WSP08459 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

GS~) United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT LOW FLOW TEST, SAN JUAN RIVER In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and based on the following, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has determined that the proposed 250 cubic feet per second (cfs) test flows from Navajo Reservoir will not result in a significant impact on the human environment and do not require preparation of an environmental impact statement. The final environmental assessment (released to the public on June 22, 2001) was prepared by Reclamation using existing resource data and information from discussions with city, state, and federal agencies, water users, recreationists, businesses, and Indian Tribes associated with the San Juan River. The proposed low flow test (test) is part of the environmental review and data collection process for preparation of the Navajo Reservoir Operations environmental impact statement (EIS). This EIS will address operations of Navajo Dam and Reservoir to implement flows recommended for San Juan River endangered fish species in New Mexico and Utah, The flows have been recommended by the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program (SJRBRlP), Reclamation proposes to implement the flow recommendations, or a reasonable alternative to them, resulting from consultation under the Endangered Species Act. Reclamation would implement the proposed action following completion of the EIS by modifYing the operations decision criteria of Navajo Dam to provide sufficient releases of water at times, quantities and durations necessary to protect endangered fish and their designated critical habitat while maintaining the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit and making water available for current and future water development. At the present time, Reclamation operations maintain a minimum release of 500 cfs from Navajo Dam. Low releases (250 cfs) were tested and monitored in the winter of 1996-1997, At this time, Reclamation is proposing to do a short-term test in July, The July test will provide a better understanding of potential impacts on summer water temperatures, irrigation water supplies, fish habitat, and recreation, The summer test will also allow a more accurate evaluation and comparison of alternatives in the EIS process. The duration of the test will range from 5 to 10 days and is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 9, At the start of the test, releases will be stepped down from 500 cfs to 250 cfs between 7 a,m, and 11 a,m, Once the test has been completed or terminated, flows will be stepped up to 500 cfs in the same incremental change, 2