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<br />001691 <br /> <br />Wetland Mitigation <br /> <br />A- 2 <br /> <br />be developed and implemented for all wetland impacts, and not assume that net benefits <br />will outweigh adverse impact. This plan includes mitigation to cover such possible <br />losses, whether they occur or not. <br /> <br />This mitigation plan includes three primary components: direct mitigation, indirect <br />mitigation, and monitoring. Monitoring will be used to confirm projections and identify <br />unanticipated impacts. <br /> <br />This plan includes aspects that are both specific and general in nature. The intent is that <br />the plan be modified to the extent completion of NEP A requires amendments. <br />Furthermore, the plan will be updated with results of additional fieldwork prior to project <br />construction, so that mitigation is based upon the most recent information. <br /> <br />A.2 <br /> <br />Wetlands Monitoring <br /> <br />A.2.1 <br /> <br />Summary <br /> <br />There are five major monitoring plans proposed for the Uncompahgre River. They <br />include: <br /> <br />, <br />;1 <br /> <br />a) Stabilization sites. Riprap and hard-point sites will be field-inspected annually for <br />the first 5 years of operation, and on a rotating basis thereafter. Additional <br />inspections will occur after floods greater than 1,900 cfs, and whenever <br />landowners report problems. If monitoring indicates that maintenance is <br />necessary to ensure that stabilization works as planned, then such maintenance <br />will be performed. <br /> <br />b) River monitoring for new stabilization sites. The river will be monitored through <br />aerial photography, site inspections, transect observations and landowner <br />communications. Particular attention will be focused on "Monitor Sites." If <br />channel adjustment or movement threatens an unprotected bank, then new <br />protection for that bank will be considered. Whether or not stabilization is <br />installed will be determined using the same consistent set of selection criteria as <br />were used in identifying initial stabilization sites. <br /> <br />c) The Wetlands Mitigation Site. The site will be located close to the proposed <br />powerhouse, on land already owned by the Applicants. NEPA documents require <br />that the site be monitored on an annual basis by a qualified biologist. If the site is <br />not producing the wetland vegetation and other related values for which it was <br />designed, then remedial measures will be implemented. <br /> <br />d) Channel stabilitv. The overall channel response to increased flows will be <br />monitored at specific monitoring stations, supplemented with review of low-level <br />aerial photography. <br /> <br />e) Indirect wetlands impacts and mitigation. The Uncompahgre River corridor will <br />be monitored annually to ensure that project flows do not cause a net loss of <br />system wetlands or riparian resources. This study will be carried out through both <br /> <br />AS Lateral Hydropower Project <br /> <br />JiJiy 2000 <br /> <br />i <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />r' <br /> <br />'" <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />$: <br />;;' ':J <br /> <br />'~"""~"~". <br />