APCA
To encourage stakeholder participation in the relicensing process, Alabama Power Company has developed a relicensing method called the Alabama Power Cooperative Approach (APCA). The APCA promotes and facilitates active participation of stakeholders in the process with the goal of resolving resource issues at the local level and presenting those resolved issues to FERC in a license application.
The APCA involves stakeholders throughout the process and includes early implementation of the NEPA process. The APCA promotes and facilitates early identification of issues and targets the eventual resolution of those issues. The APCA will be used on all projects and will result in one license application and applicant prepared environmental assessment (APEA) for each river system (Coosa and Warrior). The key elements of the APCA are:
- Educating stakeholders through outreach activities
- Using FERC's Alternative Licensing Procedures and a communication plan
- Sharing project information through the Initial Information Packages
- Hosting Issue Identification Workshops
- Forming Resource Advisory Teams and Cooperative Relicensing Teams
- Conducting NEPA Scoping and applicable studies
- Negotiating to resolve Project issues
- Filing two license applications and APEAs with FERC by July 31, 2005.
There are many relicensing activities planned over the course of the next 4 years in which the public can participate. In 2000, representatives of Alabama Power met with interested stakeholders and conducted Issues Identification Workshops to begin identifying and defining issues. Alabama Power has formed Issue Action Groups (IAGs) to work with them to further define and address project issues on the Coosa and Warrior. Currently, Alabama Power is identifying information needs, conducting studies, and working with stakeholders to develop solutions to issues that help balance the benefits of hydro. In 2005, Alabama Power will file the license applications and environmental assessments with FERC.
Getting involved in the APCA is easy. You can monitor activities by checking this website, attending meetings, utilizing Alabama Power's Speakers Bureau, or signing up for the APCA mailing list. To contact the Speaker's Bureau, contact Michael Sznajderman (205) 257-2401. Individuals on the mailing list will receive quarterly newsletters and public notices of meetings as well as other project information. To discuss the APCA process or the projects, contact the APCA project managers: Jim Crew (205) 257-4265, or Barry Lovett (205) 257-1268. For other information regarding mailing lists, newsletters, or general information, contact Michael Sznajderman (205) 257-2401.
Alabama Power is eager to work with you to develop solutions that balance the production of renewable electricity and the protection and enhancement of environmental resources on these most valuable rivers.
