Animas- La Plata Environmental Impact Statement

CONFIDENTIAL
ANIMAS -LA PLATA OM &R ASSOCIATION
PROPOSAL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF A -LP PROJECT WATER RIGHTS
MAY 21, 2012
As part of the review of the Colorado State Engineer's Preliminary Draft Protocol for
Administration of Animas -La Plata Project Water Rights, the Association has identified several
goals for the future administration and allocation of those rights as between the Association and
any future uses contemplated by the Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD).
The current draft of the protocol focuses only the 280 cfs at the DPP plus water available
to New Mexico under the current project authorization. Before providing comments on the Draft
Protocol, the Association would like to address the handling of the remainder of the 600 cfs
water right available under the project decrees held by SWCD.
Based on the anticipated needs of Association members and engineering done by Erin
Wilson and Rick Cox, the Association proposes the following:
• A -LP Project uses should have a priority over any future non - project uses to the
extent required to satisfy project uses.
• According to the engineering, the amount required by the Association, including
direct river diversions, is 450 cfs, assuming two months of pumping with year -round
pumping triggered when the the reservoir reaches 60,000 AF. This would leave future
SWCD uses with a subordinated right of 150 cfs.
• The bypass flow is not part of the water right, and it must be satisfied before the
SWCD diverts any water for non -A -LP uses.
The Association believes that this proposal will protect the current anticipated uses of the
A -LP Project and still leave sufficient water available under the decrees should the SWCD need
to develop the remainder of the water right in the future.