Source: http://en.openei.org/wiki/RAPID/Hydropower/Vermont
Timestamp: 2017-05-23 22:58:18
Document Index: 323910291

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1251', '§ 1342', '§4302', '§ 1101', '§ 901', '§ 1390', '§ 1390', '§ 24', '§ 248']

RAPID/Hydropower/Vermont | Open Energy Information
RAPID/Hydropower/Vermont
RAPID / Hydropower / Vermont Vermont Hydropower Permitting Process (VT)
The steps of the Vermont 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 Vermont
In 2015, Vermont produced approximately 1,139 thousand megawatt hours (MWh) of utility-scale hydroelectric energy. Table 3.14 – Net Generation From Hydroelectric (Conventional) Power By State By Sector. Currently, Vermont has 47 hydroelectric facilities producing approximately 57 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 17 MW at approximately 3 non-powered dams in Vermont. 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 401 MW of potential at new stream-reaches in Vermont. Department of Energy, New Stream-reach Development: A Comprehensive Assessment of Hydropower Energy Potential in the United States. The majority of hydroelectric facilities in Vermont are small run-of-river projects generating less than 5 MW. Vermont Renewable Energy Atlas Website. Renewable Energy Vermont Website. Dams along the Connecticut River provide over 50 percent of Vermont’s hydroelectric generating capacity — Calendonia County alone accounts for 43 percent of all generating capacity installed. Vermont Renewable Energy Atlas Website.
Vermont state agencies play a role in a number of federal permitting and review processes for hydropower development. For instance, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a department within the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) 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 Vermont, ANR departments, including the DEC and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), oversee the protection of fish, wildlife, and botanical resources. Based upon their review of the hydropower project and analysis of any study results, the DEC and DFW develop Section 10(j) recommendations for FERC-licensed projects. 16 USC 803(j). The FPA also authorizes the DEC and DFW to issue mandatory terms and conditions for hydropower projects that are exempt from FERC licensing under Section 30(c). 16 USC 823a(c).
Vermont agencies and local commissions work together to regulate state land access, state highway access, water access and water rights, and lake encroachments. Through a cooperative regulatory process the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, municipalities, and regional planning commissions regulate development through land use plans. 24 V.S.A. §4302(a). The Vermont Agency of Transportation works with local area Agency of Transportation Maintenance Districts to regulate State Highway Right-of-Way access. 19 V.S.A. § 1101 et seq. ANR requires developers to secure a right-of-way for any utility line or lines crossing over lands owned by the State and managed or controlled by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the DEC, or the DFW. Agency of Natural Resources Policy: Use of State Lands. Vermont holds state surface waters and groundwater in public trust. 10 V.S.A § 901; 10 V.S.A. § 1390. Governed by the system of riparian rights, ANR protects surface waters and promotes buffer management through Vermont’s flood hazard and river corridor, wetland, lake encroachment, and stream alteration permitting and review processes. ANR also manages groundwater pursuant the Groundwater Protection Act, 10 V.S.A. §§ 1390-1410 and the Groundwater Withdrawal Reporting and Permitting Requirements, CVR 12-030-020 § 24-101-513. Vermont requires energy transmission and generation projects go through a site-specific environmental, economic and social impact review process. Although FERC has jurisdiction of most hydroelectric projects, including primary transmission lines, a developer may still need to obtain a Certificate of Public Good (CPG) from the Vermont Public Service Board. The developer may need a CPG for transmission line extension projects, or interconnected group net-metered hydroelectric systems within Vermont. 30 V.S.A. § 248 et seq.
Developing Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facilities in Vermont
The facility has an installed capacity that does not exceed 5 MW; and
The developer may still need to obtain state, or local permits or authorizations in order to develop a qualifying conduit hydropower project in Vermont. It is possible that the developer could meet federal regulatory requirements for a qualifying conduit hydropower project within as little as (60) sixty days. FEDERAL AUTHORIZATIONS
To initiate the process for a qualifying conduit hydropower facility, the developer must first file a Notice of Intent to Construct a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facility with FERC. For more information on FERC’s process for authorizing a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facility, see:
FERC Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facility Authorization: 7-FD-f
The developer may need to obtain a right-of-way or special use authorization from the appropriate federal land management agency to develop or access utility lines over federal lands.
Land Access: 3 (3)
A qualifying conduit hydropower facility is categorically exempt from preparing an environmental document under the federal National Environmental Policy Act and, therefore, is not subject to environmental review by FERC. Since qualifying conduit hydropower facilities are not subject to the FERC licensing or exemption process, qualifying projects are not subject conditions and recommendations issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries under the Federal Power Act (FPA). Federal Qualifying Facility Certification
The developer may apply for Certification as a Qualifying Facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA), which may enable the developer to sell energy to public utilities at the “avoided cost” rate. PURPA Qualifying Facility Certification: 7-FD-c
State Small-Low Impact Hydropower Assistance Program
Small-low impact hydroelectric projects may qualify for the Small Hydropower Assistance Program, which is designed to provide an expedited review process for small-low impact hydroelectric projects in accordance with the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013.
Small Hydropower Assistance Program: 7-VT-a
The developer should evaluate preliminary site considerations and state land use restrictions for the project location early on in the planning process. Land Use Planning: 1-VT-a
The developer may need to obtain a right-of-way from the appropriate state agency in order to develop or access the qualifying conduit hydropower facility or utility lines across state lands. The developer may also need to obtain a property right from an individual land owner if the project or associated utility lines are located on privately-owned land. State Land Right-of-Way: 3-VT-b
The developer is not required to obtain a water right for a qualifying conduit hydropower project. The developer is also not required to obtain a Section 401 Water Quality Certification. State Environmental Review
In Vermont, a qualifying conduit project can be reviewed by state environmental agencies during the 45-day FERC public comment period. For more information on FERC’s process for authorizing a Qualifying Conduit Hydropower Facility, see:
<metadesc> Explore the regulations and permitting process for Hydropower projects in Vermont. </metadesc>
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