The Animas La Plata Project involves the construction of a dam in Ridges Basin south of Durango, Colorado. Associated with the construction is the development of water intake facilities along the Animas River, construction of a water pipeline, relocation of existing oil and gas pipelines, and riparian restoration activities along the La Plata River associated with required project mitigation measures. Ecosphere monitored golden eagle nests to assess construction impacts on the eagles, conducted southwestern willow flycatcher surveys, and managed riparian reclamation projects. Picture: Golden eagle in nest after being banded.
Navajo Gallup Water Supply — In addition to providing field surveys for sensitive flora and fauna including federally threatened Mesa Verde cactus along proposed pipeline routes, Ecosphere used its unique staff expertise to provide recommendations that would assure NEPA, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and CWA compliance as development of the NGWSP moved forward. In addition, Ecosphere provided a biological and regulatory review of routing alternatives designed to avoid or minimize potential impacts to sensitive species.