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oon924 Redlands Fish Screen FONSI W ACO-GJ-FONSI-04-02 Page 1 In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and based on the following, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has determined that the proposed construction, operation and maintenance of a fish screen in the Redlands Power Canal will not result in a significant impact on the human environment. Proposed Action: The Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program (Recovery Program) is proposing to construct a fish screen in the Redlands Power Canal southwest of the City of Grand Junction, in Mesa County, Colorado. Included in the proposed action is the execution of a Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement between Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Redlands Water and Power Company (RWPC) in which RWPC assumes ownership of the Redlands fish ladder and fish screen, operates and maintains the fish screen, and maintains the fish ladder. The Service will continue to operate the Redlands Fish ladder. The O&M agreement provides the mechanism for R WPC to be reimbursed by the Recovery Program through Reclamation for operation and maintenance costs associated with the fish ladder and fish screen. The Redlands Power Canal transports water diverted from the Gunnison River by R WPC via the Redlands Diversion Dam. When constructed, the fish screen would return fish that enter the Redlands Power Canal to the Gunnison River downstream ofthe Redlands Diversion Dam. The Redlands Fish ladder, constructed in 1996, is presently owned by Reclamation and operated by the Service. Purpose and Need: The Recovery Program identified a need to construct and operate a fish screen in the Redlands Power Canal to prevent loss of adult and subadult Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Recovery Program elements to minimize incidental take of endangered fishes, enhance critical endangered fish habitat, and assist in recovery of the Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker. Public Scoping: Reclamation identified issues and concerns from individuals, agencies, and organizations that might be affected by the project. A scoping letter was mailed in April 2003 to 38 local, state and federal agencies, water users, environmental organizations, recreationists, adjoining land owners, and other interested parties. A Draft Environmental Assessment was distributed for public review and comment in September 2003. Written comments on the draft EA were requested by November 7, 2003. Two comment letters were received on the draft EA. The Final EA addressed comments and issues identified during the comment period. Coordination on the project included consultation with the Service under the Endangered Species Act and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Colorado Historic Preservation Officer, and R wpc.