2013-04-10_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (11)

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RULE 2 PERMITS Engineering Science (ES) measured parameters in area streams and springs from 1978 through 1982 (ES, 1982). The report concluded that Taylor, Good Spring, and Wilson Creeks all have variable water quality that depends on season. Background levels of metals indicate acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic life in all drainages. It further concluded that levels of metals in surface water may affect agricultural uses, and that high metal and sulfates may preclude the use of surface water for potable water supplies. CDM investigated surface water quality over a 12 -month span from August 1984 through July 1985. Surface water monitoring locations were established in Good Spring Creek, Wilson Creek, and Taylor Creek as part of these studies. Colowyo monitored baseline surface water quality in stream water, springs, and seeps at selected locations from December 2004 through May 2006. Monitoring was performed in Jubb Creek, Collom Gulch, Little Collom Gulch, Straight Gulch, and nearby areas during this period. Findings of those studies are discussed in the detailed information below. Surface water monitoring locations applicable to the Collom permit expansion area are summarized in Table 2.04.7 -46, and monitoring results are summarized in Table 2.04.7 -48. Spring and seep monitoring locations applicable to the Collom permit expansion area are summarized in Table 2.04.7 -47, and monitoring results are summarized in Table 2.04.7 -49. Surface water monitoring locations, including springs and seeps, are depicted on Map l OB. Surface Water Use — Surface water is used extensively in the broader stream valleys of the area. Surface water consumption is predominantly associated with irrigation of agricultural lands. Surface water withdrawals in Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties totaled 690.50 million gallons per day (mgd) in 2000 (USGS 2004). About 97 percent of the surface water withdrawal volume (668.66 mgd) was used for irrigation. The irrigated acreage totaled 117,560 acres. Public water supply (1.2 percent) and thermoelectric power generation (2.0 percent) account for the remaining surface water withdrawals. In Moffat County alone, irrigation of 36,370 acres claimed 92.8 percent of the 207.42 mgd total surface water withdrawal, while public supply and power generation claimed 1.8 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. All of the major streams are over - appropriated, and therefore, many of the surface water rights are inactive (CDM, 1985b). Large storage reservoirs are often constructed to capture spring runoff and facilitate irrigation of fields in the summer months when natural flows are diminished. Surface water adjudication rights for streams within and nearby the Colowyo revised permit area are summarized in Table 2.04.7 -50, based on the Colorado Division of Water Resources (CDWR) water rights database (CDWR 2009b). Many of the adjudications support multiple uses. The adjudication does not necessarily reflect the amount of water available in any given year for the intended uses, only a representation of legal claims to the water in a particular stream course. Colowyo is a large surface water right owner in the Upper Yampa area (Water District 44) of Colorado Water Division 6. Several diversions on Good Spring Creek, into which Jubb Creek ultimately flows, are included in the rights controlled by Colowyo. Colowyo also owns water rights to diversions along Jubb Creek, Milk Creek, Morgan Gulch, Taylor Creek, Wilson Creek, Williams Fork, and the Yampa River (CDWR 2009b). The appropriation dates on many diversions owned by Colowyo are prior to the 1890's, making them the most senior rights on their respective waterways. Therefore, any reduction in base flow can be met by Colowyo not exercising their water rights in the amount of the reduction of the base flow, if it is found to be necessary. Please see Table 2.04.7 -51 defining current water rights owned by Colowyo. Collom — Rule 2, Page 43 Revision Date: 9/28/11 Revision No.: PR -03