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Gypsum Loan Feasibility Outline <br />CWCB Water Project Loan Program <br />Page 29 of 33 <br />2.4.5 Imuacts <br />The alternative chosen will provide a long-term firm yield storage water supply, in a safe <br />and upgraded condition for Gypsum, as well as for the lower Eagle River basin generally. <br />Reservoir improvements will enhance the potential for recreation at the site, and for <br />enhanced instream flows on Gypsum Creek. Currently, existing senior agricultural water <br />rights on lower Gypsum Creek have the potential to call out water below minimum flows, <br />and /or dry up Gypsum Creek. Having a functiona.l reservoir, with safe and effective <br />release capability will increase the ability to stabilize Gypsum Creek flows. <br />a. Impacts on man-made environment. During the project, minima.l impacts on <br />man-made environment are expected. The construction will not impact <br />residential or commercial buildings or involve significant utility relocations. The <br />availability of upstream storage will provide Gypsum with options for providing <br />irrigation and municipal water for existing ranch lands, and for expected future <br />developed lands. Currently, there are no historical and archaeological sites <br />impacted, outside of the dam itself. The project expects to temporarily impact the <br />outdoor recreation at this site, because construction materials will be onsite; <br />however, over the long term, the improved reservoir will be a recreational benefit, <br />allowing for fishing and other potential water recreation. <br />b. Impacts on natural environment. Gypsum is sensitive to the reservoir's location <br />on Forest Service lands, and will work with the Forest Service to implement best <br />management practices in accessing both the LEDE Ditch and LEDE Reservoir. <br />During construction, silt fencing and other BMP measures will be required to <br />ensure that Gypsum Creek is protected during construction. In addition, no <br />wetland disturbance will occur absent appropriate pernutting. No threatened or <br />endangered species are known; however, the timeline above identifies the <br />opportunity to secure an environmental analysis to the eartent necessary. Once the <br />project is complete, it is contemplated that availability for reservoir releases will <br />help improve chronic dry periods on Gypsum Creek that occur in early irrigation <br />season, and in later summer months of dry years. Historically, with the <br />significant ranch irrigation in the Gypsum valley, Gypsum Creek has been dried <br />up entirely. The reservoir improvements should improve streamflow conditions, <br />improving habitat for wildlife, both aquatic and terrestrial. <br />2.4.6 Institutional Feasibilitv <br />a. Wetlands. This project does not expect to be exempt from U.S. Corps of <br />Engineers 404 (Dredge and Fill) Permitting requirements. Under the initial <br />engineering review, a determination will be made if the contemplated repairs and <br />increased dam size could impact any wetlands through inundation or fill. If any <br />wetlands permitting will be required, the project timeline has built in time for <br />wetlands delineation and permitting application, so a determination can be made. <br />