Correspondence on Bonneville Unit of Central Utah Project

Page 97

-2- 4. Will these return flows adversely affect water temperatures, nutrient and pesticide levels and, hence, the riverine ecosystem of the James River? 5. VThat would be the cumulative impact on the Missouri River of the Souris Section return flows, the other Garrison return flows, and those from the Cahe Unit in South Dakota? It would appear likely that diverting these return flows to the James River would necessitate substantial construction not presently contemplated, with its.attendant adverse impacts. Also, the question arises as to the possible need for redesign of the McCiuskey Canal. Would the diversion of these flows to the James River adversely affect plans for the Souris River Basin development, as projected by the Souris-Red River-Rainy River Basin Commission? Ho discussion of any alternative means of disposing of these return flows is made in the Garrison Diversion Unit environmental impact statement. It a-wsears that there are major issues left to be resolved- •regarding the disposition of these return flows* Cf course, as Reclamation's 1722& Procedures provide, any major project redesign, such as this would be subject to the ITA:?A review process. In view, of the- apparent potential -a^^Iv-e-r:- effect the diversion of the :-'ouris section return flows would have on the James and Missouri Rivers, the other seriour reser\-aticn outlined in Chairman Train's letter of June 15th, and the extensive and serious issues raised bv other Federal agencies,- I believe a meeting with you to diecuss this proposal weald La beneficial, Tie would --.*-> r~ -ft.