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<br />001076 <br /> <br />Final Environmental Assessment-Chapter 2-Altematives <br /> <br />Construction access is limited near the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam and head works. The <br />dam is constricted by the Union Pacific Railroad on river-rightS and Interstate 70 on <br />river-left. The Conventional Fish Passage alternative is compatible with the Jacobson <br />Hydro No.1 Project. However, if constructed independently, access for construction of <br />the Jacobson Hydro No. 1 Project would be severely limited. The dam would continue to <br />be a hazard to river recreation and the general public. In addition, having two concurrent <br />concrete fish ladders (Price-Stubb and Grand Valley Project Diversion Dams) within a <br />short reach of the river would likely be less beneficial to endangered fish. Therefore, <br />Reclamation has not selected the Conventional Fish Ladder alternative as its preferred <br />alternative. <br /> <br />The Dam Removal alternative would be most beneficial to endangered fish and river <br />recreation, but would adversely affect upstream water rights and hydropower, and may <br />affect existing facilities (Ute Water Pumping Plant, railroad, Interstate 70 and Colorado <br />River Siphon). Therefore, Reclamation has not selected the Dam Removal alternative as <br />its preferred alternative. <br /> <br />The Downstream Rock Fish Passage alternative provides benefit to endangered fish while <br />protecting existing water rights, existing facilities, and hydropower potential. The <br />Downstream Rock Fish Passage alternative addresses public safety issues associated with <br />the dam and improves conditions for river recreation, but the dam would continue to be <br />impassible to watercraft. A portage around the dam and 2.5 rock ramp would help reduce <br />the dangers associated with the dam. <br /> <br />Environmental Commitments <br /> <br />The fish passage alternatives include measures as needed to: <br /> <br />· protect the ability of Ute Water to pump from the Colorado River, <br /> <br />· protect Interstate 70 and the railroad bed from erosion, <br /> <br />· ensure ease of fish movement, <br /> <br />· mitigate impacts to the historic qualities of the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam, <br /> <br />· address public safety issues associated with the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam, <br />Interstate 70 and the Union Pacific Railroad, <br /> <br />· accommodate future hydropower development at the Price-Stubb Diversion <br />Dam, and <br /> <br />· accommodate development of whitewater recreation features. <br /> <br />5 River-right refers to the right bank of the river as viewed when looking downstream. <br /> <br />23 <br />