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~ ~ ~. .,,- '-' ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SUMMARY ~ :JtY.-) No dams, reservoirs, or hydroelectric powerplants would be developed under this alternative. The unmet need for power, however, would result in some type of development, such as a coal-fired steam generation facility constructed somewhere 1n the area by a non-federal entity. Municipal and industrial water supplies would be developed by the existing water supply entities. The most likely alternative appears to be the purchase of water from existing storage. Recreation needs of the area would be achieved by developing a 38-mile public rafting corridor on the Gunnison River between Escalante Creek and the Redlands Diversion Dam. While no overnight camping facili- ties would be provided, three day-use sites consisting of launch areas and rest stops would be developed near Escalante Creek, Whitewater, and the Redlands Diversion Dam. A scenic river overlook would be developed at a point on the canyon rim about 10 miles upstream from Whitewater. To protect the canyon area from development, a recommendation would be made to include all eligible land in wilderness designation. Private land in the canyon would be acquired for'the protection of songbirds" waterfowl, fish and other wildlife habitat. Nesting struc- tures would be installed for waterfowl, and two backwater areas would be developed to benefit endemic fish species. ' An estimated 20 aboriginal and 7 historic sites would be protected and stabilized by purchasing private lands where important sites are located, and developing them for public viewing and prote~tion from vandalism. Plan 8 Plan 8, a nonstructural alternative, would incorporate a combination of demand reducing measures that could conceivably be adopted to satisfy some of the identified needs, without construction of dams, reservoirs, or powerplants. Conservation or growth limitation programs would include actions to reduce the demand for water and improve the efficiency of its use. About 136,000,000 kWh of energy would have to be conserved annu- ally. This would be accomplished by energy rate structure changes and income tax incentives to encourage conservation. Municipal and industrial water would also be conserved with use of water meters, rate structure controls, educational programs, and drought contingency plans, A pumping plant would be constructed on the Gunnison River near Whitewater to convey water to a terminal storage reservoir and treatment plant north of Whitewater. To ensure adequate supplies at the pumping plant, water purchased from Blue Mesa Reservoir would be released to the river. iv