Endangered fish habitat may be aided with changes to Aspinall flows

GRAND JUNCTION — Changes in the amount of water released from the Aspinall Unit could be altered to benefit endangered fish in the Gunnison River.

An environmental impact statement looking at ways to do this will soon be released for public review.

The draft EIS analyzes alternative ways to release water from the Aspinall Unit — Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs — to improve habitat conditions for endangered fish in the Gunnison River downstream from Delta, said Steve McCall, Bureau of Reclamation environmental specialist. Per the Endangered Species Act, Reclamation must operate water projects to avoid jeopardizing continued existence of endangered species, while continuing to meet congressionally authorized purposes of the water projects, McCall said.

The alternatives generally increase flows in the spring compared to existing conditions. Consequently, flows would be lower other times of the year, said McCall.

The EIS will evaluate impacts on hydropower, flood control, recreational fisheries, reservoir levels, existing water uses and endangered species.

McCall said the process began in 2004 with public meetings to determine concerns about the re-operation of the Aspinall Unit.

The draft EIS is scheduled for release to the public in the late fall; a public review period and public hearings will be held.