WSP11669

• File Number: 8149.100
• Description: Miscellaneous Small Projects and Project Studies - NRCS-Ft Lyon Canal Co Limestone Graveyard Creeks
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 9/1/1996
• Author: Bent Soil Conservati
• Title: Limestone-Graveyard Creeks Watershed Bent County Colorado Prowers County Colorado Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

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0563

FOffi~TION AND COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES

The following objectives were cefined by project sponsors at the onset
of the project: (1) Reduce ne~ative water quality impac~s to surface
and groundwater from selenium, sediment, salts and nitrate loading; (2)
Achieve better water application to more effectively use available
water for on and off-site uses; (3) Protect the soil resource base from
excessive irrigation induced erosion.

Data were collected during field inventories and expanded to reflect
the condition and needs for t~e entire watershed. Treatment
alternatives were considered a~d defined, based on the types and extent
of the problems taking place. The sponsors and publics participated in
the formulation of several treatment alternatives. The effectiveness
of each alternative in reachir.~ the goals of the sponsors was evaluated
and a recommended plan selected.

Formulation Process

With the sponsors objectives identified, two levels of inventories were
conducted. A cursory inventory of the entire watershed, followed by a
detailed inventory of 80 percer.t of the area was carried out. The
total needs for the sampled area were identified. A list of potential
measures to deal with the identified problems was drafted based on
measure effective~ess, efficier.cy, completeness and acceptability.

Also considered during alternative development were aspects of the
Arkansas River Compact. It was determined that none of the
alternatives to be considered would change the amount of water to be
diverted from the river or to project area laterals and field ditches.

Since the majority of the soils and underlying geologic formations in
the watershed are similar, the problems and needs are similar. The
watershed was therefore evaluated as one treatment unit during the
formulation process.

Project formulation followed the inventory, forecasting, and analysis
of the resource conditions that were found relevant to the identified
problems and opportunities. Measures considered in the formulation of
alternative plans included various approaches. Approaches believed to
be effective in addressing one or more of the problems or opportunities
as well as protecting the environment were further analyzed.

Civil rights impacts were considered during project formulation and
alternative comparison. Consideration was given during data gathering,
and documentation and alternative development. Each alternative
developed will not limit accessibility or exclude potential program
beneficiaries based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion,
age, disability, marital or familial status when compared to other
persons.

Alternatives were formulated to: reduce selenium concentrations in the
ground water to acceptable limits, conserve and more effectively use

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