Morgan Creek Project

Background

In December 2007, a license was terminated for the P-7267 Tungstar Project (that was never constructed). This action by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) allowed KC LLC and Pine Creek Mine, LLC to submit competing applications for hydropower development on Morgan Creek downstream of the mine.

The KC LLC P-13090 Morgan Creek application would be located entirely on federal land. KC LLC has solicited the cooperation of the mine owner in hydropower development by letters dated <March 3, 2008> and <November 21, 2008>.

KC's Morgan Creek development is a straightforward small hydro project - except that the area is occasionally buried by avalanches.  The head expected approaches 400 feet with the flow between 6 and 20 cfs. The area is already highly disturbed, and in need of recreational enhancements which our project will bring. 

This site design and operation will come out of consultation with all parties - especially the resource agencies in the area.  The project is similar to a previous project licensed by Mr. Keating.  The opening design has the following changes from that license:

• It does require not access onto Pine Creek Mine Property.
• It is entirely on National Forest property.
• It has as, an objective to use the resources of the project to expand natural resources in the area.
• It will be landscaped to "fit" into the rural character of the area, and will be sound shielded so as not to bother residents nearby.

The following information is available:

• MC.1 Our Preliminary Permit (Feb. 27, 2008 Revisions) to the FERC
• MC.2  Supporting Graphics for original discussion plan.

Pictures are available here.

The project design is to afford considerable amenities for recreation that do not impinge on the nearby Pack Station.  Rather, the project is designed to reduce the public burden on the pack station by providing public parking, amenities, and trail access independent of the Pack Station access.

Comments have been received on the competing applications:

General comments comparing projects received from the Pine Creek Pack Station.  These are general comments addressing a number of related projects in the area. 

KC Hydro staff filed comments on the competing Preliminay Permit filing by Pine Creek Mine on December 3rd, 2008. Those comments are available here. The filing suggests that the KC LLC permit is superior environmentally, and was better adapted to the site, and was the first to file ( the least important criteria.)  Pine Creek LLC responded on December 12th, 2008.  The Pine Creek response is available here.