FINAL APPLICATION FOR LICENSE OF MAJOR UNCONSTRUCTED PROJECT. NHC Meeting Notes

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1 FINAL APPLICATION FOR LICENSE OF MAJOR UNCONSTRUCTED PROJECT NHC Meeting Notes LAKE ELSINORE ADVANCED PUMPED STORAGE PROJECT FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION PROJECT NUMBER Applicant: THE NEVADA HYDRO COMPANY, INC Cades Way Vista, California (760) (760) FAX July 2018

February 28, 2018 Meeting at US Forest Service, Cleveland National forest, Trabuco Ranger District, Corona, CA LEAPS Outreach Meeting Report Attending Darrell Vance, District Ranger, USFS Jake

phone Joe Raffaele, Forest Recreation Program Manager, USFS by phone Tristan Leong, R5 Hydroelectric Coordinator, USFS by phone Kim Villa, Resources Assistant, USFS by phone Rex Wait, Nevada Hydro

3 February 28, 2018 Meeting at US Forest Service, Cleveland National forest, Trabuco Ranger District, Corona, CA LEAPS Outreach Meeting Report Attending Darrell Vance, District Ranger, USFS Jake Rodriguez, Disrict Recreation and Lands Officer, USFS Jeff Heys, Forest Planner, USFS Brad Aughinbaugh, Forest Utility Coordinator, USFS Amy Reid, Natural Resources Specialist (Special Uses), USFS by phone Joe Raffaele, Forest Recreation Program Manager, USFS by phone Tristan Leong, R5 Hydroelectric Coordinator, USFS by phone Kim Villa, Resources Assistant, USFS by phone Rex Wait, Nevada Hydro David Kates, Nevada Hydro Keith Skoglund, Nevada Hydro Virgil Mink, consultant Greg Kahlen, The Kahlen Group Neutral Issues Discussion United States Forest Service (USFS) asked why the LEAPS Project was previously unsuccessful in getting a license from FERC. The Nevada Hydro Company (TNHC) answered that EVMWD s actions caused FERC to deny a license, which resulted in ligation between TNHC and EVMWD. TNHC immediately refiled for a new preliminary permit in its name only. TNHC was asked why the project does not need California PUC approval. TNHC explained that the original project was intended as an intertie project between SCE and SDG&E, which required PUC approval. It was further explained that the project now consists of two primary generation ties, which can be licensed by FERC, and do not require PUC approval. USFS asked TNHC to provide documents to verify the transmission lines are gen-ties. TNHC to provide FERC filing and FEIS to USFS. USFS stated that the benefits from the project have changed since the first FERC filing. TNHC agreed. USFS will need more information on the transmission lines as the project moves forward. Most of the Decker Canyon Reservoir is in the Wildhorse Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA). USFS stated that the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule is now in effect, and roads are not allowed in an IRA. However, a reservoir for a hydroelectric project is permissible in an IRA as long as there are no roads constructed as part of the reservoir construction. TNHC provided a

4 map showing an overlay of the Wildhorse IRA on the current reservoir and dam footprint, which shows an area adjacent to South Main Divide Road that is out of the IRA and adjacent to the reservoir. There is a second location where the northwest edge of the reservoir is out of the IRA and adjacent to a dirt road. USFS confirmed that these areas could be used as access for construction equipment to the IRA, as long as no new roads are constructed within the IRA. This includes a maintenance road around the perimeter of the reservoir and dam. USFS asked if there was a Plan B for the Upper Reservoir if, for instance, geotechnical investigations indicated that Decker Canyon is not suitable for construction of a dam. TNHC stated that Genterra Consultants is part of the TNHC team as geotechnical consultants, and they are experts in dam design and safety. TNHC stated that if the configuration of the Upper Reservoir needed to be changed so that it was completely within the IRA (Plan B), construction equipment would be flown in by helicopter. TNHC provided a new Special Use Permit (SUP) Form SF-299 to USFS, signed by Rex Wait. The USFS screening process for SUPs, which is done in stages, was discussed. TNHC stated it has reviewed the USFS Screening Checklist and will provide comments to USFS on each item on the Checklist. After USFS performs an initial review of the SUP, a cost recovery account will be set up for USFS personnel to bill against while reviewing and otherwise being involved with LEAPS. USFS requested information on sources of water to maintain the lake level in Lake Elsinore. They recognize that water availability is a key issue and need to know that lake levels will be maintained. TNHC stated that it had been invited to a part of the LESJWA TMDL Task Force, and one of the goals of the Task Force is to improve the quantity and quality of the water in Lake Elsinore. TNHC also stated that negotiations are ongoing with EVMWD to settle their lawsuit and to provide reclaimed water to the Lake. USFS requested a document that identifies where and when water will be available. TNHC stated that a document will be filed with FERC by April 3, 2018 in response to FERC s deficiency letter that will address the water issue. TNHC also pointed out that additional water will not be required until construction of LEAPS is complete. Both parties agreed that communication between USFS and TNHC should continue to be via s to provide visibility and accountability. Minor issues may be handled with phone calls, if necessary. Darrell Vance will be the point of contact for USFS for all communications. USFS stated that all points of Will Metz s November 30, 2017 letter to FERC in response to TNHC s FLA need to be addressed. TNHC will provide information to USFS on the timing of the studies requested by Mr. Metz. USFS requested GIS shape files for the project be sent to them. Both parties agreed to meet again on March 26, 2018 at the Trabuco Ranger District offices in Corona to discuss progress. 2

5 Commitments by TNHC Revise Volume 2 of the FLA (Applicant Prepared EIR) to clearly define transmission lines as generation ties. Provide USFS with the FERC filing on transmission lines TNHC (Kahlen) to provide precise coordinates for where the upper reservoir is outside of the Wildhorse IRA, suitable for construction staking and inspection by USFS. Submit revised SF-299 to USFS with clarifications to indicate transmission lines are gen-ties. Submit SUP Screening Checklist to USFS with TNHC comments. Provide timing to USFS for studies requested by USFS (Will Metz). Provide precise answers to issues raised by Will Metz s November 30, 2017 letter to FERC. Provide LEAPS GIS shape files to USFS (Kahlen) complete 3/01/18. Follow Up: What & When? Next meeting: March 26,

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