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Long Hollow Dam and Reservoir Phase I Summary Report <br /> storage in the Red Mesa Aquifer is estimated preliminarily to be 165,000 AF with approximately <br /> one-half, or 82,500 AF, available for withdrawal. <br /> Through this study, WWE found that the amount of water stored in the Red Mesa Aquifer could <br /> be increased through artificial recharge practices. Artificial recharge of the aquifer could be <br /> reasonably expected to increase the stored water available for withdrawal to 125,000 AF, with a <br /> maximum of 200,000 AF. The increase in stored water through artificial recharge could offset <br /> future water conservation practices that may be implemented. Moreover, groundwater discharges <br /> to surface streams could be increased from increased irrigation recharge and infiltration of water <br /> at recharge basins. Recharge to the Red Mesa Aquifer could provide needed temporary storage <br /> to better manage Compact deliveries and the water resources in the La Plata River basin by <br /> providing an increase in base flow in the La Plata River and Long Hollow. <br /> 6.0 REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES <br /> 6.1 NEPA <br /> Because the project involves a live stream and wetlands, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <br /> (USACE) 404 Permit is required together with an appropriate level of NEPA compliance, in this <br /> case an Environmental Assessment (EA). A review of the potential for LHR to affect species <br /> listed as T&E under the Endangered Species Act(ESA) is part of the NEPA evaluation. <br /> 6.2 T&E Species <br /> LPWCD contracted with Ecosphere Environmental Services (Ecosphere) to investigate potential <br /> impacts to T&E species protected under the ESA that could result from the LHR construction <br /> and operation. <br /> 6.2.1 Federally Listed Species Considered and Evaluated <br /> Ecosphere reviewed the 15 federally listed.T&E flora/fauna species that may potentially occur in <br /> La Plata County, Colorado, including two mammals, two fish, seven birds, one amphibian and <br /> three plants. These species, their protection status, a general description of their habitat <br /> 991-077.115 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 9 <br /> July 2004 <br />