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a party of three are abundant in the region. Please see RESPONSES to COMMENTS OR-28 through OR-30 for further information. 8 . MR. !'RED WETLAUI'ER: (Represented Western Colorado Conqress) . He indicated that his organization felt that the ecosystem of the Gunnison River would best be served with water levels maintained near the 600-ft3/s level for the majority of the time. The ecosystem would suffer irreparable damage at water levels below this amount for extended periods of time. With the project, flow levels at 300 ft3/s would increase from 8 percent to 48 percent of the time. He stated that his position is supported by statements submitted by Jack Stanford and by historical flow data. Low flows in the Uncompahgre River through Montrose would reduce aesthetic values and preclude the potential development of self-supporting fisheries. Downstream from Montrose, the river would have to undergo extensive bank stabilization to accommodate increased flows; the full extent of that work and its causes and effects are still under study. Without knowing the terms of the contract between the Water Users and Mitex, it is impossible to assess the possible benefits or liabilities to the water users. Western Colorado Congress recognizes that hydropower is a clean and non-polluting source of electricity. We understand that Public Service Company will have a need for more power by 1992, when this project is scheduled to go on line. Therefore, this project will not replace any existing coal-fired power produc- tion, but will displace whatever highest cost power they have available to them at the time, be it coal-fired, natural gas, or even possibly another hydro project. This project will also preclude the same amount of power that Colorado-Ute may have been able to sell to Public Service Company in 1992, just by the nature of their being there, that it pushes other potential producers out of the market. This project only adds to the financial burden of Colorado-Ute. The project's power contract expires in 15 years. Not only will a new contract be required to be renegotiated, they will also be in a much more competitive market, due to the revisions and the PURPA laws. The economic data on fishing and rafting industries is not fully quantified, especially in the area of economic growth; there is very little accounting of the possible growth rate of these industries. Western Colorado Congress has been in contact with the water users seeking an alternative that could be built and still protect the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers. If existing values are diminished or decreased, it makes Montrose a less attractive place to live. P-7