WSP06638

• File Number: 8240.200.43.A
• Description: Grand Valley/Orchard Mesa
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 7/24/1987
• Title: Orchard Mesa Irrigation District Palisade Pumping Plant Tailrace Check Structure and By-Pass Channel
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

Mt. Hi.:t1..uJ GOt-:jon
Apt il 22, 19lJ7
Pal] e Two

company's senior water rights at a time when the
water is used by the Grand Valley Project to
generate power or pump irrigation water during
periods of low flow in the river.

Operation of the check is not a condition of any ,
project water right or matter of law. No
arrangements exist for use of the .check" to
benefit junior water rights. We have no
obligation nor do we intend to operate the
"check" structure for the benefit of junior water
right as has been erroneously assumed in some of
the related hydraulic studies performed by
consulting engineers who are also involved in
studies for the E.I.S.

We understand these same assumptions may have
been made in the hydraulic mOdels for the E.I.S.
studies. If this is the case they are in error
and the incremental and cumulative flow changes,
salinity and resultant impacts and mitigation in
the E.I.S. are inadequate.

The B.I.S. should state what assumptions were
made with respect to the water demand at Cameo
and operation of the check.

A copy of the September 12, 1986 letter sent by
attorneys to the Colorado Water Resources and
Power Development Authority is enclosed. This
letter explains the position of the Orchard Mesa
[ttiqation District regarding implementation of
the check.

2. Attached is a copy of the 404 Permit issued by
the Corps of Engineers dated November 2, 1977 to
our District to construct its 14.0 c.f.s.
"Bridges Switch" pumping plant on the Colorado
River about 11 miles downstream from Palisade,
Colorado.

The permit restricts Orchard Mesa Irrigation
District Erom pumping from the Colorado River at
any time flows in the river at the plant site
drop below 385 c.f.s. and anytime the quality of