Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has applied for a temporary variance from the minimum flow requirements for the DeSabla-Centerville Project, specifically to modify flow requirements in Butte Creek and Philbrook Creek in California. This modification aims to enhance water delivery for the preservation of cold water storage in Philbrook Reservoir during summer, which is critical for protecting Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon. The proposal has initiated an environmental assessment process, indicating the commission's intent to evaluate the potential impacts of these changes.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Temporary modification of minimum flow requirements for Butte Creek and Philbrook Creek
- Environmental assessment to be prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act
- Flow modifications to start on May 4, 2026, depending on water storage levels
Obligations
What this law requires
Pacific Gas and Electric Company must implement temporary modifications to minimum flow requirements in West Branch Feather River below Hendrick Head Dam, reducing from 15 cfs (normal water year) and 7 cfs (dry water year) to 7 cfs over 48 hours regardless of water year type, effective May 4, 2026 through September 30, 2026.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company must implement temporary modifications to minimum flow requirements in Philbrook Creek below Philbrook Reservoir, reducing from 2 cfs to between 1 and 2 cfs over 48 hours, effective May 4, 2026 through September 30, 2026.
If water storage in Philbrook Reservoir has not exceeded 2,116 acre-feet by April 1, 2026, Pacific Gas and Electric Company must obtain support from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before commencing Philbrook Creek modifications between April 1, 2026 and May 4, 2026.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff must prepare and issue an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for the DeSabla-Centerville Project by May 29, 2026.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must maintain and reference the unique identification number EAXX-019-20-000-1773149143 for all documents relating to this environmental review.