2011-05-12_PERMIT FILE - M2011028 (2)

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Weeminuchc Construction Authorint CHAPTER 3 P.O. Box AA - T owaoc, Cam. O 81334 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 3.7.2.1 Methodology Because most of the project area has been previously surveyed for proposed, threatened, and endangered species (plant, terrestrial wildlife, and fish) and there have been few additions to the list of protected species since the 1996 FSFES, the majority of this analysis was conducted using literature reviews. Several site surveys were conducted by experienced biologists using standard methods. On several occasions, professional judgement based on the available data was used. ? Literature Reviews and Agency Consultation. There is a vast library of literature concerning the ALP Project, including reports, documents, and survey results regarding threatened and endangered species. The structural components of Refined Alternative 4 are similar to components described in previous NEPA documents, although all are reduced in size in Refined Alternative 4. The only additional structural component of Refined Alternative 4 is the NNMP. Past studies have provided the necessary information regarding all structural components, except the NNMP, and all protected species, except those added to the threatened and endangered species list since 1996. Consultation with the CDOW provided information for Refined Alternative 6. ? Site Surveys. Site surveys were conducted along the route of the proposed NNMP to establish the presence/absence of protected plant species in regions where the proposed route crosses previously undisturbed ground. Surveys were also conducted to establish the presence/absence of protected animal habitat in the two areas where the proposed route crosses the San Juan River. ? Professional Judgement. In several cases, professional judgement based on the available data was used in this analysis. 3.7.2.2 Significance Criteria For protected fish, failure of the project to meet the flow recommendations proposed by the seven-year research program component of the SJRBRIP would be significant. This program was one element of the 1991 Biological Opinion. The research included surveys to determine species composition for adult and younger life stages, radio telemetry to determine movement and habitat use by endangered fish, and experimental stocking of endangered fish to determine habitat use and response to the experimental flow regimes. Data gathered during the research period were considered to determine fish population and habitat responses to a variety of flow conditions that were to mimic the full, variable range of a natural hydrograph. Detailed results of the seven-year research program are presented in the San Juan River Flow Recommendation Report (Holden 1999) and in the individual final reports for each research component. For protected plant and terrestrial wildlife species, the significance criteria used to determine significant impacts is the presence and potential loss of a federally listed or candidate species, or loss or degradation of its critical habitat in the project area. The Service's Biological Opinion (Service 2000b) has concurred that Refined Alternative 4 may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the southwestern willow flycatcher. The Service has also agreed that there would be no effect on the following species: Mexican spotted owl, mountain plover, Mancos milk- vetch, Mesa Verde cactus, Knowlton's cactus, boreal toad, and the Sleeping Ute milk-vetch. The Service has concluded that the proposed project may affect the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bald eagle; however the project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species and not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat as long as all suggested conservation E ? U»A S r(AGIE.Ct.- !oQAVeL. 3.7 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES 3-110 tsCF4l?tT ?? _ pA6? (-k -83 ?1 ?