WSP10291

• File Number: 8220.106
• Description: Animas-La Plata
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 1/1/1994
• Author: BOR
• Title: Animas-La Plata Project Newsletter
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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requirements in the Animas, La Plata, and Mancos
River drainages. The study has been coordinated
with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado
Division of Wildlife, New Mexico Department of
Game and Fish, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Ute
Mountain Ute Tribe, The Southern Ute Indian Tribe
is providing assistance with this study.

Task Leader: Kirk Lashmett, Durango Projects
orficc, (303) 385..6561.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES-
The study objectives are to collect and evaluate
infonnation, and identify, through consultation and
conferencing with the Fish and Wildlife Service,
effects of the Project on bald eagles and potential
critical habitat for razorback sucker and Colorado
squawfish. The study will include field activities to
collect data on bald eagle populations and habitat in
the Project area. Reclamation will use the data to
prepare a Biological Assessment for the Fish and
Wildlife Service in rendering an updated Biological
Opinion of the Project's effects on bald eagles. A
bald eagle management plan will be prepared in
accordance with the October 1991 Final Biological
Opinion.

Task Leader: Christine Karas, Upper Colorado
Regional Office, [phone].

WETLAND AND RIPARIAN AREAS - The study
, objective is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of
the Project's effects on wetland and riparian areas in
the Project area. The study area includes floodplain
ana wetland and riparian areas along the AnimaS, La
Plata, and Mancos Rivers. Specific study taSks
ine lude identification/mapping of existing wetland
and riparian vegetation that may be affected by the
Project; and data collection, development, and
application of a methodology to use in predicting the
Project's impact on wetland and riparian areas.
Specific elements of the data collection include:
Installation/monitoring of grOlmdwater monitoring
wells along the river corridors, identification and
surveying/modeling hydrologic reaches of,the
affected rivers, and a cottonwood regeneration study.
Mitigation measures will be developed for Project
impacts on wetland/riparian habitats. Biologists
from the Service, the National Biological Survey, the
EPA, and Dr. David Cooper, a wetland consultant,
are as.~isting Reclamation. The Ute Mountain Ute
Tribe assisted in the cottonwood regeneration study,

Task Leader: Kirk Lashrnett, Durango Projects
Office, (303) 385..6561.

404(b)(1) EVALUATION - In accordance with
Section 404(r) of the Oean Water Act, Reclamation
is pwsuing an exemption from the requirement to
obtain an individual Section 404 permit
Reclamation will prepare a 404(b)(1) evaluation that
analyzes and describes potential impacts from
discharges of dredged or fill material into the waters
of the United States as a result of Project
construction and operation. The evaluation will be
prepared in compliance with Section 404(b)(1) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (or Clean Water
Act, Public Law 92..500, as amended) and EP A
Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines for Specification of
DisposaISites for Dredged or Fill Material (40 CPR
Part 230). The evaluation will include analyses of
the specific proposed construction activities for the
Project and the cumulative effects of the Project.
The evaluation will be coordinated with the EP A and
Corp> of Engineers and will integrate the results of
the wetland and riparian, native fishery, threatened
and endangered species, recreation, and water
quality studies.

Task Leader.' Tom Braidech, Bureau of
Recliunation, Denver Office, [phone].

More informatidn on the activities related to
preparation of the Final Supplement is available by
writing toOan Fritz or Ken Beckat the Durango
Projects Office, P.O. Box 640. Durango, Colorado
81302-8640, or by calling (303) 385..6500.

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