WSP03427

• File Number: 8220.125.I
• Description: San Juan-Chama Project
• State: NM
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Date: 6/10/1975
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Draft Environmental Statement for the San Juan-Chama Project: Indian Camp System-Taos Unit-New Mexico
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

.'

June 1971

DRAFT

DRAFT

DRAFT

Statement on ro osed San Juan-Chama ro'ect Indian
aos Unlt New xco su m~tte ln con ormance
o t e Natlonal.Env~ronmental POllC Act 0 . 9

I. General

The plan provides for construction of Indian Camp Dam and Reservoir

and related distribution worKs to provide a regulated water supply

for an irrigated area of 5,734 acres adjacent to the Rio Grande del

Rancho, Rio Chiquito, and the Rio Fernando de Taos. In addition,

related recreation and fishery facilities will be provided.

The Taos Unit was authori~ed for construction by Public Law 87-483
along with three other irrigation tributary units of the San Juan-
Chama project subject, however, to refinement of studies and

findings of feasibility. The investigation and formulation of the

plan in the authorizing report were completed prior to the enactment

of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190),

However, before authori~ation of the project was recommended, the

Secretary I S proposed feasibi IHy report was coordinated with the

affected States and interested Federal agencies as required by law

and Presidential instructions. Thus, the policies, goals, and

directives of the act have been essentially met. No adverse

comments relating to the impact of the proposal on the environment

were received. Preconstruction drilling showed the Valdez damsite

to be geologically unfavorable, making construction of the uni,t as

authori~ed impracticable. Subsequent investigations directed toward