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National Environmental Policy Act and Section 7 Consultation <br />Many of the studies underway throughout the basin will support Reclamation's completion of <br />draft and final environmental impact statements on operational changes for the Unit. As defined, <br />the proposed action is to implement a reasonable and prudent alternative to avoid jeopardy to <br />endangered fish from Aspinall Unit operations via long -term reservoir operation criteria. Flow <br />recommendations are expected from the Fish and Wildlife Service in late 2002 and completion of <br />an environmental impact statement will follow. <br />Initial public scoping activities and periodic public meetings throughout the 1990's have <br />continued to show a very strong public sentiment that the benefits of the Aspinall Unit (fish and <br />wildlife, recreation, hydropower, water supply, flood control) should be continued under new <br />operation criteria. <br />Concluding Remarks <br />The Aspinall Unit and its operation have become a significant factor in western Colorado from <br />an economic, recreational, and fish and wildlife standpoint, as well as its hydropower and water <br />storage purposes. In addition to the authorized project purposes, Unit operation is being <br />reviewed in light of compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the quantification of the <br />National Park's reserved water right. <br />11 <br />