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L ',.1 If ~J.lL~ I-C. . Page 4 The operating procedures adopted by the FAP to divert water f~om the west slope and maintain minimum bypass flows might require some updating to minimize water quality and recreational degrada- tion. The enabling legislation authorizing the FAP requires mini- mum winter and summer flows for the Frying Pan River to be 15 and 30 cfs respectively. Further, the minimum bypass flows for each tributary are to be in proportion to their natural 'flows. Perhaps with the cooperation of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, a new system could be arranged that could both increase minimum flows for the entire system and set up a non-proqortional bypass flow for the stream tributaries. A non-proporttonal diversion could allow for larger flows on primary fishery streams at the expense of less productive streams. Also such small winter flows as 0.6 cfs that are proposed for several streams could be reduced to zero and the quantity added to larger flows since such small flows may freeze upon discharge. These minimum flows are only established for the North Side Collec- tion System at present. Proposed minimum flows for the three South Side streams should be included in the final statement. Monitoring stations should be set as close as possible to the diversion sites to assure minimum bypass flows are achieved at the site and not augmented by subsequent flow which enters the stream between the diversion site and the monitoring station. Finally, since the Colorado Division of Wildlife supports larger bypass flows to main- tain the aquatic habitat and larger flows would reduce the salinity problem, we endorse a procedure to re-evaluate the operating princi- ples regarding bypass flows in light of these new priorities. I I . Comments on Project Features Access roads for construction of the collection systems on the west slope will have a significant effect on the local environ- ment if allowed to remain open. Permitting only authorized per- sonnel to use them is recommended on all remaining roads. The closing of certain roads as outlined in the report is commended. The road along North Cunningham Creek should be closed or have res- tricted access to protect the native trout species which is on the endangered list. At the Ruedi Reservoir site, the problem of landslides of the "nuisance variety" has been identified. The size of these soil slumping events should be determined as they affect the safety of the dam structure and erosion in the area. Revegetation plans for such areas should be stated. At this reservoir, the minimum recreation pool is set at only 30,000 acre-feet, compared to a conservation pool of 264,000 acre-feet. While recreation was not a major benefit of the project as proposed, it has become a unique benefit to the Aspen area. The effects of major drawdown on exist- ing recreational activities and fishery habitat should be assessp.d if such a minimum pool has to be established to meet downstream replacement water requirements. XI-:>73