The SDS project will not adversely affect wildlife or wildlife
habitat. The SDS project will not adversely affect aquatic habitat;
impacts to aquatic habitats will be mitigated to ensure protection
of aquatic life.
| • |
The DEIS adequately addresses wildlife in the
project area. |
| • |
The Project Participants will implement additional
avoidance and minimization techniques during final design after
the Record of Decision has been released. |
| • |
The Project Participants will implement compensatory
mitigation for unavoidable adverse effects that remain after
all appropriate and practicable minimization has been achieved. |
| • |
There are several possible aquatic mitigation
techniques and opportunities to minimize potential unavoidable
project effects on fish and invertebrates listed in the DEIS. |
| • |
Additional specific opportunities to minimize
effects on aquatic resources will be identified during project
final design after Reclamation identifies a preferred alternative. |
| • |
Once a preferred alternative for the proposed
project is selected, a detailed mitigation plan will refine
the type of final mitigation techniques and specific mitigation
projects that will be implemented. |
| • |
An integrated adaptive management program will
be developed for the project that will coordinate with the participants’
existing monitoring programs and environmental management systems. |
| • |
Colorado Springs Utilities is investigating options
to avoid Williams Creek Channel wetland impacts to the Arkansas
Darter. |
| • |
Colorado Springs Utilities has shown its commitment
to protecting aquatic life in the region through the participation
in the Upper Arkansas Voluntary Flow Management Program and
the inter-governmental agreement to participate in the Pueblo
Flow Management Program. |