Events & Committees: Archive

Annual Conference Compliance Workshops Tech/Operations Conference Irrigation Caucus Low Impact Hydro Workshop Archive Calendar

An archive of past documents, presentations, and pictures from previous Conferences and Workshops.

2009 NWHA Annual Conference Papers and Presentations  

The following files represent presentations provided on March 17-19 at the 2009 NWHA Annual Conference. Where available, click on a speaker's name to view or download a file of that speaker's presentations and papers.

PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

Practical Information on Cultural Resources and Implementation of Programmatic Agreements

Shane Baker, Idaho Power Company

Brent Hicks, Historical Research Associate

George Kramer, Kramer & Company

Denise DeJoseph, Historical Research Associates

Deborah Schallert, Portland General Electric

Dennis Griffin, Oregon State Historic Preservation Office  

GENERAL SESSION

Regulatory/Legislative Update

Richard Glick, Iberdrola Renewables

James Lynch, K & L Gates LLP

Andrew Munro, Grant County PUD  

New Technology in a New Environment

Roger Bedard, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Sharon Kramer, H.T. Harvey & Associates, Inc.

Jeffrey A. Leahey, National Hydropower Association

Trey Taylor, Verdant Power, Inc.  

Integrating Wind Energy into the Northwest Energy System

Angus Duncan, Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Ken Dragoon, Renewable Northwest Project

Steven St. Clair, Puget Sound Energy

Eric Grimit, Environmental Forecast Group  

On the Ground and in the Water

Walter N. Bennett, CH2M Hill

Shane Bickford, Douglas County PUD

Keith Moen, Hatch Acres Corporation

Rudd Turner, US Army Corps of Engineers  

WECC, NERC – Compliance and Regulation

Alan Cooke, Tacoma Power

Adam Menendez, Portland General Electric

Crystal Musselman, Senior Reliability Consultant

Matt Jastram, Portland General Electric  

Recreation Implementation and Project Land Management

Mark Andersen, California Department of Water Resources

David Moore, PacifiCorp

David Steindorf, American Whitewater

Allison Murray, Kleinschmidt Energy & Water Resources

Bill Crawford, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department  

Climate Change and Implications for Reservoir Management & Hydroelectricity

Alan Hamlet, University of Washington Climate Change Impacts Group

Kaveh Madani, University of California, Davis

Seshu Vaddey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  

Fish Politics in the Pacific Northwest – Swimming with Salmon

Todd N. Pearsons, Grant County PUD

John Shurts, Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council

Stephen Smith, Stephen H. Smith Fisheries Consulting

Robert Walton, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region

2009 Technical Workshop/Tour

May 28-29, 2009
Desert Inn,
705 Willamette Street
Umatilla, Oregon

Plant operators discussed how to address current O&M issues. A tour of Northern Wasco County PUD's innovative McNary Fishway Hydro Project was also included.

View or download the Brochure

Oregon Small Hydro Workshop

October 24, 2008
Bend, Oregon
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Small Hydro Workshop Agenda

Small Hydro Workshop Brochure and Registration Form

NHA/NWHA Regional Meeting

October 23, 2008
Puget Sound Energy's Offices
Bellevue, Washington
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Register Now: Invitation to Participate in the Meeting

View the Agenda

2008 Technical & Maintenance Workshop

May 29 - 30, 2008
Wenatchee, Washington

Workshop Flyer (pdf)

 2008 California Compliance Committee Spring Meeting

El Dorado Irrigation District
2890 Mosquito Road
Placerville, California
contact: pkroen@pacbell.net

Workshop Flyer (pdf)

2008 NWHA Annual Conference Papers and Presentations

The following files represent presentations provided on February 20 and 21st at the 2008 NWHA Annual Conference.

CLIMATE CHANGE
Mark Anderson, California Department of Water Resources
Kyle Danish, Van Ness Feldman
Peggy Duxbury, Seattle City Light
Steve McCombs, Chicago Climate Exchange

NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Theresa Hampton, Oregon Solutions
Jennifer Hill FERC
Cherise Orem, Stoel Rives
Rich Bower, NW Reform Coalition

ON THE GROUND AND IN THE WATER
Joe DosSantos, Avista Corporation
David Heinztsman, Portland General Electric
Ned Horner, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Todd Olson, PacifiCorp
Chuck Peven, Chelan County PUD

COMPLIANCE:  PREPARING FOR THE TRANSITION
Bill Cochran, Supervising Engineer
Rick Dieker, Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District
Michele Drake, Avista Corporation
Laurel Heacock, Grant County PUD
Lewis Wardle, Idaho Power Co.

COMPLIANCE:  NOW YOU HAVE YOUR LICENSE
Nancy Craig, Devine Tarbell
Chuck Everett, EDAW, Inc
Hossein Ildari, FERC
Mary Lucachick, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Tim Swant, Avista Corporation

New Small Hydro Projects Seminar

Sponsored by Northwest Hydroelectric Association, Energy Trust of Oregon and Oregon Department of Energy
May 16, 2007
McMennamins
Bend, Oregon

Learn about opportunities and incentives for building new small hydropower facilities in Oregon. Tour of small hydro facility contact Jan@NWHydro.org

Other seminars sponsored by NWHA have covered Hatchery Operations and Mitigation, the Columbia River Operations, Public Relations Management, International Marketing, Mitigating for the Endangered Species Act, Water Quality Requirements and other topics.

If you have ideas for topics, contact our office - NWHA

2007 NWHA Annual Conference Papers and Presentations

Final Program (pdf)

Agenda

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Salmon hatcheries have a long history in the Northwest. But over the last decade, there has been increasing concern that hatchery operations can have adverse effects on the naturally spawned salmon in our river systems. This concern has increased as many of the region's salmon populations have been listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. There is significant ongoing research into what it will take to reform hatchery operations to minimize the impacts on non-hatchery salmonids. For utility mangers, agencies, tribes, and NGOs negotiating the mitigation measures that will be in place for 30-50 years in new FERC licenses, this timely discussion can provide insight into the role salmon hatcheries will play in the future.

This workshop will address the general question of whether salmon hatcheries should still be a preferred form of mitigation for hydropower impacts. Three panels with different perspectives will provide opinions on the future of mitigation hatcheries that will be of interest to utilities with FERC licensed projects, natural resource agencies, and salmon harvesters.

Introduction to the Workshop 

John Esler, Portland General Electric

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Panel 1: How has Hatchery Mitigation Been Treated in Recent FERC Licenses?

Using their experiences gained from recently relicensed hydroelectric projects and projects currently in relicensing, a panel of utility representatives will address approaches to funding and operating mitigation hatcheries.

Moderator: Cary Feldman, Puget Sound Energy

Speakers:
Paul Abbott, Idaho Power Co. Relicensing and the Idaho Power Hatchery Mitigation Program
Sean Seaman, Chelan PUD Overview of Hatchery Programs Chelan County PUD
Dave Pflug, Seattle City Light The Saga of Hatchery Mitigation At the Skagit Hydroelectric Project During Licensing & Implementation(1990-2007)
Doug Cramer, Portland General Electric Hatchery Mitigation and PGE Hydro Projects Hydro Projects A Varied Approach

Panel 2: What's Happening in Hatchery Reform?

Tribes, regional and state interest groups will address research and policy questions on how hatcheries can be reformed to be compatible with salmon recovery efforts in the Northwest. Panelists will discuss current initiatives that are underway to change the way salmon hatcheries operate in the Northwest.

Moderator: Larry Cassidy, Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Speakers:
Joe Peone, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Chief Joseph Hatchery 21st Century Mitigation
Jim Waldo, Columbia River Hatchery Reform Project
David Noakes, Oregon Hatchery Research Center Oregon Hatchery Research Center
Dave Fast, Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation

Panel 3: Are Hatcheries Appropriate Mitigation for Hydro Impacts?

Federal agency and NGO representatives will share their perspectives on the future of salmon hatcheries as appropriate tools to mitigate for some of the effects of hydropower operations. The organizations represented by these panelists are actively involved with discussions regarding mitigation hatcheries, either as regulating agency or resource advocates.

Moderator: Ed Bowles, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Are Hatcheries Appropriate Mitigation for Hydro Impacts?

Speakers:
Brett Swift, American Rivers Are Hatcheries Appropriate Mitigation for Hydro Impacts
Jim Hastreiter, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Hatchery Mitigation Workshop
Rob Jones, National Marine Fisheries Service The Future of Mitigation Hatcheries
Jim Martin, Berkley Conservation Institute 

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

 Northwest Hydroelectric Association Annual Membership Meeting
Continental Breakfast for Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA) Members and Board of Directors meeting

GENERAL SESSION
Welcome

NWHA President Suzanne C. Grassell, Chelan County Public Utility District

 Keynote Address

FERC Commissioner Philip D. Moeller

 An Inside Look at Settlement Agreement Rehearings

Moderator: Gregg Carrington, Chelan County Public Utility District

So you’ve gotten your license and it’s not exactly what you expected? In September 2006 FERC issued its Policy Statement on Hydropower Licensing Settlements. Since then, several licensees have seen it affect the outcome of their licensing proceedings. During this panel, you'll here from a mix of licensees and stakeholders whose settlements were modified by FERC in accordance with the policy statement. They'll discuss how they evaluated their options, worked with other signing parties, and responded to FERC.

Panelists:
William C. Frymire, Washington Office of Attorney General
Julie A. Keil, Portland General Electric
Rebecca Sherman, Hydro Reform Coalition
Cary Feldman, Puget Sound Energy
Steve Fransen, National Marine Fisheries Service

Luncheon Speakers

Michael Bogert, Counselor to U. S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne

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Compliance

Compliance Moderator: Diane Barr, PacifiCorp

Part 1: Preparing Your Compliance Staff

Meeting evolving compliance standards raises a broad range of issues…internal as well as external. How do you prepare your organization to manage stakeholder expectations…adapt to new measures…absorb new costs. Learn from panelists who have successfully addressed these issues in their own operations.

Panelists: Deborah Schallert, Portland General Electric
Gail Thompson, PhD, Historical Research Associates, Inc. Cultural Resource Training Ideas
Scott Lechert, PacifiCorp

Part 2: Recreation Implementation and Compliance

Recreation is quickly growing to be a significant cost, liability, and interest among influential stakeholders. What are some of the expectations for new licenses in the realm of recreation? How are licensees equipped to manage new licenses with such requirements?

Panelists:
Bill Cochran, P.E., California Department of Water Resources Recreation Implementation and Compliance
Dave Moore, PacifiCorp Managing Recreation Sites
Fred Noland, Idaho Power Company

On the Ground and in the Water: Technical Challenges and Solutions Associated with Implementation

Moderators:
Lisa Larson, Northwest Hydraulics Inc.
Heidi Wahto, Hatch Acres

As newly relicensed projects in the Northwest transition into the implementation stage, new technical challenges demand creative—and effective—solutions. Panelists present technical solutions to current fish passage, habitat, and wildlife project challenges.

Panelists:
Tom Dresser, Grant County Public Utility District–Priest Rapids Project, Washington
Cary Feldmann, Puget Sound Energy–Baker Project, Washington
Ginger G. Gillin, GEI Consultants, Inc.–Thompson Falls Project, Montana
Gary Holmstead, Idaho Power Co.–C.J. Strike Project, Idaho
Colleen McShane, EDAW–North Umpqua Project, Oregon

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Trial-Type Hearings under EPAct 2005: How did the first flurry of cases turn out?

Moderator: Craig Gannett, Davis, Wright & Tremaine LLP

The goal of trial-type hearings is to eliminate unnecessary mitigation measures and create an incentive for reasonable settlements. Is it working? Panelists assess the outcomes of the first trial-type hearings under the new law. If there’s any chance that you’ll be requesting a trial-type hearing for your project, you’ll want to hear from these battle-scarred veterans.

Panelists:
Bruce Howard, Avista Corporation, Multiple Projects
Michael A. Swiger, Van Ness Feldman, P.C., Klamath PacifiCorp Projects
James B. Vasile, Davis, Wright & Tremaine LLP, Idaho Power Projects

 A Look Ahead for Hydro in the Northwest

Moderator: Wayne M. Dyok, P.E., MWH Americas, Inc.

What does the future hold for Northwestern hydro? A panel representing a broad range of hydro interests forecasts the role of hydro in integrated resource plans (IRPs), the advantages of production tax credits, and state and federal incentives. Projects that hold the most promise for future development will be explored.

Panelists:
Rick Dieker, Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District – New Hydropower
Jeffrey A. Leahey, National Hydropower Association – Energy Act Incentives Current Drivers for Hydropower Development in the Northwest
And additional panelists

Luncheon Speaker

Featured Speakers:
Linda Church Ciocci, National Hydropower Association Repositioning Hydropower in a New Era of Clean Energy
Roger Ballentine, Green Strategies, Inc. A New Climate for Climate(and for Hydro??)

Discussion of NHA efforts to position the hydropower industry for the future, the status of energy policy development, the growing interest in clean energy markets, and solicit feedback from the northwest community on areas of interest for NHA focus.

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Harnessing New Technologies

Moderator: Bruce Meaker, Snohomish County Public Utility District

New hydro technologies create the potential to harness kinetic power in tidal currents and ocean wave motion. Panelists reveal how these new technologies work and discuss the challenges involved with their development and implementation in today’s market.

Panelists:
Peter Hogan, Oregon State University – Wave Technology
Peter D. Mostow, Stoel Rives LLP - Permitting and Development of New Projects
Craig Collar, Snohomish County PUD - Puget Sound Tidal Permits Tidal Power Initiative
Trey Taylor, Verdant Power LLC - East River Project

Four Views of Compliance: Evolving Water Quality Issues in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

Moderator: Jerry Fish, Stoel Rives LLP

Representatives from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California share “hot” water quality issues for their respective state’s hydro operators. Panel examines different approaches to specific hydro challenges, including obtaining water quality certification.

Panelists:
Bruce Howard, Avista Corporation (Washington) The Spokane River Project & WQ Issues
Ralph Myers, Idaho Power Co. (Idaho) Hells Canyon Complex 401 Certification
Representative, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (Oregon)
Craig Wilson, Stoel Rives LLP (California)  Hydro Projects in California: 401 Certification Issues

2006 Hydropower Licensing & Relicensing Workshop

Hydropower Licensing & Relicensing Workshop Agenda

Thursday, November 9, 2006
8:00am-4:00pm
SMUD Service Bldg,  6301 S Street, Sacramento, CA

Agenda

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2006 NWHA Annual Conference Papers and Presentations

Conference Program

(Program pdf)

View Conference Photos

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2006

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

The Columbia River and Safe Passage for Salmon Under the ESA

Implementation of the National Marine Fisheries Service Biological Opinion (BiOp) will influence the relationship between hydropower in the Columbia River Basin and fish conservation groups in the Northwest. Panelists representing a range of interests discuss Bull Trout and Salmon designations, hatchery effects and issues, critical habitat, sub-basin coordination, and cyclical issues.

Examine the latest legal, technical, and policy developments.

PANEL I: LITIGATION

Moderator: Beth S. Ginsberg, Attorney, Stoel Rives LLP 

Panelists:

• David Cummings, Office of Legal Counsel for Nez Perce Tribe
• Mike Grossman, Assistant Attorney General, State of Washington
• Mark Stermitz, Bullivant Houser Bailey PC

PANEL II: POLICY AND TECHNICAL ISSUES

Moderator: Terry Flores, Executive Director, Northwest River Partners

 Panelists:

• Lorri Bodi, Bonneville Power Administration
• Bob Nichols, Washington Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office
• Cyrus Noe, Editor, “Clearing Up” Newsletter
• Charles E. Pace, Spokane Tribe
• Glenn Vanselow, Pacific Northwest Waterways
• Rob Walton, National Marine Fisheries Service

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Presentations

CV 01-00640-RE  "Auribus teneo lupum"
Panel II Presentation by Charles Pace, PH.D., Spokane Tribe of Indians

Pre-Conference Workshop Handouts (7.2 mg pdf)
Beth Ginsberg

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2006

Welcome: Gale H. Banry, President

Legislation, Rulemaking, and Litigation
Moderator: Craig Gannett, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

The 2005 Energy Bill has far-reaching implications for every segment of hydropower. How is it affecting hydro licensing reform? How is it playing out in current FERC court cases? Hear about the bill’s provisions for tax incentives on new hydro projects and additions to existing hydro.

Panelists:

• Donald Clarke, Law Offices of GKRSE
• Daniel Adamson, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

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Presentations

Energy Policy Act of 2005
Paper presented by Craig Gannett and Daniel Adamson, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, at the Law Seminars International’s 11^th Annual Conference on Buying and Selling Electric Power in the West, January 19 & 20, 2006.

Clean Water Act Litigation
Moderator: Craig Gannett, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

About how current litigation, such as the S.D. Warren case, may affect 401 permit requirements under the Clean Water Act.

Panelists:

• Dan Adamson, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
• Richard Agnew, Van Ness Feldman
• Michael Campbell, Stoel Rives
• Brian Faller, Washington Attorney General's Office
• Kurt Burkholder, Oregon Attorney General's Office

Balancing Public Use of Project Areas
Moderator: Patti Kroen, Senior Facilitator, Kroen Consulting

How State and local agencies, NGOs, and licensees can work together to fulfill roles and responsibilities for the public benefit during relicensing. Panelists share practical tips on building lasting solutions for recreation and public access from the negotiating table, to settlement through implementation.

Panelists:

• Charles Everett, EDAW, Inc.
• Jim Eychaner, Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation
• Tom O’Keefe, American Whitewater
• Deborah Schallert, Portland General Electric Company

Water Quality Standards: What if I Can’t Comply?

Moderator: Craig Gannett, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Panelists share insights and perspectives on recent developments in state water quality standards, such as those imposed through Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

Panelists:

• Michael Campbell, Stoel Rives LLP

• Marilyn Fonesca, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

• Melissa Gildersleeve, Washington Department of Ecology

• G.Thomas Tebb, Washington Department of Ecology

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2006

The Future of Hydroelectric “Load Following” in the Northwest
Moderator: Suzanne Grassell, Relicensing Communications Specialist, Chelan Public Utility District No.1

Here’s your chance to learn about the challenges Northwest utilities are facing in trying to preserve the load following capabilities of their existing hydroelectric plants. Are there realistic alternatives to replace lost hydropower operating flexibility? How would alternative generation resources or reduced hydro peaking operations affect future electricity prices? Are there better ways to satisfy environmental concerns while preserving power benefits?

Panelists:

• Jon Bowling, Idaho Power Company

• Anna Miles, Snohomish County Public Utility District

• Kevin Nordt, Grant County Public Utility District

• Lon Peters, Northwest Economic Research, Inc.

Presentations

Possible Impacts to Hydro Load Following From Reduced Operational Flexibility at Hells Canyon Dam
Presentation by Jon Bowling, Idaho Power

Load Following: Some Economic Thoughts (Presentation February 8, 2006)Presentation by Lon L Peters, Northwest Economic Research, Inc., for 2006 NWHA Conference.

Beyond Energy: Load Following and Ancillary Services on the Mid-C – An Operational Perspective
Presentation by Kevin Nordt, MC Coordinator

Load Following: A Public’s Perspective
Presentation by Anna Miles, Snohomish County PUD No.1

Climate Change: What is it and How Will it Affect the Northwest Hydroelectric System?
Moderator: Bruce Meaker, Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Snohomish County Public Utility District

How will climatic variability affect the Northwest hydro system? Examine the perspectives of three experts with varying opinions about the causes, magnitude, and timing of our future weather pattern expectations.

Panelists:

• John Fazio, Northwest Power Planning Council
• Philip Mote, Climate Impacts Group, University of Washington
• George Taylor, Oregon State Climatologist

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Presentations

Climate Change in Oregon – Another Viewpoint (3.5 mg pdf)
George H. Taylor

Global Warming: Heating up the Debate on Northwest Hydropower
Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Climate Change and Hydropower in the Northwest
Philip Mote, University of Washington (8 mg pdf)

NHA Lunch Forum

National Hydropower Association (NHA) representatives will speak to the association’s role and programs.

Panelists:

• Gale Banry, NWHA President, NHA Board of Directors, EWEB
• Jeff Leahey, Manager of Regulatory Affairs, NHA
• George Martin, NHA President, Georgia Power

Resolving Real Issues in Settlement Implementation
Moderator: Diane Barr, License Implementation Project Manager, PacifiCorp

PANEL SECTION 1:
New License Implementation Committees In Action

Be a part of a simulated implementation committee made up of regulators, utility, and private interests. Walk through a “typical” decision process and see if you can avoid the pitfalls that can occur when transitioning into implementation.

Panelists:

• Stephanie Burchfield, National Marine Fisheries Service
• Julie Keil, Portland General Electric
• Patti Kroen, Kroen Consulting
• Jim Lynch, Preston Gates & Ellis LLP
• Lois Schwennesen, Schwennesen and Associates
• Brett Swift, American Rivers
• Lewis Wardle, Idaho Power

PANEL SECTION 2:
How to Facilitate and Negotiate New License and Settlement Agreement Commitments

With settlement implementation, utility engineers, scientists, and operations staff can be put in a collaborative environment that requires new facilitation and negotiation skills. Professional facilitators share their insights on the skills needed to approach implementation issues such as protection, mitigation, and enhancement in a committee-based decision process.

Panelists:

• Cathyrn Collis, SWCA Environmental Consulting
• Patti Kroen, Kroen Consulting
• Lois Schwennesen, Schwennesen and Associates

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Presentations

New License Implementation Committees in Action...what's the worse that can happen?
Panel Section 1: Moderator: Diane Barr

How to Facilitate and Negotiate New License and Settlement Agreement Commitments
Panel Section 2: Patti Kroen, Principal, KROEN Consulting

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2006

FERC Workshop
Moderator: Pamela Klatt, President, Meridian Environmental, Inc.

Use this interactive workshop to address your FERC questions on dam safety, coordination of non-federal hydropower dams with the Department of Homeland Security, instrumentation and monitoring of dams, licensing and the ILP, settlements, license compliance, and more.

Speakers:

• Hossein Ildari, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Ann Miles, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Constantine G. Tjoumas, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

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Presentations

What's Going on in Hydropower Licensing
Presentation by: Ann Miles, FERC

Integrated Licensing Process and Section 241 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
Handout: Ann Miles, FERC

2005 Annual Conference Presentations

Managing Hydropower Project Boundaries & Exhibit Drawings, C. Kirk Cover, P.E. (PDF download 2mb)

Comparing Implementation to Planning: Is the Settlement Process Workable?, Michelle Smith, Chelan PUD (PDF download 953kb)