Laserfiche WebLink
<br />002478 <br /> <br />be due to consultations entered under ESA or NHPA. <br /> <br />ARE THERE LIKELY TO BE ANY SPECIAL ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UNDER ESA <br />OTHER THAN WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN STATED IN THE BIOLOGICAL OPINIONS <br />FOR THE EIS, THE SPRING 1996 BEACH-HABITAT BUILDING FLOW, AND THE FALL <br />1997 TEST FLOW? <br />That depends on what actions we propose to take in the future. There will probably be modifications in <br />terms of what the Service has asked for on behalf of endangered species depending on the results of <br />implementation of the existing RP As, Terms & Conditions, and Conservation Measures. It's probably <br />reasonable to say that if Reclamation is able to show progress in implementing the requirements of the <br />existing biological opinions, there won't be much in way of any additional requirements. However, if we <br />start entertaining proposals that go beyond the parameters of the MLFF, there could very well be <br />additional requirements imposed. <br /> <br />WHAT ARE SOME OPTIONS FOR FACILITATING ESA, NHPA AND NEPA COMPLIANCE <br />FOR FUTURE PROPOSED ACTIONS? <br />(I) Develop a programmatic approach, defining the proposed action, (i.e., to develop and conduct the <br />following types of research (or other activities), during the following times, with associated monitoring), <br />and present that to the AMWG for review and comment. Complete ESA and NHPA review and <br />consultation on the proposal. Should we decide to do a NEPA process, and find there are no significant <br />issues, we would complete a CE for the proposal. If there are potentially significant issues, we would <br />assess them in an EA. If the issues can't be resolved (i.e., mitigated) to a level below significance, then <br />we'd have to consider abandoning the proposal or doing a supplemental EIS. (2) Continue to address <br />individual research (or other activities) proposals through the appropriate consultation proceses for ESA <br />and NHPA compliance. NEPA would be voluntary if at all. Given the extensive ESA, NHPA, and <br />NEPA compliance done to date, we'd rely a lot on tiering from that previous work, and given enough <br />advance notice (say, 2-4 weeks, but the longer the better) we should be able to complete all required <br />compliance rather quickly. Close coordination among Reclamation, the Center, the Service and the <br />AMWG (TWG) will be necessary to facilitate an effective compliance process. A first step may be to <br />identify and confirm critical periods for certain resources (see next question). <br /> <br />5 <br />