8089

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8089
• Author: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
• Title: Final Environmental Assessment Gunnison River Activities, Passageway Around the Redlands Diversion Dam and Interim Agreement to Provide Water for Endangered Fish.
• USFW Year: 1995.
• USFW - Doc Type: Grand Junction, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

Concerning the effects on hydropower production at the Aspinall Unit, the text of the final EA
has been expanded and appropriate tables added to Appendix E.
Analysis of the suggestion to pay Redlands Water and Power Company interference charges, if
they would agree to bypass flows to the fish, showed it would appear to be a cost-saving idea.
However, it should not be necessary, nor appropriate, to formalize such an arrangement for the
period of the interim agreement. The agreement will not preclude consideration of this option
if the need arises while coordinating operation of the Aspinall Unit during this study period.
The present and historic operations of the Aspinall Unit have many economic benefits to
agricultural and other water users (including suburban residents who use Redlands Water and
Power Company water for lawn irrigation). The interim water agreement has been negotiated
to protect as many of these uses as possible and has been endorsed by the Colorado Water
Conservation Board.
Recreation and Aesthetics
Three written and one verbal comment stated that the design of the fish passageway would
increase the safety hazards to boaters who exit the river above the Redlands Diversion Dam.
Three comments also indicated that the program should address public boater access around the
diversion.
The effect of interim water agreement releases on recreation at Blue Mesa Reservoir was
expressed as a concern. The National Park Service pointed out that there is a strong relation
between recreation quantity/quality and reservoir elevation.
One reviewer asked why the draft EA mentioned trash problems and safety hazards downstream
from the Redlands Diversion and would the projects change these problems.
The final EA has been expanded to discuss the boating access question. It is recognized that
there is a desire for a safe public boater take-out upstream from the Redlands Diversion Dam.
It is not believed that the fish passageway will significantly alter existing conditions and this is
explained in more detail. As described in the EA, existing public use is minor and often involves
trespassing on private property.
During preparation of the final EA meetings were held with various recreation interest groups.
A meeting was sponsored by the Riverfront Commission involving interested parties. This group
concluded that the best solution to the rafter take-out problem was development of an upstream
take-out and provisions for an "emergency" take out just upstream from the Redlands Diversion
Dam in case rafters missed the public take-out. At this time, this group is actively working
toward a solution to the take-out issue.
Additional tables have been added to Appendix E of the final EA showing how the interim
agreement will affect the water elevation in Blue Mesa Reservoir. This factor is important in
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