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of BHBFs will continue to be carried out consistent with the Colorado River Storage Project Act, Colorado River Basin Project Act, and BHBF triggering criteria. In November 2004, the first of these experimental flows that utilized releases greater than powerplant capacity was conducted. In this high-flow test, 41,000 cubic feet per second was released from Glen Canyon Dam for a period of 60 hours. The objective of the test was to evaluate the conservation of fine sediments that form beaches, riparian plant substrate, and endangered fish habitats. It will take approximately 18 months to fully evaluate the test. Comment No. 13 - (Letter No. 4): Under the Operation of Lake Mead, the National Park Service thinks that the Interim Surplus Criteria should replace the language in Article III(3)(b) defining "Surplus." At least for the next 15 years, the Interim Surplus Criteria Record of Decision defines the relevant factors that the Secretary must consider in determining whether water quantities greater than "normal" are available for pumping or release from Lake Mead. . Rest"onse: The Department does not agree that Article III(3)(b) language should be updated to reflect adoption of the Interim Surplus Guidelines Record of Decision by the Secretary. The Department of the Interior specifically considered, and sought public input, on the concept of modifying Article III(3)(b) of the Operating Criteria during the process that led to adoption of the Interim Surplus Guidelines. See 64 Fed. Reg. 27010 (May 18, 1999). After reviewing the public comments received, the Department announced its intention to adopt "interim implementing criteria pursuant to Article III(3) of the Long-Range Operating Criteria" rather than modifying the actual text of the Operating Criteria. See 64 Fed. Reg. 68373 (December 7, 1999). This approachwas carried through and set forth in the Record of Decision adopted by the Secretary. See 66 Fed. Reg. 7772, 7780 at ~ XI(5) ("These Guidelines, which shall implement and be used for determinations made pursuant to Article III(3)(b) of the [Operating Criteria] . . . are hereby adopted. . .'J. 17 . Comment No. 14 - (Letters No.4 and 6): The Department should begin a process for shortage determination. Response: In the past year Reclamation has provided data and information regarding drought analysis and reservoir operations to representatives of the seven Colorado River Basin States, the Western Area Power Administration, and non-governmental organizations that have expressed an interest. Reclamation continues to monitor reservoir storage and basin hydrologic conditions and anticipates beginning a process in spring 2005 to evaluate alternatives regarding the development of shortage guidelines for the delivery of water to the three Lower Division States (Arizona, California, and Nevada). Comment No. 15 - (Letter No.6): As noted in the January 15,2002, Federal Register Notice (67 Fed. Reg. 1986), the Secretary's consultation responsibilities have been specifically extended to encompass the general public. We recommend that this