FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Morrow Point Trash Rack 

Cleaning Project 

Prepared by 

 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Western Colorado Area Office 

Grand Junction, Colorado 

for 

Power Office 

Upper Colorado Regional Office 

Salt Lake City, Utah

July 31, 2002
ii
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

Need For and Purpose of Action..........................................................................................1 

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

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

CHAPTER II - ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................................5 

Alternatives..........................................................................................................................5 

Reservoir Draw Down and Trash Rack Cleaning................................................................5 

Aspinall Operations .............................................................................................................6 

Other Alternative Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis ...............................6 

CHAPTER III - AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ........7 

General.................................................................................................................................7 

Aspinall Unit and Morrow Point Reservoir.........................................................................7 

Recreation Resources...........................................................................................................8 

Land Use and Vegetation...................................................................................................10 

Geology and Landslides.....................................................................................................10 

Fish and Wildlife Resources ..............................................................................................12 

Threatened and Endangered Species .................................................................................15 

Water Quality.....................................................................................................................15 

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

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

Indian Trust Assets ............................................................................................................17 

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

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

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

Summary and Environmental Commitments.....................................................................20 

 

CHAPTER IV - CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION.....................................................22 

General...............................................................................................................................22 

Consultation with Other Agencies.....................................................................................23 

Distribution List.................................................................................................................24 

REFERENCES CITED..................................................................................................................25 

FIGURES 

 Frontispiece Map-Morrow Point Dam Trash Rack Cleaning Project Area 

Figure 1-Morrow Point Power Intake Trash Racks .............................................................1 

Figure 2-Reservoirs of the Aspinall Unit.............................................................................8 

 Figure 3-Morrow Point Landslide Areas ...........................................................................11 
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TABLES – Table 1-Reservoir Elevation Frequency .....................................................................13 

APPENDIX A - Distribution Mailing List 

APPENDIX B - Water Quality Data 

APPENDIX C - Modeled Reservoir Draw Down and Refill Tables 

APPENDIX D – Comment Letters 
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION 

Proposed Action 

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposed to accomplish required facilities 

maintenance by lowering the water surface elevation of Morrow Point Reservoir, on the 

Gunnison River in western Colorado, and cleaning the power plant intake trash racks. The 

controlled draw down would begin in August with a target date of September 4, 2002 to reach a 

water surface elevation of 7,129ft. This would result in a Morrow Point Reservoir refill start 

date between September 9, 2002 and September 19, 2002. 

Need for and Purpose of Action

This Final Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates effects on the human environment for the 

proposed lowering of the water surface elevation at Morrow Point Reservoir and cleaning of the 

power plant intake trash racks (Figure 1) located 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 Interior policies and regulations. If, based on this analysis, 

Reclamation concludes the proposed action would have no significant impact on the human 

 

Figure 1 – Morrow Point Power Intake Trash Racks 
2

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 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 Aspinall Unit is operated by Reclamation, while the land and waters 

associated with the reservoirs are managed by the National Park Service as the Curecanti 

National Recreation Area. Reclamation operates these 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 

throughout the Colorado River Basin 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 

Need: Action is needed to lower the water surface elevation of Morrow Point Reservoir to an 

elevation of about 7,129 feet to remove trash and debris (i.e. trees, logs and branches) from the 

power plant intake trash racks. 

Purpose: The purpose of the proposed action is to conduct dam and power plant maintenance 

activities to ensure continued operation of the Aspinall Unit to meet the above authorized 

purposes. 

 

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, thin wall structure. The 

dam is 720 feet long at the crest with a maximum height of 468 feet above the lowest point of the 

foundation. 

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 established by Presidential Proclamation No. 
3

2033 (47 Stat 2558) to preserve the spectacular gorge and other objects of scenic, scientific, and 

educational interests. The Park includes 14 miles of the Gunnison River downstream from the 

Aspinall Unit. 

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area - The Bureau of Land Management manages the 

area below the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park including an additional 23 miles of 

the Gunnison River. 

Gold Medal Trout Fisheries - The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) 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 River as a Gold Medal Trout Fishery. 

Crystal Trash Rack Cleaning Project - In 1999, Reclamation lowered the water surface at 

Crystal Reservoir and cleaned its trash racks. Morrow Point Dam continued to peak releases 

during the trash rack cleaning project, which resulted in exposed sediments being picked up by 

Morrow Point releases and deposited downstream of Crystal Dam in the Gunnison River. 

Flushing flows were needed to remove sediments in downstream rainbow and brown trout 

spawning areas. 

 

Public Scoping 

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

organizations that may be affected by the project. The Morrow Point Trash Rack Cleaning 

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. Additional discussion was conducted at the January and 

April 2002 Aspinall operations meeting. 

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

scoping activities is included in Chapter 4. 

Water Resources

The proposed action has the potential to temporarily affect water quality downstream of Morrow 

Point Dam. Concerns focus around total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), 

turbidity, 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. The proposed action has the potential to temporarily affect water 

storage and supply if releases from Crystal Reservoir are affected. 
4

Trout Fisheries

 

The proposed action has the potential to temporarily affect the Gunnison River Gold Metal Trout 

Fishery from Crystal Dam downstream to the Gunnison’s confluence with the North Fork of the 

Gunnison. Concerns focus 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. 

Fisheries resources in Morrow Point Reservoir could also be affected by the reduction in water 

surface elevations and changes in water quality (i.e., DO, temperature). 

Recreation Resources 

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

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

National Recreation Area, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the Gunnison 

Gorge National Conservation Area. If the river below Crystal Reservoir becomes cloudy 

because of increased sediments, fishing, rafting, and the overall aesthetics of the Gunnison River 

are negatively affected. 

In addition, the National Park Service operates a tour boat on Morrow Point Reservoir and the 

proposed action has the potential to interfere with the tour boat operations. 

 

Land and Facility Resources

Three landslide areas have been identified along the shoreline of Morrow Point Reservoir. 

Changes in reservoir water surface elevations could result in landslide movement followed by 

increased sediment being discharged into Morrow Point Reservoir and threats to public safety as 

a result of landslides. 

Socioeconomic Resources

Reclamation generates electricity from the Aspinall Unit, which is marketed by the Western Area 

Power Administration. Reduced flows or reduced peaking during the reservoir draw down have 

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

Recreational guide services have also developed in conjunction with the recreational 

opportunities in the Gunnison River. Guided river rafting and fishing activities may also be 

affected by the proposed action if increased sediments create turbid waters. 

 
5

CHAPTER 2 - PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES 

Alternatives 

Alternatives evaluated in this environmental assessment include a No Action and Proposed 

Action Alternative. 

No Action Alternative: Morrow Point Reservoir water surface elevation would not be lowered 

and trash and debris would not be removed from the Morrow Point Power Plant inlet trash racks. 

Trash and debris would continue to be collected on the trash rack, thus creating additional flow 

restrictions and reduced power generation over time. 

Proposed Action: The proposed action would lower the water surface elevation of Morrow Point 

Reservoir approximately 31 feet to about 7,129 feet using controlled releases from Blue Mesa 

and Morrow Point Dams and Power Plants. (Note: original plan called for lowering the reservoir 

to 7,100 ft.). 

Reservoir Draw Down and Trash Rack Cleaning Procedure 

1. A slow draw down (1 to 3 ft./day) of Morrow Point Reservoir would begin in August 

2002, beginning at an approximate elevation of 7,152 ft. (full reservoir is 7,160 ft.) See 

Appendix C for modeled reservoir draw down and refill scenarios. Daily reservoir 

fluctuation would not be greater that the 1 to 3 ft./day. 

a. Surveyors would take a set of readings on the landslide points prior to the start of 

this draw down to determine if there is any movement occurring. 

2. Draw down would continue until elevation 7,129 ft. is reached (on or about September 4, 

2002). 

a. At a minimum, landslides would be surveyed at least once during the reservoir 

draw down between elevations 7,141 and 7,129 ft., and again at 7,129 ft. 

Landslide movements would be evaluated by Reclamation to determine if changes 

in draw down rates are needed or if the draw down should continue. 

3. At elevation 7,129 ft., the trash rack cleaning would begin. The elevation would be held 

at or about 7,129 ft. while a dive team cleans the trash racks. A team of four divers 

would be working from a crane mounted on a barge. Trash would be removed and 

transported off-site for disposal. The trash rack cleaning would require between 4 days 

and two weeks to complete depending on the amount of trash and difficulty in removal. 

4. Once the trash rack cleaning is completed, the reservoir would be refilled. The rate of 

refill would be determined and adjusted as needed to protect downstream water quality. 

Turbidity monitoring points in Morrow Point Reservoir, Crystal Reservoir and the 
6

Gunnison River would be established and the reservoir draw down might be temporarily 

stopped if turbidity readings exceed desired conditions. 

Aspinall Operations 

Releases from the Aspinall Unit and flows below the Gunnison Tunnel would be unaffected by 

the project. Releases from Blue Mesa Dam during the draw down would be reduced to facilitate 

the draw down and gradually increased during the refill. Blue Mesa and Morrow Point Dam 

releases would be adjusted by Reclamation as needed to control Morrow Point Reservoir’s 

elevation at or near 7,129 ft. and protect downstream water quality. During the draw down, Blue 

Mesa releases could be made as peaking releases or uniform releases. Reclamation proposes to 

use peak releases, with a commitment to make adjustments as needed to protect downstream 

water quality. Gunnison Tunnel diversions will also not be affected. 

Other Alternatives Eliminated for Detailed Analysis 

Other alternatives considered but eliminated from detailed analysis included: 

1. Using divers to clean the trash rack without a reservoir draw down. This alternative was 

not considered feasible because of the reduced diver’s bottom time (time actually 

cleaning the trash racks). Under the proposed plan, divers would be working in 30 feet of 

water, compared to 60 feet of water without the reservoir draw down.

2. Draw down of Morrow Point Reservoir to elevation 7,100 ft. and using divers or crane to 

clean the trash rack. This alternative was originally proposed but has been eliminated 

because of landslide issues and the cost of monitoring landslide movement. Potential 

impacts to downstream resources would also increase with additional exposed sediments as a 

result of the additional reservoir draw down. 

3. Timing of Reservoir Draw Down. Alternate times of year for implementing the trash rack 

cleaning project were considered but found not feasible. A reservoir drawn down in the 

spring was considered not feasible because it could trigger landslide movements with 

saturated soils. A winter reservoir draw down was also considered not feasible because of 

potential trash rack icing problems and inclement weather. 
7

CHAPTER 3 – AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

General 

This chapter discusses resources that may be affected by the proposed actions of drawing down 

Morrow Point Reservoir to a water surface elevation of around 7,129 ft. and cleaning the power 

plant trash racks. During the preparation of this Final 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 and Proposed Action 

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

alternatives and a list of mitigation measures. 

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

Reclamation withdrawn lands of the Aspinall Unit (Federal lands withdrawn for project 

purposes). 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 Uncompaghre 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. In the fall of 2001, about 11,000 cubic yards of 

gravel and other material was removed from the river channel below Morrow Point Dam (USBR, 

2001). 

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, 

releases from Blue Mesa would be adjusted to create a controlled draw down of the Morrow 

Point Reservoir. When full (at elevation 7,160 ft.), Morrow Point Reservoir comprises 117,190 
8

surface acres. Lowering the reservoir water surface elevation to 7,129 ft. would reduce the 

reservoir surface by about 20 percent. 

Figure 2-Reservoirs of the Aspinall Unit 

 

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 (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the 

Colorado Division of Wildlife. 

The NPS manages recreation within the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which includes 

recreation sites at 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 recreational use. Access is primarily limited to the upper ends of 
9

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

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

the spring through fall. 

NPS also operates a tour boat at Morrow Point Reservoir by concession. The tour boat is 

launched and picks up passengers at the upper end of Morrow Point Reservoir and provides a 1-2 

hour tour. The boat operates typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day and requires a reservoir 

water surface elevation of 7,152 ft. for the boat tour to put in and take out. Because of recent 

events including the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Morrow Point Boat Tour has been 

suspended in 2002. If the trash rack cleaning is completed in 2002, the boat tour will not be 

affected. However, if the cleaning is scheduled in another year and the boat tour is resumed, a 

water surface lower than 7,152 ft. before September 1st would shorten the boat tour season. 

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 23 miles of the Gunnison River downstream of the National Park are managed by 

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

Conservation Area (NCA) 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, float-fishing, 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 current use of recreational resources. In future years 

without the trash rack cleaning, flows may become more reduced by additional trash build-up, 

thus potentially affecting downstream recreation. The Proposed Action could negatively affect 

recreational uses if the Gunnison River becomes cloudy (turbid). If the waters 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. For example, during the Crystal trash rack cleaning and 

draw down, private and commercial recreation use was almost non-existent. In addition, access 

to Morrow Point Reservoir would likely be closed to the public from September 3rd to October 

1st for public safety and resource protection. 

Water quality is discussed in greater detail in the Water Resources section of this chapter. 
10

Land Use and Vegetation 

The project area is located on lands of the United States withdrawn by Reclamation for the 

construction and operation of the Aspinall Unit. The lands are co-managed by Reclamation and 

the NPS. 

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. 

Geology and Landslides 

The Gunnison River, cutting through Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rock created the 

canyon. This resulted in steep sheer canyon walls. Upstream of Morrow Point Dam is a series 

of major landslide areas, which are a potential safety hazard (Figure 4). These landslides are all 

very old and existed many centuries prior to creation of the reservoir. The saturation of the toe 

of these slides has, however, generated renewed movement in three areas. The landslide of 

primary concern is the Area A, which is situated approximately 2,500 feet upstream of the dam 

on the north side of the reservoir. 

The slides have all involved bedrock material as well as overburden. The cause of the 

movements is unknown but is suspected, at least in some instances, to be related to the weaker 

mica schist rock and shattering of the rock by faulting (Barnes, 1973). 

Landslide Area A is outlined by a fresh crack almost entirely around the slide perimeter. 

Vertical displacement across the crack varies from about 5 to 15 feet. Numerous cracks are also 

found within the slide, mostly in the lower one-third near the toe. Movement has reportedly been 

observed in this area since the reservoir creation in 1968 but numerous “sags” and other features 

demonstrate that the slide is very ancient. The present disturbed area has a width of about 1,250 

feet at the base and extends uphill to elevation 7,850 ft. From the top of the slide to the 

shoreline, the average slope is about 40 percent. In 1973, surveyors established 14 points in this 

area to monitor movement (Barnes, 1973). 

Landslide Area C is found 12,500 feet upstream from the dam on the north side of the reservoir. 

The disturbed area is clearly marked by a continuous crack around its border. Along its west 

margin, the slide material has dropped 15 to 20 feet away from a rock cliff. The outlining crack 

is open as wide as 24 inches in several places. The top elevation of the slide is about 7,840 feet 

and the average slope is 48 percent. At the shoreline, the slide width is about 1,100 feet. The 

rock involved seems to have been mica schist but some gneiss was also noted. The step-like 

profile and numerous sags define the area as an ancient landslide, but the fresh cracks observed 

1973 indicated recent movement. In 1973, eleven survey points were established to monitor the 

slide area. 
11

Area A

Area C Mo

Area D rrow

Point

Reservoir

voir

Hwy 50

Crystal 

Reservoir

Blue Mesa 

Reservoir

Cimarron River

Mesa Creek

Round Corral Creek

Myers Gulch

Curecanti Creek

Blue Creek

Corral Creek

Pine Creek

Haypress Creek

Cottonwood Gulch

Morrow Point Landslide Areas

Landslide Areas

N

0 0.5 1 Miles

Figure 3-Morrow Point Landslide Areas 

An area on the north shore of the reservoir 19,000 feet upstream from the dam is known as 

Landslide Area D. Cracks outlining the slide can be traced along the west and top portions but 

were only observed intermittently along the east margin. The material has dropped about six feet 

at the head of the area; a coarse talus deposit occurs at the top of the slide. The elevation at the 

top is about 8,100 ft. and the average slope is 52 percent. The width of the slide at shoreline is 

about 1,400 ft. A small slump has occurred in the main mass of the slide adjacent to the 

shoreline. The main area has sags and depressions, which mark it as an old slide, but fresh 

cracks observed in 1973 indicate recent movement. In 1973, nine survey points were established 

to measure any future movement (Barnes, 1973). 

Landslide Areas A, C and D may move as a result of the reservoir draw down. Draw down 

criteria was developed by geologists and engineers from Reclamation’s Denver Technical 

Service Center and Grand Junction Western Colorado Area Office to minimize and monitor 

landslide movement. The criteria recommends survey monitoring of Landslide Area A with 
12

visual observations of Landslide Areas C and D during the reservoir draw down operation. 

Survey monument movements greater than 2 inches would stop the reservoir draw down. 

Additional data would be collected and evaluated to determine if the draw down could continue. 

A review of reservoir operations from 1973 to present, shows that the end of day reservoir 

elevations has not been lower than 7,140 ft since 1996. Table 1 shows the daily frequency of 

reservoir elevation from 1973 to present between 7,102 ft. and 7,144 ft. 

Small landslide movements are anticipated during the reservoir draw down and would have 

minimal affect on downstream water quality if releases from Morrow Point Reservoir were 

adjusted to allow sediment settling in Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs. 

A sudden release of a large landside mass could increase sediments in Morrow Point Reservoir 

and possibly downstream of Crystal Reservoir resulting in impacts to recreation and trout 

spawning sites. Such an occurrence could also create a wave that could overtop Morrow Point 

Dam and pose a safety threat to persons on the reservoir and immediately below the dam. 

However, chances of large, rapid movements are considered to be very remote. 

Fish and Wildlife Resources 

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

mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), 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 Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) manages the fishery resource of the Gunnison River 

below Crystal Reservoir. This stretch of river has an excellent rainbow and brown trout 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 stocks Morrow Point 

Reservoir with Kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerkus) and Colorado River cutthroat trout 

(Oncorhyncus clarki pleuriticus). 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 vary. These include Kokanee, Colorado River cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, 

brown trout, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), possibly Snake River cutthroat trout 

(Oncorhyncus clarki sp.), Mackinaw or lake trout (Salvelinus namacush), longnose sucker 

(Catostomus catostumus), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), bluehead sucker (Catostomus 

discobolus), longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi). 

Hybridized remnants of flannelmouth sucker (Catostomus latipinnis) may also be present 

(McAda 2000, Hebein 2001). 
13

According to Nehring (1998), critical time periods for brown trout spawning, incubation and 

hatching are October 15th through May 15th. Rainbow and brown trout spawning habitat is 

located downstream of Crystal Reservoir. 

Reservoir Elevation Frequency (in days) Year(s) 

7,102 2 1973 

7,104 1 1973 

7,105 1 1973 

7,108 1 1973 

7,110 1 1973 

7,113 1 1973 

7,116 1 1973 

7,117 1 1973 

7,121 1 1973 

7,123 1 1973 

7,126 1 1973 

7,131 1 1973 

7,133 1 1973 

7,136 1 1973 

7,137 1 1973 

7,138 1 1973 

7,139 1 1973 

7,141 3 1973, 1996 

7,142 2 1996 

7,143 4 1995, 1996 

7,144 45 1973, 1975, 

1995-2001 

Table 1- Reservoir Elevation Frequency (7,102-7,144 ft.) 

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 

deprive the eggs of oxygen. Large amounts of transported sediments could greatly reduce 

rainbow and brown trout recruitment. 
14

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

would be unaffected by the proposed action. During the Cimarron Dredging Project (USBR, 

2001), it was observed that periods of zero releases from Morrow Point Dam assisted in settling 

suspended sediments out of the water column and protecting water quality below Crystal 

Reservoir. 

CDOW fishery surveys on the Gunnison River are done in September. These surveys are very 

important in the management of rainbow and brown trout populations. If turbidity increases, 

these surveys cannot be completed. 

Releases from Blue Mesa would be reduced to facilitate the draw down of Morrow Point 

Reservoir. Reservoir releases from Blue Mesa combined with other Morrow Point Reservoir 

tributary inflows would need to be less than releases from Morrow Point Dam to facilitate the 

draw down. 

Exposed sediments from the reservoir draw down would likely be picked up during releases from 

Blue Mesa Reservoir into Morrow Point Reservoir. The commitment to adjust releases from 

Blue Mesa as needed, would reduce this potential. The rate of refill for Morrow Point Reservoir 

would also be adjusted as needed to protect downstream water quality and trout spawning sites. 

Additional information is presented in the water quality section of this chapter. 

Landslide movements are also a potential source for suspended sediments that could degrade 

water quality. Major landslide movements would significantly affect water quality and likely 

deposit sediment in critical trout spawning habitats. A slow, controlled draw down of Morrow 

Point Reservoir and monitoring of Landslides A, C and D is predicted to minimize landslide 

movements. Suspended sediments from minor landslide movements (less than 2 inches) are 

predicted to settle into Crystal Reservoir, and have little or no affect on trout spawning. 

Additional information on landslides was presented in the geology and landslide section of this 

chapter. 

If existing water quality is maintained and landslide movement is minimized, fisheries resources 

are predicted to be unaffected by the proposed action. Flushing flow releases are should not be 

necessary mitigation measures for the Trash Rack Cleaning Project, and would only be 

considered if other mitigation measures were unsuccessful in preventing increased sediment 

deposits in the Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir. Additional consultation with the 

Service and CDOW would be needed to implement this type of mitigation measure. Other local 

wildlife may avoid the project area during activities, however effects are projected to be shortterm and the project would not alter existing wildlife habitat. 
15

Threatened and Endangered Species 

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

threatened or endangered species that could be directly affected by the proposed action. 

Reclamation has a contract with the Service to deliver water over the Redlands Division Dam to 

benefit endangered fish. Contract No. 95-07-40R1760 (300 cfs) has a shortage clause during dry 

years and Reclamation is currently working on a proposed operations scheme that is less than 

300 cfs during the July-October months. 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 contract flows over the 

Redlands Diversion Dam and large volumes of deposited sediments in the Gunnison River are 

not predicted. Additional consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and CDOW 

would be needed to implement flushing flows as a mitigation measure. 

Water Quality 

Water quality is good in the Gunnison River above its confluence with the North Fork of 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 Anti-degradation 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 anti-degradation 

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

but exhibit high water quality. These waters yield to the anti-degradation review process, a 

process that allows degradation of water quality if economic or social benefits override water 

quality benefits (Long et al, 1995). 

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

recreation. A cloudy (turbid) 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. 
16

Associated with the proposed action, Reclamation began monitoring water quality parameters on 

a monthly basis in April 2001. Seven sample sites were established within the Aspinall Unit 

(See Figure 5). Water quality parameters measured will continue and include: 

- ambient air temperature 

- water temperature 

- total dissolved solids 

- total suspended solids 

- dissolved oxygen 

Water quality data collected from April 2001 to present is included in the appendices. During 

the trash rack cleaning project, turbidity measurements in Morrow Point Reservoir, Crystal 

Reservoir, and in the Gunnison River below Crystal Dam will be taken on a daily basis. 

Water quality would be monitored during the controlled draw down, trash rack cleaning, and 

refill of Morrow Point Reservoir. Adjustments in releases from Blue Mesa and Morrow Point 

Dams would be made as needed to protect downstream water quality. Trash rack cleaning and 

reservoir draw down would be temporarily stopped if turbidity readings below Crystal exceed 

desired conditions. Once the reservoirs begin to clear, the trash rack cleaning or reservoir draw 

down would continue. 

Water Rights 

Water rights in the Upper Gunnison Basin include both direct and indirect 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 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 is in storage at the Midwest Archeological Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 

addition, 39 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 
17

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

mountain transportation system. 

The lowering of Morrow Point Reservoir to a water surface elevation of 7,129 ft. may expose 

portions of the old Cimarron Narrow Gauge railroad bed that have been underwater since the 

filling of Morrow Point Reservoir. Morrow Point Reservoir may be closed to the public between 

September 4th and October 1st for public safety; therefore, the railroad bed would be protected 

when exposed. No other known historic or archeological sites occur within the reservoir high 

water line. 

Indian Trust Assets 

Indian trust assets are legal interests in property held by the United State 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 

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 minority or low income 

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) Commerical Guiding 

Services for fishing and float guides. 

Hydropower Production

The Aspinall Unit is operated to meet base demand and daily peak power demands and reserve 

criteria, and the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) markets the power. Peaking 

power means that higher releases are made at those times during the day when energy demands 

are highest. Part of Blue Mesa and Morrow Point Dam releases are made to meet peak power 

demands. This results, at times, in more frequent flow changes Blue Mesa and Morrow Point, 

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 

meet the relatively uniform river flows required to provide the existing Uncompaghre Project 
18

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 Crystal’s 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. 

The Morrow Point Power Plant is able to generate electricity with a water surface elevation 

range of 7,160 ft. to 7,100 ft. As Morrow Point Reservoir’s water surface elevation drops, 

generation efficiency would be lost and fewer megawatts of power would be generated per acrefeet released. To replace generation lost at both Blue Mesa and Morrow Point power plants, 

during the periods of Morrow Point Reservoir draw down, WAPA would purchase surplus power 

from other power generators. Replacement power, especially during times of peak power 

demand, represent an additional cost to WAPA and it’s customers. Some of the cost could be 

recovered when Morrow Point Reservoir is refilled, as power generation at Blue Mesa would be 

increased. The extent that costs could be recovered depends on the month, the days of the week, 

and the times of day that increases in generation at Blue Mesa occur. Off-peak/non-high-load 

periods of generation and by-passed water would also be considered a loss of power generation. 

WAPA conducted an economic analysis based on the draw down rate scenarios in Appendix C 

(0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ft./day) and estimates the generation difference as a result of the draw down 

would be between 5,962 MWh to 7,714 MWh. Costs associated with each elevation change 

range from $122,200 to $156,300. 

If a power emergency occurred during the Trash Rack Cleaning Project, other facilities of the 

CRSP (i.e. Flaming Gorge, Glen Canyon) would provide first response to the emergency. If 

needed, Morrow Point releases would be made to address the power emergency as long as 

releases kept the reservoir within the draw down criteria (1 to 3 feet/day). 

To facilitate the draw down of Morrow Point Reservoir and protect water quality downstream of 

Crystal Reservoir during the trash rack cleaning project, releases made from Blue Mesa and 

Morrow Point Reservoirs will be adjusted. Losses in power generation and the cost of 

purchasing supplemental power during the trash rack cleaning are considered necessary general 

operation and maintenance costs of the Aspinall Unit. 

Test flow releases from Glen Canyon Reservoir as part of the Glen Canyon Adaptive 

Management Program during September 2002 to March 2003 would affect the Glen Canyon 

Unit’s ability to compensate for significant power reduction from the Aspinall Unit. If peaking 

releases from the Aspinall Unit resulted in water quality concerns below Crystal Reservoir, it 

may be necessary to postpone the trash rack cleaning project until the Glen Canyon test is 

completed. Additional consultation with the Western Area Power Administration would be 

needed. 
19

 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 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 June (stonefly hatch period). Float fishing by commercial guides is also 

extremely popular in July, August and September. Any action that would reduce fishing success, 

river navigability, or the aesthetic nature of the river will have a negative effect on commercial 

guiding services. 

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

of the Gunnison National Park and the Gunnison Gorge NCA and Wilderness occur between 

May and September. Effects to commercial guiding services are projected to be greatest during 

this time period as well. 

The greatest potential for increased turbidity during the trash rack cleaning could occur during 

the reservoir refill. This is because sediments deposited in the reservoir, normally covered and 

protected by the reservoir, would be exposed. Water moving over the top of these exposed 

sediments during the reservoir refill would pick up and move the sediments. This type of 

sediment movement was observed during the 2001 Crystal Trash Rack Cleaning. The controlled 

draw down would begin in August with a target date of September 4th to reach a water surface 

elevation of 7,129 ft. This would result in a Morrow Point Reservoir refill start date between 

September 9th and September 19th. Releases during the reservoir refill would be adjusted as 

needed to protect downstream water quality. Water quality monitoring during the trash rack 

cleaning project would be implemented as described in the water quality section of this chapter. 

Cumulative Impacts 

Cumulative impacts are impacts on the environment, which result from the incremental impact of 

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

Implementation of all or any of these projects has affected and continues to affect the human 

environment including but not limited to water quality, water rights, socioeconomic and wildlife 
20

resources. Incremental cumulative impacts associated with the implementation of the Morrow 

Point Trash Rack Cleaning 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 remove trash and debris from 

the Morrow Point Power Plant intake trash racks. The project is designed and would be 

implemented to avoid or reduce impacts or harm to recreation, fish and wildlife resources, and 

water quality. There would be no effect on water rights, water uses, or water supplies. 

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

♦The reservoir draw down would begin in August 2002 with a target date of September 4, 2002 

to reach a reservoir water surface elevation of 7,129 ft. 

♦The reservoir draw down would occur at a rate not to exceed 1 to 3 ft./day. Landslide 

movements during the trash rack cleaning project would be monitored using survey 

equipment and visual observations. At a minimum, landslides would be surveyed at least 

once during the reservoir draw down between elevations 7,141 and 7,129 ft., and again at 

7,129 ft. Landslide movements would be evaluated by Reclamation to determine if changes 

in draw down rates are needed or if the draw down should continue. 

♦Water quality monitoring at Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs, and downstream of Crystal 

Dam would be conducted during the trash rack cleaning project (including reservoir draw down 

and refill). Reclamation would coordinate water quality monitoring activities with the Colorado 

Division of Wildlife and Trout Unlimited. Rates of draw down and refill would be in response to 

the results of water quality measurements and landslide monitoring. 

♦Releases from Blue Mesa Dam during the reservoir draw down and refill would be adjusted by 

Reclamation to control Morrow Point Reservoir’s elevation and to reduce the amount of exposed 

sediment picked up and transported downstream. Adjustments in releases from Blue Mesa and 

Morrow Point Dams would also be made as needed to protect water quality downstream of 

Crystal Reservoir. 

♦Morrow Point Reservoir may be closed to the public from September 4th to October 1st as a 

safety precaution and to protect resources. 

♦Trash and debris removed from the Morrow Point Power Plant inlet trash racks would be 

disposed of off-site at a location approved by the National Park Service or at an existing 

permitted landfill, depending on the material removed. 

♦Replacement power would be purchased as needed to offset power generation losses during the 

trash rack cleaning project. 
21

♦If a power emergency occurred during the Trash Rack Cleaning Project, other facilities of the 

CRSP (i.e. Flaming Gorge, Glen Canyon) would provide first response to the emergency. If 

needed, Morrow Point releases would be made to address the power emergency as long as 

releases kept the reservoir within the draw down criteria (1 to 3 feet/day). 

♦Flows in the Gunnison River below Crystal Reservoir will remain within the general operations 

of the Aspinall Unit and would not be modified by the proposed trash rack cleaning project 

action. Releases from Crystal would be based using existing operational criteria for the Aspinall 

Unit.
22

CHAPTER IV – CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION 

General 

The Morrow Point Trash Rack Cleaning Project was first presented to the general public at the 

January 2001 Aspinall Operations meeting. The Aspinall Operations meetings are hosted three 

times a year by Reclamation and attended by local, state, and federal agencies, water users, 

environmental organizations, recreationist, 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 by March 2, 2001. 

A draft environmental assessment was distributed for public comment on June 7, 2002. 

Comments were requested by July 15, 2002. Reclamation received 7 comments on the draft 

environmental assessment. Below is a summary of comments received and responses. Copies of 

the comments are attached in the Appendices. 

Colorado River Energy Distributors Association: 1). ....suggests that the EA should contain 

economic analysis of the lost generation/replacement power impacts to CRSP customers. The 

EA should attempt to quantify those impacts on draw-down rates and timing, as well as 

wholesale market outlook. This approach would be consistent with the analysis contained in the 

Cimarron Dredging EA. 

2). ...disagrees that the cost could be recovered when Morrow Point is refilled. 

Responses: Additional economic analysis was added. The sentence “....all or most of the 

cost...” was changed to “some”. 

Grand Valley Anglers: 1) We urge you to closely monitor the river below Crystal Reservoir to 

insure that your planned project doesn't release any additional sediments into the river. Your 

planning last year in the removal of the gravel bar below Morrow Point didn't result in sediment 

entering the river. We urge you to carefully monitor the river again this year to prevent impact. 

Response: Monitoring similar to what was used during the dredging project would be 

implemented as part of the Trash Rack Cleaning Project. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 1) The Service does not object to the time frames and draw 

down rate in the proposed alternative and concurs that the project would not impact the 

endangered fishes. 

Colorado Rover Water Conservation District: 1)...we believe that a statement on Water 

Rights, similar to that which appears....EA on the Cimarron Dredging Project, is appropriate, and 
23

should be added to ensure that the proposes action explicitly has no impact on water rights or 

upon Aspinall Unit water delivers. 

Response: This statement will be added to the final EA. 

Western Area Power Administration (WAPA): 1)...the EA should better identify the criteria 

that will be used to determine at what point sediment levels or changes in water quality are 

excessive. Western would like to work with Reclamation to determine at what point sediment 

suspension becomes a significant problem. 

2) During the scheduled trask rack cleaning project..., Reclamation will be (with approval from 

the Secretary) conducting test releases at Glen Canyon Dam. During the this test, if sediment 

becomes a concern in the Gunnison River and Reclamation halts releases at Blue Mesa and/or 

Morrow Point, or reduces releases significantly, this will cause and immediate and significant 

impact to the operation of the CRSP power system. 

Response: Reclamation welcomes WAPA's participation in investigating impacts as a result of 

increased sediments. Reclamation will be documenting water quality changes during the project 

and will be consulting with CDOW and TU. WAPA is invited to participate in these 

consultations. 

A conference call on July 30, 2002 between the WAPA and Reclamation discussed WAPA’s 

concerns with project impacts on the operation of the CRSP power system during the Glen 

Canyon test flows. WAPA would be consulted before release adjustments are made. Also 

discussed was the issue that if peaking releases result in significant sediment loads in the 

Gunnison River below Crystal, it may be necessary to temporary stop the reservoir draw down, 

or postpone the draw down until after the Glen Canyon test flows to avoid a significant impact to 

the CRSP power system. 

Bureau of Land Management: ...change Gunnison Gorge Special Recreation Area to 

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, and ...26 miles to 23 miles. 

 Response: Corrections made in Final EA. 

Colorado Division of Wildlife (via telephone conversation with Sherman Hebein on 

7/22/02): ...concerned that Reclamation keep a close watch on the water quality, Colorado has a 

lot of drought related fish problems this year, and water quality problems in the Gunnison would 

be very unwelcome. 

Consultation with other Agencies

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

Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and 

Western Area Power Administration. A complete list of Agencies is included in the Distribution 
24

List. 

Distribution List

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

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

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

list. 
25

References: 

Barnes, Joe G. 1973. Memorandum dated July 11, 1973 in reference to Field Reconnaissance of 

Landslides around Morrow Point Reservoir to Project Manager, Grand Junction, CO. 

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. 

McAda, 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. 49pp. 

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

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

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 2001. Final Environmental Assessment, Morrow Point Cimarron 

Dredging Project, Western Colorado Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Junction, 

Colorado. 33 pp. 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 2002. Personal communication with Paul Davidson, Bureau of 

Reclamation, Salt Lake Regional Office on February 26, 2001. 

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, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to Technical Services 

Manager, Western Colorado Area Office, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation dated May 4, 2001.

1

ATTACHMENT A 

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. Rooster Barnhart Mr. Allan Belt 

Delta, CO Bureau of Land Management 

 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 

Montrose, CO District, 

 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 
2

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 Ms. Beth Washburn 

Helton & Williamsen PC Senator Wayne Allard 

Englewood, CO Grand Junction, CO 

Mr. Bill Andriss Mr. Hank Hotze 

Congressman Scott McInnis Gunnison River Expeditions 

Grand Junction, CO Montrose, 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 

Mr. Chuck McAda 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

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 
3

Mr. Gordon Mueller Mr. 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 Vernal, UT 

Mr. Al Pfister Ms. Andrea Ray 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric 

Grand Junction, CO Administration, 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 Colorado Water Conservation Board 

District, 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 

Dr. Jack Stanford Mr. Dennis Steckel 

Flathead Biological Station Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy 

Polson, MT District, Gunnison, CO 
4

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 

Members Ballantyne Loper and Wetlaufer Mr. William E. Davies 

Western Colorado Congress EcoPlan Associates, Inc. 

Montrose, CO Mesa, AZ 

Ms. Leslie James Mr. Terry Ireland 

Colorado River Energy Distributors Association U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Tempe, AZ Grand Junction, CO 

Ms. Marian Atkins Mr. Mike Berry 

Bureau of Land Management Tri-County Water Conservancy District 

Grand Junction, CO Montrose, CO 

Mr. Tom Craddock Mr. Michael Dale 

Telluride Outside National Park Service 

Telluride, CO Gunnison, CO 
5

Mr. Bill Day Mr. Robert Dougherty 

Hotchkiss, CO Clifton Tribune 

 Clifton, CO 

Mr. Richard Dudginski Mr. Scott Ensley 

Austin, CO Relief Ditch Company 

 Delta, CO 

Mr. Todd Herrick Mr. Mike Humbert 

Black Canyon Anglers Western Slope Libertarian Party 

Austin, CO Montrose, CO 

Mr. Joe Keys Mr. Marty Shelp 

Clifton, CO Glad Park, CO 

Mr. Randy Sunderland Ms. Elizabeth Washburn 

Delta County Independent Office of Senator Wayne Allard 

Delta, CO Grand Junction, CO 

1

ATTACHMENT B 

Water Quality Data 

1

Sample 

Water Quality Data From the Morrow Point Footbridge 

Date pH Conduct TDS TSS Ca Mg Hardness 

4/10/01 7.04 207 137 2.2 27 5 88 5/20/01 7.62 175 115 6.2 27 3 79 6/21/01 7.67 148 98 2 18 3 57 7/17/01 7.47 151 101 0.2 13 4 47 8/14/01 7.81 163 108 3.4 20 4 66 9/19/01 7.38 169 112 3 20 4 66 10/2/01 7.28 177 117 0.6 27 4 84 10/3/01 7.53 175 116 2.6 26 4 81 10/5/01 7.61 179 118 5.2 23 4 73 10/6/01 7.48 178 117 9 21 4 68 10/8/01 7.66 181 119 7.4 21 4 68 

10/10/01 7.54 184 121 10.6 20 4 66 10/12/01 7.39 184 121 7.6 14 4 51 10/19/01 7.72 180 119 5.2 18 4 61 10/15/01 7.67 181 119 6.4 18 4 61 10/21/01 7.73 179 118 3 18 4 61 11/15/01 8.02 184 121 2.4 24 3 72 12/18/01 7.87 214 141 1 25 5 82 

1/15/02 7.72 183 121 2.6 21 4 68 2/14/02 7.73 194 128 1.2 21 5 72 3/16/02 7.77 194 128 4.4 31 4 93 4/17/02 7.36 192 127 4.8 24 5 81 
2

Sample 

Water Quality Data From The Cimarron River 

Date pH Conduct TDS TSS Ca Mg Hardness 

4/10/01 7.56 624 418 16.6 44 23 203 5/20/01 7.69 230 152 63.3 24 5 81 6/21/01 8.38 360 241 16 29 12 121 7/17/01 8.07 512 358 4.8 33 7 111 18/14/01 8.06 636 444 234 43 29 226 9/19/01 8.42 606 400 17.7 43 27 218 10/2/01 8.01 626 413 6.8 59 28 262 10/3/01 8.48 616 407 13 61 28 267 110/5/01 7.92 186 123 2.8 23 4 73 10/6/01 8.2 554 365 12 50 22 215 10/8/01 8.39 564 372 11.4 45 26 219 1

10/10/01 8.39 631 416 16 41 23 198 110/12/01 7.55 190 125 5.4 20 5 71 10/19/01 7.73 195 129 3.8 18 4 61 10/15/01 7.78 194 128 5.4 18 4 61 10/21/01 7.78 193 127 2.8 19 4 63 11/15/01 8.38 512 338 6.4 39 20 179 12/18/01 7.95 440 290 7 32 17 150 1

1/15/02 7.68 391 258 12.6 28 13 123 12/14/02 7.58 301 199 17.9 18 8 78 13/16/02 7.82 656 433 18.2 46 33 250 14/17/02 7.4 347 229 198 23 12 106 
3

Sample 

Water Quality Data From Crystal Tail Bay

Date pH Conduct TDS TSS Ca Mg Hardness 

4/10/01 7.18 228 150 5.2 28 6 94 5/20/01 7.46 190 125 6.3 30 4 91 16/21/01 7.47 182 120 6.6 21 4 71 7/17/01 7.34 197 132 1.2 18 4 61 8/14/01 7.66 191 126 10.6 25 5 83 9/19/01 7.58 183 121 3 21 4 70 10/2/01 7.67 184 121 1.6 25 5 82 10/3/01 7.78 186 123 3.6 26 4 81 110/5/01 7.79 188 124 2.6 21 4 68 10/6/01 7.67 193 127 6.8 21 4 68 10/8/01 7.69 191 126 4.8 24 5 81 

10/10/01 7.69 188 124 6.2 20 4 66 10/12/01 7.52 193 127 7.8 21 6 77 10/19/01 7.74 199 131 6.4 18 4 61 110/15/01 7.72 202 133 6.2 17 4 58 10/21/01 7.83 195 129 4.2 19 4 63 11/15/01 7.96 198 131 5.0 24 4 76 12/18/01 8.01 205 135 2.8 23 5 77 1

1/15/02 7.58 203 134 3.2 22 5 76 12/14/02 7.66 201 133 4.2 21 5 72 13/16/02 7.86 201 133 3.6 29 5 92 14/17/02 7.52 206 136 11.8 25 5 83 
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APPENDIX C 

MODELED RESERVOIR DRAW DOWN AND REFILL SCENARIOS

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APPENDIX D – COMMENT LETTERS