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<br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />the endangered bald eagle; and restoration of areas disturbed <br />during construction. y(~~ ~~ <br /> <br /> <br />Alternative C <br /> <br />Alternative C, like alternative B, would divert water from the <br />South Canal and AB Lateral into a penstock that would convey <br />water to the powerplant near Montrose. To increase water <br />supplies for hydropower production, alternative C includes <br />enlarging the Gunnison Tunnel from its present capacity of <br />1,135 ft'/s to 1,300 ft'/s. However, the penstock and turbine <br />capacity would still be limited to 1,135 ft'/s. Other features <br />and operational and environmental considerations are similar to <br />alternative B. <br /> <br />Alternative E <br /> <br />The physical features of alternative E are similar to <br />alternative B. The penstock and powerplant would be designed to <br />a maximum capacity of 950 ft'/s, rather than 1,135 ft'/s. The <br />penstock and enlarged AB Lateral would be scaled down from <br />alternative B. Other features and operational and environmental <br />considerations are similar to alternative B. <br /> <br />Alternative F <br /> <br />The location, dimensions, and physical features of alternativeF <br />would be the same as alternative B, including the powerplant flow <br />capacity of 1,135 ft'/s. This alternative would reduce diversions <br />from the Gunnison River during periods of ice buildup and would <br />deliver additional water to the Uncompahgre River upstream from <br />Montrose during the summer. <br /> <br />Summary of Existing Environment and Environmental Consequences <br /> <br />General <br /> <br />The Uncompahgre Valley lies along the western flank of the Rocky <br />Mountains with elevations ranging from 4,950 feet above sea level <br />near Delta to 6,500 feet near Montrose. The Gunnison River flows <br />east of the valley through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison <br />Nati0nal Monument and the Gunnison Gorge Recreation Area. The <br />climate is typified by low precipitation and a wide range of <br />daily and average annual temperatures. Native vegetation <br /> <br />S - 3 <br />