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000511 Purpose and Need CHAPTER 1 The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation proposes to make up to 10,000 AF (acre-feet) of water available for release from Ruedi Reservoir from August I to October 15,2002, to partially offset a shortage in the HUP (Historic User Pool) of Green Mountain Reservoir. The water would be available for use by beneficiaries of the HOP as needed. Water otherwise available from Green Mountain Reservoir for HUP beneficiaries is unavailable due toJandslide concerns. Reclamation, an agency of the Department of the Interior, was established to protect, develop, and manage water resources in the 17 western states. The agency operates the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, of which Ruedi Reservoir is part, and the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, of which Green Mountain Reservoir is part (see Location Map). This EA (environmental assessment), was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. In the chapters to follow, background on the matter is provided (Chapter 1), alternative plans outlined (Chapter 2), and affected environment discussed and effects of the alternatives analyzed (both in Chapter 3). The EA concludes with consultation and coordination done during the study (Chapter 4). The analysis in the EA presumes that inflow to Ruedi in 2003 will be similar to 2002. PURPOSE To make available, as needed, up to 10,000 AF of water from Ruedi Reservoir to HOP beneficiaries to, partially offset water that is in Green Mountain Reservoir but unavailable for use due to operating limitations on the reservoir. NEED In an average year, water at Green Mountain Reservoir is allocated as follows (in order of priority): 52,000 AF-Replacement for out-of-priority depletions by the Colorado-Big Thompson Project West Slope Collection System 5,000 AF-Augmentation of out-of-priority Silt Project depletions 66,000 AF-Augmentation and direct delivery to HOP beneficiaries 20,000 AF-Delivery to water service contractors The Green Mountain Reservoir watershed is in a continuing drought. In 2002, the volume of water stored for the purposes above was about 124,000 AF. This would have satisfied the first three allocations but resulted in a 100% shortage--or no water-for water service contracts. An operating limitation on draw down of the reservoir was imposed to prevent aggravating a landslide condition along the reservoir that could damage homes and businesses in Heeney, Colorado, on the west shore. This limitation has reduced water available to the 66,000 HOP by about 20,000 AF.