Laserfiche WebLink
<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />'I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />groundwater recharge projects to provide dependable water supplies that will benefit <br />many fish and wildlife species including federally listed threatened and endangered species <br />along the Platte River Basin in Colorado and Nebraska. This proposal involves the <br />construction of up to 35 wells, approximately 13 miles of pipeline and up to 41 small ponds <br />located in natural depressions (see Figures 2 and 3). The wells will pump an average of <br />30,000 acre-feet of water into the ponds annually. A portion of this water will return back <br />to the South Platte River during times of shortage to provide flows to benefit native fish <br />species in Colorado, and incidentally providing flows for T&E species in central Nebraska, <br />as agreed to by the State of Colorado in Tab 3A of the Cooperative Agreement. <br /> <br />The depositing. of an average of 30,000 acre-feet of water annually in the 41 designated <br />upland sites on the TRSW A and PESW A will create a significant amount of new wetland <br />habitats. Alluvial flows back to the river are also projected to create or enhance <br />similar wetland type habitats below the pumping sites. <br /> <br />A small artificial stream approximately one-third of a mile long will also be constructed <br />along with a series of small ponds that will be used as an emergency water supply for the <br />artificial stream and for maintaining proper water temperatures for the native fish. <br /> <br />2) NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE <br /> <br />If the project is not constructed, none of the above described features will be built. <br />Further, none of the benefits to Colorado T&E species, Federally listed T&E species, or <br />other wildlife benefits will be realized. <br /> <br />The State of Colorado will be limited in its ability to fulfill its commitments under Tab 3A <br />of the Cooperative Agreement. <br /> <br />IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT <br />SOILS <br /> <br />The proposed pond sites and majority of pipelines on the TRSW A will be located in deep, <br />excessively drained soils on upland sandhills. These sand deposits parallel the river to the <br />south and have slopes that are gently roIling to strongly roIling. Permeability of these soils <br />is very rapid. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. The available water capacity is <br />low. Surface runoff is slow, the soil blowing hazard is high, and the erosion hazard is slight. <br />Valent loamy sands and Dailey loamy sands are the prominent soil types. Soils near the <br />proposed wells are mostly deep, somewhat poorly drained soils on low terraces and bottom <br />lands. Permeability is slow. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Available water <br />capacity is moderate. Surface runoff is slow, and erosion hazard is slight. A fluctuating <br />water table occurs between 12 and 24 inches during winter and spring months. A moderate <br />saline condition is common. Soil types here include, Westplain silty clay loam, Westplain- <br />Aida complex, Manter loamy sand, and Fluvaquentic Haplaquol. <br /> <br />4 <br />