Laserfiche WebLink
reproductive population in the pond, and then disperse downstream into occupied habitat for ESA-listed <br /> species in the Colorado River mainstem. I requested any recommendations that Kurt— USFWS might <br /> offer with regard to protective measures needed to mitigate the potential for this to occur. Kurt and <br /> USFWS staff had only two suggestions: <br /> 1. A request that no direct surface connection be allowed between the pond and downstream <br /> waters. As you know, this is already a key component of IHC Scott's design, and has also been <br /> requested by CPW. Therefore this recommendation is fully incorporated into the existing <br /> proposal. <br /> 2. A request that some type of perimeter berm be maintained around the portion of pond that is <br /> located in the Colorado River floodplain, so that relatively-common flood events (e.g. a 10-yr <br /> event)would not inundate the pond and flush fish into the river. As you know, there is a <br /> perimeter berm already proposed which meets this need, in addition to multiple permit <br /> requirements for screening and floodplain operation associated with your department's <br /> development permit and the DRMS mine operation permit. The perimeter berm includes not only <br /> the portion of the operation in the floodplain, but the entire perimeter of the mine area. Therefore <br /> this recommendation is fully incorporated into the existing proposal. <br /> Kurt and USFWS confirmed that, with the incorporation of these design features, they had no further <br /> comment on the proposal. <br /> Thank you for your attention in this matter. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Alex Nees <br /> Senior Ecologist& Team Leader <br /> GSGM <br /> F <br /> 259 Grand Ave, Suite 200 <br /> Grand Junction, CO 81501 <br /> 970.384.9004/ 610.742.6145 cell <br /> www.sgm-inc.com <br /> 6SGM Page 2 <br />