McClure Penstock FERC Environmental Assessment

Wildlife Habitat, Wetlands and Permit Guidance

King & MacGregor Environmental, Inc. (KME) was contracted by Paul C. Rizzo Associates, Inc. to perform ecological field surveys and delineate wetlands throughout a 400-foot wide, 2.5-mile long corridor centered on the existing McClure Penstock hydroelectric water pipeline. KME's results were incorporated into a Final Environmental Report presented to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to obtain a license for upgrading the existing pipeline. KME also provided assistance in obtaining construction permits from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

Ten distinct habitat/land-use units and nine streams were identified and investigated within the study corridor, including an early 20th century garden park area, riparian wetlands, trout streams and a mature forest habitat that is valued as an aesthetic and recreational resource.

Project Highlights

• Environmental Report for FERC licensing
  
  
• 2.5-mile long study corridor
  
  
• Surveyed and characterized streams, wetlands, terrestrial habitat and land-use types
  
  
• Documented 93 plant species and 32 animal species within the study corridor
  
  
• Investigated habitats for rare, threatened and endangered species
  
  
• Assessed stream habitat quality was using MDEQ P-51 rapid bioassessment protocols
  
  
• Delineated wetlands and coordinated MDEQ
  jurisdictional review
  
  
• Created GIS maps of environmental features
  
  
• Prepared comprehensive reports for the client
  
  
• Assisted client in obtaining construction permits

Project Information

Clients: Paul C. Rizzo Associates, Inc.
            Upper Peninsula Power Co.
Location: Marquette County, Michigan