The Secretary of the Interior - Washington - CO River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and the Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead

• Year: 2007
• Title: The Secretary of the Interior - Washington - CO River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and the Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead
• CWCB Section: Interstate & Federal
• Description: The Secretary of the Interior - Washington - CO River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and the Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead
• Publications - Doc Type: Other

Interim Guidelines for the
Operation of Lake Powell
and Lake Mead
Section 8. Interim Period and Termination
[Adopted Januaty 16, 2001; Deleted and Modified December 13, 2007]
A. Interim Period
These Guidelines will be effective upon the date of execution of the ROD for Colorado
River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations of
Lake Powell and Lake Mead and will, unless subsequently modified, remain in effect
through December 31, 2025 (through preparation of the 2026 AOP).
The Department promulgated these Guidelines based on consideration of multiple
sources of information, including existing applicable guidelines, information submitted
by the general public, an Agreement and recommendation submitted by the
representatives of the Governors of the seven Colorado Basin States, modeling, and
other infoi7nation contained in environmental compliance documentation. The
Secretary recognizes that the Basin States' recommendation was developed with the
intent to be consistent with existing law, as addressed by Section 9 of the Apri123,
2007, Agreement among the Basin States.
The Secretary recognizes that differences exist with respect to interpretations of certain
provisions contained in the Law of the River and the proper application of those
provisions, including, for example, Section 602(a) of the Colorado River Basin Project
Act of 1968. In lieu of a formal determination regarding such disputes, the Secretary
will apply the operational criteria in these Guidelines. By way of further example,
positions and rights concerning the calculation of the quantity of Section 602(a) storage
and releases of water from Lake Powell are reserved. The Secretary, through the
adoption of these Guidelines, makes no determination with respect to the correctness of
any interpretation of Section 602(a) storage and release requirements or other positions
of the individual Colorado River Basin states.
Actual operations under these Guidelines shall not represent interpretations of existing
law by the Secretary, nor predetermine in any manner the means of operation that the
Secretary may adopt following the Interim Period. Releases from Lake Powell or Lake
Mead pursuant to these Guidelines shall not prejudice the position or interests of either
the Upper or Lower Division states, or any Colorado River Basin state, with respect to
required storage or deliveries of water pursuant to applicable federal law, either during
or after the Interim Period.
ROD -Colorado River Interim Guidelines for December 2007
Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated 57
Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead