WSP06922

• File Number: 8027
• Description: Section D General Correspondence - Federal Agencies - US DOI-BOR - Region 4
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 11/1/1971
• Author: DOI-BOR
• Title: Final Environmental Statement - Crystal Dam Reservoir and Powerplant - Curecanti Unit - Colorado River Storage Project
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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SUMMARY

( ) Draft

(X) Final

Environmental Statement

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Region 4

1. Type of action:

( x) Administrative

( ) Legislative

..

2. Brief description of action: Construction of Crystal Dam and hydro-
electric Powerp1ant on the Gunnison River, 15 miles east of Montrose,
Colorado.

3. Summary of environmental impacts and adverse environmental effects:

a. Revenues from the sale of power generated will assist in repay-
ment of irrigation projects con3tructed aad ~roposed in the Colorado
River Storage Project area.

b. Maximize power produ~tion from Morrow Point Powerp1ant.

c. Regulation of Gunnison River below dam to reduce high flaws,
eliminate destructive icing conditions, and provide uniform and
minimum flows to preserve fishery habitat.

d. Provide better quality water downstream of dam by entrapping
high sediment flows of the Cimarron River,

e. Inundation of 6.5 miles of trout fishery and high quality river
scenery by a reservoir having a maximum depth of 200 feet at the dam.

f. Channelizing 8,000 feet of stream below damsite.

g, Unavoidable turbidity increases during construction period.

4. Alternatives considered:

a, Dam as earthfi11 structure with present planned powerp1ant.

b. Concrete dam with smaller powerp1ant.

c. Concrete dam without powerp1ant.

d. No dam or powerp1ant.

5. Attached is a list of Government agencies as well as private groups
and individuals receiving the Draft Statement and those from whom
comments ~ere received.

6, Date made available to CEQ and the public:

Draft statement:
Final statement:

Augus t 20, 1971
December 6, 1971