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233:2 _ _'-- '....~. ' "..... J. '" _, ." J,.,..;;I ,..ll _,.......;11:::::. .-."'f-1.o::>.....1 . T echmc31 memoronJum reg3rding sror3ge combmacions and al[C~mar.ives . Dererminauon of hydrologic imp3cts . Technic31 memomndum on cost esamates . Dr3ft and Fin3l Prelimin3ry Engineering Technical Report Task 3 - Environmental Studies Technical Report "Fatal flaw" environmental studies will be conducted at each of the identified CSU storage project sites. Specifically, the studies will address wetlands, threatened and endangered species, fisheries, and wildlife habitat, The studies will be based on a combination of available literature, agency contacts, and field visits to each of the project sites. It is anticipated that a single field visit will be made to each of the project sites, The outcome of these studies will include an assessment of: 1) the existing environmental conditions; 2) the potential for environmental impacts; 3) the apparent permitting Or other environmental compliance problems; 4) the need, if any, for additional study; and 5) any "fatal flaws" that could affect project development or implementation. The four environmental topics to be covered in this process are btiefly addressed below, 3.1 Wetlands. Each project site will be assessed for the presence, characteristics, and extent of wetlands or other waters of the United States subject to CaE regulations and permitting under the Clean Water Act. National Wetland Inventory (NWl) maps will serve as a basis for the assessment. A site visit will be made, at which time jurisdictional wetland areas of the project lands will be identified and the NWI maps will be verified at no less than 1 :24,000 scale, The determination of whether an area is considered a wetland will be based on 1987 CaE Wetland Delineation Guidelines. Based on proposed project activities and the findings of the wetland studies, potential impacts on wetlands will be (II})~ determined for each site and mitigation measures suggested, if necessary, 3.2 Threatened and Endangered Species. Prior to visiting each project site, a list of threatened and endangered species potentially occurring in these areas will be prepared on the basis of existing information from federal and state agencies. It is anticipated that primary sources for this infornution will be the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Deparonent of Natural Resources, and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. A visit will be made to each of the project sites to determine whether appropriate habitat is present to support the existence of any of these species. literature and field data will be reviewed to determine the likelihood that project activities may impact listed species. In addition, mitigation measures, if necessary, will be suggested. At this time, no extensive field surveys for specific species are included in this work. If it is determined that additional field surveys are required, additional scope and cost will be negotiated to address these needs. 3.3 Fisheries. Existing fisheries information will be gathered for each project site from appropriate agencies (e,g., Colorado Department of Natural Resources) to determine the existing condition of these resources. On the basis of the proposed project activities, an assessment of the potential for impacts and the kinds of possible impacts will be prepared. If it is determined that instream studies are necessary, additional scope and cost will be negotiated. 3.4 Wildlife Habitat. Prior to visiting the site, a listing of potential impacts to known wildlife habitat areas will be prepared, It is anticipated that the primary sources for this information will be the' U.S, Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. A visit will be made to each of the sites to determine potential issues regarding wildlife habitat. In addition, mitigation measures, if necessary, 9