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<br />questionable usefulness and complete loss of current recreational opportunities associated with the <br />reservoir and its storage releases. <br /> <br />5. Environmental enhancements will result from this project in relation to the potential <br />destructive consequences that will otherwise occur as a result of continued, unrestrained <br />sedimentation. Continued sedimentation will result in a completely sediment filled reservoir basin <br />and may involve replacement of the storage capacity at one or more other sites with the attendant <br />environmental repercussions. Additionally, if no action is taken, the sedimentation delta will <br />eventually surround the intake structure, and the ability to control the rate for release of sediment <br />from the reservoir will be decreased. Sediment releases may occur episodically, in slugs and with <br />unavoidable negative environmental impacts. <br /> <br />6. Instituting a sustainability plan for Paonia Reservoir will avoid the costs, disruption and <br />environmental impacts of developing one or more alternative storage sites. Also, reduction of <br />sediment loads against the dam will avoid costly dam modifications which may be necessary to <br />buttress the embankment against potential failure <br /> <br />7. If the sedimentation continues at current rates, the impact on the dam’s outlet works may start <br />to restrict the range of allowable operational flexibility due to downstream environmental and other <br />considerations. Therefore, one of the benefits of developing a plan to control sedimentation impacts <br />will be to maintain current operational versatility. <br /> <br />Discussion: <br />The Applicant was exceptionally thorough in describing how they meet the WSRA Threshold <br />Criteria and the Statewide Evaluation Criteria (please refer to the application to review their response <br />in entirety). In summary, the Applicant stresses the importance of Paonia Reservoir to the basin, in <br />particular to the agricultural community. There are approximately 15,000 acres and 500 water users <br />relying on water stored in Paonia Reservoir. It is estimated that, if lost to sedimentation, the cost to <br />replace each acre-foot would be between $3,000 and $10,000—a cost that many in the North Fork <br />Gunnison basin would find difficult to pay. <br /> <br />Most important, it is critical that the State invest in maintaining its existing infrastructure to the best <br />of its ability. Every year, sediment continues to fill the reservoir which will eventually interfere with <br />the outlet works and reduces capacity. Several SWSI water management objectives can be addressed <br />by the project: <br /> <br />Sustainably meet agricultural demands <br />? <br /> <br />Optimizing existing and future water supplies <br />? <br /> <br />Promoting cost-effectiveness <br />? <br /> <br /> <br />This project could be seen a “smart” project in that it ensures the utility of an existing facility and <br />invests in the most cost-effective and least environmentally damaging water supply option. The <br />improvement/rehabilitation of existing infrastructure avoids unnecessary new storage and/or <br />diversion structures which could contribute to environmental damage as well as high costs. This <br />study is an important first step the actual removal of sediment from Paonia Reservoir. <br /> <br /> <br /> - 3 - <br /> <br />