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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 0563 amcune of sedime,-c available for delivery to irriga:ior. ci:ches and drains and the Arkansas River. The sediment asscciaeec ~eavy metals, salts and nutrients reaching t~e river will also ce red~ced. These practices will a:'so help preserve the remaining river c~an,-el capacity. The downstream waeer users will benefit by receivi,-g hi=~er quality water and reduced maintenance. The fish and wildlife habitat of some species w~tn~n tte watershed will be enhanced through the implementation of this alternative. The overall value of the wildlife habitat in the area will noe be changed significantly. Recreation opportunities related to the fisheries and wildlife should see some improvement. Acres affected by the project area estimated ae less than 50% of the Type I wetlands (45 acres) and less than 1% of the Type VI weelands (2 acres). ~CS arrived at the acres of Type I wetlands by estimating 60% partici~aticn in the project, and 80% of the wetlands on participating farm will be affected. The majoriey of the Type VI wetlands are alcn= the Arkansas River and the major ditches and drains. It is e~ected :0 have no adverse effects on these Type VI wetlands, however, a very small number of on fa~ drains or ditches could have woody vege:atic,- and associated wetlands. The 1% figure was used to cover these cases. The Types III and V wetlands represent lakes, ponds, and areas with s~allow water most of t~e growing season. The project is not expected to have any effect on these wetlands. However, if a negative effect occurs due to projec~ ' :ion, a mitigation strategy has been developed. The cu:'~., :'al res:::urces located within the project area are close to the Arkansas River and are not effected by the irrigated cr:::pland activities. The greatest social and economic benefits would be realized with this alternative. These benefits will be achieved as imoroved water management allows the agricultural producers to better ~eet crop needs and coneribute to the goal of improved water quality. This alternative will provide the greatest protection of the soil resource base from irrigation induced erosion which will also have a positive effect on the local economv. The environmental conditions related to fish and wildlife will see significant improvement thus providin= a similar impact on the social and economic conditions of the area. Alternative 3 (Recommended Plan) Monitoring Plan The National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) is anticipated to begin in 1996 by the USDI Geological Survey in the Arkansas River Basin. NRCS will utilize data to evaluate project effectiveness in regards to selenium. The Colorado De~artment of Public Health and Envir:::nmen: is beginning an intensive alluvial ground water quality monitoring pr:::gram for the Arkansas River in Colorado. Part of this study will be in the project area and the daea will be ueilized by NRCS to help meas~re project effectiveness in regards to selenium and nitrate reduction in groundwater. 31