WSP09652 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

9. Air Quality . Ensuring conformity with Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 7401 et. seq.) by recognizing that potential air quality impacts in the nonattainment area from ski area expansion are inextricably linked to potential increases in VMT and requiring the permittee to demonstrate that measures are in place to ensure no net increase in VMT. III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES A. WATERSHED RESOURCES 1. Affected Environment No severe geologic hazards which might result in loss of life are present in the project area, but numerous lesser hazards exist which may affect the placement and design of structures. These hazards include unstable slopes, rockfall areas, and potentially unstable slopes. Landslide deposits are extensive with three areas of slope failures mapped on the upper slopes of Burnt Mountain. Two rockfall areas are present in the upper slopes of the project area, one just below Burnt Mountain and a second near the center of Burnt Mountain. Four areas of shallow groundwater are found along Spring Creek on upper Burnt Mountain. All alluvium in the East Village area is considered as having possible shallow groundwater. Soil ,erosion is generally not a problem, except where runoff becomes concentrated or the protective vegetation is removed or destroyed. Revegetation can be difficult because of the high elevation, short and harsh growing season and lack of organic matter in the surface layers. Cirques and cliffs and large deposits of rock are found in the upper portions of the project area. Colorado River No aquatic species of concern (i. e., Colorado River cutthroat trout or threatened or endangered species) are found in the small streams within the Snowrnass area. Four endangered species are, however, found downstream in the Colorado River: the Colorado squawfish, humpback chUb, bony tail chub, and razorback sucker. These species can be indirectly affected by flow depletions associated with snowrnaking, on-mountain facilities, and off-site municipal uses. Sorinq Creek Watershed Spring Creek is a well-vegetated, largely undisturbed watershed with a high drainage density and a high percentage of wetland/riparian habitats. Some of the highest value wetland complexes within the assessment area are located within this watershed. Aquatic invertebrates are abundant and indicate relatively good water quality conditions. Approximately six percent (56 acres) of the watershed (on NFSL) has been mapped as wetlands. It is also the only watershed that has not been sUbjected to recent development. Probably the most unstable area is where the willow and Owl Creek Ditch enters Spring Creek near its headwaters. The influx of diverted water to this small stream has caused eroding, unstable banks. The few existing trail crossings contribute a minor amount of sediment into the stream course. The geology and landforms of spring Creek are prone to mass movement and soil creep. Summary . 10