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III. Projects <br />A. Introduction <br />The information presented in this Water Action Plan is intended to meet both the needs of the <br />Governance Committee and the EIS /ESA Team. The proposed projects must be described in <br />sufficient detail so the EIS /ESA Team can evaluate the benefits of the proposed Program for the <br />target species and the general impacts of the Program on the Platte River Basin water resources and <br />dependent economies. <br />The following information is provided for each project included in the Water Action Plan per the <br />December 1, 1999 memo by Curt Brown, Platte River EIS Study Manager. <br />1. Location of the Project: Location of project facilities or associated actions. <br />2. Basic Description: The plan of operation that produces the intended benefit. <br />3. On -site Yield and Timing: A typical schedule of diversions, storage, or releases producing the <br />local yield to the river. This corresponds with on -site hydrologic effects. <br />4. Legal and Institutional Requirements for Implementation: Issues critical to the successful <br />implementation of the element. This may include issues related to permitting, water rights, <br />contracts, state laws and regulations, interstate compacts, etc. <br />5. Schedule for Implementation: The likely schedule for full implementation of the project. <br />6. Expected Project Life: The projected life of the element, based on the estimated investment and <br />operating costs. <br />7. Capital and Operational Costs: The initial and annual costs for the project. <br />In addition to these seven EIS team information requirements, the WAPC requested information be <br />included on third -party impacts. Third party impacts may include hydrologic, economic, social, and <br />environmental impacts associated with each project. A hydrologic analysis considers impacts on <br />existing surface and groundwater users resulting from changes in the timing and quantity of water in <br />the river while taking into account terms and conditions of interstate compacts, decrees and the <br />Program. A socioeconomic analysis considers impacts on the local and regional economy, taxes, <br />hydropower generation, and recreation. An environmental impact analysis considers changes in <br />water quality and habitat areas. <br />A qualitative identification of potential third -party impacts associated with each project is provided, <br />however, a more in -depth quantification of negative and positive costs, benefits, and specific impacts <br />has not been completed. For example, third party costs may include power interference charges or <br />compensation for adverse impacts to existing water right holders and groundwater users. <br />Costs/benefits associated with third party impacts will need to be assessed prior to implementation. <br />Costs associated with third party impacts could be relatively high for certain projects, resulting in <br />higher costs than presented in this report. Likewise, positive third party impacts should be credited <br />to the Program when possible, which could reduce the cost of a project. Information on third party <br />impacts developed by the EIS team will be included when made available. <br />\\DN00 \E- DRIVE\PROIECTS\Platte \Work ProductsWask 9 \wapc report (Version 7).doc <br />