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<br />n;j'1~r13 <br /> <br />Alternatives, Including Proposed Action <br /> <br />2-33 <br /> <br />be more mitigation in place than is necessary to fully mitigate project effects. If this is <br />the case, then such surplus mitigation could be used in mitigation banks (saved for future <br />possible impact mitigation), traded (used to offset other, non-project related impacts), or <br />retired (active land management by Sponsors modified or ceased). Prior to making any <br />such designation changes, the Sponsors would secure the approval of both the COE and <br />Reclamation. <br /> <br />Indirect impacts to riparian wetlands are expected to be the greatest in the first two to <br />three years of operations then decline after that. Project-related impacts, as well as plant <br />regeneration and enhancement, should all be well documented and largely over by the <br />fifth year of operation. The need to continue, and level of effort necessary for future <br />monitoring will be reviewed by the Sponsors, COE and Reclamation after the first five <br />years of operations. <br /> <br />Additional detail on wetland/riparian monitoring efforts is included in the Preliminary <br />Wetlands Mitigation Plan in Appendix A. <br /> <br />2.4.6.4 Uncompahgre River Channel Monitoring <br /> <br />As an additional part of the 404 process, the Sponsors have committed to conducting a <br />channel-monitoring program, The intent is to ensure that the channel adapts to new flows <br />in the manner predicted by MEr. The program will include: <br /> <br />. Annual aerial photographic analysis (conducted in conjunction with aerial monitoring <br />for wetlands and stabilization sites) <br />. Annual, ground-level monitoring of stream transects. This would be performed at the <br />22 Monitor sites established in the 404 Application, as well as 10 additional sites, <br />with special attention applied to broad, floodplain riparian areas. The transect work <br />would monitor changes in channel widths and depths, stream velocities, aggradation <br />and degradation and changes in the width of the riparian corridor. Groundwater <br />monitoring wells would also be established within wetland/riparian areas. Bedload <br />may also be monitored if it would yield meaningful information. <br /> <br />The detailed plan, showing transect locations, etc. would be completed prior to <br />commencement of project construction. <br /> <br />2.4.6.5 Maintenance Fund <br /> <br />Reclamation has requested and the Sponsors have agreed to negotiate with landowners <br />prior to operations of the facility, in an effort to secure erosion easements where <br />significant widening is expected. To the extent such negotiations are not successful, then <br />after-the-fact assessments of lost economic value would be made. If the Sponsors and <br />landowners disagreed about the lost value, then an independent appraisal would be made. <br />In such cases, a bond or letter of credit could be used to secure the Sponsors' obligation <br />to address loss of use. <br /> <br />'" <br /> <br />AB Lateral Hydropower Project <br /> <br />July 2000 <br /> <br />','. <br /> <br />~i" :.--",>..,.4-'_ <br /> <br /> <br />J <br />