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Finding of No Significant Impact Deep-Well Injection Testing Program Paradox Valley Unit, Colorado Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program The proposed action would not constitute a Federal action having significant environmental impacts. Impacts would be minor and mostly temporary. Planned mitigation measures would adequately alleviate any adverse effects. The expected impacts of the testing program are summarized below: 1. The drilling and monitoring of the test well would create about 40 person- years of employment over 4 years. The 20 person-years of employment projected for the peak year of construction translates to a population increase of about 37 people which would be an increase of about 2 percent over the 1984 population estimate. The effects of this increase on commercial facilities and community services would be minimal. 2. Technical studies have shown that the Leadville, Ouray, and Elbert Formations have the desired characteristics for satisfactory long-term disposal of brine. The Hermosa Group and the Molas Formation above the proposed injection zone provide a positive impermeable barrier to the upward migration of the injected fluid. Thus there would be no contamination of freshwater zones. 3. During the test between 69,000 and 185,000 tons of salt would be removed from the river each year, thus improving water quality. This would cause the depletion of between 362 and 1,086 acre-feet of water annually from the Colorado River. This depletion would be compensated by releases from McPhee Reservoir. 4. Vegetation on approximately 10 acres would be lost to unit facilities; all other disturbed area would be reshaped and reseeded. 5. Due to the removal of salt, the aquatic habitat in the Dolores River down- stream from the collection well field would be improved. 6. During construction, short-term decreases of local populations of small mammals and birds would occur. Long-term losses to populations would be minimal. A wintering population of up to 300 Canada Geese would be disturbed during con- struction and probably move to areas of less disturbance. These birds would probably use the area again after construction is completed. Transmission lines would be designed to prevent electrocution of raptorial birds. 7. Reclamation has determined, and the Fish and Wildlife Service has concurred (memorandum of May 9, 1986), that the deep well injection test would have no effect on threatened or endangered species. 8. There would be no encroachment on floodplains or wetlands as a result of construction or operation of the test or collection system. 00 37