Laserfiche WebLink
<br />f'1;nl~ ",fJO <br />../ - !... ; ...:.) <br />Wetland Mitigation <br /> <br />A- 19 <br /> <br />The Sponsors will maintain contacts with riparian owners, and will respond when <br />notified of a problem. <br /> <br />A.6 Aerial Photography <br /> <br />As discussed in the Wetlands Monitoring Plan, Sponsors propose to conduct low-level <br />aerial photography of the river corridor prior to facility operation, and then semi-annually <br />through the first five years of project operation. The photography can be used to monitor <br />systematic changes in channel width by comparing the bankline, edges of vegetation and <br />the water's edge. Information will also be valuable for potential activation of "Monitor <br />Sites." Efforts will be made to take aerial photos at comparable flow levels through the <br />years, to assist in this analysis. <br /> <br />A.7 Temperature <br /> <br />The Corps has indicated a concern with potential river icing, particularly as it may affect <br />waterfowl habitat. Sponsors were able to conduct a brief release of 300 cfs during a <br />January cold snap during the original NEPA study process. During that period, winter <br />icing on the Uncompahgre was not observed (See the FEIS). This makes intuitive sense, <br />as imported Gunnison water (taken from the bottom of Crystal Reservoir) will be warmer <br />than natural Uncompahgre water. In addition, higher flows have more energy, and <br />therefore resist ice development much more than low flows. <br /> <br />Sponsors consider it highly unlikely that intact ice covers will develop on the <br />Uncompahgre, particularly to the extent that they could adversely affect overall <br />waterfowl habitat. In fact, the FEIS predicts that the reverse will occur, in that <br />substantially more open water habitat will be available post-project than before. <br /> <br />Sponsors are nonetheless willing to monitor winter water temperatures. This could be <br />done, say, on a weekly basis during January of the first two winters the project operates, <br />at four or five locations north of the Delta County line. If a solid ice cover is established <br />to the extent that it significantly affects overall habitat, then Sponsors can take <br />appropriate remedial or mitigation action. Should such measures be necessary, Sponsors <br />would consult with the Corps, Bureau of Reclamation and Colorado Division of Wildlife <br />on appropriate mitigation, which could include creation or modification of additional <br />habitat. If intact ice covers do not develop during the first two years of project operation, <br />then Sponsors would propose to suspend future temperature monitoring. <br /> <br />A.8 Reporting <br /> <br />Sponsors propose to provide interim reports of channel monitoring to the Corps and <br />Reclamation on an annual basis. Interim results can be used to support decisions <br />regarding activation (stabilization) of "Monitor" sites, or assist with resolving possible <br />property damage claims. <br /> <br />AS Lateral Hydropower Project <br /> <br />July 2000 <br /> <br />- <br />