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<br />and/or consumptive water supply needs. The applicants address this point on page 5 of the <br />application: <br /> <br />“We think this proposal is in line with the language in CRS 37 - 75 - 104(2) to “develop a basin - <br />wide consumptive and nonconsumptive water supply ne eds assessment.” Admittedly, this <br />proposal does not directly deal with the quantity of water available. Many other studies are <br />underway to assess the quantity needs of municipal, industrial, agricultural, energy and <br />nonconsumptive uses from flow and volu metric standpoints. However, water quality issues are <br />likely to increase in importance as these uses are further developed. It will be important to have <br />an assessment of currently available data and plans for additional data collection in order to fill <br />i nformation gaps. The Roundtable can play an important role in funding this initial study and <br />also in helping to guide future data collection efforts in the basin. Roundtable members are <br />instrumental in managing the water resources in the basin and should therefore be key <br />individuals in this effort. The project proponents are committed to continuing the data collection <br />needs identified by this initial study.” <br /> <br />The applicant continues with tangible examples: <br /> <br />“ The upper Yampa Basin generally contains exce ptional water quality. However, concern over <br />the temperature and associated dissolved oxygen levels causing closure of the Yampa River <br />through the City of Steamboat Springs by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the City. <br />Similarly, Stagecoach Reservoi r experiences low dissolved oxygen levels at depth in the summer <br />months and this has led to its placement on the “Monitoring and Evaluation” list by the Colorado <br />Department of Health. Although these occurrences are not directly related, they show potentia l <br />linkages between water quality and quantity. For example, in the first instance additional storage <br />and summer releases might help with fisheries issues through Steamboat. In the second the <br />storage of water may simply create a situation where stratifica tion occurs, as in many natural <br />lakes, but may create issues for some entities that supply water and treat wastewater above <br />Stagecoach Reservoir. Obviously water quantity and quality issues are related and even though <br />the regulatory processes are separate d, project proponents must deal with these issues to permit <br />and construct projects. The data assembled as part of this project and collected by subsequent <br />County/City efforts will form a basis for conversations within the basin seeking appropriate <br />solutio ns to future water challenges.” <br /> <br />And on page 13 of the application it is stated that : <br /> <br />“The Yampa - White Roundtable in accepting this proposal has shown that in its judgment this <br />project will be helpful in moving consumptive and nonconsumptive projects forw ard within the <br />roundtable and the basin. Using basin monies for this project is an appropriate use of these funds <br />in addressing needs identified in the 179 regulations.” <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> - 3 - <br />