Laserfiche WebLink
<br />(Continlled from front page) <br /> <br />letters indicates the concerns <br />expressed in the written <br />correspondence generally matches <br />the oral presentations. <br /> <br />A majority of the speakers <br />suggested taking more time to <br />complete the EIS and to extend the <br />public comment period. In response <br />to both the public concerns and <br />those of our researchers, the time <br />period has been extended one year <br />to the end of 1992. <br /> <br />Most of the speakers also stated <br />they wanted interim flows from <br />Glen Canyon Dam during the EIS <br />preparation period. Secretary of the <br />Interior Lujan has already stated he <br />favors the implementation of <br />interim flows following the <br />completion of the necessary <br />research flows. Those research <br />flows are discussed in this <br />newsletter. <br /> <br />Many speakers also asked that <br />Arizona Game and Fish <br />Department become a cooperating <br />agency in the EIS. Similar requests <br />have come from the Navajo Nation <br />and the Hopi Indian Tribe. Those <br />requests were granted. In addition, <br />the other two affected Indian tribes, <br />the Havasupai and Hualapai, have <br />been invited to become cooperating <br />agencies. <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />Power interests tended to favor <br />maximum or existing peaking <br />power operations, structural <br />mitigation downstream of Glen <br />Canyon Dam such as a reregulating <br />dam, beach stabilization, and <br />sediment augmentation measures. <br />They were joined by irrigation <br />interests in expressing concerns <br />about changes in power operations <br />that may reduce the availability of <br />funds from power revenues for <br />other projects in the Upper <br />Colorado River Basin. <br /> <br />River running interests favor <br />moderated release patterns from <br />the dam and oppose structural <br />alternatives in Grand Canyon. <br />Beach issues and boater safety are <br />their major concerns. Some <br />provided specific sugsestions for <br />flow recommendations, while <br />many simply called for lower high <br />flows and higher low flows. <br /> <br />Trout fishing interests favor <br />moderated release patterns to <br />maximize trout reproduction. They <br />are also concerned about <br />fluctuating flows stranding fish. <br />They strongly oppose structural <br />alternatives. <br /> <br />Environmental speakers <br />emphasized the need for ecosystem <br />protection. They stated a desire that <br />river flows in Grand Canyon <br />approximate pre-dam conditions. <br />Some speakers did favor a <br /> <br />EIS TEAM <br /> <br /> <br />GLEN CANYON DAM <br /> <br />multi-level outlet at the dam similar <br />to one at Flaming Gorge Dam on the <br />Green River in Utah. Such a <br />structure allows water temperature <br />be increased for the benefit of native <br />fish. They strongly object to other <br />structural alternatives. <br /> <br />Many environmental speakers also <br />favor an alternative that would <br />consider reducing power demand <br />through either conservation or <br />pricing within Western Area Power <br />Administration's jurisdiction. The <br />desire is to reduce or eliminate peak <br />power use patterns. <br /> <br />Other issues were also raised by the <br />speakers. Some asked the ElS be <br />expanded to all of the Upper <br />Colorado River system while some <br />suggested the removal of Glen <br />Canyon Dam. Power interests <br />stated that a loss of generating <br />capacity, especially peaking power, <br />will cause other environmental <br />conflicts as they strive to replace <br />hydropower with other sources of <br />power. <br /> <br />It is quickly apparent that the issues <br />and potential alternatives are <br />llldeed diverse. <br /> <br />All those who sent in cards and <br />letters, or who attended meetings <br />and filled out aregistrationcard,are <br />being added to the public <br />involvement mailing list. They will <br />receive all newsletters and other <br />information notices and updates. <br />