Animas-La PLata Project Environmental Impact Statement

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CHAPTERI
INTRODUCTION, PURPOSE OF, AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT
❑ Significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns have a bearing
on the proposed action or impacts (40 CFR 1502.9 (c)(1)(11)).
This FSEIS evaluates 10 separate alternatives, including 9 action alternatives that include several
structural and non - structural components, and a no action alternative. Table 1 -3 lists the names of each
of the 10 alternatives. The 10 alternatives were evaluated in light of the project purpose and need and
their relative environmental impacts. Following the evaluation process, two of the alternatives,
Alternatives 4 and 6, were refined and then subjected to a full environmental analysis in this FSEIS.
Subsequently, Refined Alternative 4 was identified as the preferred alternative.
Table 1 -3
List of ALP Project Alternatives
Number
Title
I
Administration Proposal
2
Administration Proposal with Recreation Element Added
3
Administration Proposal with San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program
(SJRBRIP) Element Added
4
Administration Proposal with SJRBRIP and Recreation Element Added
5
Animas -La Plata Reconciliation Plan
6
Animas River Citizen's Coalition Conceptual Alternative
7
1996 Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Statement Recommended Action
8
Administration Proposal with an Alternative Water Supply for Non - Colorado Ute Indian
Entities
9
Citizens' Progressive Alliance Alternative
10
No Action Alternative
Reclamation reviewed the information and environmental analyses of the project contained in the 1996
FSFES and the 1980 FES. The following changes, circumstances, and information trigger CEQ
requirements for preparation of a supplement to the 1996 FSFES and 1980 FES:
❑ The project alternatives include structural and non - structural components, which are different
than the structural alternatives proposed in the 1996 FSFES and 1980 FES.
❑ The project water allocations would be restricted to M &I uses only, removing the irrigation
water uses proposed in the 1996 FSFES and 1980 FES.
❑ A number of design refinements and changes to project features and operation have been
proposed since the 1996 FSFES and 1980 FES.
❑ Other new information relevant to environmental concerns has emerged since the 1996 FSFES
and the 1980 FES, including completion of a seven -year research program as part of the San Juan
River Basin Recovery Implementation Program (SJRBRIP), and other resource studies and
evaluations.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THIS FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL
I -11 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT