Lake Creek Relicensing
northern lights, inc.
sagle, id
Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI), an electric cooperative serving
northern Idaho, eastern Washington and northwestern Montana,
selected Kleinschmidt in 2005 to provide strategic
planning and relicensing services for their Lake Creek Project in
Troy, Montana. Strategic Planning began with Kleinschmidt
providing NLI a review of Project operations for potential
modifications and enhancements, as well as options within the
regulatory framework. After review of various options and
potential issues, NLI selected the Integrated Licensing Process
(ILP) for conducting the relicensing. Early strategic planning led to
development of a questionnaire for agencies and NGO’s related to
the Project and early informational meetings for agencies, tribes and
the public held in coordination with FERC staff. To provide up-todate
information on the Project and the process, Kleinschmidt
developed and maintains a relicensing website for the Project that
includes meeting notifications as well as records of past meetings
and all documents related to the relicensing. Following meetings
with the tribes and agencies, Kleinschmidt prepared the Pre-
Application Document (PAD) and Notice of Intent for filing with
FERC in May 2006. Simultaneously with the PAD, Kleinschmidt
worked with the tribes and agencies to develop study plans for early
implementation. The proactive working relationship with the tribes
and agencies resulted in the early initiation of mutually agreed upon
studies related to the endangered bull trout, cultural resources and
other habitat and environmental resources. Kleinschmidt’s
environmental staff implemented the majority of the studies and,
where cost-efficiency required, managed sub-contractors on the
remainder. A second study season was planned in 2007.
Kleinschmidt fulfilled NLI’s goals of developing relationships with agencies and other stakeholders through early consultation and education, thereby providing a non-controversial forum in which to plan the relicensing and future operations of the Project. The goal of accelerating the licensing through early implementation and planning for post-licensing activities is on track. Kleinschmidt’s efforts towards developing professional relationships built upon mutual trust and respect have saved the client time and money and provided the basis for continued and future working relationships with the tribes and agencies as NLI develops their License Application.
For more information contact Jay Maher.