WSP09059 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comments (Continued from Page I) In addition to comments on the AMP noted previously, other elements common to the alternatives received mixed comments, including the seLective withdrawal structure and its potential impacts, as weD as various fish research flows and their impacts on power users, Lake PoweD resources, and water commitments. Some comments focused on the broader implications of dam operations, including impacts on power rates, water availability, agricultural and economic impacts, and cultural preservation for Native Americans. As in the scoping comments, the importance of the Grand Canyon as an international treasure and the need to take action to preserve the Canyon received many comments. The role of endangered species in the operation of the dam was also the source of considerable comment. Some comments focused on the role of endangered species in the EIS process and in dam operations. There was considerable understanding of and detailed comments on the relationships between endangered fish and other endangered species, relationships between various resources, various uses of the Grand Canyon, and benefits of Glen Canyon Dam. Other resources received substantial comment. The importance of Glen Canyon Dam as a power source was highlighted by many commentors, particularly its economic impact on the final end users and the benefits of hydropower as an energy resource. Air quality, cultural resources, and recreational and wildlife resources received considerable attention. Comment reviewers have noticed that the patterns of themes discussed during the hearings were reflected in the written comments; however, the written comments fleshed out the brief oral comments. Some of the specific recurring comments were: . Good scientific research is needed to determine more precisely the flows which will clearly protect endangered species. . The AMP should: be scientifically based, receive independent scientific review and/or oversight, be directed by a senior Federal Government official who reports directly to the Interior Secretary, be developed with public involvement, be insulated from political pressure, and be fully funded. . Base decisions on factual information, not on politics and pressure from special interest groups., Begin studies of methods to increase downstream temperatures to benefit native fishes. . . Explore methods of preserving and replenishing beaches. . Concern that reducing hydropower generation at Glen Canyon Dam will substantially increase electric costs. . Concern that reduction of power generation at Glen Canyon Dam will force purchase of power from fossil fuel suppliers, creating an even greater environmental impact. . Many commentors expressed the opinion that fluctuating flows occurred in the river prior to construction of the dam. . Many commentors encouraged management of the operation of Glen Canyon Dam to balance benefits for wildlife, the environment, and power generation. . Many asked why, with so many different factors benefitting from the dam, the power users seemed to be the only ones "footing the bill." Reclamation and the cooperating agencies are gratified by the level of public interest and comment on the draft EIS. With the interest shown in this issue, the EIS team will be able to produce a more responsive and weD-conceived document, and the decisionmakers will be able to make more informed decisions. A limited number of copies of the report summarizing public comments are available through the Reclamation's Colorado River Studies Office, 125 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1102 or by calling 801-524-5479. 9