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Show VI-20 UPDATING THE HOOVER DAM DOCUMENTS COLORADO RIVER STORAGE PROJECT 15 chase replacement energy. Such a proposal would require legislation since it would, among oilier things, in practical effect involve application of revenues received from Hoover power sales for purposes not consistent with the Boulder Canvon Project Adjustment Act. By the proposal to make an allowance we are in effect guaranteeing energy to the extent of the deficiency computed by the formula. We. have been asked to consider also guaranteeing capacity. It is our understanding that the Hoover power contractors would consider capacity as having been guaranteed if we provided in the criteria that Lake Mead would not be drawn down below elevation ],146 (17 million-acre-feet available surface storage) at least during the time Lake Powell is filling to dead storage level. It lias also been suggested that holding Lake Mead to elevation 1,146, while gaining dead storage in Lake Powell, would provide more of a cushion for downstream water users in the event of a dry year following the year in which Lake Mead may already have been drawn down to 17 million acre-feet. After considering these suggestions, we are, first of the opinion that based upon knowledge of historical operation no undue risk is run when elevation 1,123 (14.5 million acre-feet) is made the minimum draw-down point; second, the important objective of gaining minimum power head at Glen Canyon (elevation 3,490) in the earliest practicable time would be defeated; and third, we have already provided for not drawing Lake Mead below the rated head of the Hoover powerplant. To maintain Lake Mead above elevation 1,123 under all conditions would in effect be guaranteeing overload capacity. Because of these factors no change has been made in principle 7. Other changes in the present draft are summarized as follows: To conform with a recent decision, the official name "Lake Powell" has been used in lieu of "Glen Canyon Reservoir." In principle 1, an insert has been made to indicate that the general principles and criteria might be affected by possible future acts of the Congress. Principles 2 and 10 have been combined as suggested at the conferences. Old principle 10 has been eliminated, and principle 2 has been expanded. Also, as suggested, provision has been made for the Secretary to consult with both the upper and the lower basin interests before termination of the general principles and criteria for reasons other than attainment of the two specific conditions set forth in principle 2. The Commissioner's memorandum to the Secretary dated January IS, 1960, as well as our oral statements at the three meetings, explained old principle 10 in the light of possible earlier termination of the general principles and criteria due to obtaining sufficient storage to permit cyclical operation. We must also point out that the principle would likewise permit termination under conditions of unsatisfactory filling. Principle 8 has been shortened by deleting the indented portion. This is in accordance with the suggestions received at the conference. The principle enunciated has not been changed. Principle 9 has been revised to recognize the possibility that there might be some generation of secondary energy at the Hoover power-plant during the filling period. With the criteria on water releases described in principle 3, it is not likely that there will be any secondary energy generated during the filling period. Nevertheless, should there be incidental secondary energy, it will be disposed of in the same manner as has been the case in the past. |