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XI-1 SECTION XI CRITERIA o Existing flood problems should be mitigated by applying the proper combination of non-structural and structural methods. INTRODUCTION There are many demands on the land and water resources of the South Platte River corridor. The demands are associated with efforts to achieve a variety of objectives such as economic development, regional development, transportation, social well-being, and environmental quality. The land and water resources of the corridor are limited, but the demands are not. The objectives compete with each other. Competing objectives must be reconciled through a formal planning strategy for the South Platte River. o The plan should reduce the exposure of people and property to flood hazard. o The drainage and flood control program for the South Platte River should be coordinated with water supply, sewerage, land use, building development, recreation, transportation, and open space planning pro- grams of the metro area. This major drainageway planning study for the South Platte River is unique in its scope and potential impact. No other river or stream in the Denver Metropolitan area is subject to as many varied demands as the South Platte River. The river is truely a multi-use, multi-jurisdictional resource. o The existing floodplains from Chatfield Dam to Columbine Valley, and from Sand Creek to Brighton should be permanently managed and regu- lated, while elsewhere regulation would constitute an interim measure until channel improvements are made. The purpose of this study is to develop alternatives for the solution of flooding problems while maintaining a balance with respect to the other uses of the river. In order to achieve this purpose, criteria must be estab- lished. In order to establish these criteria, goals must be developed which will provide guidance for the development of the criteria. o The potential of the river corridor for parks and recreation should be exploited to increase land values, social harmony, health, and to reduce dependance on the automobile. o Conflicting demands on the limited waters of the South Platte River must be optimized within constraints imposed by Colorado law and the various needs related to the river. GOALS Goals for this Master Planning process were established and are presented below. All subsequent decisions regarding the Master Plan will be judged against their ability to satisfy the goals and the criteria developed. o Wildlife and riparian vegetation conditions should be improved. o The foremost and primary use of the South Platte River is for drainage and flood control. o The plan should insure that proposals and recommendations are consis- tent with overall regional goals and objectives. o Erosion and sedimentation problems should be minimized. o The Master Plan should reduce to the extent possible future flood damages while systematically reducing existing flood damage potential. PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA Criteria for the South Platte River are divided into two parts; planning and design. Planning criteria are generic in nature. They establish the gen- eral direction of this Master Plan and address a broad range of issues. Design criteria establishes more specific direction for this Master Plan.