C150094 Application (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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n +. sites for submittal to the State of Colorado, and a report of findings. This survey will be used to determine if cultural resource issues present a fatal flaw for the project. Potential mitigation needs will also be considered. E. Indian Trust Assets In the 404 Permit renewal process, the effect of the project on Indian Trust Assets is being studied. Water Quality Although no water quality problems are anticipated, the study will review the potential for introducing additional selenium and salinity to the San Juan River Basin. Institutional Constraints Institutional constraints, including economic, social,political and legal issues,need to be evaluated to determine the feasibility of the reservoir enlargement project. Specific issues include the following: A. Water Allocation, Reservoir Operations and Payment Issues for the Red Mesa Reservoir Enlargement The study will estimate the amount of water in the La Plata River drainage basin that the Red Mesa Reservoir Enlargement will make available for irrigation, either directly or by exchange. The District, in consultation with irrigators on the La Plata River and the Board of the Red Mesa Reservoir and Ditch Company in particular, will determine a basis for the allocation of such additional water, whether by the seniority of current rights,by payment, or otherwise. This could entail revision and expansion of the Western La Plata County Water Management and Conservation Plan. Allocation agreements, if not finalized during the feasibility study,will be developed to a point that completion is imminent. The agreements could be among parties with significant water rights on the La Plata River. If expenditures are required by the District to secure these agreements, those expenditures shall be included as part of the financial plan for the reservoir and other properties. If a facilitator is needed to assist in allocation or other issues, John Porter,Manager, Dolores Water Conservancy District, has agreed to serve as facilitator. The study will also determine whether payment will be required for use of irrigation water either directly from the Reservoir or by exchange; and if payment is required, will estimate how much the payment will be,to which entities will the money be paid, and for what purpose. Use of water on the La Plata River for stock watering has historically been an issue of contention on the La Plata River. The study will determine whether water will be available from the Reservoir for stock watering, either directly or through exchange, and how winter stock water will otherwise be delivered and in what quantities. It could be that if a rural domestic water 5