OCR Text |
Show of the proposed Bonneville Unit plan and intends to modify the plan where feasible, to achieve environmental benefits. Changes in the proposed plan have already been made in the design of Upper Stillwater Dam and the locations of Hades and Rhodes Tunnels. These and other modifications such as changing road design criteria based on Forest Service recommendations are discussed in paragraphs A3c, C3a and D2c. Measures other than seeding would often be required to provide for soil stability and revegetation. This may include such techniques as wattling, mulching, use of jute netting, terracing of slopes, and drilling of seed. The restoration measures would also include fertilization of soil, careful selection of plants adapted to local conditions, and short- term watering of plants where required. In conjunction with the Bureau of Reclamation's committment to provide effective restoration of construction disturbances, a re- assessment of features already constructed is being carried out. The major aspects of this program are summarized in paragraph D2c( 3) of the final environmental statement. One 220- acre borrow disturbance, located near Starvation Reservoir has already been re- treated under this program. Other locations scheduled to receive re- assessment and restoration treatment are the access road to Soldier Creek Dam, the road to the outlet portal site of Stillwater Tunnel, and Jordan Aqueduct. The general plan of landscape restoration to be followed by the Bureau is presented in paragraph D2c( 3)( b). Issue 9* Operation of the Bonneville Unit would contribute to the salinity problem of the Colorado River. ( a) The increase in salinity caused by the Bonneville Unit requires additional study and evaluation. ( b) Central Utah Project increases salinity at the same time Federal funds are being used for studies aimed at reducing the salinity of the Colorado River. Issue raised? by; Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Club National Wildlife Federation and an individual Response: Under the Colorado River Compact the Upper Basin States were authorized to develop their entitlement to the river by guaranteeing delivery of a specified amount of water to the Lower Basin States. Increases in salinity of the Colorado River with these additional water developments were recognized by Congress, and Reclamation was given the statutory responsibility to study all possible means of improving the quality and alleviating the ill effects of water of poor quality in the Colorado River basin. 657 |