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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />h. <br /> <br />Economic Input <br /> <br />N <br />1-' <br />1-' <br />c...,l <br /> <br />The proposed measure will eliminate canal and ditch bank erosion, <br />reduce production and labor costs with gravity operated sprinklers, <br />and reduce operation and maintenance costs with installation of a <br />permanent pipeline. Total net beneficial effects for value of <br />resources required for a plan are $25,500. Total net beneficial <br />effects for the State of Colorado for value of resources <br />contributed from within the region to achieve the inputs are <br />$71,500. <br /> <br />1. <br /> <br />No significant wetlands will be impacted by this measure. <br /> <br />Adverse Environmental Impacts Which Cannot Be Avoided <br /> <br />Approximately 3 acres of riverine (aquatic) habitat and 15 acres of <br />upland riparian habitat will be lost when existing canals are placed in <br />pipeline. <br /> <br />Alternatives <br /> <br />The other alternative solutions considered were: <br /> <br />1. No action would result in the continued erosion of the irrigation <br />ditches and sedimentation to the individual farms. Poor irrigation <br />water management and poor crop yields would continue due to irrigation <br />inefficiencies. <br /> <br />2. Place rock and concrete lining into the eroding areas of the delivery <br />ditch. This alternative was not cost effective and there would be no <br />potential energy savings with pumping costs for the individual operating <br />units. Operation and maintenance reduction or irrigation water <br />management would not occur. <br /> <br />Short-Term Use vs. Long-Term Productivity <br /> <br />The 170 acres that would be converted from rangeland to irrigated <br />hayland and pasture will increase agricultural productivity for the <br />area. The critical erosion along the irrigation ditches will be <br />stabilized and protect the resource base for future generations. <br /> <br />Commitment of Resources <br /> <br />Labor, capital resources and energy used by the planned action will be <br />irretrievable and irreversibly comitted. The water resource would be <br />more committed to the agriculture enterprises of the area. <br /> <br />Recommendation <br /> <br />The evaluation team has concluded that an Environmental Impact <br />Statement is not needed for this planned action. A find of No <br />Significant Impacts will be prepared and a notice of its availahility <br />will be placed in the Federal Register. <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />~ . <br /> <br />."'.- <br /> <br />w .','-: <br />;k'.,""_,~.i<:.o_... ,,,~_~'~"-4l <br />