Aspinall EIS - Scoping Report May 2007

• Basin Roundtable: Gunnison
• Title: Scoping Report - Scoping Report
• Date: 5/1/2007
• Author: Bureau of Reclamation
• Basin Roundtables - Doc Type: General Resources

Fish and wildlife:
?

Impacts of alternatives on the tailwater trout fishery need to be addressed.
?

A flow matrix has been developed previously that includes ramping rates for flow
changes downstream from Crystal Dam.
?

Ramping rates for release changes from Crystal should be used that protect public
safety, aquatic insects, and the trout fishery.
?

Will alternatives affect the whirling disease problem in the Gunnison River?
?

Effect on Blue Mesa kokanee and other fish eries — food web, interaction of fish
species, water temperature, spawning in tributaries, kokanee migration, and other
factors should be addressed .
?

Any plans for temperature modification of releases would adversely affect
reservoir and tailwater fisheries.
?

Effect of any water quality changes on fish and wildlife resources should be
included.
?

Fishery benefits related to the Taylor Park - Blue Mesa 1975 Exchange Agreement
should be protected.

Endangered species:
?

Several commentors stated that recovery of the endangered fish is a priority over
other Unit purposes. Others believe Aspinall Unit purposes must be protected in
developing alternatives for helping to meet the flow recommendations.
?

Several commentors pointed out that flow recommendations are just one way of
meeting the biological n eeds of endangered fish and other methods should be
considered in the EIS.
?

Are flows targeted at Whitewater or the State Line ? - needs to be clarified early in
process.
?

Selected alternative should satisfy the Dallas Cre ek and Dolores Projects ’
biological opinions that call for upstream storage to offset depletion impacts.
?

Early agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the scope and rules of the
ESA consultation is needed to avoid last minute misunderstandings.
?

In creasing water temperatures in the Gunnison River to benefit endangered fish
should be investigated.
?

Escapement of nonnative fish from the Aspinall Unit should be determined and
effects of these nonnative fish on endangered fish determined.
?

Depletions (131 ,000 af) cited in the Dolores biological opinion are not correct;
81,000 af is the correct number.

Vegetation and wetlands:
?

Restoration of a natural hydrograph would help maintain the riparian corridor
along the river.
?

Need to address effects on near - shore vegetation and habitat along reservoirs.
?

What is e ffect on Black Canyon riparian vegetation ?

10