JNA Consulting has provided long-term support to Southern California Edison Company for the relicensing of the Big Creek Hydroelectric System—a complex network of seven Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-licensed hydroelectric projects operating in an integrated manner to optimize hydropower generation. The system includes nine major powerhouses, six major reservoirs, multiple dams and diversions, water conveyance infrastructure, and associated facilities located primarily on the Sierra National Forest. The relicensing process began in 1997 and has spanned multiple FERC processes, including both the Traditional and Alternative Licensing Processes.
JNA Consulting played a key role in the relicensing of the Big Creek Hydroelectric System projects, supporting the development of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-required documents such as the Pre-Application Document and both Draft and Final Applications for New Licenses. Our team facilitated coordination with a broad coalition of federal and state agencies, tribal representatives, and non-governmental organizations—ultimately contributing to a Settlement Agreement signed by 23 stakeholders. JNA Consulting led and supported several technical studies designed to assess the continued environmental impacts of the hydroelectric system’s operations. We managed and implemented field studies related to terrestrial biological resources and led the Section 7 consultation process under the Endangered Species Act for sensitive species, including the valley elderberry longhorn beetle.
Since submitting the license applications, JNA Consulting has continued to assist SCE in securing necessary resource agency permits to support early implementation of recreation rehabilitation and infrastructure improvement projects. We are also providing ongoing biological monitoring, including bald eagle nesting and winter roost surveys, and continued ESA compliance for newly listed species.
Licenses are anticipated to be issued in 2025 and JNA Consulting will continue to support SCE with ongoing license compliance efforts.