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<br />The NEPA process concerning interim surplus criteria will not be completed in time for Reclamation to rely on <br />those criteria this year. Furthermore, there is concern that some environmental interests or others may litigate <br />over this NEPA process. <br /> <br />Discussion <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Reclamation seemed willing to consider the spirit and intent of the proposed seven state interim surplus criteria <br />and indicated that they will provide suggested detennination language for consideration by the Colorado River <br />Management Workgroup on November 17th Staff would like to present and discuss the proposed language with <br />the Board. Furthermore, Reclamation has scheduled the final AOP consultation meeting for December 1st in <br />Las Vegas at 10:00. <br /> <br />The final consultation meeting is normally scheduled for September 15, but was delayed u",il December 1" at <br />the request of the states to see how the interim surplus criteria would progress and to see how hydrologic <br />conditions might change. It is now clear, that while hydrologic conditions improved slightly, the R70 criteria <br />historically used to make the surplus determination will not likely result in a surplus declaration in 2001 under <br />average inflow conditions. Furthermore, the seven Colorado River Basin States have reached agreement on <br />interim surplus criteria that would allow for a full domestic surplus declaration in 2001 based on the contents of <br />Lake Mead being above elevation 1145 and Reclamfltion has agreed to consider the seven state criteria in the <br />N"EP A process. <br /> <br />Staff still is of the opinion that it remains very difficult for the Secretary of the Interior not to declare a surplus <br />in 2001 for the following reasons. <br />1. There is a need for additional water in the lower basin of 630,000 AF, of which most is needed to keep <br />MWD's Colorado River Aqueduct full. eh <br />2. The reservoirs are relatively full and given averase inflow in 2001 Lake Powell will need to equalize with <br />Lake Mead. Releases from Powell are presently estimated to be 9.400 MAP in WY 2001 with average <br />inflow. <br />3. Based on existing conditions and historic record, there is about a 38% chance of a flood control releases <br />from Lake Mead above downstream requirements sometime during calendar year 2001. <br />4. Given present uses and reservoir storage, there is little increased risk of shortages with or without declaring <br />a surplus of 630,000 AF or less in 2001. <br /> <br />Staff Recommendation <br /> <br />Staff will distribute the proposed determination language to the Board as soon as received and would like to <br />discuss it with the Board at the meeting. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Flood Protection. Water Proje~ Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning <br />