214 



Real time decisions are always made within a framework such as an annual operating 

 plan. This operating plan takes into account the overall strategy, existing agreements, 

 and the legal rights of the various parties. 



Typically an operating change would be requested by one of the stakeholder groups. 

 The operators of the dams — the Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers - 

 would analyze the request to determine: (1) Is the request technically feasible, and (2) Is 

 the request consistent v«th the System Operating Strategy? If the answer to both these 

 questions is "YES," the operators would then analyze how best to satisfy the request, 

 and also begin discussions with other stakeholder groups that might potentially be 

 affected. In some cases a change in operations might be feasible and consistent with the 

 SOS, but still require consultation between parties because there are tradeoffs between 

 uses even within the relatively narrow band of operations specified in the System 

 Operating Sttategy. Because of the short time frame, the technical analysis and 

 consultation take place during the same time period, and are limited to the parties the 

 operators believe are directly impacted. 



For example, the operators might consult with other PNCA signatories or the Fish 

 Passage Center, and possibly Federal or state fisheries agencies. If a Regional Forum 

 existed that had technical staff, consultations could also be made with Forvun staff. 



On those occasions where the operators determine that a request is technically feasible, 

 but inconsistent with the System Operating Strategy, there is the potential for 

 controversy over their interpretation of the Strategy. In the event of a dispute over 

 whether a request is consistent with the Strategy, the party requesting the operating 



Final Draft - September 15, 1993 45 



