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I I I I' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Background and Objectives The St. Vrain Basin Study was originally authorized by the Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority (CWRPDA) in February 1983. This Study is the fi rst comprehensive Basin-wide study undertaken since the State Legislature created the CWRPDA in 1981. The initial objectives of the Study as established in February 1983, and included in the Plan of Study of October 1983, were: (1) to iden- t i fy the needs of the St. Vra i n Bas i n for future water resource deve lopment, and (2) to identify and evaluate, at a reconnaissance level of detai I, the means avai lable to meet those needs through the development of new water sup- plies and through the improved regulation and distribution of already devel- oped waters, including imported waters. The Study was initially planned to be carried out in three major steps: o Step 1 - Identification of needs and characteristics of the St. Vrain Basin o Step 2 - Formulation of water resource development alternatives o Step 3 - Reconnaissance-level evaluation of candidate alternatives The identification and evaluation of means to meet the future water resource needs of the St. Vrain Basin were initially limited to structural alternatives such as new reservoirs and appurtenant facilities, and the re- habi I itation, expansion, or change in use of existing reservoi rs and appurte- nant faci I ities. Also, St. Vrain Basin water development alternatives were to be limited to consideration of already developed trans-mountain water and development of native flows in the St. Vrain Basin, inclusive of the Boulder Creek Watershed. Hydroelectric potential, both conventional and pumped stor- age, was to be evaluated as a possible means of generating revenues from the sale of power to aid in financing a potential project. However, partway through Step 1, as a result of publ ic input, it was decided to substantially alter the scope and approach to the Study by including consideration of non- structural measures in meeting water management objectives. Also, the change in scope indicated more emphasis would be placed on evaluation of potential social and environmental effects of alternative measures designed to meet water-related needs. Step 1 of the Study, completed in August 1984, resulted in the identification of water-related needs to the year 2020 and compi lation of characteristics of the Basin related to water resources management. Step 2 of the Study was initiated in October 1984 with complementary objectives to Step 1 and a revised Plan of Study was prepared.