The Department of Environmental Protection announces a hearing to which all persons are invited. Administrative Law Judge Bram D. E. Canter will take testimony and evidence concerning the environmental effects and any other appropriate matters ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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

DATES AND TIME: May 29, 2007, 1:00 p.m.; continuing as necessary on May 30-31, 2007and June 1, 2007

PLACE: Holiday Inn in Lakewood Ranch, 6231 Lake Osprey Dr., Sarasota, FL 34240

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Administrative Law Judge Bram D. E. Canter will take testimony and evidence concerning the environmental effects and any other appropriate matters regarding the site certification of the proposed Florida Power and Light Company, Bobwhite-Manatee 230 Kilovolt Transmission Line Project, Transmission Line Siting Application No. TA07-14, DOAH Case No. 07-0105TL, DEP-OGC Case No. 07-0026, pursuant to the Transmission Line Siting Act, ss.403.52-5365, Florida Statutes. Judge Canter 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.

For more information, you may contact: Mr. Michael P. Halpin, P.E., Department of Environmental Protection, 2600 Blair Stone Road, M.S. 48, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, [phone].

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].

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence from which the appeal is to be issued.

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).