Laserfiche WebLink
11/02/84 • <br /> Mr . Robert Olson <br /> Acting Commissioner <br /> Bureau of Reclamation <br /> U.S . Department of the Interior <br /> 18th and C, N.W. <br /> Washington, DC 20240 <br /> Dear Mr . Olson: <br /> At its November 15th meeting, the Colorado Water <br /> Conservation Board considered the 1984 Colorado River Operation <br /> Study being prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation. After <br /> reviewing the data presented thus far and the proposed schedule <br /> for the finalization of the report, the Board asked me to <br /> convey to you several concerns which it has . <br /> As we understand it, the purpose of this study is to <br /> compare the current operation of the Colorado River reservoirs <br /> by comparison with alternative operating strategies which seek <br /> to minimize the risk of flooding in the Lower Colorado River <br /> and power plant bypasses . The study must necessarily address <br /> very complicated questions involving the application of federal • <br /> statutes and regulations and other legal documents . <br /> Furthermore, this analysis is to be accomplished by the use of <br /> the Colorado River Simulation System (CRSS) model, which is <br /> itself a very complex mathematical model . <br /> In light of these circumstances, the Board is concerned <br /> about the manner in which the study is being prepared . First, <br /> it will be difficult to evaluate the study and comment on the <br /> results without a thorough and clear understanding of the <br /> computer model . Yet we understand that the "System Overview" <br /> which will explain the model, and the data base and various <br /> assumptions which it utilizes, will not be completed until <br /> after the completion of the study. <br /> The Basin states have urged the Bureau on several occasions <br /> to complete the overview before any further studies were <br /> undertaken with the CRSS model . Thus far, the Bureau has not <br /> been responsive to those requests . The Board is very concerned <br /> about this problem and strongly recommends that the "Systems <br /> Overview" be completed prior to the operations study. In the <br /> alternative, it might be acceptable if the operations study <br /> included a detailed explanation of the CRSS model in the study <br /> report. <br /> • <br /> -12- <br />