Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Those who oppose any study or proposal to construct dams on <br />the Cache la poudre usually noted that they would prefer its <br />inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers system. They <br />argued that the present S.B. 439 study is a waste of taxpayers' <br />money. In that context, several peli'sons urged that the study be <br />terminated at this time rather than: carried forward into the <br />second phase as planned. ' <br /> <br />Many people argued that the study is too narrow in scope. <br />They noted that each of the three primary purposes which a water <br />development project in the canyon wQuld serve could possibly be <br />accompl ished by other means. For example, municipal water <br />requirements could potentially be satisfied with a single <br />purpose, single reservoir project oe lesser capacity than the <br />preliminary alternative projects under consideration. Also, it <br />was noted that projected water requirements themselves could be <br />reduced from what they otherwise might be if steps were taken to <br />increase the efficiency of use in the municipal sector (e.g., <br />through metering, pricing structures, mechanical flow-restricting <br />devices, etc.). <br /> <br />people cited various alternatives as potential means to <br />achieve the improved management of already developed waters. For <br />example, the enlargement of Horseto~th Reservoir, dredging of <br />existing, off-channel plains reservQirs to restore their <br />capacity, and repair and rehabilitation of those existing <br />reservoirs and their associated delivery systems were, in the <br />opinion of many, potentiallY viable ways of achieving the desired <br />improvements in management without damming the Cache la Poudre. <br /> <br />Finally, it was noted many times that there are alternatives <br />to the use of water proj ects for th~ generation o.f peaking <br />power. In general, these alternatives consist of either <br />different technologies (e.g., coal ~ycling plants and <br />co-generation) or load management practices which are designed to <br />reduce peak loads and even out the demand for electricity. In a <br />similar vein, many people also expressed doubt about the future <br />demand for peaking power in light of expected in.creases in the <br />real cost of electricty. The possibility of shifting the CBT <br />system to a peaking operation was also raised. These issues are <br />particularly germane since a multip~e reservoir project in the <br />canyon is needed only if one is endeavoring to maximize <br />development of the basin's hydropower potential and revenues from <br />the sale of power. The other two ptoject purposes can be <br />accomplished with a single reservoi~ project. <br /> <br />With respect to the evaluation of the effects, or impacts, <br />of the eight preliminary alternative projects, many people <br />commented on the fact that the environmental, recreational, and <br />social impacts of the potential pro~ects are not being taken into <br />account. This relates back to the outright statements of <br />opposition to the study and to any proposals for dams, it clearly <br /> <br />-2- <br />