FERC prepares final environmental impact statement for Pacific Gas & Electric's proposal to surrender license, decommission Kilarc-Cow Creek hydroelectric project in Shasta County, California

Rachel Carter

WASHINGTON , August 16, 2011 (press release) – Commission staff prepared a final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed surrender of license of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E or licensee) Kilarc-Cow Creek Project. The project consists of two developments and is located on Old Cow Creek, South Cow Creek, and tributaries in Shasta County, California. The project includes 1.87 acres held in trust by the United States under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

On March 12, 2009, PG&E filed its application to surrender the license for operation of the project and to decommission and remove or modify several project features, including: (1) remove diversion dams and allow for free passage of fish and sediments; (2) leave in place some diversion dam abutments and foundations to protect stream banks and provide grade control; (3) leave in place and secure powerhouse structures for future reuse; (4) remove electric generators, turbines, and other equipment; (5) grade and fill forebays; and (6) in consultation with affected landowners, leave in place, breach, or fill canal segments and remove metal and wood flume structures. Additionally, PG&E proposes to retire access roads to the project where possible. Under PG&E’s proposal, the removal of project facilities would take three years, followed by two years of maintenance and monitoring of the site restoration work.

In the FEIS, Commission staff recommended the proposed action, with additional staff recommendations.

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