WSPC138

• File Number: 8240.200.44.L
• Description: CO River Threatened-Endangered - RIPRAP - Green Mountain-Grand Valley-Orchard Mesa - Reports-Data-Et
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 8/14/2002
• Author: DOI-BOR
• Title: Reudi Reservoir Agreements to Offset HUP Shortages at Green Mountain Reservoir - Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment - 08-14-02
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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FONSI No. EC-1300-02-03

. Efforts will be made to limit cumulative Fryingpan River flows below Rocky Fork Creek to
300 cfs (cubic-feet/second) or less for the duration of the agreements to minimize impacts on
recreation;

. Efforts will be made to minimize changes in flows during the time water is being released.

FINDING

Having evaluated potential significant impacts associated with the Proposed Action, Reclamation
has determined that no significant impacts are anticipated to occur. Furthermore, Reclamation
makes the following specific findings:

. No significant adverse impacts to recreation opportunities and experience are expected as a
result of the Proposed Action, based on the following:

1. Drought conditions analyzed under the No Action Alternative are expected to degrade
recreation experience at Ruedi Reservoir. Implementing the Proposed Action will not
significantly further impact the degraded recreation experience;

2. Flows in the Fryingpan River as a result of the Proposed Action are not expected to
appreciably impact access or fishing experience because of the minor amount of flow
above 250 cfs that is expected;

. Effects of the proposed action on endangered species are addressed in the Final
Programmatic Biological Opinion for Bureau of Reclamation's Operation and Depletions,
Other Depletions, and Funding and Implemention of Recovery Program Actions in the Upper
Colorado River Above the Confluence with the Gunnison River;

. Only minor adverse impacts to socioeconomic resources in the Basalt/Roaring Fork Valley
would be expected to occur as a result of impacts on recreation and would be offset, from a
state-wide perspective, by socioeconomic benefits realized in the Grand Valley due to
improved agricultural conditions;

This Finding of No Significant Impact has therefore been prepared and signed to document
environmental review and evaluation of the Proposed Action in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

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