WSP01548

• File Number: 8220.106
• Description: Animas-La Plata
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 7/1/1987
• Author: EPI
• Title: An Analysis of the Animas-La Plata Project - Durango-Colorado - July 1987
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

tons of coal per year. 7,800 to 10,000 acre-feet of water
per year would be required.

With respect to the availability of coal, according to
project documents there are three coal bearing geologic
formations underlying the reservations. From oldest to
youngest, they are the Dakota Sandstone, the Menefee
Formation, and the Fruitland Formation. A portion of the
coal located in the Fruitland Formation is considered to be
economically recoverable at the present time. The Fruitland
Formation is estimated to contain a total of 2,320 million
tons of coal within 500 feet of the surface and 439 million
tons within 250 feet of the surface. Of the 439 million
tons, 400 million tons are located on the Southern Ute
Reservation.

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Aside from the environmental issues which might arise from
stripmininq and air pOllution from the plants, any of the
proposals can be expected to increase local population
dramatically-- l,OOO to 7,000 people dependinq on the
scenario pursued.

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It is significant that no coal development exists in the
area at present. Furthermore, Pittsburg-Midway Co; has the
rights to approximately 28,000 acre-feet of water which
would be stored by the project: if the project is to include
coal energy development it is more likely to be undertaken
by this company rather than the Indians.

The Definite Plan Report on the project indicates that the
Four Corners Powerplant southwest of Farmington and the San
Juan Generating Plant northwest of Fruitland burn coal mined
in the vicinity of the project area to produce electric
power for transmission to several neighboring states. Three
additional plants are scheduled for construction adjacent to
the San Juan Plant which would serve as further competition
for the potential Indian energy development.

JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT FROM THE PROJECT

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Seasonal Employment

Tourism contributes significantly to the local economy
in Colorado and to a lesser extent in New Mexico. In the
Durango area of La Plata County about one-third of all
jobs are in tourism/recreation services and sales, while in
the Farmington area of San Juan County about one-third of
the jobs are in mineral production--qas, coal, and
petroleum--and in related .ervices and sale..

Employment in both counties is atfectedby the composition
of the overall industrial sector and by their location in
areas with large numbers of tourist attractions. Both obtain

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