WSP02110

• File Number: 8210.430
• Description: Colorado River Basin Organizations-Entities - Gunnison - UVWUA - AB Lateral
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 8/28/1990
• Author: BOR
• Title: AB Lateral Hydropower Project - Supplemental Environmental Impact Report - 1990 Summary of Final EIS and 1991 Record of Decision
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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SUMMARY

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Within the operational areas of the powerplant, the noise levels
would conform to safe levels as established by Occupation Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Outside the plant,
the only constant and appreciable noise source would be the
transformers. Vehicular traffic would be infrequent.
Construction noise would result but would be short term and
restricted to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. in residential areas.

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CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

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To more accurately describe impacts of the development alter-
natives, future river operations have been proJected under the
no-action alternative. The effects of upstream reservoirs of the
Aspinall Unit and the Dallas Creek Project have been estimated so
that total impacts of the AB Lateral Facility on the river
systems can be seen_

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Cumulatively, the impacts of reduced flows in the Gunnison River
and the resultant increase of hike-in human use would affect
wilderness and river values and would also reduce SOlitude and
primitive recreational opportunities.. Extensive publicity (both
recent and ongoing) about the river and efforts to acquire
additional access to the river will also contribute to an
,increase in' hike-in human use. To preserve wilderness values, it
will likely be necessary for the NPS and the BLM to institute
more restrictive management practices on lands they administer
along the Gunnison River.

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A number of other projects upstream from the Aspinall Unit are
being considered, including transmountain diversions to the
eastern slope of Colorado. The feasibility of these proposals is
directly affected by Colorado water law. If any of the
development alternatives proposed in this FEIS are implemented,
the available water supply for those projects could be reduced if
their water rights are junior to those of the AB Lateral
Facility. The water rights granted to the AB Lateral Facility
would reserve more water in the Gunnison River Basin.

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PUBUC INVOLVEMENT

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Public involvement activities are described in this FEIS.
Various proposals for hydropower development on the UVRP have
been considered since the mid-193D's. In 1986, Reclamation began
issuing news releases and consulting with various agencies on the
AB Lateral proPosal; in 1987, it began preparing an environmental
assessment and conducted environmental scoping meetings.
Following public review of the assessment, Reclamation determined
that an EIS should be prepared. Significant issues were
determined throughout the public involvement process, and stUdies
were completed to answer issues and concerns.' A draft EIS was

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