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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/38361| Title: | Integrated Detailed Project Report and Environmental Assessment : Seneca Nation of Indians Territory Ecosystem Restoration Project, Cattaraugus County, New York |
| Authors: | United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Pittsburgh District. |
| Keywords: | Seneca Nation of Indians Allegheny River (Pa. and N.Y.) Stream restoration Environmental management Environmental protection |
| Publisher: | United States. Army. Corps of Engineers. Pittsburgh District. |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study is to formulate and analyze a series of ecosystem restoration alternatives to restore ecosystem function, structure, and dynamic processes to Ohi:yo,’ where the construction and operation of an existing Corps project (Kinzua Dam) has directly contributed to the degradation of the quality of the environment. The historical conversion of the free-flowing river to a fluctuating reservoir environment has resulted in ecosystem degradation throughout the Study Area. There are multiple processes impacting the environment adjacent and upstream from the Kinzua Dam. The operation of the dam is dictated by two factors: flood protection and downstream water quality control. Regulation of the pool to meet these authorized purposes creates drastic changes in the water level. Additionally, the operation of the non-Federal hydroelectric facility alters water levels throughout the Study Area daily. As appropriate, the study will recommend a National Ecosystem Restoration (NER) plan for implementation under the Section 1135 program. The study scope addresses a number of impacts upon the ecosystem. The Seneca Nation’s primary concerns include the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), riparian zone degradation, invasive plant species, and degraded fish habitat. The occurrence and severity of HABs in Ohi:yo’ have increased over the last five years. A decline and/or loss of available fish habitat have caused a decrease in the number and diversity of fish as well as other aquatic species over time. Spawning and rearing habitat for target aquatic species such as paddlefish and walleye are limited in the Study Area. The Seneca Nation was recently successful in establishing a stocking program, including a walleye hatchery, which appears to have enhanced the fishery. Erosion throughout the impoundment area increased the turbidity while increasing the amount of lost land and vegetation. |
| Description: | Detailed Project Report with Integrated Environmental Assessment |
| Rights: | Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited |
| URI: | https://hdl.handle.net/11681/38361 |
| Size: | 256 pages / 19.89 MB |
| Types of Materials: | PDF/A |
| Appears in Collections: | Environmental Documents |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seneca Nation Ecosystem Restoration EA and FONSI 2020.pdf | 19.89 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |