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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />1998 RESERVOIR OPERA nONS <br /> <br />Minimum instream flow levels and annual operating strategies have been established at several <br />locations in the Upper Basin which are intended to protect the aquatic resources downstream of <br />specific dams. The regulation of the Colorado River has had both positive and negative effects <br />on aquatic resources. Controlled cool water releases from dams have provided for increased <br />productivity of some aquatic resources and the development of significant introduced sport <br />fisheries. However, the same releases may be detrimental to endangered and other native <br />species of fishes. <br /> <br />Consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service in compliance with Section 7 of the <br />Endangered Species Act (Section 7 consultations) on the operation of the Aspinall Unit on the <br />Gunnison River, Navajo Dam on the San Juan River, and Flaming Gorge on the Green River will <br />continue in 1998. Studies associated with these consultations will be used to better understand <br />the flow related needs of endangered and other native species offish. <br /> <br />Modifications to planned operations may be made based on changes in forecast conditions. <br />However, due to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the <br />Upper Colorado River Basin, Section 7 consultations, and other downstream concerns, <br />modification to the monthly operation plans may be based on other factors in addition to changes <br />in streamflow forecasts. Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream habitat target flows <br />may be made midway through the runoff season. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service <br />will initiate meetings with interested parties, including representatives of the Basin States, to <br />facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site specific operations plans. All operations will <br />be undertaken subject to the primary water storage and delivery requirements established by <br />"The Law of the River" and other applicable statutes, including water quality control, recreation, <br />enhancement of fish and wildlife, and other environmental factors. <br /> <br />Reclamation completed Section 7 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service in April, 1997 <br />on current and projected discretionary routine lower Colorado River operations and maintenance <br />activities for a period of up to 5 years. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service have also <br />formed a partnership with other Federal, State and private agencies to develop the Lower <br />Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. This program permits both non-Federal <br />and Federal parties to participate under Sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act. <br /> <br />The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs with respect to compact, <br />decree and statutory water delivery obligations, and instream flow needs for maintaining or <br />improving aquatic resources, where appropriate. <br /> <br />Fontenelle Reservoir <br /> <br />Precipitation and ensuing runoff in the Upper Green River Basin during water year 1997 was <br />the highest it has been since 1986. The April through July runoff into Fontenelle during water <br />year 1997 was 1,592 MCM (1.291 MAP) or 152 percent ofnonnal. Inflow peaked at 473 cubic <br /> <br />7 <br />