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(, n ',! (' 6 UViOU Revised Supplemental Draft Environmental Assessment-Chapter 2-Alternatives CHAPTER 2-ALTERNATIVES This chapter describes the No Action alternative, and alternatives for providing fish passage through or around the existing Price-Stubb Diversion Dam. Four alternatives for fish passage are given detailed consideration: constructing a Conventional Fish Ladder, constructing a Downstream Rock Fish Passage, constructing a Downstream Rock Fish , Passage with Whitewater Recreation Features, and Dam Removal. Preferred Alternative Reclamation has identified the Downstream Rock Fish Passage with Whitewater Recreational Features Alternative as its preferred alternative contingent on Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) approval and available non-Recovery Program funding for the whitewater features. Reclamation and the Recovery Program believe this alternative would best meet project purposes while protecting existing upstream uses and provide desired public safety and recreation. The alternative also minimizes the need for fish passage operation and maintenance. Construction access is limited near the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam and head works. The dam is constricted by the Union Pacific Railroad on river-right and Interstate 70 on river- left. If the Conventional Fish Passage alternative were constructed independently from the Jacobson Hydro No. I Project, access for construction and operations of the Jacobson Hydro No.1 Project would be severely limited. The dam would continue to be a hazard to river recreation and the general public. In addition, having two concurrent concrete fish ladders (Price-Stubb and Grand Valley Project Diversion Dams) within a short reach of the river would likely be less beneficial to endangered fish. Therefore, Reclamation has not identified the Conventional Fish Ladder alternative as its preferred alternative. The Dam Removal alternative would be most beneficial to endangered fish and river recreation, but would adversely affect upstream water rights and hydropower, Ute Water pumping plant, and may affect existing facilities (railroad, Interstate 70 and Colorado River Siphon). Therefore, Reclamation has not identified the Dam Removal alternative as its preferred alternative. The Downstream Rock Fish Passage alternative provides benefit to endangered fish while protecting existing water rights, existing facilities, and hydropower potential. The Downstream Rock Fish Passage alternative would not address public safety issues associated with the dam or improve conditions for river recreation, and the dam would continue to be impassible to watercraft. 7