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o State-certified applicators will follow label .instructions for powdered rotenone to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken for the application and human safety. o Additional precautions will be taken during .the application of the powdered rotenone to contain the chemical within the target area and to avoid the escape of the chemical into nontarget areas. o Ponds will be tested for percolation through the cobble, gravel, and sand substrate used as berms using nontoxic dyes and evaluated for connections with the river through mammal burrows. o Although natural detoxification of the rotenone is expected to occur with 2 days to 2 weeks at water temperatures in late summer and early fall when high sunlight penetration occurs, chemical detoxification with potassium permanganate will be made if deemed necessary. o Access to floodplain properties will be gained only through willing landowners (both public and private). Ponds will be chemically treated only after permission has been granted to conduct pre-treatment surveys, chemical treatment, and post-treatment evaluations. o Compliance will be made with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. o The proposed action would not result in environmental impacts that are irretrievable (changes that are permanent and restoration is not feasible) or irreversible (environment cannot be restored to its original condition. V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION A. Public Scoping. Potentially affected interests were identified by representatives of the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a letter was mailed on May 1, 1997 (Appendix F) with a notification of the proposed action to control nonnative, warmwater fish species in floodplain ponds along the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. Potentially affected interests include agencies, organizations, or individuals that (1) would be affected by the proposed action, (2) believe they might be affected by the proposed action, or (3) would have a vested interest in the proposed action. The purpose of the letter was to obtain public input related to any concerns or issues (i.e., environmental, social, recreational, economic, etc.} on the use of mechanical or chemical methods to control nonnative, warmwater fish species in floodplain ponds. It was explained in the letter that Recovery Program participants have identified a need to control nonnative fishes as one way to help to recover the endangered Colorado River fishes. They believe that predation and competition by nonnative fishes causes high mortality of the endangered fishes, especially during the early life stages. All comments that were received from this mailing were reviewed and incorporated into this Draft Environmental Assessment, where appropriate. 27