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<br />~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Finally, Arizona expressed concern that the QSA would be modified to place a greater <br />reliance on temporary land fallowing programs versus permanent reductions in water use through <br />efficiency improvements and other water conservation programs. Also, Arizona believes that <br />effective monitoring and verification of the uses of the surplus water are according to the intent and <br />purposes of the ISG. Arizona recommends that Reclamation develop administrative procedures <br />which ensure compliance with the ISG. <br /> <br />Consideration of Action Related to Unauthorized Water Diversions <br /> <br />As discussed at the August Board meeting, discussions with Reclamation have occurred <br />regarding unauthorized diversions of Colorado River water. In 1994, Reclamation issued a Notice <br />of Proposed Rule making concerning "Regulations for Administrating Entitlements to Colorado <br />River Water in the Lower Colorado River Basin." The issue of "unauthorized users" was included <br />in the draft rules and regulations, with a procedure for Reclamation to issue "cease and desist" orders <br />to unauthorized users of mainstream Colorado River water. The Colorado River Board in its <br />response was in agreement that the issue of "unauthorized users" need to be addressed and provided <br />comments to the proposed rule. No action was taken by Reclamation at that time. <br /> <br />Now with water use on the Colorado River being limited, Reclamation has begun discussions <br />on how it might address unauthorized use of Colorado River water. <br /> <br />Agencies 2002 Water Use <br /> <br />Reclamation is sending each of the agencies diverting Colorado River water a letter <br />explaining the current water supply conditions and the need to continue implementation of water <br />conservation measures. For those agencies that are projected to either exceed their approved water <br />order or their water entitlement, the letter requests an explanation and updated information on that <br />agencies future water use. The letter further indicates Reclamation's willingness to work with the <br />agencies to keep their water use within the established limits. <br /> <br />Blythe Energy Project Workshop <br /> <br />On September 9th, the California Energy Commission (CEC) held a public information <br />hearing, site visit, and data request workshop for the proposed Blythe Energy Project Phase II (BEP <br />II). BEP II, is a 520 megawatt natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant located on private land <br />on the Palo Verde Mesa. The purpose of the data request workshop was to allow the applicant's <br />representatives, interested agencies, and the public to clarify project issues and data requests <br />submitted by the CEC in August 2002. <br /> <br />BEP II will use about 3,300 acre-feet of water annually for cooling and other purposes. <br />Water will be obtained from wells on-site, extending about 600 feet below ground surface. The <br />applicant has submitted a voluntary Water Conservation Offset Program (WCOP) that would retire <br />or fallow lands that have been irrigated within the Palo Verde Irrigation District on the Mesa and/or <br />within the Palo Verde Valley within the last five years. The WCOP will prevent increased Colorado <br /> <br />4 <br />