Environmental Assessment for the Tamarack 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 i ncrease groundwater elevations. These elevated groundwater levels will extend all the way bac the river causing increased return flows into the river channel. The riparian meadow to dow 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 , ence enhaned wetland functionality resulting from these higher water tables under the he riparian meadows will be utilized in creating wetland complexes. Wetlands in the riparian me will provide nesting and brood habitat for numerous waterfowl. adows As the hydrologic analysis in Appendix A shows, these wells will pump o t recharge ponds during the late fall, winter, and earl spring y e around these recharge ponds and the warm groundwater supplied by het wells rOVides created 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 war groundwater enlarges and enhances the warm water slough areas along the m state wildlife areas providing more waterfowl habitat. The increased return flows to these slough areas along the river channels also maintains and promotes these habitats a the essential and natural part for the preservation of minnow species of concern. s an VEGETATION Construction activities that would cause disturbance to vegetation include installation wells and excavation of pipeline trenches. Potential impacts may also occur as the re of soil compaction and /or the crushing of individual plants b machine suit of to be impacted is not unique to the area, but similar to surrounding plant Communegetation these impacts would not be considered significant. Re- contouring the disturbed sites with wi the surrounding topography and seeding with appropriate native grasses will help th minimize impacts. Disturbed areas will provide the opportunity for tall annual la nts like wild sunflowers to grow until grasses are established. These plants would be considered p 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. Wet com es will be de pendent on and land plants will replace upland species. Exact changes in plant comp type the amount and timing of water deposited at each site. Changes s the soil over t also affect plant species. This conversion from grassland to wetland is considered o will t benefit to wildlife and a positive aspect of the project. to be a FISH AND WILDLIFE Potential negative impacts to wildlife during the construction of the project cons' temporary disturbances and include increased noise and activity levels. There willt of temporary displacement of wildlife from the vicinity of the construction sites. These e a impacts will not be significant or have any effects on the viability of any local wildlife Population. 13