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<br />'. <br /> <br />t~,t <br />~.. <br /> <br />The Honorable Manuel Lujan <br />July lB, 19B9 <br />Page Three <br /> <br />of its statutory responsibilities and its experience and exper- <br />tise in the operation of Glen Canyon Darn, is the agency best <br />qualified to undertake and direct the necessary NEPA compliance. <br />We ulso believe that if an tIS is subsequently undertaken on the <br />operations of Glen Canyon Darn, then it should have the same focus <br />as the Glen Canyon Environmental Studies to assure completion in <br />a reasonable timefrarne. Finally, we would note that in the event <br />a formal tIS is initiated, it should examine the "no action" <br />alternative and structural alternatives, as well as potential <br />changes in reservoir operations at Glen Canyon Darn. <br /> <br />If the Phase II Glen Canyon Environmental Studies (or an <br />EIS) demonstrate the need to revise the reservoir's ope~ations in <br />a manne~ that is within the limits of the existing Criteria for <br />Coordinated Long-Range Operation of Colorado River Reservoirs <br />(promulgated pursuant to section 602 of Public Law 90-537) and <br />applicable statutes, then consideration of such changes must <br />follow the consultation procedures mandated by section 602(a) (3) <br />of Public Law 90-537, The consu2tation procedures with the <br />states on the annual plans !or operations of the Colorado River <br />reservoirs pursuant to this provision are in place and are the <br />proper forum for considering potential changes in reservoir <br />operations, <br /> <br />If a proposed change in the operation of Glen Canyon C"-'!l <br />cannot be made within the existing Criteria for Coordinated <br />Long-Range Operation of Colorado Rive~ Reservoirs, then any <br />proposed modifications ~ust be handled pursuant to section 602(b) <br />of Public Law 90-537 and consul~ations with representatives of <br />the Colorado River Basin states must occur as required by that <br />section. The governors of the seven Colorado River Basin states <br />have appointed representatives to,provide that consultation, as <br />well as the consultation on the annual operating plans. <br /> <br />Finally, should an EIS be prepared, we would note that this <br />does not obviate the need for consultation pursuant to the above <br />cited provisions of Public Law 90-537, To the contrary, section <br />104 of NEPA specifically directs that this act shall in no way <br />affect the specific statutory obligations of any federal agency <br />to consult with state agencies. <br /> <br />Again, we would like to thank you for taking time to meet <br />with us, We look forward to meeting with you again in August. I <br />will contact your staff to arrange for a convenient time and <br />location for this meeting. <br />