Memorandum
Date: April 8, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Eddie “E.J.” Crandell, District 3 Supervisor
Bruno Sabatier, District 2 Supervisor
Subject: Consideration of Use of Staff Time in Excess of 8 Hours on Response to Potter Valley Project Decommissioning
Executive Summary:
The Potter Valley Project is a combination of PG&E owned infrastructure associated with hydroelectric power generation and interbasin water transfer, including Scott Dam forming Lake Pillsbury. Since PG&E announced its intention to begin the surrender process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the County has strongly expressed concern that the process is not giving due consideration to the impacts on Lake County and its communities.
On February 7th, PG&E released its Draft Application for Surrender of License and Application for Non-Project Use of Project Lands, in preparation for the official FERC filing with an expected date of July 29, 2025. This proposal recommends the removal of Scott Dam and the destruction of Lake Pillsbury.
At this time, it is important that County Departments be asked to identify issues or areas of concern with the potential decommissioning proposal so that they may be more fully investigated. This initial request will guide staff in determining the amount of time and resources required to properly address these matters. Given the number of departments that may be impacted by the proposed construction and restoration processes, or lack thereof, there is a possibility that cumulative time spent may exceed 8 hours.
Staff recommends your Board approve use of staff time in excess of 8 hours for activities associated with the Potter Valley Project decommissioning.
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Recommended Action: Approve use of staff time in excess of 8 hours for activities associated with the Potter Valley Project decommissioning.