WSP12116 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I '. I I . I I . I . . . . I I . <t- ,...., t" ""'f J,/C..:;.i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The major objective of this study is to investigate the timing and volume of required releases for replacement water from Ruedi Reservoir. This replace- ment water would be required when Colony Shale Oil Project is diverting out of priority from the Colorado River. Major conclusions are: (1) Existing releases from Ruedi for flood control and recreation and to maintain minimum fish flows would meet the replacement requirements of Colony Shale Oil Project virtually all the time. (2) If future demand for Ruedi Reservoir water increases, additional re- leases would be necessary to supply replacement water for the Colony Project. These additional releases would increase downstream flows during low flow periods thereby improving conditions for fish life. (3) The potential drawdown of Ruedi Reservoir by sale of replacement water to the Colony Shale Oil Project is small and could be minimized by prudent operation. (4) Water released from Ruedi Reservoir has lower total dissolved solids levels than the Colorado River below Glenwood Springs during low flow periods. Therefore, additional releases of Ruedi water during low flow periods will result in a lower level of total dissolved solids in the Colorado River between Glenwood Springs and Parachute than now exists. Because there will be no return flows from Colony Shale Oil Project, total dissolved solids levels in the Colorado River during low flow periods will be reduced. These conclusions were reached by analyzing present and long-term operation of Ruedi Reservoir as the operation is changed from providing flood control storage to providing water supply storage. The basis for this analysis was the dry years of 1976 to 1978. (i)