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Sill~I1IRY SHEET !J..eP.cr Colorado J{($()Urce _.:?~~I;.I'y' Norch 1980 LOCATION . The area of investigations for the Upper Colorado Resource Study 1s locateu in eastern Utah and west- ern Colorado. In Utah, it includes the eastern portion of Uintah County, generally between the Green River and the Utah-Colorado State line. In Colorado, it includes portions of Rio Blanco, Garfield, Hofiat, and Routt Counties in the north- west part of the State. The area includes all of the White River Basin from its headwaters to its confluence with the Green River. It also includes the Yampa River Bbs!n except for the Little Snake River and Vermillion Creek Sub-basins. Consider- ation is being given to the Green and Colorado Rivers as alternate supply sources. PURPOSE The Upper Colorado Resource Study is a comprehen- sive investigation of problems and needs asso- ciated with water resources in the White and Yampa River Basins. The study will identify reasonable alternatives to meet the following principal objec- tives: (1) provide the water requirements for the most likely and projected levels of production of the oil shale tracts C-a and C-b in Colorado and U-a and U-b in Utah; (2) provide the water require- ments necessary for proposed coal-mining activities and the related needs of coal-conversion plants fot electricity or gas production; (3) proviae municipal water needs of support populations in study areas in both states; (4) provide water for Group 6 and 7 Indian lands of the Ute Tribe east of Ouray, Utah; (5) develop water for other irrigable lands in both states; (6) enhance stream fisheries and recreational values; (7) service other municipal and industrial users as can be accommodated. . STATUS The Upper Colorado Resource Study was authorized 8S an investigation for the Colorado River Storage In"" . ~ . : . . . . . . . ;; ~ . . . . . . . . ;; Project Act of April II, 1956 (Public Law 84-485), the CRSP l'<n"..r pcnking Studies of September 7. 1966 (Public Law 89-561), and the Colorado River Basin Act of September 30, 1968 (Public Law 90-537). Feasibility ::lnvestigations on the Upper Colorado Resource Study were officially initiated in January 1976. However, investigations of the Yellow Jacket Project, which is now a unit of the overall study, hnve been unden"ay since January 1975, and data obtained by feasibility investiga- tions for the Lower Yampa Project since 1969 are continuing to be developed and expanded under the study. The lack of interest or firm commitments for industrial water at this time has made con- tinuation of the studies questionable. The present available data are being summarized and consolidated in a concluding report to preserve the data and provide an advanced starting point for any future studies. The concluding report is scheduled for completion in mid-calendar year 1980. ~~en the demand for water in the area becomes firm, the study could be refunded and the planning continued. The study mayor may not find cause for recommend- ing further Federal action. If it is determined that Federal involvement is necessary, specific units must be outlined, based on the alternatives developed during the course of the investigations. These units will then be studied in more detail, and separate reports, including environmental impact statements, will be prepared for each. Additionally, a report which presents the findings of the comprehensive study will be prepared at Level C or Feasibility levels. Prior to any recommendations, public input will be sought through public meetings and other involvement pro- grams. The FY80 appropriations include $16,000 to com- plete the concluding report. No .J , OI,.(OlWOOO ''''1'' EAGLE EXPLANATION __ Stud, artO bllunda" u_.tJ '.duol 011 .J\ol. lun hoc'_ 44