PUB00108

• Year: 1986
• Title: St. Vrain Basin Reconnaissance Study
• CWCB Section: Administration
• Author: Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority
• Description: Extensive study for future study and development toward meeting the water-related needs of residents with the St. Vrain Basin
• Publications - Doc Type: Brochure

1-4

Envi ronmental Concerns: Potential adverse and beneficial effects
of water development alternatives were identified as a major issue among area
stakeholders (defined as those individuals and organizations having a stake in
the outcome of the Study). Speci fically, stakeholders were concerned about
the potential impact of water development on recreation, water quality, and
coldwater fisheries. In addition, other envi ronmental and social issues dis-
cussed were related to safety concerns regarding dams and flood hazards in the
Basin.

Economic Concerns: A number of economic issues were raised during
the interviews. Several people commented that land developers have not had to
bear enough of the economic burden of water development in the past. Capital
costs and effects on area water rates were common concerns expressed about
potential project construction. At the same time, several people remarked
that cost should not be a sole determining factor in selection or elimination
of otherwise attractive alternative measures or plans.

In summary, the interviews and other elements of the Program were
instrumental in changing the direction and emphasis of the Step 2 studies. In
response to conce rns ra i sed in the i nterv i ews regard i ng the I ack of emphas i s
on non-structural alternatives, the Management Commi ttee di rected that Step 2
studies be modified to include greater emphasis on non-structural water
resources management measures.

In Step 2, Advisory Commi ttee members completed a formal opinion
questionnaire intended to document the relative importance of water related
issues such as water availability, flood control, recreation, environmental
and social concerns, energy production, and financial considerations. Results
of this survey are included as Appendix A to this report. They indicate that
the Committee favored reservoir alternatives located in the foothills or on
the plains rather than those located in high mountain areas. The consensus
was that a wel I-managed water resources management program is definitely
needed to conserve available water supplies. As a result of the questionnaire
and the on-going Program, a better understanding of regional interests and
values was obtained.

D. Siting and Study Areas

A Siting Area and a
to commencement of the Study.
Area is the larger of the two,

Study Area were establ ished by the CWRPDA prior
These areas are shown in Fig. 1-1. The Siting
fully encompassing the Study Area.

The Study Area is the area to be served by the structural and
non-structural measures developed in this Study. The Study Area includes the
St. Vrain Creek Basin to its confluence with the South Platte River exclusive
of Boulder Creek and an approximate 40-sq-mi area of the SI. Vrain physical
drainage basin in the vicinity of Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono. Also, a
small portion of the City of Boulder in the vicinity of Boulder Reservoir is
included in the Study Area.

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