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Show and contractors. The plan most specifically covers developed facilities on the lake, but the procedures, coordination, and materials would all be of benefit in the event of roadway spills. This alternative would require new expenditures, but it would enhance the protection of NRA water resources and help avoid the costs associated with uncontrolled spills of fuel, oil, or other hazardous substances. Alternative C: Assess the water quality effect of spills not covered by the contingency plan Under this alternative a study plan would be developed to quantify the level of small- quantity spills from fueling activities that may be occurring and to evaluate their cumulative effect. The study would attempt to document the persistence and accumulation of spilled materials in the water environment. 111.0.3. Recommended course of action. Alternative B is recommended. Alternative A is not acceptable because inadequate response to a serious spill could result. At present, the small- quantity fuel spills addressed under Alternative C do not appear sufficiently prevalent to warrant a new study. Under Alternative B, supplies and equipment would be obtained and stored locally by NPS and its concessioners to allow containment and cleanup of spills. Inspection of facilities would be performed to ensure compliance with spill- prevention requirements set forth in plans and state or federal regulations. The spill- response components of the contingency plan would be synthesized into a field manual for use by rangers, maintenance personnel, and concessioner employees- the likely first responders to spills in the NRA. 111. P. Problem Statements Considered but Not Developed in Detail Three potential water resource management problems identified during scoping were researched and initially considered for inclusion in the Water Resources Management Plan, but these were later rejected as insignificant over the term of the present planning cycle. The first of these problems concerns development of a pumped- back storage reservoir. Such a project would involve construction of another reservoir adjacent to Lake Powell at a higher elevation. Water from Lake Powell would be pumped into the upper reservoir during periods when hydroelectric demand is low and released back into Lake Powell through power- generating turbines when electric demand is high. The purpose of this project would be to generate additional power during peak demand periods when revenues are higher. In 1985 a company was issued a permit by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to study the feasibility of such a project at Lake Powell ( Warm Creek), but the Department of the Interior opposed the project and would not issue on- site study permits. Since it is current Interior policy to 63 |