Survey of Energy Projects and Instream Resources in the Upper Colorado and Upper Missouri River Basins

摘要

Western energy production is certain to affect fisheries, recreation, aesthetic values, and water quality. Specification of these effects requires analysis of individual stream reaches. This report directs energy-related assessments to the most valuable and critical stream reaches. Section I identifies reaches in the Rocky Mountain/Northern Great Plains Region with high quality instream resources and energy projects in the vicinity or upstream from those reaches. Part A of Section II reviews methodologies for assessing streamflow modifications; Part B reviews legal aspects of streamflow protection - state water law and federal environmental legislation. The final section draws limited conclusions concerning the impacts of and constraints on energy development. (ERA citation 05:012539)