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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The Animas-La Plata project was originally authorized to include a 270,000 acre- foot reservoir that would be used for irrigation purposes. Due to environmental concerns, the reservoir size was reduced to 120,000 acre-feet and depletions from the project were limited to 57,100 acre-feet per year, as more specifically described in the Colorado Ute Settlement Act Amendments of 2000 (Settlement Act). The Settlement Act requires the Bureau to comply with the environmental commitments contained in the July 2000 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) and corresponding Record of Decision. Animas River diversions at the Durango Pumping Plant will be subject to the environmental commitments made in the Final EIS. At a minimum, the following seasonal bypass flows listed below will be required. These flows are intended to mitigate imRacts to Animas River fish and cottonwood tree habitat. Animas-La Plata Project Seasonal Bypass Flows Bypass Flow (cfs) 225 160 125 Time Period Apr - Sep Oct - Nov Dee - Mar Pumping would cease when the Animas River streamflow (at a new gage below the pumping plant) drops below the bypass flow amounts. These flows represent the minimum amounts left in the Animas River, as Animas-La Plata Project diversions will be further constrained by the other environmental commitments listed below. 1. To address endangered species requirements, maximum pumping in June will be limited to 240 cfs, and the Durango Pumping Plant will be operated to mimic the natural hydrograph of the San Juan River. 2. The Durango Pumping Plant operations may be further modified to address impacts to native fish on the Animas River. 3. An operations plan for the Durango Pumping Plant will be developed to limit impacts to non-Colorado Ute Tribal users on the San Juan River. Pumping will be limited during dry years to make additional water available in Navajo Reservoir. 9