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r: J tH 3 6 n..r.Yl.r.n \,.,ur l. SUBJECT TO REVISION Transfer cost estimates range from a high of $569 per acre foot for the smallest size of Route C, to $226 per acre foot for the largest size of Route B. The transfer cost estimates do not include costs of moving water from the terminal storage points and distributing it to farms. The construction costs were estimated using a fifteen year construction period; accelerated construction could substantially reduce this cost. It is emphr.sized that these water import studies are very general in nature and are intended to give estimates of the potential costs of moving water from the generalized points of origin to the general destinations. It is not possible at this time to determine whether or not there are surplus surface waters, and if so the potential quantities of such surplus waters at each originating area for each Route studied. Such est ima tes can only be made after fully assessing the water resources needs of the areas from which such surpluses might be obtained. In its instructions to the Corps, the High Plains Study Council set forth a statement of policy pertaining to the wa ter importation parts of this study, which provided that the present and future needs in the potential basins of origin of surplus water would be considered as having prior rights, that only surplus water to these needs would be considered for exportation, and that transfers would be considered only on the basis of full and frank discussion with all directly involved states (Study Council Resolution Number 6, January 16, 1980). The water import estimates were conducted in accordance with this principle. Environmental Factors Some of the potential environmental effects and environmental changes that might be expected for the cases for which projections were made were identified and studied by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Among the physical factors of major significance was soil loss due to wind erosion. Generally, dryland farming and farm abandonments are expected to result in greater soil losses than in iITigated agriculture. Negative effects on water resources result from ground water table declines and streamflow reduction. Streamflows are being. reduced in some areas, and are expected to decline futher in parts of the Loup, Niobrara, Elkhom, Blue, Platte and Republican Rivers in Nebraska and the Republican, SOloman, and Cimarron Rivers in Kansas. Streamflows are expected to be reduced to some extent for each of the water use cases considered in this study, where there is a relationship between the Ogallala aquifer and streams of the area. The two main types of potential biological impacts are from streamflow reduction, or direct increased use of surface waters, and land use changes caused by declining ground water supplies. Effects may include the degradation of habitat for species' such as waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds, the ultimate reduction in numbers, and perhaps the loss of aquatic species. Some bird species may be affected by losses or alterations in riparian habitat, including the invasion of exotics such as saltcedar. Aquatic habitat and fisheries in lakes and reservoirs may be affected by depletion of feeder streams and use of playa lake water. Land use changes would be expected to affect both aquatic and terrestrial species. Loss of tailwater from reductions in iITigation would adversely affect aquatic habitat. Some terrestrial species might be positively affected as irrigated acreages are reduced since dryland farming and rangeland are less intensively used and, in general, provide better wildlife habitat for some species. Rangeland or native grasses provide natural. habitat. This benefit would occur, however, only if a program is established to reseed abandoned farmlands to native grasses. Where irrigated agricultural acreage increases, -10-