PROJ00382

• Contract/PO #: C153685
• Contractor Name: Monument, Town of
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 10
• County: El Paso
• Bill Number: SB 94-029
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

Chapter V . Evaluation of Alternatives

Vegetation at the entrance of Monument Creek to the lake consists primarily of coyote

willow and alder with a dense understory of horsetail and sedge. In addition, a cross-section of

the habitat in the area where McShane Creek enters the lake consists of open water, sedge

meadow, willows, upland grass meadow, and oak/ponderosa pine. These areas are considered

potential Mouse habitat due to the typical plant species composition, canopy cover and foraging

habitat provided through a diverse graminoid community. Potential Mouse habitat is identified

on Figure V-I. The County performed a Mouse trapping program in and downstream of the

spillway and did not capture any mice.

Information about the project was sent to the USACE in June 2000. To expedite the
project the USACE will issue permits for the construction of the spillway (Phase I) and then for
the construction of the embankment, outlet worKS and reservoir dredging (Phase 2). The USACE
contacted FWS for an informal Section 7 consultation for Phase I spillway construction. The
FWS concurred that the Mouse would not likely adversely be affected by the construction of the
spillway (Phase I). The USACE approved a nationwide permit for Phase I on November 21,
2000. A copy of the permit is present in Appendix E.

Boyle has initiated the permitting process for Phase 2 of the project by requesting a 404
Nationwide Permit from the US ACE. The same process that was followed for the spillway will
be performed for Phase 2 of the project. It is anticipated that the Phase 2 permit will be issued by
May 2001.

A.3 Social Structure Impacts

There will not be any foreseen impacts on existing neighborhoods and communities or on

employment. The project will not increase the maximum high water level due to the flood

surcharge storage of the reservoir since the spillway and dam crest elevations have not been

changed. The project should enhance the social structural in the area, by creating a safe and

public attraction for recreational uses of the reservoir.

Monument Lake Dam Feasibility Study

48

BOYLE