Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project

Docket No. P-77-332

Introduction

Potter Valley Overview Map

On May 22, 2026, FERC issued a notice of scoping meetings and request for comments on Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposed application to surrender, decommission, and non-project use of project lands for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (Docket No. P-77-332). The project is located on the Eel River and East Fork of the Russian River in Lake and Mendocino counties, California.  

Comments are due on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 24, 2026.  

FERC plans to prepare an environmental document in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that will discuss potential environmental impacts of the proposed surrender and decommissioning of the project, as well as PG&E’s proposed non-project use of project use of project lands. The Commission will use the NEPA document in its decision-making process to identify potential adverse and beneficial impacts of the proposed project surrender, as well as to consider reasonable alternatives. 

Potter Valley Overview Map

FERC staff is seeking comments from the public regarding which issues or concerns should be covered in the NEPA environmental document. Staff encourages comments about possible alternatives, potential impacts, and any pertinent information, research, or analyses related to effects on the quality of the human environment. 

Copy of the Scoping Document 1 (SD1) notice, outlining the subject areas to be addressed in the environmental document are available on eLibrary by searching P-77-332.   

Background 

On July 25, 2025, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) filed an application to surrender and decommission the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (Docket No. P-77-332). The project is located on the Eel River and East Fork of the Russian River in Lake and Mendocino counties, California. The project occupies federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 

On October 31, 2025, FERC issued a Notice of application for surrender of license and non-project use of project lands. The notice invited federal, state, local, and tribal agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise to file comments regarding environmental issues affected by the proposal.

Potter Valley Overview Map

Description of the Application and Proposal

As part of the surrender process, PG&E also seeks Commission approval for the non-project use of lands associated with the project. It would allow the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA) to build a New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) on project lands. The NERF is intended to maintain the diversion of water flows from the Eel River watershed to the Russian River watershed through certain project infrastructure after the surrender is finalized.  

In the application, PG&E plans to:

  1. decommission and dismantle Scott Dam along with its related facilities;
  2. remove all licensed recreational amenities such as campgrounds, day-use areas, kiosks, and boat ramps, and restore the affected U.S. Forest Service and PG&E properties;
  3. decommission and take down Cape Horn Dam and its associated features, except those required for the NERF;
  4. exclude NERF facilities and lands from the current license; and
  5. rehabilitate the remaining inundated areas of Lake Pillsbury and Van Arsdale Reservoirs, including nearby riparian, wetland, and upland regions impacted by the proposed decommissioning.  

Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project 

The project is located on the Eel River and East Fork of the Russian River in Lake and Mendocino counties, California. The project occupies federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. To view maps, visit eLibrary and type in the project number P-77-332 in the file “P-77_Volume II_PART 1_Surrender Application_1.0-2.2.3.5” file.  

Public Participation Opportunities 

On May 22, 2026, FERC issued a notice of scoping meetings and request for comments on the proposed surrender, decommissioning, and non-project use of project lands.   

FERC staff held two in-person public scoping meetings in Ukiah Valley Conference Center, in Ukiah, California. Transcripts of these meetings will be made available in FERC's eLibrary.  

Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, July 24, 2026. 

More Information and Staying Updated 

OPP will send announcements about upcoming participation opportunities, meet with interested stakeholders, organizations, and attend public meetings. 

You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at [email protected] or phone at 202-502-6595.

Stay Informed:

Follow OPP on its social media channels:  

OPP regularly sends announcements about upcoming participation opportunities and meetings with interested stakeholders and organizations via its social media channels.  

You may also sign up for FERC’s eSubscription service. eSubscription notifies you via email about submittals and issuances on the project. Please visit www.ferc.gov/esubscription.

You are also encouraged to contact OPP staff to learn more about the Project and participation at FERC by email at [email protected] or phone at 202-502-6595. All media inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

Resources

Guides on Public Participation 

Educational Videos 

Tips on Public Participation 

Informational Handouts 

Office of Public Participation’s Outreach Corner

The Office of Public Participation (OPP) is authorized to support public participation in FERC proceedings pursuant to Section 319 of the Federal Power Act. OPP coordinates with and provides assistance to members of the public as to participation in, and understanding of, FERC proceedings. OPP provides outreach to community groups, community members, landowners and other interested parties potentially impacted by infrastructure projects.  

OPP’s outreach conducted for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, FERC Docket No. P-77-332 included: 

  • Created a dedicated project website to inform the project and information on public of participation opportunities.   

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This page was last updated on June 29, 2026