Laserfiche WebLink
<br />OD:{gS <br /> <br />., <br /> <br />Endangered Species <br /> <br />Comment 29 Reclamation has never consulted under ESA concerning the effects of salinity <br />loadings on fish species; Reclamation has a legal obligation to consult with the FWS on effects <br />of increased salt loadings in the San Juan River. <br />Response 29-Reclamation has prepared a biological assessment on the proposed Carriage <br />Contract that includes information on salinity changes. The Fish and Wildlife has prepared a <br />biological opinion that concludes increased salinity concentrations in the Dolores River and <br />Colorado River may affect, but will not likely adversely affect endangered fish species due to <br />insignificant impacts relative to decreased dilution by the use of the 8,000 acre-feet. As <br />indicated in the EA, salt loading to the San Juan River is not expected to increase due to the <br />contract. <br /> <br />Additional information is found in the text of the EA and copy of the Service's final biological <br />opinion can be obtained by contacting Reclamation's office in Grand Junction. <br /> <br />Comment 30- The FWS made a "no adverse effect" finding on endangered species on salinity <br />projects in the area, based both on predicted increases in McElmo Creek flows and on the <br />assumption that "salinity control measures would not result in increased depletions." Project <br />would increase depletions and they must be analyzed; this will result in significant impacts and <br />an EIS. <br />Response 30-As indicated in response 29, Reclamation has consulted with the Fish and Wildlife <br />Service on the Carriage eontract and results are summarized in the fmal EA. <br /> <br />Socio-Economics-Land Use <br /> <br />Comment 31- A special land use committee for Montezuma County adopted the concept that <br />eounty Land Use Codes should reflect the desire of the community to retain its agricultural base. <br />The Carriage Agreement would foster retaining an agricultural economic base. <br />Response 31- Yes, the Carriage Contract would be consistent with Montezuma eounty Land Use <br />eodes and would aid in retaining the agricultural economic base by increasing agricultural <br />production on approximately 3,000-4,000 acres of previously dry land farms. <br /> <br />Comment 32- Economic impacts oflost recreational boating needs to be quantified, including <br />private and commercial trips and related expenditures. Similar analysis could be done for the <br />trout fishery. The idea of irrigating new land with water from the Dolores when it could be used <br />to increase the boating season and help sustain fish in the river ecosystem is unthinkable. <br />Response 32- Economic effects to recreation have been previously quantified in the April 1977 <br />DefInite Plan Report, there is no expansion of use of the water. The proposed action is to carry <br />up to 8,000 acre-feet of privately owned irrigation water in Dolores Project Facilities. <br />Reclamation has no authority to require the subject water be returned to the river for boating or <br />to sustain the fishery. The, legality of ownership and place of use of the subject water rests with <br />the Colorado Division of Water Resources. <br /> <br />31 <br />