SJD_BRT_Mtg_3_Summary_Final_7-9-04

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San Juan/Dolores/San Miguel Basin Roundtable Technical Meeting #3 Meeting Summary Alternatives Development . The Pagosa Area Water & Sanitation District's conservation program has brought M&I demand down approximately 20% - some may be due to changes in water use that have persisted after the 2002 drought. . Consider implications of possible future removal of 35-acre exemption. . If Lake Powell continues to lose water, it could affect water management on Colorado's west slope. . Transbasin transfers could have an effect on the San Juan/Dolores Basin, too, not just the basin of direct origin. Preparation for Basin Roundtable Meeting #4 . BRT members were reminded of the following: - Send comments on approach and packaging of alternatives. - Alternatives will be sent out for comment during June (comments due 2 weeks after). . Next BRT meeting will be held Monday, August 16 at a location to be announced at a later date. . Rick Brown reminded BRT members that they are invited and encouraged to attend other basins' BRTs as they may be of interest where there are inter-basin issues. Public Comments All public attendees at the BRT meeting were offered an opportunity to comment. A general summary of the public comment portion of the meeting is summarized below. . Public notification of meetings should be improved. Also, consider splitting the public comment period - some at beginning, some at end. There is an interest in understanding how public comments will be incorporated into SWSI, and in having copies of all BRT materials. . There are some "rumors" that SWSI is not truly interested in public comment. SWSI needs to let the public know how their input is valued. . Oil & gas issues, including coal bed methane discharges: - Water mitigation plans are in place or being considered - Reinjection impacts are unknown - Oil and gas industry has water needs that should be considered - Salt cedar and Russian olive can consume 200 gal./tree/ day; SWSI should consider the impacts and options for dealing with this - Some oil and gas practices can reduce groundwater use; there are also some industrial reuse options. - Reverse osmosis can produce high-quality water, but operators don't like cost. . Growth is a reflection of this area's lifestyle and quality of life, which is impacted by moving water. We should protect recreational industries and downstream wildlife habitat, and prioritize conservation and efficiency. Non-consumptive recreational uses are important. There is concern that there is not a whitewater industry representative on the BRT, and that recreational interests are "outnumbered." CDIVI 8 SJD BRT Mtg #3 Summary_Final 7-9-04.doc 7/9/2004