C150094 Application ‎(2)‎

• Contract/PO #: C150094
• Contractor Name: La Plata Water Conservancy District
• Contract Type: Grant
• County: La Plata
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Application

T&E species survey will be conducted at the Project site to determine if any
T&E species present problems, including but not limited to the Willow
Flycatcher, the Bald Eagle and any endangered plant, that cannot be
resolved. The on-site T&E work will include field surveys, literature
research, and contacts with relevant state and federal agencies. Potential
mitigation needs will also be considered. The affect of the proposed project
on the endangered fish species in the San Juan River will also be reviewed.
Issues regarding the endangered fish to be addressed include:
1. Whether any new depletions from the Project will exceed the San Juan
River Basin Recovery Implementation Program ("SJRBRIP") small
depletion allowance as determined by the SJRBRIP endangered fish
stream flow model. When and by whom model will be run still needs to
be decided. If Project depletions will exceed the small depletion
allowance, it will need to be determined whether there is room in
SIRBRIP flow model to cover the depletions or whether there is other
endangered fish species mitigation available.
2. Whether the Project will have any impact on the Navajo Nation's plans
for the Navajo-Gallup Pipeline and how the Nation's reserved water
rights will be quantified.
3. Whether New Mexico has reached its depletion entitlement under the
Compact and whether the Project will raise any Upper Colorado River
Compact Issues.
C. Wetlands
Wetlands in the project area and in areas that could potentially be adversely
impacted by operation of the Project will be mapped at a reconnaissance
level and quantified. The possibilities for mitigating any potential impacts
to wetlands will be investigated and a determination will be made as to
whether wetland issues constitute a fatal flaw for the project.
D. Cultural Resources /
The presence of cultural resources in the project area will be assessed
through a cultural resources survey. The survey will include an inventory of
cultural sites in the area of the proposed dam and reservoir,recording of
sites for submittal to the State of Colorado, and a report of findings. The
effect of the Project on Indian Trust Assets will also be studied pursuant to
appropriate consultations with Native American tribes and nations. This
work will be used to determine if cultural resource issues present a fatal flaw
for the project. Potential mitigation needs will also be considered.
Water Quality
Although no water quality problems are anticipated, the study will review selenium and
salinity issues and the potential for introducing additional selenium and salinity to the
San Juan River Basin.
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