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001555 Water Resources ability to meet their existing and future needs. The option of constructing and operating the Jacobson Hydro No.1 Project would also be precluded by dam removal. Mr. Jacobson and PID have both suggested using their decreed rights and facilities as a point of delivery for surplus water from the Green Mountain Reservoir Historic Users Pool (HUP). This water is available in some years and under certain hydrologic conditions as part of the Orchard Mesa Check Settlement, with the objective of indirectly benefitting endangered fish species habitat. Although these power generation rights could provide the ability to deliver surplus HUP water, Reclamation is currently discussing options with the Cities of Grand Junction and Fruita and the Town of Palisade to deliver this water for municipal recreation uses that would accomplish the same objectives for the endangered fish. Clifton Water District - Downstream Water Quality Issue: Fish passage construction or dam removal could cause temporary water quality changes downstream, This could affect the ability of the Clifton Water District to meet drinking water standards and protect public health. Existing Conditions: The Clifton Water District provides domestic water to about 30,000 residents of the Grand Valley. Using the Colorado River as their source of water, Clifton Water District produces potable water that exceeds drinking water standards (Clifton Water District, 1997). Their diversion is approximately 6 miles downstream from the Price-Stubb Dam. Impacts No Action: No changes in water quality would occur if no fish passage is constructed. However, construction of the Jacobson power plant, tailrace, canal, and access road would cause localized erosion and sedimentation. The 1990 FERC license stipulates that "measures are needed to divert and filter runoff from disturbed land surfaces and to filter water to be pumped from the powerhouse excavations, before it enters the river." Fluctuations from powerhouse discharges during project operation could erode the stream bank next to the tailrace, but preventive measures are also included in the FERC license. Fish Ladder (with or without Hydropower Plant): Fish ladder construction activities would cause an increase in erosion and sediment, but impacts are expected to be minor. If a hydropower plant is also constructed, it could possibly be coordinated with fish ladder construction to reduce impacts. Erosion and sedimentation from construction of the amended Jacobson Hydro No.1 Project would be less than the project as licensed in 1990, mostly due to elimination of the power canal. Dam Removal: Removing the dam would result in sediment deposits being washed downstream by the river. Sediments are deposited in the riverbed as the velocity of the water slows. The geometry of the river near the dam, the steepness of the river bottom, and the 23