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<br /> <br /> <br /> Volume III - Comments and Responses <br />- <br />FEIS - Navajo Reservoir Operations D <br /> <br />7 <br /> . <br /> <br />- or future development is not currently used. Reclamation intends to use this flexibility to <br /> minimize negative impacts while complying with the Flow Recommendations. However, <br /> Reclamation would consult with the Service before implementing any modifications to the <br /> Flow Recommendations or before implementing any proposed changes to dam operations <br />- (proposed changes would be discussed at any of the three annual Navajo Reservoir <br />- Operations meetings.) See General Comment No. 11 for additional information. <br /> General Comment 17: The adaptive management process for the SJRBRIP mentioned in <br /> the DEIS needs to be more detailed. The process must make it clear that the States anticipate <br />- full development of their compact entitlement. <br /> Response: As stated in the Flow Recommendations, adaptive management is a process <br /> through which lessons learned are used to adjust and refine an ongoing process. The <br />- SJRBRIP intends to use this process to meet the goals of the program. <br /> Elements of the SJRBRIP adaptive management program include a long-range plan, a <br /> monitoring and research program, and scheduled reviews of the monitoring program. <br /> The FEIS provides more detail on this issues. It also states that the Navajo Reservoir <br /> Operation meetings held three times yearly will also provide a forum for all interested <br />- parties to discuss Navajo Unit operations and recovery program progress and <br />i recommendations. <br /> General Comment 18: Various entities would like the EIS to take positions they <br /> advocate or to include material they would like to see included, as follows: <br /> (a) The San Juan River is over-appropriated, and there are competing claims. The EIS <br /> needs to identify all claims. Current uses based on senior water rights may not be <br />. protected at 250 cfs, and the administration of diversions and shortages has not <br />. been spelled out. <br /> Response: The New Mexico State Engineer is responsible for administering water rights <br />- within the State and has committed to measurement and administration of ditch diversions <br />- within the Basin. The Preferred Alternative minimum release of 250 cfs would meet <br /> downstream water right bypasses between Navajo Dam and the Animas River confluence. <br /> The operation of the Navajo Unit will honor senior water rights; however, the Navajo Unit <br />- is not obligated to provide storage water to supplement the water supply of these senior <br />- rights. <br /> (b) The hydrologic model and environmental baseline are inconsistent and include <br />- incompatible, inequitable uses. The baseline does not include full NUP allocation <br />- or the largest part of the Jicarilla settlement. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />