Final Environmental Assesment and Finding of No Significant Impact Gunnision River Activities June 1995

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and replaced the supply through more efficient municipal systems. In addition other salinity control measures such as canal lining are being considered in the Uncompahgre Valley. Over the last decade, several new projects have been considered on the river that could be developed for hydropower, transmountain diversion, or water supply. These include the Rocky Point and Union Park Projects in the headwater reaches; the AB Lateral Project near Montrose; and the Dominguez Project located between Delta and Grand Junction. Of these, the AB Lateral Project is the only one that has progressed to the stage of filing a draft and final environmental impact statement. Presently, the Dominguez Project, which would be developed for hydropower and water storage, has applied for a preliminary study permit through FERC. The Department of Interior submitted comments on the study permit and cited significant concerns with endangered species, wilderness, cultural resources, recreation and aesthetics, and other issues. The National Park Service has an unquantified Federal reserved water right on the Gunnison River for purposes of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument. The Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting studies of the Gunnison River under the Endangered Species Act. These studies will result in a "Biological Opinion" on the operation of the upstream reservoirs of the Aspinall Unit. The Biological Opinion is a report that contains recommendations on how the operations (water releases) can be changed to protect and help recover endangered fish. Test flows have been provided from the Aspinall Unit for the last 3 years to assist in determining fishery needs. The Biological Opinion is scheduled to be completed in 1997 or 1998, and a NEPA document will be prepared to address any changes in Aspinall Unit operations which may be necessary as a result of the Biological Opinion. x 4