Limestone-Graveyard Creeks Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment

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o543 ' Project Benefits There will be a 32% decrease in nitrate loading to the groundwater in the watershed area. . Increasing Selenium levels (19.7 micrograms /liter) in the Arkansas River at the Lamar gaging station will be reduced ' by 17 and meet EPA and State standards. . Present salt loading from the watershed to the Arkansas River of 116,000 tons /yr will be reduced 300. Uranium concentration at the Lamar gaging station will be .reduced by .4ug /l in the Arkansas River Irrigation induced erosion on 8,800 acres averaging 42T /ac /yr will be reduced by 88% to an acceptable level. . Wetland and fisheries will be enhanced due to reduced heavy metal loading. Reduced sediment to creeks, drains and the Arkansas River. Other Impacts Land use changes (acres) -NONE Environmental values changed or lost: Wetlands and fisheries will be improved due to better water quality from reduced heavy metals, nutrients, and sediment. Erosion on prime farmland will be reduced to acceptable levels. Cultural Resources - not effected. Wildlife Habitat - increase in cropland wildlife habitat value. Compensatory mitigation included in the plan None Major conclusions Overall, improved surface and groundwater quality, improved human health and safety, significant sediment and erosion reduction, improved water quality in Arkansas River, improved wetlands and fisheries from improved water quality, improved wildlife habitat, reduced irrigation labor costs, reduced irrigation system operation and maintenance, and improved irrigation efficiency results in increased available water supply on and offsite. Areas of Controversy The Colorado Attorney General and the Colorado Water Conservation Board expressed a concern that the project would effect the flows in the Arkansas River by increasing crop consumptive use. This concern is due to the Kansas /Colorado water compact, as it 0 5