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0283 "f O. ,.' I, ". '.~". . '.' FONSI - Board of Water Works of Pueblo JUly 2000 contemplated in the Winter Water Storage Program. Reservoir fisheries will not be affected. There is minimal non-native sport fish spawning in the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir that would be affected by the pipeline crossing. To minimize potential adverse aquatic impacts during periods of winter low flow, the Board has committed to take delivery of up to 17 cfs at the Northside or Southside diversion(s) when flows in the Arkansas River downstream of Pueblo Reservoir fall below 50 cfs. Threatened or endangered species - Roosting bald eagles may be disturbed if construction occurs when eagles are roosting or If roosting trees are removed. To minimize this potential adverse effect, the Board will avoid construction from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise from November 1 to March 31 at any location along the pipeline alignment where there is a potential for roosting eagles. In addition, unavoidable tree removal shall take place from August to November to avoid potential adverse effects on roosting eagles and nesting migratory birds. Potential habitat for the northern and plains leopard frogs may be disturbed during construction activities near the ArkansasRiver. ,The flathead chub and suckermouth minnow may be affected by reduced winter flows. To minimize potential adverse aquatic impacts during winter, the Board has committed to take delivery of up to 17 ets at the Northside or Southslde diversions when flows In the Arkansas River downstream of Pueblo Reservoir fall below 50 cfs. Cultural resources. The proposed pipeline corridor has been surveyed for cultural resources. Identified cultural resources In the area will not be affected by pipeline construction or storage of non-project water on an "if and when" basis. If cultural resources are discovered during construction, Reclamation will consult with the State Historic Preservation Office and other interested parties. Social and economic conditions - The Board's use of water will become more efficient, and pumping and chemical costs will be reduced. Environmental Justice - There are no effects to minority or economically-disadvantaged communities. . Indian trust assets - There are no effects to Indian trust assets. ODeratlonal Effects Conveyance of water through the pipeline will reduce liverage flows in the Arkansas River and affect native and non-native fish and other aquatic organisms. However, to minimize potential adverse aquatic Impacts during winter, the Board hasicommitted to take delivery of up to 17 cfs at the Northside or Southslde diversions when flows In the Arkansas River downstream of Pueblo Reservoir fall below 50 cfs. Until the Board has a demand for its entire decreed diversion right from the western slope, diversion of water from the Colorado River basin would be reduced to the potential benefit of endangered fish In the Colorado River basin. FINDINGS 1. Adverse effects to the environment caused by this action will be short-term and Insignificant following Implementation of the following conservation recommendations and environmental commitments. Iv