9587

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9587
• Author: Ayres Associates.
• Title: Environmental Permitting Services - Elkhead Reservoir and Yampa River Basin, Colorado.
• USFW Year: 1997.
• USFW - Doc Type: Ft. Collins, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

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Lake Catamount Resort
Environmental Impact Statement and Related Studies

u.s. Forest Service and Routt National Forest
Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Resource Consultants & Engineers, A Division of Ayres Associates (RCE) was a major
participant in the preparation of an EIS for a proposed downhill ski area and reso~ community
at lake Catamount, Colorado, that would utilize approximately 7,000 acres of National Forest
Service lands. The development would provide a 12,000 skier-at-one-time area with 13 chair
lifts, one gondola, 68 ski trails, and access to national terrain. The area of interest for the
proposed lake Catamount Resort lies in the middle portion of the Yampa River basin. RCE
conducted analyses of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed ski development in
the areas of soil erosion and stream sedimentation, hydrology, groundwater, water rights,
hydraulics, geomorphology, channel stabilization, water quality, and geologic hazards.

The water quality investigation required sampling of several lake tributaries to provide
background water quality data, the determination of lake nutrient loading, an assessment of
impacts of proposed development upon the tributaries and the lake, and a comparison of
stream water quality to stream standards. Involvement of RCE professional staff included field
data collection, technical analyses and modeling, attendance at project and public scoping
meetings, and preparation of both written and verbal presentation of results.

Noteworthy Features of this Job

· Avoidance and mitigation strategies were successfully integrated into project components
· Complex water quality issues addressed
· Multidisciplinary, multiyear project

Why is this Job Relevant?

· Project involved the development of a comprehensive EIS and related NEPA supporting
documentation
· RCE provided technical support in all aspects of project related to the hydrology, river
hydraulics, water quality, and erosion/sedimentation aspects
· Significant public participation and interagency coordination programs were involved