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Concerning the need to use the same water to meet several uses, it is the intent of Reclamation <br />that provisions and water under the interim agreement and under future long-term agreements <br />meet as many needs, for example endangered fish and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National <br />Monument needs, as possible without "stacking" the water for these needs. <br />It is recognized that increased releases from Blue Mesa Reservoir will improve water quality <br />during low flow periods. This is because salinity and other concentrations increase during low <br />water periods and the high quality of water in Blue Mesa Reservoir serves to dilute these <br />concentrations. <br />Endangered Species <br />Several groups and individuals expressed support for the efforts to recover the endangered fish <br />and the associated Colorado River ecosystem. It was stated that it was important that the final <br />EA include language that the city of Grand Junction and the Redlands Diversion Dam facilities <br />would not be placed in a position of "takings" (harming in some manner) of the endangered fish <br />that would become more common in the vicinity of their facilities. <br />Clarification on the present status of endangered fish species in the Gunnison River is needed <br />in the final EA based on several comments received. Also, questions were asked on the type <br />of non-native fish present and why is it important to keep non-native fish from moving upstream. <br />One reader thought the idea of keeping non-native fish from moving upstream was laudable, but <br />not practical. It was also brought up that "tinkering" via a fish passageway could actually harm <br />the native fish and should be scientifically studied before the project continues. <br />Additional information was requested on the basis for the 300 cfs flow number below the <br />Redlands. One person stated that the 300 cfs is probably much greater than historically <br />occurred in some dry periods, and lower flows should be monitored also. <br />Questions were asked about how far upstream habitat for the endangered fish goes and what are <br />the limitations. <br />One writer indicated that the program to reintroduce endangered fish into the Gunnison River <br />should be deferred pending a full EIS of all reasonable alternatives. <br />Selenium levels in the Gunnison River were mentioned in the EA but more information is needed <br />on the significance of this to the fish. In general how has water quality changed over the years, <br />and how has this affected the fish. <br />The fish passageway forebay, where the entrance to the 42-inch bypass pipe, baffled chute, and <br />24-inch Grand Junction pumping plant intake are located, is protected by two sets of trash <br />screening devices. The screening devices prevent floating debris from entering and obstructing <br />the fish passageway structure and also prevent fish from being drawn into the Grand Junction <br />pumping plant intake. The initial screening device consists of a rack of vertical steel bars with <br />52