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. long-term changes in the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam could affect the methods in which power is physically delivered to market areas. At the present time, the spatial distribution of electrical generators, transmission lines, and electrical use can occasionally cause overloading of transmission lines. An example is the line between Vernal, Utah and Hayden, Colorado. The solution to this particular problem has been to increase the generation at either Flaming Gorge or Bonanza power plants, typically during on-peak periods. Constraints on the operation of generation units at Flaming Gorge during these line loading periods could cause distribution problems. 3.5.2 Institutional Constraints Institutional constraints consist of laws, compacts, and agreements which govern the operation of CRSP reservoirs. These constraints were described in Section 3.2. Other institutional constraints that apply are States water rights, minimum release agreements, and power marketing contracts. There are few water rights on the Green River below Flaming Gorge, the reservoir is not required to be operated as a typical irrigation project. The only firm delivery requirement is an agreement with the State of Utah to provide a minimum release of 800 cfs below the reservoir to maintain a high quality cold water fishery. Releases are also made for power but there is often no direct demand which must be met from Flaming Gorge. The power plant is operated as a part of a power grid and demands can be met by any facility where there is available energy and capacity and a viable transmission path. Other institutional constraints include the Operating Criteria release constraints which tend to keep all of the reservoirs in the upper basin full; this is balanced against the Criteria's dictate to avoid spilling water which results in economic loss and environmental damage. Within these constraints Reclamation has considerable flexibility in operating Flaming Gorge for the protection of endangered species. This conclusion is born out by a 1988 Solicitor's opinion requested by Reclamation on the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and applies to all CRSP facilities. The opinion states "we are of the opinion that the Secretary of Interior may change the operation of the dam, provided there are well supported reasons, such as resource considerations, which require the change." [3] The alteration of flows to benefit endangered fish reproduction and survival may require some change in the operation of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. 3.5.1 Economic Constraints Economic constraints, or costs, are costs associated with operating the reservoir for different objectives. Depending on the objective these costs can be significant when compared to operating for maximum economic advantage. These costs are quantifiable and can be assigned to each operational objective. For example, if the power plant is base loaded as opposed to operating for peaking power there would be costs associated with foregoing peaking opportunities which are valued higher than base rate power. Similar economic values can be assigned to recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement. 3-5