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impacts to big game are anticipated. Inairect impacts, however, and truck traffic and human activity may affect these species, particularly during the vinter months. These impacts • though do not represent any variation in the impacts that are currently occurring at the adjacent National King Coal operation. There are no anticipated impacts to wildlife due to the possible subsidence that may occur. Water depletions in the Upper Colorado River Basin have been recognized as a major source of impact to endangered fish species. Continued water withdrawal has restricted the ability of the Colorado River system to produce flow conditions required by various life stages of the fish. Impoundments and diversions have reduced peak discharges by 50 percent since 1942 while increasing flows by 21 percent in some reaches. These depletions along with a number of other factors have resulted in such drastic reductions in the populations of Colorado squawfish, humpback chub and bonytail chub that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has listed these species as endangered and has implemented programs to prevent them from becoming extinct. Therefore, USFWS has determined that project depletion impacts, which they consistently maintain are likely to jeopardize the listed fishes, can be offset by (a) the water project proponent's one-time contribution to the Recovery Program in the amount of $10 per acre-foot of the project's average annual depletion, and (b) appropriate legal protection of in stream flows pursuant to State law. The USFWS believes it is • essential that protection of in stream flows proceed expeditiously, before significant water depletions occur. The anticipated water impoundment would have a minor effect on the Colorado squawfish, humpback chub, and bonytail chub in the Colorado River system. Even though the projected impact is minor the proposed alternative requires formal consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The formal Section 7 consultation process has already been initiated. The USFWS requirement that water project proponents submit a one-time contribution to the Recovery Program in the amount of $10 per acre-foot of the project's average annual depletion. Although the USFWS currently uses the $10.00 per acre-foot valuation in calculating the payments, the figure is adjusted annually for inflation. Informal Section 7 consultation was initiated with the USFWS on September 27, 1989 requesting a biological opinion on the effects of water impoundment on the threatened and endangered fish species in the Colorado River Basin. USFWS responded with a Draft Biological Opinion on December 6, 1989 in which they concur with the "no affect" determination for peregrine falcon, bald eagle and Knowlton's cactus. They also concur with the "may affect" determination for the Colorado squawfish. The biological opinion points out that Humpback chub and bonytail • 14