Federal Register #P-906044

FERC Solicits Input on Hydroelectric License Amendment and Gas Pipeline Expansion Projects

This opportunity involves two major energy infrastructure projects overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): - Cushaw Hydroelectric Project (Virginia) - Application for a non-capacity license amendment submitted by Cushaw Hydro, LLC - Proposed changes include: - Installation of a siphon over the western end of the dam to improve minimum flow to the bypassed reach - Reduction of normal impoundment elevation to prevent spillway overflow during regular operations - Transition from run-of-river operation to unit cycling with a 6-inch impoundment elevation range - Implementation of peaking operations with an 18-inch impoundment elevation range for up to 2 hours on up to 10 days per year - Project occupies federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service - Requires a water quality certificate from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality - Gillis West Expansion Project (Louisiana to Texas) - Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC proposes: - Installation of three new delivery meter stations - Modification of Station 35 in Harris County, Texas - Expansion of Louisiana Southwest LW269 Valve Site - Increase in firm transportation capacity by 115,000 dekatherms per day - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named in the notice - Public input is solicited for both projects, including comments, interventions, and recommendations

Key locations: - James River, Bedford and Amherst counties, Virginia (Cushaw Hydroelectric Project) - Federal lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service - Harris County, Texas; Beauregard and Allen Parishes, Louisiana (Gillis West Expansion Project)

Notable requirements: - Engineering and environmental services for hydroelectric operational changes - Installation and modification of gas pipeline infrastructure to expand capacity - Regulatory approvals and water quality certification required

Description

This notice pertains to the application by Cushaw Hydro, LLC for a non-capacity license amendment for the Cushaw Hydroelectric Project located on the James River in Bedford and Amherst counties, Virginia. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has accepted the application for filing and is soliciting comments, motions to intervene, protests, recommendations, terms and conditions, and fishway prescriptions. The proposed amendments include installing a siphon to pass minimum flow, reducing normal impoundment elevation, changing operation modes, and implementing peaking operations. The project occupies federal lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and requires a water quality certificate from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

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