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r' .. t", <\\\ \l e- ',: ~ :.': /' ,i ;', d economic costs are too high, UGRWCD suggested that impacts on Blue Mesa storage levels< caused by alternative "accounting scenarios" for contract releases to the Black Canyon and endangered fish be analyzed. Gunnison participants requested that the "cost" to Blue Mesa Reservoir and upstr~ users and uses be identified. Delta participants asked us to identify the economic value of water lost for future Colorado development, We also received suggestions for criteria to use in comparing and selecting a preferred contract alternative. Gunnison participants were concerned that economic impacts would be the sole criteria. Corey wrote that the pUIposes of the three-dam unit must be the first priority' recognized in the delivery contract to the Black Canyon to realize full benefit (storage, flood control, power generation, improving water quality, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation) of the Aspinall Unit. The Sierra Club suggested that even though alternative flow patterns may reduce revenue produced by hydropower generation, the senior land use allocation of the Black Canyqn, under the terms of the NPS Organic Act, dictates that an equitable allocation of water resources be made. Gunnison participants, CRWCD,and UGRWCD thought that priority should be given to alternatives which have the least amount of impact (or don't. impact) water rights and historic uses of water in the entire basin. Constraints thought necessary to protect interests .in the Upper Gunnison Basin were that the contract should not result in: downstream senior calls and the curtailment of Upper Gunnison Basin water supplies;instream rights; the 1975 Exchange Agreement between Blue Mesa and Taylor Park Reservoirs; adverse economic impacts on Upper Gunnison Basin ranching, recreation and tourism; and adverse environmental impacts on the Upper Gunnison Basin, Montrose Partners suggested that we should favor development and selection of an alternative which would allow AB Lateral to generate a reasonable amount of power, preserve winter generation of power for sale through W APA, and yet give the NPS control over a major block of water, Gunnison citizens also suggested that the selected alternative for the contract should not have adverse impacts on the Gold Medal Trout fishery, should balance water needs, of endangered fish with those of ranchers, and should, in general, balance gains, benefits, and losses. m. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES A. Hydrologic Resources Item 13. Water Supply, Uses and Quality and Water Rights Administration - The analysis should identify effects on water supply, existing uses and development of Colorado's Compact entitlement, administration of water rights, and water quality, Refer to: Gunnison and Montrose meetings; Arapahoe County; CREDA;the NPCA;' Commissioner Corey; Montrose Partners. (66 comments) 25 "',;,/ ..'. ~"',,