BOARD02336

• Board Meeting Date: 9/27/1999
• Description: Directors' Reports
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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for the program. Paul Holden was assigned to develop a draft long-term monitoring program by April I,
2000. It was noted that this summer's high flows have significantly hindered this year's monitoring
efforts.

USBR provided a schedule for completing the EIS on the re-operation of Navajo Dam to
implement the "SJRIP Flow Recommendations." A notice of intent will be issued in October 1999 to be
followed by scoping meetings in November 1999. A Record of Decision is expected in June 2001. All
program participants were asked whether they would like to be NEP A cooperating agencies. We plan to
respond quickly.

The final documentation of the SJRIP Hydrologic Model used to develop the flow
recommendations is needed by January 2000 as the model will be needed to analyze alternatives during
the development of the EIS.

Reclamation will support New Mexico's request for technical assistance to address flooding
concerns downstream of Navajo Dam.

Randy Seaholm and Ron Bliesner will refine the proposal for revising the role of Navajo Dam
Operations Committee (NDOC) and the "Program Document." The NDOC will become the Hydrology
Committee and assume oversight responsibilities with respect to reclamation's SJRIP Hydrology Model.

The minor depletions account was also reviewed. The double counting of depletions in New
Mexico and Colorado that are already part ofthe baseline continues to be a problem. This occurred
largely because insufficient information was provided at the time of consultation. The USFWS appears
willing to modify the accounting table, but not the consultations. Randy Seaholm is proposing a
procedure for the USFWS to follow to avoid this problem and will ask that this be a formal SJRIP
. recommendation to the USFWS at the next Coordinating Committee meeting.

The impact of the Navaho Indian Irrigation Project (NIIP) consultation on the Red Mesa and
Durango was discussed. Both projects are part of the NIIP baseline and should receive the findings NIIP
did. Rather than 'jeopardy," the finding should be "may affect, not likely to adversely affect the
continued existence of the San Juan endangered fish." With this finding, both Red Mesa and Durango
would be entitled to a $50,000 refund. Letters may be sent explaining this situation and suggesting that
they consider asking for a re-consultation of a limited nature. There are risks with re-consultation, such as
the USFWS increased focus on their trust responsibilities. The latest hydrology for the Red Mesa Project
is needed to ensure it is accurately reflected in the model.

The National Park Service continues to seek membership on the SJRIP. Seaholm delivered a
memo to the USFWS and Coordinating Committee stating our position that the original voting balance be
maintained. No action was taken, but the BLM will consider sharing their vote with the NPS. We will
consider this matter further after hearing back from the BLM. Tom Pitts and Seaholm will visit with
others and discuss other possible options (voting consensus, adding another water user etc.) during the
interim. NPS desires to be an active member so that they can obtain additional funding, although it is
unclear whether or not they would allow the SJRIP to decide how that funding is actually spent.

The next meeting is November 8,1999 in Farmington, New Mexico.

Animas-La Plata Project: Proposed legislation has been developed to amend the 1988 Colorado Ute
Indian Water Rights Settlement Act. The proposed amendments are to Section 6 of the 1988 Act and new
. sections on (I) New Mexico and Navajo Water Matters; (2) Tribal Resource Funds; (3) Colorado Ute

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