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

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Recreational use of the Gunnison River downstream from Crystal Dam would benefit in dry years as flows would be supplemented in the summer months. In very dry years, water available for recreation in Blue Mesa would be reduced. Better forecasting and operation planning will reduce this impact. Summary and Environmental Commitments In summary, the primary effects of the proposed actions will be to allow native fish to move into habitat that has been blocked for almost 80 years. River flows downstream from the Redlands Diversion Dam will be improved in low water periods to the benefit of aesthetics,. fish and wildlife, and recreation. Water rights will not be affected, but water supplies could be affected in very dry years. The Aspinall Unit has provided indirect benefits to water users in western Colorado for nearly 30 years - -these benefits would continue through operational considerations under Interim Water Agreement Alternatives A and B and would be reduced under Alternative C. The following environmental and social /economic commitments are included in the proposals: • Minor wetland losses that will occur will be replaced through special plantings in the vicinity of the impacts. • Disturbed areas will be restored through placement of topsoil, preparation of land for seeding, and seeding with grasses and shrub species. • Minimum flows will be improved downstream from the Redlands Diversion Dam to the benefit of endangered species, other fish and wildlife, and aesthetics. The effectiveness of these flows will be monitored to develop recommendations for a long -term contract. • Under Interim Water Agreement Alternatives A and B, indirect benefits to water users from the Aspinall Unit will continue based on water availability. • Interim water agreement will provide for shared water shortages in drought years. • Effects of the interim agreement on water users will be monitored and data will be used in development of a long -term contract in the future. • No interference to operations of the Redlands Diversion Dam and the city of Grand Junction pumping station will occur due to operations of the fish passageway. • Power interference will be paid to the Redlands Water and Power Company if maintenance or operation of the fish passage facility causes a decrease in power generation at the Redlands power installation.