Reclamation's Western Colorado Area Office announced today the release of the draft Aspinall Environmental Impact Statement (Aspinall EIS) for public review. The purpose of the Aspinall Unit EIS is to operate the Aspinall Unit to avoid jeopardy to downstream endangered fish species while continuing to meet the congressionally authorized Unit purposes. In general, new operations will provide higher spring flows and protect base flows in the Gunnison River.

Public hearings on the draft are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Gunnison County Fairgrounds, 275 S. Spruce Street, Gunnison, Colorado
• Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive, Delta, Colorado

The draft Aspinall EIS is available on Reclamation's Web site or call Justyn Hock at 970-248-0625 to have a paper copy or CD mailed to you. Comments on the EIS are due by April 24, 2009. Send comments to 2764 Compass Drive, Suite 106, Grand Junction, CO 81506, electronically to aspinalleis@uc.usbr.gov or fax to 970-248-0601.