FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Morrow Point

Cimarron Dredging

 Project

Prepared by 

Bureau of Reclamation

Western Colorado Area Office

Grand Junction, Colorado

September 2001



TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I - Introduction ......................................................1

Proposed Action .........................................................1

Purpose and Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Background Information ..................................................2

Public Scoping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CHAPTER II - ALTERNATIVES AND THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE .............6

No Action Alternative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Proposed Action .........................................................6

Environmental Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

CHAPTER III - AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...8

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Aspinall Unit and Morrow Point Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Recreation Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Land Use and Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Fish and Wildlife Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Threatened and Endangered Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Water Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Water Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Historical and Cultural Resource Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Indian Trust Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Environmental Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Socioeconomic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hydropower Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Commercial Guiding Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cumulative Impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Summary and Environmental Commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CHAPTER IV - CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Comment on Draft EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Consultation with Other Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Distribution List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

REFERENCES CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)

FIGURES

Vicinity Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece Map

Figure 1 - Confluence of the Gunnison and Cimarron Rivers ......................2

Figure 2 - Reservoirs of the Aspinall Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Figure 3 - Aspinall Unit Water Quality Monitoring Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Figure 4 - 2000 Visitation Statistics for Curecanti National Recreation Area and 

 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

TABLES

Table 1 - Rainbow & Brown Trout Critical Time Periods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

APPENDIX A - Morrow Point Dam and Power Plant 

 River Channel Improvement Drawing

APPENDIX B - Distribution Mailing List

APPENDIX C - Comment Letters

APPENDIX D - Water Quality Data
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

Proposed Action

This Final Environmental Assessment (EA) reviews the proposed action of removing

approximately 11,000 cubic yards of deposited material from the upper end of Crystal Reservoir 

below Morrow Point Dam’s tailrace in Montrose County, Colorado. The Bureau of Reclamation

(Reclamation) prepared this EA in cooperation with other federal and state agencies to comply

with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, and related U.S.

Department of the Interior policies and regulations. If, based on this analysis, Reclamation

concludes the proposed action would have no significant impact on the human environment,

preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement would not be required before the action could

be implemented.

Morrow Point Dam was completed in 1968 as part of the Wayne N. Aspinall Unit (Aspinall

Unit) of the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP). Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal

Reservoirs on the Gunnison River are operated as a system to comprise the Aspinall Unit. Other

features of the CRSP include Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River, Navajo Dam on the San

Juan River, and Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. 

The Aspinall Unit is located in Gunnison and Montrose Counties, Colorado, along a 40-mile

reach of the Gunnison River as shown on the Frontispiece Map. The Unit is operated by

Reclamation, while lands surrounding the reservoirs are managed by the National Park Service

as the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Reclamation operates the reservoirs and power

plants to meet the following authorized purposes:

< regulate the flow of the Colorado River

< store water for beneficial consumptive uses

< allow the Upper Basin states to use the apportionment made to and among them through

the Colorado River Basin Compact and Upper Colorado River Compact

< provide for the reclamation of arid and semiarid land

< provide for flood control

< provide for fish and wildlife enhancement and public recreation 

< generate hydropower

Purpose and Need

Reclamation has identified a need to restore the tailrace below Morrow Point Reservoir to its

original post dam construction elevation. Reclamation proposes to remove approximately

11,000 cubic yards of gravel deposited in the upper end of Crystal Reservoir at the confluence of

the Gunnison and Cimarron Rivers (See Figure 1). The purpose of the project is to lower the

water elevation in the power plant tailrace to improve hydropower generating efficiency.
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Figure 1. - Confluence of the Gunnison and Cimarron Rivers

Background Information

Morrow Point Dam - Morrow Point Dam was completed in 1968 as part of the Aspinall Unit of

the Colorado River Storage Project. The dam is a double-curvature structure with a maximum

thickness of about 50 feet. Unusual dam features include an overhang on the downstream face,

an undercut on the upstream face, unusual thickness, and four large openings near the top of the

dam for a spillway. 

The spillway consists of four 15 by 15 foot submerged orifice openings through the top central

portion of the dam, each controlled by a 15 by 16.83-foot fixed-wheel gate. The spillway

discharge falls about 365 feet into a stilling basin at the toe of the dam. A 65-foot-high weir

located about 320 feet downstream from the dam controls the depth of the water in the stilling

basin.

A series of high flow events (including 1983-1984) in the Cimarron River, moved large

quantities of gravel and other material from the Cimarron River and deposited it at the
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confluence with the Gunnison River (upper end of Crystal Reservoir) (See Figure 1). The

deposited material created a backwater pool in the dam’s tailrace. This has resulted in losses in

power production efficiencies at Morrow Point Dam and ability to dewater the spillway stilling

basin. 

Curecanti National Recreation Area - The Curecanti National Recreation Area includes the

areas surrounding Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs, and provides recreation for

over 1 million visitors annually. Administered by the National Park Service, activities include

boating, fishing, sightseeing, and hiking. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National

Park (formerly National Monument until 1999) was originally established by Presidential

Proclamation No. 2033 (47 Stat 2558) to preserve the spectacular gorge and other objects of

scenic, scientific, and educational interests. In October 1999, the Monument was designated a

National Park by an act of Congress through enactment of P.L. 106-76. The National Park

includes 14 miles of the Gunnison River downstream from the Aspinall Unit.

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and Wilderness - The Bureau of Land

Management (BLM) manages the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) and

Wilderness located immediately downstream of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National

Park. The NCA includes an additional 24 miles of the Gunnison River from the Park’s western

boundary down to the Town of Austin.

Gold Medal Trout Fisheries - The State of Colorado has classified the Gunnison River from the

upper end of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the confluence of the North

Fork of the Gunnison River as a Gold Medal trout fishery for brown trout.

Endangered Fishes - Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker are listed as endangered in

the Gunnison River. Critical habitat for the Gunnison River was designated by the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service below the project area from about Delta, Colorado to the Gunnison River’s

confluence with the Colorado River in Grand Junction, Colorado. A fish ladder was constructed

in 1996 by the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program to provide passage

upstream of the Redlands Diversion on the Gunnison River near Grand Junction.

Downstream Diversions - Diversion downstream of the project area include the Gunnison

Tunnel which supplies irrigation water to the Uncompahgre Project near Montrose, Colorado;

Hartland Diversion which provides irrigation water near Delta, Colorado; and the Redlands

Diversion which provides water for power and some irrigation to the Redlands near Grand

Junction, Colorado. 
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Public Scoping

Reclamation identified issues and concerns with participation from individuals, agencies, and

organizations who may be affected by the project. The Cimarron Dredging Project was first

presented to the general public at the January 2001 Aspinall operations meeting. On January 25,

2001, a public scoping letter was mailed to interested parties and was published in the Grand

Junction Daily Sentinel. Comments were requested to be received by March 2, 2001.

Each issue and concern described below is discussed in Chapter 3. More information on scoping

activities is included in Chapter 4.

Water Resources

The proposed action has the potential to negatively affect water quality downstream of Crystal

Reservoir. Concerns focused around total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS),

and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels below Crystal Reservoir.

The Gunnison Tunnel, operated by the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association

(UVWUA) below Crystal Reservoir, diverts water for irrigation and municipal use in the

Montrose and Delta areas. 

Trout Fisheries

The proposed action has the potential to negatively affect the Gunnison River Gold Medal Trout

fisheries from Crystal Reservoir downstream to the confluence with the North Fork of the

Gunnison River. Concerns focused primarily around water quality issues as they affect trout

spawning and recruitment. Fall brown trout and spring rainbow trout spawning success could be

greatly reduced if suspended sediments travel downstream into trout spawning areas and smother

nests (redds). Reducing flows after spawning also has the potential to affect spawning success.

Recreation Resources

The Gunnison River is a valuable recreation resource. Rafting, floatfishing, walk-wade fishing,

hiking, and sightseeing are all common uses on the Gunnison River in the Curecanti National

Recreation Area, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Gunnison Gorge. If

the Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir becomes cloudy because of increased sediments;

fishing, rafting, and the overall aesthetics of the Gunnison River could be negatively affected.

Land and Facility Resources

The access road to Morrow Point is a narrow two-lane paved road. The road is used by

Reclamation to operate Morrow Point Dam and is also used by recreationists to access the upper

end of Crystal Reservoir. The road may need to be temporarily closed to the public during
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dredging activities for public safety. In addition, the road may be damaged by the volume of

heavy trucks that would be used to transport the dredged material off-site.

Socioeconomic Resources

The Bureau of Reclamation generates electricity from the Aspinall Unit which is marketed by

the Western Area Power Administration. Reduced flows during dredging activity have the

potential to affect power generation and consequently CRSP repayment schedules. Recreational

guide services have developed in conjunction with the recreational opportunities in the Gunnison

River. Rafting and fishing trips during the dredging activity could be negatively affected by

cloudy waters from increased sediments, thus affecting guiding revenues.
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CHAPTER 2 - ALTERNATIVES

This chapter describes the No Action and Proposed Action alternatives for removing material

deposited from the tailrace below Morrow Point Dam at its confluence with the Cimarron River. 

No other alternatives were identified that met the purpose and need.

No Action

Under the No Action Alternative, Reclamation would not remove about 11,000 cubic yards of

gravel from the upper end of Crystal Reservoir below the Morrow Point Dam tailrace. The

deposited material would continue to create a pool of water from the Cimarron River to Morrow

Points Dam’s stilling basin. Morrow Point’s generator power efficiencies would continue to be

reduced. Power efficiency losses are estimated at 1.14%, which represents about 5,608

megawatt hours (mwh) per year in power generation at a value of about $98,539 per year.

Proposed Action

The Proposed Action would dredge about 11,000 cubic yards of gravel and other materials from

the end of Crystal Reservoir below Morrow Point Dam at its confluence with the Cimarron

River. The Gunnison River would be returned to its original construction elevation (6,744.3

feet). Dredging activities would begin October 1, 2001 and be completed by November 30,

2001. If weather or other circumstances prevent completion of the dredging project by

November 30, 2001, additional dredging would occur in October and November, 2002.

Dredging would be limited to the river channel from about 200 feet upstream of the Gunnison

River’s confluence with the Cimarron River to about 1,000 feet below the river’s confluence. 

Reclamation or a contractor would dredge the deposited material using an excavator and access

the project area using an existing construction road. Dump Trucks would be used to transport

the dredged material from the Gunnison River to the paved parking area above and transported

off-site to Colorado Department of Transportation stockyard. Dredged material would be

donated to the Colorado Department of Transportation who would use the material on existing

road projects.

The existing construction road from the parking area to the Gunnison River would require minor

improvements to accommodate the heavy equipment and dump trucks. 

Environmental Commitments

The proposed action includes measures as needed to:
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! monitor and protect water quality in the Gunnison River

! protect downstream water rights including diversions at the Gunnison Tunnel

! minimize negative effects to trout resources below Crystal Reservoir

! minimize negative effects to on-site and downstream recreational uses

! minimize effects to guiding revenues

! minimize effects to power generation

! maintain delivery of a minimum 300 cfs of water over the Redlands Diversion Dam

between July 1 and October 31, in compliance with Contract No. 95-07-40-R1760 for the

benefit of endangered fishes.

 The degree to which the proposed measures would alleviate concerns for potentially affected

resources and interests is discussed with the applicable sections of the next chapter.

To comply with the Endangered Species Act, Reclamation consulted with the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service. Per consultation with the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE 2001), permits

under the Clean Water Act are not required as long as dredged material is not deposited within

the high water line. However, a Nation-wide 33 permit was issued to allow Reclamation to

move and reshape deposited material in the river to allow for easier access.
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CHAPTER 3 - AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

General

This chapter discusses resources that may be affected by actions taken to restore the upper end of

Crystal Reservoir below Morrow Point Dam to its original post-dam construction elevation. 

During preparation of this Draft EA, information on issues and concerns was received from

affected water users, resource agencies, private interests, recreational interest groups and

citizens, and other parties (see Chapter 4, Consultation and Coordination, for further details).

For each resource, the potentially affected area, and/or interests are identified, existing

conditions are described, and impacts expected under the No Action Alternative and Proposed

Action Alternative are discussed. This chapter concludes with a summary comparison of the

alternatives and a list of mitigation measures.

The project is located in Montrose County, Colorado along the Gunnison River within

Reclamation withdrawn lands of the Aspinall Unit. Montrose County has a population of about

31,500 (U.S. Census 2001). Montrose is the largest city in the area with a population of about

12,000. The county is primarily rural in nature with an agricultural base. The Uncompahgre

Project, constructed in the early 1900's, provides irrigation water for about 86,000 acres by

diverting water from the Gunnison River primarily through the Gunnison Tunnel, and the

Uncompahgre River. Tourism and recreation are also a significant source of economic activity

for the area with the Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti

National Recreation Area, and the San Juan range of the Rocky Mountains nearby.

Aspinall Unit and Morrow Point Reservoir

The Aspinall Unit of the Colorado River Storage Project consists of three reservoirs (Blue Mesa,

Morrow Point, and Crystal) along a 40 mile stretch of the Gunnison River (see Figure 2). 

Morrow Point Dam was completed in 1968 as part of the Aspinall Unit of the Colorado River

Storage Project. The dam is a double-curvature structure constructed with 18 blocks separated

by vertical transverse contraction joints spaced at 40-foot centers except for the center block,

which is 30-feet wide. 

The spillway consists of four 15 by 15 foot submerged orifice openings through the top central

portion of the dam, each controlled by a 15 by 16.83 foot fixed-wheel gate. The spillway

discharge falls about 365 feet into a stilling basin at the toe of the dam. A 65-foot-high weir
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Figure 2. - Reservoirs of the Aspinall Unit

(concrete wall) located about 320 feet downstream from the dam controls the depth of the water

in the stilling basin (USAR 1981). In the fall of 1965, about 1,200 feet of the Gunnison River

(tailrace) downstream from the dam was excavated to lower the tail water and increase head on

the turbines. The channel work lowered the tail water elevation about 10 feet to an elevation of

6743 feet with a slope of 2 feet for every 1000 feet (see Appendix A). Excavation for the

channel work required a 35-foot minimum bottom width trapezoidal channel. Since the

construction of Morrow Point, high flows in the Cimarron River have transported gravel and

other materials into the old Gunnison River channel (upper end of Crystal Reservoir) at its

confluence with the Cimarron River. The gravel disposition has resulted in raising the surface

water elevation in the tail bay, causing back pressure on the generator turbines, that in turn, has

reduced power production efficiency of the generators. Power efficiency losses to the United

States are estimated at about 1.14%, which represents about 5,608 megawatt hours per year in

power generation at a value of about $98,539 per year. The goal of the proposed project is to

return the tailrace to the 1965 elevation to improve power production efficiency. 
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Blue Mesa and Morrow Point Dams are operated to provide peaking power, while Crystal Dam

is operated to re-regulate water releases in the Gunnison River. Under the proposed action, the

Aspinall dams would continue under normal operations, except for Morrow Point Dam which

would not release water for a 6 hour period each day. Adjustments in releases from other dams

on the system, consistent with existing operating criteria, would be made to absorb the 6 hour

dredging window. Water surface elevations at Crystal Reservoir would be maintained at or

below the 6743 foot “bottom of channel” elevation during the dredging activities to allow easy

access to and removal of the deposited material.

Recreation Resources

The Gunnison River provides various recreational opportunities including fishing, rafting,

hiking, and sightseeing. Recreation on the Gunnison River below Morrow Point Dam is

managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado Division

of Wildlife.

The National Park Service manages recreation within the Curecanti National Recreation Area,

which includes recreation sites along Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs. The

Curecanti National Recreation Area was developed in conjunction with the construction of the

Aspinall Unit. Because of limited public access created by high canyon walls, Morrow Point

and Crystal Reservoirs receive very little recreation use. Access is primarily limited to the upper

ends of Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs, and the East Portal of the Gunnison River below

Crystal Reservoir. Recreational use at the upper end of Crystal Reservoir is primarily limited to

the spring through fall.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Park) is located downstream of the East

Portal of the Gunnison Tunnel and is managed by the National Park Service. The Park was

established to preserve the spectacular gorge and other scenic, scientific, and educational

interests. The Park includes 14 miles of the Gunnison River.

An additional 26 miles of the Gunnison River downstream of the National Park is managed by

the BLM. The river flows through the BLM’s 57,700 acre Gunnison Gorge National

Conservation Area and Wilderness. BLM manages the NCA and Wilderness to permanently

protect and conserve its outstanding scenic, geologic, wildlife, and wilderness resources and to

provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities including wilderness whitewater boating

and camping, floatfishing, and walk-wade fishing, hiking, and sightseeing.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife manages recreational fishing on the Gunnison River. 

Recreational fishing is discussed in greater detail in the Wildlife Section of this Chapter.

The No Action Alternative would not affect recreational resources. The Proposed Action could

negatively affect recreational uses if the Gunnison River becomes cloudy (turbid). If the waters
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are turbid, fishing success may be reduced and the river may become difficult to navigate by

boat, thus reducing the quality of the recreational experience. In addition, access to the upper

end of Crystal Reservoir would be restricted during the dredging period (approximately 6

weeks). Restricting dredging activities to October and November would reduce the likelihood of

conflicts with recreational uses. Minor impacts to recreation are projected because recreation

uses drop sharply in October and November, primarily because of cooler weather associated with

the higher mountain elevations. 

Water quality is discussed in greater detail in the Water Resources section of this chapter.

Land Use and Vegetation

The project area is located on lands of the United States withdrawn for the construction and

operation of the Aspinall Unit. The property is co-managed by Reclamation and the National

Park Service for hydropower generation, water storage and recreation. 

The canyon was created by the Gunnison River cutting through Precambrian rock. Vegetation

resources within the project area are limited because of the nature of the rock canyon walls. 

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) , box-elder (Acer negundo), narrow-leaf cottonwood (Populus

angustifolia), and poison ivy (Rhus radicans) are common in the canyon along the river banks

(NPS 2001). The No Action and Proposed Action are expected to have no effect on land use or

vegetation resources.

The proposed action was also evaluated to determine if the dredging activity could start a

headcut that would move up the Cimarron River. Material deposited at the confluence of the

Cimarron River and upper end of Crystal Reservoir has likely changed the lower portion of the

Cimarron River's elevation. It is anticipated that once the deposited material is removed, the

Cimarron River will adjust to the change in the downstream elevation to reach a new stream

equilibrium. It is predicted that the Cimarron's elevation will more closely resemble its post

channel improvement elevation somewhere between the 1965 elevation (Channel Improvement

Date) and the post-deposition elevation (after the 1983 high flow event which deposited the

material). This change is expected to be minor.

Fish and Wildlife Resources

The Gunnison River and its canyon walls support wildlife including beaver (Castor canadensis),

mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), stone fly, ringtail cat (Bassariscus astutus), great horned owl

(Bubo virginianus), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), yellow warbler (Dendroica

petechia), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) (NPS 2001).

The fishery resource of the Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir is managed by the Colorado

Division of Wildlife (CDOW). This stretch of river has an excellent rainbow and brown trout
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fishery. These populations are self-sustaining; however, whirling disease has greatly reduced

recruitment for rainbow trout. The CDOW conducts an annual fall (September) survey on the

Gunnison River below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. CDOW does not

directly stock Crystal Reservoir; however, Crystal Reservoir does receive fish that survive the

entrainment from Morrow Point Reservoir and the Cimarron River. Morrow Point Reservoir has

been stocked with kokanee and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Entrainment from Blue Mesa

Reservoir also provides a significant number of fish in Morrow Point Reservoir (Hebein 2001). 

Fish species lists for both Crystal and Morrow Point Reservoirs are identical even though the

sources of species varies. These include: Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerkus), rainbow trout, brown

trout, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), Colorado River cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki

pleuriticus), possibly Snake River cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki sp.), Mackinaw or lake

trout (Salvelinus namaycush), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), white sucker

(Catostomus commersoni), bluehead sucker (Catostomus discobolus), longnose dace

(Rhinichthys cataractae), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi). Hybridized remnants of flannelmouth

sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) may also be present (McCada 2000, Hebein 2001). 

 According to Nehring (1988), critical time periods and flows for rainbow and brown trout are as

follows:

Table 1 - Rainbow & Brown Trout Critical Time Periods

Species Life Stage Critical Time Period Minimum Flow

Brown Spawning Oct 15 - Nov 15 300

Brown Incubation Nov 1 - Apr 01 300

Brown Hatching Mar 15 - May 15 300

Brown Fry May 01 - Jun 15 300

Brown Juvenile Jun 15 - Oct 15 300

Brown Adult All Year Long 300

Rainbow Spawning Apr 01 - May 15 300

Rainbow Incubation Apr 15 - Jun 15 300

Rainbow Hatching Jun 01 - Jul 01 300

Rainbow Fry Jun 15 - Jul 15 300

Rainbow Juvenile Jul 15 - Oct 15 300

Rainbow Adult All Year Long 300
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The gravel bar deposited by the Cimarron River is not considered spawning habitat, primarily

because of large fluctuation in releases from Morrow Point Dam (between 0-5,000 cfs) and the

water is too cold for spawning. 

Brown and rainbow trout may be affected by the proposed action if significant sediments are

transported and deposited in key spawning areas downstream of Crystal Reservoir during

critical time periods. This could result in eggs laid in redds (nests) being covered with fine silts

and depriving the eggs of oxygen. Large amounts of transported sediment could greatly reduce

rainbow and brown trout recruitment. 

In addition, brown trout and rainbow trout are affected if flows in the Gunnison River are

lowered below 300 cfs. Crystal Reservoir will continue to operate as the regulating reservoir,

with releases being made based on projected hydrology. Therefore, flows in the Gunnison River

below Crystal will be unaffected by the proposed action. Releases from Morrow Point Dam will

continue to operate to produce peaking power; however, dredging activities will be limited to

periods when water is not being released from Morrow Point Dam. This should aid in limiting

the amount of sediments being transported in the Gunnison River. It is also anticipated that most

increases in suspended sediments as a result of the dredging activity would settle out in Crystal

Reservoir and not affect the Gunnison River downstream. Water quality samples would be taken

daily during the dredging activity as described in the Water Quality section of this chapter to

monitor changes in water quality.

Dredging activities would be conducted after October 1 and completed no later than November

30 to avoid conflicts with CDOW’s annual monitoring program. The CDOW would continue

the annual fall sampling of the Gunnison River and would be able to measure effects on brown

and rainbow trout recruitment.

To assist in dewatering the dredging site, Crystal Reservoir’s water surface elevation would be

maintained at or below 6,743 feet. Except while releases are being made from Morrow Point

Dam during the project, the first 1,200 feet of the tailrace would be drained. CDOW does not

consider the tailrace suitable fish habitat because of the high flows released from Morrow Point

Dam (Hebein 2001).

Once the dredging is completed, the backwater pool created by the deposited material will no

longer exist. Water in the channel from the dam to the upper end of Crystal Reservoir would be

dependant on releases from Morrow Point Reservoir and the water surface elevation of Crystal

Reservoir. 

Local wildlife may avoid the area during dredging activities; however effects are projected to be

short-term and the project would not alter existing wildlife habitat.
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

14

Threatened and Endangered Species

Informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2001) identified no threatened

and endangered species that could be directly affected by the proposed action. However, if

flows in the Gunnison River were reduced and Reclamation was unable to maintain delivery of a

minimum 300 cfs of water over the Redlands Diversion Dam between July 1 and October 31, in

compliance with Contract No. 95-07-40-R1760 for the benefit of endangered fishes, adverse

impacts could result and consultation would need to be reinitiated. Additionally, if flushing

flows were needed to remove large volumes of deposited sediments from the Gunnison River,

flushing flows could affect the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s razorback sucker stocking

program. The proposed action would not affect Reclamation’s contract to deliver a minimum

300 cfs over the Redlands Diversion Dam and flushing flows are not being considered at this

time, therefore, the proposed action is projected to have no effect on threatened or endangered

species. 

Water Quality

Water quality is good in the Gunnison River. The Aspinall Unit acts as a sink for suspended

solids and provides constant cold water releases. The clarity (total suspended solids and total

dissolved solids) and temperature of the Gunnison River creates an excellent trout fishery and

provides recreational opportunities for fishing, rafting, and other forms of recreation.

The Gunnison River and the three reservoirs are classified by the Colorado Water Quality

Control Commission as Aquatic Life Cold 1, Recreation 1, Water Supply and Agriculture, and

designated as Antidegradation Reviewable waters (previously a High Water Quality 2

designation). The Aquatic Life Cold 1 classification denotes waters which support a wide

variety of cold water biota. Recreation 1 waters are suitable for primary human contact

including swimming, kayaking, rafting, and water-skiing. The Water Supply and Agriculture

classifications denote that the waters are suitable for such purposes. The antidegradation

reviewable designation recognizes waters which are not outstanding state or national resources,

but exhibit high quality. These waters yield to the antidegradation review process, a process

which allows degradation of water quality if economic or social benefits override water quality

benefits (Long etal. 1995). 

Significant changes in water quality could negatively affect downstream trout fisheries and river

rafting. A cloudy (high levels of suspended solids) Gunnison River would reduce angling

success, make river running more difficult (cannot see rocks and other obstructions), and

generally detract from the scenic views in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and

the Gunnison Gorge. 

Associated with the proposed action, in April 2001, Reclamation began monitoring water quality

parameters listed below on a monthly basis at 7 sites within the Aspinall Unit (See Figure 3):
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

15

Figure 3 - Aspinall Unit Water Quality Monitoring Sites

! ambient air temperature

! water temperature

! pH

! conductivity

! total dissolved solids

! total suspended solids

! calcium

! magnesium

! total hardness

! dissolved oxygen

Water quality would continue to be collected on a monthly basis prior to implementation of the

project. Initially, during dredging activities, water quality would be sampled on a daily basis to

monitor any changes as a result of the proposed action. If no major changes in water quality are
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

16

observed, Reclamation may decrease the frequency of water quality sampling from daily to

weekly. In addition, Reclamation would visually monitor the water quality in Crystal Reservoir. 

If the lower end of Crystal Reservoir becomes significantly turbid (cloudy), dredging activities

would be stopped to reduce the amount of suspended sediments being transported below Crystal

Dam. Once the reservoir began to clear, dredging activities could resume.

Water Rights

Water rights in the Upper Gunnison Basin include both direct flow and storage rights. One of

the project authorizations for the Aspinall Unit was to store Upper Basin States water. The

Aspinall Unit would continue under normal operations, providing water to meet downstream

obligations (water rights, delivery contracts, etc.). The proposed action is projected to have no

effect on water rights or Aspinall water deliveries.

Historical and Cultural Resource Properties

The proposed project is located near the Curecanti Archeological District (District). The District

consists of a complex of over 200 recorded archeological sites and encompasses 6,750.25 acres. 

The District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 15, 1984. 

Prehistoric sites dating back to 8,000 B.C. represent a significant change in the understanding of

how these early people used Colorado’s high mountain valleys. A large collection of artifacts

from the area are in storage at the Midwest Archeological Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. In

addition, thirty-nine sites generally associated with the Ute Tribe and classified as temporary

camps have been identified in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (NPS 1997).

Historic resources within the Curecanti National Recreation Area illustrate three great human

achievements—building narrow gauge railroads, dam building/engineering, and

homesteading/saw milling (NPS 1997). The proposed project is in the Cimarron area and is a

focal point for illustrating the role of the narrow gauge railroad in the development of western

Colorado. A display at Cimarron depicts the rise and fall of the narrow gauge railroad as a

mountain transportation system.

No impacts to cultural or historic resources are projected because 1) the project would be

completely within a previously disturbed area, 2) dredging activities would be conducted within

the high water line of the Gunnison River, and 3) vehicles and equipment would use existing

roads to transport the dredged material off-site. 

Indian Trust Assets

Indian trust assets are legal interests in property held by the United States for Indian Tribes or

individuals. Reclamation and other Federal agencies share the responsibility to protect these

assets. There have been no trust assets identified in the project area, and therefore no impact on
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

17

these assets is predicted.

Environmental Justice

Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice provides that Federal agencies analyze

programs to assure that they do not disproportionately adversely affect minority or low income

populations or Indian Tribes. There are no potentially affected populations in the project area

and no adverse effects related to environmental justice are predicted.

Socioeconomic

Socioeconomic resources related to the proposed action can be broken into two general

categories: 1) Hydropower Production from the Aspinall Unit and 2) Commercial Guiding

Services for fishing and float guides.

Hydropower Production

The Aspinall Unit is operated to meet daily peak power demands, and power production and

marketing is managed by the Western Area Power Administration. Peaking power means that

higher releases are made at those times during the day when energy demands are highest. 

Typically, peak power periods are from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Blue Mesa and Morrow Point

Dam releases are made during this time period to meet power demands. This results in large

changes in flows between Blue Mesa Reservoir and Morrow Point Reservoir, and between

Morrow Point Reservoir and Crystal Reservoir. 

Crystal Reservoir is operated differently than the other two reservoirs. Crystal Reservoir

provides storage space for smoothing peaking power releases from Morrow Point Reservoir to

relatively uniform flows required to provide the existing Uncompahgre Project diversions

through the downstream Gunnison Tunnel in the summer months. Within a 24 hour period,

releases for power production from Blue Mesa Dam can fluctuate between 0 and 3,400 cfs,

Morrow Point Dam between 0 and 5,000 cfs, while Crystals releases typically fluctuate in the 50

cfs range. When the Aspinall Unit is at maximum power production, daily fluctuations in

releases from Crystal Dam may increase to the 200 cfs range. 

Under the proposed action, dredging activities would be restricted to a 6 hour window when

releases from Morrow Point Reservoir were at zero. The Western Area Power Administration

does not foresee that there will be any financial impacts to CRSP during the planned dredging. 

There would be no overall loss in CRSP generation during the dredging period; generation

patterns within the CRSP system would be altered during that period, consistent with existing

operating parameters. The improved power efficiency, after completion of the dredging project,

is expected to result in an estimated 5,608 MWh per year increase in power generation. At

today’s rates, this amount of generation equates to about $98,539 per year.
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

18

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Figure 4 - 2000 Visitation Statistics in Persons/Month for Curecanti National

Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

If the Aspinall Unit was needed to respond to a power system emergency, dredging activities

would be stopped until the 6 hour dredging window was again available. This would also apply

to any emergency that would require a change in operations that would make the 6 hour dredging

window unavailable.

Commercial Guiding Services

Commercial guiding services have developed on the Gunnison River as a result of the high

quality of fishing, rafting, and sightseeing available to the general public. The majority of

commercial float and walk-wade fishing use on the river occurs within the BLM’s Gunnison

Gorge NCA and Wilderness. These activities are popular throughout the summer (May - early

October) with the highest annual use of the river by both commercial and private float and walkwade fishers occurring during early June (stonefly hatch period). Floatfishing by commercials is

also extremely popular in late July, August and September. Any action that would reduce

fishing success, river navigability, or the aesthetic nature of the river may have a negative effect

on commercial guiding services.

The majority (79.4%) of visitation at Curecanti National Recreation Area and the Black Canyon

of the Gunnison National Park, Management Area occur between May and September as

illustrated in Figure 4. Effects to commercial guiding services are projected to be greatest during

this time period as well. Therefore, avoiding dredging activities from May through September
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

19

would reduce the economic impact felt by commercial guides if water quality was affected as a

result of the proposed action.

Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts are the impacts on the environment which result from the incremental

impact of the action, when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future

actions, regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such other

actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant

actions taking place over a period of time.

Past and present activities that have affected river-related resources in the area include land

irrigation, urban development and recreational activities associated with construction and

operation of the Aspinall Unit and the Uncompahgre Project, and activities associated with the

Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River

Basin. Planned activities include the Morrow Point Reservoir trash rack cleaning project, the

Morrow Point Reservoir drawdown criteria project, and additional Recovery Program activities.

Implementation of all or any of these projects has the potential to affect the human environment

including but not limited to water quality, water rights, socioeconomics and wildlife resources. 

Cumulative impacts associated with the implementation of the Cimarron Dredging Project are

anticipated to be short-term and too small to measure.

Summary and Environmental Commitments

In summary, the primary effect of the proposed action would be to restore the channel of the

Gunnison River to its 1965 elevation thus improving power generation efficiencies. The project

is designed and would be implemented to avoid or reduce impacts or harm to recreation, fish and

wildlife resources, water quality, and power production. There will be no effect on water rights,

water uses, or water supplies.

The following environmental and social/economic commitments are included in the project plan.

<All construction contracts would have “Stop Work” clauses that would require the contractor to

stop dredging activities if threatened or endangered species were encountered. If this would

occur, construction would be halted until additional consultation with the Service was

completed.

<All construction contracts would have “Stop Work” clauses that would require the contractor to

stop construction activities if cultural resources were encountered or affected. If this would

occur, construction would be halted until consultation with the State Historical Preservation

Officer was completed.

<All construction contracts would have “Stop Work” clauses that would stop dredging activities
20

if Reclamation, through its water quality monitoring program, determines that continued

dredging activities would degrade water quality to a level to significantly affect fisheries

including brown trout spawning success.

 

<Dredging activities would be restricted to a time period between October 1 and November 30 to

reduce conflicts with recreationists, fisheries resources, and water users.

<Flows in the Gunnison River below Crystal Dam would remain within the general operations of

the Aspinall Unit and would not be modified for the Cimarron Dredging Project. Releases

would be based using existing operation criteria for the Aspinall Unit.

<Water quality measurements will be recorded monthly prior to the implementation of the

proposed action. Initially, during the dredging activity, water quality measurements will be

recorded daily to document any changes in water quality. If significant changes in water quality

are not observed, Reclamation may reduce the water quality sampling to weekly. In addition,

daily visual observations of Crystal Reservoir would be made. If lower end of Crystal Reservoir

becomes turbid (cloudy), dredging activities would be stopped. Once the reservoir began to

clear, dredging activities would resume.

<In-river activities (dredging, etc.) will be limited to periods when no releases are made from

Morrow Point Reservoir to protect water quality in the Gunnison River below Crystal.

<The water surface elevation of Crystal Reservoir will be maintained at or below 6,743 feet

during the proposed action to assist in dewatering the dredging site and protecting water quality. 

Full pool elevation at Crystal Reservoir is 6,755 feet. 

<The condition of the paved two-lane access road to Morrow Point Dam would be monitored

throughout the project period. Road damage that may occur as a result of heavy equipment

traffic, would be repaired by Reclamation or its contractor as appropriate. 

<Road closures and/or traffic control (flagging) will be implemented during dredging activities

and when transporting the dredged material off-site. 

<The parking lot where the dredged material would be temporarily stored, would be cleaned and

repaired as appropriate. The parking lot would be broomed and picked up, washing the fines and

silt over the embankment would not be allowed.

<The contractor, prior to beginning work, would submit to Reclamation for approval a “spill

containment plan” to protect the river from oil and/or fuel contamination from excavating, haul

vehicles, and storage facilities. 

<Reclamation would notify and inform agencies, individuals and the public prior to and during

dredging activities using press releases, mailing lists, and existing Aspinall facsimile numbers.
21

CHAPTER IV - CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

General

The Cimarron Dredging Project was first presented to the general public at the January 2001

Aspinall Operations meeting. The Aspinall Operations meetings are held three times a year

between Reclamation, local, state and federal agencies, water users, environmental

organizations, recreationists, and other interested parties. On January 25, 2001, a public scoping

letter was mailed to interested parties and was published in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. 

Comments were requested to be received by March 2, 2001.

Comments on the Draft EA were addressed and incorporated as follows:

Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB)

Comment 1: The CWCB has some minor concerns with the potential to start a headcut that

would move up the Cimarron River. The CWCB has a 16 cfs instream flow on the Cimarron

River that runs from the Gunnison confluence upstream 3.7 miles to the confluence with the

Little Cimarron River. The CWCB would therefore like to see the potential for headcutting up

the Cimarron addressed in the Draft EA.

Response: The potential for a headcut to start in the Cimarron River was evaluated. Discussion

on the headcut issue was added to the Land Use and Vegetation Section of the EA.

Comment 2: It would be helpful if the Frontispiece map showed some of the water diversions in

the Delta area and the Redlands Diversion down near Grand Junction. Also, critical habitat for

endangered fish should be identified.

Response: The Frontispiece map was modified to show the Hartland Diversion near Delta and

the Redlands Diversion. Endangered fish critical habitat for the Gunnsion River was also

identified.

Comment 3: Page 1, Proposed Action - We suggest that the bulleted authorization purposes be

broken out into “primary and incidental or secondary” purposes consistent with the Colorado

River Storage Project Act. Also, the 3rd bullet needs to include reference to the Upper Colorado

River Compact.

Response: The authorized purposes are not listed in any particular order. Reclamation has the

responsibility to meet all authorized purposes, therefore primary and incidental or secondary

purposes are not presented. Upper Colorado River Compact was added to the third bullet.

Comment 4: Page 3, Background Information - We suggest brief mention of critical habitat for

the four endangered Colorado River fishes and the Redlands fish ladder and the smaller water

diversions in the Delta area.
22

Response: A brief discussion of critical habitat for Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker,

and the Redlands fish ladder was added to the Background Information section. Critical habitat

for bonytail and humpback chub was not designated for the Gunnison River.

Comment 5: Page 4, Socioeconomic Resources - We suggest modifying the 2nd sentence as

follows, “ Reduced flows during dredging has the potential to adversely affect their power

revenues and consequently CRSP repayment schedules.

Response: “Consequently CRSP repayment schedules” was added to the 2nd paragraph. 

Discussion with WAPA and CREDA determined that the 6 hour daily window needed during the

dredging period would not adversely affect power revenues. Additional releases from other

dams on the system would be made to adjust for the 6 hour window release shutdown from

Morrow Point Dam.

Comment 6: Page 5, No Action, last sentence - add “year” following “per”.

Response: Year was inserted into the sentence.

Comment 7: Page 9, 1st paragraph - We suggest additional discussion concerning the 6-hour shut

down period for dredging. How will this impact peaking operations of the unit and ability to

balance the power grid? Also, what will happen during emergency situations in southern

California, are there are any concerns or other considerations under these circumstances.

Response: Additional discussion of the 6-hour shut down period was added. If emergency

situations require changes in operations of the Aspinall Unit, the dredging project will stop until

the emergency is addressed.

Comment 8: Page 15, Water Rights - We suggest that the language here be strengthened. 

Language to the effect that adequate water will be released from the Aspinall Units to

downstream users in a manner that will have no adverse effect on water rights.

Response: No changes in Aspinall’s downstream water users are projected as part of the

dredging project, therefore no affect was predicted. Releases made from Crystal will be made

under normal operating criteria. “Water rights” was changed to “obligations (water rights,

delivery contracts, etc.)”.

Comment 9: Page 18, Summary of Environmental Commitments - Suggest modifying 1st bullet

as follows, “All construction contracts would have “Stop Work” clauses that would require the

contractor to stop dredging activities if threatened or endangered species are encountered or

adversely affected. If this occurs, construction would be halted until further consultation with

the Service can be completed. The Service will agree to give this additional consultation some

priority given the limited window during which dredging is expected to occur.”
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

23

Response: “Construction” was changed to “Dredging” and “or affected” was added. “Adversely

affected” was not added because Reclamation would be required to consult with the Service for

any affect under the Endangered Species Act. Reclamation feels that it is not appropriate to

make the statement “the Service will........” ,. If necessary, Reclamation will consult with the

Service as outlined in Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. If formal consultation is

necessary, the project would likely be delayed until the following year or until the consultation

was completed.

Comment 10: Page 18, Summary of Environmental Commitments - 3rd bullet should probably be

expanded to include all fisheries with perhaps special emphasis on Brown Trout spawning.

Response: Sentence was restructured to include all fisheries.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Comment 1: After reviewing the document we feel that most of our concerns are covered but in a

very general manner. We would like to re-emphasis our earlier request that BR make a sincere

effort to provide timely and detailed notification to concerned agencies, interested parties, and

publics, prior to and during the proposed dredging activity. This and other concerns are detailed

in our previous correspondence to you regarding this project, which we would like to request be

made part of our comments on the draft EA.

Response: BLM’s previous correspondence is attached in the Appendix. As part of the NEPA

process, concerned agencies, interested parties, and publics will be notified prior to and during

the dredging activity. Concerned parties have received the draft EA, and will receive a copy of

the Final EA and “Finding of No Significant Impact”. Press release, mailing lists and facsimile

lists will be used to inform and update agencies and the public about the dredging activity. This

was added to the list of environmental commitments. 

Comment 2. Page 3 - Replace “Gunnison Gorge Special Recreation Area” with “Gunnison

Gorge National Conservation Area and Wilderness.” Add “the BLM manages the Gunnison

Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) and Wilderness located immediately downstream of

the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The NCA includes an additional 24 miles of

the Gunnison River from the Park’s western boundary to the Town of Austin”.

Response: Changed.

Comment 3: Page 4,Recreation Resources - Add “float fishing, walk-wade fishing” between

“rafting” and “hiking”

Response: Added to the sentence.
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

24

Comment 4: Page 9, Recreation Resources - .....An additional 26 miles of the Gunnison River

................. downstream of the National Park is managed by the BLM. The river flows through

the BLM’s 57,700 acre Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and Wilderness. BLM

manages the NCA and Wilderness to permanently protect and conserve its outstanding scenic,

geologic, wildlife, and wilderness resources and to provide a diverse range of recreational

opportunities including wilderness, whitewater boating, and camping, floatfishing, and walkwade fishing, hiking, and sightseeing.

Response: Changed.

Comment 5: Page 17, Commercial Guiding Services - Add “The majority of commercial float

and walk-wade fishing use on the river occurs within the BLM’s Gunnison Gorge NCA and

Wilderness. These activities are popular throughout the summer (May - early October) with the

highest annual use of the river by both commercial and private float and walk-wade fishers

occurring during early June (stonefly hatch period). Floatfishing by commercials is also

extremely popular in late July, August and September.

Response: Added.

National Park Service (NPS)

Comment 1: Page 3, Paragraph 3: states “The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

(formerly National Monument until 1999) was created by Presidential Proclamation No. 2033

(47 Stat 2558)....” To be more accurate, the National Monument was established by Presidential

Proclamation, the National Park was designated by an act of Congress through enactment of P.L. 

106-79 in October of 1999.

Response: The sentence was restructured to address the Congressional action.

Comment 2: Page 3, Paragraph 4: The area administered by the Bureau of Land Management

below Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was designated as the “Gunnison Gorge

National Conservation Area” through the same act that designated Black Canyon as a National

Park.

Response: This was already addressed in the BLM comments.

Comment 3: Page 3, Paragraph 8: states the concerns focused around the water quality issues

“below” Crystal Reservoir. Were there no concerns about water quality “within Crystal

Reservoir? If not, why?

Response: Based on initial water quality data, no concerns were identified within Crystal

Reservoir. Crystal Reservoir serves as a sediment trap for the Cimarron River. In discussions
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

25

with the CDOW, increased turbidity in Crystal that may occur as a result as a function of the

dredging project is not predicted to adversely affect the fisheries in Crystal. CDOW’s concerns

focused around limiting the amount of suspended sediments being deposited in the Gunnison

River below Crystal; therefore, water quality issues were focused below Crystal. Preliminary

water quality data has been added to the Appendices.

Comment 3: Page 4, paragraph 4, Land and Facilities Resources: Will the road be closed to the

public during the entire two-month dredging process, or just during the 6 hour per day that

dredging activities are taking place?

Response: Traffic control measures (signing, flagging, and road closures) will be used to address

public safety issues associated with the narrow road and haul trucks. When equipment and

loaded trucks are using the road, the road will be closed to the public. When hauling is not

occuring, the road will be open to the public.

Comment 4: Page 5, Paragraph 2, last sentence: should “read...which represents about $98,539

per year in power revenues.”

Response: “year” was added.

Comment 5: Paragraph 4: Where is the “off-site” storage area? Do the impacts associated with

the off-site storage area need to be evaluated?

Response: The Colorado Department of Transportation will provide the off-site storage area and

impacts associated with the off-site storage area need to be evaluated. It is anticipated that the

gravel will be stored at an existing CDOT storage site, however, if a new storage site is

developed, appropriated NEPA compliance would be needed.

Comment 6: Page 6, Statement 3: Should you be minimizing negative effects to trout resourses

“within” as well as below Crystal Reservoir.

Response: Concerns identified associated with trout resources focused around sediments being

deposited in the Gunnison River affecting trout spawning success. Trout do not spawn in Crystal

Reservoir. Temporary changes in water quality in Crystal as a result of the dredging is not

predicted to adversely affect trout resources in Crystal.

Comment 7: Page 9, Paragraph 9, Sentence 1: should read “in conjunction with the construction

of the Aspinall Unit.

Response: “the” was added.

Comment 8: Page 9, Paragraph 5, Sentence 1: should read “... below the Black Canyon of the
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

26

Gunnison National Park....”

Response: This sentence was changed based on BLM comments.

Comment 9: Page 9, Paragraph 7: Has the effect on private boater access to Crystal Reservoir

post-dredging been evaluated? If not, what are the preceived impacts/benefits?

Response: The public has limited access below Morrow Point to launch boats. The road leading

down to the tailrace is gated and locked. In addition, high fluctuation in flows below Morrow

Point make this site unsafe. Boats have to be carried down to the upper end of Crystal Reseroir. 

The proposed dredging activity would not change this requirement. When the dredging project

is complete, boats may need to be carried further down past the Cimarron River confluence to

launch boats because the tailrace would be drained when Morrow Point is not releasing water.

Comment 10: Page 10, Paragraph 6: The Colorado Division of Wildlife does not manage the

Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir. The National Park Service manages the river as part

of Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The

Colorado Division of Wildlife does have fisheries management responsibility on the river.

Response: “fishery resource of the” was added to this sentence to clarify management

responsibility.

Comment 11: Page 10, Paragraph 6, Sentence 4: should read “...below the Black Canyon of the

Gunnison National Park.”

Response: “Monument” changed to “Park”.

Comment 12: Page 12, Paragraph 6: While the Colorado River cutthroat trout, bluehead sucker,

and flannelmouth sucker are not federally listed species, they are State Special Concern Species. 

As such, the National Park Service must manage them in a manner similar to its treatment of

federally listed species. Therefore, potential impacts to these species must be evaluated.

Response: The proposed dredging project is predicted to have no effect on these State Special

Concern Species.

Comment 13: Paragraph 1: states “...flushing flows are not being considered at this time...” Is it

conceivable that flushing flows will be necessary? If so, what is the contingency in case they are

needed?

Response: Flushing flows are not being considered in the mitigation plan. The project is

designed to address sediment deposition issues associated with dredging. Dredging activities

would be stopped immediately if sediment issues arise and therefore, flushing flows would not
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

27

be needed. It is hoped that there will be adequate water in the system for a high spring flow in

2002. Flash floods in August 2001 have put significant amounts of sediments in the system and

a high flow in 2002 would be very beneficial.

Comment 14: Page 13: The water quality monitoring design on Crystal Reservoir before and

during the dredging is not specific to any depth. At what depth is the sampling taking place? 

Surface sampling will almost always yield adequate dissolved oxygen values. Water quality

profiles within the reservoir may show different values.

Response: Water quality measurements are being taken at a depth of 3 feet with exception to the

Cimarron River, which varies between 1-2 feet depth depending on flow. Water quality data has

been added to the Appendices.

Comment 15: Page 14, Paragraph 2: What is considered to be “significant” turbidity? This needs

to be quantified and based on turbidity levels where impacts to aquatic life occur.

Response: In discussion with CDOW, Reclamation was unable to identify at what level turbidity

impacts aquatic life. For the purposes of this document, significant turbidity is defined as the

level where sediments begin to be deposited in the Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir and

where significant effects may occur. Reclamation will work closely with CDOW on this

determination. 

Comment 16: Page 15, Paragraph 2: The proposed project is not within the Curecanti

Archeological District. The primary focus of the Archeological District is in the vicinity of Blue

Mesa Reservoir.

Response: “within” was changed to “near”.

Comment 17: Page 16, Paragraph 1: Affect should read affected.

Response: Changed.

Comment 18: Page 18, Paragraph 3: Isn’t the primary effect of the proposed action more

accurately to restore the channel of the Gunnison River to its 1965 elevation?

Response: “the channel of” was added to clarify the sentence.

Comment 19: Page 19, Paragraph 1: To reiterate an earlier point, the level of unacceptable

turbidity needs to be quantified.

Response: This comment was addressed in response to Comment 15.
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

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Colorado River Energy Distributors Association

Comment 1: Page 4, Paragraph 4, Sentence 2: We are concerned that the Draft EA does not

accurately characterize the socioeconomic affects of the Proposed Action with regards to

hydropower generation. If generation is reduced from the Aspinall Unit, replacement generation

would most likely have to be purchased on the open market, at market prices, by Western at the

request of its customers, or by the customers themselves. The EA refers only to “the potential to

affect their (Western’s) power revenues.”

Response: “revenues” was changed to “generation.. It is projected that any reduced generation

from the Aspinall Unit would be offset by additional generation at either Glen Canyon or

Flaming Gorge Dams if needed.

Comment 2: Page 5, Paragraph 2: The No Action Alternative is described as causing losses,

“estimated at 1.14%, which represents about $98,539 per year in power revenues.” The impact

should be characterized in terms of lost GENERATION, not lost REVENUES. Western’s

ratesetting methodology requires that it establish rates sufficient to recover its revenue

requirement. In essence, if they have reduced generation to market, they have the ability to

adjust their rates to recover their fixed revenue requirements. On the other hand, reduced

generation has a direct effect on the power customers.

Response: Paragraph was reworded to address concerns.

Comment 3: Page 17, Second Paragraph: Refers to “loss of power revenues” and quantities

increased generator efficiency in terms of “power revenues”. These references should be revised

to refer to “lost generating capability” and “_______” amount of energy”, respectively.

Response: Paragraph was reworded to address concerns.

Grand Valley Anglers (Trout Unlimited)

Comment 1: When water quality is lowered it has a direct negative impact on the river, and the

rafting and fishing industries are affected due to poor fishing conditions and, of course, the

overall aesthetics are impacted.

Response: The impact of high turbidity is recognized, and the time period of October 1 to

November 30 was selected to avoid peak recreational use on the Gunnison River. It is not

anticipated that water quality will be significantly affected downstream of Crystal Reservoir

where the majority of recreational use occurs, however there are uncertainties and monitoring

will be conducted..

Comment 2: Another concern is that fine silty material is habitat for the whirling disease host,
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

29

tubifex worm. Whirling disease has devastated the rainbow trout population in the Gorge and by

increasing sediment the problem may be increased.

Response: The proposed project is designed to eliminate or minimize the amount of sediment

transported as a result of the dredging project. The river will be monitored while dredging

activities are occuring, and stopped if suspended sediments start to deposit in the Gunnison River

below Crystal Reservoir. The great majority of sediment in the Gunnison Gorge is caused by

flash floods downstream from Crystal Reservoir and by tributaries upstream from Crystal.

Comment 3: The Report notes that Reclamation will visually monitor the water quality in Crystal

Reservoir and if the lower end becomes significantly turbid, dredging activities would be

stopped. Often, including the past few weeks when the Cimarron River was running high due to

heavy rains in the Cimarron drainage, the reservoir was clear but releases out of Crystal were

extremely turbid. The monitoring must be done in the river below Crystal Dam at the East

Portal. The report does not identify the agency that would make that decision. The Colorado

Division of Wildlife should be consulted for their evaluation.

Response: The Colorado Division of Wildlife was consulted and will continue to be consulted

during the dredging project to address concerns to fisheries resources. Monitoring will be

conducted at the East Portal below Crystal and is indicated as Crystal South Tailbay Site. Water

quality measurements will be taken at the 7 sites identified in the EA before and during the

dredging activity. The CDOW will be consulted and the visual monitoring of Crystal will be in

addition to the 7 sample sites. It is true that Crystal Reservoir does discharge cloudy water even

when reservoir surface water appears clear.

US Geological Survey

Comment 1: It would be helpful to include in the EA a description of how releases are made

from Crystal. For example, the elevation of the release relative to the bottom of the reservoir. 

This would be useful in determining how sediment may move through the reservoir.

Response: A description of how releases are made from Crystal Reservoir is included with

discussion of the Aspinall Unit under the Socioeconomic section.

Comment 2: There is no mention of the threshold at which dredging would cease. Which

parameters will be used to determine whether cessation of dredging would occur? As we

discussed, there are ways to determine if turbidity is associated with sediments or nutrients and

the associated plant growth. Using secci disc and measurement of chlorophyl-a and nutrients

(low level method) a determination could be made about what is effecting the trophic status of

the reservoir. Once that is established, you could use secci-disc measurements to monitor the

reservoir and determine the trophic status (once you establish the trophic status of the reservoir is

not sediment or nutrient limited then you could make the assumption that amy changes in
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

30

turbidity are associated with sediments from dredging operations). The measurements could be

used to determine when dredging should cease. A table of trophic conditions could be

constructed that would allow for a determination of when turbidity became limiting. We could

also look at ways to determine how to manage the dredging process. We could also look at data

from other reservoirs to determine appropriate secci-disc depths.

Response: This comment was discussed in greater detail with USGS staff on September 6, 2001. 

USGS does not expect turbidity to be a major concern as a result of the dredging project. In

consultation with CDOW, Reclamation was unable to identify at what level turbidity impacts

below Crystal Dam. Reclamation will continue to work with CDOW to monitor water quality

effects as a result of the dredging project. 

Reclamation will consider collecting turbidity measurements in Crystal Reservoir and the

Gunnison River below Crystal as part of its water quality monitoring program. Logistically,

using the secci disks is problematic because of limited access. 

Comment 3: Sample Sites: Is the site at Crystal South tail bay downstream from the reservoir? 

Why are you collecting data at the sites upstream from the Morrow Point footbridge? There is

no explanation for the rational behind the sampling network. The site and the Morrow Point

footbridge and downstream make sense.

Response: The Crystal South tail bay sampling site is located on the Gunnison River below

Crystal Reservoir. The sampling network was developed to monitor water quality changes for

this project and to collect baseline data for the proposed Morrow Point drawdown and trash rack

cleaning project that will occur in late 2002 or 2003. In discussions with the CDOW, sample

sites were selected so that Reclamation could monitor water quality changes throughout the

Aspinall system and see how suspended sediments and other water quality parameters move

through the system. The Cimarron River was also included in the sampling network because it is

the largest contributor of sediment below Morrow Point and above Crystal. Water Quality data

to date is attached for reference in the Appendices.

Comment 4: If there is an impact of the turbidity of the reservoir and downstream, consider

dredging every other day to minimize the persistence of any effect.

Response: Dredging every other day is possible if turbidity becomes a problem. The frequency

could be even longer if appropriate.

Comment 5: If you are concerned with monitoring effects of the dredging downstream from

Crystal, a turbidimeter could be rented and installed at the Gunnison River below the Gunnison

Tunnel (or immediately downstream from the Crystal Reservoir) to provide real-time data for

use in decision making. Different secci-depth reading could be compared to turbidity data to

determine if dredging should continue.
Cimarron Dredging Environmental Assessment

31

Response: The use of the turbidimeter may be appropriate for use in monitoring effects of the

proposed Morrow Point drawdown and trash rack cleaning project.

Comment 6: Some size analysis (percent silts and clays) of suspended sediments would help

determine how readily transported the sediments that escape the reservoir may be. This may

have little utility for this round of dredging, but would provide useful information for future

work.

Response: Reclamation will consider the potential of conducting limited size analysis as part of

this project and future projects.

Consultation with other Agencies

Reclamation staff continues to informally coordinate and consult with the Fish and Wildlife

Service to comply with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and Endangered Species Act; the

Army Corps of Engineers and Colorado Water Quality Control Commission to comply with the

Clean Water Act; as well as the Western Area Power Administration, National Park Service,

Bureau of Land Management, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. A complete list of

Agencies is included in the Distribution List.

Distribution List

Appendix A contains the mailing list for this Final EA. The list includes all individuals,

agencies, and organizations to whom Reclamation sent the scoping document in January 2001. 

In addition, others who have specifically requested a copy of the Draft EA are included on the

list. 

33

References

Hebein, S. 2001. Personal communication with Sherman Hebein (Email), Colorado Division of

Wildlife on June 11, 2001.

Long, B.A., L.S. Cudlip, and R.A. Smith 1995. Water Quality Data Analysis and Interpretation,

Curecanti National Recreation Area. National Park Service, Water Resources Division.

Technical Report NPS/NRWRD/NRTR-95/98.

McCada, C.W. 2000. Flow Recommendations to Benefit Endangered Fishes in the Colorado and

Gunnison Rivers. Recovery Program Project Number 54, Draft Final Report, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Grand Junction, Colorado.

National Park Service 1997. General Management Plan, Black Canyon of the Gunnison

National Monument and Curecanti National Recreation Area. NPS D-63 & NPS D-63a

National Park Service 2001. Website URL. Http://www/nps.blca/webvc/lifezone.htm

Nehring, R.B. 1988. Stream fisheries investigations. Colorado Division of Wildlife Job Final

Report. Federal Aid Project F-51-R. 49 pp.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 1981. Project Data. United States Department of Interior, Water

and Power Resources Service, Denver, Colorado. 1463 pp.

U.S. Census 2001. Website URL. Http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/county/crh.htm

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2001. Memorandum from Assistant Field Supervisor, Grand

Junction Ecological Services Field Office, Grand Junction, Colorado to Bureau of Reclamation

Technical Services Manager, Grand Junction, Colorado dated May 4, 2001.

APPENDIX A

MORROW POINT DAM AND POWER PLANT

RIVER CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT DRAWING



APPENDIX B

DISTRIBUTION MAILING LIST
Cimarron Dredging Project 

Distribution Mailing List

Mr. Larry Abbott Mr. Jeffery Ackerman

Colorado Department of Transportation Western Area Power Administration

Grand Junction, CO Montrose, CO

Mr. Ray Alvarado Mr. Brian Avery

Colorado Water Conservation Board National Weather Service

Denver, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Cliff Barrett Mr. Allan Belt

CREDA Bureau of Land Management

Stansbury Park, UT Montrose, CO

Mr. Bob Boulger Mr. Daniel Brauch

U.S. Geological Survey Colorado Division of Wildlife

Grand Junction, CO Gunnison, CO

Mr. Dave Buchanan Mr. Gary Burton

Daily Sentinel Western Area Power Administration

Grand Junction, CO Lakewood, CO

Mr. Marc Catlin Mr. Myron Chase

Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association U.S. National Park Service

Montrose, CO Montrose, CO

Mr. Ralph Clark III Ms. Shane Collins

Gunnison, CO Western Area Power Administration

Salt Lake City, UT

Ms. Kathy Crane Ms. Kathleen Curry

Western Area Power Administration Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District

Montrose, CO Gunnison, CO

Mr. Pat Daniel Mr. Bill Day

Gunnison Country Times Hotchkiss, CO

Gunnison, CO

Ms. Wilma Ervin Peter Fahmy

City of Delta Regional Solicitor’s Office

Delta, CO U.S. Department of the Interior

Lakewood, CO

Mr. Duane Freeman Mr. Jonathan Friedman

Delta County Emergency Management U.S. Geological Survey

Delta, CO Fort Collins, CO

Mr. Dave Gehlert Mr. Steven Glazer

U.S. Department of Justice High Country Citizen’s Alliance/Sierra Club

Denver, CO Crested Butte, CO

Mr. John Hayse Mr. Sherman Hebein
Argonne National Laboratory Colorado Division of Wildlife

Argonne, IL Montrose, CO

Mr. Duane Helton Mr. Shane Henry

Helton & Williamsen PC Senator Wayne Allard

Englewood, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Bill Andriss Mr. Hank Holtze

Congressman Scott McInnis Gunnison River Expeditions

Grand Junction, CO Montrose, CO

Mr. Jim Hokit Mr. Terry Ireland

Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Montrose, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Brett Johnson Mr. Dave Kanzer

Colorado State University Colorado River Water Conservation District

Fort Collins, CO Glenwood Springs, CO

Ms. Melinda Kassen Ms. Dianna Leinberger

Trout Unlimited Club 20

Boulder, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Henry Maddux Mr. Pat Martinez

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Colorado Division of Wildlife

Salt Lake City, UT Grand Junction, CO

Ms. Margaret Matter Mr. Chuck McCada

Western Area Power Administration U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Golden, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Grady McNure Mr. Craig Meis

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers KNFS Environmental Services

Grand Junction, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Bart Miller Mr. Jim Miller

Land and Water Fund of the Rockies Colorado Department of Agriculture

Boulder, CO Denver, CO

Gordon Mueller Dennis Murphy

Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Land Management

Denver, CO Montrose, CO

Mr. Rober Muth Mr. Mike Myers

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. National Weather Service

Denver, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Pat Oglesby Mr. Matt Owens

Trout Unlimited Matt Owen’s Fly Company

Grand Junction, CO Cedaredge, CO

Mr. Chuck Pettee Mr. Frank Pfeifer

National Park Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fort Collins, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Al Pfister Ms. Andrea Ray

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Grand Junction, CO Boulder, CO

Mr. Ramon Reed Ms. George Rossman

Gunnison Basin Power Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell

Gunnison, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Richard Sales Mr. Wayne Schieldt

City of Delta Colorado Division of Water Resources

Delta, CO Montrose, CO

Mr. Mark Schumacher Mr. Randy Seaholm

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District Colorado Water Conservation Board

Gunnison, CO Denver, CO

Mr. John Shields Mr. George Smith

Wyoming State Engineers Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Cheyenne, WY Denver, CO

Mr. Roy Smith Mr. Ken Stahlnecker

Bureau of Land Management U.S. National Park Service

Lakewood, CO Gunnison, CO

Mr. Jack Stanford Mr. Dennis Steckel

Flathead Biological Station Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District

Polson, MT Gunnison, CO

Mr. Sheridan Steele Mr. Richard Stodt

U.S. National Park Service Bureau of Reclamation

Gunnison, CO Denver, CO

Mr. Gregg Strong Mr. Everett Sunderland

Redlands Water and Power Company Upper Colorado River Commission

Grand Junction, CO Salt Lake City, UT

Mr. Matt Sura Mr. Ray Tenney

Western Colorado Congress Colorado River Water Conservation District

Grand Junction, CO Glenwood Springs, CO

Mr. Greg Trainor Mr. John Trammel

City of Grand Junction Trout Unlimited

Grand Junction, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Jim Ventrello Mr. Paul Von Guerard

Delta County Commissioners U.S. Geological Survey

Delta, CO Grand Junction, CO

Mr. Klaus Weickmann Mr. Mark Wondzell

U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin. U.S. National Park Service

Boulder, CO Fort Collins, CO

Ms. Marlene Zanetell Editor

Gunnison, CO Delta County Independent

Delta, CO

Manager Members Ballantyne Loper and Wetlaufer

Environmental Defense Western Colorado Congress

Boulder, CO Montrose, CO
Delta County Commissioners Mr. William E. Davies

Delta, CO EcoPlan Associates, Inc.

Mesa, AZ

Ms. Leslie James

Colorado River Energy Distributors Association

Tempe, Arizona

APPENDIX C

COMMENT LETTERS

1
2

N1621

August 29, 2001

Carol DeAngelis

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

2764 Compass Drive

Grand Junction, Colorado 81506

Dear Carol:

Following are comments from the National Park Service regarding the Draft Environmental

Assessment for the Cimarron dredging project.

We offer the following:

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Page 3, paragraph 3: states “The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (formerly

National Monument until 1999) was created by Presidential Proclamation No. 2033 (47 Stat

2558) ...”. To be more accurate, the National Monument was established by Presidential

Proclamation, the National Park was designated by an act of Congress through enactment of P.L.

106-76 in October of 1999.

Page 3, paragraph 4: The area administered by the Bureau of Land Management below Black

Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was designated as the “Gunnison Gorge National

Conservation Area” through the same act that designated Black Canyon as a National Park.

Page 3, paragraph 8: states that concerns focused around the water quality issues “below”

Crystal Reservoir. Were there no concerns about water quality “within Crystal Reservoir? If

not, why?

Page 4, paragraph 4, Land and Facility Resources: Will the road be closed to the public during

the entire two-month dredging process, or just during the 6 hours per day that dredging activities

are taking place?

Page 5, paragraph 2, last sentence: should read “...which represents about $98,539.00 per year in

power revenues.”
3

Page 5, paragraph 4: Where is the “off-site” storage area? Do the impacts associated with the

off-site storage area need to be evaluated.

Page 6, statement 3: Should you be minimizing negative effects to trout resources “within” as

well as below Crystal Reservoir.

Page 9, paragraph 3, sentence 2: should read “...in conjunction with the construction of the

Aspinall Unit.”

Page 9, paragraph 5, sentence 1: should read “...below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

National Park...”

Page 9, paragraph 7: Has the effect on private boater access to Crystal Reservoir post-dredging

been evaluated? If not, what are the perceived impacts/benefits?

Page 10, paragraph 6: The Colorado Division of Wildlife does not manage The Gunnison River

below Crystal Reservoir. The National Park Service manages the river as part of Curecanti

National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The Colorado

Division of Wildlife does have fisheries management responsibility on the river.

Page 10, paragraph 6, sentence 4: should read “...below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

National Park.”

Page 12, paragraph 6: While the Colorado River cutthroat trout, bluehead sucker, and

flannelmouth sucker are not federally listed species, they are State Special Concern Species. As

such, the National Park Service must manage them in a manner similar to its treatment of

federally listed species. Therefore, potential impacts to these species must be evaluated.

Page 13, paragraph 1: states “...flushing flows are not being considered at this time...”. Is it

conceivable that flushing flows will be necessary? If so, what is the contingency in case they are

needed?

Page 13: The water quality monitoring design on Crystal Reservoir before and during the

dredging is not specific to any depth. At what depth is the sampling taking place? Surface

sampling will almost always yield adequate dissolved oxygen values. Water quality profiles

within the reservoir may show much different values.

Page 14, paragraph 2: What is considered to be “significantly” turbid? This needs to be

quantified and based on turbidity levels where impacts to aquatic life may occur.

Page 15, paragraph 2: The proposed project is not within the Curecanti Archeological District. 

The primary focus of the Archeological District is in the vicinity of Blue Mesa Reservoir.
4

Page 16, paragraph 1: Affect should read affected.

Page 18, Paragraph 3: Isn’t the primary effect of the proposed action more accurately to restore

the channel of the Gunnison River to its 1965 elevation?

Page 19, paragraph 1: To reiterate an earlier point, the level of unacceptable turbidity needs to be

quantified.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the environmental assessment. If you have

additional questions concerning this issue, please contact me at (970) 641-2337 ext. 220.

Sincerely,

Sheridan Steele

Superintendent
1

From: "Paul Vonguerard" <pbvongue@usgs.gov>

To: <tstroh@uc.usbr.gov>

Date: 8/31/01 3:24PM

Subject: Draft EA

Terry:

listed below are my comments on the Draft EA for the Morrow Point Cimarron

Dredging Project.

1. It would be useful to include in the EA a description of how releases

are made from Crystal. For example the elevation of the release relative to

the bottom of the reservoir. This would be useful in determining how

sediment may move through the reservoir.

2. There is no mention of the threshold at which dredging would cease.

Which parameters will be used to determine whether cessation of dredging

would occur? As we discussed, there are ways to determine if turbidity is

associated with sediments or nutrients and the associated plant growth.

Using a secci disc and measurements of chlorophyll-a and nutrients (low

level method) a determination could be made about what is effecting the

trophic status of the reservoir. Once that is established, you could use

secci-disc measurements to monitor the reservoir and determine the trophic

status (once you establish that the trophic status of the reservoir is not

sediment or nutrient limited then you could make the assumption that any

changes in turbidity are associated with sediments from the dredging

operation.) The measurements could be used to determine when dredging

should cease. A table of trophic conditions could be constructed that would

allow for a determination of when turbidity became limiting. That may be a

way to determine how to manage the dredging process. We could also look at

data from other reservoirs to determine appropriate secci-disc depths.

3. Sampling sites:

 Is the site at Crystal South tail bay downstream from the reservoir?

Why are you collecting data at the sites upstream from the Morrow point

foot bridge? There is no explanation for the rational behind the sampling

network. the site and the Morrow point foot bridge and downstream make

sense.

4. If there is an impact of the turbidity of the reservoir and downstream

consider dredging every other day to minimize the persistence of any

effect.

5. If you are concerned with monitoring effects of the dredging downstream
2

from Crystal a turbidimeter could be rented and installed at the Gunnison

River below the Gunnison Tunnel (or immediately downstream from the Crystal

Reservoir) to provide real-time data for use in decision making. Different

secci-disc depths could be compared to turbidity to provide a frame of

reference to use the turbidity data to determine if dredging should

continue.

6. Some size analysis (percent silts and clays) of suspended sediments

would help to determine how readily transported the sediments that escape

the reservoir may be. This may have little utility for this round of

dredging, but would provide useful information for future work.

Paul von Guerard

Western Slope Subdistrict Chief

Ph 970-245-5257 ext 14

FAX 970-245-1026

email pbvongue@usgs.gov

CC: "Robert W Boulger" <rboulger@usgs.gov>
1

Grand Valley Anglers

P. O. Box 3109

Grand Junction, CO 81504

August 30, 2001

Mr. Terry Stroh

Bureau of Reclamation

Western Colorado Area Office

2764 Compass Drive

Grand Junction, CO 81506

Dear Mr. Stroh

This letter is in response to the Draft Environmental Assessment of the Morrow

Point/Cimarron Dredging Project.

Grand Valley Anglers, Chapter of Trout Unlimited, is concerned about possible impacts to

the Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir with respect to your proposed project.

October is a sensitive time for spawning brown trout. Water quality is important for trout

spawning and recruitment. Suspended sediments could be moved down the river affecting

spawning areas.

In 1999 the trash racks in Crystal Reservoir required cleaning. When the level of the

reservoir was lowered, large silt deltas were exposed on the upper end of the reservoir. 

During releases from Morrow Point Reservoir, the flows cut through the deltas taking the

material on through the reservoir depositing the materials in the river throughout the

Gorge. This lasted for several weeks. Since we haven’t had a high spring flow for the past

two years, there is still evidence of the fine material. 

When water quality is lowered it has a direct negative impact on the river, and the rafting

and fishing industries are affected due to poor fishing conditions and , of course, the overall

aesthetics are impacted.

Another concern is that fine silty material is habitat for the whirling disease host, the

tubifex worm. Whirling disease has devastated the rainbow trout population in the Gorge

and by increasing sediment the problem may be increased.

The report notes that Reclamation will visually monitor the water quality in Crystal

Reservoir and if the lower end becomes significantly turbid, dredging activities would be
2

stopped. Often, including the past few weeks when the Cimarron River was running high

due to heavy rains in the Cimarron drainage, the reservoir was clear but the releases out of

Crystal were extremely turbid. The monitoring must be done in the river below Crystal

Dam at the East Portal. The report doesn’t identify the agency that would make that

decision. The Colorado Division of Wildlife should be consulted for their evaluation.

We ask that you give consideration to these concerns. 

Sincerely,

Pat Oglesby

President, Grand Valley Anglers
1

 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

 UNCOMPAHGRE FIELD OFFICE

 2505 South Townsend

 Montrose, CO 81401 IN REPLY REFER TO:

2800 (CO-030)

7200

Terry Stroh

USBR

Upper Colorado Region

2764 Compass Drive, Suite 106

Grand junction, CO 81506-8785

Dear Terry:

Thanks for providing us the opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Environmental

Assessment - Morrow Point Cimarron Dredging Project. After reviewing the document we feel

that most of our concerns are covered but in a very general manner. We would like to reemphasize our earlier request that BR make a sincere effort to provide timely and detailed

notification to concerned agencies, interested parties, and publics, prior to and during the

proposed dredging activity. This and other concerns are detailed in our previous correspondence

to you regarding this project, which we would like to request be made part of our comments on

the draft EA. Additionally, we have a few proposed word changes to the document to more

accurately reflect the present status of our management area downstream of the proposed project

(see below). If you have any questions, please contact either myself (970-240-5342) or Karen

Tucker (970-240-5309).

Sincerely,
2

BLM-Hydrologist

Specific Comments:

Page 3 Gunnison Gorge Special Recreation Area Gunnison Gorge National Conservation 

 Area and Wilderness

The BLM manages the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) and Wilderness

located immediately downstream of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The NCA

area includes an additional 24 miles of the Gunnison River from the Park’s western boundary

down to the Town of Austin.

Page 4 Recreation Resources

Rafting, floatfishing, walk-wade fishing, hiking, sightseeing......

Page 9

Recreation Resources

...... An additional 26 miles of the Gunnison River .........................downstream of the National

Park is managed by the BLM. The river flows through the BLM”s 57,700 acre Gunnison Gorge

National Conservation Area and Wilderness. BLM manages the NCA and Wilderness to

permanently protect and conserve its outstanding scenic, geologic, wildlife, and wilderness

resources and to provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities including wilderness

whitewater boating and camping, floatfishing, and walk-wade fishing, hiking, and sightseeing.

Page 17

Commercial Guiding Services

ADD - The majority of commercial float and walk-wade fishing use on the river occurs within the

BLM’s Gunnison Gorge NCA and Wilderness. These activities are popular throughout the

summer (May - early October) with the highest annual use of the river by both commercial and
3

private float and walk-wade fishers occurring during early June (stonefly hatch period). 

Floatfishing by commercials is also extremely popular in late July, August and September.
1

APPENDIX D

WATER QUALITY DATA

Sample Sample Sample Ambient Water Total D

Sample Site & Date Date Depth Type Air Temp. Temp. pH Conductivity TDS TSS Calcium Magnesium Hardness 

Blue Mesa Intake 4/16/01 3

PVC

Bailer 3 6 6.36 206 136 2.9 32 5 100 

Blue Mesa Intake 5/20/01 3

PVC

Bailer 20 10 7.14 189 125 5 30 4 91 

Blue Mesa Intake 6/21/01 3

PVC

Bailer 14 14 7.67 174 114 5.3 21 4 70 

Blue Mesa Intake 7/7/01 3

PVC

Bailer 14 17 7.3 165 110 0.5 17 4 58 

Blue Mesa Intake 8/14/01 3

PVC

Bailer 15 20 7.44 173 114 2.4 22 4 71 

Blue Mesa Jet 4/16/01 3

PVC

Bailer 9 5 6.61 208 137 2.7 29 5 93 

Blue Mesa Jet 5/20/01 3

PVC

Bailer 22 9 7.15 207 137 4 31 4 94 

Blue Mesa Jet 6/21/01 3

PVC

Bailer 22 10 7.41 190 125 3.3 30 4 93 

Blue Mesa Jet 7/7/01 3

PVC

Bailer 16 9 7.13 180 121 1.8 19 4 64 

Blue Mesa Jet 8/14/01 3

PVC

Bailer 16 10 7.15 175 116 3 22 4 71 

Morrow PointIntake 4/16/01 3

PVC

Bailer 9 5 6.59 209 138 2.4 32 5 100 

Morrow PointIntake 5/20/01 3

PVC

Bailer 22 14 7.62 175 115 6.2 27 3 79 

Morrow PointIntake 6/21/01 3

PVC

Bailer 28 14 7.67 148 148 2 18 3 57 

Morrow PointIntake 7/7/01 3

PVC

Bailer 20 18 7.47 151 151 0.2 13 4 47 

Morrow PointIntake 8/14/01 3

PVC

Bailer 17 18 7.81 163 108 20 20 4 66 

Morrow PointFootbridge 4/16/01 3

PVC

Bailer 7 5 7.04 207 137 2.2 27 5 88 

Morrow PointFootbridge 5/20/01 3

PVC

Bailer 21 9 7.31 186 123 4.6 33 3 94 

Sample Site & Date

Sample

Date

Sample

Depth

Sample

Type

Ambient

Air Temp.

Water

Temp. pH Conductivity TDS TSS Calcium Magnesium

Total

Hardness

D
Morrow Point

Footbridge 6/21/01 3

PVC

Bailer 29 10 7.44 169 112 3 23 4 75 

Morrow PointFootbridge 7/7/01 3

PVC

Bailer 22 11 7.22 177 118 0.2 18 4 61 

Morrow PointFootbridge 8/14/01 3

PVC

Bailer 17 17 7.42 174 115 7.4 23 4 73 

Cimmaron River 4/16/01 1

PVC

Bailer 7 5 7.56 624 418 16.6 44 23 203 

Cimmaron River 5/20/01 1

PVC

Bailer 21 13 7.69 230 152 63.3 24 5 81 

Cimmaron River 6/21/01 2

PVC

Bailer 29 15 8.38 360 241 16 29 12 121 

Cimmaron River 7/7/01 2

PVC

Bailer 22 15 8.07 358 358 4.8 33 7 111 

Cimmaron River 8/14/01 2

PVC

Bailer 17 17 8.06 638 444 234 43 43 226 

Crystal Intake 4/16/01 3

PVC

Bailer 10 8 7.09 228 150 5.7 29 6 976 

Crystal Intake 5/20/01 3

PVC

Bailer 18 12 7.8 196 129 8.3 35 4 103 

Crystal Intake 6/21/01 3

PVC

Bailer 29 13 7.64 171 113 2 22 4 73 

Crystal Intake 7/7/01 3

PVC

Bailer 27 18 7.68 184 123 0.4 15 4 51 

Crystal Intake 8/14/01 3

PVC

Bailer 18 17 8.04 198 131 4.2 24 5 80 

Crystal Tailbay 4/16/01 3

PVC

Bailer 13 8 7.18 228 150 5.2 28 6 94 

Crystal Tailbay 5/20/01 3

PVC

Bailer 19 9 7.46 190 190 6.3 30 4 91 

Crystal Tailbay 6/21/01 3

PVC

Bailer 29 10 7.47 182 120 6.6 21 4 71 

Crystal Tailbay 7/7/01 3

PVC

Bailer 27 12 7.34 197 132 1.2 18 4 61 

Crystal Tailbay 8/14/01 3

PVC

Bailer 20 11 7.66 191 126 10.6 25 5 83