[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 50, Volume 7]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 50CFR221.73]

[Page 110-111]
 
                    TITLE 50--WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
 
  CHAPTER II--NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND 
           ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 
PART 221_PRESCRIPTIONS IN FERC HYDROPOWER LICENSES--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart C_Alternatives Process
 
Sec. 221.73  How will NMFS analyze a proposed alternative and formulate

its modified prescription?

    (a) In deciding whether to adopt a proposed alternative, NMFS must 
consider evidence and supporting material provided by any license party 
or otherwise available to NMFS including:
    (1) Any evidence on the implementation costs or operational impacts 
for electricity production of the proposed alternative;
    (2) Any comments received on NMFS's preliminary prescription;
    (3) Any ALJ decision on disputed issues of material fact issued 
under Sec. 221.60 with respect to the preliminary prescription;
    (4) Comments received on any draft or final NEPA documents; and
    (5) The license party's proposal under Sec. 221.71.
    (b) NMFS must adopt a proposed alternative if NMFS determines, based 
on substantial evidence provided by any license party or otherwise 
available to NMFS, that the alternative will be no less protective than 
NMFS's preliminary prescription and will, as compared to NMFS's 
preliminary prescription:
    (1) Cost significantly less to implement; or
    (2) Result in improved operation of the project works for 
electricity production.
    (c) When NMFS files with FERC the prescription that NMFS adopts as 
its modified prescription under Sec. Sec. 221.72(b), it must also file:
    (1) A written statement explaining:
    (i) The basis for the adopted prescription; and
    (ii) If NMFS is not adopting any alternative, its reasons for not 
doing so; and
    (2) Any study, data, and other factual information relied on that is 
not already part of the licensing proceeding record.
    (d) The written statement under paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
must demonstrate that NMFS gave equal consideration to the effects of 
the prescription adopted and any alternative prescription not adopted 
on:
    (1) Energy supply, distribution, cost, and use;
    (2) Flood control;

[[Page 111]]

    (3) Navigation;
    (4) Water supply;
    (5) Air quality; and
    (6) Preservation of other aspects of environmental quality.