WSP06255

• File Number: 8240.200.47.G
• Description: Silt Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/1997
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Silt Project - Final Appraisal Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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Chapter 1 - Introduction

Study Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the appraisal phase of the Silt Project Water Operations Study is
to review opportunities to enhance or improve project operation. Specific
objectives are to:
. identify problems, opportunities and needs which could be addressed by the
use of Silt Project facilities,
. identify, analyze; screen and prioritize options for addressing the problems,
opportunities and needs, and
. develop a report summarizing the findings of the appraisal phase and
providing recommendations for future activities, including possibly, more
detailed (feasibility-level! investigations.

Background and Study Process

In a 1990 letter to the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation!. the city of Rifle
expressed interest and support for a study to determine options to create,
preserve and enhance the recreational capabilities of Rifle Gap Reservoir (a
component of the Silt Project). Four potential options were suggested which
might serve to maximize the benefits occurring to the local economy as a result of
recreation at the reservoir. The City expressed a willingness to cooperate and to
consider participating financially in implementation of a plan.

Later in 1993, the Recovery Implementation Program for the Endangered Fish
Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin (RIP) draft Recovery Action Plan
identified the need to evaluate the Silt Project. The RIP was interested in
determining the potential for the project to provide a water supply to supplement
flows in the "15-Mile Reach" of the Colorado River at Grand Junction to help with
recovery of the fish. All Federally constructed water storage facilities in the upper
Colorado River basin above the 15-Mile reach are being examined for this
potential.

Initial Silt Project study efforts were begun in 1991 under Reclamation's
"Investigation of Existing Projects" funding authority, and later, with funding from
the RIP. However, significant efforts to fully examine the problems and needs
related to the project did not begin until mid-1995. Upon meeting with various
stakeholders, it was realized that focusing on operational changes to address only
recreation or endangered fish problems might not bring about the cooperation to