WSP00420

• File Number: 8441.600.20
• Description: CBT Title Transfer to NCWCD
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 10/1/2000
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Draft Environmental Assessment - Title Transfer of Selected Colorado-Big Thompson Project Water Facilitiies to the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
nTLE TRANSFER OF SELECTED COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON PROJECT WATER
FACILITIES TO THE NORTHERN COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

newspapers. The announcement and action summary identified potential impacts to the
following resources as potentia! concerns:
Cultural resources listed on or eligible for listing in the national register of
Historic Places;
Water resources;
Wildlife resources.

The public also expressed concerns that ownership of the facilities by the United

States maintains a higher level of control over operations that can, if needed, be exercised

to protect the environment including threatened and endangered species. Concern also

was noted regarding how facility operations might affect flows and wetlands.

Other Actions
In a separate independent action, Reclamation is reviewing the proposed construction
of the Pleasant Valley Pipeline by the District. The Pleasant Valley Pipeline would
transport raw water from the Munroe Canal to the Fort Collins Water Treatment Facility
and Solider Canyon Filter Plant. A turnout to an existing pipeline would deliver water to
Greeley's Bellvue Water Treatment Plant.

The Bureau of Reclamation constructed the Munroe Canal as part of the Colorado-

Big Thompson Project. The Munroe Canal is operated and maintained by the District. In

order to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed Pleasant Valley Pipeline, the

District seeks to enter into a contract with Reclamation for carriage of tributary Poudre

River water in the Munroe Canal and seeks to obtain a permit from Reclamation to

connect the proposed pipeline to the Munroe Canal. Reclamation's execution of a

contract and permit is considered a federal action, which requires compliance with the

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEP A). Reclamation is the lead federal

agency responsible for completion ofNEPA documentation.

The Colorado-Big Thompson Project
The Colorado-Big Thompson Project imports water from the Upper Colorado River

west of the Continental Divide to supplement the primary water supplies of irrigated

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