1. (a) In determining whether the proposed hydroelectric project is best adapted to a comprehensive plan under section (10)(a)(1) of the Federal Power Act for improving or developing a waterway, the Commission will consider the extent to which the project is consistent with a comprehensive plan (where one exists) for improving, developing, or conserving a waterway or waterways affected by the project that is prepared by:

   1. (1) An agency established pursuant to Federal law that has the authority to prepare such a plan, or
   2. (2) A state agency, of the state in which the facility is or will be located, authorized to conduct such planning pursuant to state law.

2. (b) The Commission will treat as a state or Federal comprehensive plan a plan that:

   1. (1) Is a comprehensive study of one or more of the beneficial uses of a waterway or waterways;
   2. (2) Includes a description of the standards applied, the data relied upon, and the methodology used in preparing the plan; and
   3. (3) Is filed with the Secretary of the Commission.

[Order 481-A, 53 FR 15804, May 4, 1988]