Gunnison - Paonia Reservoir Sedimentation Study Application

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. . . n. The project includes evaluation of operational practices. Alleviation of existing sedimentation impacts is considered a rehabilitative effort. In the event that the sedimentation process cannot feasibly be fully offset using the measures investigated in the proposed study, replacement of lost storage will need to be considered, either by enlargement of the existing reservoir or by providing substitute storage at other sites. The Water Activity Addresses Tsslles ofStMewide Vallie o. Sustaining Existing Benefits - The primary goal of the project is to sustain existing water supplies and the benefits that are produced by those supplies. These benefits accrue directly to the individuals and families who use the water from the reservoirs for domestic and agricultural supplies and less directly to those who use the reservoirs for recreation; fish, vegetation and wildlife that depend on the reservoirs and the steady stream flow that results from summer releases; other businesses in the community which rely on a stable local agricultural economy. p. Water Compact Considerations - The project promotes maximum utilization of state waters by increasing the long term viability of facilities necessary for continuation of historic use. q. Threatened and Endangered Species - Operation of the existing water system includes release of water during low-flow periods and, therefore, enhances fish habitat during those times. The project will improve the security of those flows. r. Cost-Benefit Relation - Since the primary purpose of this project is loss avoidance, it is impossible to provide an estimate for the dollar value of benefits. However, the dollar value of benefits that may result from implementation of the measures evaluated by this study can be estimated based on one of the two following considerations: 1. A voidance of lost direct local economic benefits resulting from removal of agricultural land from production and/or substantially reduced agricultural productivity. Stored water is an essential component for overall agricultural production because it provides a source of irrigation water during the critical mid to late summer period. Without this water, some lands would have to be removed from production, and the revenue from remaining irrigated lands would be reduced in an amount greater than the proportion of stored water to total irrigation water. This benefit is estimated at $500 to $1,000 per acre annually or a minimum of $200 to $400 per acre foot annually. 2. Replacement costs for the storage lost, estimated at $3,000 to $10,000 per acre foot. The non-quantifiable potential losses are substantial and can have wide-reaching impacts. These losses include property damage resulting from lost flood control, damage to infrastructure, lost water, reduced agricultural production, lost recreational opportunities, environmental damage, repair costs, costs associated with capital modifications, dam stabilization costs, storage replacement costs, legal costs and costs incurred by regulatory agencies. Effective reduction or elimination of sedimentation impacts can avoid those losses.