INTRODUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
PLANET
PEOPLE
POSITIVE IMPACTS
CONSERVE HABITAT
ADVANCE CLEAN ENERGY
PARTNERSHIPS
PRESERVE AND PROTECT
GOVERNANCE
PRESERVE AND RESTORE
SUPPORTING PACIFICORP’S HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS
COLLABORATING FOR A WIN, WIN, WIN
For many years, the Salt Lake City Federal Energy Regulatory
Since 2018, SWCA’s Flagstaff office, supported by staff from multiple offices, has been
Commission (FERC) hydropower team has worked closely with
assisting AES with the Chevelon Butte Wind Farm. The project involved early planning,
small- and large-scale utilities to support the advancement of clean,
wildlife surveys, assessments, cultural resources surveys, stakeholder outreach, agency
renewable, hydroelectric power at facilities across the country.
coordination following state and federal wind energy guidelines, Clean Water Act
One such utility, PacifiCorp, was a founding member of the Energy
compliance, and Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments. SWCA and AES worked
Imbalance Market, which, since 2014, has used technology to balance
closely with various stakeholders to design an environmentally compatible project,
energy demand with the lowest cost energy available across the
avoiding and minimizing impacts on cultural and natural resources. One example of
combined grid thereby helping to integrate variable renewable
this was the demonstration of migrating raptor behavior at varying distances from
generation resources, such as wind and solar, with energy demand in
a canyon, which resulted in a favorable compliance outcome. Postconstruction, we
different geographic areas.
continue to support wildlife agency coordination to ensure ongoing compliance. Chevelon Butte highlights SWCA’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and
SWCA has provided regulatory and technical support for many of
responsiveness. Showcasing our ability to navigate complex requirements while
PacifiCorp’s projects in Utah, including the relicensing of the Cutler
enabling environmentally compatible projects through relationship building, quality
Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2420 near Logan, Utah. The
work, and creative solutions. It also shows how we provide value throughout all
Cutler Project provides approximately 75,052 megawatt hours
phases of wind energy projects—from development and planning to construction and
of electric energy annually, serving residential and commercial customers. As part of relicensing, SWCA supported the development
BRINGING TRIBAL COMMUNITIES INTO THE CONVERSATION
of protection, mitigation, and enhancement (PME) measures designed
Carolyn Stewart is an energy industry veteran with decades of
to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, upgrade accessibility at
renewable energy and consulting experience. For more than 20 years,
project recreation sites, and improve water quality. SWCA is currently
she has worked for and with hundreds of Native American communities
supporting the development of management plans to implement these
on energy development and cultural resources preservation.
PME measures. The Cutler Project, along with the rest of PacifiCorp’s
Throughout her career, she facilitated countless direct conversations
hydroelectric fleet, provides baseline electrical generation, balances
between Tribal communities and energy companies, where she
supply and demand in conjunction with other energy sources, and
witnessed firsthand the mutual benefits each group could provide to
plays a vital role in the transition to clean energy.
one another. More specifically, energy companies could develop their projects while simultaneously providing Tribal communities with the opportunity to protect sensitive resources. In the role of Principal Tribal Liaison at SWCA, Carolyn works with clients and Tribal representatives to ensure energy projects are built respectfully and responsibly. This includes facilitating conversations between Tribal communities, federal agencies, and energy companies. Her skillset allows her to effectively navigate complex situations through meaningful conversation, enabling companies to learn what Tribal communities care about. Carolyn’s work is critical in the transition toward a clean energy future, ensuring that it is equitable and no voice goes unheard.
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operations—while meeting local, state, and federal requirements.