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.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12570 — Oil Country Tubular Goods From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order and Countervailing Duty Order
The U.S. government is keeping special taxes on oil pipes from China because stopping them could hurt American businesses. These taxes, called antidumping and countervailing duties, help keep things fair by stopping cheap or unfairly supported imports. This decision started on May 19, 2026, and means importers from China will keep paying extra fees for now.
2026-12555 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for Disability Compensation Benefits
The VA is updating its Application for Disability Compensation Benefits form and wants your feedback by August 24, 2026. Veterans applying for disability benefits will see some changes aimed at making the form clearer and easier to use, with no new costs involved. This is your chance to help improve the process and reduce paperwork hassle!
2026-12600 — Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore the Commonwealth of Virginia-Request for Information and Interest
The government is asking people and companies if they're interested in leasing areas offshore Virginia to dig up minerals from the ocean floor. This is the first step and doesn’t guarantee any leases yet, but it could lead to future mining projects that might bring money and jobs. If you want to share your thoughts or show interest, you need to do it by July 23, 2026.
2026-12572 — Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Preliminary Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that tire makers in Vietnam got unfair government help during 2024, which could mean extra taxes on their passenger vehicle and light truck tires. This affects companies like Kenda and Kumho Tires and could change how much import duty they pay. The review results came out June 23, 2026, and folks can still share their thoughts before final decisions.
2026-12556 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Compliance Inspection Report
The Department of Veterans Affairs is renewing its form used to check if specially adapted homes for Veterans meet all the right standards. This affects Veterans who get home adaptations and the inspectors who review them. Comments on this update are open until July 23, 2026, and the process takes about 15 minutes per inspection, with no changes to costs or rules.
2026-12539 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA said no to 52 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who asked to drive big trucks across state lines. The rules stay strict to keep everyone safe on the road, so no special passes this time. If you’re affected, keep an eye out for updates, but for now, no changes or costs are coming your way.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2024-31564 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies about big changes like electric plant purchases, new project approvals, and market power checks. These updates affect companies like Michigan Electric Transmission and Pome BESS, with deadlines for public comments coming up in January and February 2025. Some filings could impact how energy is managed and priced in the near future.
Next: 2024-31567 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
CMS wants your thoughts on their plan to collect info from the public, aiming to keep paperwork easy and useful. If you or your group deal with Medicare or Medicaid, this affects you! You’ve got until March 4, 2025, to share your ideas and help shape how info is gathered without wasting time or money.