GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Administrative Law Judge J. Lawrence Johnston will take testimony and evidence concerning the environmental effects and any other appropriate matters regarding the site certification of the proposed Tampa ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Department of Environmental Protection, Siting Coordination Office announces a hearing to which all persons are invited.

DATES AND TIME: March 4 through March 7, 2008; March 10 through March 14, 2008, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Embassy Suites in Tampa, 10220 Palm River Road, Tampa, 33619

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Administrative Law Judge J. Lawrence Johnston will take testimony and evidence concerning the environmental effects and any other appropriate matters regarding the site certification of the proposed Tampa Electric Company, Willow Oak-Wheeler-Davis 230 Kilovolt Transmission Line Project, Transmission Line Siting Application No. TA07-15, DOAH Case No. 07-4745TL, DEP-OGC Case No. 07-1858, pursuant to the Transmission Line Siting Act, Sections 403.52-5365, Florida Statutes. Judge Johnston will prepare a Recommended Order for submission to, and final action by, the Governor and Cabinet acting as the Siting Board, based on the hearing.

In regards to parties and rights to intervene, Section 403.527, F.S., states

(2)(a) Parties to the proceeding shall be

1. The applicant.

2. The department.

3. The commission.

4. The Department of Community Affairs.

5. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

6. The Department of Transportation.

7. Each water management district in the jurisdiction of which the proposed transmission line or corridor is to be located.

8. The local government.

9. The regional planning council.

(b) Any party listed in paragraph (a) other than the department or the applicant may waive its right to participate in these proceedings. If such listed party fails to file a notice of its intent to be a party on or before the 30th day prior to the certification hearing, such party shall be deemed to have waived its right to be a party unless its participation would not prejudice the rights of any party to the proceeding.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 120, F.S. to the contrary, upon the filing with the administrative law judge of a notice of intent to be a party by an agency, corporation, or association described in subparagraphs 1. and 2. or a petition for intervention by a person described in subparagraph 3. no later than 30 days before the date set for the certification hearing, the following shall also be parties to the proceeding:

1. Any agency not listed in paragraph (a) as to matters within its jurisdiction.

2. Any domestic nonprofit corporation or association formed, in whole or in part, to promote conservation or natural beauty; to protect the environment, personal health, or other biological values; to preserve historical sites; to promote consumer interests; to represent labor, commercial, or industrial groups; or to promote comprehensive planning or orderly development of the area in which the proposed transmission line or corridor is to be located.

3. Any person whose substantial interests are affected and being determined by the proceeding.

(d) Any agency whose properties or works may be affected shall be made a party upon the request of the agency or any party to this proceeding.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Landa Korokous, Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, M.S. 48, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Mr. Michael P. Halpin, P.E., Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, M.S. 48, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, [phone].

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 48 hours before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Landa Korokous at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).