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<br />"'. .,. , <br /> <br />CHAPTER 4 - CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION <br /> <br />1984 Plan <br /> <br />o <br /> <br />~ The FRIFES summarized public involvement and agency coordination conducted during early <br />CO studies that led to authorization of the Unit. Early concerns centered around the costs of <br />operating improved irrigation systems, the loss of wetland areas, and socio-economic impacts <br />associated with replacing wetland areas. <br /> <br />East Side Laterals - Scooing <br /> <br />Meetings were held with UVWUA, FWS, and CDOW concerning the East Side Lateral <br />Project. An open house/enviromnental scoping session was held in July 1992. Concerns and <br />questions raised at this session are summarized and are followed by a brief response in <br />parentheses: <br /> <br />--Clarify whether or not the terminus of canals would be placed in pipe. (Seven miles will <br />be placed in pipe.) <br /> <br />--If laterals are realigned, will all present water users continue to receive water? (Yes, <br />although marginal lands may be retired if the water users and Reclamation determine this <br />option to be more efficient.) <br /> <br />--Will the amount of water delivered change? (No.) <br /> <br />--How will tailwater from fields be handled, if laterals are placed in pipe? (Designs for each <br />lateral will address tailwater from each farm.) <br /> <br />--If high water tables drop, will some fields require additional irrigation? Will crop quality <br />or quantity improve? (Yes, surface irrigation needs may increase for some fields where <br />groundwater irrigation occurs; crop production per acre may increase due to increases in <br />quality and manageability of source of irrigation water.) <br /> <br />--Will individual farmers have input on the specific location of pipelines, turnouts, and other <br />features on their property? (Yes, landowners will be contacted during the design process.) <br /> <br />--Is it feasible to retire from irrigation small parcels where a lengthy lateral serves small, <br />poor-quality parcels? (Yes, feasibility will be determined during design of individual lateral.) <br /> <br />--Will water rights of UVWUA be affected? (No.) <br /> <br />--There are still socio-economic concerns with developing habitat replacement areas along the <br />Uncompahgre River. (First priority will be along Gunnison River area; acquisition would be <br /> <br />29 <br />