SandBox Comments: Aspen Daily News "Feds approve expedited licensing process for hydroelectric plant"

And then there is also that pesky little problem of local opposition that now has their petition in place contesting the City of Aspen push for the hydroelectric plant.

Hmmmm.....

Curtis Wackerle:
"FERC’s five-page letter notes the opposition of some commenters to the expedited licensing request.

“Though the issues associated with this proposal seem relatively straightforward, the commenters make it clear that the city’s proposal is controversial and note a lack of serious public engagement,” the letter says.

The project’s potential environmental effects remain an area of concern for the commenters.

“Several commenters point out that, while the Castle Creek project is relatively small in terms of generation capacity, it is likely to have substantial effects on Castle and Maroon creeks,” the letter says. “Also, commenters note that, despite the city’s environmental studies that show the project would not have significant environmental effects, there is potential for significant disputes over the studies.”

Commenters also took issue with the city’s previous request for a “conduit exemption,” which is a licensing exemption given to projects using infrastructure that has a primary purpose not directly related to hydropower. City officials claimed that a pipeline built from the municipal government’s reservoir near the water plant to the proposed site of the hydro generation equipment is first and foremost an “emergency drain line” to ensure the safe evacuation of water from the reservoir if there was ever an emergency. The city withdrew that application in favor of the small project license in the fall.

“Staff’s review of the commenters’ filings suggests that the level of controversy in this proceeding does not stem solely from resource issues, but rather, the city’s conduct with regard to previous public engagement,” the letter says.

The letter reminds interested parties about the opportunities for public engagement during the upcoming licensing process. Within the next 30 to 60 days, there will be an initial public meeting on the application process and a site visit with FERC staff, and there will be additional opportunities to comment as the city submits its draft application for the license. During the NEPA review, there also are allowances for public comment...."  (Read more?  Click title)


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