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move to the Uncompahgre River; however, extensive erosion. and loss of riparian habitat in the Uncompahgre River associated with increased flows will preclude this. The Uncompahgre River with increased flows and channel protection will be poor habitat for waterfowl. The bank protection plan does not have a cost estimate; it could become astronomical. If this gets to the point where Mitex pulls out, who's going to pay for that. The impacts of the bank protection plan are not presented in adequate detail. The lower flows in the Gunnison River will reduce the chances of extending the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument into a National Park downstream along the Gunnison River. Increased silt in the Uncompahgre River will make irrigation more difficult; selenium will also increase in the Uncompahgre River. Project sponsors are unwilling to compromise, only their alternatives are presented in the DEIS; why is not a smaller project appropriate. RESPONSE: The need for the power is discussed in additional detail in chapter 1 of the environmental impact statement (EIS) and the RESPONSE to written CONNKHTS r-6 and OR-l. Data show a long-term need for additional power in the region. Water temperatures do increase in summer months during low flow periods; the EIS addresses this issue. Of particular importance is that changes in river flows are least during the hot summer months [because the Gunnison Tunnel (Tunnel) is operating at or near capacity during irrigation periods]. Therefore, the change from existing conditions as a result of implementing the project would not be as dramatic as predicted in the comment. Temper- atures do occasionally exceed optimum levels. Fishery data from 1988 do not indicate any adverse effect on the fishery; see responses to the following written comments, including effects of temperature: r-27, 37, 41 through 47, 62, 81, 87, 94 through 96; OR-23, 25 through 27, 63, and 68 through 70. The frequency of ice formation in the Gunnison River would increase significantly with project alternatives. Scouring of the river bottom is not expected to occur except near Delta where existing diversion darns create ice jams. In areas such as these, scouring would occur, and use by species such as bald eagles and waterfowl would decline. Ice formation is a natural occurrence in the Gunnison River. Severe ice conditions exist on the river upstream from Blue Mesa Reservoir, and aquatic insects and fish continue to thrive. Additional details are presented in the EIS on the bank stabilization program on the Uncompahgre River. A cost estimate is included, along with details on the long-term maintenance program. Additional details on bank stabilization are found in the following responses to written comments: r-5, 32 through 34, P-2