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###### Department of Energy

###### Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

          - [Project No. 2601-077]

On November 16, 2023, as supplemented on March 11, 2024, and April 30, 2024, Northbrook Hydro Carolina II, LLC filed an application to surrender the project license for the Bryson Hydroelectric Project No. 2601. The project is located on the Oconaluftee River in Swain County, North Carolina. The project does not occupy any Federal lands.

The project is located on the Oconaluftee River downstream of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (Qualla Boundary). The project boundary abuts the Qualla Boundary for 1.5 miles. The proposed mode of surrender would include disconnection from the utility interconnection point and the removal of the generators and turbines. The licensee would offer the generators, control equipment, and wiring for sale following decommissioning, or would properly dispose of the equipment. The proposal includes leaving the dam and associated structures intact and operational. The licensee intends to later deed ownership of the project to Mainspring Conservation Land Trust for potential future removal of the dam after the surrender is final.

                    This notice identifies Commission staff's intention to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the project.[1]                                          The planned schedule for the completion of the EA is January 31, 2025. Revisions to the schedule may be made as appropriate. The EA will be issued and made available for review by all interested parties and a 30-day public comment period. All comments filed on the EA will be reviewed by staff and considered in the Commission's final decision on the proceeding.                

                    The Commission's Office of Public Participation (OPP) supports meaningful public engagement and participation in Commission proceedings. OPP can help members of the public, including landowners, environmental justice communities, Tribal members, and others to access publicly available information and navigate Commission                           ( print page 79911)                        processes. For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, the public is encouraged to contact OPP at (202) 502-6595 or                     *OPP@ferc.gov.*

                    Any questions regarding this notice may be directed to Michael Calloway at 202-502-8041 or                     *Michael.calloway@ferc.gov.*

Dated: September 24, 2024.

Debbie-Anne A. Reese,

Acting Secretary.

# Footnotes

1.                             In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations, the unique identification number for documents relating to this environmental review is EAXX-019-20-000-1726749058. 40 CFR 1501.5(c)(4) (2024).                    
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[FR Doc. 2024-22424 Filed 9-30-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P