Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Aquatic Life <br /> <br />'The biological data p~eviously presented indicate that the <br />Uncompahgre River above Ridgway is not suitable for the growth <br />and propagation of fish life. Toxic constituents which are <br />relatively high in concentration during low flow periods, along <br />with the blanket of metal precipitates on the bottom of the stream, <br />undoubtedly causes the problem. Aquatic organisms are more sensi- <br />tive than human beings to many toxic materials. Unless corrective <br />measures are taken, Ridgway Reservoir will be marginal in its ability <br />to support aquatic life. <br /> <br />From Ridgway Reservoir to Montrose the water quality in the <br />Uncompahgre River is expected to be satisfactory for aquatic life. <br />The return flow from irrigation on Log Hill Mesa will tend to <br />increase the suspended solids in the Uncompahgre River, however, <br />proposed Bureau of Reclamation releases from Ridgway Reservoir are <br />expected to be sufficient to maintain a fishery in the Uncompahgre <br />River downstream to Montrose. <br /> <br />Below Montrose the water quality in the Uncompahtr~ River will <br />support fish life, but prevents propagation of fish. (2) Excessive <br />sediment and high temperature of the irrigation return flows in this <br />reach cause this condition; The Dallas Creek Project will not improve <br />the situation. <br /> <br />Recreation <br /> <br />Fishing, boating, and other forms of recreational use will be <br />made of project reservoirs. The City of Ouray, Colorado, at present <br />discharges its raw sewage into the Uncompahgre River. Before any <br />recreational use is permitted of Ridgway Reservoir, Ouray must provide <br />secondary treatment of its sewage so as not to endanger the health of <br />persons using the reservoir facilities. <br /> <br />ChanRes in Project <br /> <br />The Bureau of Reclamation has made a preliminary study of a <br />proposed dam located at Ironton Park on Red Mountain Creek above <br />Ouray, Colorado. Based on power benefits alone, the construction <br />of Ironton ,Park Dam would be a marginal proposition.' However, the <br />water quality benefits that would accrue with Ironton Park Reservoir <br />may warrant inclusion of this reservoir in the project. <br /> <br />The Bureau of Reclamation proposal would divert good quality <br />water from the Uncompahgre River above its confluence with Red <br />Mountain Creek to Ironton Park Reservoir to obtain power benefits <br /> <br />26 <br />