SPA 124 Flint Creek Private Users Diversion Fish Screens Bypass Improvements
Nov 5, 2024 2:56 PM
The Montana Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP) is proposing to modify fish bypass pipes associated with three fish screens and irrigation infrastructure improvements on Flint Creek near Hall, MT. The fish screens currently bypass fish through a single pipe, and this configuration causes hydraulic issues during certain times of the year, which sometimes leads to fish passage issues.
This project will replace the single bypass pipes with three separate pipes, improving these hydraulic conditions.The fish screens provide protection for native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout that migrate through the lower Flint Creek drainage as well as brown trout, an important sportfish species.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft Checklist EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 2), replacing the culvert, will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the proposed action and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary.
FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.