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OOlIJ~IG CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION ProPosed Action The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) proposes to develop and implement a process to reduce selenium-related health effects in fish and aquatic birds at the Orchard Mesa Wildlife Area (OMW A) near Grand Junction. Colorado. Purpose and Need High concentralions of selenium have been documented to cause reproductive failure and birth defects in fish and waterfowl. There is a need to reduce selenium levels in two backwater areas along the Colorado River within Reclamation's OMW A. The purpose of the project is to protect local fish and wildlife resources and reduce selenium bio-accumulations in endangered fishes and aquatic birds. This environmental assessment (EA) was prepared by Reclamation in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Endangered Species Act; and related Department of Interior (DOl) policies and regulations. Based on this document and on comments received, it has been determined that the proposed action is not a major Federal action significantly affecling the environment. and a Finding of No Significant Impact has been prepared. Chapler IV of this EA discusses and responds to comments received on the draft. Backl!round Information In 1996, Reclamation and the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin (RIP) jointly purchased about 153 acres of Colorado River bottomland. The area was purchased as a wetland mitigation site for the salinity control project in the Grand Valley and to protect endangered fish habitat (see Frontispiece Map). The salinity control project consisted of lining project canals to prevent seepage. The mitigation site is managed as wildlife habitat and will be referred to in this document as the Orchard Mesa Wildlife Area (OMW A). The Bureau of Reclamation has actively managed Ihe OMW A by planting cottonwood and other riparian plant species, applying salt cedar control, and providing flood irrigation. Water quality testing identified high concentrations of selenium in two backwater areas (see Figure I). Selenium concentrations were recorded as high as 30 parts per billion (ppb). The Colorado Water Quality Slandard for selenium is 5 ppb. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) expressed concerns that selenium concentrations may be bio-accumulating in endangered fishes and aquatic birds.