JNA Consulting is supporting Stantec in the preparation of regulatory documentation associated with the planned license surrender and decommissioning of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project in northern California on both private and Mendocino National Forest lands. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the licensee, has determined that the continued operation of the Project is not in the best interest of its ratepayers due to economic and operational considerations.
The decommissioning plan includes the removal of major infrastructure such as Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam, as well as the transition of certain facilities to third-party ownership, including the Eel-Russian Project Authority. The plan also outlines various approaches for facility disposition—ranging from full removal and site restoration to retention without restoration—based on site-specific factors.
As part of this effort, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is also seeking Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval for non-Project use of Project lands to allow for the construction of the New Eel Russian Facility, which will enable continued diversion of water from the Eel River to the Russian River watershed.
JNA Consulting is the technical lead for terrestrial resource and Endangered Species Act consultation. In addition, we are supporting the preparation of key submittals to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including the botanical; wildlife; and wetland, riparian and littoral habitats section of the Surrender Application and Non-Project Use of Project Lands Application. JNA Consulting is also developing the Bald Eagle Conservation Plan, Northern Spotted Owl Management Plan, Tule Elk Management Plan, and Botanical and Wildlife Construction Management Plan. JNA Consulting has completed extensive stakeholder outreach and leads focus-group meetings and Terrestrial Working Group Meetings.