Little Lost River flood prevention project RC & D measure plan/EIS

The soil conservation service, Butte SCD and Watershed Improvement District, proposed to reduce winter flooding in and around the community of Howe, Idaho. Low winter flows in the stream freeze, blocking the channel. Subsequent flows are forced out of the channel onto surrounding cropland, causing flooding on 1,500 to 7,500 acres. Five alternatives for addressing the flooding problem were evaluated. The proposed measure would divert low winter flows from the channel into an infiltration trench. The stream channel would remain free of ice, allowing normal passage of spring runoff. Approximately 10.5 miles of stream will be dewatered from about December to March. The affected environment is "described," and the environmental consequences are documented; the mitigation planning process described and the selected mitigation plan presented. Approximately 7 stream miles of Sawmill Creek, a tributary of the Little Lost River will be rehabilitated to mitigate for project impacts.