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lJOlJ794 Morrow Point Trash Rack Cleaning Project FONSI 8/5/2002 W ACO-GJ-FONSI-02-01 Conclusions: Under the No Action Alternative, Reclamation would not lower Morrow Point Reservoir's water surface elevation to 7,129 feet and remove trash and debris from the Power Plant's inlet trash racks. Maintenance activities could not be completed and trash and debris would continue to restrict flows into the Power Plant. This would not meet the need and purpose as describe above. In terms of environmental consequences of implementing the proposed action, there would be no change in water use or diversions. In addition, water rights, wetlands, endangered species, cultural resources, Indian trust assets, and environmental justice would not be affected by the recommended action. Power generation capabilities at Blue Mesa and Morrow Point Reservoirs would be reduced during the reservoir draw down and refill. Impacts to power revenues would be lessened by minimizing the reservoir draw down, trash rack cleaning, and refill times. The project will be implemented in the fall to avoid peak power demands. Potential impacts to landslides, downstream trout fishery, water quality and recreational uses would be minimized by implementing a controlled draw down and refill of Morrow Point Reservoir. The following environmental commitments and social/economic commitments would be implemented as part of the Morrow Point Trash Rack Cleaning Project: I) The reservoir draw down would begin in August 2002 with a target date of September 4, 2002 to reach a reservoir surface elevation of 7, 129 ft. 2) Reservoir draw down would occur at a rate not to exceed I to 3 ft. /day. Landslide movements during the trash rack cleaning project would be monitored using survey equipment and visual observations. At a minimum, landslides would be surveyed at least once during the reservoir draw down between elevations 7,141 and 7,129 ft., and again at 7,129 ft. Landslide movements would be evaluated by Reclamation to determine if changes in draw down rates are needed or if the draw down should continue. 3) Water quality monitoring at Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs and downstream of Crystal Dam would be conducted during the trash rack cleaning project (including reservoir draw down and refill). Reclamation would coordinate water quality monitoring activities with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Trout Unlimited. Rates of draw down and refill would be adjusted as needed based on results of water quality measurements. 4) Releases from Blue Mesa Dam during the reservoir draw down and refill would be adjusted by Reclamation to control Morrow Point Reservoir's elevation and to reduce the amount of exposed sediment picked up and transported downstream. Page 2 of4