Temporary Flow Variance for Pacific Gas & Electric Company's Pit 3, 4, and 5 Hydroelectric Project
Summary
SCH Number
2019080123
Public Agency
State Water Resources Control Board
Document Title
Temporary Flow Variance for Pacific Gas & Electric Company's Pit 3, 4, and 5 Hydroelectric Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/6/2019
Document Description
PG&E is proposing to temporarily lower the minimum instream flows below the Pit 3 dam and Pit 5 diversion dam to 75 cubic feet per second (cfs) in order to perform dive inspections of its Pit 3 dam and Pit 5 diversion dam facilities. Flows will be reduced from 280 cfs at the Pit 3 dam and 350 cfs at the Pit 5 diversion dam. Dive inspections are required as a result of flood events that occurred from February 3-21, 2017, in accordance with the Pit 3 Dam Safety Surveillance Monitoring Program and the Pit 5 standard operating procedures.
Contact Information
Name
Philip Meyer
Agency Name
State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Rights
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Counties
Shasta
Other Location Info
The Pit 3, 4, and 5 Hydroelectric Project (Project) includes three hydroelectric developments located on the Pit River. The Pit 3 dam is located approximately 10 miles north of the city of Burney. The Pit 5 diversion dam is located approximately three miles south east of the city of Big Bend.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, Class 1
Reasons for Exemption
The Class 1 exemption applies because the Project involves minor operational alterations to an existing facility with no construction or expansion of use. Temporary reduction of instream flows at the Pit 3 dam and Pit 5 diversion dam will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The lower instream flows are required so divers can safely enter the water to inspect the dams. There is no reasonable possibility that the Project will have a significant effect due to unusual circumstances.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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