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PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION <br />Minimize or reduce the potential safety conflicts between PWC users and other water <br />recreationists. <br />• Minimize or reduce the potential user conflicts between PWC users and shore and boat <br />fishermen. <br />CULTURAL RESOURCES (SECTION 106) <br />• Manage PWC use and access to protect cultural and paleontological resources. <br />SOCIOECONOMICS <br />• Work cooperatively with concessioners and local businesses that rent or sell personal <br />watercraft. <br />ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE <br />• Minimize disproportionate impacts on minority and low- income populations. <br />NATIONAL RECREATION AREA MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS <br />• Provide a safe and healthful park environment for park visitors. <br />• Seek cooperation with state entities that regulate PWC use. <br />ISSUES AND IMPACT TOPICS <br />Issues associated with PWC use at Curecanti were identified during scoping meetings with NPS staff and <br />as a result of public comments. Many of these issues were identified in the settlement agreement with the <br />Bluewater Network, which requires that at a minimum, the effects of PWC use be analyzed for the <br />following: water quality, air quality, soundscapes, wildlife and wildlife habitat, shoreline vegetation, <br />visitor conflicts, and visitor safety. Potential impacts to other resources were considered as well. The <br />following impact topics are discussed in the "Affected Environment" chapter and analyzed in the <br />"Environmental Consequences" chapter. If no impacts are expected, based on available information, then <br />the issue was eliminated from further discussion, as explained in the "Issues Eliminated from Further <br />Consideration" section. <br />WATER QUALITY <br />The vast majority of personal watercraft in use today are carbureted, two- stroke engines, which discharge <br />as much as 30% of their fuel directly into the water (NPS 1999; CARB 1999). Hydrocarbons, including <br />benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene; and PAH are released, as well as MTBEs. These discharges <br />have potential adverse effects on water quality. <br />16 <br />