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4 <br />to meet with the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to discuss the details of <br />how we propose to proceed with Round II sales and associated parameters. <br />We specifically recommend that item I.A.3.c.(1)(b)(iii) under the Colorado <br />River Section be modified to read, "After Ruedi Round II water sales are <br />complete, or commitments to contract agreed to, enter into agreement for the <br />remaining uncommitted water from Ruedi Reservoir." We also recommend that <br />the inclusion of this item should be conditioned as an interim measure to the <br />extent that alternative water supplies could offset the need for a permanent <br />allocation of all uncommitted Ruedi Reservoir water for endangered species <br />flow enhancement purposes. Such alternatives may include increased efficiency <br />of the Grand Valley Project irrigation system and integrated operation of the <br />Orchard Mesa Check with Green Mountain Reservoir. When these, and potentially <br />other alternatives are implemented, the need for additional Ruedi Reservoir <br />water may be reduced or eliminated. <br />The Service should further understand that there are certain operational <br />limitations on Ruedi Reservoir as a result of environmental commitments made <br />during development of the Ruedi Round II water marketing EIS and legislation <br />authorizing the project. These parameters were developed to minimize adverse <br />environmental impacts on downstream fishery and recreation resources in the <br />Fryingpan River. Reclamation does not believe that deviation from these <br />parameters is within our discretionary authorities and any delivery of water <br />from Ruedi Reservoir should conform to the existing operating parameters. <br />7. Water Court Adjudication of Instream Flow Rights <br />The appropriation of instream flow water rights in Colorado is the <br />responsibility of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. In some cases the <br />water availability for such rights is dependent upon the operations and <br />contractual agreements associated with Federal water projects under the <br />jurisdiction of Reclamation. While we believe that the adjudication schedule <br />is optimistic, Reclamation can support these items as presented to the extent <br />that the Colorado Water Conservation Board is agreeable to the proposed <br />schedule. <br />We appreciate the opportunity to comments on the proposed RIPRAP <br />modifications. <br />Sincerely, <br />al,4,1?0", <br />Charles A. Calhoun <br />Acting Regional Director <br />cc: Regional Director, Billings MT <br />Attention: GP -150 (Telley) <br />