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resulted in some level of improvement, but the Bureau expects that bio-fouling to be a long-term <br />maintenance issue. It is expected that with a regular well cleaning program, aProject-wide yield <br />of up to 60,000 acre-feet per year can be achieved and maintained. <br />Interaction with RGWCD <br />The Rio Grande Water Conservation District was the original political sponsor of the Closed <br />Basin Division and owns the Project water rights and well permits. The District was formed in <br />1967, and includes all counties in the San Luis Valley except for Costilla County. The District <br />has no water users itself per se, but is a unifying entity which serves as a focal point for water <br />users and interests in the Valley. Because the Project was authorized as non-reimbursable, there <br />is no repayment obligation by the District. <br />As noted previously, the District currently provides civil maintenance on Project facilities, and is <br />represented on the Projects operating committee. At some future point in time, the District may <br />assume additional responsibilities for Project operations. <br />Interaction with Water Division 3 <br />The Division 3 Engineer (Steve Vandiver) works closely with the Bureau and the Project <br />operating committee to consider annual well production needs for Compact purposes. Division 3 <br />primarily provides input regarding basin forecasts and Compact status, and provides <br />recommendations for Project water production. Although production levels are ultimately <br />determined internally by the Bureau, the collaborative efforts with the State and Division 3 have <br />proven valuable to the success of the Project. <br />On-Going Studies <br />Over the past several years, the Bureau has contracted for studies to examine pumping impacts on <br />native vegetation within and surrounding the Project. Included in these studies is examination of <br />evapotranspiration (ET) data and demands, satellite imagery, and vegetation monitoring. These <br />studies are aimed at examining the correlation between vegetative changes and Project operations <br />to better understand Project related impacts. The studies have for the most part demonstrated the <br />complexities of the hydrologic system and water use by vegetation and have not been conclusive <br />with respect to impacts from the Project. <br />Comments and Concerns <br />None <br />Attachments <br />1. Project Location Map <br />2. Public Law 92-514 <br />C:Acdss\CBP.doc Closed Basin Division Interview June 23, 1999 -Page 5 of 5 <br />