Public Service Company of Colorado; Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (Commission or FERC) regulations, 18 CFR part 380 (Order No. 486, 52 FR 47897), the Office of Energy Projects has reviewed the application for a new major license for the Tacoma Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 12589), located on Cascade, Little Cascade and Elbert Creeks in San Juan and La Plata Counties, Colorado. The project currently occupies, in part, 233.4 acres of Federal land in the San Juan National Forest administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

Staff prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the probable environmental effects of relicensing the project and concludes that relicensing the project, with appropriate staff-recommended environmental measures, would not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.

A copy of the EA is on file with the Commission and is available for public inspection. The EA may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at http://www.ferc.gov using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access documents. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll-free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659.

You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp to be notified via e-mail of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support.

Comments on the EA should be filed within 30 days from the issuance date of this notice, and should be addressed to the Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Room 1-A, Washington, DC 20426. Please affix “Tacoma Hydroelectric Project No. 12589-001” to all comments. Comments may be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site under the “eFiling” link. For further information, contact David Turner at (202) 502-6091.