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

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R consecutive dry years occur during the term of the interim agreement, measures will be discussed at Aspinall operations meetings to attempt to minimize hydropower losses. Reclamation will also need to coordinate with Western Area Power Administration in completing more detailed studies of alternatives and impacts to support implementation of any proposed long -term agreement to- avoid or minimize hydropower production losses during extended dry periods. 8. The Redlands Diversion Dam is considered a non - contributing feature of the Redlands Dam Complex (historic site number 5ME764) which includes the dam, canal system and power plant. The proposed fish passageway and interim water agreement would not have an adverse effect on the historic qualities of the complex or operation of the dam because: 1) many modifications and additions have been performed at the dam since its construction; and 2) construction and operation of the passageway will not interfere with any features of the complex nor is its design incompatible with the setting. The passageway would change the appearance of the east side of the dam, giving the area a more "developed" and less "rural" appearance. Cultural resource surveys have revealed no other sites in the areas to be disturbed. 9. The Gunnison River is an important recreation resource. Floating and fishing are very popular activities on the river between the Aspinall Unit and Whitewater, Colorado. The effect to these resources will be minimal, although small increases in river flows in dry summers could have minor benefits. In the lower reaches of the Gunnison River, the river is accessible to boaters, primarily rafters and canoeists, upstream of the Redlands Diversion Dam and a 1 day float can be made between Whitewater and the Redlands Diversion Dam. The Redlands Diversion is a barrier to uninterrupted river travel and there is no public take -out or portage at the present time. The diversion represents a significant safety hazard. The construction of the passageway will include concrete wing -walls (which will be around 2 -feet above the bank elevation) and a forebay structure for approximately 80 feet along the river's east bank upstream from the diversion. People who float the river often take out in this area or slightly upstream. The presence of the wall will force people to take their craft out of the river upstream from the wall. If they fail to do so, a small area of open bank (approximately 25 feet) will be available downstream from the wing -wall. Another area of bank (approximately 25 feet) will be available downstream from the city of Grand Junction pump station. On one hand, the wall will encourage people to take out of the river at a slightly safer distance upstream from the diversion; and on the other hand, it will reduce the bank space available for exiting the river by approximately 80 feet. In summary, the existing conditions of no public take -out and hazardous conditions will continue. The Aspinall Unit is managed as the Curecanti National Recreation Area and is an important recreation and economic resource of the Gunnison Basin. Recreation at Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs will not be affected. At Blue Mesa, lower water elevations can adversely affect recreation. This will be monitored during the interim agreement. 10. Other environmental parameters, such as soils, water quality, and air quality will not be affected by the proposals.