Mr. Thomas Hohman; Availability of Final Environmental Assessment

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Project No. 11213 New York]

Mr. Thomas Hohman; Availability of Final Environmental Assessment

May 23, 1994.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission's)

regulations, 18 CFR part 380 (Order No. 486, 52 FR 47897), the Office

of Hydropower Licensing has reviewed the application for a minor

license for the proposed Barberville Hydroelectric Project located on

Poestenkill Creek in Rensselaer, near Poestenkill, New York, and

prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed project.

On September 23, 1993, a draft EA was issued, distributed to all

parties, and noticed for public comment. Comments were requested on the

draft EA to be filed within 45 days. Per the applicant's request, the

comment period was extended to November 15, 1993. All comments that

were filed have been considered in the final EA. Comments on the draft

EA did not warrant change to staff conclusions or recommendations.

In the final EA, the Commission staff has analyzed the potential

environmental impacts of the proposed project and has concluded that

regardless of our recommended mitigative measures, construction and

operation impacts of the Barberville Project would have an unacceptable

adverse impact on the visual character of the area and would have an

unavoidable adverse effect on the recreational experience of visitors

to the area. Based on these unavoidable adverse effects and the

marginal economic status of the proposed project, the staff recommends

that the license be denied. Denial of the proposed project would not

constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality

of the human environment.

Copies of the final EA are available for review in the Public

Reference Branch, room 3104, of the Commission's offices at 941 North

Capitol Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426.

Lois D. Cashell,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. 94-12999 Filed 5-26-94; 8:45 am]

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