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. . Glen Canyon Dam Environmental Impact Statement May 2, 1990 Page two alternatives be examined, with the "no action" alternative being existing power operations. The structural alternatives examined should include, among other things. are-regulating reservoir below Glen Canyon Darn. The EIS will be deficient absent consideration of such an alternative. The non-structural alternatives should include not only changes in power operations, but also changes in the other "man-made" activities which may be adversely affecting the environmental and ecological resources downstream of Glen . Canyon Dam (e.g.. stOCking of non-native fish species. fishing regulations. allocation of permits for float trips and camping trips in the Grand Canyon, location of rest sites and camping locations and the disbursement of people. etc.). Insofar as changes in power operations are concerned, only alternatives which would not adversely affect the water conservation storage and interstate compact purposes of Glen Canyon Dam should be examined. In performing the analysis of alternatives, it must be remembered that Glen Canyon Darn provides a variety of benefits and serves a number of purposes. The costs and benefits of competing resource uses. and the trade-offs among them. must be clearly identified and thoroughly evaluated by the EIS. With respect to the proposed research (test) flow program. the Board has no objection to such test flows so long as they: (1) Are consistent with the annual operating plans for the Colorado River Reservoirs, (2) Will produce data and information needed to complete the EIS. (3) Do not create significant obstacles to meeting firm energy and capacity obligations and do not have adverse impacts on transmission capabilities. and (4) Are justifiable, short duration. coordinated research efforts. the impacts of which are kept to a minimum. In closing. the Board would like to emphasize the importance of conducting an expeditious. but scientifically sound. EIS process. It is imperative that the Bureau of Reclamation give the very highest priority to managing the EIS process so that it stays on schedule, is carefully focused. and thoughtfully presented.