Price-Stubbs Fish Passage: Final Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact

Home Browse Search

Final Environmental Assessment — Chapter 2— Alternatives • Construction access is limited near the Price -Stubb Diversion Dam and head works. The dam is constricted by the Union Pacific Railroad on river - right and Interstate 70 on river - left. The Conventional Fish Passage alternative is compatible with the Jacobson Hydro No.I Project. However, if constructed independently, access for construction of the Jacobson Hydro No. 1 Project would be severely limited. The dam would continue to be a hazard to river recreation and the general public. In addition, having two concurrent concrete fish ladders (Price -Stubb and Grand Valley Project Diversion Dams) within a short reach of the river would likely be less beneficial to endangered fish. Therefore, Reclamation has not selected the Conventional Fish Ladder alternative as its preferred alternative. The Dam Removal alternative would be most beneficial to endangered fish and river recreation, but would adversely affect upstream water rights and hydropower, and may affect existing facilities (Ute Water Pumping Plant, railroad, Interstate 70 and Colorado River Siphon). Therefore, Reclamation has not selected the Dam Removal alternative as its preferred alternative. The Downstream Rock Fish Passage alternative provides benefit to endangered fish while protecting existing water rights, existing facilities, and hydropower potential. The Downstream Rock Fish Passage alternative addresses public safety issues associated with the dam and improves conditions for river recreation, but the dam would continue to be impassible to watercraft. A portage around the dam and 2.5 rock ramp would help reduce the dangers associated with the dam. Environmental Commitments The fish passage alternatives include measures as needed to: • protect the ability of Ute Water to pump from the Colorado River, • protect Interstate 70 and the railroad bed from erosion, • ensure ease of fish movement, • mitigate impacts to the historic qualities of the Price -Stubb Diversion Dam, • address public safety issues associated with the Price -Stubb Diversion Dam, Interstate 70 and the Union Pacific Railroad, • accommodate future hydropower development at the Price -Stubb Diversion Dam, and • accommodate development of whitewater recreation features. is River -right refers to the right bank of the river as viewed when looking downstream. 23