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<br />" <br /> <br />~ <br />.'~ 'V <br /> <br />The Bureau of Reclamation, after consideration of all as- <br />pects of the filling problem, has prepared a proposed set of govern- <br />ing principles and operating criteria. This proposal is attached. <br />The proposal is based upon the proposition that an allowance should <br />'be made for computed deficiency in firm energy generation at Hoover, <br />which might be caused by Glen Canyon being on the river. <br /> <br />In reading the proposal it is to be noted that it applies <br />specifically to Glen Canyon. It is not necessary that the filling <br />criteria be made applicable to Flaming Gorge and Navajo, also under <br />construction, or to the Curecanti Unit to be constructed in the near <br />future. Since the capturing of water in the reservoirs above Glen <br />Canyon is expected to occur concurrently with the filling of Glen <br />Canyon, this would have the effect of increasing slightly the de- <br />ficiency in Hoover firm power generation. Under the proposal we <br />would be committed to make an allowance, and the capturing of the <br />additional water is a part of the computed deficiency. <br /> <br />Discussion of Proposal <br /> <br />Paragraph 1 is a recognition that the Supreme Court in the <br />law suit Arizona v. California could well make findings of fact and <br />conclusions of law which could require different principles and <br />criteria from those proposed. In the final analysis, however, the <br />proposed principles have to be based upon reasonable exercise of <br />Secretarial discretion. By this process we are not placed in a <br />position of attempting to define the outer limits of either rights <br />or obligations of any of the states or of the United States. <br /> <br />Paragraph 2 defines the filling period. It being intended <br />that these principles would apply only during a filling period, it is <br />necessary to define that period. Because of the possibility of an <br />adverse hydrologic sequence occurring during the gaining of initial <br />storage, it is conceivable that the filling period could extend to a <br />point where Upper Basin developments might be such as to dictate a <br />different method of reservoir operation. Consequently, it is felt <br />that it would be premature to attempt to state here what might be <br />termed long-range operating criteria. The filling period, in general, <br />is considered to be the time it takes to fill Glen Canyon {elevation <br />3,700}. It is essential, however, that there be also a cutoff date. " <br />The date of May 31, 1987, has been selected because that is the date ~ <br />on which the Hoover power contracts expire. <br /> <br />Paragraph 3 is the statement of principle that during the <br />filling period uses of water, other than power, below Hoover Dam will <br />be satisfied. This is a broad statement of principle and one which <br />is essential. These uses below Hoover, measured as a release at <br />Hoover, can be met in one of, or a combination of, three ways: by <br />passing through the inflow, by storage release at Glen Canyon, or by <br />storage release at Hoover. Exactly how they would be met in anyone <br />year will have to be decided in that year and will depend upon the <br />contents of both reservoirs and the Glen Canyon inflow. Consequently, <br /> <br />4 <br />