Western States Water Council 2005 Report

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Duane Smith, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, further discussed the compact and other water issues at the full Council meeting. He noted the Oklahoma legislature had passed a resolution, HCR 1008, calling for a dialogue with the other High Plains states over a compact to govern use of the Ogallala aquifer. Also, Oklahoma is undertaking a major water planning initiative, paralleling Texas' recently completed regional water planning process. However, while the last state water plan focused on policy issues, the new plan will again address future project needs. John Keys, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, also addressed WSWC members. He emphasized the close working relationship between Reclamation and western states, adding that the Bureau (BOR) has built and operates its projects within state water law and holds state water rights. He said that BOR's top priorities are operation, maintenance and protection of valuable existing projects, followed by working with states to meet increasing water demands in the West, including the ability to meet requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Also, many BOR facilities are growing older, and maintaining the aging infrastructure to ensure public safety downstream is a major challenge. Reclamation is striving to keep its technical expertise and attract new good young personnel as well. BOR is also trying to define the role of its hydropower projects within the power grid. For example, the largest hydropower plant in the world is Washington's Grand Coulee Dam, generating nearly $1 billion in wholesale sales each year, which is enough to cover BOR's entire budget. Many BOR reservoirs were drawn down this year, in the face of significant drought, to produce needed power. Water is used more than once for many purposes. Mr. Keys noted Palisades Reservoir in Idaho and Wyoming provides a fishery and recreation, as well as the head for hydropower releases, which also affect downstream water quality. Released waters are diverted for irrigation and also for salmon migration. BOR is also funding research on the use of wastewater resources. The Commissioner next addressed security issues. Security plans for all facilities have been developed or are being prepared, including a review of information technology (IT) systems operating those facilities. Public "hard hat" tours inside dams are a thing of the past, but all visitor centers have reopened. Also, BOR now has law enforcement authority. BOR security officers won't carry firearms, but will have oversight responsibilities as BOR contracts with the nearest local, state or federal law enforcement agency or military unit for security services. Who will pay for these additional costs has not yet been determined, though BOR has recommended they should be nonreimbursable. With respect to other issues, BOR is in the process of changing its contract rules to lift the last Administration's 25 -year term limit and return to the old 40 -50 year contracts, with the support of financial institutions. BOR is also considering appropriate "boiler- plate" language to deal with water shortages, and further reviewing water conservation provisions in contracts. Commissioner Keys referred to the Klamath Falls case and implementation of the ESA, which is a huge issue. BOR hopes to release a 10 -year biological assessment this month that will cover project operations next spring and into the future. He mentioned problems with as yet unadjudicated state water rights in the basin, and offered BOR's help in finding funds to speed up decisionmaking. The Department of Interior is reviewing its ESA implementation processes. Other important issues he mentioned included: encouraging appropriate project title transfers, and trying to streamline the 13