Final Environmental Assessment for the Tamarack Managed Groundwater Recharge Project

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After the water is pumped from these wells into the recharge ponds further from the river in the upland areas, seepage from these ponds into the groundwater aquifer will increase groundwater elevations. These elevated groundwater levels will extend all the way back to the river causing increased return flows into the river channel. The riparian meadow areas between the river and the upland areas where the recharge ponds exist will experience elevated water tables with the resulting establishment of wetland characteristics. The enhanced wetland functionality resulting from these higher water tables under the riparian meadows will be utilized in creating wetland complexes. Wetlands in the riparian meadows will provide nesting and brood habitat for numerous waterfowl. As the hydrologic analysis in Appendix A shows, these wells will pump mainly to the , recharge ponds during the late fall, winter, and early spring periods. Wetlands are created around these recharge ponds and the warm groundwater supplied by the wells provides open water surface at the recharge ponds which creates a suitable environment and resting areas for waterfowl during migration and wintering. The increased return flows of warm groundwater enlarges and enhances the warm water slough areas along the river on these state wildlife areas providing more waterfowl habitat. The increased return flows to the slough areas along the river channels also maintains and promotes these habitats as an essential and natural part for the preservation of minnow species of concern. VEGETATION Construction activities that would cause disturbance to vegetation include installation of wells and excavation of pipeline trenches. Potential impacts may also occur as the result of soil compaction and /or the crushing of individual plants by machinery. Since the vegetation to be impacted is not unique to the area, but similar to surrounding plant communities, these impacts would not be considered significant. Re- contouring the disturbed sites with the surrounding topography and seeding with appropriate native grasses will help minimize impacts. Disturbed areas will provide the opportunity for tall annual plants like wild sunflowers to grow until grasses are established. These plants would be considered desirable for some wildlife species like bobwhite quail and pheasants. At the new pond sites, plant species composition will change as the area becomes more mesic. Wetland type plants will replace upland species. Exact changes in plant composition will be dependent on the amount and timing of water deposited at each site. Changes to the soil over time will also affect plant species. This conversion from grassland to wetland is considered to be a benefit to wildlife and a positive aspect of the project. FISH AND WILDLIFE Potential negative impacts to wildlife during the construction of the project consist of temporary disturbances and include increased noise and activity levels. There will be a temporary displacement of wildlife from the vicinity of the construction sites. These impacts will not be significant or have any effects on the viability of any local wildlife population. 13