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I1n-"''1'' t}u.....U-v J WESTERN STATES WATER 1lffi WEEKLY NEWSLETfER OF 1lffi WESlERN STATES WAlER COUNCIL editor - Tony Willardson Creelcview Plaza, SUite A-201 I 942 East 7145 So. I Nidvale, Utah 84047 I (801) 561-5300 I FAX (801) 255-9642 typist - carrie Curvin E~RONMENTNVATERRESOURCES . Endangered Species Act The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued a final biological opinion under Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 to protect species in the Green River downstream from Flaming Gorge Dam. A five year plan will be implemented to benefit the endangered Colorado squaw/ish, humpback chub, bonytailed chub, and razorback sucker. In 1980 FWS requested ESA Section 7 consultation on reclamation projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin. In the early 1980's, and again in 1992, jeopardy opinions were issued for several projects. The reasonable and prudent alternative for each was operation of Flaming Gorge Dam to provide flows for the warm-water fishes. In 1988, concerned parties endorsed a recovery program for the Upper Colorado River Basin, a precursor to the recent biological opinion. . Under the recent opinion, the Bureau of Reclamation will refine operation of Flaming Gorge Dam to assure that flow and temperature regimes of the Green River more closely resemble historic conditions. Twice a year FWS will host meetings to review operations and discuss modifications. The program will include a five year research component. The Bureau will complete studies to determine the value of providing warmer water during critical Iife- history periods for the endangered fish. An important element of the program, according to the Bureau, will be developing a legal mechanism to assure that releases for the fish are delivered to certain downstream locations. At the end of the five year program, FWS will host discussions to determine if the release schedule should be modified. According to the Bureau, 'The...program is aimed at recovering species of fish...while allowing water development to proceed.' chairman - Dave Kennedy executive director - Craig Bell On December 14, FWS listed as endangered or threatened five aquatic snails in southcentral Idaho located in a few isolated reaches of the middle Snake River. The listing notes that water quality continues to degrade in the Middle Snake, aggravated by recent drought-induced low flows and various point and non- point source pollution discharges. The listing also defines hydroelectric development as directly affecting the candidate species. For information contact Dr. Charles Lobdell, FWS, Boise, (208) 334-1931. WATER aUAUTYNVATER RESOURCES CaJifomi<l/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reaction to the California State Water Resources Control Board's rules to protect fish species habitat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta released December 10 (WSW #970) have been varied. The Board's interim rules will reduce overall water exports from the delta by an average of 800,000 acre-feet annually for a five-year period. A spokesman for the California Farm Bureau said, 'farmers are going to have less water in 1993 and likely at a higher price. We understand...that something needs to be done. We're not sure...this is the best way to go.' Association of California Water Agencies Director Steven Hall said, ....this plan gambles with the water of the cities and farms of California. It directs water agencies to give up water supplies at an extremely critical time,...there is no guarantee that EPA or other agencies will refrain from attempts to control California water [in the future].' Environmentalists have been cautiously optimistic, while endorsing the plan as only temporary. 'It will make a difference,' said David Fullerton, of the Bay Delta Hearings Project, 'but whether it will stabilize the system I can't tell you.... The needs of the estuary are enormous after decades of degradation. It's not clear to me that this is adequate. It's certainly not adequate for long-term