WSP05094

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 2/1/1988
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River Unit
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

The Selected Plan will have an adverse effect on Bone Draw. As irrigation
water management practices are installed and less water reaches the
underground aquifer, water levels in Bone Draw will diminish. This, in
turn, will reduce the saline seep flows. Eventually, flows in Bone Draw
will change from perennial to intermittent and eliminate fish spawning
areas. There are no program authorities available to SCS which will
allow replacing Bone Draw flows with water of similar existing quality.
However, the flows in Bone Draw can be replaced. The costs appear to be
prohibitively high, and it is doubtful any agency will expend these
funds for such a small return.

Fisheries habitat is expected to improve in the Big Sandy and Eden
Reservoirs if water storage and irrigation drawdowns are coordinated to
maximize waterfowl and fisheries habitat in the Big Sandy River. As
previously stated, coordination between the Irrigation and Drainage
District, WGFD, and the Wyoming State Engineer will be needed.

The release schedule will improve fish habitat from the Big Sandy
Reservoir to Gasson Bridge. Big Sandy Reservoir water will be
discharged from a bottom outlet resulting in lower water temperatures in
the river. In addition, TDS concentrations will be significantly
lowered. Some improvement in water quality will also occur from Gasson
Bridge to the mouth of the Big Sandy River, although to a lesser degree
than upstream. Projections of specific water quality levels as a result
of this action are not available.

Endangered Species

In August 1986, the SCS sent a Biological Assessment for the Selected
Plan to the USFWS's Endangered Species office in Helena, Montana, to
support the SCS's "no effect" determination.

On November 10, 1986, based on USFWS's determination, the SCS requested
Section 7 Formal Consultation. The SCS transmitted additional
information provided by the WGFD and BLM for the Biological Assessment.
The USFWS responded on January 23, 1987, as follows:

It is the FWS biological opinion that the Big Sandy River
Salinity Control Project will not jeopardize the continued
existence of the whooping crane, black-footed ferret, Colorado
squawfish, or humpback chub. The FWS previously concurred
with your determination that the project would not affect the
bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or the peregrine falcon
(Falco peregrinus).

Our no-jeopardy opinion for whooping crane is based upon SCS's
commitment to continue to work with WGFD to maintain and
enhance wetland habitats and to design and locate powerlines
and fences to minimize potential collision and/or
electrocution hazards to cranes.

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Our no-jeopardy opinion on ferrets is based upon SCS's
commitment to conduct black-footed ferret surveys for direct

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