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<br />Minimum release flow values for Alternative B were calculated using legally available flows <br />captured by the reservoir. Model simulations show that, for the environmental Alternative B, <br />significantly larger reservoirs are needed to provide the same firm yield when compared to the <br />alternative without environmental considerations (A). For example, to provide 2,000 AF per <br />year of firm yield, Alternative A requires approximately 2,000 AF of storage, while <br />Alternative B requires approximately 17,000 to 18,000 AF of storage. It is possible for releases <br />from the reservoir for downstream uses can serve a dual purpose and provide for the target <br />environmental flows. This is a site specific issue and is determined by the location of the <br />diversion from the reservoir for the water use. This analysis assumes that reservoir releases for <br />firm yield are taken out of the river at the reservoir and not released from the reservoir and <br />carried downstream where the releases could help meet instream flow targets. <br /> <br />Both sets of simulations show that these types of environmental and recreational alternatives <br />are technically feasible with the proper planning. The simulations also show that the potential <br />costs associated with environmental and recreational options may be significant. These costs <br />might be monetary, such as those associated with larger storage requirements, or they might be <br />in the form of yield reductions. While the benefits realized from environmental and recreational <br />options are clear, to date, there is no clearly-accepted or widely implemented mechanism for <br />investing in these types of flow enhancement projects. <br /> <br />Table 8 summarizes approaches to maintaining environmental integrity put forth by agencies. <br />The objectives of the approach, key technical elements, and the potential applications are <br />presented. <br /> <br />~5\^ISI <br /> <br />S.lal~.....ide WeIer Supply Initiclive <br /> <br />DRAFT <br /> <br />CDIVI <br /> <br />C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ROWANNC\DESKTOP\SWSI\RICKREDREC_ENV WHITE PAPER_1 Q-4-QS.DOC <br /> <br />18 <br />