pm&es: through the looking glass ferc perspectives
TRANSCRIPT
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PM&Es: Through the Looking GlassFERC Perspectives
Jennifer Hill
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
NHA Annual Conference May 12, 2009
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Issue
• Applicants do not always have well-defined PM&E measures in their application.
• It is difficult for Commission staff to assess the benefits and costs of vague measures.
• Implementation of environmental measures are delayed.
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What are PM&Es?
Protection, Mitigation and Enhancement Measures (PM&Es) could be:
• Modifications to project facilities and operations
• Construction and O&M of new facilities• Protection or mitigation measures for addressing project-related effects
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Typical Environmental PM&Es for Hydro
AestheticsWildlife
Water quality
Cultural
Recreation
Fisheries
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Environmental Concerns and Developmental Concerns
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Competing Environmental Concerns
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National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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Goal
• Sufficient information on PM&E measures to be able to recommend to the Commission implementation of those measures that are best adapted to a comprehensive plan for improving or developing the waterway in any license issued.
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Information Requirements
• What?• Where?• When?• How?• Why?
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What?• A description of the specific measures to be
implemented, including conceptual drawings, depictions, or similar graphic information for any facilities proposed to be constructed.
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Where?• A clear description of where any proposed
measures are to be implemented, including reference to the project boundary.
20 cfsX
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When?• Preliminary schedules for implementing the
measures should be referenced to the license issuance date.
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How?
• A preliminary description of any stepsnecessary to implement measures.
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Why?• A description of the purpose of the measures
and the benefits that they would provide.
• The consultation record leading to the measures.
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Cost?
• To facilitate Commission staff’s comprehensive development analysis, costs for implementing each measure should be provided.
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When should this information be provided?
• After studies
• Preliminary Licensing Proposal or Draft Application
• License Application
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Benefits
• Allows for a comprehensive NEPA analysis in a reasonable time frame
• Sets the stage for early agreement on PM&Es and possible settlement (possibly avoiding the need for EPAct hearings)
• Can expedite license decisions• Gives certainty on the measures and costs
at licensing