WSP03268

• File Number: 8220.101.10
• Description: Colorado River-Water Projects-Glen Canyon Dam/Lake Powel-Glen Canyon Adaptive Management
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/1993
• Title: Western Area Power Administration-Issues for Discussion-Proposed SLCA/IP Firm Power Rate Adjustment
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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D-R-A-F-T 11

P: \User\Thomas\95Rate\NonRpav o::tdler 5. 1993

Nonreimbursability of Environmental Expenses
Related to Glen Canvon Dam

Issue

. Some environmental expenses related to Glen Canyon Dam (GCD) have been
declared nonreimbursable, How will this affect SLCA/IP firm power rates?

Background

. Several series of non~traditional water" releases have been necessary at
the CRSP's Glen Canyon Dam (GCD) as part of the Glen Canyon Environmental
Studies (GCES),

~ The GCES are ~ mUlti-agency effo~t to study the impacts, of GCD operations'
on the environmental and recreat;ional resources of t~e Colorado. Ri ver
downstream of the dam. The GeES are a cooperative effort between
Reclamation, the National Park ,Service, and the a,s. Fish and Wildlife
Service.

. Title 18 of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of
1992 (ACT) contains the Grand Canyon Protection Act (GCPA) of 1992,
Section 1807 of the GCPA states nAIl costs of preparing the environmental
impact statement described in section 1804, including supporting studies,
and the long-term monitoring programs and activities described in section
1805 shall be nonreimbursable." 'Nonreimbursable' I in this context, means
that cost is not allocated to any entity for repayment. These costs will
be borne by the taxpayer, Therefore, any funding provided other than by
appropriations will be credited toward the repayment obligation(s) of the
entity providing the funds,

.

The legislation is ambiguous
in nonreimbursable expense.
expenses associated with the

about
This
work.

what special flows should be included
makes it necessary to categorize the

. The various flows are:

1:1.. Special Releases. There were several special flows from October
1984 through October 1989. Each flow lasted from two to 15 days,

B. Research Flo.....s. Research flows were initiated in June 1990 so
scientists could study specific, known, releases and their effects
on resources. Research flo.....s concluded on July 31, 1991.

C. "Test II FloW's. On August 1, 1991, Reclamation began a test of
interim flows at GCD. The "test" flows lasted 90 days.

D. Interim Flo~s. These began on November 1, 1991. Interim flows are
meant to minimize perceived damage downstream of GCD while the GeES
are under way. The interim flows will continue until a final
decision on future dam operations is made. The interim flo....
criteria may be exceeded for not more than three percent of the time
(22 hours) in any consecutive 30-day period, with no carryovers.

E,

Long-term monitoring prog~ams and activities.

These are any

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