WSP12047

• File Number: 8220.127.I
• Description: Savery-Pot Hook Project
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 1/1/1976
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Draft Environmental Statement
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

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SUMMARY

(x) Draft

() Final

() Environmental Statement

Department of the. Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region

1. Type of Action: Administrative

(X)

Legislative ( )

2. Description of the proposal: The Savery-Pot Hook Project would involve the construction of
two earthfill dams and two conveyance systems in the Little Snake River Basin in south-central
Wyoming and northwest Colorado. It would supply water for irrigation and benefit fisheries,
recreation, and flood control. A 6-year construction period is anticipated.

). Summary of environmental impacts and unavoidable adverse effects: Construction and operation
of the project would have both beneficial and adverse environmental impacts.

The project would provide an augmented and stabilized water supply for new and presently irri-
gated farm lands in the area. As a result, agricultural production would be increased, as
would farm and farm related incomes and employment opportunities. Snowmelt floods would be
reduced on Slater and Savery Creeks and the Little Snake River downstream from these tribu-
taries. Flows of the lower Little Snake, Yampa, Green, and Colorado Rivers would be reduced
by an estimated 22,500 acre-feet annually. Salinity at Imperial Dam would be increased by
2.4 mg/l as a result of stream depletion and 0.9 mg/l as a result of salt loading.

Good stream fisheries on about 3.8 miles of Savery Creek and 5.4 miles of Slater Creek would
be inundated by the two reservoirs. Poor stream fisheries on about l.t miles of Little Sand-
stone Creek and 1 mile of Big Sandstone Creek would also be inundated. About 1 mile of a
poor stream fishery in Slater Creek below Pot Hook Reservoir would be essentially eliminated
because of reduced flows, and flows in about 6 miles of the Little Snake River would be re-
duced by the amount of reduction in Slater Creek. Aquatic habitat in about 11 miles of Savery
Creek below Savery Reservoir would be improved because of maintained minimum flows and morler-
ated water fluctuations and water temperatures. Resultantly, the flows of the Little Snake
River below its confluence with Savery Creek would also be improved in the late season. Fish-
ing opportunities would be increased by access easements along both Savery and Slater Creeks.

Antelope and sage grouse populations, wildlife habitat, and hunting opportunities would be re-
duced by the conversion of about 13,170 acres of native range land to irrigated crop land,
the inundation of 1,400 acres in reservoir basins, and the use of other lands for rights-of-
way and recreation. The unobstructed movement of wildlife would be somewhat impeded by the
canals except where crossings were provided. The potential for crop depredation by deer and
elk would be increased because of some habitat loss and increased crop production. Antelope
and sage grouse losses associated with project development would be mitigated by the planned
acquisition of a 16,OOO-acre ranch or a comparable unit for an intensive wildlife management
area. Materials for the construction of permanent hay storage areas would be provided to
guard against increased depredation to harvested crops by deer and elk.

The natural setting of the project area would be intruded upon by man-made structures. One
family at Sandstone Reservoir and two fa~ilies in Pot Hook Reservoir Basin would be required
to relocate.

4. Alternatives considered:
1. Nondevelopment.
2. Five alternative plans.
3. Three plans for partial development.
4. An 'alternative water use.
S. Wildlife mitigation alternatives.

s. Statements are being distributed to the followin2: See list on next page.

6. Date draft statement made available to C.E.Q. and the public:

September 27, 1976