The Florida Senate

403.5175  Existing electrical power plant site certification.--

(1)  An electric utility that owns or operates an existing electrical power plant as defined in s. 403.503(12) may apply for certification of an existing power plant and its site in order to obtain all agency licenses necessary to assure compliance with federal or state environmental laws and regulation using the centrally coordinated, one-stop licensing process established by this part. An application for site certification under this section must be in the form prescribed by department rule. Applications must be reviewed and processed in accordance with ss. 403.5064-403.5115, except that a determination of need by the Public Service Commission is not required.

(2)  An application for certification under this section must include:

(a)  A description of the site and existing power plant installations;

(b)  A description of all proposed changes or alterations to the site or electrical power plant, including all new associated facilities that are the subject of the application;

(c)  A description of the environmental and other impacts caused by the existing utilization of the site and operation of the electrical power plant that is the subject of the application, and of the environmental and other benefits, if any, to be realized as a result of the proposed changes or alterations if certification is approved and such other information as is necessary for the reviewing agencies to evaluate the proposed changes and the expected impacts;

(d)  The justification for the proposed changes or alterations;

(e)  Copies of all existing permits, licenses, and compliance plans authorizing utilization of the site or operation of the electrical power plant that is the subject of the application.

(3)  The land use hearing requirements of s. 403.508(1) and (2) do not apply to an application under this section if the applicant does not propose to expand the boundaries of the existing site. If the applicant proposes to expand the boundaries of the existing site to accommodate portions of the plant or associated facilities, a land use hearing must be held as specified in s. 403.508(1) and (2); provided, however, that the sole issue for determination through the land use hearing is whether the proposed site expansion is consistent and in compliance with the existing land use plans and zoning ordinances.

(4)  In considering whether an application submitted under this section should be approved in whole, approved with appropriate conditions, or denied, the board shall consider whether, and to the extent to which the proposed changes to the electrical power plant and its continued operation under certification will:

(a)  Comply with applicable nonprocedural requirements of agencies;

(b)  Result in environmental or other benefits compared to current utilization of the site and operations of the electrical power plant if the proposed changes or alterations are undertaken;

(c)  Minimize, through the use of reasonable and available methods, the adverse effects on human health, the environment, and the ecology of the land and its wildlife and the ecology of state waters and their aquatic life; and

(d)  Serve and protect the broad interests of the public.

(5)  An applicant's failure to receive approval for certification of an existing site or an electrical power plant under this section is without prejudice to continued operation of the electrical power plant or site under existing agency licenses.

History.--s. 10, ch. 92-132.