Archon Energy 1 Inc. applied Dec. 13 to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a preliminary permit on the 20-MW Stony Creek hydro project, located near the City of Elk Creek in Glenn County, Calif.
This application was made in order that the applicant may secure and maintain priority of application for a license for the project under Part 1 of the Federal Power Act, while obtaining the data and performing the acts required to determine the feasibility of the project and to support an application for a license.
The project is proposed to be located below the confluence of Stony Creek and Grindstone Creek. The project will consist of a minor diversion structure that will feed a screened penstock intake. The penstock will then feed up to four pressurized pipes, which will run in parallel to each other along the north side of Stony Creek through private property. Archon estimates up to 125 feet of head could be attainable, however, a detailed land survey has not been completed to date to confirm this. The flow rates will vary during seasonal changes and only a portion of the natural flows will be utilized.
The powerhouse will contain up to four turbine generators and be located near the Black Butte Lake maximum elevation level along the Stony Creek where powerhouse discharge will take place.
An interconnection feasibility study has yet to be conducted, the application noted. Potential points include the Cotton-Delevan 230 kV transmission line five miles to east or the Orland B Substation approximately eight miles to the east.
The project has an initial estimated capacity of up to 20 MW. Equipment selection has not been completed.
The project contact is: Archon Energy 1 Inc., c/o Paul Grist, President, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 2800, Tampa, Florida 33602 415-377-2460.
