Agenda: Colorado River RIPRAP Coordinated Reservoir Operations Study Meeting April 14 1995

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III. General Discussion of Coordinated Reservoir Operations Study Copies of the FY 1995 Scope of Work and the FY 1994 Annual Project Report for the Coordinated Reservoir Operations Study (CROS) were given out. Articles III., IV. and V., Study Goals, Objectives, End Product; Study Area; and Study Methods /approach were reviewed to form the basis of the general discussion of the study. A few individuals who had been present at the original identification of the study indicated that the study was originally envisioned to examine only potential operational modifications that were within the current discretionary authority of the reservoir owner /operators. Also that the focus was primarily on reoperation around spring fills to provide a more natural hydrograph for the 15 Mile Reach. In addition, it was originally intended that there would not be any changes of the owner /operators water yield by any operational alternatives. This was confirmed by Brent Uilenberg in stating that it was envisioned that the study would be done under the Recovery program without compromising current uses. It was also noted that if there were costs associated with a reoperation alternative, they might be addressed through the RIPRAP. There was discussion as to whether the seasonal scope of the study should be broadened from attempting to attain targets for the fill periods /spring months to other times of the year. It was noted that the current settlement proposal for the Orchard Mesa Check Case (91 CW247) essentially shifts some Green Mountain Reservoir releases from the winter months to the summer months. This settlement mechanism has been considered as a contributing component to the CROS, even though it preceeded the formal study. John Hamill stated that he thought the seasonal scope of the study should not be changed from the current spring focus but that he would confirm this with the FWS. The impacts of the South Platte River Study and consultations on the Coordinated Reservoir Operations Study were discussed. Ed Everaert stated that it was his understanding that the FWS wished to use the following process as a guide for completion of the Section 7 work on the South Platte and the Colorado River: First address Section 7(a)(2) issues on the South Platte and Colorado River concurrently. If adverse effects or jeopardy are determined on the South Platte, wait and resolve the Colorado River west slope Section 7(a)2 issues before addressing Section 7(a)2 on the South Platte. Rev: April 5, 1995 2 CR003105.MIN