Draft Environmental Assesment and Finding of No Significant Impact Gunnision River Activities February 1995

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Socio- Economic Factors Existing Conditions The Gunnison River has long been a key factor in the economy of the Gunnison Basin. The river supports agricultural enterprises, municipal water supplies, and a growing recreation sector in the economy. The Aspinall Unit is important for supporting a variety of water uses, fish and wildlife, and recreation as well as producing hydropower. The operation of the Redlands Diversion Dam and other water projects in the basin is important for the maintenance of existing agricultural and suburban lifestyles in the area. Impacts With or without the proposed actions being implemented, the Gunnison River will continue as an important factor in the economy of western Colorado and, when hydropower and water storage are considered, an important factor in the economy of the west. It is anticipated that increasing amounts of water in the Aspinall Unit will be purchased in the future as municipalities and industries grow and require reliable water supplies. Construction of the fish passageway will introduce money into the local economy, but it is a relatively small project and will not significantly affect the local economy nor place a strain on any services such as schools or transportation. There should be no significant impact on existing socio - economic conditions due to implementing the proposals under Alternatives A and B because of the minor changes in river flows (see Tables 1 -3) and the minor changes in water availability. Plans to protect existing water rights and water uses under Alternatives A and B, either through operational considerations or contracts, will preclude any significant impacts on water uses. Under Alternative C, indirect benefits to water users that have occurred since the construction of the Aspinall Unit will be reduced and "calls" on the river would decrease water available to junior water users, as occurred prior to the construction of the Aspinall Unit. This would reduce the supply of late season irrigation water and lead to production losses. Alternatives A, B, and C will result in more energy generation in the summer months and less in winter months; however, hydropower production should not be significantly affected by the minor changes in release patterns. Water would not bypass powerplants under the agreement. Therefore on an annual basis the amount of energy produced would not be affected. Water for the interim agreement will come from water already reserved in the Aspinall Unit for endangered fish use (148,000 acre -feet has been set aside) so future water uses and sales will not be affected. 25