State of Washington
Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

May 16, 2024
5 PM-9 PM

Requests to transfer control of the Site Certification Agreement and
to extend the expiration date of the Site Certification Agreement for
Whistling Ridge Energy, LLC
Skamania County WA

Requests Regarding the Whistling Ridge Energy Project Site Certification Agreement

In September 2023, Whistling Ridge Energy, LLC submitted requests to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC or Council) on two matters pertaining to the Site Certification Agreement (SCA) for the Whistling Ridge Energy Project. The first request seeks approval from the Council of a transfer of control of the certificate holder, Whistling Ridge Energy, LLC from SDS Lumber Co. to Twin Creek Timber LLC (TCT). The second request seeks an amendment of the SCA to extend its term to November 2026. EFSEC invites you to participate in its consideration of these requests. The Council, as the state agency responsible for regulating Whistling Ridge Energy Project, will hold two separate, but consecutive, virtual public hearings on May 16, 2024, from 5 pm to 9 pm to provide an opportunity for citizens, stakeholders, and interested persons or organizations to receive information and to provide comments on each of the two requests.

This notice of public hearings pertains to the requests for the Council to approve the following:

1. Transfer control of the SCA ownership of Whistling Ridge Energy, LLC from SDS Lumber Co. to Twin Creek Timber, LLC.
2. Extension of the SCA’s expiration date to November 2026 for Whistling Ridge Energy Project located approximately seven miles north of the City of White Salmon in Skamania County, Washington.

Public Informational Hearing on Two Requests: May 16, 2024, from 5 PM – 9 PM or until the last speaker whichever comes first: Pursuant to WAC 463-66-100 and WAC 463-66-030, EFSEC proposes to hold two virtual public hearings on the evening of May 16, 2024. During the hearings the prospective Certificate Holder will present its requests and the Council will hear public comments on the requests for the Council’s consideration. Separate sessions will be provided for the Council to receive comments pertinent to each of the two requests.

The first request is to approve the transfer of control of the SCA. It will begin at 5 pm and end at 7 pm or when the last speaker or heard, whichever occurs first.

No later than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first hearing, the Council will consider the second request to extend the term of the SCA. This hearing will continue until 9 pm or until the last speaker is heard, whichever occurs first.

Speakers may have limited minutes to provide comments, and any additional comments will be directed to be submitted online or by postal mail. Duration of speaking time will be announced at the meeting, depending on the number of speakers signed up, to allow as many commenters as possible.

Public Comment: Public comment will be accepted during the public informational hearings’ separate sessions. If you are unable to attend these hearings, please send your comments in writing to comments@efsec.wa.gov or to the EFSEC office mailing address below. An online database will also be open during the meeting at https://comments.efsec.wa.gov/ for submission of written comments.

EFSEC
621 Woodland Square Loop
PO Box 43172
Lacey, WA 98503-3172

Where to review Whistling Ridge Energy’s SCA Amendment Request:

Copies of the current Site Certification Agreement and the Certificate Holder’s amendment request are available at:

• https://www.efsec.wa.gov/energy-facilities/whistling-ridge-energy-project
• EFSEC
  621 Woodland Square Loop
  PO Box 43172
  Lacey, WA 98503-3172

How to attend EFSEC’s Public Hearing:

These hearings are being held remotely and may be attended virtually via Microsoft Teams online or via telephone at:

• Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/WRE_SCA_TransferExtensionReq
• By telephone: +1 (546) 999-2000 Conference ID: 672 082 947#

To facilitate these remote meetings, EFSEC would like to invite speakers to sign up ahead of the meetings. Anyone wishing to speak during the public meetings should please notify EFSEC by phone at (360) 664-1345 or email at efsec@efsec.wa.gov before 5:00 pm on May 16, 2024.

For more information about the SCA Amendment, contact Lance Caputo at (360)-485-1664 or lance.caputo@efsec.wa.gov

To request ADA accommodation or materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact the EFSEC office at (360) 664-1345.