Res 2011-127 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN Chapter 2 Activities Covered by the Permit 2.1 Covered Activities The Applicants seek incidental take coverage for four categories of activities that may result in incidental take of the fish and wildlife Covered Species: (1) the regulation and use of the Aquifer; (2) recreational activities in the Comal and San Marcos spring and river ecosystems; (3) other activities in, and related to, the Comal and San Marcos springs and river ecosystems; and (4) activities involved in and related to the implementation of the minimization and mitigation measures in these ecosystems. The protection and regulation of the use Edwards Aquifer is the responsibility of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA). The EAA also seeks coverage for the persons and entities it authorizes to use the Aquifer. The San Antonio Water System (SAWS), the City of San Marcos, and Texas State University seek incidental take coverage, as Applicants, for their pumping from the Aquifer authorized by the EAA. The cities of New Braunfels and San Marcos and Texas State University have the authority to manage the spring and river ecosystems within their respective jurisdictions including many aspects of the use of the ecosystems for recreation. They are seeking incidental take coverage for these activities. Each of the Applicants will be responsible for the implementation of minimization and mitigation measures as well as measures that contribute to the recovery of the Covered Species. In addition, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has created a state scientific area to protect Texas wild-rice and habitat in the San Marcos Springs ecosystem during low flows. They will pursue an additional state scientific area in the Comal Springs ecosystem to protect fountain darter habitat. TPWD also intends to participate in the implementation of other minimization and mitigation measures in both ecosystems. Incidental take coverage is sought for all of these activities. The following is a brief description of the specific activities for which incidental take coverage is sought. Detailed descriptions of the measures that will be implemented to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the incidental take are set out in Chapter 5. 2.2 Edwards Aquifer Authority withdrawal of groundwater from the Aquifer. The EAA carries out its statutory powers through rulemaking. The EAA seeks incidental take ms that implement these statutory functions. In addition, the EAA seeks coverage for persons who are both authorized under the 2-1