OCR Text |
Show section through Currant Creek Canyon would be buried pipeline replacing the existing pipelines. Construction and operation of these irrigation systems would have both beneficial and adverse impacts on the local environment. A small amount of the existing landscape would be replaced by the open canals resulting in a small loss of vegetative production and some displacement of birds and small animals. There would be some disturbance of the stream channel of Currant Creek resulting from the construction of the Elberta Diversion Dam which would replace the existing diversion dam. The visual composition of this location would be altered with a larger dam. There would be no fishery losses on Currant Creek because Unit operation would not appreciably alter existing flow patterns and the stream is not considered to have any value as a fishery. The beneficial impacts would be associated with increased agricultural production and its economic implications and the creation of about 19,000 acres of new pheasant habitat.^ The gently sloping land would be expected to facilitate construction with a minimum of landscape disruption and allow effective restoration treatment of disturbed lands. Access would be provided by existing roads along the alinement and concrete aggregate would be obtained from local commercial sources. The esthetic implications of the canals would be questionable depending upon the tastes of the observer. Pumping Plants Table A- 6 presents a physical description of the nine pumping plants required in the operation of the Bonneville Unit. The environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of these plants would include landscape alteration resulting from construction noise levels occurring during operation, and the effects of the water upon the lands being served. The latter aspect is discusse previously in this subsection. The amount of land required for the plants would approximate 10 acres. The noise levels from the operating pumps should not have adverse effects on humans or wildlife activity. 271 |