Summary Sheet

Belton Lake, Texas

( ) Draft (x) Final Environmental Statement

Responsible Office: u. S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas P.0. Box 17300, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Phone No. (District Engineer) (817) 334-2301

1. Name of Action: (X) Administrative ( ) Legislative

2. Description of Action: The Belton Lake operation and maintenance program includes flood control, water conservation, operation and maintenance of project structures and facilities, recreational parks, and management of land and water for fishing, hunting, photo­ graphy, nature study, and other low-density forms of recreation.

3. a. Environmental Impacts: The scope and frequency of disastrous floods have been reduced downstream. Stabilization of the down­ stream flood plain and increased availability of conservation water have had a beneficial impact on local business and recreation.

b. Adverse Environmental Effects: Impoundment of floodwater displaces or kills terrestrial wildlife and often degrades their habitat. Prolonged storage of floodwater damages, or kills, grasses, shrubs and trees. The fertilization value of floodwater sediments has been reduced and the pattern of disposition restricted to the river channel. Wave action erodes soil from the lakeshore. Storage of water alters its quality by reducing aeration and accumulating pollutants. Soils in park recreation areas are subjected to heavy traffic and are often exposed to erosive rainfall.

4. Alternatives: Certain alternatives not listed here are currently being considered for adoption. The following alternatives are considered in the report: The "No Action", or discontinuance of all or parts of the O&M Program; single purpose management of lands and waters such as limiting visitors to available facilities, limiting park visitors to the carrying capacity, closing park interiors to recreation vehicles; initiating intensive wildlife and vegetative management; project personnel assumption of cleaning duties; financial aid in building and operating a modern solid waste disposal and resource recovery system; and manual control of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. 5. Comments Requested.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Agricultural Research Service Agricultural Statilization and Conservation Service Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts Central Texas Council of Governments Citizens Environmental Coalition County Judge, Bell County Environmental Defense Fund Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Friends of the Earth Forest Service, U.S.D.A. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of the Interior Izaak Walton League of America, SW Region League of Women Voters of Texas National Audubon Society National Marine Fisheries Service National Wildlife Federation NOAA National Weather Service Sierra Club Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Texas Archaeological Society Texas Committee on Natural Resources The State of Texas Division of Planning Coordination Texas Highway Department Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Soil and Water Conservation Board Texas Water Development Board Texas Water Quality Board The Nature Conservancy U. S. Coastguard U. S. Department of Commerce U. S. Representative, W. R. Poage U. S. Senator, Lloyd Bentsen U. S. Senator, John Tower Welder Wildlife Foundation, Texas H. Paul Friesema, Northwestern University, Illinois Clark Hubbs, University of Texas C. 0. Patterson, University of Texas S. Alan Skinner, Southern Methodist University

6. Draft Statement to CEQ 17 May 1973

Final Statement to CEQ ______■ FINAL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT BELTON LAKE, LEON RIVER BRAZOS RIVER BASIN, TEXAS

Table of Contents

Subject Page

Section I - Project Description

1. Location 1-1 2. Purposes 1-1 3. Description and Characteristics 1-1 4. Facilities 1-1 a. Dam and Operational Structures 1-1 b. Parks 1-1 5. Operation and Maintenance Program 1-2 a. Administration 1-2 b. Zoning 1-2 c. Outgrants, Easements, and Permits 1-2 d. Resource Management 1-2 (1) Lands 1-2 (2) Water 1-3 (3) Vegetation 1-3 (4) Fish and Wildlife 1-3 (5) Archeological Sites 1-4 e. Recreation Program 1-4 (1) Visitation Data 1-4 (2) Public Access 1-4 (3) Parks 1-5 (4) Organized Camps 1-5 (5) Private Floating Facilities 1-5 (6) Concessions 1-5 (7) Roads, Trails, Parking, Boat Ramps 1-5 f. Public Health and Sanitation 1-5 (1) Mowing and Cleaning 1-5 (2) Sanitation Program 1-6 (3) Surveillance 1-6 (a) Mosquito Samples 1-6 (b) Insects and Rodents 1-6 (c) Water Samples 1-7 g. Law Enforcement and Citation Authority 1-7 h. Relationship of Private Lands 1-7

Section II - Environmental Setting

1. Natural Resources II-l a. Physical II-l Table of Contents

Subject Page

b. Vegetation II-l c. Animal Life II-l 2. Archeology II-2 3. History I1-3 4. Economic I1-3 a. Industry and Agriculture I1-3 b. Population Trends I1-3 c. Project Effects on the Economy I1-3

Section III- relationship of the O&M Program to Land Use Plans III-l

Section IV - The Environmental Impact of the O&M Program

1. Impact of Authorized Activities IV-1 a. Flood Control IV-1 b. Water Conservation IV-1 (1) Conservation Pool IV-1 (2) Fluctuations IV-1 (a) Impoundments IV-1 (b) Drawdowns IV-2 c. Stream Environment IV-2 (1) Downstream IV-2 (2) Upstream IV-3 2. Operation and Maintenance of Facilities IV-3 a. Maintenance of Facilities IV-3 (1) Flood Control Structures IV-3 (2) Grounds and Drains IV-3 (3) Roads, Trails, Parking, Boat Ramps IV-3 (4) Recreation Facilities IV-3 b. Resource Management IV-3 (1) Land IV-3 (2) Water IV-4 (3) Air IV-4 (4) Vegetation IV-5 (5) Fish and Wildlife IV-5 (6) Archeological Sites IV-6 c. Recreation and Management IV-6 (1) People and Vehicles IV-6 (2) Concessions IV-6 (3) Floating Facilities IV-6 (4) Public Health and Sanitation Program IV-7 (a) Mowing and Cleaning IV-7 (b) Sanitation IV-7 1 Disposal Systems IV-7 2_ Mosquito Surveillance IV-7 2 Insect and Rodent Control IV-7 £ Water Monitoring IV-7 Table of Contents

Subject Page d. Law Enforcement and the Citation Program IV-8 e. Relationship to Private Development IV-8

Section V - Adverse Impacts Which Cannot Be Avoided by the O&M Program V-l

Section VI - Alternatives to the Present O&M Program

1. General VI-1 2. The No Action Alternative VI-1 3. Operation for Primary Project Purposes a. No Action. Discontinue Operations for Flood Control and Storage of Conservation Water VI-1 b. Alternative. Assign Water Management to One Agency VI-2 4. Management of Project Lands and Waters a. No Action. Discontinue Project Management of Lands and Waters VI-2 b. Single Purpose Management of Lands and Waters VI-2 (1) Recreation and Public Use VI-2 (a) No Action Alternative VI-2 (b) Alternative 1 Charge Fees for All Parks and Limit Access VI-2 (c) Alternative 2. Limit Visitors to Park Carrying Capacities VI-3 (d) Alternative 3. Close Park Interior to Private Vehicle Traffic VI-4 (2) Wildlife Management VI-4 (a) No Action Alternative VI-4 (b) Alternative. Intensive Wildlife Management VI-5 (3) Vegetative Management VI-5 (a) No Action Alternative VI-5 (b) Alternative. Intensive Vegetative Management VI-6 (4) Agriculture and Grazing VI-6 (a) No Action Alternative VI-6 (b) Alternative. None VI-6 (5) Archeological Res.ources VI-7 (a) No Action Alternative VI-7 (b) Alternative. None VI-7 5. Maintenance of Project Facilities and Structures VI-7 a. Project Structures VI-7 (1) No Action Alternative VI-7 (2) Alternative VI-7 b. Public Use and Recreation Facilities VI-7 (1) Roads, Parking Areas, Trails, Boat Ramps, Sanitary Facilities VI-7 Table of Contents

Subject Page

(a) No Action Alternative VI-8 (b) Alternative VI-8 (2) Health, Sanitation, and Pollution Control VI-8 (a) No Action Alternative VI-8 (b) Alternative for Sewerage Disposal VI-8 (c) Alternatives for Solid Waste Disposal VI-8 1 1_ Cancel Cleaning Contract VI-8 2_ Finance Part of Cost of Building or Operating Waste Disposal Plant VI-8 (3) Insects, Arthropod Pests, and Rodent Control VI-9 (a) No Action Alternative VI-9 (b) Alternative to Present Pest Control VI-9 (4) Aquatic and Terrestrial Vegetation Control Program VI-9 (a) No Action Alternative VI-9 (b) Alternative to Present Vegetative Control VI-9 6. Administration of Outgrants, Leases, Permits VI-9 a. No Action Alternative VI-9 b. Alternative to Present Program VI-10

Section VII - The Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of Man's Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-term Productivity

1. Flood Control - Water Conservation “’yjj.i 2. Resource Management VII-1 3. Recreational Use VII-1

Section VIII - Irreversible and Irretrievable of Resource VIII-1

Section IX - Coordination with Others

1. Coordination of Draft Statement IX-1

a. Governemtal Agencies IX-1 (1) Agricultural Research Service IX-1 (2) Environmental Protection Agency IX-2 (3) Forest Service, USDA IX-4 (4) Department of Health, Education, and Wei fare IX-4 (5) Department of Housing and Urban Develop­ ment IX-4 (6) United States Department of the Interior IX-6 (7) Soil Conservation Service, USDA IX-10 Table of Contents

Subject Page

(8) Federal Highway Administration, USDT IX-10 (9) The State of Texas, Division of Planning Coordination IX-10 b. Citizen Groups IX-13 c. Interested Individuals IX-13 (1) Mr. S. Alan Skinner, Director, Archeology Research Program, Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University IX-13 (2) Dr. Clark Hubbs, Department of Zoology, The University of Texas at Austin IX-14 2. Agencies, Groups, and Individuals Who Did Not Comment IX-15

Appendix A - Letters Received A-l A-34

Appendix B - Glossary B-l B-3

Map Plates I and II

Plate III Diagram Temperature Stratification in a Deep Lake

Literature Cited SECTION I - PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1. Purposes. This statement covers the continuation of the Operation and Maintenance program of Belton Lake. This lake is one of six Corps of Engineers lakes proposed to control floods and conserve water in the Brazos River Basin. (Plate I) In addition to authorized flood control and water conservation, Belton Lake provides land and facilities for recreation and fish and wildlife management.

2. Location. Belton Dam is located in Central Texas on the Leon River 16.7 miles upstream from its confluence with Little River. It is three miles north of Belton and eight miles west of Temple, Texas. Construction of Belton Dam was authorized by Congress on 24 July 1946 and deliberate impoundment began 8 March 1954.

3. Description and Characteristics. Belton Lake Project has a total area of 32,218 acres including 25,655 acres in fee ownership and 6,563 acres of land under perpetual flowage easement. Belton Lake controls runoff from 3,560 square miles and has a total storage capacity of 1,097,600 acre-feet of which 640,000 acre-feet are for flood control. At normal conservation pool elevation of 594 feet mean sea level, the lake has a capacity of 457,600 acre-feet and covers 12,300 surface acres. At this level, the lake is 24 miles long, has 136 miles of shoreline and reserves 84,900 acre-feet for sedimentation. Water levels were predicted to fluctuate between 522 and 631 feet with the five-year drawdowns reaching 576 feet, and 50-year floods rising to 623.6 feet elevation.

4. Facilities.

a. Dam and Operational Structures. Belton Dam is 5,524 feet long, including a 418 foot dike and a 1,300 foot uncontrolled spill­ way. It is a rolled-earth filled structure and has a maximum height of 192 feet above the streambed. The outlet works consists of three 7 by 22 foot flood gates and a low flow outlet for normal stream flow. Flood water is stored and released at a controlled rate through a conduit 22 feet in diameter and 790 feet long to prevent flood damage downstream. Flood waters are released as quickly as possible to maintain adequate storage in the lake for future floods. The dam and operational structures occupy 167 acres. Project Headquarters and maintenance facilities are located at the South end of the embankment.

b. Parks. Belton Lake has 13 parks covering 2,155 acres. (Plate 27] Facilities provided include roads, parking, boat launching ramps, drinking fountains, 18 vault toilets, two waterborne toilets, 24 picnic areas, 379 picnic tables and fireplaces, one group shelter, 15 camp grounds, 181 tent and trailer spaces, three swimming beaches, and eight rental cat in units.

5. Operation and Maintenance Program.

a. Administration. Belton Lake Project is operated and maintained in accord with its authorized purposes as set forth in the 1970 Master Plan. Operation and maintenance activities monitor the condition of flood control facilities, sediment deposits, and all land uses. Maintenance work is scheduled as needed for repairs, replacement, and enhancement of the structure, lands, and recreational facilities.

b. Zoning. Lands and waters were studied prior to zoning for feasible uses. These included land areas necessary for project administration, storage, and control of floods, and public recreation and aesthetics. Lands and waters were zoned to protect and preserve them in order to meet current and foreseeable needs of the project and the public.

c. Qutqrants, Easements, and Permits. Certain project lands are leased for development or use by non-profit organizations, govern­ mental agencies, and private groups and individuals. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America hold leases for organized camp areas. The Fort Hood Special Services lease was granted for development of a recreation area for servicemen and for military training purposes. There are two leases for club fishing docks, and a lease to Morgan's Point Marina, Incorporated, to provide boat storage, fuel, and dock facilities, to club members. Easements on project lands include those for electric lines, walkways, cableways, and waterlines. Permits for private floating facilities are no longer Issued at Belton Lake with the exception of duck blinds on a seasonal basis. Permits for existing facilities are honored if the facility is maintained in good condition. All private floating facilities must be placed in the care of a concessionaire on the lake. No facility may be used for human habitation at a fixed mooring point. All outgrants, easements, and permitted facilities are inspected by project or district personnel as required for compliance with the Corps of Engineers' policies, lease agreements, and public health and safety codes.

d. Resource Management.

(1) Lands. The present management objective is to develop and maintain project lands according to accepted land use practices in order to preserve, or conserve, basic resources such as soil, vegetation, and wildlife. In order to do this, it is necessary to make continuous surveys to prevent unauthorized uses, regulate public use, and detect potential or actual encroachments. At present, the “only uses permitted are picnicking and camping in designated parks or group camp areas and low-intensity recreation such as hiking, nature study, and hunting on other than park lands. In the past, agriculture and grazing were permitted on what are now low-intensity recreation lands. In the future, grazing and agriculture may be used as management tools, and as such, they will be designed to meet specific goals. Grazing will be used to reduce vegetative growths and potential fire hazards or to condition wildlife habitats. Areas suited to agriculture may be used to produce food for waterfowl or upland game. Specific plans have been made to manage and enhance food and cover for all kinds of wildlife.

(2) Water. Management objectives are to prevent or reduce flood damages downstream by storing and releasing flood water runoff from Belton Lake; and to conserve water for a uniform supply and release to contracting agencies. The Brazos River Authority, a State agency has a contract for 360,700 acre-feet of storage space in the conser­ vation pool and administers requests for water released to cities and industry and for irrigation. Fort Hood Military Reservation adjoins Belton Lake Project and has a permanent water supply allocation of 12,000 acre-feet. The city of Temple also draws water from Belton Lake under a subcontract with B.R.A. Water management holds; the lake as near as possible to the conservation pool elevation but drawdowns for contracted use, and dry weather, cause the water level to f1uctuate from full, to six feet below top level during the summer recreation season (average j'f summer fluctuations from 1967 through 1971).

(3) Vegetation. Present management is trying to maintain existing life forms, species, and densities and to prevent their destruction by the visiting public. Corrective measures include blocking foot and vehicular traffic to denuded areas and protecting them with vegetative plantings. Mowing in parks and along access roads is limited to once a month and no more than six times in a year. Grass is cut no lower than four inches. Mowed areas are kept to a minimum to reduce loss of wildlife cover and to preserve stands of wildflowers. Grasses, weeds and woody vegetation that damage black topped roads, etc., grow in fences or around structures and comprise a fire hazard are controlled with herbicides. All herbicides are selected from the list of those approved by the national committee entitled as the "Working Group on Pesticides." (under the Environmental Protection Aqencv). Selective clearings for recreational sites are made under the supervision of trained personnel during an on-site analysis. Clearings, thinning, etc., are conducted in a manner that preserves or enhances aesthetic qualities and protects the soil.

(4) Fish and Wildlife. Ownership and management of all fish and wildlife rests with the State of Texas. The Corps does not have an active program to supplement State management at present. Wildlife management plans have been prepared by the Corps and will be coordi­ nated with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the State of Texas. Active management is scheduled to begin in 1974. Plans will provide for an inventory of flora and fauna, recreational use, and management. The latter includes installation of fences, cattle- guards and fireguards; controlled use of mowing, spraying, and if necessary, grazing and burning; food production by stimulating native plants, or by planting legumes, grains, maizes, trees and shrubs; planting herbaceous and woody cover, or making half-cut tree cover, and building brush pile coverts from thinned and cleared areas; and conducting surveys to count wildlife or compile use by hunters and fishermen. Hunting is permitted for waterfowl, mourning dove, deer, quail, squirrel, rabbit, turkey, fur animals, foxes, coyote, and bobcat. Food and cover are planned for non-game birds and other wildlife of interest to photographers and those who seek nature experience.

(5) Archeological Sites. Approximately 80.living sites of early man have been located at Belton Lake* Most of the sites consist of general camp areas, ard rockshelters. Camp areas are distributed in the flood plains of.the creeks and river. Rockshelters were utilized in the rock bluff adjoining the valley and streams. Most of the known sites are under water of the lake and will be protected except in extremely dry years.

e. Recreation Program.

, (1) Visitation Data. From 1956 through 1971, records of public visitation average 260,000 more people for each of eight years when water levels exceeded the top of the conservation pool, than in seven years when water levels were held at, or below the top elevation. Traffic counter data show that daily visits reach a peak during summer with 47.5 per cent of the yearly total recorded from May through September. Sixty-nine per cent of the summer visitors come on 26 weekends. Recreational facilities were developed to meet the usual weekend demand; at present, 23,883 people can be accommo­ dated. In 1976 and ultimately the design day loads will be respectively, 25,212 and 37,817 people. A total of 32,251,286 people has been recorded at Belton Lake from 1954 through 1972. The first year, 1954, there were 768,000 and in 1970, a peak of 3,089,478 people, for an annual average of nearly 1,700,000 people.

(2) Public Access. Recreational use data indicates that 24 per cent of the design day load are picnickers; they outnumber campers six to one. Past use has been free. After 4 September 1973, fees will be charged for use of electricity, where provided, in all parks, or for a group shelter. Miscellaneous recreatioir Includes boating, skiing, swimming, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and nature study.

(3) Parks. A comprehensive master plan for park development and land management of Belton Lake has been prepared. All of the 13 parks are operated by the Corps of Engineers. Developments were listed in Section 1 4 b .

• (4) Organized Camps. Boy Scouts of America have a lease for 300 acres on an elevated rocky peninsula three miles above the dam on the north side of Leon River. Girl Scouts have a 110 acre lease south of and adjacent to Rogers Park.

(5) Private Floating Facilities. By definition these include cabin cruisers, houseboats, boat houses, docks, mooring dolphins, permanent boat mooring anchors, ski-jumps, floats and duck blinds. Eight docks and three private boat houses are the main management problem; those with permits will be allowed to remain on the lake as long as they are maintained in good condition. Permits require that unslnkable flotation units be used to replace barrels when repairs are necessary. Private floating facilities in recreation areas are being relocated at designated mooring sites or at commercial sites. Shorelines cannot be used by adjoining land- owners for private floating facilities nor can boats be left un­ attended for lack of a boat house.

(6) Concessions. Two concessionaires, provide a restaurant, boat storage, fishing docks, food, bait, tackle, boat and motor rentals and other allied services to the public.

(7) Roads, Trails, Parking, Boat Ramps. Belton Lake has 28 ^ miles of blacktop and gravel access roads connecting parks, service areas, and remote areas. Parking areas cover 35,011 square yards on four sites. Boats are launched from two road beds and 23 concrete ramps; maintenance is handled as needed.

f . Public Health and Sanitation.

(1) Mowing and Cleaning.' Contracts stipulate that grass 1n park areas will not be cut Tower than four inches except 1n the immediate area of recreation facilities. In open areas, grass 1s cut once a month and no more than six times a year. Mowed areas are kept to a minimum to reduce loss of wildlife and to leave as much natural growth as possible. Contractors also clean picnic units and toilets, collect litter and treat barrels and toilets with insecticides approved for such use. Corps personnel observe the contractor's work to assure that insecticides are applied according to state and federal regulations. Cleaning and applications of Insecticides are made five or more times a week 1n summer and as needed for the other seasons, depending on intensity of visitor use. All litter, garbage and other refuse is deposited in an authorized landfill and toilet wastes are removed by a'septic tank service company with disposal 1n Belton, Texas municipal treatment plant.

(2) Sanitation Program. The health of the visiting public is a constant concern and prime responsibility of the Reservoir Manager. Corps personnel observe concessionaires to assure they maintain quality food handling and do not violate public health codes. All sources of drinking water more than meet State Public Health Depart­ ment specifications. Drilled wells are sealed with concrete from above ground level to the first impervious stratum of earth and are tested for purity by the State. Sewerage systems constructed on Government property have prior approval of the State Public Health Department and a permit from the Texas Water Quality Board. All septic tanks and absorption fields are at least 75 feet in horizontal distance above the crest elevation of the uncontrolled spillway, or the 50-year flood level, whichever is lower. Design, operation, and maintenance of septic tanks and absorption fields prevent accidental discharges. Three septic tank-disposal field systems, three at trailer and two boat dump stations supplement the 18 vault and two waterborne toilet facilities at the lake. The Reservoir Manager maintain' continuous surveillance to assure proper maintenance of sanitary facilities and to detect sources of pollution that could enter the lak®, and cooperates with local representatives of state agencies to control waste discharges that arise outside project boundaries.

(3) Surveillance,

(a) Mosquito Sample.'. During the warmer months of the year, weekly samples of mosquitoes are light-trapped, identified and re­ corded by number. Breeding sites are surveyed and a small ball of pyrethrin (1% AI) pesticide applied to 1000 square feet of water surface where larvae are found.

(b) Insects and Rodents. Arthropods, rats and mice ere controlled to some degree by the mowing program. Pesticide sprays are applied to litter barrels and toilet interiors to control houseflies, roaches, crickets, horseflies, larva soldier flies, gnats, mosquitoes, sow bugs, spiders, scorpions, wasps and ants. Fire ants and harvester ants are controlled by applying short-lived pesticides to individual mounds in picnic and camping areas. Use of all pesticides is according to label specifications and precautions. (c) Water Samples. Lake water at swinming beaches and sources of drinking water at fountains and concessions are monitored for conditions that would endanger public health. Beach waters are. sampled every second Sunday or Monday from 1 May through 1 October for fecal coliforms. Sources of potable water are tested twice weekly for acceptable chlorine residuals; weekly, for coliform indicators; and once a year for chemical contents. Beaches are closed to swimmers when coliform counts, or pH values exceed State or Federal criteria. Temperatures and dissolved oxygen are measured monthly for hydrologic data; samples are taken at five-foot intervals from the lake surface to the bottom.

g. Law Enforcement and Citation Authority. The Corps of Engineers does not engage in actual law enforcement. It is protected by County, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies, who retain the statutory authority and Inherent responsibility to enforce the law. Belton Lake personnel maintain continuous liaison and full cooperation with civilian law enforcement agencies to Insure provision of adequate police services. Fish and wildlife regulations are enforced by state personnel. Corps personnel 1n the Ranger force have citation authority under provisions 1n the Code of Federal Regulations, "Title 36 - Parks and Forests, Chapter III - Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Part 327 - Rules and Regulations Governing Use of Water Resource Development Projects Administered by the Chief of Engineers." Common infractions include: dumping of trash and solid wastes, destruction of government property, off-the-road use of vehicles, swimming in unauthorized areas and using unauthorized fire arms.

h. Relationship of Private Lands. Fee lands were originally purchased to or slightly above 642 feet mean sea level. Reconveyance of some fee lands lowered the boundary line to 605 feet and resulted in an irregular property line. Fee lands lie 1n narrow strips and up small valleys or below precipitous banks. Adjoining landowners and the Corps have not fenced exact property linedbecause of line irregularities and potential maintenance problems. Private fences follow the approximate boundary lines. Housing developments have grown up adjoining portions of Belton Lake boundary. Residents bought property to be near the lake, and with, or without permits, improved their view of the lake by mowing, thinning or clearing. Some portions of private developments may encroach on project lands; there­ fore, detecting actual and potential encroachments 1s a continuous job. The Reservoir Manager resolves encroachments personally or turns the case over to the district encroachments officer who decides legal action if necessary. Installation of the lake stimulated development of adjoining privately owned land and was indirectly responsible for increasing its own management problems. SECTION II - ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

1. Natural Resources. Available resources at Belton Lake Include the following:

a. Physical. Belton Lake controls runoff from the Leon River watershed which forms a rectangle approximately 30 miles wide by 135 miles long. This watershed falls to the southeast with elevations of 1,600 feet mean sea level 1n the upper reaches near Eastland to 500 feet at the mouth of the Leon River. The main divide of the watershed 1s 200 to 400 feet higher than the banks of the river. The Leon River 1s 299 miles long and flows a meandering course through its valley which varies from one-e1ghth to one and three- quarters of a mile wide. It has an average fall of 3.27 feet per mile and a total fall of 978 feet. Belton Lake is confined within the valleys of the Leon River and its tributary streams. Belton Lake lies in a mild, moderately humid climatic zone. Average annual precipitation 1s about 30 inches in the watershed above the dam. The mean annual temperature is about 67 degrees Fahrenheit with record highs and lows of 112 and minus 4 degrees, respectively, as recorded at Temple, eight miles east of the dam. Growing seasons extend from mid-March to late November. Summers are hot and winters mild with occasional cold periods of short duration.* Topography and soils are closely related. Nearly vertical limestone bluffs in the uplands are thinly mantled with soil. Ridges, hills, and flat prairie lands have thin topsoils and stony subsoils. Deep fertile alluvial soils are found 1n the bottom lands. The topography of the land varies from level 1n the bottom land to steep rocky bluffs lining the valley. At the tops of the bluffs the land rises gradually into a gently rolling prairie with scattered woodland.

b. Vegetation. Originally the bottom lands of the Leon River. Valley were covered with a hardwood forest of pecan, American elm, willow, cottonwood, walnut, box elder, sycamore, bur oak, hackberry, water ash and other species. Slopes and uplands supported numerous blackjack, post and live oaks, juniper, hackberry, and persimmon. Ground cover consisted of such native grasses as buffalo grass, bluestem, and grama, and various weeds and forbs. Much of the area has been cleared for agriculture, grazing and pecan production. Overgrazing and burning prior to project construction reduced pasture vegetation on slopes and uplands to fair condition. Blood- weed, broomweed, cocklebur, and Johnson grass are now common invaders in the area. Aquatic vegetation and algae are not widespread in Belton Lake due to rather infertile waters and the steep shoreline.

c. Animal Life. Fisheries biologists of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported 10 families and 30 species of warmwater fish in Belton Lake in 1955. Principle game fishes are largemouth bass, white bass, white crappie, channel catfish and flathead catfish.

* (Lit. Cit. 2) Rough fishes include various species of gar, carp, buffalo, and river carpsuckers. Also present are various species of shad, minnows, bull­ heads, sunfish, and lower forms of aquatic life. Since 1955 the proportion of game fishes has decreased and that of rough fishes has Increased as is usual in most large impoundments.* No published lists of species are available for all kinds of wildlife at Belton Lake. Game species include white-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, mourning dove, bobwhlte quail, fox squirrels, cottontail rabbit, and various species of ducks and geese. Mammals present are mink, ring-tailed cat, raccoon, skunk, opposum, gray fox, coyote, bobcat, armadillo, jackrabbit, nutria and various rodents. Numerous species of song birds, wading birds, shore birds, and other bird groups are resident or migrate through the area. Many species of amphibians and reptiles are also present.

2. Archeology. The Leon River Valley with its adjacent bluffs of rock caves and overhangs and varied wildlife, provided a fertile habitat for early man. Indians, presumably, were attracted by its resources and have left artifacts indicative of their cultural attainments. Remnants of charcoal were collected by the Texas Archeological Salvage Group and dated by radiocarbon at the University in Austin. Aged materials indicate that the Belton Lake sites were occupied between A.D. 760 and 995, and again from A.D. 1565 to 1755. Most recent materials are from the Toyah Focus. Next oldest, is the Austin material; and still older, material from the Central Texas Aspect: oldest of all, are artifacts from the Edwards Plateau Aspect. Materials available are of interpretative value. Some sites along the creek floodplains were inundated when the lake was first impounded. Most of the sites will be covered when the conservation pool is held at the scheduled elevation of 594 feet mean sea level.

The archeological resources of Belton Lake were examined by a series of surveys. In 1949, Robert L. Stephenson of the River Basin Surveys, Smithsonian Institution, located 38 sites in a preliminary survey of the area. He did not recommend any for further study. According to Harry J. Shafer, et al. 1964*(3) "A second and somewhat less extensive survey was made in 1950 by E.O. Miller, who found an additional 12 sites. Then, in 1951, E.O. Miller and E.H. Moorman, both working out of the Austin office of the River Basin Surveys, undertook small scale excavations at five of the Belton Reservoir sites."*(4) (Lit. Cit. 3 and 4).

The Texas Archeological Salvage Project carried out further testing and surveys, in 1962, under a Memorandum of understanding provided in Agreement No. 14-10-0333-956, between the National Park Service and the University of Texas, at Austin, as part of the Interagency Archeological Salvage Program. This survey was reported on by Harry J. Shafer, et al. in 1964* (3). The latter survey found 30 new sites and reworked four sites recorded by earlier workers. Shafer's group recommended further studies be made on nine sites. Funds were made available in 1972 by the National Park Service, but water was raised to the new conservation pool elevation of 594 feet before work was initiated. The Park Service transferred its funds elsewhere. * (Lit. Cit. 3)

3. History. The first history of white settlement 1n the Belton Lake area Is meager. Temple's Lake Park Includes part of the area where a group of Tennessee Immigrants established the first settlement 1n Bell County. Part of the site is under water and there are no visible remains of the settlement in the park area. According to the State Historical officer, no historical buildings or sites of significance are present.

4. Economic.

a. Industry and Agriculture. The economy within a 50-mile radius of Belton Lake is supported by agribusiness and agriculture, diversi­ fied manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, minerals, educational and medical centers, and the Fort Hood Military Reservation. Agri­ cultural activities include production of cotton, grains, cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. Within the 50 miles radius, mining operations produce stone, lime, sand, gravel and oil. Commercial use of minerals is not permitted on project lands. Economic Indicators reflect a growing and diversified economy. Between 1960 and 1970, employment Increased 43 per cent; agriculture increased 54 per cent; non-agriculture income increased 86 per cent; and bank deposits increased 286 per cent.* (Lit. Cit. 4) v b. Population Trends. Principal population centers within a 50 mile radius of Belton Lake include Temple, Belton, Killeen, Waco, Gatesville, and Georgetown. Much of the seven county area within the 50-mile radius is rural with many small farms and ranches. Population 1n this area increased 9.9 per cent between 1960 and 1970. Total population in the 50-mile radius-area is approximately 400,000. Urban areas increased 28.7 per cent while rural areas lost 24 per cent of their population during this same period. Land use in this seven county area has been continuously changing from crops to urban development and to pasture, and rangeland. This trend is expected to contlnue. The average dollar-per-acre increase in value ranged from 14 per cent to 46 per cent In the period between 1959 to 1964.* (Lit. Cit. 5)

c. Project Effects on the Economy. Belton Lake has affected the economy of the surrounding area in numerous ways and other nearby recreational areas at Waco and Stlllhouse Hollow Lakes and Mother Neff State Park, have complemented Belton Lake's effect on the area. Direct effects Include the following: The Corps of Engineers employs 12 to 14 people for Operations and Maintenance work at the lake. All of these employees live in the area and contribute to the economy. Operation of the Belton Lake project created an opportunity for several small businesses near the lake: they provide food, service , items, fuel, bait and tackle. Two concessionaires on the lake and their employees derive their income from the lake associated activities and contribute to the local economy. Several boat dealers and marine equipment suppliers are located near the lake. Several local contractors derive part or all of their income from work on project lands. In 1972, over 1,894,600 people spent an average of $2.35 apiece while visiting Belton Lake. An estimate of their total expenditures for food, lodging, gas, oil, other transportation, and miscellaneous items amounted to 4.452 million dollars. These data were projected from expenditures at Federal reservoirs as reported in Table 3 on Page 86 of ORRRC Study Report 24: Economic Studies of Outdoor Recreation, U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash. 25, DC 1962. There are approximately 30 subdivisions surrounding the lake area. Property in the vicinity of the lake has increased several hundred per cent in value. All development is attributable to the presence of the lake. SECTION III - RELATIONSHIP OF THE O&M PROGRAM TO LAND USE PLANS

This project was constructed and placed in operation well in advance of any land use planning or zoning by local governmental agencies. Belton Lake Project has been operated according to Master Plans approved by the Office of the Chief of Engineers in Washington, D.C. since deliberate impoundment began in March 1954.

With the advent of land use plans and zoning, all local uses have been assigned, or governed by the presence of Belton Lake Project and Fort Hood Military Reservation. The size and stability of both federal projects are major factors in the area economy: they tend to dominate and determine the land use plans that have been initiated or proposed for the area. SECTION IV - THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

1. Impact of Authorized Activities

a. Flood Control. Belton Lake has reduced the scope and frequency of downstream flooding. Total accrued benefits to July 1970 were nearly 86 million dollars, of which, over 68 million dollars were for prevented damage.* Adversely, the impoundment of flood water has altered the natural cycle of flooding and the amount and pattern of sediment deposition downstream from the dam. The total effect of water impoundment varies with the water depth and length of storage. Flood waters are held until releases can safely be made without downstream flooding. Water quality in the lake is generally improved via dilution by impounding flood waters and supplies of transient ground water are increased above and below the dam.* (Lit. Cit. 6)

b. Water Conservation.

(1) Conservation Pool. Water levels are maintained at the 594 foot level as long as possible. This policy reduces impacts of fluctuating water levels, such as shoreline erosion due to waves, and creates a more stabilized environment for recreational use, aesthetics, fish and wildlife.

(2) Fluctuations.

(a) Impoundments. Public visitations increase when impoundment of floodwater raises the water level above conservation storage. Improved fishing and opportunities to explore in boats attract additional visitors when water levels are higher than average pool elevations. Water covers upstream lands above the conservation pool level for relatively short periods of time. During this time, shore­ line erosion may increase where protective vegetation is sparse and .. water may damage, or kill tolerant vegetation. Long lasting effects appear to be negligible as the vegetative cover restores itself within a short period of time. Deposits of dead brush, litter, and other floating debris degrade aesthetics, of the shoreline, parks and wildlife areas. Flood storage waters also damage some floating faci­ lities by stranding them on steep banks. Effects on aquatic life may include beneficial increases in habitable area, additional inflow of nutrients and food organisms, and improved water quality with changes in oxygen and temperature relationships. Rapid impoundment of flood waters coinciding with the spawning efforts of the various fish species may destroy eggs or may frustrate the attempt. Long term storage of flood waters would benefit aquatic organisms as a group and would evict terrestrial wildlife from flooded habitats. Since the project was constructed to store floodwaters as long as necessary, any losses of wildlife, or their habitat is part of the price paid for preventing property losses and loss of lives down­ stream. So far, wildlife habitat has not been destroyed because floodwaters have been discharged as soon as possible. Long-term storage of floodwaters causes precipitation of solids, salts, acids, detritus, and a wide array of organisms including bacteria and algae. The amount of these materials deposited in the lake by flood- water has had little effect on the overall quality of the total water volume.

(b) Drawdowns. Release of water stored for municipal use and irrigation is made from the conservation pool. Such drawdowns coupled with evaporative losses due to dry weather exposes cans, bottles, miscellaneous litter, uncut trees, and mud flats. At low water levels, the lake and shoreline is less scenic and unpleasant odors develop. Lake recreation drops off as drawdowns isolate floating facilities, or decreases their availability from shoreline access points. Fishing success generally decreases as the lake surface shrinks in size. Boaters are less prone to explore and joy ride. The number of skiers falls off. Prolonged drawdowns permit volunteer vegetation to grow in the exposed lake bottom and recirculate nutrients bound up in soil. When water again covers the exposed lake bottom, submerged plants growths provide cover and a source of nutrients for small fishes and other aquatic life. Drawdowns occuring in the spring may prevent successful spawning of game fish such as bass. Terrestrial species such as mink, raccoon, many kinds Of shorebirds, and aquatic birds such as rails all benefit from drawdowns. Fishes, amphibians,and aquatic insects are concentrated by shrinkage of their habitat and be­ come more available as food items to the animals listed above. Predatory fish, such as bass, also benefit when drawdowns concen­ trate their food supply of forage-fish prey. Altogether, draw­ downs have a regulating effect on over populations of fishes and generally result in a release of nutrients bound up in bottom muds. At the same time, water quality is decreased by evaporation and sub­ sequent concentration of minerals, pesticides, and debris.

c. Stream Environment.

(1) Downstream. Controlled releases of floodwaters and waters for conservation uses help maintain part of the stream fishery below the dam (8) (9). The river channel tends to undergo soil stabilization as volunteer grasses, shrubs, and trees develop roots and top cover. Some bank erosion took place with releases of 10,000-second feet. Releases were reduced to 3,500-second feet to reduce, or stop erosion. Sediment loads have been reduced immediately below the dam but discharged waters gradually pick up some sediment as they move further downstream. Deposits of sedi­ ments are not on the same scale as when the river was free flowing nor are they deposited in the same alluvial patterns. The fertili­ zation value of alluvial deposits below the dam have diminished as have flood damages to soils, vegetation and developed resources. In years of abundant rainfall, releases of impounded floodwaters may prolong downstream flooding of low lands beyond the period that would have been required for natural runoff had the river been free flowing.

(2) Upstream. The area of fishable water is increased by the lake's presence. Surface water and supplies of transient ground water are more available for use by wildlife, livestock, native vegetation and development for irrigation. Detrimental impacts of higher water elevations upstream are insignificant due to the slight increase effected by the lake.

2. Operation and Maintenance of Facilities.

a. Maintenance of Facilities.

(1) FIood Control Structures. Pure maintenance has little impact, De-watering of the stilling basin temporarily destroys the habitat for fishes living therein. Fished trapped in the stilling basin are available for transplanting, or for brood fish; whether they are utilized or not depends on decisions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (2) Grounds and Drains. Routine maintenance and repairs have minimized erosion and enhances recreational opportunities and aesthe­ tic qualities of Belton Lake project. Applications of herbicides have been by spot treatment, or by large droplets to prevent wind drift, or washing via runoff through drains to the lake. Post application observations have not found non-target damage. Herbicides applied to control volunteer grasses, weeds and woody vegetation to prevent damage to blacktopped roads, the embankment, and fences, have not been observed to drift astray, kill non-target species, or wash into the lake. Mowing has not decreased grass densities, or initiated erosion, or seriously compacted underlying soil. Maintenance and repair or drains has prevented erosion from runoff and pooling of water long enough to kill underlying grass.

(3) Roads, Trails, Parking, Boat Ramps. Maintenance is generally by spot repair or minimum disturbance and has little impact. Good road maintenance, like good housekeeping, creates a more pleasant recreation experience and helps prevent unauthorized off-the-road use of vehicles and related damage to soils and vegetation.

(4) Recreation Facilities. Impact as above in (3) Roads, Trails, etc.

b. Resource Management.

(1) Land. Soil compaction, loss of vegetative cover and soil, and physical damage to trees, result from intense recreational use of park areas. Routine maintenance minimizes such impacts and has dealt successfully with repairs to date. Project lands outgranted for devel­ opment or use by organized camp groups, other government agencies, or utility companies have about the same impacts as lands managed by the Corps. Former grazing and agricultural uses have been cancelled and associated impacts curtailed. Controlled grazing and agriculture will be used as management tools in the future years to improve recreational areas or the condition of vegetated areas. Recreation impact results from unrestricted use by people and unauthorized use of vehicles on off-the-road surfaces. Visitations are concentrated in the warmer months, especially during school vacation. The greatest number of people visiting at one time falls on the three big holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Management and public use of park areas generally renders them unsuitable for nature areas and wildlife habitat. Soil compaction caused by recreational uses increases rainfall runoff from park areas. Soil compaction is greatest in and around trails, roads, camping, parking, and picnic areas. Some erosion occurs whenever motor bikes and vehicles cut across grassy areas, from earth banks exposed to wave action, and from heavily used camp and picnic sites. Erosion has been most active at the shoreline and along a steep road to the beach at Temple's Lake Park. Grazing lessees utilized pasture areas to the point of degrading aesthetics, vegetation, and wildlife habitat prior to cancellation in 1972. Continuance of original landowner priorities has also been cancelled and the leased areas will be rested for at least two years before beginning any new agricultural or grazing management measures.

(2) Water. Pollution of surface and ground water supplies is always a threat with any form of land or water use. Recreation contributes human wastes, litter, and by-products from motorboats. Upstream runoff water draining from agricultural fields and pastures undoubtedly carries some animal wastes, pesticides, debris, and other chemicals in solution, as well as sediments into the lake. Stratification may cause unpleasant odors and deplete oxygen below the thermocline, but this is character­ istic of the majority of deep lakes. Waters released from the hypolimnion may be so deficient in oxygen that they stress fish in the receiving stream; such water also requires extra treatment to make it suitable for human consumption. Oxygen is added to discharge waters by baffle aeration in the stilling basin. To date, there have been no cases of oxygen stressed fish observed, or reported downstream during discharges. Belton Lake waters have been relatively infertile and may benefit from phosphorous and nitrogen rich effuents if any are entering the. lake.

(3) Air. Belton Lake is well removed from municipal and industrial areas. Air pollution from operations and maintenance functions is limited to smoke from minor amounts of burning brush and occasional odors developed by pit or vault toilets. The number of automobiles discharging exhaust fumes in heavily used park areas may affect air quality but due to rapid exchanges of air in the rural atmosphere, auto pollution is insignificant.

(4) Vegetation. The major impacts on vegetation have been discussed under Land and Water in this section. Some destruction of trees occurs by illegal cutting or by defacement with knives, axes, and fires. Grazing use in the past effected some changes in plant cover by reducing grass densities and favoring weed invasions. Mowing in park areas has not reduced the vigor or density of grasses but may increase the compaction of soils when they are moist. Herbicides exercise temporary control of forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees, but have not degraded the soil. Use of herbicides is generally confined to a very small acreage along the edge of black- topped roads, under fences in storage yards, and on the dam embank­ ment. Herbicides are admittedly potentially more dangerous to the perpetration of ecosystems than mowing or grazing, but they have been used where the latter could not be deployed. All herbicides (and pesticides as a group) are selected from the list of federally approved chemicals that do not require special reports or approval for their use. All pesticides are used for their registered purpose, according to the label and recommended dose rates. Trained operators supervise all herbicides applications. The decision to use herbicides, or prescribed burns, is based on thorough study and is carried out under the most favorable weather conditions. If mowing or grazing can be used to gain a management goal, they will be used in preference . to herbicides or fire. Vegetative management techniques must be flex­ ible and the manager must have a choice of control that will do the job with the least impact. With these thoughts in mind, vegetative management techniques, such as prescribed burning, will be used knowing there will be some impact, but burning can be justified be­ cause its use will prevent wildfires which have a devastating impact. Thinning and clearing and pruning is generally carried out on a very selective basis. Some thinning, or clearing is necessary to remove volunteer shrubs or trees from designated "open" areas. Management of wildlife will also require some thinning, pruning, and small scale clearing to diversify food and cover in specific wildlife habitats. Brush and limbs are not destroyed but used to improve temporary cover for rabbits, quails, and other small animals. The impacts of such manipulation are many. The overall result is to improve aesthetic values, scenery, and the quality of the wildlife range.

(5) Fish and Wildlife. Operations and Maintenance activities have less effect on the lake fisheries than natural ageing. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department efforts to improve fishing success has included population research, stocking native and new fish pre­ dators, and controlled removal of catfish, buffalo, carp, and gar by commercial fishermen. Sport fishermen have removed many bass and other predacious fish. Stocking predatory bass has failed to reduce populations of rough fishes and did not significantly increase populations of game fishes. Modifications of mowing and use of herbicides, and cancellation of grazing leases have been the only wildlife management measures at Belton Lake. Formerly habitable areas for land animals were damaged where long continued grazing in past years removed too much cover, or where new park areas were cleared or debrushed. Cancellation of five-year grazing leases at the end of 1972 was completed in order to facilitate natural recovery of the plant cover. Hunting has not been formally evaluated. Impacts include moderate deer hunting pressure and light to moderate hunting pressure on dove, quail, squirrel, and waterfowl. Habitats of upland game, deer, and turkeys have been enhanced by new vegetative growth that developed during the rest period when grazing ended in 1972.

(6) Archeological Sites. Those sites covered by water are being preserved and can be explored at a future date. While flooding protects some sites from amateur explorers, those sites subject to wave action may be eroded and displaced from their chronologic time frame. Amateur collectors will be informed of the federal law protecting archeologic sites and Rangers will keep such sites under surveillance. Mitigative measures of this nature are more effective than posting signs; in fact, signs at the sites are self-defeating and identify the areas to collectors.

c. Recreation Management.

(1) People and Vehicles. The impact of people and vehicles in park areas results in soil compaction and wear on grass cover. Some erosion does occur where paths and trails lose vegetative cover. Routine maintenance has reduced erosion in all 13 parks. Since 1973, new plans have accelerated revegetation of damaged areas in the parks and improved maintenance standards. Impacts of recreation related to litter and sanitation are discussed below in subsection (4) (a) and (b).

(2) Concessions. Two concessions develop impacts by concentra­ ting vehicles, human traffic, and wastes from motorboat engines. A high level of maintenance at these concessions help preserve aesthetics and reduces the impact of recreation traffic. A non-profit storage facility at Morgan's Point Marina provides storage slips for yachts: impacts are similar to those given for the concessions.

(3) Floating Facilities. The area of impact, and.the.amount of shoreline occupied by mooring cables for floating facilities, is being reduced by the new policy requiring that private facilities be placed in designated areas under 24-hour care. Enforcement of this policy has improved aesthetic values of the lake and shoreline by reducing visual pollution contributed by pieces of styrofoam, oil drumi, and wreckage of wooden docks, and ramps. Strict inspections have prevented overnight use of boats and potential pollution from marine toilets.

(4) Public Health and Sanitation Program.

(a) Mowing and Cleaning. Mowing and cleaning apparently create a favorable impression in tne visitors' minds and have indirectly reduced the impacts from vandalism. Soil compaction due to repeated mowing may take place but has not adversely affected the density and vigor of ground vegetation. Mowing also helps reduce pest in­ sects and arthropods such as ticks and chiggers. Cleaning reduces the breeding potential of flies by destroying food resources in picnic litter barrels. Cleaning and refuse disposal furthers sanitation and public health. All litter, garbage, and debris is removed from the project and deposited in a land fill operated by the City of Belton. Good housekeeping results from enforcement of contract stipulations by Corps of Engineers personnel.

(b) Sanitation.

1 Disposal Systems. Human wastes from vault toilets and trailer dump stations are removed from'the project by septic tank service and processed in Belton, Texas Municipal Sewerage Treatment Plant. Septic tanks and disposal fields at the project office and concessions are working as designed and have not developed sanitary problems.

2 Mosquito Surveillance. Light traps are employed to catch mosquitoes for identification and counts. Traps do not catch many beneficial insects and the small amount of cyanide used in the collecting jar is not exposed to life around it. Traps have been located in hidden areas to minimize tampering by visitors and to reduce chance exposure to children unaware of the toxic contents. Recording the number and species of mosquitoes from the project's weekly sample allows the Corps to identify possible disease carrying vectors and to react quickly should a mosquito borne disease endanger the recreating public. Infrequent use of a mosquito larvacide in water puddles has not endangered fish nor significnatly diminished their food supplies.

3_ Insect and Rodent Control. Populations of insects and ro­ dents are-^ontroTTiHTynEimeTy_coTlection of picnic litter and garbage; use of federally approved pesticides in litter barrels and toilets, and mowing to control habitat cover and food production. The impact of such measures is confined to small areas and achieves control of the target species with a minimum loss of beneficial insects.

4_ Water Monitoring. Water samples, from drinking fountains supplied by drilled wells, and from swimming beach areas are monitored to detect bacteria that indicate the presence of pollution that may endanger the visitors' health. Closing beaches and treating water from wells with gas chlorinators reduces the probability of human exposure to infections.

d. Law Enforcement and the Citation Program. Law enforcement by County, State, and Federal officials, and giving citation autho­ rity to the Corps' Rangers has had a beneficial impact in many ways. Rangers have informed visitors of permitted uses, served as public relations men, and by their presence, have reduced damage to government property and all the various project resources.

e. Relationship to Private Development. Original purchases of lands below 605 or 642 feet elevation resulted in a long boundary line often covering short linear distances between corners or inclosing small acreages. The high cost of fencing have kept both the Corps and adjoining landowners from fencing boundaries or property lands. Lack of fences and of well defined boundaries makes it almost impossible to prevent encroachments of livestock and has confused homeowners in adjoining subdivisions as to where the common boundary lies between their land and Corps lands. Some residents in subdivisions near the lake have applied for permits to mow and clear, or trim trees on Corps lands. Environmental impacts derived from permits and unauthorized clearing are usually of minor nature. Overall, the presence of the lake has increased private land values and resulted in the development of subdivisions which have indirectly, been responsible for increasing costs and problems of Corps management. Development of subdivisions is expected to continue on private lands adjoining Belton Lake. Impacts of the urban environment and the related increase in recreation pressure tend to degrade the quality of Corps land and waters. The change from open country to an urban climb on adjoining property has produced secondary impacts on project lands. These impacts include increased runoff from roads and streets, increased depositions of fertilizers from lawns and gardens, and possibly effluent pollution from inadequate septic tank systems and lateral fields. Recreation derived from bordering subdivisions include increased use of off-road vehicles, increased park visitations, with attendent wear on vegetation, soil compaction, increased litter volume, and problems of refuse being dumped on project lands. SECTION V- ADVERSE IMPACTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED BY THE O&M PROGRAM

Belton Lake will follow the evolutionary cycle of natural and other man-designed lakes and undergo the ageing process defined as eutrophication. It will slowly lose storage capacity for floodwaters and waters used by cities, Industries, and recreationalists. Some archeologic sites are underwater and this will prevent recovery until more sophisticated measures are employed or the lake level exposes them. Some fragile archeologic materials and the interpretive matrix may be destroyed by wave action however, steps will be taken to minimize damage to these resources and project personnel assigned for surveillance.

Periodic impoundment of floodwaters will displace both terrestrial plants and wildlife. The significance of such displacements will be greater with extended storage of floodwaters. Prolonged releases of floodwaters will interrupt, or bar use of some agriculaural lands downstream.

A secondary impact related to water-based recreation and the maintenance of open space by the project is the building of country homes. Loss of open space adjoining federal lands is an adverse impact that the Corps of Engineers could not control.

Insignificant impacts of adverse nature are associated with the project use of pesticides, lake drawdowns, lake water storage, and low-density recreation.

Recreation in parks concentrates people and increases physical wear and damage to ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Intensive recreation sites undergo compaction of soils and erosion according to the amount of soil exposed by foot traffic and illegal use of vehicles. Loss of soil is probably the most significant adverse effect associated with the O&M Program. To date, soil erosion has been minimized by maintenance of ground covers, or their renewal. SECTION VI - ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT O&M PROGRAM

1. General. Adverse impacts associated with the authorized purposes of Belton Lake were committed, or created when the dam was closed and water was impounded. At that time, the impacts of flood control, storage of conservation water, and public recreation were discounted as being in the public interest. With the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act and issuance of Executive Order 11514, it has been necessary to examine and assess the environmental importance of the project O&M program and consider alternatives for reducing adverse impacts of these activities.

To nullify or abrogate the authorized purposes of Belton Lake would only create greater adverse impacts. It is unlikely that complete replacement of the O&M program will ever become advisable. Replacement of parts of the O&M program has been addressed. Alternatives have been studied and only those that are not already under evaluation are detailed in this section. Alternatives of. sufficient merit are almost certain to be adopted, but may be delayed until funds, and materials, are available and evaluations are completed.

2. The No Action Alternative. This alternative is considered to be the abandonment, or discontinuance of O&M activities. This is construed to mean that the dam and project would remain intact, but this alternative would stop the action of the O&M program described in the first section of this report. To simplify such a broad O&M statement, alternatives for the three general categories including operation for project purposes; management of land and waters; and maintenance of project facilities will be discussed in that order.

3. Operation for Primary Project Purpose.

a. No Action - Discontinue Operations for Flood Control and Storage of Conservation Water. This broad alternative is not available because damage and loss of property downstream would resume with the uncontrolled discharge of floodwater. In addition, the Brazos River Authority (BRA) has vested rights to storage of conservation water in Belton Lake. It isn't feasible to discontinue either function, or retain only one of them on the basis of a reduced workload. Either function would require a full maintenance program. No action would stop all maintenance and result in eventual failure of the dam and inoperation of the outlet facilities. Loss, through negligent action, of the entire investment for flood control and storage of conservation water cannot be condoned. It is logical to retain the present operation and maintenance program as the most feasible course of action. b. Alternative: Assign Mater Management to One Agency. The Corps of Engineers and Brazos River Authority have different admini­ strative functions that cannot be reassigned to one agency. The Corps of Engineers controls the time and rate of discharge of both floodwater and conservation water, but BRA determines the amount of conservation water released. The impacts created by lake fluctua­ tions would remain the same regardless of what agency administered water releases. This alternative is not feasible.

4. Management of Project Lands and Waters.

a. No Action: Discontinue Project Management of Lands and Mater. Project lands were offered to state and federal agencies for manage­ ment and were not accepted. Corps of Engineers management became mandatory after the other agencies declined to use these lands. If present management and supervision is relinquished by the Corps, the public would be free to make uncontrolled use of project lands and waters. Such use would quickly degrade project land, vegetation, and recreation facilities. Judging from the keen interest of the public in Corps of Engineers parks, it would ask for some kind of federal management. Adopting this alternative at a time when recreation lands are in short supply is not feasible, nor in the public interest. Some of the following O&M land management activities are evaluated for their feasibility or whether they could be replaced by an alternative.

b. Single Purpose Management of Lands and Waters.

(1) Recreation and Public Use.

(a) No Action Alternative. Curtailment of federal maintenance and management of park facilities would eventually cause sanitation problems and accumulate waste to the point of visual pollution. Without stopping public use it isn't feasible to stop federal management of recreation and sanitation in parks. A shortage of public recreation areas is a current problem because future needs for recreation areas are growing instead of decreasing. Public dissension would develop quickly, once Corps of Engineers lands were closed for recreational use. Closure of public lands, especially parks that have been open, creates extended contraversies, and effective enforcement is very expensive. Lack,of enforcement in forbidding public use of closed parks would be an abdication of duty with the same results as the "no action" alternative. This, alternative is not feasible.

(b) Alternative 1. Charge fees in all parks and limit visitors to the number of available campsites and picnic tables as long as ground cover, trees, and soil can support such use without loss'or discernible damage. Charging fees for the use of all project parks has the benefit of providing the supervision of a fee-collector. His presence tends to reduce traffic and other noise within each park and reportedly makes campers feel safer. Park maintenance costs generally become lower when a fee and a fee-collector system is adopted. Charging fees tends to separate people into two groups, one of which is willing to pay a minor fee and the others who refuse to pay for any use of public land. Those willing to pay also generally observe regulations and are less prone to drive or park off of official roads or parking areas.

Some detriments associated with a system for collecting fees are related to administration and financing. Some parks would require extensive fencing to effect controlled entry. It would be also necessary to hire fee collectors for seasonal work and to discharge them if visitation did not justify retaining them. Hiring enough fee collectors to man each park and maintain a 24- hour duty often exceeds income derived from visitations. In addition, fees discourage some visitors who have low incomes.

Most Corps of Engineers parks have fewer campsites and picnic tables than the number needed to keep pace with increasing annual use. Limiting visitors to fit the available facilities would reduce total visitation and the associated wear on natural resources. No one knows whether this is reasonable or whether more visitors could be safely accomodated. Lacking specific information on the carrying capacities of Corps parks and the extreme costs of fencing each park this alternative is not entirely feasible.

(c) Alternative 2. Limit the number of recreationists to each park's carrying capacity. Corps of Engineers parks receive heavy use in comparison to many other public parks under state and federal supervision. Heavy use of Corps parks is due, in part, to largely free recreational use, their nearness to large metropolitan areas, and to the availability of water for leisure-time activities. Being widely available and within short travel distances, Corps lakes tend to attract an overload of visitors. For these reasons, it is advisable to annually determine the visitor carrying capacity that would be compatible with soil, tree, and grass resources. Annual increases in human numbers, and the Increasing use of public lands makes it necessary to adopt some control of visitation to individual parks.

Environmental impacts generated by recreational use are closely related to the number of people using parks on any one day and to accumulative effects of use over a period of consecutive days. Impacts are greatest during summer months when visitation is highest. Peak impacts are associated with Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. On these three national holidays people disregard Corps of Engineers regulations: they congregate wherever they can find an open spot and park their vehicles wherever they can be closest to their campsite or picnic area. Sites nearest the lakeshore are usually most congested and generally undergo visible damage. Grass and soil in park areas get some rest during winter months when visitation is greatly reduced and discontinuous. Winter rest is not sufficient for grass and soil to fully recover from human use and recovery must be aided by further rest, repair, or controlled use.

Alternative 2 is feasible but it cannot be implemented until the criteria for measuring park carrying capacities are standar­ dized. Studies to determine carrying capacities should begin as soon as possible. In the interim, visual determination of overuse should be sufficient justification for immediate control, or closure, so that repair of facilities, soil reconditioning, and revegetation of denuded areas can be accomplished. In support of controlled use, all forms of recreation should be restricted to areas zoned for each particular use. No camping, and foot access only, should be permitted in scenic, esthetic, natural, and primi­ tive areas.

(d) Alternative 3 . Close park interior roads to private vehicles. Vehicle noise, pollution from exhaust systems, and resource damage caused by operation of vehicles off prepared roads could be reduced to a significant degree. The expense of maintaining interior roads would remain because official personnel and vehicles would need to take care of solid and sanitary wastes and perform other chores. Camper vehicles, trailers, and passenger vehicles would have to park outside in the perimeter zone. Owners of camper vehicles and trailers would soon look elsewhere for more convenient sites. Small parks would not present much of a transpor­ tation problem and most visitors, presumably, would be willing to hand-carry picnic or camp supplies to the park interior. The interior of large parks would not be used unless some kind of offi- ' cial transportation was provided. Closing park interiors to vehicles would also close boat ramps to self service use because most boat ramps are within park areas. The inconvenience of a perimeter parking system would probably discourage public use and discount the outdoor convenience inherent in camper vehicles and trailers. Need of a transport system would require money that could be better spent for park maintenance and improvement. This alternative is not feasible for Corps of Engineers parks.

(2) Wildlife Management.

(a) No Action Alternative. Stopping all fish and wildlife management and studies would save some time and money. It would cancel coordinated management of the fishery program and the in- . „ creasing emphasis on wildlife management. State fishery studies would end and then there would be no basis for decisions on manage­ ment problems. Fishing and hunting would continue, but no effort would be made to limit the number of sportsmen, or limit their access only to relatively open areas, or to assure the safety of other recreationists. Lack of management would speed the decline of fish and wildlife species sought by sportsmen. Non-game, as well as game species, would suffer when food management was stop­ ped and food supplies were no longer available.

(b) Alternative: Intensive Wildlife Management. The alter­ native has merit and is worthy of implementation in the near future. Considerable adjustment of funds will be necessary to implement intensive management.' The present management plans should become firmly established in the budget within five or six years, then, we can expect the natural evolution of planning to move toward controls of hunting pressure and other fine points of management.

(3) Vegetative Management.

(a) No Action Alternative. This alternative would stop the housekeeping jobs that help maintain a safe,healthful, pleasant, and functional environment for project and park visitors. Some of the jobs included are listed as follows: maintenance mowing; replanting damaged areas of grass covers; removal of dead limbs and trees; thinning and clearing densely wooded and brushy areas; burning, controlled grazing, and mechanical manipulation of vegetative species for reduction of combustible material, or for reduction of undesirable arthropods, insects, and rodents, and management of wildlife habitat, scenic, and esthetic areas; and use of herbicides in the maintenance of project roads and the dam embankment.

Stopping the present program would allow damaged ground covers to deteriorate even more. Soils exposed for longer than one year become scarred or gutted to the extent of degrading scenic, esthetic, or natural values. Repairing damaged soils becomes increasingly complex and more expensive the longer they are neglected. Without a maintenance and revegetation program, parks undergo soil damage and destruction of some grass cover every year. In addition, soil compaction around trees eventually kills park trees. Mowing removes cover used by chiggers, ticks, rodents and mosquitoes and actually decreases the numbers of these pests in recreation areas. Large scale management of vegetation is accomplished by the most feasible and economic measures. The method is selected according to the need, the landscape, and results desired. Prescribed-bums will be employed when other measures cannot accomplish the results desired. It is preferred to remove accumulated vegetation as it grows by controlled grazing, but in some areas where grazing cannot be used, prescribed burns are recommended. Use of these measures is made to prevent catastrophic wildfires from destroying trees, shrubs, grass, etc. These vegetative lifeforms have required hundreds of years to evolve and to attain their present composition and value as wildlife habitat, or as scenic resources. Herbicides, are employed to prevent vegetation from damaging the edges of blacktopped roads, or the dam embankment. Limbs and trees that may fall on campers are removed during thinning and clearing operations. Thinning and clearing practices are used to diversify vegetative stands and to enhance scenic landscapes. All of these measures would not be necessary if people were excluded from project lands. Since parks and areas supporting other forms of recreation are in short supply, locally and regionally, the no action alternative is not feasible.

(b) Alternative: Intensive Vegetative Management. The scope of the revegetation job at present is greater than annual maint­ enance and repair can take care of. Accelerated maintenance and repair would be expensive, but it would save invaluable soil re­ sources and stabilize protective vegetation. Protection of grass covers would require fences to exclude livestock, and more important, to keep motorbikes and off-the-road vehicles on auth­ orized roadways. Intensive management will require an inventory map of all damaged areas. This map should be prepared from large- scale aerial photos and coordinated with analyses on the ground. Repair, shaping, planting, fertilizing, mulching, matting, and maintenance jobs should be analyzed and planned according to prescription. A review of all other parts of the O&M program will be necessary to determine how each phase should be adjusted to facilities revegetation and to prevent further problems derived from normal operation. This alternative is feasible but not fundable.

(4) Agriculture and Grazing.

(a) No Action Alternative. Stop all agriculture and grazing activities. This alternative would prevent planned wildlife manage­ ment and use of grazing to enhance wildlife habitats and scenic areas. It is not possible to adopt this alternative without dropping wildlife management as well. Making the alternative too inclusive makes it infeasible.

(b) Alternative. None. There is an agricultural and grazing program in action on a management basis. Commercial leases for crops and grazing are not planned. Crops and grazing will continue to be used only as management tools to perpetuate wildlife and maintain scenic areas and desirable forms of vegetative species. Controlled use will be emphasized wherever grazing is employed. The project management plan has laid out a feasible program of conservative use and management and is scheduled for long-term application. The present O&M plan for agriculture and grazing will prevent environmental degradation of scenic and wildlife values that would otherwise occur.

(5) Archeoloqic Resources.

(a) No Action Alternative. This alternative is not available. The Corps of Engineers is obligated to administer and enforce the Federal Antiquities Law (PL 59-209). Briefly, duties of the Corps of Engineers are as follows: The Reservoir Manager serves as the official guardian of archeologic sites and materials at Belton Lake. Project Rangers enforce regulations to prevent any archeologic exploration, or removal of artifacts by unauthorized persons. Project personnel and equipment are made available to research groups who are under contract for exploration with the National Park Service. Overburden removal and other minor tasks are per­ formed by the Corps to assist in the studies. Protection of archeologic sites is given by Rangers during regular patrols and by information released at the project office. Project brochures will be revised to include information that archeologic sites are protected by law and that removal of any artifacts from the surface, or by excavation, is subject to fines of $500, ninety days in jail, or both. Signs are not posted at archeologic sites, so that some degree of protection is afforded by not identifying them.

(b) Alternative. None available.

5. Maintenance of Project Facilities and Structures.

a. Project Structures.

(1) No Action Alternative. It is not feasible to stop main­ taining the flood control structures, the outlet gates, and the dam. To do so would soon make them inoperable and cause them to break down during a major flood. It would become impossible to discharge conservation storage waters as called for under the contract with the Brazos River Authority. Loss of contracted storage would be subject to court action. Operation has been performed efficiently since the dam was closed and water impounded. No contraversies have developed over this part of the Belton Lake 0&M program. Continued maintenance and operation is a moral and contractual obligation.

(2) Alternative. None, as long as Brazos River Authority has a vested right to storage of conservation water in Belton Lake.

b. Public Use and Recreation Facilities.

(1) Roads, Parking Areas, Trails, Boat Ramps, Sanitary Facili­ ties. (a) No Action Alternative. This alternative could be consi­ dered only if public use was discontinued and this is not feasible at present. Without control of public access and recreational use,- it would be impractical to stop maintenance of roads and sanitary facilities.

(b) Alternative. None feasible. Continuation of the present O&M program is essential to provide public access, to protect public health, and to ensure long-term maintenance of recreation resources.

(2) Health, Sanitation and Pollution Control.

(a) No Action Alternative. Infeasible unless public use is stopped. Maintenance of sanitary facilities is necessary to protect public health as long as public use is permitted.

(b) Alternative for‘Sewage Disposal. None feasible. The present system, using a small number of septic tanks with disposal fields and pumping wastes from pit toilets for treatment in Belton municipal sewerage treatment plant is economical, satisfactory, and generates little significant impact. Shallow, stony soils make lagoons and package treatment plants impractical over much of the project area. There were no point-source discharges at the project. New federal regulations would make it mandatory to obtain discharge permits and monitor each point-source of discharge; to have a trained operator for each package treatment plant; and ultimately, to refine discharge effluents to tertiary standards. The cost of complying with new regulations and installing a modern treatment facility is not justified or needed for present operations.

(c) Alternatives for Solid Waste Disposal.

1_ Cancel the cleaning contract and have the project assume mowing and cleaning of park facilities and grounds. Use of full time project personnel would provide higher quality services than can be achieved by contract. Using project personnel would in­ crease costs due to higher wage structures. The mowing and cleaning jobs go together and should be retained under the present system of contracting such services. Corps supervision of contracted services is satisfactory and economical, so the suggested alternative is not feasible, due to higher costs.

1_ Assist financially in building, or operating a modern, solid- waste disposal and resource recovery system. The feasibility of this alternative hinges on the financial capability of one of the nearby cities and its willingness to build such a system. It is the best solution to disposal of solid wastes because 1t would recover reusable resources. It is environmentally sound and preferred to . waste disposal in sanitary landfills. The adoption of this alter­ native will be explored: it will become feasible only when funds and plans prepared by a cooperative City are brought together at the same time.

(3) Insects, Arthropod Pests and Rodent Control.

(a) No Action Alternative. This is not feasible as long as parks are open to public recreation. Flies, ants, spiders, scorpions, ticks, and chiggers are attracted to picnic sites by food debris and litter in litter barrels. Some control is necessary to make re­ creation pleasurable and to maintain reasonable standards of sanita­ tion. Insecticides protect ornamental trees and shrubs when pests be­ come numerous and help maintain scenic and esthetic values by preser­ ving such plants from insect damage. Mowing is necessary to reduce chiggers and ticks in campsites. Rodents are seldom a problem in park areas, but then destruction of stored materials inside project buildings requires control.

(b) Alternative to Present Pest Control. There is no feasible alternative, or combination of methods for pest control, other than the present program,

(4) Aquatic and Terrestrial Vegetation Control Program.

(a) No Action Alternative. Aquatic weeds are not a problem and no control is necessary at Belton Lake. Use of herbicides is necessary to kill weeds and grass before blacktopped roads are laid or to kill them when they grow through the edges of established roads. Mowing, or grazing is not a feasible control of weeds and grass growing in the edges of blacktopped roads, nor can these measures be used to suppress grass and weeds in fences, or shrubs and trees growing on the dam embankment. Herbicides are necessary for maintenance of the embankment and are much less expensive than clearing by manual labor. It is recognized that herbicides are potentially more dangerous to the ecosystem than mowing or grazing and should be carefully selected and applied under stringent controls. It is also recognized that use of fire is contraversial. The Corps of Engineers has used herbicides on a very small scale in situations that could not be controlled by mowing or grazing. They have not used fire in the past, but plan to make prescribed ' burns under strict management when fire is the only remaining manage­ ment solution.

(b) Alternative to Present Vegetative Control. Manual control and machine mowing are either too expensive or cannot be deployed on some sites requiring treatment. There is no known alternative that is feasible that can replace the present O&M program.

6. Administration of Outqrants, Leases, Permits.

a. No Action Alternative. There are no commercial leases for cropping or grazing at Belton Lake. The Corps of Engineers is obligated to furnish concessions for public service and they do so by bids. A specific number of concessions is established to assure that public service of every kind is available and to enable concessio­ naires to make a reasonable profit. Concession management is super­ vised for maintenance of conditions promoting public health, public service, and fair prices. Outgrants to,concessionaires keeps un­ licensed and marginal operators from moving in and developing concessions of their own. Outgrants require high standards for concession operators and unsightly, unsafe facilities cannot be approved. Administration of permits, as well as leases for con­ cessions, is preferable to uncontrolled and unsupervised development. The present program of outgrants is feasible. The no action alter­ native is not feasible, nor desirable.

(b) Alternative to Present Program. None, that would serve to control unsupervised development and management. SECTION VII - THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY

1. Flood Control - Water Conservation. Impoundment and controlled release of floodwaters provides a substantial benefit to most downstream lands and private facilities. Prolonged releases of floodwaters cause minor erosion of river banks and prevent summer cropping of some private lands downstream. Annual fluctuations of conservation water cause some land wear by shoreline erosion. Sediments, organic debris, cans (miscel­ laneous junk), and chemicals from fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and sewerage effluents accumulate with each impoundment of run-off waters. Long-term benefits of flood prevention, water supplies, and recreation outweigh short-term inconveniences on a small area of cropland.

2. Resource Management. The Operations and Maintenance Programs should preserve and enhance resources for present and future use. Existing plant and animal life and aesthetic value will be perpetuated by the resource management program. Controlled public use of resources allows short-term use and enjoyment without affecting permanently its use by future generations. Proper planning, management, and controlled use of resources is necessary for the maximum benefit to present and future generations.

3. Recreational Use. A substantial benefit to the public is derived from recreational use of the project resources. The development of public use areas and recreational facilities does alter the natural environment in these local areas, but controlled development and proper use of facilities is considered to be compatible with the natural scene. Present and future generations have a right to enjoy a shoreline experience. Recreation values are also a natural resource to be used,-enjoyed, and conserved. A controlled program of development, increased enforcement of environmental regulations, and monitoring the intensity of use will help maintain and enhance the long-term productivity. SECTION VIII - IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES

The O&M program expends non-renewable resources such as fuel, lubricants, machinery, manpower, building materials, and funds. The provision of flood control, water conservation, and public recreation has committed space and land and water resources to project use for • 100 years, or the life of the project. Soil eroded by O&M activities is non-renewable. The relation of soil to the productivity of plant and animal life is a subtle and generally'intangible fact as well as concept. Any loss of soil that lowers soil productivity will permanently alter the vegetative aspect and generally degrade the landscape scenically and aesthetically. Minerals such as oil, gas, gravel, and sand are not permanently removed from use. They are recoverable under water. Archeologic materials are also temporarily entombed in the permanently flooded pool area. They can be recovered. Those exposed to wave action may be washed away from their sites, or mixed with materials from different cultures, or time frames, but they will be available for recovery. The major loss of critical importance is the layering of archeologic mater­ ials that allows interpretation of each site. Some fragile materials will also be destroyed by wave action and some amateur collectors will continue to work by evading official scrutiny. Regular surveillance is being carried out and additional steps will be taken to minimize damage to archeologic resources. SECTION IX - COORDINATION WITH OTHERS

Outline revisions have been made to include a new Section lit. All former sections from III through VIII have been renumbered as IV through IX. Agency comments were made according to the old outline and do not fit this final statement. Notes have been appended to the responses for reader orientation.

1. Coordination of the Draft Statement. By letter dated 18 April 1973, the District Engineer submitted the draft environmental impact statement for Belton Lake, Texas,Operational and Maintenance Program to Governmental agencies, citizens groups, and interested individuals. Agencies' views were given as quoted or para­ phrased as comments. Answers by the Corps of Engineers address each comment. Copies of the entire individual letter are attached. Some letter comments referred to former outline system for reference locations that was changed to fit the format used in this revised version of the draft statement. A list of agencies, groups or indivi­ duals who did not provide comments is given in paragraph Id of this Section.

a. Governmental Agencies.

(1) Agricultural Research Service.

Comment: "Stream channel erosion downstream from the dam has increased from drawdown periods of long sustained duration following flood accumulations...."

Response: A hydrologic study has been initiated to evaluate the problem and recommend corrective measures.

Comment: "...During these same periods, (as in first comment abovel there are complaints from agricultural operators that the old sloughs stay continuously wet and it is difficult for them to get their farming equipment in and out of such areas."

Response: See comment-response above.

Comment: "I question the validity of the claim on the summary sheet...that there is an increased supply of ground water resulting from the storage of water in Lake Belton. My understanding of the geology of the area is such that none of this water ever reaches the Trinity sand."

Response: The lake is not known to be an important supplier to the Trinity sand, a regional aquifer. It does provide large volumes of transient ground water to vegetation, shallow springs, and ponds in the upper soil and earth strata. Sloughs downstream, not connected to the river, provide an example of transient ground water and its undersurface movements.

(2) Environmental Protection Agency. Comment: In Section I, Project Description, use of various pesticides was referred to. The final statement should identify the pesticides used, have information on tolerance levels, and information on the locations where pesticides may be applied. This information is necessary to aid in assessing the potential impacts on water quality and non-target species that could result from application of pesticides.

Response: Detailed information on the pesticide program has been submitted to the Federal Working Group on Pest Management since 1971. They have approved the pesticides, purposes, dosages, target species and locations, and precautions observed. Choice of pesticides varies from year to year and is determined by-imarket availability. Details covering the total number of pesticides available for use are not suited to this report. Sites treated are given in Section I on page 6.

Comment: The impact report stated that sewerage systems con­ structed on government property have had prior approval of the State Public Health Department and a permit from the Water Pollution Con­ trol Board. "We suggest that the continued operation and maintenance of the ... sewage systems ... be continually coordinated with and re­ viewed by Federal agencies, as required by Executive Order 11507, Prevention, Control, and Abatement of Air and Water Pollution at Federal Facilities."

Response: The requirements of Executive Order 11507 were met and reported to EPA in 1970 and 1971. The comment on further co­ ordination and review by Federal agencies was discussed by telephone with the Dallas office of EPA. Since the requirements of Executive Order 11507 had been met and the pit toilets, flush toilets and disposal fields do not discharge any effluents, the comment was not pertinent to the Belton Project.

Comment: "Additional information identifying the locations of the 3 septic tank-disposal field systems in relation'to the lake or any potable water wells, and an approximation of wastes treated by these facilities would strengthen the final statement and help in evaluating the sanitation program."

Response: Fort Worth District policy does not permit septic tanks on flowage easement or fee owned land within one-half mile of water intake structures without written approval of the water- using agency and the State Health Department. Septic tanks with disposal fields are located at least 75 feet in horizontal distance above the crest elevation of the uncontrolled spillway or the 50- year flood level, whichever is lower. Disposal fields are expanded beyond calculated waste disposal needs. There have been no disposal field pollution problems at Belton Lake. Sewerage systems with disposal fields are located at the project office, concession, and the site of a former operator's residence. According to the telephone exchange with EPA, Dallas, the requested coordination was not appli­ cable at Belton Lake.

Comment; Because Belton Lake is subject to fluctuations in water levels as described in the impact statement, we suggest that impacts on water quality be discussed from the standpoint of flow characteristics and that "improved water quality" be further clari­ fied on this basis.

Response; Further discussion has been added to Section IV under headings on flood control, impoundments, and drawdowns.

Comment; There is a lack of boundary fencing on both private and federal lands that may permit unconfined livestock to enter the lake. "...We should point out that unconfined livestock are often a direct source of pollution to open surface waters. Fecal coli- forms, other pathogenic bacteria, parasites and viruses are commonly excreted in livestock feces and might enter Belton Lake from cattle roaming near the water's edge. If any unfenced lands would permit livestock to reach the lake, we suggest the Corps of Engineers and private landowners discuss the possibilities of providing a joint fencing to prevent direct fecal contamination of this potable water supply.... Perhaps a buffer zone could be used."

Response; Although controlled grazing is planned for future land use management, livestock pollution in the lake is expected to be of minor volume and insignificant overall. Some few tresspass livestock may also directly pollute the lake. Fencing a buffer zone to prevent cattle from entering the lake cannot be justified from the pollution angle. The Corps of Engineers removes fences that are covered by fluctuating water levels because they create a safety problem and interfere with recreational activities.

Comment; In Section IV, the paragraph on Increased Urbaniza­ tion and Recreational Use stated, "Impacts related to such urbaniza- tion contribute to declining quality of land and waters on Corps, as well as the adjoining land." It is suggested that an adequate land use management program for Belton Lake and vicinity be con­ sidered for the future abatement and control of water, air, and noise pollution. (Section IV has been revised as Section V).

Response; The Corps of Engineers lacks authority to implement this suggestion on private lands in the subdivisions. Management efforts have been been (for continuation of this paragraph see IX-4) made to reduce and control water, air, and noise pollution on the project lands. Since the impact comes from outside federal lands, the Corps of Engineers can try to enlist the aid of subdivisions in efforts to abate and control noise, air, and water pollution on private lands. See page 1-6, lines 17-22 for reports.•

Comment: In Section V,..."we understand that herbicides and controlled burning would be used as an alternative to tree thinning and pruning, removal of dead limbs, and mowing in the vegetative management program... we believe...adverse environmental impacts may outv.'eigh...beneficial impacts if these alternatives are selected.... Because other available alternatives to vegetative management might have less severe adverse environmental impacts than the application of herbicides and the open burning of debris, we suggest that the beneficial and adverse impacts of these alternatives be further dis­ cussed and evaluated in the Final Environmental Impact Statement..."

Response: Section V, Alternatives, has been revised. Impacts of burning and herbicides on vegetative management have been dis­ cussed under Section IV. Since the discussion of alternatives is required by law, the alternative of using herbicides and burning to control vegetation was suggested. Including such an alternative is necessary, if it ever becomes mandatory to control vegetation that cannot be reduced in any other way. (Section V renumbered as VI).

(3) Forest Service, USDA. Conrnentl "The information in the draft environmental statement for 'Operation and Maintenance, Belton Lake, Texas', does not give a description of the proposed action. The only changes we see are in administrative procedures. If this is true, we question the need for this... Impact Statement as it is prepared. The statement as written appears to be more of a status or trend report of an on going project."

Response: The statement is a description of the O&M program and its impacts. The only changes suggested are those that would be alternatives to the program as set forth in Section I, Project Description.

(4) Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Comment: "We...have no objection to the authorization of this project insofar as our interests and responsibilities are concerned."

Response: The full letter is attached.

(5) Department of Housing and Urban Development. Comment: The Fort Worth Office has reviewed the Draft Environmen­ tal Impact Statement for Belton Lake O&M program and has no comment. However, the Dallas Area Office suggests your attention be directed to their comments reJf In Section II, the paragraph on Animal Life points out that no wildlife species lists are available for Belton Lake.

Response: Although no published lists of resident wildlife are available our statement lists those known to be resident.

Comment: Also re: Section II, "...Alteration of the amount and pattern of sediment deposition can have an adverse effect on the feeding habits of wildlife indigenous to the area."

Response: Without the dam, the amount and pattern of sediment deposition depended on the degree of flooding and the length of time required for floodwaters to recede. Such floodwaters deposited a thin alluvial layer over large areas of uplands and adjoining terraces of the river. With the dam in place, sediments downstream are picked up from the channel itself. Redeposition is largely confined to the bed and banks of the river and dispersed over a long distance down­ river. Sediment volumes are much reduced in the floodwater discharged from the lake. Fish and some other aquatic organisms should not be stressed by sediments picked up by discharged floodwaters. The re­ viewer could be answered more completely if he had been fcore specific.

Comment: "...Consistent with preceding comment, concern should be expressed with the effect that long term storage of floodwaters would have on terrestrial wildlife. Although it is obvious that such wildlife would be evicted from.flooded habitats, no concern is evident in statement for such wildlife."

Response: The project was built with one of its primary purposes as flood control. It is recognized that storage of floodwaters results in eviction of wildlife species from the flooded areas and adverse effects on their habitat. The extent of these effects vary with the magnitutde of the floods being stored and the length of time of inundation. The operational procedure of discharging floodwaters as quickly as possible has prevented complete loss of wildlife habitat on temporarily flooded uplands.

Comment: If waters released from the hypolimnion may be so deficient in oxygen that they stress fish in the receiving stream, has this particular result been taken into consideration?

Response: All waters released for conservation purposes are aerated by discharging through an elevated intake at 540 feet and mixed in a stilling basin with 15 concrete baffles before entering the receiving stream. No records of oxygen stressed fish have been reported since the dam was built. To record potential impacts, it was necessary to list loss of oxygen through prolonged storage.

Comment; Also in the impact discussed under long-term storage, has the need for extra treatment of waters released from the thermo- cline been considered and coordinated with localities?

Response; The Brazos River Authority has contracted the storage between elevation 540 and 594. Water from this storage space is generally released through the low-flow outlet (intake at elevation 540). Floodwater releases are generally made through the large outlet works with intake at elevation 483. The Corps is not aware of any water quality problems resulting from releases at these levels or that they require additional treatment by the water users.

(6) United States Department of the Interior. Comment! Suggest that fish and wildlife manaqement be added to the summary of program elements.

Response; The summary was revised as suggested.

Comment; The final statement should indicate the range of pool elevations during the year, especially during the peak recreation season.

Response; The suggested revision was entered in Section I under 5 a (2) and 5 e (1).

Comment; Suggest the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife be consulted relative to the wildlife management plans.

Response: Coordination will be made as suggested.

Comment: The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife was not specifically consulted in the preparation of the comprehensive master plan.

Response: Correct. The Statement referred to has been deleted.

Comment: The description of land acquisition presented in Section I 5 h, and III 2 e needs to be clarified. (Section III 2 e renumbered as IV 2 e.)

Response: Some of the original land purchased was sold back to former owners under reconveyance policies (PL 85-500; PL 87-386). Fee lands may lie at 605 or 642 feet elevation as a result of the reconveyance of some lands below 642 feet. The latter elevation was the original contour used for lands purchased. The narrative has been revised in the above sections.

Comment: "Blackberry" probably should read "hackberry" in the list of bottomland hardwood trees in Section II 1 a.

Response: The correction appears in revised report in II 1 b.

Comment: The scope and significance of the cultural, historic, and archeological resources should be discussed and evaluated with regard to the impact of the operational and maintenance programs, as well as recreational activities and development, and plans pre­ sented for preserving and protecting these resources.

Response: The revised report has been enlarged as suggested. New or enlarged sections have been added to address each part of the outline.

Comment: Section II c 1 refers to mineral production within a 50-mile radius of the project. "...Apparently however, no mineral resources or facilities of significance exist in the project area itself. If this additional information were included, we believe the statement would be more complete."

Response: Section II describes the project setting. Commercial enterprises are part of the economic background but are confined to non-project lands. There may be commercially valuable stone, gravel, and other non-exploited resources on project lands, but they have not been developed commercially because it is undesirable to adopt such a policy. Some gravel and rock has been utilized from project lands, but only for small maintenance and operation jobs. The suggestion was inserted in Section II under project setting.

Comment: Same as the above suggestion "...indicate contact with the Texas Historic Preservation officer to secure his views as to the 'undertaking' upon historical and archeological resources."

Response: The Texas officer was consulted as to his knowledge of any historic materials of State interest or of archeological sites in the project area. There are no State historic sites of signifi­ cance in the Belton Lake area. The State officer listed some arche- ologic sites for Belton that had been obtained from the references cited in footnotes (3) and (4) of this report. The use of the word "undertaking" in context with its impact upon historical and archeologic resources seemed to imply that the reviewer was think­ ing of a project that was yet to be built, rather than one that was built over 19 years ago. If the reviewer was concerned with the impact of the O&M project on historic and archeologic resources, the impact of this "undertaking" had little to do with accelerating their discovery, or recovery. Private collectors had rifled the obvious sites before the lake was impounded. The lake did expose some buried materials where wave action wore away vertical banks. Other impacts were discussed in the revisions made to the draft.

Comment: Under impacts, "It might be advisable to state that the operations and maintenance program does not affect any existing or proposed unit of the National Park System nor any site eligible for registration as a National Historic, Natural, or Environmental Education Landmark."

Response: There are none of these sites in any of the above listed categories according to the Federal Register, Volume 37, Number 20 published Saturday, January 29, 1972. The National Park Service reported there was no area, or interest of theirs that would be affected by Belton Reservoir (Reconnaissance Report, Recreational Use and Development, Belton Reservoir Project Leon River, Brazos River Basin, Texas, Decenter 1948.)

Comment: Suggest in Section III that the significance of lake drawdowns on the year-round, and peak season recreational attendance, be specified within the project area.

Response: Lake fluctuations related to annual attendance figures have been added to this report in Sections I and IV.

Comment: Additional explanation in Section III would support the statement that "Controlled releases of floodwaters and water for conservation use help maintain the stream fishery below the dam."

Response: Two reports made by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife on conditions in the downstream portion of Leon River said before the dam was built...."The sport fishery value of these streams is low....The stream flow in Leon River 1s often critically low and at times the stream is reduced to a series of pools. The tributary streams have an intermittent flow and are dry most of the year...." *(7) A follow-up report after the dam had been in operation for 12-and-a-half-years said, "...fishing now occurs in the Leon River downstream from Belton dam. Most of the fish­ ing occurs immediately downstream from the dam, 1n the reach down­ stream from the Temple City Water Supply Dam, and the impound­ ment formed by that dam. Good public access and improved fish habitat due to reduced silt loads, constant flows, and reduced flooding have resulted in heavy fishing."* (8) Both of these references are in Section IV. Specific records of dates and amounts of releases would add little support to the fact that water from the lake has stabilized the stream fishery and improved stream conditions beyond preproject condition.

Comment: Under Section IV A b, clarify the statement that, "The area of fishable stream is increased by the lake's presence." "Should it read, 'The are of fishable water is increased.'"

Response: The suggestion was incorporated in IV 1 c (2).

Comment: Section III B 1 b: What precautions were taken to prevent herbicides from washing into the lake?

Response: Spray herbicides were applied to spots with sticker additives, or applied as spray with large droplets to confine them to targets. It was routine to work on calm days and to quit when convection heat, or wind increased from calm conditions.

Comment: Same Section and subject as above. How was it determined that herbicides have not washed into the lake?

Response: No research was conducted to determine that herbicides applied by project personnel have, or have not, been washed into the lake. Observations have been made of conditions after spraying. No evidence of non-target contact has been observed, or reported. The statement has been modified to indicate that observation has not found evidence of herbicides being washed into the lake. The report did contain a statement in Section I 5 d (3) emphasizing that only those herbicides and pesticides approved for the use made by the Corps of Engineers, were used. All such chemicals were chosen from those that had been screened as suitable by the EPA's committee on pesticides.

Comment: Section III B 2 e. Suggest that "sport".be added to the statement that "Fishermen removed so many bass..." in order to clarify that commercial fishermen were not involved.

Response: Revised in IV 2 b (5) as suggested.

Comment: Section V Alternatives. Recommend that statements on herbicides be amplified to indicate that "...herbicides are poten­ tially more dangerous to the maintenance of ecosystems than mowing or grazing and, if used, must be carefully selected and applied under stringent controls...."

Response: Section V has been revised and changed to include the suggestion. As noted above, the original report included a statement in Section I 5 d (3) that all pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides were selected from those approved by the Environmental Protection Agency's "Working Group on Pesticides" and were applied under supervi­ sion. Future applications will be even more carefully selected and applied. (Section V renumbered as VI.)

(7) Soil Conservation Service, USDA.

Comment: "The statement describes the impact of operation and maintenance measures and includes considerations which should minimize environmental conflicts."

Response: None.

(8) Federal Highway Administration USDT.

Comnent: "The Texas Highway Department has determined that the operation and maintenance of Belton Lake will have no effect on highways." "We concur with their findings."

Response: None.

(9) The State of Texas, Division of Planning Coordination.

Comment: The Texas Air Control Board stated, "...In spite of the fact that this is a completed project and technically does not require an EIS, the information contained will make excellent reference material ...on any future EIS that may be required...."

Response: None.

Comment: The Bureau of Economic Geology raised a question regarding lake water quality...." If the lake water quality declines as a result of nearby residential developments (with septic tanks), what authority does the Corps of Engineers have to remedy the situation? 'On page 8* (under the Section 'Project Description') there 1s mention of a control zone that prohibits septic tanks within 75 feet above the spillway eleva­ tion. As the reservoir is impounded on limestone and marl (Edwards, Comanche Peak, and Walnut), alternative methods of waste disposal should be encouraged. These problems, however, seem to go beyond the domain of the operation and maintenance program as stated." (* See p. 1-6 para. (2).

Response: The Corps has no authority to control sanitary systems, such as septic tanks, on private residential developments. Septic tanks and disposal fields on Corps lands are all operated with prior approval of the State Public Health Department and a permit issued by the Texas Water Quality Board. The Corps does not permit installation of septic tank-disposal field systems, on flowage easements or fee-owned lands, within the elevations subject to the 50-year flood, or within 75 feet horizontally of the crest elevation of the uncontrolled spillway, (whichever is lower); or within one-half mile of water intake structures, without written approval of the water-using agency and the State Health Department.

Comment: Texas Highway Department Board said their interests and public responsibilities were not impacted by the Belton Lake operation and maintenance program.

Response: None.

Comment: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said, "...We suggest the Corps of Engineers consider plans to assist the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with a large scale categorization study...."

Response: The Corps will assist TPWD in every way feasible.

Comment: "If the ... Corps of Engineers has management plans for Belton, or other reservoirs, close coordination with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be necessary. Belton Reservoir will be stocked with walleye in 1973, 1974, and 1975.

Response: The Corps has prepared fish and wildlife management plans for Belton Lake and will coordinate all phases with TPWD. .

Comment: "...Occasional moderate fall drawdowns with spring re­ filling will serve the interests of sport fishing by creating habitat for a tail race fishery of rainbow trout or other exotic species, providing some degree of population control of undesirable fishes and increasing the production and survival of young-of-the-year centrar- chids...."

Response: Evaluation of a similar idea is already underway to permit storage of some floodwaters for enhancement, management, and replacement purposes. In addition to Corps of Engineers storage of floodwaters, it may be possible for the Brazos River Authority to assist the TPWD by making water from the conservation pool available for fishery management.

Comment: "The success of reservoir management for the maximum - sustained yield of sport fishes is dependent on several concepts of research. Fishery science is now approaching the state of develop­ ment where research can identify and test candidate management practices...." It is suggested that, "If the ... Corps of Engineers plans statistically valid harvest surveys on several reservoirs, fisheries research projects to identify and test new management techniques could be initiated." A fuller statement, or comment, is available in the attached copy of the TPWD letter, in paragraph number 3.

Response: The Corps will cooperate with TPWD in special studies of the fishery at Belton Lake. A formal request for Corps assistance is necessary to initiate further action.

Comment: The Texas State Soil,and Water Conservation Board felt that management of land and water resources, as stated in the EIS, was adequate from a conservation viewpoint.

Response: None.

Comment: The Texas Water Development Board said, "Our-staff-level review of the Environmental Impact Statement, Belton Lake, Texas finds the statement to be adequate for its intended purpose and would more than adequately fulfill requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) Sections 102 (2) (c) and 102 (d) should it be applicable to the project." "Evaluating the environmental impact of the operation and maintenance program at Belton Lake can be done better in retrospect than would have been possible before con­ struction. This is, and has been throughout its existence, a well- managed project. The flood pool is operated in such a manner that flood damages below the dam are minor. Conservation storage for M&I purposes are adequate for Belton, Temple, Fort Hood, and other communities." "...Some of the recreational values have been mentioned, but additional benefits in fishing resources are noted both upstream and downstream from the dam." "...It is believed that as development increases around the periphery of the lake both land and water quality will decline unless increased emphasis is given to quality preservation measures.

Response: The Corps has no jurisdiction over developments on private lands adjacent to Government property. It is recognized that as development increases around the periphery of the lake, degradation of both land and water could occur. The Corps will continue to manage Government lands to preserve the aesthetic appearance and to best serve the needs of the public. The Corps recognized a need for zoning private lands around the lake periphery and will continue to encourage such actions by appropriate county and state officials.

Comment: The Texas Water Quality Board considered the statement as covering a satisfactory program of water quality management, and that "...provisions for sewerage disposal...surveillance of possible pollu­ tant source areas, and the water quality monitoring practice should provide adequate measures of water quality protection." b. Citizen Groups. Copies of the draft environmental impact statement were mailed to local or regional chapters of environmental or conservation groups for their review. -No comments were received.

c. Interested Individuals. The following individuals have shown an interest in the management and preservation of the certain project resources.

(1) Mr. S. Alan Skinner, Director, Archaeology Research Program, Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University.

Comment: "With regard to adverse impact, I would suggest that:

(a) archaeological sites are being eroded away be wave action;

(b) archaeological artifacts are being exposed and subsequently gathered by artifact collectors and thereby lost for future study; and

(c) the lake makes archaeological sites more accessible to vandals who have destroyed some of the important sites located on and adjacent to the lake."

Response: The revised EIS deals with the adverse impacts related by Mr. Skinner. Additional material has been inserted in Section I, II, IV and VI of the final statement.

Comment: "With regard to alternatives, it is possible to:

(1) preserve these important remains by more strict enforcement of the Federal Antiquities Law; and

(2) scientific collection and excavation of partially inundated sites could be done with National Park Service support during those periods when the lake level is reduced due to droughts."

Response: The revised statement incorporates and discusses these suggestions.

Comment: "With regard to Section II B, it should be shown that the reservoir area was originally surveyed for archaeological sites in 1949 and that excavations were carried out in 1951." Further studies reported in 1952 and 1964 should be evaluated and information incorpo­ rated into your report.

Response: The final statement has been revised and information incorporated as suggested in II 2.

Comment: Continuing the comment above..."This information might also be useful in order for you to record these sites in response to Executive Order 11507."

Response: Registration requirements will be met.

Comment: "I suggest sending a copy of the Belton Lake EIS to the National Park Service for review."

Response: A copy had been sent to NPS in an early mailing. Comments made by NPS were answered under the group comments received from the United States Department of the Interior, Southwest Region, Office of the Secretary.

(2) Dr. Clark Hubbs, Department of Zoology, The University of Texas at Austin.

Comment: Dr. Hubbs stated that he is acquainted with the operation and maintenance plan of this specific area (Belton Lake). He suggested planned fluctuations of water levels be initiated as a direct tool for managing densities of rough fish, especially the over abundant gizzard shad. By raising the lake about 0.5 meter just prior to gizzard shad spawn, then lowering it one meter just after spawning, the eggs should be stranded. Similar planned fluctuations would also strand eggs of carp and suckers, but lowering the lake could be more gradual due to their longer incubation period.

Response: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages the fishery at Belton Lake. They have suggested fall drawdowns with spring refilling to facilitate management of rainbow trout, control undesirable rough fishes, and to favor production and survival of largemouth black bass. The Corps of Engineers is seeking authority to hold up to five percent of the five-year flood volume for management purposes. Management of water in the conservation pool is administered by a State Agency, the Brazos River Authority. Water management for planned fluctuations will depend upon the success of attempted coor­ dination between the two State Agencies and the amendment of the Corps' floodwater discharge policy.

Comment: "One could also arrange to raise the level of the res­ ervoir shortly after black bass spawning had occurred which should cause an increase survival of the young bass and greater sport fishing. An inovative policy on a closely managed recreation reser­ voir might provide a major opportunity for an increase in sports fishing and demonstration of operational procedure for other reservoirs. One should of course consider the impact of our level fluctuations on the downstream recreational fishery as the gains in the reservoir might be at the expense of a serious depletion of the downstream fishery."

"I fear that the above discussion is only a bare outline of the possible new approach to reservoir management that is long overdue."

Response; The full text of Dr. Hubb's conments is appended to this section. Corps of Engineers jurisdiction and management has been explained under the response to the first comment of Dr. Hubb's. The suggestion that a change in reservoir management is long overdue may be true of reservoirs where one agency has complete control of all water: it is based on a widespread misconception that the Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over all the water stored in their project lakes. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has initiated a program emphasizing fishery management. The Corps of Engineers has, and will continue to work closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

2. Agencies, Groups and Individuals Who Did Not Comment.

(1) Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Wn. D.C. (2) Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Wn. D.C. (31 Association Texas Soil and Water Conservation District, Temple, Texas (4) Central Texas Council of Governments, Belton, Texas (5) Citizens Environmental Coalition, Houston, Texas (6) County Judge, Bell County, Belton, Texas (7) Dr. C.O. Patterson, University of Texas, Austin, Texas (8) Environmental Defense Fund, Setauket, New York (9) H. Paul Friesema, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois pO) Friends of the Earth - Texas League of Conservation Voters, Austin, Texas (11) Izaak Walton League of America, S.W. Region, Los Alamos, New Mexico (12) League of Women Voters of Texas, Dickinson, Texas (13) National Audubon Society, Austin, Texas (14) National Marine Fisheries Service, St. Petersburg, Florida (15) National Wildlife Federation, South Central Field Representative, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (16) Regional Hydrologist, Southern Region NOAA National Weather Service, Fort Worth, Texas (17) Sierra Club - Lone Star Chapter, Dallas, Texas I8) Texas Archaeological Society, Fort Worth, Texas 19) Texas Comnittee on Natural Resources, Dallas, Texas 20) The Nature Conservancy, Texas Chapter, Wn. D.C. (21)S U.S. Coast Guard, New Orleans, Louisiana (22) U.S. Department of Comnerce, Wn. D.C. (23) U.S. Representative, W.R. Poage, Wn. D.C. (24) U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Wn. D.C. (25) U.S. Senator John Tower, Wn. D.C. (26) Welder Wildlife Foundation, Sinton, Texas APPENDIX A

Letters Received by the District Engineer

on the Draft Environmental Statement UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE SOUTHERN REGION Oklahoma-Texas Area Bushland, Texas 79012

May 21, 1973

Colonel F. H. Henk, District Engineer Department of the Army Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Colonel Henk:

I sent the environmental impact statement for the Belton Lake Project to Dr. Earl Burnett in Temple, Texas for his review and comments. I am enclosing a copy of his reply.

Dr. Burnett indicated in his letter that he would like to have a copy of the impact statement if one is available.

J. R. Johnston Area Director UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH DIVISION Blackland Conservation Research Center P. 0. Box 748 Tecple, Texas 76501

May 17, 1973

Subject: Corp of Engineers Environmental Impact Statement

To: J. R. Johnston Area Director USJA-ARS-Southern Region Uushland, Texas

I am returning the Environmental Statement of the Corp of Engineers for Belton Lake that you sent me on April 24. Tnc Staterunt in general is factual, nowever, two points.are worth comments:

(1) Stream channel erosion down stream from the dam has increased during drawdown periods of long sustained duration following flood accumulations. During these, same period's, there are complaints from agricultural operators that the old slougns stay continuously wet and it is difficult for them to got their farming: equipment in and out of such areas.

(2) I question the validity of tnc claim on the sunroary sheet. Item 3 (t) chat there-is an increased supply of ground water resulting from the storage of water in Lake Belton. ;iy-understanding of the geology of the area is such that none of this water ever reaches the Trinity sand.

If you do not need this Impact Statement for your files, I would like to have it.

Earfl3umett Director UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE P. 0. Box 648 Temple, Texas 76501

May 30, 1973 Colonel Floyd H. Henk District Engineer Department of the Army Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Dear Floyd:

We have reviewed the draft environmental statement for the operation and maintenance of the Belton Lake Project.

The statement describes the impact of operation and maintenance measures and includes considerations which should minimize environmental conflicts. We appreciate the opportunity to review the draft and submit comments. Sincerely,

Edward E. Thomas State Conservationist ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION VI . 1600 PATTERSON. SUITE IIOO DALLAS. TEXAS 78201

orrice or t h e June 5, 1973 R e g io n a l administrator

Colonel Floyd H. Henk District Engineer Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Colonel Henk:

We have reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Operation and Maintenance, Belton Lake, Texas. The project involves the continued operation and maintenance of Belton Lake and Dam (total storage capacity of 1,097,600 acre-feet) located in central Texas on the Leon River, three miles north of Belton, Texas, and eight miles west of Temple, Texas. The proposed operation and maintenance program includes flood control, water conservation, operation and maintenance of project structures and facilities, as well as parks for recreational use and management of land and water resources.

In general, the statement discussed many environmental impacts, and listed several alternatives for consideration in continuing the operation and maintenance program. However, we suggest that the following comments be considered in preparing the final state­ ment:

1. In Section I, PROJECT DESCRIPTION, we noted that various pesticides would be used for controlling undesirable Vegetative growth, propagation of mosquito larvae and several types of insects and rodents, and in treating litter barrels and toilets. We suggest that the specific types of herbicides, larvacides, insect­ icides and rodenticides being considered for use be listed in the final statement. Also, these pesticides should have an assigned tolerance level in addition to being registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. Additional information describing the locations where pesticides may be applied should also be con­ tained in this section or shown on a map. This information would be helpful in assessing the potential impacts on water quality and on non-target species that might be generated through the application of pesticides during the maintenance and operation of the facility.

2. In describing the Sanitation Program (page 8), it is stated, "Sewage systems constructed on Government property have prior approval of the State Public Health Department and a permit from the Water Pollution Control Board." We suggest that the continued operation and maintenance of the 3 septic tank-disposal field sewage systems, 3 trailer and 2 boat dump stations, and the 18 vault and 2 waterborne toilet facilities at the lake also be continually coordinated with and reviewed by Federal agencies, as required by Executive Order 11507, Prevention, Control and Abate­ ment of Air and Water Pollution at Federal Facilities. Additional information identifying the locations of the 3 septic tank-disposal field sewage systems in relation to the lake or any potable water wells, and an approximation of wastes treated by these facilities would strengthen the final statement and help in evaluating the sanitation program. 3. One of the beneficial impacts of an impoundment as dis­ cussed in Section III, THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM, is "improved water quality with changes m oxygen and temperature relationships." We agree that water quality in impoundments might be generally regarded as better in quality during times of normal flow than that of the flooding stream before impoundment due to the settling out and/or precipi­ tation of solids, salts, and particulate matter, including bacteria and viruses. However, impoundments may be degraded from the increased concentration of salts and organic matter during periods of drought and low stream flow conditions and are also subject to degradation from flooding because of pesticide residues or other toxic substances and organic matter contained in agricultural, urban, and rural runoffs. Because Belton Lake is subject to fluctuations in water levels as described in the statement, we suggest that impacts on water quality be discussed from the stand­ point of flow characteristics and that "improved water quality" be further clarified on this basis.

4. Paragraph 5, Relationship to Private Development (page 9), mentions that, because boundary fencing costs are prohibitive to the Corps and private landowners, the lack of fences makes it impossible to prevent encroachment of livestock on Government land.

i We should point out that unconfined livestock are often a direct source of pollution to open surface waters. Fecal conforms, other pathogenic bacteria, parasites and viruses are commonly excreted in livestock feces, and might enter Belton Lake from cattle roaming near the water's edge. If any unfenced lands would permit livestoc to reach the lake, we suggest that the Corps of Engineers and private landowners discuss the possibilities of providing a joint fencing program to prevent any direct fecal contamination of this potable water supply for Belton, Temple, and Fort Hood, Texas. Perhaps a buffer zone such as presently exists around some of the new Corps impoundments dould be used. „ | ; - » 5. In Section IV, Paragraph B, Increased Urbanization and Recreational Use, it was stated, "Impacts related to such urbaniza­ tion contribute to declining quality of land and waters on Corps, as well as the adjoining land." Because increased urbanization and recreational use in the area might contribute to the deteriora­ tion of the area's natural resources, we suggest that an adequate land use management program for Belton Lake and vicinity be considered for the future abatement and control of water, air, and noise pollution.

6. The modification of the present vegetative management program was discussed in Section V, ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT 0 & M PROGRAM. We understand that herbicides and controlled burning would be used as an alternative to tree thinning and pruning, removal of dead limbs, and mowing in the vegetative management program. In reviewing the beneficial and adverse effects listed for using herbicides and.pesticides, we believe the possible adverse environmental impacts may outweigh the beneficial impacts, if these alternatives are selected. . Because other available alter­ natives to vegetative management might have less severe adverse . environmental impacts than the application of herbicides and the open burning of debris, we suggest that the beneficial and adverse impacts of these alternatives be further discussed and evaluated in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. This information would help the reviewer better understand why the proposed alterna­ tives of using herbicides and controlled burning are being con­ sidered over other alternatives that might have less significant adverse environmental impacts.

These comments classify'your Draft Environmental Impact Statement as LO-2. The classification and the date of our comments will be published in the Federal Register in accordance with our responsibility to inform the public of our views on proposed Federal actions, under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act.

Definitions of the categories are provided on the attachment. Our procedure is to categorize our comments on both the environ­ mental consequences of the proposed action and on the adequacy of the impact statement at the draft stage, whenever possible. If you have any questions concerning our categorization procedures, please let us know.

We appreciate the opportunity to review the Draft Environ­ mental Impact Statement. Please send us two copies of the Final Environmental Impact Statement at the same time it is sent to the Council on Environmental Quality.

Sincerely yours,

Af thur W. Busch Regional Administrator ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EKVnQ'rECTAL L*!PACT OF TIT ACTION

IX) - Lack of Objections

EPA has no objections to the proposed action as described in the draft impact statement; or suggests only minor changes in the proposed action. ER - Environmental Reservations

EPA lias reservations concerning the environmental effects of certain aspects of the proposed action. EPA believes that further study of suggested alternatives or modifications is required and has asked the originating Federal agency to re-assess these aspects. EU - rnvironrtentally Unsatisfactory

EPA believes that' the proposed fiction is unsatisfactory because of its potentially harmful effect on the environment, I'lirtkermore, tin Agency believes that the potential safeguards which might lx) utilized nay not. adequately protect the environment from hazards arising fran this fiction. The / goncy rc^xirrends that oltomativ-s to the fiction bo analyzed fur t hot (including the possibility of no action at. all).

lJTX3tJACY 01'51-n yViVVCT g RVifcfrVftj: Category 1 - Adequate

The draft impact statement adequately nets forth tlie environr.ient.al impact cf the proposed project or action as veil as alternatives reasonably available to the project or action.

Category 2 - Insufficient. Tnfcoiration

EPA believes the draft impact statement does i ot exmtain sufficient information to assess fully the envirx-snnpnbal impact of the proposal project or action. Hcv'rvcr, frciu the information :;uJ.mittnd, the Agency, is able to make a prelitfanoy determination of the* impact on the environment., EPA. has requested that the originator provide the information that was not included in rlie draft statweht.-..- Category 3 - Inadequate

EPA believes that the draft .ir.pact'Statement does not'adequately assess the envirorrcntal in-pact of the proposed project'.or . action, or that tie statement inadequately analyses' reasonably available alternatives. • T«e Agency has requested tore informtJ.cn" and analysis concerning the potential.environmental hazards and has-asked that substantial revision be made to the'impact stutenant. If a draft ; statement' is assigned a Cate gory 3 # no rating will bo m d e of the project or action, since a basis does-not generally exist on which to make such a deterroxnation.\ U n ite d S tates D e p a r tm en t o f A g r ic u ltu r e FOREST SERVICE Soaffceattere Area, Stale and Frivol* farnlry ' Atlanta, Georgia 30309 . May 10, 1973

Floyd H. Henk, Colonel District Engineer Department of the Army-Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

The information contained in the draft environmental statement for "Operation and Maintenance, Belton Lake, Texas",does not give a description of the proposed action. The only changes we see are in administrative procedures. If this is true we question the need for this Draft Environmental Impact Statement as it is prepared. The statement as written appears to be more of a status or trend report of a on going project.

FREDERICK W. HONING rv\ Area Environmental Coordinator DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EDUCATION. AND WELFARE

r e g i o n a l o f f i c e 1114 COMMENCE s t r e e t DALLAS. TEXAS 75202 omen or May 18, 1973 THE RLGI0HAL IJir-EClOfl

Floyd H. Henk, Colonel, CE ; District Engineer Department of the Army . i Fort Worth Distr, Corps of Engineers Re: Relton lake, Helton, Texas P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Colonel Henkj

, Pursuant to your request, we have reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement for the above project proposal in accordance with Sec1 ion 102(2)(C) of P. L .'91-190, and the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines of April 23, 1971.

Environmental health program responsibilities and standards of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare include those vested wi1h the United States Public Health Service and the Facilities Engineering and Construction Agency. The U. S. Public Health Service has those programs of the Federal Food and Drug Administration, which include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Bureau of Community Environmental Management (housing, injury control, recre­ ational health and insect and rodent control).

Accordingly, our review of the Draft Environmental Statement for the project discerns no adverse health effects that might be of signifi­ cance where.our program responsibilities and standards pertain, provided that appropriate guides are followed in concert with State, County, and local environmental health laws and regulations. We therefore have no objection to the authorization of this project insofar as our interests and responsibilities are concerned.

Very irruly yours,

William F. Crawford'7 Environmental Impact Coordinator U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIOHWAY ADMINISTRATION M C IO N SIX PORT WORTH, TSXAS 7SIOS 819 Taylor Street

May 29, 1973

Colonel Floyd H. Henk, District Gigineer Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Colonel Henk: The draft environmental statement for operation and maintenance of the Belton Lake Project, Belton, Texas, furnished with your April 18, 1973 letter, has been reviewed by this office, our Texas division office, and the Texas Highway Department. The Texas Highway Department has determined that the operation and maintenance of Belton Lake will have no effect on highways. We concur with their findings, as it is apparent that the proposed operation and maintenance program will not affect the roadway system in the area.

Sincerely,

J. W. White Regional Administrator DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 819 TAYLOR STREET, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102

June 5, 1973

• Colonel Floyd H. Henk, District Engineer Corps of Engineers Department of the Army P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Dear Colonel Henk:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Belton Lake Operation and Maintenance Program and does not have comments on the subject Statement.

Sincerely,

David W. Baker Environmental Clearance Officer DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT 819 TAYLOR STREET, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102

June 5, 1973

Colonel Floyd H. Henk, District Engineer Corps of Engineers Department of the Army P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Dear Colonel Henk:

By letter of this date, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is informing you that it has officially reviewed and does not have comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Belton Lake Operation and Maintenance Program. Although we w ill not have official review comments on the subject Statement, our Dallas Area Office has some concerns regarding the program which they suggested should be brought to your attention. They are enclosed.

Sincerely,

David W. Baker Environmental Clearance Officer u c - s e (4*72) PREVIOUS EDITION MAY BE USED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF Memoxandum HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

t o : David W. Baker d a t e : May 7t 1973 Regional Environmental Clearance Officer Fort Worth Regional Office

f r o m : James LeGrotte, Jr., Dallas Area Office

subject: Belton Lake Operation and Maintenance Program Environmental Statement

Although this office does not feel there should be a formal HUD review response to the subject Draft Environmental Statement, the following concerns should be brought to the attention of the Corps of Engineers:

(1) Paragraph III A* 1 Flood Control - "Adversely, the impoundment of flood water has altered the natural cycle of flooding and the amount and pattern of sediment deposition downstream from the dam." This aspect of the subject Statement should be seriously considered based on the statement in paragraph II. A. 3 Animal Life which points out that no species lists are available for wildlife at Belton Lake. Alteration of the amount and pattern of sediment deposition can have an adverse effect on the feeding habits of wildlife indigenous to the area.

f ------v, xtt a n u t— J— v-j- - : ~4- ,.,«*•» ______X ^ a ^ X / o l X i mlu.i yx vwiinuU*U| concern should be expressed with the effect that long term storage of flood waters would have on terrestrial wildlife. Although it is obvious that such wildlife would be evicted from flooded habitats, no concern is evident in statement for such wildlife.

(3) Paragraph III B. 2 b . Water - Even though long term storage of flood waters would benefit aquatic organisms as a group, stratification i3 mentioned as causing the depletion of oxygen below the thcrmocline. It is further stated that waters released from the hypolimnion may be so deficient in oxygen that they stress fish in the receiving stream. Has this particular result caused by the depletion of oxygen been taken into consideration?

(4) Same paragraph as above VJater - Water released from the thermocline also requires extra treatment of the water to make it suitable for human consumption. Has prevision/need for providing this extra treatment for such water been considered and/or coordinated with localities?

/ - - - - Environmental Clearance Officer United States Department of the Interior

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY SOUTHWEST REGION Room 4030, 517 Gold Avenue SW. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101

June 6, 1973

District Engineer Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Sir:

This is in response to your letter of April 18, 1973, (referenced SWF0D-M) requesting our review and comments on a draft environmental impact statement covering the operation, maintenance, and manage­ ment programs at Belton Lake, Texas.

Overall, the statement appears adequate in its identification of the environmental impacts associated with the operation and maintenance program. However, the statement could be strengthened by including sufficient quantification data to assist the reviewer in determining the magnitude of the impacts. Also there are certain places in the statement where slight modifications would clarify the presentation. Specific comments which should be considered are itemized below:

Summary Sheet

Fish and wildlife management could be included in paragraph 2 which lists program elements. Several references to a fish and wildlife program are made in the body of the statement.

I. Project Description

Section E-lf-b states that contracted use and dry weather make it impossible for the Corps of Engineers to maintain the lake level at the conservation pool elevation. The final statement should indicate the pool elevation range during various periods of the year, especially during the peak recreation seaspn.

Section E-i*-d. The sentence beginning on line 3 states that "Wildlife management plans have been prepared by the Corps and active management will begin in 197**." Because the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has participated in earlier project planning and has expertise in this field, it is suggested that the Bureau be consulted relative to the wildlife management plans. Section E-5-c. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wild­ life advises that it was not specifically consulted in the preparation of the comprehensive master plan. The Bureau's participation in the planning for this project has consisted of a fish and wildlife evaluation report prepared in April 1950 and a subsequent follow-up report dated July 25, 1967.

Section E-8. There seems to be some discrepancy in the description of land acquisition as presented in this sec­ tion and as given in Section 111 —B-5- Clarification would be helpful.

I I. Environmental Setting

Section A-2. The list of bottomland hardwood trees in the paragraph on vegetation includes blackberry. This probably should be hackberry.

Section B. The present draft statement does not discuss the scope of the historical and archeological resources-involved, mentioning only that 38 sites were examined in 19^9, nor does the draft discuss the significance of the cultural, historic, and archeological resources involved.

Section C-l. This paragraph refers to mineral production within a 50-mile radius of the project. Apparently, however, no mineral resources or facilities of significance exist in the project area itself. If this additional information were included, we believe the statement would be more complete,

III. Environmental Impact

Section A. This section should include a sentence indicat­ ing the National Register of Historic Places has been con­ sulted and no National Register properties have been affected by the project. Also, there should be evidence of contact with the Texas Historic Preservation Officer to secure his views as to the effect of the undertaking upon historical and archeological resources.

It might be advisable also to state that the operations and maintenance program does not affect any existing or proposed unit of the National Park System, nor any site eligible for registration as a National Historic, Natural, or Environmental Education Landmark. The impact of operational and maintenance programs, as well as recreational activities and development, on cultural, historical, and archeological material should be evaluated and plans presented for preserving and protecting these resources. Section ll-B mentions 38 archeological sites which were examined in the pre-impoundment stage.

Section A-2-b-(2), states "Lake recreation drops off as draw­ downs isolate floating facilities or decreases their avail­ ability from shoreline access points." This section should specify the significance of such drawdowns on the year-round and peak season recreational attendance within the project area.

Section A-3-a. The statement is made that "Controlled re­ leases of flood waters and waters for conservation use help maintain the stream fishery below the dam." This statement would be more meaningful if additional explanation were given. The frequency and amounts of releases should be described in sufficient detail to reflect the degree of adequacy in main­ taining the downstream fishery.

Section A-3“b. We are not certain as to what is meant by the sentence "The area of fishable stream is increased by the lake's presence." Perhaps the sentence should read "The area of fishable water is increased . . . ."

Section B-l-b. We would be interested in knowing what pre­ cautions were taken to.prevent herbicides from washing into the lake and also how it was determined that herbicides have not washed into the lake.

Section B-2-e. It might be advisable to add "sport" to the statement that "Fishermen removed so many bass . . ." to eliminate the possible implication that commercial fishermen might be involved.

V . Alternatives

Section B-l-c-(2)-(b). It is suggested that the reference to herbicides beginning on line 6 be amplified as follows: ". . . herbicides are potentially more dangerous to the main­ tenance of ecosystems than mowing or grazing and, if used, must be carefully selected and applied under stringent con­ trols . . . ." The opportunity to comment on the draft environmental statement is appreciated. '

Sincerely yours,

Willard Lewis Special Assistant to the Secretary E x e c u t i v e D e p a r t m e n t DIVISION OF PLANNING COORDINATION DOLPH BRISCOE VOX 1242S, CAPITOL STATION AUSTIN. TEXAS 7 S 7 II PHONE SI 2 475-2427

June 7, 1973

Floyd H. Henk Colonel, C.E., District Engineer Fort Worth District Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Colonel Henk:

The Office of the Governor, Division of Planning Coordination (the State Planning and Development Clearinghouse), and other interested or affected Texas State agencies have reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Operation and Maintenance of Belton Lake, Texas.

The following comments are offered:

1. The Bureau of Economic Geology expresses concern for the lack of information in the environmental impact statement concerning activities that will be of major environmental concern (i.e., residential or industrial development). The operation and maintenance program appears to affect only the public easement along the lake, the water of the lake, and the lakebed itself. Activities that are of concern include insect control, landscaping, upkeep of public facilities, and regulation of lake levels. All of these activities are accounted for adequately in the statement. However, one question needs to be raised regarding lake water quality. If the lake water quality declines as a result of nearby residential developments (with septic ; tanks), what authority does the Corps of Engineers have to remedy the situation? On page 8 (under the section "Project Description"), there is mention of a control zone that prohibits septic tanks within 75 feet above the spillway elevation. As the reservoir is Impounded on limestone and marl (Edwards, Comanche Peak, and Walnut), alternative methods of waste disposal should be encouraged. These problems, however, seem to go beyond the domain of the operation and maintenance program as stated. 2. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department raised a number of issues which, because of their detail, should be considered in their entirety.

3. The Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Water Quality Board, the Air Control Board, the Texas Highway Department and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board also commented. These agencies either supported the draft environmental statement or declined comment.

Copies of these State agencies' comments are enclosed.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this draft environmental impact statement.

Sincerely,

Walter G. Tibbitts III Acting Director

cc: Dr. W. L. Fisher, BOEG

Mr. Clayton Garrison, TP&WD

Mr. Harry P. Burleigh, TWDB

Mr. Hugh C. Yantis, Jr., TWQB

Mr. B. L. DeBerry, THD

Mr. Harvey Davis, TSS&WCB TEXAS AIR CONTROL BOARD 820 East 53rd STREET CHARLES R. BARDEN, P. E. AUSTIN. TEXAS - 78751* EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

HERBERT C. McKEE, PHD., P.E. WENDELL H. HAMRICK. M.D. Chairman E . W. ROBINSON CHARLES R. JAYNES JOHN BLAIR JAMES 0. ABRAMS HERBERT W. WHITNEY, P.E. FREO HARTMAN Viea-Choirman WILLIE L. ULICH, PK.D..P.E.

May 11, 1973

Mr. Walter Tibbitts Acting Director Division of Planning Coordination Office of the Governor P. O. Box 12428, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Mr. Tibbitts: Thank you for the opportunity to review the draft environ­ mental impact statement for the Belton Lake Project. In spite of the fact that this is a completed project and technically does not require an EIS, the information con­ tained will make excellent reference material. It also gives the Corps of Engineers a running start on any future • EIS that might be required by additional construction or maintenance at the Belton Lake site. I appreciate your consideration in forwarding these type documents to my attention and please be assured of our continued assistance whenever possible.

Sincerely,

Charles R. Barden, P.E. Executive Secretary Texas Air Control Board THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN BUREAU OF ECONOMIC GEOLOGY AUSTIN, TEXAS 78712

Vnireriitj Station, Box X May 3, 1973 rbont 312— 471-1)34

Mr. Walter Tibbitts III Division of Planning Coordination Box 12428, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Walt:

I write in response to your memorandum of 24 April and the accompanying Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Belton Lake Project. The environmental impact statement for the operation and mainte­ nance projects on Belton Reservoir does not address itself to activities that will be of major environmental concern (i.e., residential or industrial development). Instead the operation and maintenance program affects only the public easement along the lake, the water of the lake, and the lakebed, itself.. Activities that are of concern include insect control, landscaping, upkeep of public facilities, regulation of lake levels, etc. All of these activities are accounted for adequately in the statement.

One question needs to be raised regarding lake water quality. If the lake water quality declines as a result of nearby residential developments (with septic tanks), what authority does the Corps of Engineers have to remedy the situation? On Page 8 (under the section "Project Description") there is mention of a control zone that prohibits septic tanks within 75 feet above the spillway eleva­ tion. As the reservoir is impounded on limestone and marl (Edwards, Comanche Peak, and Walnut), alternative methods of waste disposal should be encouraged. These problems, however, seem to go beyond the domain of the operation and maintenance program as stated. Best regards. ,

Sincerely,

W. L. Fisher Director COMMISSION •TATS MICMWAV IM IN IH B. L. DcBERRY CHARLES E . SIMONS. C H A IR M A N TEXAS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT DEWITT C. GREER HERBERT C. RETRY. JR. ItTH AND BRAZOS AUSTIN. TEXAS 71701

Hay 23, 1973

Draft Environmental Statement Corps of Engineers Belton Lake Project

Mr. Walter G. Tibbitts Acting Director Division of Planning Coordination Office of the Governor Box 12428, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Mr. Tibbitts;

Reference is made to your memorandum dated April 24, 1973, transmitting a copy of the above captioned draft environmental statement.

Our review of the draft statement indicates that the statement contains nothing which would be in conflict with the interests of the Texas Highway Department, or its responsibility to the public. '

Sincerely yours

B. L. DeBerry State Highway Engineer

By: R. L. Lewis, Chief Engineer of Highway Design T e x a s

P a r k s a n d W i l d l i f e D e p a r t m e n t

COMMISSIONERS COMMISSIONERS

JA C K R. STC.NE BOB BURLESON . CHA RMAN. WELLS TEMPLE

JO E K. F U LTO N JOHN M. GREEN LUBBOCK ■EAUMCNT

PEARCE JOHNSON CLAYTON T GARRISON LOUIS H. STUMBERi AUSTIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAN ANTONIO JOHN H. REAGAN BUILDING AUSTIN. TEXAS 78701

May 29, 1973

Mr. Walter Tibbitts, Acting Director Division of Planning Coordination Executive Department Box 12428, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Mr. Tibbitts: Reference is made to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Operation and Maintenance of the Belton Lake Project.

A staff review of the statement has been completed. We offer the following comments for your consideration:

1. Texas reservoir fisheries resources have been inventoried by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Additional assessment by the United States Corps of Engineers w ill be a duplication of effort. We suggest the Corps of Engineers consider plans to assist the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with a large scale categorization study. If Belton Reservoir is selected for intensive study, the U. S. Corps of Engineers could assist by supplying physical and limnological information.

2. If the U. S. Corps of Engineers has management plans for Belton, or other reservoirs, close coordination with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department w ill be necessary. Belton Reservoir w ill be stocked with walleye in 1973, 1974 and 1975.

The 1973 increase in the conservation pool of Belton Reservoir is an example of an acceptable management practice which should temporarily benefit sport fishing. Occasional moderate fa ll drawdowns with spring refilling w ill serve the interests of sport fishing by creating habitat for a tailrace fishery of rainbow trout or other exotic species, providing some degree of population control of undesirable fishes and increasing the production and survival of young-of-the-year centrarchids. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife's Reservoir Research Organization has shown that inundating marginal vegetation at spawning and holding the increased water level for several months can be Important in increasing the survival of young largemouth bass.

3. The success of reservoir management for the maximum sustained yield of sport fishes is dependent on several concepts of research. Fishery science is now approaching the state of development where research can identify and test candidate management practices. For resource managers to be effective and provide the greatest recreation to the fisherman, candidate management prac­ tices must be thoroughly tested in representative reservoirs. Tl-e meet useful technique for determining resource management cost-benefits is fc categorize the fishing pressure and harvest before the candidate technique is applied (provide a calibration period), apply the candidate technique, and determine if increased sport fishing recreation benefits result. The input/oueput ratios and cost benefit ratios can then be identified and compared with management techniques designed for similar situations. Established techniques, when compared with standardized biological categorization information on other reservoirs having similar management needs, can then be selected for application and for predictability in providing the necessary recreation. Co­ operation between the Corps of Engineers and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- j ment in testing candidate management programs in Corps of Engineers sponsored reservoirs w ill help decrease the time of developing new management techniques. Creel surveys are expensive and time-consuming. If the U. .3. Corps of Engineers plans statistically valid harvest surveys on several reservoirs, fisheries I research projects to identify.and test new management techniques could be I Initiated. I We appreciate having had the opportunity of commenting on this operation I and maintenance proposal. I

Sincerely xoursj

b & iT G y h . CARR Lb ON Executive Dir^dtor TEXAS STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION BOARD 1018 First National Building Temple, Texas 76501 AREA CODE 817. 773-2250 May 23, 1973

Mr. Walter Tibbitts, Acting Director Division of Planning Coordination Executive Department Bax 12U28, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711 Re: Draft Environmental Statement Belton Lake Project

Dear Mr. Tibbitts: We have reviewed the above-cited environmental statement. The parts of the statement that concern management of the land and water resources appear adequate from a conservation viewpoint. Therefore, we have no ccmment to offer.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute our comments.

Sincerely ycurs,___ ^

^ H a r v e y Davis/ ' ' Executive director Texas W ater Development Board

MEMBERS HARRY P. BURLEIGH E x e c u t i v e O u c c t ©* JOHN H. MCCOY. C h a i r m a n NEW AOSTON

MARVIN SHURBET. VICE C h a i r m a n PCTEASeUAG

ROBERT 8. GILMORE DALLAS AREA CODE 512 479-2201 W E TINSLEY JO I WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN P O BOX 13087 MILTON T. POTTS CAPITOL STATION *» UVINCSTON AUSTIN. TEXAS 78711 C A R L ILLIG May 21, 1973 HOUSTON

Mr. Walter G. Tibbitts, III, Acting Director Division of Planning Coordination Office of the Governor P.O. Box 12428, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Mr. Tibbitts:

Please refer to your memorandum dated April 24, 1973 transmitting for review and comments the Corps of Engineers' Draft Environmental Statement for Belton Lake Project, Texas.

Lake Belton has, of course, been in operation for more than 18 years. Built as a flood control and water supply facility • he lake has a total storage capacity of 1,097,600 acre feet, of which 640,000 acre feet are for flood control. Situated as it is just upstream from the cities of Belton and Temple, the flood-absorbing capacity of Belton Lake has prevented several devastating floods occurring on the Leon River from reaching these cities.

The area surrounding- Belton Lake is an important economic segment of the State of Tex^s. included is agriculture, agribusiness, diversified manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, mineral resources and one of: the country's largest military installations, Fort Hood. Approximately 400,000 persons reside within a 50-mile radius of Belton LaTte. During the 1960-1970 decade, a 9.9% increase in population was noted in the 7 county area surrounding the lake. In the saune decade, urban population increased by 28.7%, while rural population decreased by 24%. Despite the shift in population away from the land, the average dollar-per-acre value of land increased by between 14 and 46 percent during the 1959-1964 period. Many employment and small-business opportunities are attributable to the presence of Belton Lake. During 1972 a total of more than 1,894,600 people visited the lake and surrounding parks, spending approximately $4.5 million. Approximately 30 subdivisions surround the lake, all are attributable to advantages offered by the aesthetic and recreational advantages afforded by the lake.

Evaluating the environmental impact of the operation and main­ tenance program at Belton Lake can be done better in retrospect than would have been possible before construction. This is, and has been throughout its existence, a well-managed project. The flood pool is operated in such manner that flood damages below the dam are minor. Conservation storage for M&I purposes are adequate for Belton, Temple, Fort Hood, and other communities.

Irrigation water is also available to the Brazos River Authority. Some of the recreational values have been mentioned, but additional benefits in fishing resources are noted both upstream and down­ stream from the dam.

As with any stored water resource, there is the constant threat of pollution from land use practices. These dangers were recognized at an early point in time and reasonable provisions have been made to properly care for aesthetic values.

Measures are being carried out in the areas of public sanitation; mowing and cleaning of public use areas; mosquito surveillance; insect and rodent control; and water quality monitoring. Public areas are patrolled by park rangers for the purposes of public relationship and the preservation of property against vandalism.

Certain difficulties have arisen between property owners adjacent to the lake easements and the Corps of Engineers. Since boundary lines have not been marked, some cases of infringement in land­ clearing practices have been observed. No major conflicts of interests were reported in the environmental statement. It is believed that as development increases around the periphery of the lake both land and water quality will decline unless increased emphasis is given to quality preservation measures.

In the discussion of alternatives to the present operation and management program, it is emphasized that returning to the pre-construction status would impose great hardship on the area, particularly with reference to municipal and industrial water supplies for Belton, Temple and Fort Hood. Losses in recreational facilities and fish and wildlife habitats would be substantial. Conversion or return to pre-construction land status would be an extremely costly operation, and one not likely to be undertaken. Any alternative plan to provide flood control, water supply and recreational benefits would of necessity have to make economic and environmental commitments, perhaps equal to or greater than those involved in the existing Belton Lake Project.

Our staff-level review of the Environmental Impact Statement, Belton Lake, Texas finds the statement to be adequate for its intended purpose and would more than adequately fulfill require­ ments of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190) Sections 102(2) (c) and 102(2) (d) should it be applicable to the project.

The opportunity to furnish these comments is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Harry P. Burleigh OCi iVifl JULCHER T exas Wa ter q u a l ity Board CLAYTON T. GARRISON CHAIRMAN J1MC. LANGDON LESTER CLARK J. E.PEAVY.MD VICE-CHAIRMAN HUGH C. YANTIS. JR . J. DOUG TOOLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HARRY P. BURLEIGH EH. 47S-2661 A.C. S IS ,

S14 VEST 11TH STREET 78701 P.O. BOX 13246 CAPITOL STATION 787tl AUSTIN. TEXAS

May 8, 1973

RE: Operation and Maintenance Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Belton Lake by Corps of Engineers

Mr. Walter G. Tibbitts, III Acting Director Division, of Planning Coordination Office of the Governor P. 0. Box 12428, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Mr. Tibbitts:

The draft environmental impact statement on the operation and maintenance of Belton Lake indicates that the Corps of Engineers is providing a satisfactory program of water quality management for the reservoir.

The provisions for sewerage disposal, the surveillance of possible pollutant source areas, and the water quality monitoring practice should provide adequate measures of water quality protection.

If we may be of further assistance, please contact us.

Very truly yours, /—

Emory G. Long, Director Administrative Operations THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN AUSTIN, TEXAS 7871a

April 24, 1973

Col, Floyd H, Henk District Engineer Department of the Army Fort Worth District P.0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Col. Henk:

Z have your environmental statement for the operation and maintenance of Belton Lake, Texas. And I oust confess that I am somewhat confused as to the thrust of this state­ ment. I assume that this lmoact statement Involves assess­ ment of the operational procedures in Belton Lake. If so the following comments are appropriate. If not, they obvi­ ously miss your desired objective’.

I restrict my discussion to the recreational aspects of the operation and maintenance plan at this specific area which X have some insight. The water level fluctuation can be used to enhance recreational opportunity. At times the water level management nay at contradictory Impacts on dif­ ferent recreational uses. For example, water skiing, boat­ ing, swimming, and lake aesthetic view points would tend to favor water level stability and maximal volumes.

On the otherhand, recreational fishing (and perhaps hunting) might be aided by water level fluctuations. Not only does this have an Impact on oxidizing-mud phosphates and stimulat­ ing fresh terrestrial.growth for later decomposition when reflooded, it also may be used as a direct tool for managing rough fish densities. For example, Belton reservoir has a serious problem with regard to abundanceof gizVrd shad, Dorosona ceoedlanum. This results from excessive populations of adults which observe as metabolic sinks for a reasonable fraction of the primary productivity in that resevolr. The large shad are of such size that they are unavailable as food for the standard game fishes. (In many ways, this situation parallels that for various suckers and carp). Lake Belton also contains populations of the threadfin shad, JD. petenense. This species does not reach as large an adult size and few if any individuals are able to become unavailable metabolic sinks. Therefore any environmental manipulations that altered the competition relationships between these two species might well result in a major improvement in sport fish - rough fish population densities. Because gizzard shad are a single interval spawning species, one might be able to take ad­ vantage of this inflexibility of the gizzard shad and in effect replace many of these by threadfin shad. If the lake were watched carefully one might note the time of gizzard shad spawning and raise the level slightly (Ca meter) just prior to gizzard shad spawning and then lower it approximately twice that distance lust after spawning has occurred and strand the demersal eggs. Such action might have effect on the first spawning period for threadfins but subsequent spawn­ ings should not be so effected and a substitution of gizzard by threadfin night well occur. One could similarily approach the population densities of carp or suckers and have their eggs stranded. As the egg incuba.tion period for carp and suckers is about 3 times that of shad the lake lowering could be more gradual.

One could also arrange to raise the level of the resevoir shortly after black bass spawning had occurred which should cause an increase survival of the young bass and greater sport fishing. An lnovatlve policy on a closely managed recreation reservoir might provide a major opportunity for an increase In sports fishing and demonstration of operational procedure for other reservoirs. One should of course consider the impact of our level fluctuations on the downstream recreational fishery as the gains in the reservoir might be at the expense of a serious depletion of the downstream fishery.

I fear that the above discussion is only a bare outline of the possible new approach to reservoir management that is long overdue.

S1 n c e re-ly—■yy*u r s,

'"'"C la rk Hu^Jrs , SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENTOF ANTHROPOLOGY D a l l a s , T e x a s 75222 Archaeology Research Program

April 26, 1973

Colonel Floyd H. Henk District Engineer Department of the Army Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers P. 0. Box 17300 Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Dear Colonel Henk:

This letter is in response to your letter of 18 April 1973 and the attached EIS on Belton Lake, Texas which I have re­ viewed with particular concern for the known and unknown archaeological resources. It is encouraging to see that your office is conducting studies of the operation and maintenance activities at completed lake projects.

Wi*th regard to adverse impact, I would suggest that: a) archaeological sites are being eroded away by wave action;. b) archaeological artifacts are being exposed and sub­ sequently gathered by artifact collectors and there­ by lost for future study; and c) the lake makes archaeological sites more accessible to vandals who have destroyed some of the important sites located on and adjacent to the lake.

With regard to alternatives, it is possible to: 1) preserve these important remains by more strict en­ forcement of the Federal Antiquities Law (Public Law 59-209); and 2) scientific collection and excavation of partially inundated sites could be done with National park Service support during those periods when the lake level is reduced due to droughts. With regard to section IIB, it should be shown that the re­ servoir area was originally surveyed for archaeological sites in 1949 and that excavations were carried out in 1951. Four prehistoric sites were excavated and were then reported in 1952 (E. 0. Miller and E. B. Jelks, Archeological Excavations at the Belton Reservoir, Coryell County, Texas, Bulletin of the Texas Archeological Society, Vol. 23, pp. 168-217— this report is referenced in the EIS but no mention of excavation is made). Secondly in 1962 the Texas Archeological Salvage Project made a reconnaissance of the area to be affected by the proposed 25 feet increase in the conservation pool. At that time 9 sites were tested and excavated (Harry J. Shafer, Dee Ann Suhm, and J. Don Scurlock, 1964, An Investigation and Appraisal of the Archeological Resources of Belton Reservoir, Bell and Coryell Counties, Texas: 1962). These reports should be more carefully evaluated and this information incorporated into your report. This information might also be useful in . order for you to record these sites in response to Executive Order 11,593.

In addition I would suggest that you send a copy of this report to the National Park Service for review because they have a better understanding of archaeological matters than do other agencies in the Department of the interior.

I hope that this information will be use in assessing the impact that Lake Belton has. Please call upon us to review other statements in the future.

Sincerely,

S. Alan Skinner Director APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY

Ambient; surrounding (air, water) on all sides. Acre-foot: one foot depth of water on 43,560 square feet of storage area. Chlorinator: a chlorine gas, metered dispenser used to treat drinking water from wells. Class "C" project: a project funded for engineering design prior to or during 1966 with recreation specifically authorized by 1962 Act. (River and Harbor and Flood Control). Conservation pool: storage area for water used for municipal and industrial needs. The existing lake surface in all but flood . time. Coo count: a wildlife inventory method of estimating the number of mourning doves in a breeding area. Courtesy dock: a boat dock restricted to loading or unloading passengers and supplies to facilitate water recreation. Cubic foot second (cfs): flow rate of water measurement; one cubic foot of water flowing by a fixed point in one second. Design day load: a daily visitation load of the greatest number of people expected to use the project facilities during peak season. Based on computations using current survey data for weekly use distribution and the three high months of use. Dewatering: pumpout of water in stilling basin for inspection of concrete surfaces. Drawdown: five-year and ten-year lake surface elevations resulting _ from use and evaporation. The low point of recurrent lake levels. Dump stations: land and shoreline sewerage collection stations that facilitate use of recreation vehicles and boats. Easement land: generally private land subject to temporary flooding when the lake impounds runoff water. The federal government obtains an easement for such use. Epilimnion: the upper layer of water in a stratified lake. Warmer, lighter, oxygen-rich zone of water resting on the thermocline and contrasts to hypolimnion. Fallow disking: use of a tractor-drawn tandem disc or one-way plow to stimulate volunteer production of forbs in wildlife management. Fee land: land purchased by the Corps of Engineers for project use. Fire guard: a plowed, scraped, or cleared area free of dry in­ flammable vegetation installed to stop or contain fire and thus protect desirable vegetation, buildings, or facilities. Flood Control pool: the maximum volume of floodwater that can be impounded without overflowing outlet gates. Forage fish: smaller fishes that comprise large volumes of prey, or food resources of predacious fishes such as the basses, sunfishes, and catfishes. Forage species of particular value are threadfin shad, and small gizzard shad. Forb: synonym for herb or weed. Forbs include annuals, biannuals, and perennial herbaceous plants represented by pot herbs, medicinal herbs and many wildflowers. Forb foods consist of leaves, stems, buds, flowers and seed. Green browse includes many forbs eaten by wildlife species. Flush count: a method of estimating resident populations of bobwhite quails. Coveys, pairs, or single birds are located with a bird dog and counted as they flush. Flush counts are recorded by sites. Specific areas are surveyed. Game animals or species: birds, mammals, fishes, etc. generally those of special sporting use or interest. Species selected for special regulation by state or federal laws. Non-game species include birds, animals, and fishes that do not attract sporting use, but are protected for t'-e most part because of their ecological role (birds and mammals) or, are not protected due to their high productivity and limited use. Group counts: waterfowl fly in small groups as they go out to feed on upland crop lands or to different bodies of water. Estimates of the waterfowl present can be made by counting flight groups and multiplying by the average per group. Raft or roost counts require an individual count or estimate generally conducted from an airplane. Half-cuts: trees or lower limbs are cut part way through the bole and the top pushed down leaving it attached by a hinge-like flap of wood and bark that keeps the top alive. Used to develop ground cover where shrubs are absent or too few to attract wildlife use. Hypolimnion: the lower layer of water in a stratified lake, below the thermocline. Colder, heavier, oxygen-poor zone of stagnant water. Limnology: the study of the biological, chemical, and physical features of inland waters. Man-day: sporting use of wildlife by one man for part or all of one day. Mast: food resources for wildlife consisting of seeds, acorns, or nuts produced by trees or shrubs. Monotypic: one dominating life form of vegetation ie. grassland, woodland, brushland. Lacking vegetative life form and species diversity and least attractive or productive of most game species. Nutria: a large rodent from South America now firmly established in the Southern part of the United States. Resembles a muskrat but has a round nearly naked tail. Size comparable to beaver. Prolific. Vegetarian food habits. Predator: any fish, bird, or mammal that eats another of the same species or different species. Describes a food habit. Prescribed burn: a pre-planned management technique to remove excess accumulations of plant materials by fire, performed within fireguards, under high relative humidity, attended by men and machinery to prevent spreading to other areas. Burns performed with a specific result in mind. Primary sewerage treatment: removal of suspended matter from sewerage by screening or sedimentation. Solids are stored in a tank for anaerobic bacterial breakdown to liquid form. Recreation, intensive: areas in parks get intensive use and have a greater physical impact on soils, and vegetation than where recreation of low-density loads take place. Picnicking. Camping. Recreation, low-density: land areas attracting fewer participants per acre include those outside parks and used for hiking, bird watching, nature study, photography, hunting, and fishing. Roost count: a bobwhite quail covey estimate technique performed at beginning civil twilight. The recorder counts the number of coveys calling from their roost areas 30 minutes before sunrise to obtain an estimate of the resident quail population. Rough fish: species of fishes other than game fishes, also used for food, but lacking attractive characteristics of game fishes. Generally coarse-fleshed, and low in palatability, unless prepared by an expert cook. Secondary sewerage treatment: generally preceded by primary treat­ ment to reduce the load of solids. The remaining effluent is filtered through porous beds of sand or crushed stone where it is exposed to air, and contacts nitrifying and other aerobic bacteria that coat the stones and oxidize the organic matter. This treatment can be carried to complete stability by elaborate installations. Squirrel-time-and-area-count: a management technique for estimating resident squirrel populations. The recorder counts the number of squirrels observed from a number of selected sites for a definite period of time. Performed at a time of day when squirrels are most active and visible. Stressed: wildlife populations are exposed to body and mental tension when environmental factors alter their living area to cause crowding. Overcrowding makes predation more effective and incidence of diseases higher. Stressed populations live under increased pressures of competition for space, food, and cover. 10-10 limits: 10 parts per million (ppm) of 5 day Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 10 parts per million of suspended solids in effluent after treatment. Travel lane: a strip of grass, weeds, brush, or trees, or a combination of these, utilized by rabbits, quails, and other; wildlife to move safely from one part to another part of their habitat. Ermelo lovegrass strips are planted in wildlife habitat to improve range quality and to permit ground travel while screening the bird or rabbit from view. Trend counts: a wildlife assessment of animal populations in a specific area of habitat made at the same time of each year to determine increases, or decreases, of each species of management, or general interest. Trend counts provide an index to productivity and limiting factors each year, while indicating the general status of the species population for a period of the years of record. Tertiary treatment: additional refining of secondary sewerage effluent to achieve better color, or taste, or to remove odor and solids that escape removal in secondary treatment facilities. Thermocline: the middle layer of water in a thermally stratified lake separating the epilimnion and hypoliminion, where the water temperatures show sharp changes with increasing depth. Upper Guide contour: the line elevation to which fee land is pur­ chased for project operation and management. Varmint: a common name for undesirable species of wildlife. An individual’s opinion of any kind of wildlife considered to be pestiferous, troublesome, or undesirable. Vegetation manipulation: any mechanical, chemical, or burning technique used to stimulate growth of specific vegetative life-forms, or to change growth densities, or to remove, or incorporate vegetative litter into the surface oil.

LITERATURE CITED

(1) A. H. Belo Corporation, 1971. Texas Almanac 1972-1973. 7C& pp. (2) Jurgens, Kenneth C. 1955. Inventory of Species Present In the Belton

Reservoir, Texas. Federal Aid Project F-2-R-2, Job B-U, June 1, 195I4- to May 31, 1955, MS 20 pp.

(3) Shafer, Harry J. et al. Texas Archeological Salvage Project, etc. (M Miller, E. 0., and Edvard B. Jelks, 1952. Archeological Excavations at the Belton Reservoir, Coryell County, Texas. Bulletin of the Texas

Archeological and Paleontological Society, Vol. 2 3 , 168-217. (5) Economic-Base Study Section, Planning Branch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, lU April 1972.

(6 ) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southwestern Division, 1971. Water Resources Development by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Texas. USACE Pamphlet, 72 pp.

(7) USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 1950. A preliminary Evaluation Report on Fish and Wildlife Resources in Relation to the Belton Dam and Reservoir Project, Leon River, Brazos River Basin, Texas.

(8) USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, 19 6 7. Belton Dam and Reservoir Project, Texas, an In itia l follov-up Report on Fish and Wildlife Resource.