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<br />Concerning the effects on hydropower production at the Aspinall Unit, the text of the final EA <br />has been expanded and appropriate tables added to Appendix E. <br /> <br />Analysis of the suggestion to pay Redlands Water and Power Company interference charges, if <br />they would agree to bypass flows to the fish, shawed it would appear to be a cost-saving idea. <br />However, it should not be necessary, nor appropriate, to formalize such an arrangement for the <br />period of the interim agreement. The agreement will not preclude consideration of this option <br />if the need arises while coordinating operation of the Aspinall Unit during this study period. <br /> <br />The present and historic operations of the Aspinall Unit have many economic benefits to <br />agricultural and other Waler users (including suburban residents who use RedIands Water and <br />Power Company water for lawn irrigation). The interim Waler agreement has been negotiated <br />to protect as many of these uses as possible and has been endorsed by the Colorado Water <br />Conservation Board. <br /> <br />Recreation and Aesthetics <br /> <br />Three written and one verbal comment stated that the design of the fish passageway would <br />increase the safety hazards to boaters who exit the river above the Redlands Diversion Dam. <br />Three comments also indicated that the program should address public boater acCess around the <br />diversion. <br /> <br />The effect of interim water agreement releases on recreation at Blue Mesa Reservoir was <br />expressed as a concern. The National Park Service pointed out that there is a strong relation <br />between recreation quantity I quality and reservoir elevation. <br /> <br />One reviewer asked why the draft EA mentioned trash problems and safety hazards downstream <br />from the Redlands Diversion and would the projects change these problems. <br /> <br /> <br />The final EA has been expanded to discuss the boaring access question. It is recognized that <br />there is a desire for a safe public boarer take-oUl upstream from the Redlands Diversion Dam. <br />It is not believed that the fish passageway will significantly alter existing conditions and this is <br />explained in more detail. As described in the EA, existing public use is minor and often involves <br />trespassing on private property. <br /> <br />During preparation of the.final EA meetings were held with various recreation interest groups. <br />A meeting was sponsored by the Riverfront Commission involving interested parties. This group <br />concluded that the best solution to the rafter take-oUl problem was development of an upstream <br />take-oUl and provisions for an . "emergency " take OUl just upstream from the Redlands Diversion <br />Dam in case rafters missed the public take-OUl. At this time, this group is actively working <br />toward a solution to the take-oUl issue. <br /> <br />Additional tables have been added to Appendix E of the final EA showing how the interim <br />agreement will affect the water elevation in Blue Mesa Reservoir. This factor is important in <br /> <br />55 <br />