Project Information
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) operates hydropower facilities at Pardee and Camanche Dams under a 50-year license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In addition to permitting hydropower generation, the FERC license (Project No. 2916) requires adherence to operational regulations and terms related to dam safety, public safety, recreation, and environmental protection.
The current license, which took effect April 1, 1981, is set to expire on March 31, 2031. EBMUD seeks the renewal of its license to continue operating the hydropower facilities and has begun the planning for this relicensing process.
At the conclusion of the relicensing process, FERC will issue a new license with conditions that will continue to balance water supply and hydropower project operations, which include supplying water to the East Bay, flood control, and power generation, with environmental benefits, which include protection of fish and wildlife resources, recreation, and protection of tribal and cultural resources. As part of the relicensing process, EBMUD will comply with several environmental and regulatory requirements (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Clean Water Act section 401 Water Quality Certification).
The relicensing process is formally initiated with FERC by filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) and a Pre-Application Document (PAD), which is anticipated by March 2026. EBMUD will conduct community and stakeholder outreach in the two years before it files the NOI and PAD, and will continue ongoing community outreach until a new license is issued.
Tentative Schedule
Early 2024: Consultant Procurement
May 2024- March 2026: Conduct community and stakeholder outreach
By March 2026: File Notice of Intent (NOI) and Pre-Application Document (PAD) with FERC
By March 2029: File applications for FERC license and State Water Resources Control Board for 401 Water Quality Certification
April 2031- FERC issues new Project 2916 license
Contact
Email: MokRelicense@ebmud.com
Phone: 510-287-0141