Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
There are no primary transmission lines that are part of the project; all
interconnections are made at the powerhouse switchyards. Interconnections at four of the
five project powerhouses are via Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s 60-kV French
Meadows Transmission Line Project (FERC No. 2479), which consist of three noncontiguous
sections: (1) the French Meadows line, which extends from the French
Meadows to the Middle Fork powerhouses; (2) the Oxbow tap, extending from the
Oxbow powerhouse to the interconnection with Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s
Weimer #1 transmission line; and (3) the Ralston tap, entirely within the Ralston
switchyard at the Ralston powerhouse.
2.1.1.6 Project Recreation Facilities
PCWA maintains 21 developed recreation facilities for the project. These
facilities are concentrated around Hell Hole reservoir, French Meadows reservoir, South
Fork Long Canyon diversion pool, and Ralston afterbay. Developments at Hell Hole
reservoir include: Big Meadows Campground, Hell Hole Campground, Upper Hell Hole
Campground, Hell Hole vista, and Hell Hole boat ramp. Developments at French
Meadow reservoir include: Ahart Campground, Coyote Group Campground, Poppy
Campground, French Meadows Campground, Gates Group Campground, Lewis
Campground, French Meadows picnic area and boat ramp, McGuire picnic area and
beach, and French Meadows sanitation station. Developments at Ralston afterbay
include Ralston picnic area and cartop boat ramp and Indian Bar rafting access. The
Middle Meadows Group Campground is located near Long Canyon diversion dam.
French Meadows North and South water systems provide potable water for recreation
sites at French Meadows; Big Meadows and Middle Meadows also have water systems.
See table 3.3.5-1 in section 3.3.5, Recreation Resources, for a listing of the amenities
provided at these developed recreation facilities.
2.1.2 Project Safety
The project has been operating for more than 44 years under the existing license
and during this time, Commission staff has conducted operational inspections focusing on
the continued safety of the structures, identification of unauthorized modifications,
efficiency and safety of operations, compliance with the terms of the license, and proper
maintenance. In addition, the project has been inspected and evaluated every 5 years by
an independent consultant and a consultant’s safety report has been submitted for
Commission review. As part of the relicensing process, the Commission staff would
evaluate the continued adequacy of the project facilities under a new license. Special
articles would be included in any license issued, as appropriate. Commission staff would
continue to inspect the project during the new license term to assure continued adherence
to Commission-approved plans and specifications, special license articles relating to
construction (if any), operation and maintenance, and accepted engineering practices
and procedures.
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