Sec. 5. Middle Rio Grande peak flow restoration
388 words·~2 min read·
/bill/115/s/1012/is/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
During the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall continue the temporary deviation in the operation of Cochiti Lake and Jemez Canyon Dam, that was initiated in 2009 and terminated in 2013, to continue to evaluate the benefits of the deviation. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary shall— conduct a feasibility study to address Cochiti Dam operation limitations on the timing, magnitude, and duration of flows that support federally listed species in the Middle Rio Grande, consistent with subsection (c); and submit to Congress a feasibility report on the reauthorization of the purposes of Cochiti Dam.
The deviation described in subsection
(a)shall provide for the detention and release of native Rio Grande water and San Juan-Chama Project water with the goals of— restoring natural river processes to the Rio Grande, including a spring peak flow to the Rio Grande; increasing the spawning and recruitment of endangered Rio Grande silvery minnows; creating overbanking flows that are necessary— to maintain a healthy bosque; and to support habitat for the Southwestern willow flycatcher and other wildlife; maintaining channel capacity; and increasing water operational flexibility and efficiencies in meeting irrigation and municipal and industrial purposes, if the increased water operational flexibility and efficiencies enhance the goals described in paragraphs
(1)and (4). The Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with the Secretary and other Federal and non-Federal stakeholders shall— monitor the environmental effects, benefits, and results of the deviation mandated under this section; and compile any data necessary to evaluate the need for further amendment to the authorizations and water control manuals for Cochiti Lake or Jemez Canyon Dam. Before implementing the proposed deviation under this section, as required by the applicable water control manuals, the Secretary of the Army shall first obtain approval from— Pueblo de Cochiti; Pueblo of Santa Ana; and the Rio Grande Compact Commission. The Secretary of the Army shall prepare and submit to Congress— for each year in which the deviations are being carried out under this section, annual reports that describe the data compiled under subsection (d)(2); and at the end of the period described in subsection (a), a final, cumulative report that summarizes the data obtained during that period.