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I I I I I I I I I I be relatively light and will consist of sand and silt generated at the dam site by heavy equipment. This will be kep to a minimum by ponding directly below the dam site thus slowing the water velocity to allow the solids to settle out. Accumulated solids will then be mechanically removed and hauled away by truck. The replacement of the 1000 feet of wood stave pipe will occur in the section of the pipeline which is located south of the river. This operation will required the uncovering of the existing wooden pipe, the removal of the pipe and the installation of a new section of pipeline in the same location. There is an existing right-of-way free of trees at this location and no tree removal is anticipated during construction. After backfilling the disturbed area will be seeded with native ground cover and the total 1000 foot length will be restored to its present appearance. There will be no long term impacts from this operation IV. MEASURES PROPOSED FOR THE CONSERVATION AND POSSIBLE ENCHANCEMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE I I I I I As a direct and indirect result of the flood, the fish population all but disappeared in the lower Big Thompson River. Counts of fish were made using electro-fishing methods by the State of Colorado Division of Wildlife in October 1976: (1) below the bridge at the Fawn Hollow Motel; (2) at the site of the old power plant; (3) 1.3 miles above where the Waltonia Motel had been; and (4) 200 feet above the Big Bend Motel. The results were disappointing and State officials are concerned with rehabilitation of the stream. When this project is completed it should enhance fish-life in the Big Thompson by creating a 45 acre feet reservoir which can be stocked as before. Residents of the canyon say that the Loveland Dam Reservoir was "the best fishing in the Big Thompson." I I In addition, the new dam will utilize a type sluiceway which will allow approximately three cubic feet per second of flow to pass through a controlled gate during low river flows. This will provide two advantages: (1) it will minimize the accumulation of sand and silt behind the dam reducing the necessity of flushing the reservoir and, (2) the three cubic feet per second of water will support biomass in the stream between the dam and the trail race of the power plant. During high flows (seven months per year) an average of 20-100 cfs will be released through the sluiceway on a continuous basis. I I There will be no adverse impacts on wildlife in the Big Thompson Canyon, either short or long term. Extensive conversation with State Wildlife personnel indicates that no further measures can be taken on this project.