WSP06561 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

N (.;") co r..o EVALUATI ON The USGS has a system of water qual ity sampl ing stations in the Arkansas River, its tributaries, and other canals and drains. Long term changes in the river water qual i ty wi II be determined uSing this system. In addition to their normal monitoring activities, the USGS is conducting a special five year evaluation of water quality In the Arkansas River Basin of Colorado. A copy of the draft work plan for this study is enclosed in the Appendix. Short term effects wi II be documented by speci fie conductance measurements along with estimates of return flows to the river. These measurements wi I I be compared to measurements taken in 1983 - 1985 to show on farm changes. The Conservation Reporting and Evaluation System (CRES> wi I I be used to track the appl ication of BMP's in the project area. The number of contacts made and plans completed wi I I be tracked though the CAMPS system. The economic feasibility of the BMP's employed in this project will be eva I uated f rom data co II ected throughout the I ife of the proJect. The economic evaluation wi I I document the effect of BMP's on the profitabi I ity of a farm operation. ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION Each conservation plan developed wi I I contain an environmental evaluation of the planned actions. If significant environmental losses are expected, mitigation measures wi I I be recommended. Loss of wet lands is a major concern in the ,area. Every effort wi II be made to prevent any wetland losses. However, where wetland losses are unavoidable the SCS wetland policy wi I I be f 0 I I owe d and ex c e p t ion 5 wi I I be a p pi i e d for. The State of Colorado does not have any environmental regulations that apply to this project. 14