News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Record of Decision on the Operation of Navajo Reservoir

Media Contact: Pat Page, (970) 385-6560, ppage@uc.usbr.gov
Justyn Hock, jhock@uc.usbr.gov

For Release: August 08, 2006

Reclamation's Western Colorado Area Office announced today the release of the Navajo Reservoir Operations Record of Decision (ROD) that describes the decision process, identifies alternatives, and documents practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental impacts resulting from the operation of the reservoir.

Reclamation's decision is to implement the Preferred Alternative that is identified in the ROD with reservoir releases ranging from 250 to 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The Preferred Alternative, to the extent possible, implements criteria needed to assist in meeting flow recommendations for the endangered fish in the San Juan River while assisting both current and future water development in the San Juan River Basin to proceed in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and other state and federal laws.

In general, the Preferred Alternative provides for more natural river flows with peak flows in the spring. The Preferred Alternative protects Indian Trust Assets by facilitating present and future Tribal water development. Operational flexibility to reduce environmental impacts as well as to address extreme hydrological conditions is also included.

The ROD is available on Reclamation's website.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.