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<br />(I11110qJJ <br /> <br />Design and construction plans would emphasize preserving all mature trees. <br /> <br />All construction contracts would have "stop work" clauses that would require the contractor to <br />stop construction activities if a threatened or endangered species was encountered. [fthis would <br />occur, construction would be halted until consultation with the Service was completed. <br /> <br />Direct wetland disturbance caused by the installation of the drain pipe and flushing channel <br />would be mitigated either by creating replacement habitat, or by providing replacement water to <br />the backwaters, and following the conditions of the Clean Water Act, Section 404 Regional <br />Permit No. 057 for projects beneficial to the recovery of the Colorado River endangered fish <br />species. Backwaters would be monitored to document the effects caused by diverting drainage <br />water. <br /> <br />The P drain (a drainage that enters the OMW A from the southeast portion of the property) will <br />be monitored and evaluated to determine if it is a viable source of replacement water for the East <br />backwater. <br /> <br />The specific approach to wetlands mitigation would be developed with the concurrence of the <br />Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. <br /> <br />The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has authorized the preferred alternative as Project Number <br />200075396 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter dated October 4,2000). <br /> <br />Impacts to fish and wildlife resources would be avoided by restricting the construction to a <br />period between August I" and December 30'h to avoid disrupting spring nesting of birds and <br />potential winter roosting by bald eagles. <br /> <br />Endangered fish and their critical habitats and aquatic birds would benefit by reduced <br />concentrations of selenium in backwater habitats (U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo dated <br />October 31, 2000). <br /> <br />Based on a review of comments received, analysis of environmental impacts, and coordination <br />with the Service under the Endangered Species Act, Reclamation concludes that implementation <br />of the recommended selenium remediation project on the OMWA would not have significant <br />impact on the quality of the human environment or the natural resources in the project area. <br /> <br />This Finding of No Significant Impact has, therefore, been prepared and is submitted to <br />document environmental review and evaluation of the proposed action in compliance with the <br />National Environmental Policy Act of I969, as amended. <br />