OCR Text |
Show plan necessary to achieve total environmental harmony would restrict or prevent fulfillment of these contracts. The contracting entities would then be subject to. law suits and counter suits. The Bureau of Reclamation has increased the quality and quantity of the ecological analysis presented in the draft environmental statement and has embarked upon development of an ecological studies program designed to provide the ecological input required to formulate environmentally sound planning for water development projects, particularly the Bonneville Unit. At present this program is only in its formative stages. Plans for the immediate future include organization of an interagency ecological studies team to cooperatively develop and implement required programs for the Bonneville Unit and for the remaining units of the Central Utah Project. A discussion of the study program is presented in Section D of the final environmental statement. IsVue 2: The", draft environment'aX "' statement, failed to adequately evaluate the geologic hazards associated with the construction and operation of the Bonneville Unit. Of particular concern were problems attendant to Unit dam and aqueduct sites located in fault areas that would be vulnerable to earthquake damage and pose a hazard to the public. Issue raised by: Sierra Club and three individuals Response; All projects planned by the Bureau of Reclamation are subjected to intensive geologic study before construction to insure maximum safety to the public. They are thoroughly investigated at the reconnaissance, feasibility, and the final design or preconstruction stage. Depending on the complexities involved, other substages of investigations are also conducted whenever necessary. After a project is completed, periodic checks of the operations are performed in what may be considered a fourth stage of investigation called operation and maintenance. The whole system of investigation stages involves phases ranging from initial field observations through highly technical geologic and engineering studies using the most advanced techniques developed for this purpose. These techniques, when required, may include rock mechanics and soil laboratory tests, permeability water testing, and frequently may require finite element analysis of in- situ compression and shear testing. Whatever is required to assure safe construction and stable foundations within present limitations of scientific knowledge is performed. Each stage of investigation requires an appropriate report. Each is independent yet related to assure continuity of thinking. The sequential programming of each stage allows ample opportunity to change 644 |