HydroElectric Facilities Evaluation
California Public Utilities Commission

Challenge: Manage the public involvement process during environmental review of PG&E’s proposed sale of California’s hydroelectric system including 110 electricity-generating units located at 68 powerhouses, 99 reservoirs, 174 dams, and 145,000 acres of land.

Role: Design and implement agency and stakeholder outreach program. Conduct 18 public and 11 agency scoping meetings and manage development of all informational materials.

Result: Through effective outreach, key issues such as fisheries impacts, water diversions, protection of cultural resources, potential land development, public access and recreation, water supply, water rights, and watershed management were raised and addressed.

Lodi Gas Storage Project
California Public Utilities Commission

Challenge: Manage public participation and environmental documentation for the CPUC on behalf of a Western Hub Properties (WHP) application to inject natural gas into a re-established gas field/reservoir in Lodi, California.

Role: Develop and implement a public participation program including outreach to landowners and the media. Analyze land use, agricultural resources, and impacts of the project as required by CEQA.

Result: The outreach and assessment process identified an improved 31-mile pipeline route and alternate facility locations that reduced public controversy, noise impacts, and impacts to agricultural activities and environmental resources, including 100-year-old vineyards. The project is completed and operating.