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I I 6.3.2 Impacts of the Proposed Action I PNM is entering the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract with the intent of continuing its operation of the SJGS weir, diversion structure, and pump station on the San Juan River. Continued obstruction of fish passage to upstream habitats would also result. Conditions at SJGS would be expected iu remain simiiar TO Tne currem simarian. Some lemporary ioss of grassiand and shrub/grass habiIai iu~s would occur at BHP's San Juan and La Plata mines during mining operations over the subcontract period (BHP 1992). The mined area would be reclaimed behind mining operations and wildlife habitat restored according to the mine reclamation plans. Although the mines are not pan of SJGS operations, they supply the coal needed for electrical generation. I I I The weir presents a potential obstruction to upstream movement of fish during periods when the diversion channel is closed to allow pumping. The non impingement traveling screens on the pump station are designed to prevent the entrainment and impingement of fish. thereby minimizing injury to river fish and the intake of fish into the pumps. New fish passage construction through the SJRRIP and possible modified weir operations for the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract may allow fish access to upstream habitat. The construction period is expected to be short (less than one season) and the loss of habitat would be minor, especially when compared with access to upstream areas. The proposed SJRRJP action would have a positive impact on the movement of the San Juan River fish community. I I The small wetland downstream from the weir was evaluated as habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidol1ax lraillii eXlimus). The wetland was found to be narrow and less dense than the flycatcher's preferred habitat. Surveys of the SJGS weir area did not identify any southwestern willow flycatchers (Ecosphere 1999.2000). Construction of the fish passage by the SJRRIP should avoid or minimize effects on possible breeding southwestern willow flycatchers or their habitat. The Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract is not expected to adversely affect the southwestern willow flycatcher. I I 6.3.3 Impacts of the No Action Alternative I Assuming that PNM is unable to acquire sufficient alternative sources of water to operate SJGS, the no action alternative would require cessation of electricity production by SJGS after December 31,2005. Decommissioning, dismantling. and reclamation of the SJGS would require approximately 3 years following cessation of operations. It is anticipated that those activities would involve considerable disruption of all wildlife at SJGS as structures were demolished and hauled away. Demolition of the storage reservoir, weir, diversion channel, and pump station would be expected to be especially disruptive to wildlife during the reclamation period and existing wildlife habitat would be lost during that period. These activities would result in the temporary loss of terrestrial habitat and the pemlanentloss of the storage reservoir and the wetland created by seepage from the reservoir. Goose, duck, and shorebird use would be eliminated. I I I I Following decommissioning and dismantling of the SJGS, land surfaces would be recontoured to be compatible with the surrounding landscape. The area would be revegetated with species native to the area and returned to wildlife habitat. The aquatic habitat provided by the storage reservoir and the wetland habitat created by seepage from the storage reservoir would be gone and the entire area would be returned to the rangeland habitat of the surrounding area. Sediments deposited behind the storage reservoir dam would wash down the Shumway Arroyo with subsequent runoff. Removal of the weir and pump station would cause considerable disruption of the fish community during that period. It is expected that the river would flush any sediments serried behind the weir downstream during a readjustment period and I I I 25 OOl~16 I