[Federal Register: November 13, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 219)]
[Notices]               
[Page 64334]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13no03-45]                         


[[Page 64334]]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Project No. 1895-025]

 
City of Columbia, Columbia Hydroelectric Project; Notice 
Rejecting Request for Rehearing

November 4, 2003.
    On September 4, 2003, the Director, Division of Hydropower 
Administration and Compliance, issued an order granting the licensee 
for the Columbia Hydroelectric Project No. 1875 an extension of time to 
comply with the requirements of Articles 202, 401, 406, 407, 411, 412 
and 413 of the project license.\1\ On October 2, 2003, South Carolina 
Coastal Conservation League and American Rivers (Conservation Groups) 
filed a request for limited rehearing of that order.
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    \1\ These articles require licensee to file aperture cards of 
the approved Exhibit G drawings; documentation of an agreement 
regarding land for recreation facilities; a report documenting 
consultation with the River Alliance of the feasibility of a canoe 
put-in; and, for Commission approval, various project plans.
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    Pursuant to section 313(a) of the Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 
8251(a), a request for rehearing may be filed only by a party to the 
proceeding. In order for Conservation Groups to be a party to the 
proceeding, it must have timely filed motion to intervene pursuant to 
Rule 214 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.214.\2\ 
Conservation Groups asks that the Commission ``waive the requirement 
that a person requesting rehearing already have party status.''\3\ 
Because the requirement is statutorily based, it cannot be waived, and 
Conservation Groups' request for rehearing must therefore be rejected.
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    \2\ See Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 40 FERC ] 61,035 
(1987).
    \3\ Rehearing request at p. 2.
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    Conservation Groups' rehearing request would be rejected in any 
event. With regard to post-licensing proceedings, the Commission only 
entertains motions to intervene where the filing entails a material 
change in the plan of project development or in the terms of the 
license, or would adversely affect the rights of property holder in a 
manner not contemplated by the license, or involves an appeal by an 
agency or entity specifically given a consultation role.\4\ The timing 
of a compliance filing is an administrative matter between the licensee 
and the Commission, and does not alter the substantive obligations of 
the licensee.\5\ It therefore does not give rise to an opportunity for 
intervention and rehearing.
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    \4\ Kings River Conservation District, 36 FERC ] 61,365 (1986).
    \5\ City of Tacoma, Washington, 89 FERC ] 61,058 (1999). The 
only exception would be if the license articles specifically state 
that Conservation Groups must be consulted on extensions of 
deadlines set forth in the articles. Id. at 61,194 n. 9. Such is not 
the case here.
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    This notice constitutes final agency action. Request for rehearing 
by the Commission of this rejection notice must be filed within 30 days 
of the date of issuance of this notice, pursuant to 18 CFR 385.713.

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E3-00208 Filed 11-12-03; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P