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Physical Environment - cont'd. crest elevation of 6,024. f ~l' Owing to the eXisting constraints of the Canyon directly below the dam, it will be necessary to locate the replacement pipeline at approximately the same location as the old pipeline. With proper anchoring it is anticipated that this line will also withstand the 100 year flood. ,- To protect the hydroelectric plant from the statistical 100 year flood, the new plant will be relocated approximately. 60 feet southwest of the old plant. Because the existing elevation increases as one moves in a southwesterly direction, it will be possible to place the floor elevation of the new plant outside the 100 year floodway, thus affording it the same protection as the dam. 2. Social Environment: As the City of Loveland continues to grow there will be a commensurate increase in demand for electrical power. This project will provide a source of clean, non-fossil fuel burning power for the indefinite future at a cost only 15-20% of that purchases from the Platte River Power Authority. Further, because of the increasing National energy shortage there should be a national demand for hydroelectric power wherever feasible. It has been estimated that there are potentially 14,000 megawatts of additional electrical energy available if presently identified sites in the United States are developed utilizing small hydroelectric plants (Ref. 7). It is believed that social pressure will demand a full scale program for the development of small hydroelectric plants wherever possible. i,__ 3. Aesthetic Environment: The existing aesthetic environment of the Big Thompson Canyon will require the particular attention to design features of this project be paid regarding the aesthetic treatment of the dam, aqueduct and powerplant. These aspects have been considered and are described in Section E (Description of Project) and Section H (Specific Designs to reduce Adverse Impacts and Enhance Environmental Quality). ~ r . """ 18