Source: http://en.openei.org/wiki/RAPID/Roadmap/7-FD-g
Timestamp: 2017-06-23 05:21:35
Document Index: 279943670

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', '§ 823', '§ 4', '§ 380', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 823', '§ 823', '§ 823', '§ 2705', '§ 380', '§ 380', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 1251', '§ 1341', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 4']

RAPID/Roadmap/7-FD-g
Federal FERC Exemption (7-FD-g)
Certain hydropower projects may qualify for an exemption from the standard Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements. If the developer obtains an exemption, then they are exempt from the licensing provisions contained within Part 1 of the Federal Power Act. The project will be subject only to the terms and conditions attached to the exemption. 16 USC § 823A(c).
A small conduit hydroelectric facility of up to 40 MW that uses a man-made conduit operated primarily for non-hydroelectric purposes may be eligible for a conduit exemption. The term “conduit” means any tunnel, canal, pipeline, aqueduct, flume, ditch, or similar manmade water conveyance that is operated for the distribution of water for agricultural, municipal, or industrial consumption and not primarily for the generation of electricity. The project can be located on federal lands; however, if the project is located on non-federal lands then the developer must have all the real property interests necessary to develop and operate the project or an option to obtain the interests. 18 CFR § 4.31(b). The conduit on which the project is located is not included as a project work. Applications for exemptions of small hydroelectric conduits are categorically excluded from the requirement for preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 18 CFR § 380.4(a)(14). However, this does not mean that FERC cannot require the preparation of an EA or EIS. A “small conduit hydroelectric facility” means an existing or proposed hydroelectric facility that is constructed, operated, or maintained for the generation of electric power, and includes all structures, fixtures, equipment, and lands used and useful in the operation or maintenance of the hydroelectric facility, but excludes the conduit on which the hydroelectric facility is located or the transmission lines associated with the hydroelectric facility. The facility must also:
Utilize for electric power generation the hydroelectric potential of a conduit; Have an installed generating capacity of 40MW or less;
Discharge the water it uses for power generation either into a conduit, directly to a point of agricultural, municipal, or industrial consumption, or into a natural water body if a quantity of water equal to or greater than the quantity discharged from the hydroelectric facility is withdrawn from that water body downstream into a conduit that is part of the same water supply system as the conduit on which the hydroelectric facility is located. 18 CFR § 4.30(b)(30).
Developers of a small hydroelectric project of 10MW or less may be eligible for a 10MW exemption. The developer must propose to install or add capacity to a project located at a non-federal, pre-2005 dam, or at a natural water feature. The project can be located on federal lands but cannot be located at a federal dam. The developer must have all the real property interests or an option to obtain the interests in any non-federal lands. A “small hydroelectric power project” means “any project in which capacity will be installed or increased after the date of notice of exemption or application, which will have a total installed capacity of not more than 10MW, and which:
Would utilize for the generation of electricity a natural water feature, such as a natural lake, waterfall, or the gradient of a natural stream, without the need for a dam or man-made impoundment; and would not retain water behind any structure for the purpose of a storage and release operation.” 18 CFR § 4.30(29). (16 USC 2705 as amended by the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013).
If the project does not qualify for a conduit exemption or a 10MW exemption, then the developer must go through the FERC licensing Process. FERC Hydropower Overview: 7-FD-e
The developer must promptly contact each of the appropriate resource agencies, affected Indian tribes, and members of the public likely to be interested in the proceeding. The developer must provide them with a description of the proposed project and supporting information, and confer with them on project design, the impact of the proposed project, reasonable hydropower alternatives, and what studies the developer should conduct. 18 CFR § 4.38(b)(2). 7-FD-g.5 – Notice of Intent to File for an Exemption
Developers must notify each fish and wildlife agency consulted that it will seek an exemption from licensing. 18 CFR § 4.301(a)(2). 7-FD-g.6 to 7-FD-g.7 – Does the State Require a 401 Water Quality Certification?
FERC does not require a 401 Water Quality Certification before acting on an exemption application. The Federal Power Act subjects FERC exempt projects only to the terms and conditions attached to the exemption. 16 U.S.C § 823a(c). Nevertheless, certain states may still require a 401 Water Quality Certification for FERC exempted projects as a term or condition to the exemption. 16 U.S.C § 823a(c). If the state requires a certification, the developer should request a water certification early on in the FERC exemption process. Alaska
A FERC exemption may be an action categorically excluded from NEPA requirements. There are two types of small hydroelectric exemptions from licensing: (1) small conduit hydroelectric facilities up to 40MW (16 USC § 823a(b)); and (2) small hydroelectric project of 10MW or less (16 USC § 2705). Only small conduit hydroelectric facilities are categorically excluded under (18 CFR § 380.4(a)(14)) (see also, FERC Small, Low-Impact Hydropower Projects Webpage). Projects exempted as small hydroelectric projects require that an environmental document be prepared consistent with NEPA.
18 CFR § 380.4(b)(2).
FERC-NEPA Process: 9-FD-i
The developer must consult with the agencies, tribes, and public to schedule a joint meeting to discuss the notice of intent and project details. FERC Handbook, page 4-4. The developer must provide to the resource agencies, Indian tribes and FERC the following information: Detailed maps showing project boundaries, if any, proper land descriptions of the entire project area by township, range, and section, and also showing the specific location of all proposed project facilities, including roads, transmission lines, and any other appurtenant facilities;
Any statement required by 18 CFR § 4.301(a). 18 CFR § 4.38(b)(2).
The developer must provide public notice of the consultation meeting and site visit. The developer must provide FERC with written notice of the meeting’s time, place, and agenda at least 15 days before the scheduled joint meeting date. The developer must provide public notice of the meeting arrangements and agenda in a daily or weekly newspaper in each county in which the project is located. 18 CFR § 4.38(g)(2)(i).
Agree on a timeframe and format for discussion of study results. 18 CFR § 4.38. 7-FD-g.13 to 7-FD-g.14 – Comment on Meeting and Site Visit
Explanation of how the studies and information requested will be useful to the agency, Indian tribe, or members of the public in furthering its resource goals and objectives as related to the project. 18 CFR § 4.38(b)(5). 7-FD-g.15 – Study Plans
Any participant and the developer may disagree on the need or method of a study. Any dispute may be referred to FERC for resolution. 7-FD-g.17 – Has the Dispute Been Referred to FERC for Resolution?
If the developer and a resource agency or Indian tribe disagree as to any matter arising during the first stage of consultation or as to the need to conduct a study, then the dispute may be referred to FERC for resolution. 18 CFR § 4.38(b)(6). 7-FD-g.18 – Provide Notice of Referral
The entity referring the dispute to FERC must serve a copy of its written request for resolution on the disagreeing party and any affected resource agency or Indian tribe, which may submit a written response to the referral within 15 days of the referral’s submission. 18 CFR § 4.38(b)(6)(ii). 7-FD-g.19 – Review and Provide Resolution to Dispute
FERC will resolve the disputes by letter provided to the developer and all affected resource agencies and Indian tribes. 18 CFR § 4.38(b)(6)(iv). 7-FD-g.20 – Implement Study Plan
The developer must implement the approved study plans once all disputes have been resolved. 7-FD-g.21 to 7-FD-g.22 – Is an Additional Study Requested?
If a participant requests an additional study, then the developer must promptly initiate the study unless the study is unreasonable or unnecessary for an informed decision by FERC on the merits of the application or use of the methodology requested by a resource agency or Indian tribe for conducting the study is not a generally accepted practice. 18 CFR § 4.38(c)(2). 7-FD-g.23 – Draft Application
Responds to any comments and recommendations made by any resource agency and Indian tribe either during the consultation process. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(4). 7-FD-g.24 – Comment on Draft Application
Resource agencies and Indian tribes have 90 days from the date the developer provides the copy of the draft application to comment on the application. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(5). 7-FD-g.25 – Is there a Substantive Dispute that Must be Resolved?
The developer will be required to participate in further review if the written comments provided in response to the draft application indicate that a resource agency or Indian tribe has a substantive disagreement with the developer’s conclusions regarding resource impacts or its proposed protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(6). 7-FD-g.26 to 7-FD-g.27 – Provide Written Notice of Joint Meeting on Dispute
The developer must hold a joint meeting with the disagreeing resource agency or Indian tribe and other agencies with similar or related areas of interest, expertise, or responsibility no later than 60 days from the date of the written comments of the disagreeing agency or Indian tribe. The meeting will allow all parties to discuss and to attempt to reach agreement on any plan for environmental protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(6)(i). The developer must provide written notice of the meeting to FERC at least 15 days prior to the meeting. The notice must indicate the time, place, and agenda of the issues to be discussed at the meeting. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(6)(iii). 7-FD-g.28 to 7-FD-g.29 – Have the Parties Reached an Agreement?
The developer and any disagreeing agency or Indian tribe may conclude a joint meeting with a document embodying any agreement among them regarding environmental protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures and any issues that are unresolved. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(7). 7-FD-g.30 – Application for FERC License and Associated Documents
The developer seeking an exemption must file an application with FERC for a FERC license, accompanied by a transmittal letter certifying that at the same time copies of the application are being mailed to the resource agencies, Indian tribes, other government offices, and consulted members of the public. 18 CFR 4.38(d)(1). A developer may submit an application for a FERC License if: It has provided resources agencies with the documents required under 18 CFR 4.38(c)(4); and
It has complied with meeting requirements in the event of a substantive disagreement with any resource agency. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(9). The developer must describe all disagreements with a resource agency or Indian tribe on technical or environmental protection, mitigation, or enhancement measures in the application. 18 CFR 4.38(c)(10). The developer must include an Exhibit E in the application that indicates they have met all consultation requirements, and it should include a summary of the consultation process and:
A list containing the name and address of every federal, state, and interstate resource agency and Indian tribe with which the developer consulted. 18 CFR 4.38(f). 7-FD-g.31 - Application for FERC Licensing Exemption
Small Conduit Exemption
Any application for a conduit exemption must include the following:
Fish and wildlife agency reimbursement fees must accompany filed applications. 18 CFR § 4.92; 18 CFR 4.302. 10MW Exemption
An application for exemption for a small hydroelectric project of 10 MW or less must also include the following:
Appendix containing evidence that the developer has the necessary real property interests in any nonfederal lands 18 CFR § 4.107; Fish and wildlife agency reimbursement fees must accompany filed applications.
18 CFR 4.107.
FERC may accept or reject any application for an exemption. The developer may be required to provide additional information. If the application is not accepted for filing, then the developer must initiate the FERC licensing process. FERC Hydropower Overview: 7-FD-e
FERC must provide notice of the application for an exemption to interested agencies and Indian tribes when the application is accepted for filing. 18 CFR § 4.93(b) or 18 CFR § 4.105(b)(1). 7-FD-g.35 – Comment on Application
Resource agencies, Indian tribes, and the public will have 90 days from the date the developer submits the application to comment. 18 CFR § 4.38(c)(5). 7-FD-g.36 - Develop Exemption Conditions
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C § 1251 et seq.) requires developers to demonstrate compliance with the CWA’s water quality certification requirements if the project may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the U.S. Under section 401(a)(1) of the CWA (33 U.S.C. § 1341), states have the authority to review and approve, condition, waive, or deny a 401 WQC.
FERC may approve or deny a request for an exemption. 7-FD-g.39 – Exemption from FERC Licensing
If FERC determines that the application meets all necessary requirements, then they will issue an order granting the exemption. All exemptions contain standard terms and conditions that must be complied with. Any exemption granted by FERC for a small conduit hydroelectric facility is subject to standard terms and conditions outlined in 18 CFR § 4.94(a)-(g). Such terms and conditions include, for example:
The exemption does not confer any right to use or occupy any federal lands that may be necessary for the development or operation of the project. 18 CFR § 4.94(d). FERC may require that the exempt facilities be modified in structure or operation or may revoke the exemption in order to best develop, conserve, and utilize in the public interest the water resources of the region. 18 CFR § 4.94(e). FERC may revoke the exemption if, in the application process, material discrepancies, inaccuracies, or falsehoods were made by or on behalf of the developer. 18 CFR § 4.94(f). Similar terms and conditions are attached to exemptions for 10MW or less hydroelectric facilities under 18 CFR § 4.106. FERC may impose further terms and conditions on any exemption in order to:
Conserve, develop, or utilize in the public interest the water power resources in the region. 18 CFR § 4.93(c) or or 18 CFR § 4.105(b)(2).
If FERC denies a small conduit hydropower exemption, the developer may convert the exemption application into an application for FERC licensing. The developer must provide FERC a written Notice of Intent to Convert Exemption Application into a License Application within 30 days after the denial. 18 CFR § 4.93(d).
For small hydroelectric power projects, the developer’s application for an exemption is processed and considered as part of the related application for a FERC license, or amendment of a FERC license, so no notice of intent to convert the exemption into a license application is required. 18 CFR § 4.105(a).
Federal Power ActTitle 16 USC 823a Conduit Hydroelectric FacilitiesTitle 16 USC 2705 Simplified and Expeditious Licensing ProceduresHydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 201318 CFR 4 Licenses, Permits, Exemptions, and Determination of Project Costs
FERC Handbook for Hydroelectric Project Licensing and 5 MW Exemptions from LicensingFERC Compliance Handbook, section 2.11
<metadesc> Information about Federal FERC Exemption in the permitting of renewable energy and bulk transmission projects. </metadesc>
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