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Final Draft - Preferred Storage Options Plan Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District June 8, 2000 depending on the availability of impervious materials and mine dewatering requirements. A gravel pit currently being mined near Pueblo is being developed for future storage. An impervious earth liner in the form of a clay berm is being constructed as mining progresses. Because of their limited storage capacity and location, gravel lakes may be best suited to local municipal applications rather than part of regional water storage and management options. Environmental and Permitting Issues. Gravel lakes storage is expected to have relatively fewer environmental issues and permitting challenges in comparison to conventional water storage options. They usually are on private land and most of the environmental issues and impacts, particularly riverine habitat and wetlands, are addressed in obtaining the mining permit. Environmental compliance is not expected to be required unless gravel lakes storage is included as part of a larger storage development plan that is permitted under NEP A. Neither an EA or EIS is expected to be required for stand-alone development of gravel lakes storage. Implementation Cost. Costs to develop gravel lakes storage are highly dependent on site conditions and whether development occurs concurrently with mining or after mining is completed. B& V estimates implementation costs to be $1,090 per af for concurrent development (new lake) and $3,920 per affor conversion of an existing pit/lake into a lined water storage facility. These costs do not include conveyance facilities for filling and draining the reservoirs. Costs in the Denver area have bj:en somewhat lower, based on GEl's experience, within a range of$1,500 to $3,000 per af, excluding conveyance costs. 3.4 Water System Modeling A major element in evaluating potential altematives and identifYing a preferred plan for meeting District storage needs is the hydrologic modeling analysis completed by MW. A detailed report covering the modeling work and an Executive Summary of that report have been completed and reviewed by the SSe. The summary of modeling work provided in this section of the report provides backup for selection of the preferred plan. The water resources simulation model is intended to serve the following purposes in selection of a PSOP for the Arkansas Basin. l\PROJECTS\99061\RC'pOI1S\Pn:ferred SOP Finalwpd 3-17 m GEl Consultants, Inc.