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.
|
Advertisement |
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.
• Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.
• Be relevant. Keep your comments on point.
• See the guidelines for TalkAbout. Perhaps your comment is best for that community forum, available from the home page, instead of commenting on a particular story.
Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. Montrose Press is not liable for messages from third parties.
DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in montrosepress.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Montrose Press. Montrose Press does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Montrose Press spokespersons.
Thank you for your comments!