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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6.8.2 Prime and Unique Farmland

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The SJCC conducted an investigation of the area under consideration to determine whether lands within
the area may bc prime or unique farmland. The investigation resulted in several findings. First, it was
determined that the area has not historically been used as cropland. Furthermore, it is not irrigated or
"utui"(i,Uy ;utilligat~d ilxl\j 1"1,,;; i-IV d~-vd0pt;d ,^,di.~l ~uPP')' ihi:ll i~ Jli::p~miahit: or of adequale quaiiry; tne
area contains only minor, intermittent drainages. The average annual precipitation is less than 10 inches.
On the basis of a soil survey conducted by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, no soil map units within
the area were designated prime farmland. In short, no prime or unique farmland is located in the area of
SJGS or the San Juan or La Plata mines.

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6.8.3 Wildlife Habitat

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Pasture. meadows, and other areas that are covered with grasses, herbs, shrubs and vines, provide habitat
for openland wildlife. Woodland wildlife habitat occurs only along the San Juan River and consists of
areas containing deciduous trees and shrubs. along with grasses, legumes and wild herbaceous plants.
Habitat for rangeland wildlife includes areas of shrubs and wild herbaceous plants and grasses. Limited
croplands occur along the San Juan River. These provide foraging areas in the fall and spring for
migratory waterfowl.

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Lake habitat occurs at the SJGS storage reservoir providing nesting and foraging areas for waterfowl and
shorebirds. Wctland habitat occurs both at the weir area and below the reservoir dam. These areas
provide habitat for marsh birds, ducks, geese. and aquatic mammals.

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6.8.4 Impacts of the Proposed Action

The proposed action would have minimal overall impact on current land use in the SJGS area. The
proposed action would have no impact on recreational activities on the San Juan River. It would,
however, have an impact on wildlife uses since the mines would continue to temporarily remove habitat
from areas to be mined.

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6,8,5 Impacts of tbe 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, the weir and diversion structure would be removed. Removal
of the weir might provide new opportunities for river rafting and other recreational water activities, but
would have little effect on fishing in the area. If mining at San Juan and La Plata mines were forced to
cease as a result ofa shutdown ofSJGS, the temporary removal of wildlife habitat as a result of mining
would also cease.

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6.8.6 Mitigation Measures

Because no adverse impacts are expected as a result of the proposed action, no mitigation measures are
suggested.

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