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<br />Memorandum <br /> <br />To: Files <br /> <br />Subject: Response to memorandun dated May 9, 1986, fran the <br />Acting Assistant Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and <br />Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Golden, Colorado <br /> <br />44. Ccmnent: <br /> <br />We were afforded an opportunity to ccmnent on this ~ earlier in the planning <br />stages. At that time we made ccmrents of which most were incorporated into this <br />current document. Endangered species, however, has the following concerns which <br />were not fully addressed in this draft document. <br /> <br />The Endangered Species Office recognizes that reinitiation of Section 7 <br />consultation may be required prior to construction and operation of the final <br />plan selected for the Paradox Valley Unit. Additional consultation is <br />appropriate when (1) the project changes fran that which was originally <br />consulted on, (2) new information becanes available on listed species that was <br />not available for the original consultation, and (3) new' species are listed in <br />the project area. <br /> <br />While FWS can concur with an appropriately documented "no effect" determination <br />by BR for the test unit, we believe additional back-up information is needed to <br />support such a finding for the peregrine falcon, black-footed ferret and bald <br />eagle. Therefore, the environmental assessment should provide more narrative <br />detail to justify the "no effect" conclusion to these species, similar to the <br />justification included for the cacti. This may required disclosing the distance <br />of the project area fran the nearest peregrine eyrie and bald eagle winter <br />concentration areas, and determining whether the pipeline, roadway, or other <br />facilities will impact prairie dogs. <br /> <br />Response: <br /> <br />The text has been expanded to include this information. <br /> <br />45. Ccmrent: <br /> <br />FWS recognizes that a depletion of water will occur during the two year test <br />period. Through discussions with your Durango Office staff, it is our <br />understanding that BR is considering modifying the operation of McPhee D3m to <br />offset this potential impact to listed endangered fishes. Should deep well <br />injection be selected as the final plan, the biological assessment prepared by <br />BR should evaluate the potential long term consequences of the depletion to the <br />listed endangered fishes in the Colorado River. <br /> <br />Response: <br /> <br />Reclamation has devised an augmentation plan to canpensate for depletions <br />resulting fran the unit by releasing water fran McPhee D3m. This plan will be <br />administered by the Colorado State Engineer. If the test proves successful, <br />Reclamation will prepare a supplement to the Final Environmental Statement and <br />will reinitiate formal consultation with the Service on endangered species. <br /> <br />37 <br /> <br />ro,OO'~7(l <br />u ,-.) .:1 <br />