July 14, 2009

URGENT!
Oppose the Million Pipeline Project
by July 27, 2009

Millionaire Aaron Million has proposed a BIG STRAW project which would suck water from the Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir and divert water down I-80 then south along the I-25 corridor through a pipeline to Colorado's thirsty Front Range to as far south as Pueblo. The $4 billion project involves moving approximately 250,000 acre feet of water through a 560-mile, 10-foot diameter pipeline on a perpetual basis through the year 2030 and beyond.

Comments must be received by July 27, 2009 at:

Ms. Rena Brand, Regulatory Specialist
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District
Denver, Regulatory Office
9307 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Littleton, CO 80128

Phone (303) 979-4120, Fax (303) 979-0602
E-mail comments to: MCRG.EIS@usace.army.mil

Let the Army Corps of Engineers know:

• The Flaming Gorge is a major destination for tourists but also for Wyoming families. This National Recreation Area draws 2.5 million visitors a year and is an important economic asset to Sweetwater County and Green River's local economies.
• The health of the Green River, already stressed by dams and other withdrawals, could be further jeopardized by such a large withdrawal. Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, humpback chub, and bonytail fish are protected under the Endangered Species Act; if their populations are jeopardized by Million's proposed water grab, it could result in difficulties up and down the river and its tributaries.
• Increased water temperatures and salinity, decreased flow rates, and intensified algae blooms will kill trout and other sport fish.
• Pipeline projects and water diversions can cause the spread of invasive and destructive zebra and quagga mussels. Once introduced, they severely damage water works infrastructure and cost millions of dollars in repairs and control efforts. Perhaps worse, they severely degrade native fish habitat.
• The river serves the needs of communities in southwest Wyoming and agriculture. How will they be affected in drought years?
• Major capital construction projects often have major cost overruns. Although Mr. Million says he will pay for the project himself ($4 billion). Overruns will likely be paid for by you and me.
• It is not good public policy to turn control of the water spigot over to one individual so he can become a water broker.

Thank you for speaking out against this unfair and environmentally destructive project!

For more information contact Duane at: duane@voiceforthewild.org (307) 742-7978

Thank You for Using Your Voice for the Wild!