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<br />BRIDGING FROM SeOPING <br />TO THE EIS <br /> <br />The seoping process was used to identify the relevant <br />issues and concerns to be considered in the EIS. <br />Preliminary alternatives have now been formulated to <br />resolve problems and concerns and subsequently the <br />alternatives will be analyzed for impact assessment. <br /> <br />The EIS is being prepared to assure that environmental, <br />cultural, and socio-economic concerns are considered <br />when significant Federal decisions are made. In this <br />case, the decision involves operation of Glen Canyon <br />Dam and the associated impacts on resources. The <br />goals in preparing an EIS are to present alternatives, <br />assess impacts, and to outline a proposed action. The <br />EIS is also utilized in the Record of Decision. <br /> <br />The major issues for the Glen Canyon Dam EIS are: <br /> <br />. management of the dam <br /> <br />. beach aggradation/ degradation, number, and <br />composition (size and quality of beaches, rock, <br />sand, or silt) <br /> <br />. endangered species <br /> <br />. ecosystem condition downriver from the dam <br /> <br />. native and non-native fish (including the rainbow <br />trout sport fishery) <br /> <br />. cost of power <br /> <br />. power production, particularly peaking ability <br />(and clean, renewable resource) <br /> <br />. sediment <br /> <br />. white water rafting/boating/ river navigation <br /> <br />. Grand Canyon wilderness <br /> <br />. significance and values of the Grand Canyon <br /> <br />. economics (including power, recreation, and non- <br />use values) <br /> <br />Ten alternatives have been identified to specifically <br />address the aforementioned issues in different ways. <br />In addition, several features have been described which <br />could contribute to possible resolution of one or more <br />of the issues. The alternatives have been formulated to <br />resolve multiple needs. <br /> <br />The preliminary alternatives range from emphasis on <br />enhancement and protection of the downstream <br />ecosystem, through several intermediate possibilities, <br />to full use of hydroelectric generation at Glen Canyon <br />Dam and the interconnected transmission and <br />generation system. <br /> <br />The alternatives have been formulated with specific <br />objectives and implementation considerations. <br />Analysis will begin soon and will be completed as <br />research data becomes available in later stages of the <br />process. As work on the EIS proceeds, alternatives may <br />be revised or adjusted in response to the current public <br />input, as suggested by the cooperating agencies, or as <br />refined by the EIS team. <br /> <br />Our intent is to present information on a number of . <br />potential actions that could be considered in balancing <br />the diverse issues and interests in subsequent decisions <br />for wise operation of Glen Canyon Dam and <br />management of the related resources. <br /> <br />Description Of Power System Adjustments <br /> <br />The powerplant at Glen Canyon Dam is part of an interconnected electric power supply system. If power <br />operations are modified at the dam, the interconnected power system will require adjustments. Details of the <br />potential adjustments will be determined as part of the EIS analysis, as the specific characteristics of each alternative <br />are evaluated. In general, these adjustments could include: <br /> <br />. other ways for Western to serve existing Increasing purchases, gaining authority for new generation <br />Federal contracts from other sources (such as Spring Canyon Pumped Storage <br />project or similar developments), increasing system <br />efficiencies, or reserve sharing. <br /> <br />. changes in Federal power supply <br />commitments to utilities or users <br /> <br />. various combinations of the above <br /> <br />Utilities or users purchasing from other sources, building <br />new facilities, or increasing demand-side management and <br />conservation programs. <br /> <br />Adjustments depending on magnitude of impacts for each <br />alternative. <br /> <br />5 <br />