Agency Asks Public To Review Unchanged Paperwork Requirements
Published Date: 1/3/2025
Notice
Summary
FERC is extending its current info collection on waterpower project safety for three more years with no changes. This affects companies managing dams and water projects, who must keep sharing safety info. Comments on this extension are due by March 4, 2025, and there’s no new cost or paperwork added.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 6 costs, 0 mixed.
Independent Part 12D Inspection Schedule
Projects subject to 18 CFR part 12 subpart D must have two types of independent inspections: a comprehensive assessment every 10 years and a periodic inspection midway (about every 5 years). Licensees must submit a detailed Part 12D Inspection Plan and propose an Independent Consultant Team before inspections; team proposals must be submitted at least 180 days before conducting a periodic inspection or comprehensive assessment.
Owner's Dam Safety Program and Audits
Licensees with dams or project features having 'high' or 'significant' hazard potential must have an Owner's Dam Safety Program (ODSP) signed by the owner and a designated Chief Dam Safety Engineer or Chief Dam Safety Coordinator, review the ODSP annually, and submit certain findings to the Regional Engineer. For dams with 'high' hazard potential, an independent external audit or peer review of the ODSP is required at intervals not to exceed five years, and licensees must submit qualification statements for prospective auditors and receive written acceptance before the audit.
Estimated Annual Burden and Cost
FERC estimates total annual industry burden of 11,350.5 hours and a total annual cost of $1,135,050 for the FERC-517 collection. The notice breaks down time and cost estimates by activity (for example, reports, independent consultant proposals and reports, ODSP documents, audits, and extension requests).
STID and Engineering Documentation Requirement
Licensees subject to Part 12D must compile and maintain a Supporting Technical Information Document (STID) that includes a hard copy and a searchable digital reference (e.g., CD, DVD, or other electronic media). The STID must summarize project elements and include source material to support inspections and reviews.
Three-Year Extension, No Changes
FERC is extending the FERC-517 information collection for three years (OMB Control No. 1902-0319) with no changes to current reporting requirements. Licensees and applicants who manage dams and waterpower projects must continue to follow the existing rules; comments on the extension are due March 4, 2025.
Continued Incident Reporting Rules
Under 18 CFR 12.10, applicants and licensees must report any incident resulting in death or serious injury to the Regional Engineer—an oral report 'as soon as practicable' and a written report within the time the Regional Engineer specifies. The initial report is expected 'preferably within 72 hours.'
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in