| OCR Text |
Show APPENDIX VI VI-69 64 COLORADO KIVER STORAGE PROJECT In formulating the proposed principles and operating criteria and in considering possible modifications thereto, our basic objective has been to secure a practical approach to the problems of filling Lake Powell, as distinguished from what might be considered a legalistic approach involving an attempt to establish principles and operating criteria on the basis of conclusions as to the perimeter of legal rights and obligations, with the consequent hazards which would attend such an approach. Consequently, we believe that irrespective of what might or might not be conceived by any party as the outer measure of its rights or obligations, the principles and operating criteria should be so framed that their application through a reasonable exercise of Secretarial discretion will result in equity to all concerned. On this basis it was proposed that a fair allowance be made for any deficiency in basic firm energy generation at Hoover powerplant resulting from the filling of the storage unit reservoirs. At the Boulder City meeting representatives of the upper basin expressed, particularly, concern over the contemplated inclusion of evaporation from the storage unit reservoirs as a part of the reconstructed streainfiow (i.e., the theoretical flow absent upstream storage unit reservoirs) used in the formula for computing allowance for deficiency in firm energy generation at Hoover powerplant during the filling period. Other than this general statement of position on the part of upper basin interests, we do not have the detailed views of any basin group on this specific point. Keeping in mind the observations made in the preceding paragraph, it would be helpful to us in further consideration of possible modification of the proposed principles and operating criteria to have a more detailed statement from the upper basin engineering committee containing its views as to the proper handling of evaporation losses in the determination of allowance to be made for deficiency in firm energy generation at Hoover powerplant. A similar request is being made to the lower basin engineering group. Upon receipt of these news we hope to complete a tentative revision of the proposed principles and operating criteria for submittal to the Coloraao River Basin interests for their consideration and comment prior to recommending to the Secretary adoption of final principles and operating criteria for the filling of the storage unit reservoirs. Sincerely yours, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner. Upper Colorado River Commission, Salt Lake City, Utah, January 27, 1961. Hon. Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Dear Commissioner Dominy: In your letter of August 26, 1960, you requested that we provide a more detailed statement of our views as to the proper handling of evaporation losses in the determination of allowance to be made for deficiency in firm energy generation at Hoover powerplant. Our engineering committee has had the question of evaporation under study. At our recent meeting on January 9, which was attended by engineers from your staff, the matter was discussed in some detail. |
