FLOOD10357

• Document ID: 123
• County: Rio Grande
• Stream Name: Alamosa River
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Sub-Basin: Alamosa - Trinchera
• Water Division: 3
• Title: Alamosa River Watershed Project Literature and Watershed Assesment, Final EPA Report
• Date: 9/30/2003
• Prepared For: Valle del Sol Community Center
• Prepared By: US Environmental Protection Agency
• Watershed Pro - Doc Type: Project Report

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historically exceeded numeric standards for agricultural use and aquatic life. The aquatic
life in the Alamosa River and Terrace Reservoir has been impacted by high metal
loading and resulting toxic concentrations from the Summitville Mine. Some stream
segments classified as Class I Coldwater Aquatic life have been downgraded by the
State of Colorado using Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) studies or by the waiving of
water quality standard ARARs. Some people in the local community have been
concerned about the integrity of their drinking water from their wells.

On February 11,1994 President Clinton sign an Executive Order on Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people
regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development,
implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. Fair treatment
means that there should be no disproportionate negative impacts to a minority or low
income populations. This project was financed by the EPA under an Environmental
Justice Grant to assist community groups in attempt to solve local environmental
problems.

The impact to the Alamosa River water quality has degraded the community's
livelihoods, environment and overall quality of life. It is the vision of the local citizens to
return the water quality of the Alamosa River back to its condition in the days where the
river and Terrace Reservoir were viable recreational resources for fishing and swimming,
and provided a positive individual connection to one's quality of life in the community.

III. History and Background Information the Organization

The Alamosa Riverkeeper in conjunction with the Valle del Sol Community Center was
the local sponsor for this Environmental Justice Grant through EPA. The Valle del Sol
Community Center is a non-profit organization located in Capulin, Colorado, within the
Alamosa River Watershed study area.

The Alamosa Riverkeeper is a local grassroots advocacy organization. It is also a
member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a national organization that promotes water quality
and participates in the protection and restoration of waterbodies through litigation,
education, and scientific research. Alamosa Riverkeeper's goal is to restore the health
of the Alamosa River and to promote local stewardship for the river and its watershed.
The Riverkeeper is actively involved with issues that affect the watershed that includes
the Summitville Mine Clean Up, river restoration activities and regulatory water quality
standard changes.

IV. The Project and Results

The Research Report for the Alamosa River Watershed Project comprises 8 sections.
Sections 1 through 4 discuss studies that were performed and are relevant to the entire
Alamosa River Watershed. Sections 5 through 7 address reports and studies that were
in specific areas within the watershed such as the Upper Alamosa River Watershed,
Terrace Reservoir and the Lower Portions of the Alamosa River Watershed. Each
section of the report contains a discussion and assessment section that elaborates on
the important issues and challenges facing the watershed. Section 8 is the Reference

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