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<br />COLORADO RIVER STORAGE PROJECT <br /> <br />29 <br /> <br />filling problem, has prepared a proposed set of governing principles <br />and operating criteria. This proposal is attached, The proposal is <br />based upon the pro\J9sition that an allowance should be made for <br />computed deficiency m firm energy generation at Hoover, which might <br />be caused by Glen Canyon being on the river. . <br />In reading the proposal it is to be noted that it applies specifically <br />to Glen Canyon. It is not necessary that the filling criteria be made <br />applicable to Flaming Gorge and Vavajo, also under construction, <br />or to the Curecanti unit to be constructed in the near future. Since <br />the capturing of water in the reservoirs !1bove Glen Canyon is expected <br />to occur concurrently with the filling of Glen Canyon, this would <br />have the effect of increasing slightly the deficiency in Hoover firm <br />power generation. Under the proposal we would be committed to <br />make an allowl1l1ce, and the capturing of the additional water is a <br />part of the computed deficiency. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Pamgraph 1 is a re'cognition thl1t the Supreme Court in the lawsuit <br />Arizona v. Cab;fornia;could well make findings of fact and conclusions <br />of law which could require different principles and criteria from those <br />proposed. In the final analysis, however, the proposed principles <br />havc to be based uppn reasonable exercise of secretarial discretion, <br />By this process we are not placed in a position of attempting to define <br />the outer limits of either rights or obligations of any of the States or <br />of the United St!1tes. <br />Paragraph 2 defines the filling period. It being intended that these <br />principles would apply only during a filling period, it is necessary to <br />define that period. Because of the possibility of an adverse hydrologic <br />sequence occurring during the gaining of initial storage, it is con- <br />ceivable that the fillil1g period could extend to a point where upper <br />basin developments J;l1ight be such as to dictate a different method <br />of reservoir operation. Consequently, it is felt that it would be <br />premature to attempt to state here what might be termed "long- <br />range opemting criter'ia." The filling period, in general, is considered <br />to be the time it takes to fill Glen Canyon (elevation 3,700). It is <br />essential, however, that there be also a cutoff date. The date of <br />May 31, 1987, has b:een selected because that is the date on which <br />the Hoover power co(ltracts expire. <br />Pl1l'!1graph 3 is the statement of principle th!1t during the filling <br />period uses of water, other th!1n power, below Hoover Dam will be <br />satisfied. This is !1 broad st!1tement of principle and one which is <br />essential. rrhese uses below Hoover, measured as a release at Hoover, <br />can be met in one of, or a combin!1tion of, three ways: by passing <br />through the inflow, by storage rele!1se at Glen Canyon, .01' by storage <br />re1e!1se l1t Hoover, Exactly how they would be met in !1ny one year <br />will h!1ve to be decided in th!1t year and will depend upon the contents <br />of both reservoirs mrd the Glen Canyon inflow. Consequently, the <br />sources from which these uses will !1Ctu!1lly be met must be left open. <br />The releases at Hoover Dam to meet these uses have varied in the <br />past !1nd c,w be expected to vary in the future. The trend of release <br />during the filling period will likely be upward-as more land is brought <br />under irrigation or !1 ;greater use is made for domestic and industrial <br />purposes. At the same time uses in the upper basin also will be <br /> <br />95968-63-3 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />