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<br />JHN-\::I':t-l'::l'::lt::i <br /> <br />J.~.;,:)t::i <br /> <br />.;- u~t"" I ur- NH I Ut<HL. t<1::.::::JU~t'(L.t:::::J <br /> <br />-, ~ .1. .,;)t::J~ 000 ~IQ;JO <br /> <br />,~ u. <br /> <br />.- <br /> <br />Page Two <br /> <br />depletion$ represented by ALP-Lite, in reliance upon Endangered Species Act <br />specifications and the massive 1996 environmental documentation prepared by the <br />Bureau with the assistance ofEPA. We chose to support this alternative developed in <br />the Romer/Schoettler process because the option advanced by the project opponents <br />does not satisty the demands of the Tribes. <br /> <br />We urge Interior to take prompt and decisive action so that the loStb Congress can <br />review and enact necessary amendments to the 1988 Ute Settlement A(;t to implement <br />ALP-Lite, We suggest that the following steps be taken by the Bureau, Interior and <br />EPA so that a proper yet efficient analysis of alternatives can be made and that a final <br />dec:ision by these agencies can be rendered by mid-F ebNary 1998. <br /> <br />. Although the Bureau and Interior have decided to conduct an analysis of <br />aItcmatives, we believe that given the results of our work in the Romer/Schoettler <br />process, the "plan of study" that thCl Bureau has pt'oposed is too cumbersome and <br />lengthy, Therefore, we ask that this analysis be completed in a much more efficient <br />and time-sensitive way. This analysis should be completed before February 1. <br />1998. <br /> <br />. As part of this expedited analysis, the Bureau should examine whether, and how. <br />the 1996 environmental documentation should be. supplemented, and should consult <br />concurrently with EP A to ensure pr()per legal processes are followed. <br /> <br />. In addition, the Bureau and InteriClr, concurrently with EP A, should identifY the <br />most ~ctive way for evaluating impacts associated with future specific water uses <br />developed as a result of ALP-Lite, and for assuring the water quality standards are <br />adequately protected in future operations. <br /> <br />Given the abbreviated schedule of the second session of the lOSllt ConiTess. the <br />Colorado Ute Tribes and other ALP proponents need to advise the Congress by <br />February 15, 1998, of the environmental issues described above, We look forward to <br />your prompt assistance in having the Bureau, Interior and EP A engage in the expedited <br />process we have outlined above, <br /> <br /> <br />~~ <br /> <br />Gail Schoettler <br />Lt. Governor <br /> <br />cc: <br /> <br />Carol Browner, EP A. Administrator <br />Eulid Martinez, u.s. Bureau of 'Reclamation <br /> <br />r . ~~, ~~t ji~ <br />! ' ~ <br />i <br />I <br />I. <br />i <br />1 <br />i <br />) <br />i <br />i <br />i <br /> <br />, <br />j I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />t <br />\ \ <br />! \ <br /> <br />TOTAL P.02 <br />