1600 West 12th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80204
Phone: 303-628-6000
Fax: 303-628-6349
http://www.denverwater.org
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1600 West 12th Avenue |
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Proposal to Enlarge Gross Reservoir |
June 24, 2008: As part of its overall plan for the future, 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 Gross and Ralston reservoirs in a future drought and an imbalance in the utility’s water collection system, as 80% of supply comes from the south system. Last week, Denver Water released its Pre-Application Document (PAD). This is the next step in the process to apply for an amendment to its license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the proposed increased dam size, the expansion of the current FERC project boundary, modifications to the hydroelectric power facilities and relocation of existing recreation facilities. “We appreciate the cooperation of all the entities and individuals we’ve been working with throughout this process,” said Dave Little, Denver Water director of planning. “This is an important project to ensure we have water for our system, but we are conscious of water needs on both sides of the Divide.” Public input is needed throughout the process. The public has 60 days to comment on the PAD, which will address the proposed increased dam size; the expansion of the current FERC project boundary; the addition of further hydroelectric power; and the proposal to relocate existing recreation facilities. Three public meetings will be held:
For more information, visit www.denverwater.org/moffat_eis.html, or call Joe Sloan at 303-628-6320. A related permit process also is occurring. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is 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. Public involvement is an important part of both permits. Denver Water and the COE will provide updated information and hold community meetings as the process moves forward. As it looks to the future, Denver Water has identified a water supply shortfall of 34,000 acre-feet by the year 2030 (1 acre-foot is equal to 325,851 gallons of water, an amount that serves two single-family households in one year). Enlarging Gross Reservoir through the Moffat Collection System Project would provide an additional 18,000 acre-feet of water. The additional 16,000 acre-feet needed to avoid a water supply shortfall will be addressed through additional water conservation programs. In addition to developing new supply from the Moffat system and through conservation, Denver Water provides recycled water to some commercial irrigation and industrial customers to help meet future needs. Gross Reservoir is part of the Moffat Collection System and receives water
from the Fraser River through the Moffat Tunnel. The reservoir’s current storage
capacity is 41,811 acre feet. ###
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON ; June 24, 2008 |
Stacy Chesney |
CONSERVE |