The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its first hydroelectric license last month using the new Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) adopted in July of 2003 to streamline the approval process.
The ILP was designed to make hydro licensing more efficient and predictable and to reduce the costs associated with licensing. The ILP specifically is aimed at improving coordination among FERC and other agencies, including the concurrent preparation of environmental documents. It also is aimed at streamlining dispute resolution and expanding opportunities for public participation in pre-filing consultation.
The first ILP license–granted to PPL Montana–was issued within one year of the application being filed with FERC.
FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said the speed with which the first ILP license was granted "proves the effectiveness of the new Integrated Licensing Process."
Linda Church Ciocci, executive director of the National Hydropower Association, said, "The ILP was designed to improve the regulatory framework by increasing coordination between the applicant, federal and state agencies and other participants in the licensing process. We commend the Commission, PPL Montana and all the stakeholders who were involved in reaching this successful result."
Ciocci added, "NHA supports the ILP because we believe it brings better efficiencies and more transparency to the hydropower relicensing process while also reducing costs. We are excited that the promise of the process is now being realized in individual proceedings and that successful outcomes… will ultimately lead to growing America’s hydropower resource. With nearly 90,000 MW of potential yet untapped, the ILP is an important tool in the development of new clean hydropower energy resources. "
The 40-year license issued to PPL Montana is for its 11.25 megawatt (MW) Mystic Lake Project on West Rosebud Creek near Fishtail, Montana.
To enhance public recreation opportunities, the license requires the construction of public recreation facilities near the project as well as enhanced flows for whitewater boating. The license also requires the installation of new shutoff and minimum-flow valves to improve minimum flow reliability which would protect fish in the project’s bypassed reach. Other requirements would protect, mitigate and enhance water quality, fisheries, wildlife and cultural resources at the project.
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