OMAHA, Neb. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the release of the draft feasibility study report and environmental impact statement for Chatfield Reservoir storage reallocation today.
The draft identifies alternatives for reallocating storage space in the Chatfield Reservoir for joint flood control- conservation purposes, including storage for municipal and industrial water supply, agriculture, environmental restoration and recreation and fishery habitat protection and enhancement.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 requires the Corps to assess and report the socio-economic and environmental effects of reallocating storage for these purposes.
"This report allows the public, cooperating agencies and Corps decision makers to compare the impacts and costs among a range of alternatives and then select the best alternative for meeting the needs identified," said Gwyn Jarrett, project manager. "Extensive coordination with the project sponsor, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, occurred in the preparation of this draft report. Representatives from federal, state, local governments and nongovernmental groups such as the Sierra Club and Audubon Society provided substantial input into the development of this draft report," according to Jarrett.
The public is encouraged to provide comments on the draft report and environmental impact statement during the open comment period from Jun. 8, 2012 to Aug. 7, 2012. There will be a series of evening public meetings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Jun 25 Parker, CO The Wildlife Experience, 10035 S. Peoria Street
- Jun 26 Littleton, CO Dakota Ridge High School, 13399 West Coal Mine Avenue
- Jun 27 Gilcrest, CO Valley High School, 1001 Birch Street
BACKGROUND: Population growth within the Denver, Colo., metropolitan area continues to create a demand on water providers. Colorado's population is projected to be between 8.6 and 10.3 million in 2050. The Statewide Water Supply Initiative, commissioned by the State Legislature, estimates that by 2050, Colorado will need between 600,000 and 1 million acre-feet/year of additional municipal and industrial water. There is also a strong need for additional water supplies for the agricultural community in the South Platte Basin as thousands of acres of previously irrigated land has not been farmed in recent years due to widespread irrigation well curtailments.
The purpose and need of the Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation Study is to increase availability of water, sustainable over the 50-year period of analysis, in the greater Denver area so that a larger proportion of existing and future (increasing) water needs can be met.
The draft Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation Feasibility Study Report and Environmental Impact Statement are available for viewing at http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Planning/PlanningProjects/ChatfieldReallocationStudy.aspx
Written comments should be sent to
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District; CENWO-PM-AA
ATTN: Chatfield Reservoir Storage Reallocation FR/EIS
1616 Capitol Avenue
Omaha, NE 68102-4901.
Comments can also be emailed to: chatfieldstudy@usace.army.mil. Comments must be postmarked or received no later than Aug. 7, 2012.