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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eventually the river would return to a free flowing state. The river would be open to fish movement
throughout the weir stretch.

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6.3.4 Mitigation Measures

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special status and other fish species past the SJGS weir.

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Few, if any, special status species would be affected by the no action alternative, although removal of the
weir would eventually allow free access to upstream habitat. The greatest impact would be the loss of the
reservoir and wetlands to the species that utilize this area. Possible mitigation would be selling or
deeding the reservoir and pump station to either USFWS, New Mexico State Park system, or NMGFD to
provide for their continued existcnce. However, a water right or contract right to water would be
necessary for the continued existence of the reservoir since the existing contract for water for SJGS
ternlinates in 2005.

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6.4

Threatened and Endangered Species

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A biological assessment was prepared pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended. The USFWS provided a list of endangered, threatened, and candidate species that may be
affected by this subcontract. The biological assessment for this subcontract is provided in Appendix A
(Consultation No. 2-22-00-1-469).

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6.4,1 Discussions of Special Status Species

The species identified under federal classifications as threatened or endangered are addressed in the
biological assessment (BA) (Appendix A of this document) and are listed in Table 4.

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6.4.2 Other Special Status Species

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Several species that receive protection as special status species, such as threatened or endangered species,
are not considered likely to be affected by continued operation of the SJGS. primarily because there is no
appropriate habitat or the actual range of the species does not include the SJGS. Therefore, they have not
been evaluated. These species include the black-footed ferret, Mexican spotted owl, and Knowlton's
cactus.

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6.4.3 Impacts of the Proposed Action

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No new or additional specific impacts to any special status species were identified in connection with
implementation of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract. The weir will continue to impede
movement offish upstream. Water will continue to be removed from the San Juan River for SJGS
activities. Through the SJRRJP. construction of a fish passage and possible modification of weir
operations for the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract may allow fish access to upstream habitat.
The construction period is expected to be less than one season. No changes in SJGS operation are
proposed that would result in new contact with special status species or affect any current use of the SJGS
by those species.

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