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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I GENERAL FIRM EXPERIENCE Provo River Restoration and Multi-Objective Corridor Project Central Utah Water Conservancy DistricUUtah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission As part of the Central Utah Project (CUP), Montgomery Watson was selected by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District to perform a conceptual study followed by a feasibility study and environmental impact study of multi-objective management and river restoration alterna- tives for a IO-mile section of the Provo River. The study reach extends from Deer Creek Res- ervoir to the newly constructed 10rdanelle Dam, and traverses lands devoted primarily to fann- ing and ranching. The current river channel is leveed and partially straightened for much of its length, and the river bottom has degraded in response to the confinement. The primary goals of the management and restoration study were to: (I) create a naturally functioning river system within the constraints of the new regulated hydrology; (2) develop excellent sport fishery habi- tat; (3) accommodate potential recreation activities along the river; and (4) minimize impacts to adjacent residential and agricultural properties. Montgomery Watson formed a multi-disciplinary technical advisory team consisting of ex- perts in fisheries, wetlands, river mechanics, riparian vegetation, threatened and endangered species; representatives of recreation and environmental advocacy groups; and local, state and federal agencies. Three alternatives were developed and analyzed. Alternative I consisted of the use of fish habitat enhancement structures (e.g., logs, boulders, deflectors) within the exist- ing channel system. Alternative 2 (Existing Channel Modification) consisted of improving the fishery potential and the stability of the existing channel by modifying the profile and cross section geometry to be consistent with naturally occurring rapid-pool type channels. Alterna- tive 3 (Riverine Habitat Restoration) consisted of construction of a new channel replicating the geomorphic features of a meandering riffle-pool type channel. This alternative included re- moval of all channel levees, channel realignment, grade control features, vegetative bank stabi- lization, ponds and side channels, and revegetation of disturbed areas. All alternatives could accommodate varying levels of public access and use. Alternatives were evaluated from the standpoint of geomorphology, hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, fisheries, wetlands, recreation, and impacts on local landowners. Numerous coordination meetings were held with over 40 property owners and lease holders potentially affected by the restoration project. The final technical report included feasibility,level design plans for Alternatives 2 and 3. The esti- mated cost of implementing the alternative resulting in maximum restoration of the river sys- tem and providing the broadest range of river corridor uses is $15 million, excluding property acquisition. The Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission took over the Provo River Multi-Objective Corridor Project as one of its mitigation projects for CUP impacts. A draft environmental impact study was prepared to assess impacts and mitigation measures for aquatic habitat, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, wildlife resources, recreation, socioeconomics, and other factors. Subsequent to publication of the Draft EIS, Montgomery Watson coordinated with resource agencies and specialists to modify the Proposed Action to reduce impacts to threatened and endangered species (e.g., western spotted frogs, Ute's ladies tress orchids), wetlands and riparian forests, and to address property acquistion concerns. 6 MONTGOMERY WATSON <<D>