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The maximum powerplant releases are currently constrained by generator output, and the minimum releases constrained by the minimum flow necessary to support the downstream trout fishery. During periods of high runoff 4,000 cfs can be released through the steel-lined jet tubes and an additional 28,800 cfs can be discharged through the spillway. The use of these two alternative release methods is constrained by economic and environmental factors. Long-term changes in the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam could affect the methods in which power is physically delivered to market areas. At present, the spatial distribution of electrical generators, transmission lines, and electrical use can occasionally cause overloading of transmission lines. Institutional Constraints Institutional Constraints consist of laws, compacts, and agreements which govern the the operation of Project reservoirs. Flaming Gorge Dam and the Aspinall Unit were constructed and are operated under the authority of House Document 346, 83d Congress 2d session. The authorization act was passed on April 11, 1956, and provided for the construction of the Project and it participating projects. Flaming Gorge Dam and the Aspinall Unit are units of the Project and are operated to provide benefits to the public. These benefits include hydroelectric power, municipal and industrial water supply, recreation, flood control and fish and wildlife preservation. Because there are few water rights on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam there is no requirement to operate as a typical water storage project. The only firm delivery requirement is an agreement with the State of Utah to provide a minimum release of 400 cfs (releases below 800 cfs occur very rarely) below the reservoir to maintain a high quality cold water fishery. Releases are also made for power, but there is no direct demand which must be met from Flaming Gorge. The powerplant 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. Another institutional constraint, the Operating Criteria release constraint, tends 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. Economic Constraints Economic Constraints 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 powerplant 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. 2