FLOOD10420

• County: Adams
• County: Broomfield
• County: Weld
• Community: Broomfield, Westminster and Thornton
• Stream Name: Lower Big Dry Creek
• Title: Lower Big Dry Creek Hydrology Study
• Date: 6/1/2005
• Prepared For: Big Dry Creek Watershed Association
• Prepared By: Wright Water Engineers, Inc.
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Floodplain Report/Masterplan

I
I
m
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
m
I
I
I

Lower Big Dry lpreek Hydrologic Study

. Most of the soils found in the FounJn Creek Watershed are easily eradable and
I
have high to moderate runoff potential, which can contribute to the increase in
erosion and sedimentation damage in the watershed. Solutions must take this into
consideration.

. Solutions are needed to address both the sources of problems and also to mitigate
existing damage. Specific policiJs must be implemented to address the
occurrence and severity of erosion, I sedimentation and flooding in the future,
along with technical strategies to mitigate potential damage. Specific policies
should include better eliforcementl and protection of existing regulations,
development of new floodplain regulations, and improved drainage and planning.
Other policies should include metho~s to reduce the amount of residential and
existing industrial water use, thus ,Jeducing per capita storm water system and
wastewater discharge rates. This can be done through the use of water
conservation (e.g., encouraging the use of xeriscaping), increased use of non-
potable water and alternatives to direct discharge of treated effluent into streams.
Three examples of proactive steps th~t have already been initiated include 1) the
City of Colorado Springs Streamsid~ Ordinance, which guides the development
and maintenance of property adjacJnt to stream corridors; 2) Drainage Basin
Fees imposed by EI Paso County and the Town of Monument on new
developments or substantial improve'ments; and 3) NPDES Phase II regulations
in many of the communities to address storm water problems. Policy and
regulatory changes will require th~ support of the elected officials in each
community.

. Actions taken to repair or mitigate aamage in one area can have both positive
and negative consequences to ups1tream and downstream areas. Negative
I
consequences include redirection of flow, and velocity changes, which can cause
erosion and/or sedimentation upstrea~ and downstream.
I
. The Fountain Creek Watershed has diverse ecosystems, topography, climate, soils
and land uses. Strategies found I to be appropriate in one area can be
inappropriate for other areas. Eaeh of the four subwatersheds has different
issues and problems.

. Solutions must incorporate a regional approach and framework. Future success
of watershed management hinges on tollective and collaborative work efforts that
I
incorporate stakeholders into the decision making process.

.

Public outreach and education is a critical component in watershed planning.
Public outreach and education has already been accomplished by disseminating
information through newsletters, w~b sites, public speaking engagements and
I
public meetings. These efforts should be continued.
I
Both short term and long term so~utions are necessary to effectively remedy
problems in the Fountain Creek jatershed. If problems are not addressed

Wright wr' Eng[neers, Inc.

I

.

971-179.092
June 2005

Page 54