WSP10769

• File Number: 8220.105
• Description: Colorado River-Water Projects-Navajo
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 7/1/2001
• Author: BOR
• Title: Revised Draft Environmental Assessment for the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract-aka USBR/PNM Water Contract Renewal and Extension
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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6,2.3 Impacts of the Proposed Action

Implementation of the proposed action would create no new impacts on the hydrology, water quality, or
sediment quality of the project area or downstream of the area. In addition. the best available information
indicates that the current operations, which would continue as a result of implementation of the proposed
action, are not causing signIfIcant impacts to the hydrology, water quality, or sediment quality, either In
the project area or downstream.

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6.2.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative

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In the event that the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract was not approved for the consumption of
16,200 AF by SJGS, that PNM was unable to acquire the same amount from other sources. and that SJGS
was consequently forced to cease operating, there would be minimal impacts on the hydrology, water
quality, or sediment quality. In such an event, the following would be expected to occur:
. The weir, diversion structure, and pumping facility would be removed and reclaimed. Any sediments
held behind the weir would be released downstream.

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. The 16.200 AF of water now being diverted under the USBRlPNM contract would not be used for
power generation, and would thus be available for some other use, either upstream or downstream of
the project site.

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It should be noted that under this scenario. while use of the water by PNM for the operation ofSJGS
might cease. the subject water could be released for other uses. Those uses could include those by
facilities similar to SJGS.

6,2.5 Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Action Alternative

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No mitigation measures are proposed since there is no evidence that the amount of water proposed for
consumption by SJGS is sufficient to have an adverse impact on the water quality or sediment quality of
the San Juan River, nor is the amount being consumed sufficient to affect the use of the river by others
under current normal flow conditions.

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6.3 Fish Aud Wildlife

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Fish and wildlife resources identified in the vicinity ofSJGS are discussed in the following section, as
well as the environmental conditions that provide habitat to the wildlife.

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6.3.1 Existing Environment

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The SJGS is located within the Shumway Arroyo tributary drainage to the San Juan River (Figure 1). The
weir and pump station are located directly on the San Juan River, which is a perennial stream (Figure 3).

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The majority of the Shumway Arroyo drainage basin is broad alluvial fans and flats. The area includes
occasional sandstone-capped mesas and cuestas within the alluvial flats. The surficial soils in the area
range from sandy loams in the upper part of the basin to clayey loams in the lower parts (BHP 1992).

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The SJGS is located primarily in grassland and shrub/grass habitats. Grasses of the area include galleta
(Hilariajamesii), Indian ricegrass (Orv=opsis hVlllel/oides). alkalai sacaton (Sporobolis airoides), fescues

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