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FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20426
OFFICE OF HYDROPOWER LICENSING
Project No. 2305--Texas and Louisiana
Toledo Bend Project
Sabine River Authority-LA & TX
July 31, 1998
Mr. Maynard Nelson
Sabine River Authority
P.O. Box 579
Orange, TX 77631-0579
Dear Mr. Nelson:
Recently, we received a copy of a letter dated June 13, 1998 from Larry Kelly, Chairman of the Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance to Mr. Gregory Nesbitt of the Central Louisiana Electric Company, Inc. and Mr. Robert Luft of the Entergy Corporation regarding the minimum reservoir level of the reservoir for the Toledo Bend Project.
In his letter, Mr. Kelly indicates that presently the project reservoir is operated at a minimum elevation of 165 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) during normal operations. Further, Mr. Kelly states that a reservoir level below 168 feet m.s.1. greatly limits recreational access and use of the reservoir by the visiting public and local residents resulting in lost revenue to the local communities. In addition, Mr. Kelly states the Toleda Bend Bi-State Alliance supports the establishment of 168 feet m.s.l. as the minimum reservoir level for the project reservoir for routine power generation. Mr. Kelly indicates this minimum reservoir level is important to the economic and recreational life of the reservoir and the surrounding area.
In support of this position, Mr. Kelly refers to a previously submitted petition signed by 6000 individuals supporting the establishment of 168 feet m.s.l. as the minimum reservoir level and a recent study of reservoir levels commissioned by the Sabine River Authority Toledo Bend Project Joint Operations Board. According to Mr. Kelly, the study indicates maintaining a minimum reservoir level of 168 feet m.s.l. during normal operations would not significantly change the revenue produced from power production. Given this information, Mr. Kelly concludes that a minimum reservoir level of 168 feet m.s.l. would not significantly affect power production and revenue and would greatly benefit recreational access and use of the reservoir and, in turn, increase revenue for local communities. Finally, Mr. Kelly requests that power production cease when the reservoir level reaches 168 feet m.s.l. and that this elevation be maintained as the normal minimum reservoir level for the project.
A review of our records indicates that the project reservoir has a normal reservoir level of 172 feet m.s.l. and a minimum reservoir level of 162.2 feet m.s.l. Further, the operation of the project reservoir is subject to certain requirements. Specifically, article 37 of the project license requires Sabine River Authority, the project licensee, to adjust the project's reservoir operation schedule to accommodate recreation use of the reservoir area, as compatible with the primary purpose of the project (power generation) and the requirements of downstream releases. Article 43 requires Sabine River Authority to increase the installed capacity of the project or make other changes in the project (i.e. changes in reservoir operations), as directed by the Commission, to the extent such changes are economically sound and in the public interest, after notice and opportunity for hearing.
In order for our office to respond to Mr. Kelly's concerns, we request you file the following information:
1) Your written response to the concerns raised by Mr. Kelly in his June 19, 1998 letter (copy enclosed).
2) A copy of the reservoir level study cited in Mr. Kelly's letter and your comments on the study, including any changes in the project's reservoir operation schedule that you have implemented or plan to implement as a result of the study's findings.
3) A copy of the current operation rule curve or equivalent, for the project showing reservoir levels and when such levels are modified throughout the-calendar year (reservoir operation schedule).
4) A description of how the project's reservoir operation schedule complies with article 37. Include in your submittal documentation supporting your compliance with article 37.
5) Any additional information you wish to provide regarding this matter.
Please file the requested information within 45 days from the date of this letter. An original and eight copies of the submittal should be filed with:
The Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Mail Code: HL-11.2
888 First Street, NE
Washington D.C. 20426
Thank you for your cooperation. Please contact Mr. Jon E. Cofrancesco at (202) 219-0079, if you have any questions on this matter.
Sincerely,
Carol L. Sampson
Director
Office of Hydropower Licensing
Enclosure:
cc: Larry E. Kelly, Chairman (w/o enclosure)
Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
P.O. Box 873
Many, LA 71449
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