Board Meeting 11/03/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(1 ) Releases from and storage in Lake Powell are subject only • to the requirements of section 602 (a) of the 1968 CRSP Act. It appears that the proposed operating plan will result in greater releases from and more vacant space in Lake Powell in the April-July, 1984, time frame than permitted by Section 602 (a) and the operating criteria promulgated pursuant thereto. The Bureau justifies this due to the risk, however small, of not having the spillways at Glen Canyon Dam repaired in time for the 1984 runoff. (2) The Hoover Dam flood control plan calls for a minimum of 5 .35 maf of vacant space on January 1 of each year. Even though this plan, which was completed only last year, is explicitly based on the fact that the reservoir system had filled and the Central Arizona Project (CAP) had yet to come on line, the Bureau now appears to be arguing that 7. 5 maf of vacant space is needed on January 1 , 1985, because CAP is not on line and the reservoir system is filled. (3) As the attached memo points out, the proposed operating plan would create the 7 . 5 maf of vacant space at the expense of the Upper Basin. Furthermore, it does not appear that the proposed operation of Lake Powell in 1985 complies with section 602 (a) . (4) If, on the other hand, 7 . 5 maf of vacant space on January 1 , 1985, is created by releasing substantially more water from Lake Mead than the proposed operating plan calls for, this would require that storage in Lakes Powell and Mead be equalized on September 30, 1985 (i.e. , water would be released from Lake Powell) pursuant to the section 602 (a) (3) (ii) equalization provision. Either way, then, the Bureau imposes the burden of Lower Basin flood control protection on the Upper Basin even though there is absolutely no legal basis for operating Upper Basin reservoirs for flood control purposes. Following discussion by Board members, Mr. Johnston moved, seconded by Mr. Robbins, that the four issues cited above must be reflected in the operating plan for water years 1984 and 1985 when if approved. The motion was adopted by unanimous vote. At this point in the proceedings, Mr. McDonald suggested that the meeting be adjourned and reconvene at 8:30 a.m. on the November 4, 1983 . He recommended, further, that the Board meet in executive session during the breakfast hour on November 4 to discuss and take action on Agenda Item 18, Little Snake River Water Management Project, Wyoming. Mr. Paddock concurred in this proposed procedure. • -17-