WSP09374

• File Number: 8149.911
• Description: PSOP Background
• Basin: Arkansas
• Date: 3/1/2000
• Author: Montgomery Watson
• Title: Envirionmental Issues Prepared for Arkansas Basin Future Water and Storage Needs Assessment Enterprise
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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235~1

E~RO~ENTALlsSUES
ARKANSAS BASIN FUTIJRE WATER AND STORAGE NEEDS ASSESSMENT ENTERPRISE

Pueblo Reservoir enlargement will require an ElS and effects to wetlands, the wildlife
inhabiting those wetlands, and bald eagles will be significant issues. Wetland permitting
and mitigation likely will be challenging but feasible.

Turquoise Reservoir enlargement should not have significant environmental issues
provided there are no significant changes in flow that adversely affect aquatic resources
or water quality downstream.

Lake Meredith enlargement faces a significant wetland permitting hurdle that may be
difficult to overcome. It will be difficult to gain approval for the inundation of 1,200
acres of wetlands and develop successful compensatory mitigation for this loss.

Storage in Gravel Lakes should not have significant environmental issues, and
environmental authorizations can be addressed as part of gravel pit reclamation.

Proposed Williams Creek Reservoir Enlargement will need to address species of concern
(mountain plover, prairie dog, and Arkansas darter) and wetland impacts (about 12 acres
for a 10,000 to 15,000 acre-foot reservoir, and only minor additional wetland impacts
with a 9,000 acre-foot enlargement). These impacts likely can be mitigated and the
needed authorizations gained.

Potential changes in streamflow in the upper Arkansas River could adversely impact
aquatic resource habitat in the winter and at peak flow.

Potential changes in streamflow in the lower Arkansas below Pueblo may improve the
quality of the fish habitat.

Substantial year-round increases in Fountain Creek streamflow would adversely impact
small fish and aquatic habitat, but increases in flow may occur regardless alternative
actions being considered.

Changes in water quality directly associated with alternative storage scenarios are
generally minor and are unlikely to result in significant adverse impacts to aquatic
resources. A possible exception is the increase in salinity and eutrophication at Lake
Meredith.

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