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<br />A bike trail/walking path was envisioned that would pass along the stream reach. The trail <br />could eventually be continued upstream. In addition, small areas of willow could be planted at <br />several points along the channel edge. A stream restoration of this type would probably cost at <br />least $350,000. <br /> <br />North Creede Culvert <br />For the culvert at North Creede, designs and approximate cost estimates for a range of culvert <br />types and flood return intervals were developed. Corrugated metal pipe, corrugated metal pipe <br />arch, corrugated metal and concrete open bottom arches, and concrete box culverts were <br />considered. The culvert type that appeared most cost effective for each flood return interval was <br />suggested. Removal of the culvert and placement of long retaining walls and a timber footbridge <br />was also considered, as well as complete removal of the cabin and restoration of the stream. <br /> <br />Approximate costs for culvert projects ranged from $45,000 at the 5-year level to $100,000 at the <br />100-year level. 100-year protection with a footbridge may cost about $70,000, while removal of <br />the cabin with compensation to the owner would probably cost several hundred thousand dollars. <br />Flood protection at the 100-year level may not be necessary at the site. The city council and <br />mayor, property owners in North Creede, interested citizens, and possible funding agencies will <br />need to weigh project cost versus risk of damage and the desired level of flood protection. <br /> <br />Commodore Flood Bypass System <br />Potential flooding over the Commodore Mine tailings piles could potentially cause catastrophic <br />damage to Willow Creek, downtown Creede, and the Rio Grande. However, the construction of <br />a flood bypass over the commodore tailings pile will be a difficult challenge given the steep and <br />unstable slopes and the need for historic preservation at the site. <br /> <br />Two options were considered to address the Commodore pipe problems. The first option was to <br />remove the wooden flume and extend a more adequate pipe from the stream through the upper <br />tailings pile to the entrance of the existing concrete pipe. This option would use the existing pipe <br />system to convey large floods and would cost approximately $400,000. However, conveyance of <br />a large flood through the existing steel pipe sections could potentially cause pipe failure, severe <br />damage, and end up causing flood waters to overtop the tailings piles. Therefore, this option was <br />not considered favorable. <br /> <br />The second option considered was to install a complete system to convey large flood flows over <br />the tailings pile. In this case, a conveyance system would have to be installed down the tall and <br />very steep slopes of the lower Commodore tailings piles. Heavy equipment operation on these <br />slopes may be extremely difficult. The installation would also be visible from the bachelor loop <br />road and may alter the historic character of the area. However, this option may be required to <br />fully ensure flood protection for the tailings piles. <br /> <br />A very preliminary system was proposed to convey floods over the tailings pile. A 12-foot wide <br />by 5-foot tall concrete box culvert was designed to pass water from West Willow Creek over the <br />flat portion of the upper tailings pile before entering an 8-foot diameter pipe to drop to the top of <br />the lower tailings pile. A 6-foot diameter pipe would convey water down the steep slope of the <br /> <br />VII <br />