WSP00420

• File Number: 8441.600.20
• Description: CBT Title Transfer to NCWCD
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 10/1/2000
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Draft Environmental Assessment - Title Transfer of Selected Colorado-Big Thompson Project Water Facilitiies to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TITLE TRANSFER OF SELECfED COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON PROJECT WATER
FACILITIES TO THE NORTHERN COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

activities involving the discharge of fill material or excavation in these areas do not
require Corps authorization.

Federal agencies also are bound by Executive Order (EO) 11990 (protection of
Wetlands) to "take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands,
and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands in carrying out
the agency's responsibilities."

Proposed Action
Iftitle to the selected water facilities is transferred to the District, there would be no
change in operation or management of the canals. Regular maintenance and repair
activities would continue as at present. Future actions that involve the discharge of
dredge or fill material into waters or wetlands would continue to be subject to the
jurisdiction of the Corps under Section 404 of the CW A. The District would not be
bound by EO 11990.

No Action Alternative

If the title to the selected water facilities were retained by the United States there

would be no change in operation or management of the canals. Complete responsibility

for operation, repair, and replacement of the facilities has been transferred from

Reclamation to the District. Regular maintenance and repair activities would continue as

at present. Future actions that involve the discharge of dredge or fill material into waters

or wetlands would continue to be subject to the jurisdiction of the Corps under Section

404 of the CW A. Reclamation would continue to be bound by EO 11990.

Vegetation

The facilities proposed for title transfer occur east of the foothills near the City of Fort

Collins, Colorado. Areas characterized as grasslands are located throughout the area and

tend to be mixed with various forbs and often scattered shrubs. Common species include

smooth brome (Bromo psis inermis), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and

rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus). Often the grassland areas are disturbed and

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