WSP10129 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

" 002488 . . The draft EA states that the situation in the Glen and Grand Canyon ecosystems has deteriorated significantly since the 1996 Record of Decision (ROD) on the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was signed by then Secretary Babbitt. In fact, the EA states that "since 1996, the non-native trout population in Grand Canyon has tripled, and tributary sediment inputs are not being conserved as expected in the FEIS. These trends are contrary to the expectations of the FEIS and the goals of the adaptive management program. lfno actions are taken and current operations continue, these trends are expected to continue." The draft EA quantifies the potential lost hydropower revenues, should the experimental flows be implemented, at approximately $1.7 million. TI1is is compared to total estimated 2003 power revenues of$130 million under ROD operations. The loss of power revenues result from the actual quantity of mainstream water that would be released through the jet-tubes; and thus, bypass the turbines at the Glen Canyon Dam powerplant The draft EA analyzes the impacts related to the proposed experimental flow releases, as well as the mechanical removal of non-native fishes, and concludes that a condition of "may affect, not likely to adversely affect" is projected for the California condor, razorback sucker, and southwestern willow flycatcher. A condition of "may affect, likely to adversely affect" is projected for the humpback chub, Kanab ambersnail, and bald eagle. The draft EA also concludes that the overall affect of the proposed actions is likely to "...produce an overall positive benefit on the Glen and Grand Canyon ecosystems, including the endangered species, despite short-term minor impacts to some resources." Related to the release of the draft EA, the Board received a letter dated September 23, 2002, from the Chairman of the Hopi Indian Tribe, Mr. Wayne Taylor, Jr. In his letter, Mr. Taylor indicated that the Hopi Indian Tribe conceptually supports the proposed actions described in the draft EA; however, it is concerned with the "enormous waste" of a resource related to the mechanical removal of the brown and rainbow trout. The reaches of the mainstream where the mechanical removal on non-native fishes are proposed also have cultural significance for the Hopi Indian Tribe. The Hopi Indian Tribe urges the Department of the Interior to consider development of a plan that addresses utilization of the non-native fishes removed from the mainstream river system. A copy of the Hopi Indian Tribe's letter has been included in the Board folder for your information. WATER QUALITY Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum will hold its next meeting in San Diego, California on October 30, 2002. A copy of the proposed agenda has been included in the Board folder. The most significant agenda item for consideration is the approval of the "2002 Review, Water Quality Standards for Salinity, Colorado River System" (2002 Review) that has been prepared by the Forum's Work Group and undergone public review. 9