and include, but are not limited to: 

• Public Interest Review Factors which may be relevant to the proposal including the cumulative 

effects thereof; among those are: conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental 

concerns, wetlands, historic properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, floodplain values, 

land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and 

conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, 

considerations of property ownership and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people. 

• Discussion of alternatives and avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation in 

accordance with the Clean Water Act's Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines (40 CFR 230). 

• Potential impacts to protected tribal resources, tribal rights (including treaty rights) and tribal 

lands, if known . 

• A compensatory mitigation plan that meets the requirements of 33 CFR 332. 

• USACE Regulatory 404 recommends the project proponent discuss specific project needs with 

the Regulatory 404 office prior to undertaking such studies. 

For projects located at USACE navigation facilities, these types of studies generally include numeric 

hydraulic modeling to verify that outdraft conditions impacting navigation are not created due to 

hydroelectric discharges. The developer may elect to perform these studies prior to moving to Step 3 in 

the development process. 

After review of the USACE 408 studies, USACE 408 staff will review the conceptual design and studies 

and consider the proposed project's impacts on the USACE project purpose. USACE 408 will then issue a 

status letter on whether the proposed hydropower design concept appears to be compatible or feasible 

given the USACE project purposes, or the letter will explain where potential conflicts exist. 

Through issuance of a public notice, FERC will invite USACE to become a cooperating agency in 

accordance with the MOU (in section 11 , Purpose, page 1). When USACE is a cooperating agency, USACE 

408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff will identify the scope of their involvement through the LOU. 

USACE Regulatory 404 participation would be scaled to reflect the type of Regulatory permit likely 

required. For instance, if the activity that is subject to Section 404 jurisdiction qualifies for a general 

permit, NEPA has already been completed for the authorization of that activity and USACE Regulatory 

404 staff will be substantially less involved in the development of the environmental document than if 

the project requires an individual permit. 

USACE 408 implementation guidance (Engineering Circular 1165-2-216) clarifies USACE 408 information 

needs, and may be periodically updated or superseded. 

USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff will review the PAD and provide comments on information 

and study needs, project design, and other aspects important for USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 

7 
processes if such information has not previously been provided to the developer. These comments will 

be filed in the project's FERC docket according to the timeframes and steps outlined in the Traditional 

Licensing Process (TLP) or Integrated Licensing Process (ILP), or as otherwise established by FERC public 

issuances for the proposed project. 

Step 3: Meetings or NEPA Scoping 

FERC Process 

1

3. Meetings/NEPA Scoping 

• Agency Appl iltion Mooting 

• S<op;ng Meeting f'LP) 

• Aocncy/Pul>loe Mee<ong (Tl.P) I 

USACE 408 Process 

Meetings/NEPA Scoping 

Agency Pro App•catton Meeting 

Scoping Meetng (11.P) 

• AgcneyJPublie Meeting (TLP) 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

3. Meetings/NEPA Scoping 

Agency Pro-Applcatlon Mcot.ng 

ScopW>g Meo•ng (11.P) 

• Agcncy!l'ublic Mccbng (TLP) 

Under the Traditional Licensing Process (TLP), the developer schedules and conducts a joint 

agency/public meeting (joint meeting) inviting all pertinent agencies, including USACE 408 and USACE 

Regulatory 404 staff, Indian tribes, resource agencies, and members of the public to explain the 

developer's proposal and its potential environmental impact, review the PAD, and discuss the data to be 

obtained and studies to be conducted . The developer can also request a pre-application meeting with 

FERC, USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff. 

Under the ILP, FERC schedules and conducts a public scoping meeting. FERC staff will contact the USACE 

District FERC coordinator to coordinate, to the extent feasible, scheduling the agency scoping meeting. 

These meetings will include identification of the issues for NEPA analysis, may include a discussion of the 

studies that need to be conducted to inform the draft and final license application and USACE 408 and 

USACE Regulatory 404 reviews, and will be publicly noticed for the specific project. 

The first scoping meeting must be held within 30 days after the issuance of a notice commencing the ILP 

and in the case of a TLP, the first joint meeting must be held no earlier than 30 days from, and no later 

than 60 days after, the Commission's approval of a request to use the TLP. USACE 408 and USACE 

Regulatory 404 staff will participate in the joint or public scoping meeting, as applicable. 

USACE 408 staff will work with the developer on necessary instruments to enable USACE project site 

access, affirm boundary requirements for the project and provide right of entry to the project for further 

information gathering and design purposes. 

Step 4: Study Plan Development/Survey 

FERC Process 

1

4. Study Plan Development 

• S tudy P1M Meetings I 

USACE 408 Process 

4 Survey/Study Plan Development 

• Gootodl Explota1lon pt.,, 

• USACE coordtnates with FERC on its study needs fOf' 408 

purposes 

• Studios needed to detomuno If propot.Od design imJ>3cts project purooso (could occur pnor to onwonmontal studies) 

· 408 water quahty dogradation lnclldod in tho onV1 ronmontal tt!VtOW 

II FERC's study dotonmnaOon does no1 Include 408 studios 

needed. thctn USACE provtdcs a letter clanfying noeds 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

4. USACE Regulatory~ Study Needs in Study Plans 

• USACE coon:hnatos with FERC on its study noods fOt 404 purposes 

If FERC's study dotonntnation does not include 404 atudMtt 

ncoded. then USACE notlfios tho appltc.anl and FERC of studios reqund ror 404 

8 
U I 

Under the TLP, the process for determining studies (See 18 C.F.R. 4.38(b)(5) and (6) and 4.38(c)), 

includes: 

• the filing of study requests by licensing participants, including the USACE; 

• the referral of any unresolved disputes over the studies among the agencies, including the 

USACE, tribes, and developer with the Commission for resolution; and 

• if USACE is not satisfied with the FERC study determination decision, USACE w ill notify the 

applicant of the studies required and file a copy of that correspondence w it h FERC. 

Under the ILP, the process for study plan development (See 18 C.F.R. §§ 5.9, and 5.11-13), incl udes: 

• the fi ling of study requests by licensing participants,

4 including the USACE; 

• the filing of a proposed study plan by the developer; 

• holding a meeting by the developer to clarify the proposed study plan and attempt to resolve 

any outstanding issues with respect to the proposed study plan; 

• filing comments on the proposed study plan by participants; 

• filing a revised study plan(s) by the developer based on the participant comments; and 

• rendering FERC staff's study plan determination. If FERC's study determination does not include 

USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 studies needed USACE will notify the appl icant of the 

studies required and file a copy of that correspondence with FERC. 

In the FERC letter issued on its study plan determination, it will note that the determination is not 

intended, in any way, to limit the USACE's and other agency's proper exercise of its independent 

statutory authorities to require additional studies. 

In Step 4, the developer will submit a geotechnical exploration plan to USACE 408 staff. The plan w ill be 

a genera l plan for the geotechnical design and intentions of the project and not a complete design. The 

408 water quality non-degradation policy will be evaluated as part of the environmental review. 

Step 5: Studies/Application Preparation 

FERC Process USACE 408 Process USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

5. Studios/Application Preparation 

Conduc1 Studios 

Study Report McotlOJIS (ll P) 

Joint Technical Mcotngs (TLP) 

5 Studies/Application Prep1ratlon 

• Joint Tochnital Meetings on rolovtmt topk:s (FERC, USACE. 

Orvclopet) (1 yea< after study dalcnninatlOn, tn1b3l 1tudy report 

(ISR> distributed. thon haVfl mooting wittwi 15 days and 

add1tion3l teGhnieal mco ngs. os needed) 1

5. Stud1ta/Applicatlon Preparation I • Joint Mocbngs on Relevant Topics 

• USA.CE Coordinutos Its Ncods tor Rogukltory 404 RoYlOW 

• Developer to Prepare Studies 

• Oovolopor to PreJ>'lnt Studies • USACE Coordu\iltcs its Needs fOf' 408 Enwonmontll ReVtCw I · Dovo~r to Prcoarc Studies 

In t he case of a TLP, the developer conducts studies and then includes its findings in a draft license 

application. The developer must also include a response to any agency or Indian tri be request for 

st udies in the draft license application. An agency, including USACE, or Indian tribe will have 90 days to 

provide written comments. If the written comments indicate a substantive disagreement w ith the 

conclusions of a project's anticipated resource impacts or with the proposed mitigation measures, the 

4 "Licensing participants" are t hose interested parties, including Commission staff, who actively pa rticipate in the 

Integrated Licensing Process. 

9 
developer must hold a joint meeting with the disagreeing entity and other agencies with similar 

interests and expertise to attempt to reach agreement. If USACE has made study requests the developer 

will also address these requests in the draft license application. 

In the case of an ILP, the developer conducts studies required by the Study Plan Determination and, 

after one year, issues an Initial Study Report (ISR). Within 15 days of ISR filing, the developer holds a 

meeting with the licensing participants, including USACE, to discuss the !SR, review the study findings, 

and explore what modifications to the study plan are needed. (Note: Further information on the 

purpose of the !SR is available on FERC's website.) 

Within 15 days of the ISR meeting, the developer files a meeting summary which describes any 

proposed modifications to ongoing studies or new studies. Participants may file a disagreement 

concerning the meeting summary and recommend modifications or new studies within 30 days of the 

developer filing the meeting summary. Responses to any participant filing are due 30 days later. No 

later than 30 days from the due date for filing responses, FERC staff will render a determination 

resolving any remaining disagreements on the need for modifications or new studies and amend the 

Study Plan accordingly. No later than two years after FERC's approval of the study plan and schedule, 

the developer files an updated study report, which describes the developer's overall progress in 

implementing the study plan and schedule and the data collected . The report must also include any 

modifications to ongoing studies or new studies proposed by the developer. 

Step 6: FERC Preliminary Licensing Proposal (ILP) or Draft License Application (TLP) and USACE Review 

FERC Process 

16. Preliminary Llc:enslng Proposal (ILP)IOraft License I I Application (TLPi 

6. Preliminary Licensing Proposal (ILP)fOraft License 

Apphc:alion (TLP) 

• 30% Pro,oa OeMgn Or.w.ings 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

6. Prollmlnary llcon1lng Proposal (ILP)/Drart Llc:enso 

Application (TLP) 

• Amrm Junsdiction (Aqu:rut Resources) 

Prolimlnary Eng.nocring Tcchrncal Analysis (ETA) • 404 Altemativos: a~. minimize. lnltig::tte (occut throughout) 

Operation lmP3C\S • Identify AddttioMI lnformauon Needs if not atroady addressed 

· Minion Impacts 

-,-

Under the TLP, the developer prepares a draft license application and under the ILP, the developer 

prepares a draft license application or Preliminary Licensing Proposal for review by the licensing 

participants. The draft license application and Preliminary Licensing Proposal requirements are 

discussed in 18 CFR 4.38(c)(4) and 18 CFR § 5.18, respectively. 

The USACE Regulatory 404 Program does not have an official "draft permit application" submittal and 

review process, but the developer can and should discuss permit application considerations and 

evaluation requirements with the USACE Regulatory 404 staff prior to submittal of an application if 

there are questions, especially as it pertains to avoiding, minimizing, and compensating for impacts to 

aquatic resources. During this time, if they have not already done so, the developer should consider 

delineating all aquatic resources proposed for impact (e.g. construction, staging, borrow pits, etc.) and 

submit a request to USACE 404 Regulatory for a jurisdictional determination. This could also occur in 

Step 5. 

10 
USACE 408 also reviews the draft license application or Preliminary Licensing Proposal for USACE 408 

environmental review purposes and files any feedback in the FERC docket for the proposed project . 

Step 7: Final License Application, 404 Permit Application, and 401 State Application 

FERC Process USACE 408 Process USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

7. Final License Application. 404 Permit Application. and 

401 State Application 

7. Final license Apphullon. 404 P•rm1t Application. and 

401 State Apphcahon 

17. Final License Appllcotion, 404 Permit Application, and 

401 State Application 

Applicant Mes final lkcnse oppbcation (and 404 and 401 

appllc.abons) 

FERC ticensina leads. coordJOalM with dam s.afetv, coml)liance 

• USACE reviews and coordinates on lho NEPA oocumcnt 

andudng 408 cnwonmontal review topcs 

• Div/HO llrieftng 

Apphcant ties 404 pomut appbcation (and '01 oppttcation) 

USACE reviews and coordinates on the NEPA document 

USACE Issues a public notice tf a~aOon ts complete 

The developer prepares and submits a final license application to FERC, the USACE 404 Regulatory 

permit application (with a copy to FERC), and a single 401 application that includes FERC license, USACE 

Regulatory 404 and USACE 408 environmental information relevant for the 401. 

USACE District 408 staff briefs both the Division and Headquarters staff at the 30% design level. 

For the USACE Regulatory 404, if activity requires a standard individual permit, the developer must 

submit a complete application and USACE Regulatory 404 issues a public notice, soliciting comment on 

the proposal. The USACE Section 404 application should include a clear delineation of aquatic 

resources, location of all regulated impacts (e.g., fill associated with construction, access roads, borrow 

pits, staging, dredging, etc.), and a brief description of avoidance, minimization, and compensation 

mitigation of impacts to waters of the U.S. The application must include all adjacent property owners, 

including those who may be affected by any potential changes to streamflow patterns upstream and 

downstream of the proposed activity. 

It is also important to note that the information FERC needs to complete its review may not be sufficient 

for USACE Regulatory 404 purposes. For instance, prior to USACE Regulatory 404 rendering a permit 

decision, the developer must provide a final compensatory mitigation plan. 

Step 8: FERC NEPA Document, USACE 408 Process, and USACE 404 Application Review 

FERC Process 

1

8. FERC NEPA Document I • Ono NEPA documen,l. l<d by FERC. coord<nated .-ith VSACE as a coopen11ting agoncy 

.--~~~~~~~~~~~-.,I 

8. USACE Feedback on FERC NEPA Document 

USACE Affitms Information Nocds 

USACE COOfdinatos 408 onwonmontol anojysls noedod in 

FERC NEPA documont. pt0vading supp60ment.al analysts 01 

noeded 

Jof'rt Meeting, as oppropMte 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

I •04 Permit Application RevNw, FERC NEPA Document 

• VSACE COOtdinolH on 404 NEPA anolysl1;,, FERC NEPA document. i~ding oroviding supPomontal anatysil. at 

noeded 

• 404 appkabOn ts revtewed 

FERC issues its NEPA document, either an EA or EIS, based on its record of information for the project, 

including the final license application and any information subsequently filed by the licensing 

participants, including USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff. FERC and USACE use existing data to 

inform the NEPA document, as it is relevant to the project. The document will either be an EA or EIS as 

determined by FERC based on the project record of information. 

Through the FERC process, any required consultations, such as those under Section 7 of the Endangered 

Species Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, will be completed. FERC will be 

11 
the lead federal agency for compliance with those laws, notifying the resource agencies in accordance 

w ith applicable regulations. 

5 Both FERC and USACE are responsibly, however, for consulting with 

federally recognized tribes if the activities they are authorizing have the potential to significantly (i.e., 

materially) affect protected tribal resources, tribal rights (including treaty rights) and tribal lands. 

Step 9: USACE Feedback on FERC NEPA Document, 404 Progress 

FERC Process Wi9ifr'4i.Ii¥¥~ USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

1

9. FERC NEPA Document/Public Comment 

• EIS Publoe Mee~flg . •• Ol>llfopriolo I 9. USACE Feedback on FERC NEPA Document 

• USllCE Foo4Pel< on Allemaw .. Molysl1 • Join1 Moel.Ing, as appro""ate • JO<nt Mffl>n!I . .. ._,,.lo 1

9. USA.CE Feedback on FERC NEPA Document I • USllCE &eg.n1 Draf1i1111 41)<1 Po""" Decilion. 81•>1>lomontol 

~EPAlnfonnation 

If USACE is a cooperating agency, USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff provide feedback to FERC 

staff on the NEPA document prior to its issuance, as according to the timelines specified in the LOU, 

including any comments on the environmental alternatives analysis as it relates to USACE Regulatory 

404 needs, areas related to USACE 408 needs, and any other additional needs/topics to be addressed, as 

appropriate. 

If USACE is not a cooperating agency, USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 staff would provide similar 

feedback on the record during the comment period following the issuance of the NEPA document. 

USACE 408 and/or USACE Regulatory 404 staff may also meet with the developer; however, if USACE is a 

cooperating agency, then to the extent specified in the LOU with FERC staff, USACE staff will not discuss 

the contents of any draft, internal working NEPA document (unpublished), or any internal discussions 

they may have had with FERC staff regarding the draft, internal working document. 

USACE 408 and USACE Regulatory 404 begin to prepare any supplemental environmental information to 

comply with Section 408 or USACE Regulatory Section 404 requirements to include in, or supplement, 

the FERC NEPA document, if necessary. 

Step 10: FERC Licensing Decision, USACE 404 Application Review Status Letter, USACE 408 

Environmental Status Letter 

FERC Process 

Licensing Decision 

USACE 408 Process 

10 408 Continued Rev1ew1Status Latter 

• FERC ucenstng docision is issued 

• USACE issues a 40& status letter tha1 identifies thJt. based on 

information provtdcd, the 408 onY1ronmcnlOI review 11 

complokt. or identifies additional infonnat.on needed 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

10. 404 Permit Application Review Status Leiter 

• USACE Rogutatory issues a status fetter if its onalys.ls it complr.e but for the 408 dee1Sion 

FERC makes the licensing decision. If all USACE Regulatory 404 permit application components are 

included in the application and reviewed to be satisfactory, USACE Regulatory staff will issue a Permit 

Application Review Status Letter to the developer, with copies to USACE 408 and the FERC docket for 

the project. The letter will state that based on current information, the USACE Regulatory 404 

evaluation is complete, but for the USACE 408 review. Likewise, USACE 408 will issue a status letter on 

5 See SO CFR 402.07, SO CFR 600.920(b), and 36 CFR Part 800.2(a)(2). 

12 
H 

its environmental review stating that, based on current information, the USACE 408 environmental 

review is complete, pending USACE 408 and FERC technical, engineering and safety analysis. If USACE 

408 or USACE Regulatory 404 still need additional information to complete their respective reviews, 

they will notify the applicant, with a copy to FERC, if they have not already done so. 

Phase 2 - Step 11: Post-Licensing, USACE 408 Progress 

FERC Process 

1 I 

11. Post4.ic:ensing/Oam Safety 

• FERC Dam Safety Revscw • Sec Access Agreement is needed for construction 

• Operating Plan is reeded to operate 

I 

USACE 408 Process 

11. 408 Decision. and Post~LlcenslngJOam Safety Review 

• MOAtOt Oesignand Construct.on (list 0U1standlflg items IO be 

addressed 90 days after lfeense ttsuance) 

• Fmal OeSlgnlOeta d ETA (S0.100%), 60% inform and adJUSl 

100% !or dilm safety/tile safcty/onvwonment/opcrations 

ultimaloty needed 

In progress reviews at Oiv.'HO at 60J90% tevels 

Div/HO rovicw 

100% Oi.stnci to Div/HO 

• letter of Approv.., for 408, or if dented, why 

USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

1

11 Posl·licensing, 408 DKlsion 

• 404 permit deosion 11 issued I 

After issuance of the FERC license and the status letters on the USACE 404 Regulatory permit and the 

USACE 408 environmental review, the developer will provide available design information to FERC and 

USACE 408 staff. This submittal will be made at the discretion of the developer when the project is ready 

to proceed to final design and construction.

6 USACE 408 focuses its review on technical, engineering and 

safety aspects of the project to determine whether the alteration would impair the usefulness of t he 

work and evaluates the impact of the alteration on the public interest. 

The developer must commence and complete construction of the project works in the t ime period 

stipulated in the license.

7 

A joint meeti ng will be scheduled between FERC, USACE 408, and the developer to review the status of 

t he proposed design and to determine the design steps and schedule required to achieve USACE 408 

permit approval and FERC approval of the design for construction. The initial meeting will include FERC 

staff from both the regional and headquarters offices based upon the complexity of the design issues. 

The USACE 408 team will include a vertically integrated representation by personnel at the District, the 

Division and Headquarters. Topics to be covered at this meeting include: 

• The need, plan and schedule for additional geotechnical exploration and other site data required 

to support the design; 

• The need for a Boa rd of Consultants or an Independent External Peer Review (an IEPR is not 

requ ired on USACE projects less than $40 million); 

• The desirability of developing and reviewing partial designs such as a 60% design in order that 

basic design issues involving stability seepage and other major design concerns can be 

6 However, in deciding when to file the design information, the developer must account for any due dates specified 

in the license for fi ling the design information, as well as the license requirements for when construction must 

commence. 7 Section 13 of the Federal Power Act (FPA) states that a licensee must commence construction within the 

timeframe fixed in the license, which shall not be more than 2 years from the issuance date of the license. The 

deadline for commencement of construction may be extended once, but not longer than 2 years. 

13 
addressed prior to the development of detailed construction drawings. It is anticipated that an 

intermediate design stage may not be required for smaller less involved projects; 

• A schedule for a Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PMFA) and the design information required for 

the PMFA; 

• Specific design concerns related to USACE 408 and FERC dam safety needs and any specialized 

analysis needed to evaluate these concerns; 

• The identification of specific staff for both USACE and FERC who will serve as contact points 

during this phase of the process; and 

• The identification of and plan to address specific conditions contained in the FERC license that 

req~ire approval prior to authorization to proceed to construction. 

Following this meeting, the developer must furnish the USACE 408 and FERC a scope and schedule for 

the submission of all final design documents, the plans and specifications, and various other critical 

documents for the project as discussed during the meeting and that are required by the license. To the 

extent required by the license, various documents (e.g., Design Documents, Plans and Specifications, 

Quality Control Inspection Plans, Surveillance and Monitoring Plan, and Temporary Construction 

Emergency Action Plan) must be developed and submitted for review prior to FERC's Construction 

Authorization . These documents should be organized and prepared so that they can be used for both 

FERC and USACE's 408 requirements/reviews. It is intended that all documents will be reviewed 

concurrently by FERC and USACE 408. 

The developer will also submit to USACE 408 staff, with a copy to FERC, a Regulating Plan (or Operating 

Plan) describing powerhouse operations and noting restrictions needed to protect primary USACE 

federal interests. 

A standard article in a FERC license for a project at a USACE dam requires the developer to enter into an 

agreement with USACE to coordinate its plans for site access and activities on USACE lands. Also, USACE 

requires Design and Construction plans which include a list of outstanding topics to be addressed for the 

USACE 408 application. The developer then submits a USACE 408 application which will include a 

minimum of 60 percent design. Submissions with as complete a design as possible will contribute to a 

more efficient and timely review. USACE will review the 408 application to make a formal 

determination of whether the alteration would impair the usefulness of the work and evaluates the 

impact of the alteration on the public interest. 

The USACE District 408 submits the 408 Draft Decision Document to the Division and then Headquarters 

for review. The USACE Division office will generally take 60-90 days to review the District's 

recommendation and then make a recommendation to USACE Headquarters. USACE Headquarters will 

generally take no more than 30 days to review the Division recommendation and issue a determination 

on the proposed project unless additional time is warranted. 

If approved, USACE issues its 408 approval decision and then subsequently issues the final 404 permit 

decision to the developer with copies to FERC. 

14 
il 

Step 12: FERC Authorizes Construction, USACE 408 Decision 

FERG Process USAGE 408 Process USAGE Regulatory 404 Process 

112. FERC AuthorizH Con1tructlon I 12 '--~~~~~~~~~~--' ........... ...-~~~....-~~--........... ~ 

FERC Authorizes Construc11on 12. FERC Authorizes Construction 

Once all preconstruction requirements (e.g., receipt of USACE-licensee operating agreement; and 

approvals of dam safety, financing, and environmental plans that are required pre-construction) have 

been satisfied and FERC receives USACE written approval for construction, FERC then authorizes 

construction of the project. It is important to note that the specific schedule and required design 

submittals and activities will differ based on project complexity and relevant design issues for the 

project. 

If not previously established, a Memorandum of Agreement between the developer and USACE 408 is 

required anp must be filed with FERC prior to the start of construction to finalize terms of site access, 

bonding, site restoration, safety, security, emergency actions, and other subjects, as appropriate. 

Step 13: Construction 

FERG Process 

Construction 

-·~WJ!HUBH~ 

13 Construction 

USAGE Regulatory 404 Process 

I lu. Construction 

The developer constructs the project coordinating with FERC, USACE 408 staff, and USACE Regulatory 

404 staff, as appropriate. On-site inspections to check compliance with licensing and permitting terms 

and conditions are performed by both FERC and USACE. 

Within 90 days of completion of construction of the authorized facilities, the developer must file for 

FERC approval exhibits A, F, and G describing and showing the project facilities as built. 

I 

Prior to the start of operation, the developer must develop a Memorandum of Agreement between the 

developer and USACE 408 describing the detailed operation of the powerhouse which will include an 

Emergency Operating Plan. The developer should file the MOA with FERC for approval at least 90 days 

prior to the desired operation commencement date. 

Step 14: Operations I Permit Compliance 

FERG Process USACE 408 Process USACE Regulatory 404 Process 

Operations 14 Operations Operations I 

The developer then operates the project and provides reports to FERC and USACE, as appropriate. FERC 

and the USACE perform periodic inspections of the licensed project features. Also, FERC requires a Part 

120 initial independent consultant's inspection that must be completed and the report is filed no later 

15 
u j 

than five years from the date of first commercial operation or the date on which the powerhouse is 

subject to normal water levels, whichever comes first. 

Conclusion 

The FERC-USACE two-phased, synchronized approach enables a quality and efficient coordinated 

environmental review using one NEPA document and one Section 401 application, to the extent States 

accept a single application. The status letters issued by USACE 408 on the preliminary design, and then 

on the 408 environmental review and USACE Regulatory 404 application review process coincident with 

the FERC license issuance provides the certainty developers are seeking that, to the extent no new 

information is identified in subsequent steps, the environmental review is complete. Phasing the 

environmental review first followed by the more detailed engineering and technical analyses enables 

the developer to incrementally fund the project. It is hoped that by establishing these improved 

permitting processes it will enable increased development of hydropower at non-power dams in a more 

efficient manner. 

16