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Show VI-34 UPDATING THE HOOVER DAM DOCUMENTS COLORADO RIVER STORAGE PROJECT 29 filling problem, has prepared a proposed set of governing principles and operating criteria. This proposal is attached. The proposal is based upon the proposition that an allowance should be made for computed deficiency in firm energy generation at Hoover, which might be caused by Glen Canyon being on the river. In reading the proposal it is to be noted that it applies specificalh7 to Glen Canyon. It is not necessary that the filling criteria be made applicable to Flaming Gorge and Vavajo, also under construction, or to the Curecanti unit to be constructed in the near future. Since the capturing of water in the reservoirs above Glen Canyon is expected to occur concurrently with the filling of Glen Can}Ton, this would have the effect of increasing slightly the deficiency in Hoover firm power generation. Under the proposal we would be committed to make an allowance, and the capturing of the additional water is a part of the computed deficiency. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL Paragraph 1 is a recognition that the Supreme Court in the lawsuit Arizona v. California could well make findings of fact and conclusions of law which could require different principles and criteria from those proposed. In the final analysis, however, the proposed principles have to be based upon reasonable exercise of secretarial discretion. By this process we are not placed in a position of attempting to define the outer limits of either rights or obligations of any of the States or of the United States. Paragraph 2 defines the filling period. It being intended that these principles would apply only during a filling period, it is necessary to define that period. Because of the possibility of an adverse hydrologic sequence occurring during the gaining of initial storage, it is conceivable that the filling period could extend to a point where upper basin developments might be such as to dictate a different method of reservoir operation. Consequently, it is felt that it would be premature to attempt to state here what might be termed "long-range operating criteria." The filling period, in general, is considered to be the time it takes to fill Glen Canyon (elevation 3,700). It is essential, however, that there be also a cutoff date. The date of May 31, 1987. has been selected because that is the date on which the Hoover power contracts expire. Paragraph 3 is the statement of principle that during the filling period uses of water, other than power, below Hoover Dam will be satisfied. This is a broad statement of principle and.one which is essential. These uses below Hoover, measured as a release at Hoover, can be met in one of, or a combination of, three ways: by passing through the inflow, by storage release at Glen Canyon, or b}7 storage release at Hoover. Exactly how they would be met in anj" one year will have to be decided in that year and will depend upon the contents of both reservoirs and the Glen Canyon inflow. Consequent^, the sources from which these uses will actually be met must be left open. The releases at Hoover Dam to meet these uses have varied in the past and can be expected to vary in the future. The trend of release during the filling period will likely be upward-as more land is brought under irrigation or a greater use is made for domestic and industrial purposes. At the same time uses in the upper basin also will be 9596S-63------8 |