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f"\"oC 1'') -~. SOME PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES Many commented on how difficult it will be to articulate alternatives for the proposal. Some suggested factors to consider when developing the contract. They stressed that the contract must be compatible with the "Law of the River" and Colorado State water law. It should also provide flex:ibility for Colorado to use its Aspinall Unit water. The contract should account for releases and provide balance between competing goals. Priorities, quantities, timing, and ramping rates (flow changes) need to be defined in the contract. Suggestions for alternatives concerned different ways to defme "no-action;" developing alternative contract pruvisions to evaluate which emphasize meeting competitive needs in varying degrees (contract alternatives); and different actions. other than development of a contract, to resolve the issues (non-contract alternatives). Some proposed alternatives: . do nothing (rely solely on NPS quantification of the Black Canyon's Federal reserved water right and lor results of Endangered Sp<<:ies Act consultation to determine future Aspinall operations) . use Crystal Reservoir as are-regulating reservoir to meet downstream flows while accommodating power production and supplying a minimum 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) instrtam flow through the Blad.: Canyon BI.d C.lI.YOD of lb~ GUDlI;SOlI N.lion.' MOllllm~Dr B/u~ M~u R~srr"oIr. Cur~~anlj NariOll.I R~('rcafion Area . provide seasonally fluctuating flows which exceed the 300 cfs instream water right . restrict the quantity of water released under the contract to an amount which would leave sufficient supplies for development of the AB Lateral Project . leave as much water in the river as possible . provide for more stability and less fluctuation at Blue Mesa Reservoir, including higher target level in winter . meet Black Canyon needs by developing the Union Park Project and passing required flows from its decree (200 cfs May I-Sept. 30; 50 cfs Oct. I-April ,\0) . meet Black Canyon needs by using habitat improvements (such as channel improvements, habitat modifications. and fish stocking) . protect endangered fish through Federal purchase or condemnation of water rights . pump groundwater into the Gunnison River Basin . construct the Colorado Aqueduct Return Project (CARP) to develop and u~e Colorado's compact entitlement & provide water for endangered fish Gunnison River Contract