Source: https://openei.org/wiki/RAPID/Hydropower/Washington
Timestamp: 2017-09-25 22:53:41
Document Index: 58635928

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1251', '§ 1342', '§ 36', '§ 36', '§ 1451', '§ 930', '§ 468', '§ 508', '§77', '§77', '§220']

RAPID/Hydropower/Washington | Open Energy Information
RAPID/Hydropower/Washington
RAPID / Hydropower / Washington
Washington Hydropower Permitting Process (WA)
The steps of the Washington hydropower permitting process are summarized in the chart below. Roll over each section for a summary of the regulations and permits it covers. Click a section to learn more about the required permits and regulations related to that topic.
Hydropower Development in Washington
In 2015, Washington produced approximately 73,405 thousand megawatt hours (MWh) of utility-scale hydroelectric energy. Table 3.14 – Net Generation From Hydroelectric (Conventional) Power By State By Sector. Currently Washington has 74 hydroelectric facilities producing approximately 67 percent of the electricity generated in the state. U.S. Energy Information Administration - Annual Electric Generator Data, Form EIA-860 Detailed Data Generator Data (Operable Units Only); Table 3.14 – Utility Scale Net Generation From Hydroelectric (Conventional) Power By State By Sector; Table 3.7 – Utility Scale Facility Net Generation By State By Sector. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has identified an additional 85 MW at approximately 9 non-powered dams in Washington. U.S Department of Energy – An Assessment of Energy Potential at Non-Powered Dams in the United States Report. DOE has also identified an additional 7,381 MW of potential at new stream-reaches in Washington. Department of Energy, New Stream-reach Development: A Comprehensive Assessment of Hydropower Energy Potential in the United States.
Hydroelectric facilities in Washington include run-of-river, dam, and pumped storage facilities. Public and private utilities, electric co-ops, companies and individuals own hydroelectric generation facilities distributed throughout the state. The Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers own and operate Washington’s larger hydroelectric facilities. U.S. Energy Information Administration – Washington State Energy Profile. Many of the hydroelectric facilities are located on the Columbia, Lewis, and Snoqualmie Rivers. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Complete List of Active Licenses and Exemptions.
Washington state agencies play a role in a number of federal permitting and review processes for hydropower development. For instance, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Department of Ecology) Water Quality Program regulates water quality and issues Section 401 Water Quality Certifications (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.) and permits for storm water discharges (33 U.S.C. § 1342) pursuant to the Clean Water Act. In addition, Sections 10(j) and 30(c) of the Federal Power Act requires FERC to consult with state agencies responsible for the oversight and protection of fish, wildlife, and botanical resources. 16 USC 803(j); 16 USC 823a(c). In Washington, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (SDFW) oversees the protection of fish, wildlife, and botanical resources. Based upon review of the hydropower project and analysis of any study results, the SDFW develops Section 10(j) recommendations for FERC-licensed projects. 16 USC 803(j). The FPA also authorizes SDFW to issue mandatory terms and conditions for hydropower projects that are exempt from FERC licensing under Section 30(c). 16 USC 823a(c).
Washington State agencies and local commissions work together to regulate state land development, state highway access, water access and water rights, and shorelands. Washington municipalities and regional planning commissions regulate development through land use plans in accordance with statewide goals and policies. Washington – Wash. Rev. Code §§ 36.70.010 et seq., Planning Enabling Act; Washington – Wash. Rev. Code §§ 36.70A.010 et seq., Growth Management Act. The Department of Ecology regulates developments located within Washington’s coastal counties to ensure compliance with the national Coastal Zone Management Act and the State Coastal Zone Management Program. 16 U.S.C. §§ 1451 et seq., Coastal Zone Management; 15 C.F.R. §§ 930 et seq., Federal Consistency with Approved Coastal Management Programs; RCW 90.58 - Shoreline Management Act of 1971. The Washington Department of Natural Resources requires a developer to obtain either a lease, right-of-way, or permit to access state-owned aquatic, forest and other lands. And the Washington State Department of Transportation works with local governments to regulate state highway access. W.A.C. § 468-34-160.
In Washington, the system of prior appropriation governs all surface and groundwater. A developer requires a water right from the Department of Ecology or a local conversancy board to withdraw or divert and make beneficial use of public surface or groundwaters of the State. RCW 90.14.041. The Department of Ecology also regulates the impoundment and storage of water, and the natural flow of any state water. W.A.C. § 508-12-260; W.R.C. §77.55.011(11); W.R.C. §77.55.021; W.A.C. §220-660-010.
The Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) governs the protection of environmental and natural resources. Unless exempt, SEPA applies to any state or local agency “action”, including, but not limited to, agency decision’s to license or fund a specific project, purchase, sell, lease or transfer natural resources, or adopt or amendment legislation. WAC 197-11-704.
Developing Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facilities in Washington
The developer may need to obtain a non-consumptive use water right to use surface water. A developer does not need to obtain a Section 401 Water Quality Certification for a qualifying conduit hydropower project.
In Washington, a qualifying conduit project may need to comply with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act. State Environmental Review:
The developer may need to obtain a State Highway Encroachment Permit from the Washington State Department of Transportation prior to performing any work within a State Highway right-of-way.
Retrieved from "https://openei.org/w/index.php?title=RAPID/Hydropower/Washington&oldid=946863"
This page was last modified on 20 June 2017, at 09:39.