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<br />2 <br /> <br />. <br />. , <br /> <br />the character of ,the model outputs in terms of weighted usable area. . <br />The development of the methodology includes a description of how ener- <br />gy technology impacts are specified and incorporated into the model. <br /> <br />A concluding section sets out the overall assumptions and limitations of <br />the methodology. More detailed assumptions or limitations and specific <br />problems addressed are illustrated through a specific example applying <br />the model. <br /> <br />It is recognized that the model has utility for evaluating at the recon- <br />,naissance level (WRC Level A) the effects of water developments other <br />than DOE technologies. <br /> <br />LEVEL OF PLANNING ADDRESSED <br /> <br />Demand is increasing for new technologies that may tap as yet unused <br />or underutilized sources of energy such as the oil shales and western <br />coal deposits. New energy technologies may involve raw material extrac- <br />tion, transportation, and conversion facil ities. There are numerous <br />options for siting such developments. A major factor in determining the <br />most advantageous site will be the impact associated with the water <br />supply. <br /> <br />There may be environmental "costs" and penalties associated with devel- <br />opment of these technologies. For example, a fisheries problem may be <br />lessened egg or fry survival, or it may be a reduced standing crop of . <br />juveniles and adults because of altered conditions. <br /> <br />The questions are -- "What are the relative impacts of these disrup- <br />tions?" and "How will consideration of these impacts influence decisions <br />about where and when development of a technology should be acceler- <br />ated?" <br /> <br />The reconnaissance methodology presented in this document has three <br />goals: (1) calling attention to the significant "costs" to fish and wildlife <br />resources and recreation potentials: (2) providing a means of comparing <br />relative impacts of application of a technology upon simulated representa- <br />tive stream ecosystems in different areas of the nation and/or comparing <br />technologies within the same area; and (3) constructing a framework for <br />making more detailed assessments at specific locations on given streams <br />after potential physical limiting factors have been identified. <br /> <br />The methodology is designed for reconnaissance water planning only. <br />Exercising the methodology will identify the initial impact (short-term <br />changes) on different life stages of target fish species and potentials <br />for recreation use. I t is designed to indicate probable changes in fish <br />production and recreation conditions--"before" and "after"--the intro- <br />duction of a new energy technology, <br /> <br />. <br />