189 



cxjordination planning and operation is done through the PNCA, and anadramous fish 

 operations are planned through a Coordinated Plan of Operation (CPO). 



Figure 2 describes the way decisions are currently n\ade to reach an annual of>erating 

 plan. In the present decisionmaking process, the SOR lead agencies act as the decision 

 maker. As discussed earlier, each of the Federal facilities was authorized by Congress, 

 and that authorizing legislation established some broad, general gviidelines. The 

 legislative mandates of the SOR lead agencies also established some requirements for 

 flows and elevations necessary to meet needs and authorized purposes. Decisions also 

 occur in response to advice provided by the Northwest Power Planning Council 

 (Council), and discussions and consultations wUh the National Marine Fisheries Service 

 (NMFS) and the various river users, as discussed below. 



The Council consists of eight members, two from each Northwest state, appointed by 

 the Governors of the states. One of the primary responsibilities of the Covmdl is to 

 develop a regional fish and wildlife program. The Council goes through an extensive 

 public process as part of developing the plan. This plan is advisory to the SOR lead 

 agencies. 



Because some of the salmon spedes on the Columbia River are threatened or 

 endangered, the SOR lead agencies must submit a plan to the National Marine Fisheries 

 Service describing how these fish stocks will be protected and recover. This plan may 

 require timing and size of flows for fisheries, and establishes major requirements for 

 how the system will be operated. 



Final Draft - September 15, 1993 20 



75-542 - 94 - 7 



