FAQs about Moffat Collection System Project and Proposed Enlargement of Gross Reservoir
Q: What is the Moffat Collection System Project?
Q: What exactly would the project do to Gross Reservoir?
Q: Why is this project necessary?
Q: What will happen to the recreation areas along Gross Reservoir?
Q: Are any homes in the path of the proposed enlargement area?
Q: Are there any other alternatives to enlarging Gross Reservoir?
Q: How will this project affect wildlife and the local environment?
Q: Where will the additional water come from?
Q: How long would construction last?
Q: Where can I find more information?
Q: How do I keep informed on this project?
Q: Will the community be involved and have the opportunity to comment?
Q: What is the Moffat Collection System Project?
Denver Water is proposing to enlarge Gross Reservoir to help resolve three major
problems: a future water supply shortfall, the risk of running out of water in a
future drought at Gross and Ralston reservoirs, and a serious imbalance in the
water collection system as 80% of supply comes from the south system.
Since 1997, Denver Water has pursued a multi-pronged water strategy to increase supply and decrease demand through: 1) aggressive conservation, 2) the completion of a recycled water system, 3) improving system efficiencies and 4) increasing water supply. Denver Water is vigorously implementing the first three strategies and will continue to do so. Now there is a need to increase the water supply. You can find more information on Denver Water’s conservation programs, recycled water system and system efficiencies.
In 2004 Denver Water submitted a “Purpose and Need” statement to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). The COE examined more than 300 options to meet Denver’s needs and presented five “practicable alternatives.” Of the five alternatives, Denver Water believes the option to enlarge the existing Gross Reservoir would deliver the most benefits at the least cost and with similar environmental impact compared with the other alternatives.
Q: What exactly would the project do to Gross Reservoir?
The proposed project would increase Gross Reservoir from its current capacity of 41,811 acre-feet to approximately 114,000 acre-feet — an increase of 72,000 acre-feet (1 acre-foot is equal to 325,851 gallons of water and will supply two single-family households with water for a year). The current dam height would increase from 340 feet to 465 feet. Gross Reservoir was originally designed to be this size, but due to budget constraints in the 1950s, a smaller dam was designed and constructed. Connecting facilities, such as the Moffat Tunnel and South Boulder Canal, do not need to be modified. Gross has been and will continue to be a recreational amenity in Boulder County. If the project is approved, existing recreation facilities will be moved to higher elevations.
Q: Why is this project necessary?
There are three main reasons why Denver Water believes this project is necessary:
- Supply: Denver has identified a shortfall in supply that begins in 2016 and grows to 34,000 acre-feet per year by 2030. Approximately 16,000 acre-feet of the shortfall is expected to be addressed through additional conservation, leaving Denver Water with a need to develop 18,000 acre-feet of new supply.
- Reliability: During the 2002 drought, Denver Water came perilously close to running out of water in the Moffat Collection System. Without water in this system, Denver would lose the operation of one of its three treatment plants, and have difficulty meeting the needs of its treated water customers and raw water contractors such as Arvada, Westminster, Consolidated Mutual and others.
- Vulnerability: Denver’s water system is out of balance. Approximately 80 percent of its water supply relies on the unimpeded operation of Strontia Springs Reservoir. Emergencies above this reservoir threaten the operation of the entire system, as the Hayman and Buffalo Creek fires highlighted in recent years.
Q: How much will this cost?
Of the five alternatives presented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), enlarging Gross Reservoir presents the least cost. Construction is estimated to cost $140 million and the annual operating costs are estimated to be $300,000. Denver Water is funded entirely through rates and system development charges. No tax dollars are directed to Denver Water or its projects.
Q: What will happen to the recreation areas along Gross Reservoir?
Denver Water has proposed relocating the existing recreation facilities. See a detailed plan for these relocated facilities.
Q: Are any homes in the path of the proposed enlargement area?
No. The existing homes that surround Gross Reservoir are located above the proposed new high water line.
Q: Are there any other alternatives to enlarging Gross Reservoir?
Yes, the five alternatives presented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). Of these options, Denver Water believes enlarging Gross Reservoir would deliver the most benefits at the least cost and with similar environmental impact compared with the other practicable alternatives.
Q: How will this project affect wildlife and the local environment?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is currently preparing its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be released fall 2008. This document will address potential impacts to wildlife and the environment.
Q: Where will the additional water come from?
The additional water would be carried through the existing Moffat Tunnel from
the Fraser River and Williams Fork River in Grand County as well as from South
Boulder Creek. Streamflow in the Fraser and Williams Fork rivers would be
decreased by this project during wet and average years during the runoff months
(primarily May, June and July). Possible impacts will also be extensively
reviewed in the Draft EIS.
Q: What are the next steps?
A timeline is available. There are two concurrent permit
processes in progress. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is currently drafting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze potential impacts of the proposed enlargement. The anticipated release date for the
Draft EIS is fall 2008.
At the same time, Denver Water is applying for an amendment to its license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The FERC amendment is needed to address the increased dam size, the expansion of the current FERC project boundary, any changes to hydroelectric power and the proposal to relocate existing recreation facilities.
The COE Environmental Impact Statement and the FERC license amendment are independent processes. The Draft EIS will be included as attachments or exhibits to Denver Water’s FERC application.
Public involvement is a key part of both permits. Denver Water and the COE will provide updated information and hold community meetings as the process moves forward.
Q: How long would construction last?
If approved, construction would begin in 2012 and be completed by 2016.
Q: Where can I find more information?
Denver Water’s Web site provides detailed information about the project. For
specific questions, Travis Bray at (303) 628-6551 or
travis.bray@denverwater.org.
Q: How do I keep informed on this project?
Denver Water’s Web site provides the most up-to-date information. You can also sign up to receive e-mail updates as the project progresses.
Q: Will the community be involved and have the opportunity to comment?
Yes, Denver Water believes stakeholder and public input is vitally important
to this process. We recognize the complexities involved, especially in Grand
County where streamflow in the Fraser and Williams Fork rivers would be
decreased during wet and average years during the runoff months (primarily May,
June and July). Denver Water and the Corps of Engineers (COE) will provide
updated information and hold community meetings
as the process moves forward and also will provide notices of opportunities for
public input.