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<br />~ ~':. J (g <br /> <br />Executive Summary <br /> <br />ES-5 <br /> <br />. Air Quality - There would be no significant changes to local air quality, but regional <br />air quality could improve as a result of decreased air emissions from fossil-fueled <br />generating facilities. <br /> <br />No significant impacts are expected to occur to soils, upland vegetation, land use and <br />recreation, socioeconomic, cultural, and noise resources. Slight impacts could occur to <br />water temperatures in the Uncompahgre due to increased flows in the winter months, and <br />waterfowl habitat, which is expected to increase due to the higher flows in the <br />Uncompahgre during the winter, spring, and late fall months. <br /> <br />Potential impacts of the alternatives are summarized in Tables ES-I through ES-3. <br /> <br />Areas of Controversy <br /> <br />The proposed action has generated much discussion, thus raising several issues of <br />concern, Public involvement during previous comment periods as well as scoping for the <br />SEIR helped to clearly identify significant public issues and prioritize them for study and <br />resolution. These issues are discussed in this SEIR. <br /> <br />. There was concern expressed from several landowners along the Uncompahgre River <br />regarding the substantial increase of water to the river, and the subsequent effects this <br />increase could have to the river's morphology, riparian wetlands, and other factors. <br /> <br />. There was concern expressed by individuals regarding the effects the withdrawal of <br />water from the Gunnison River could have to the Gunnison's resources, specifically <br />fisheries and recreation potential. <br /> <br />Unresolved Issues <br /> <br />Almost all issues of major concern have been resolved. The Sponsors have submitted <br />mitigation plans for bank stabilization and wetlands that include commitments for <br />monitoring for several years after operations have started. The Sponsors have committed <br />to real-time monitoring of Gunnison River flows to ensure compliance with minimum <br />instream flow requirements. <br /> <br />The Sponsors have not yet received the Department of the Army permit to dredge or <br />place fill in the riparian wetlands. The Sponsors have been working closely with the <br />Corps of Engineers regarding this permit, and will formally re-apply upon or near <br />completion of this updated NEP A process. <br /> <br />AB Lateral Hydropower Project <br /> <br />July 2000 <br /> <br />-0 <br /> <br />''" <br /> <br />:Aj <br /> <br />;"U <br /> <br />'~ ~. ..;,,:ib_-~H <br />