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, . . 111/ )7't/ , ~ DRAFf \\ti-' ,) 1/'" Preferred Protection Alternative :i^,,/I, (/,If- The reallocation of GMR storage and release"to the Grand Valley Power Plant is the preferred alternative, Under this proposed administrative method, any water determined to be in excess of HUP beneficiaries n~could be delivered to the GV Power Plant and indirectly (0 the 11 Mile Reach. Conservation within the GVP would create a sUIplus storage condition on a more frequent basis and in a greater volume than has hisl?rically occurred, To a limited extent it would also provide the ability to time releases of\ltorage when it would be most beneficial to fish habitat rather than only providing water at times when it can be conserved in the GVWUA system. This conservation would be the result of canal modifications and modified Jferational strategies which would permit the canal to operate at lower flow rate while permitting full supply to water users. (See page 22 for ~ discussion on potential conservation timing and quantification.) This is contingent on the ability to declare a surplus and to deliver the surplus GMR HUP water to the Grand Valley Power Plant. The following conditions must be met before the method could be implemented: . GVWM Flow Protection Plan December 19, 1994 4:02pm 1. GMR storage must have been declared surplus under Paragraph 8 of the GMR Operating Policy, and releases of such surplus must be deliverable to the Grand Valley Power Plant. ~//bc. ~ d~ tp,"'-"" 0-- c~ ~ 2. The first 90 cfs of conservation can be accommodated by increasing the flow to the GV Power Plant from 310 cfs to 400 cfs. For conservation above 90 cfs, it would be possible to reduce the amount "checked" by the amount of conservation greater than 90 cfs. For example: If 150 cfs is conserved then the amount checked can be reduced.by 60 cfs (150-90). /J?--jJ., 3. Canal improvements ~"A '---n constructed in the Government Highline Canal system which would allow continued use of the system at lower diversion rates. 4. There is a seasonal reduction in water demand in the GVWUA system. Declaration of GMR surplus appears to be possible with the implementation of targets on the storage volume in GMR. The target could be associated with the entire reservoir, the 100,000 afpowerpool or the 66,000 afHUP. Since the specifttpurpose of the HUP is for west slope irrigation and domestic purposes, the preferred pool under consideration is the 66,000 af HUP. The target could be one target at the end of the irrigation season, monthly targets throughout the irrigation season or some other variation. Again, current proposals are for a November 1 target and having enough water in the HUP to meet winter water deliveries. The ability to set targets, declare excess, and then make industrial releases has not been tested. Litigation could delay the implementation of this concept. However, the success of the Recovery Program to provide the reasonable to prudent alternative for future Endangered Species Act section 7 consultations, is crucial to all Colorado River water users. 19