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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7.3

Electric Energy

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The electric energy generated through the burning of coal would be consumed by a variety of users. Once
used. electric energy is irretrievable.

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7."; Ai. QuaiiiJ

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The continued burning of coal by the SJGS would result in air quality in the affected airshed that is of a
lower quality than ifno combustion of coal had taken place. Air quality as a resource is not irretrievably
lost in that once combustion of coal is terminated, air quality could theoretically return to the preproject
state.

8,0 CONNECTED, CUMULATIVE, AND SIMILAR ACTIONS AND CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

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Regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality implementing NEPA define connected actions as
closely related actions, such as actions that cannot or will not proceed unless other actions are taken
previously or simultaneously. Similar actions have similarities that provide a basis for evaluating their
environmental consequences together. such as common timing or geography. Cumulative actions are
actions which, when viewed with other proposed actions have cumulatively significant impacts and
should therefore be discussed in the same impact statement. Cumulative impact is the impact on the
environment which results from the environmental impact of the action when added to other past, present,
and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person
undertakes such actions.

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Other water resource activities in the San Juan River Basin that would be connected or have cumulative
impacts with the Jicarilla Apache Nation Water Subcontract include the construction of the endangered
fish passage at the SJGS Diversion Weir (Diversion Weir), implementation of an agreement between the
Navajo Nation, PNM, the San Juan Dine Water Users. and USBR that would allow funds supplied by
PNM to go toward the rehabilitation of certain main stem Navajo Nation irrigations projects, operation of
Navajo Dam. implementation of the Animas-La Plata Project, completion of the Navajo Indian Irrigation
Project (NIlP), implementation of the Navajo River Water Development Plan. continued San Juan Basin
coalbed methane gas development, and development of future Indian water development projects.

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8.1 Construction of the Endangered Fish Passage at the San Juan Generating Station Diversion
Weir

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A need has been identified by the SJRRJP to restore endangered fish passage upstream past the Diversion
Weir. The purpose of establishing fish passage would be to protect and recover native Colorado
pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchell/exallus) populations in the San
Juan Basin while water development proceeds in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws,
including fulfillment of Federal trust responsibilities to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute
Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Tribe and the Navajo Nation. In addition, other native fish species would benefit
from restored passage.

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The Diversion Weir was constructed in 1971. The 3.25-foot high weir is located on the San Juan River
about 12 miles downstream of Farmington. New Mexico near the town of Fruitland at River Mile 166.6.

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