Chronology – Year 2001
Document preparations begin, with NOI and ICD
The solution team and PSE spent much of their time during 2001 preparing documentation in support of the ALP. First PSE filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with FERC informing the regulator of its plans to request a relicense. Also, PSE, with review by the Solution Team, drafted the Initial Consultation Document (filed by PSE in March 2002). The ICD gives an overview of the physical and operational aspects of the Baker River Project, and summarizes the environmental resources and programs associated with the project as it exists today. These include geology and soils, water quality and quantity, fish and aquatic resources, terrestrial resources, cultural resources, recreation, and aesthetics.
Working groups identify, screen and conduct resource studies
Beginning in 2001 and continuing into 2003, the working groups conducted extensive studies related to each project resource area. Implementing an actual study was the culmination, but more representative of the collaborative process was the identification of interests, collection of survey requests, screening of each proposal, and design. In all, more than 75 studies were completed, some taking a few months, and others requiring several years. A small sampling of the wildlife and terrestrial group's studies provides an example of the exhaustive and detailed work completed by the 5 resource groups: vegetation and wetlands mapping, an analysis species study, and individual surveys of rare plants, noxious weeds, amphibian wildlife and mollusks. In 2002, a second technical working group convened to conduct research addressing instream flows.
Involvement, collaboration, communications
Document preparation and working group studies were the most visible during 2001. But the ALP's focus on collaboration held everything together. A professional facilitator organized and ran nearly all meetings, which allowed the PSE team leaders to actively participate rather than focus on conducting meetings. Also, PSE hired a separate consultant to provide feedback on the collaborative process. As required by FERC, the company opened a public document room providing a place for interested parties to view project materials. The project web site was expanded and continually updated to include all documentation and provide information on the working groups and solution team – with an E-mail address and a phone message line available as alternative ways to access information. Also, a public involvement subgroup within PSE planned several public initiatives including project tours for public and elected officials, and corporate participation in community events and efforts.