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<br />002490 <br /> <br />application systems must also be improved to achieve an adequate level of protection to meet the <br />sponsors' concems and objectives. <br /> <br />ALTERNATIVE 3. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES PLUS ENDURING IRRIGATION SYSTEM <br />IMPROVEMENTS (RECOMMENDED PLAN. NED) <br /> <br />See Table 1 <br /> <br />Effects: <br /> <br />The combination of irrigation enduring practices along with the management practices will facilitate <br />the best water application of any of the alternatives. The deep percolation would be reduced by 66% <br />on the treated areas. Irrigation-induced erosion would be reduced by 60%. This alternative provides <br />the largest reduction of both erosion and sediment. A significantly greater degree of improvement in <br />the surface and ground water quality would be achieved than the previously mentioned alternatives. <br /> <br />The nitrate levels in the wells of the groundwater will be reduced by an estimated 40% by project <br />installation. This is expected to reduce nitrate levels in the groundwater to acceptable State <br />standards. The nitrate level in the Arkansas River will also be reduced. <br /> <br />The total selenium concentration levels at the gauge at La Junta will be reduced from 17 <br />micrograms/liter to an approximate 13.7 micrograms/liter through project action. The reduction will <br />improve the quality downstream and to the John Martin Reservoir. Other heavy metals, salts, and <br />nutrients will be similarly reduced which have a corresponding improvement in surface and ground <br />water quality. <br /> <br />IWM and enduring practices will reduce the irrigation-induced erosion in the watershed by 46,000 <br />tons/year with this alternative. This will also reduce the amount of sediment available for delivery to <br />the Arkansas River. The sediment associated heavy metals, salts and nutrients reaching the river <br />will also be reduced. This will also help prolong the remaining storage in the John Martin Reservoir. <br />The downstream water users will benefit by receiving higher quality water and reduced maintenance. <br /> <br />The fish and wildlife habitat within the watershed will be enhanced through the implementation of this <br />alternative. The overall value of the wildlife habitat in the area will not be changed significantly. The <br />project will have no net effect on the wetlands. Mitigation practices will be installed to offset any <br />losses. <br /> <br />Selenium uptake by wetland plants along the river will be reduced, thus benefiting wetlands and <br />wildlife. The River's selenium level will be reduced to within EPA and state Standards. The fishery <br />habitat in the Arkansas River and the John Martin Reservoir may have a slight improvement. <br /> <br />10 <br />