WSPP286 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

0009~8 possible, and Reclamation would work with the Service and water users in the Gunnison Basin to provide flows lower than 300 cfs below Redlands. . During the drought of 2002, R WPC entered into a one-time agreement with the 'Colorado River District to forego power production in lieu of payment for power interference to prevent a Gunnison River call to upstream junior water users. "Shared shortage" provisions of Reclamation's water delivery contract with CWCB were implemented and fish flows below Redlands were reduced below 300 cfs. The combination of the River District's agreement and the implemented "shared shortage' provisions allowed for the continued operation of the fish ladder and sufficient flows downstream of the dam during the drought, while holding off a call to upstream junior' water users. No Action: Under the No Action Alternative, additiOnal flows would not be needed for the Redlands fish screen. Proposed Action: Under the proposed action, 40 cfs of the 300 cfs minimum flow below the Redlands Diversion Dam would be used to operate the fish screen. The 40 cfs would be diverted at the diversion dam into the Redlands Power Canal and returned to the Gunnison River via the fish return pipeline. Water Quality Issue: Fish screen construction could cause temporary water quality changes downstream. This could affect the ability ofthe downstream domestic water providers to meet drinking water standards and protect public safety. Existin2 Conditions: The City of Grand Junction has a domestic water right of 18.6 cf-s upstream ofthe Redlands Diversion Darn. This source is designed to supplemental other sources. There are no downstream domestic water providers in the Gunnison or Colorado River downstream of the Redlands Diversion Dam that would be affected. The closest domestic water supplier downstream ofthe Redlands Diversion Dam on the Colorado River, is located in Moab, Utah. No Action: The No Action Alternative would have no affect on water quality. Proposed Action: The proposed action may have minor impacts to water quality during construction. This could include increased river turbidity during construction and removal of a temporary cofferdam needed to construct the fish return outlet structure. Construction would occur during the winter months when the Gunnison River flows are low and Reclamation would request authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Regional General Permit No. 57, Projects beneficial to the Upper Colorado Endangered Fishes Recovery. The placement of concrete and riprap below the normal high water line would be necessary to protect the fish 13