9570

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9570
• Author: U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Title: Preliminary Analysis
• USFW Year: 2000.
• USFW - Doc Type: Wayne N. Aspinall Unit Operations and the Federal Water Right Claim, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
• Copyright Material: NO

authorizing legislation. Private water rights and water use issues remain a question to be
addressed. ..
To fully implement the NPS hydrograph criteria through controlled operation of the Aspinall
Unit, structural modifications would be necessary. Operational changes to fully or partially
implement this criteria could be considered, but only after resolution of dam safety and other
environmental issues. Such changes, whether structural or operational, would require NEPA
compliance and possibly additional Congressional authority to implement.
There would be costs associated with implementation of the proposed NPS hydrograph criteria.
Such costs would be associated with the analysis of structural and operational changes, NEPA
compliance, lost power generation, increased operation and maintenance, project repayment, and
other project impacts. Further discussion would be needed to determine funding responsibility
for many of these activities.
Reclamation acknowledges the importance of providing appropriate flows to the Park and also
recognizes the many public benefits that occur under present Aspinall Unit operations.
Reclamation strongly recommends that model runs and associated reports be reviewed with
appropriate state, Federal, and local agencies prior to filing any water right claim.
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