Laserfiche WebLink
<br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />season and thus less dilution capability would exist. Downstream <br />from Montrose, additional Gunnison River water would be present <br />to dilute sediments and other pollutants. Salt loading to the <br />river would be reduced with development. <br /> <br />Soils and Vegetation <br /> <br />No significant changes in soils or vegetation are projected under <br />the no-action alternative. Under the development alternatives, <br />vegetation and soil disturbance would occur in construction <br />areas. Disturbed areas would be restored and reseeded. A total <br />of approximately 12 acres of wetlands would be lost due to <br />construction. This acreage would be replaced by creation of a <br />wetland area near the powerplant. <br /> <br />Lower flows in the Gunnison River would allow the establishment <br />of additional riparian vegetation. However, the scouring of <br />vegetation would occur during high flow periods as now occurs <br />under the no-action alternative. Along the Uncompahgre River, <br />bank stabilization efforts would be required to protect riparian <br />areas. <br /> <br />Less than one percent'of the total known population of the <br />endangered clay-Iovirig'wild buckwheat (Erigorium pelinophilum) <br />would be eliminated 'during construction of the. penstock. Spe.cial <br />construction'techniquesin this, area would 'be imposed to reduce <br />impacts, 'and off-site mitigation to protect other populations <br />would be implemented. . <br /> <br />Fisheries <br /> <br />Without development,' the Gunnison River would be expected to ,keep <br />its status as a Gold Medal fishery maintained by natural ' <br />reproducti-on. This" fishery has been maintained under a large <br />range of flows over the last decade, and no significant habitat <br />or water quality changes would be expected from this range. <br /> <br />Development alternatives would divert additional flows from the <br />river, with the largest change occurring in the nonirrigation <br />season. Studies on thE!" fish populations' and fish habitat over <br />the last decade indicate that the fishery would be maintained <br />under development conditions. <br /> <br />Additional diversions through the Gunnison Tunnel may increase <br />the loss .of fish from the' Gunnison River to the South Canal. <br />.. ~ ~ <br /> <br />Under the no-action alternative, the fishery in the Uncompahgre <br />River between Ridgway Dam and the Montrose and Delta Canal would <br /> <br />S'- 7 <br />