WSP11483 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . \} trl.'2. \) 5 framework for negotiation of interim surplus criteria for Colorado River reservoir operations. The list of principles was further discussed at the October 26, 1998, meeting of the Colorado River Basin states representatives. During that meeting, the other Basin states representatives agreed to provide a more detailed description of the proposed principles. Included in this month's Board folder is a December 4, 1998, letter from Ms. Rita Pearson transmitting a document prepared by representatives from the other six Colorado River Basin states. This document entitled "Proposal for Interim Lake Mead Reservoir Operation Criteria Related to Surplus, Normal, and Shortage Year Declarations" describes the proposed interim reservoir operating criteria for Lake Mead, as well as addresses the parameters associated with the interim operating criteria, overrun accounting, and control of illegal diversions and uses. The Basin states proposal suggests interim operating criteria for the release of water from Lake Mead under the Secretary of the Interior's determination of the shortage, normal, or surplus condition. Under the surplus condition, releases from Lake Mead would be based upon a tiered approach, which includes a partial M&I surplus, a full M&I surplus, additional surpluses, and a flood control surplus. Specific criteria for each of these conditions are described in the Basin states proposal. In a parallel effort the Agency Managers and a California Technical Committee (CTC) fonned by the Agency Managers have been investigating selected reservoir operating criteria. The Agency Managers met following last month's Board meeting and under the direction of the Agency Managers, the CTC has met twice since the last Board meeting. The CTC is composed of technical representatives from each of the six agencies on the Board and Board staff. The CTC has focused it discussions on exploring various reservoir operating scenarios that could be used in the Colorado River Board's 4.4 Plan. Using Reclamation's computer program, CRSSez, runs are being made to allow the Agency Mangers to select an appropriate "base-case" reservoir operating scenario as well as to analyze alternative multi-level surplus scenarios that best meet the objectives presented in the Board's 4.4 Plan. These alternative scenarios are being compared to the "base-cases" to show the relative effects of alternative reservoir operating criteria and any potential significant risk to the other six Colorado River Basin states. A progress report has been prepared by the CTC and it will be presented to the Agency Managers at their December 1611I meeting. Colorado River Endangered Fish Suecies The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) Work Group met on December 3<<1 and the Steering Committee the following day. Mr. Sean Scaggs along with other Deparbnent ofInterior (DOl) representatives presented DOl's preliminary views regarding the Section 7 / Section 10 process that is being considered in order to comply with the Endangered Species Act. DOl sees a viable role for a combined Section 7/ Section 10 (7/10) process; however, DOl's preference is for a Section 7 process where there is a strong Federal nexus. Those components of Reclamation's actions that are non-discretionary would be covered by a Section 10 process. DOl representatives stated that the Colorado River presents a unique situation and a combined 7/10 process would provide for maximum involvement from stakeholders and give species better consideration. It is felt that the 7/10 process could provide an opportunity to categorize 3