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related topic, depletions from the Dolores Project average 81,000 af compared to 131,000 <br />projected in the Dolores biological opinion. <br /> <br />EIS should focus on target flows at the Whitewater gage; these flows w ill provide <br />benefits to endangered fish in the Colorado mainstem, but the target should be the lower <br />Gunnison. The Gunnison Basin should not be responsible for meeting Colorado River <br />flow targets. The Recovery Program has agreed that upstream flow recom mendations <br />(15 - mile reach) will be the controlling flow recommendations for the Colorado River and <br />therefore the EIS should concentrate on flows for the lower Gunnison. <br /> <br />The proposed Programmatic Biological Opinion would supercede existing opinions on <br />Dall as and Dolores Projects. <br /> <br />Operational flexibility should be maintained in alternatives to allow for adaptive <br />management. Decommissioning should not be included in alternatives. <br /> <br />Solicitor interpretation of decrees and supporting documents is needed to de termine the <br />Unit ’ s role in protecting water users from administrative calls. <br /> <br />Alternatives should not limit the Unit’s ability to respond quickly to drought periods. <br /> <br />City of Delta: <br />The City is concerned with high flows that damage public and <br />private pro perty. The City begins spending money for flood protection when flows reach <br />10,000 cfs. Alternatives that cause risk and harm to citizens should not be considered <br />reasonable alternatives — mitigation and protection measures should be evaluated. <br /> <br />The City i s also concerned about any alternatives that adversely affect existing or future <br />water supplies/water rights and related socio - economic values for users in the Basin and <br />about any adverse effects on recreation/fishing. <br /> <br /> <br />Better notification of public mee tings is needed. <br /> <br />Delta County Commissioners: <br /> The Commissioners want alternatives that <br />include adequate flows for the trout fishery and river rafting, while allowing adequate <br />water storage to support agriculture and future domestic uses. <br /> <br />Cities of Mont rose, Ouray, Ridgway, and Olathe: <br /> Effects on municipal water <br />supplies and water rights must be addressed in EIS process. Lower flows at certain times <br />of the year may lead to increased “calls” on the river and could affect municipal supplies. <br />Similar effe cts could occur to other water users. Adverse effects should be addressed <br />with appropriate mitigation; one example would be setting aside augmentation water in <br />Reclamation reservoirs. <br /> <br /> Colorado River Water Conservation District: <br />The District stressed th at the <br />primary purpose of the Aspinall Unit is related to regulating the flow of the Colorado <br />River, storing water for beneficial consumptive use, making it possible for the states of <br /> 17 <br />