WSP09374 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I I I I I I ~ I I I I I I I I I I 23~8 Summary This preliminary environmental analysis focuses on potential natural resource impacts associated with six water storage alternatives currently being evaluated by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) and the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District (SECWCD). This report addresses potential adverse impacts and beneficial effects that may result from the alternative actions under consideration. Federal, state and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements that affect the feasibility of water development projects were also evaluated. Natural resource issues considered in this preliminary evaluation include: Wctlands Federally listed species Other State or Forest Service sensitive species Wildlife Aquatic Life The preliminary environmental evaluations are based primarily on existing information. Reconnaissance field reviews were conducted for Pueblo Reservoir, Lake Meredith, Williams Creek and several gravel lake storage sites. The field reviews did not include detailed surveys for species of concern or a jurisdictional wetland delineation. Professional judgment and experience with other water resource developments were used to determine potential effects for alternative projects. Some of the existing information may not accurately reflect current conditions. For example, National Wetland Inventory (NWl) mapping, which is based on 1970s aerial photography, was used to determine potential effects to wetlands. The environmental evaluation for each storage alternative focused on the option that could potentially have the greatest effect relative to the other project alternative options (for example, the reservoir enlargement option with the largest expansion in storage). The preliminary environmental analysis of the 6 storage alternatives concluded: Fryingpan-Arkansas Project Reoperation impacts are not likely to be significant unless there are major changes to flows that potentially cause significant adverse effects to aquatic resources and water quality. An issue that may need to be addressed is the possible listing of the Colorado River cutthroat trout and the impacts from West Slope depletions. IV