Multicriteria Decision Analysis Applied to Glen Canyon Dam
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 126, Issue 5
Abstract
Conflicts in water resources exist because river-reservoir systems are managed to optimize traditional benefits (e.g., hydropower and flood control), which are historically quantified in economic terms, whereas natural and environmental resources, including in-stream and riparian resources, are more difficult or impossible to quantify in economic terms. Multicriteria decision analysis provides a quantitative approach to evaluate resources subject to river basin management alternatives. This objective quantification method includes inputs from special interest groups, the general public, and concerned individuals, as well as professionals for each resource considered in a trade-off analysis. Multicriteria decision analysis is applied to resources and flow alternatives presented in the environmental impact statement for Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. A numeric rating and priority-weighting scheme is used to evaluate 29 specific natural resource attributes, grouped into seven main resource objectives, for nine flow alternatives enumerated in the environmental impact statement.
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References
1.
Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). ( 1995). Operation of Glen Canyon Dam: Final environmental impact statement, Summary Volume, Department of Interior (DOI), U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
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General Accounting Office (GAO). (1996). “An assessment of the environmental impact statement on the operations of the Glen Canyon Dam.” GAO/RCED-97-12, Washington, D.C.
5.
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Received: Oct 8, 1997
Published online: Sep 1, 2000
Published in print: Sep 2000
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