WSP01569

• File Number: 8449.900
• Description: Bear Creek
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 2/4/1972
• Author: USACOE
• Title: Final Environmental Statement for Bear Creek Flood Control Project
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

Winds from the mountains are expected to keep Bear Creek Lake waters
continually mixed during ice free periods. This is based on depth,
dissolved oxygen values and water temperature comparisons with Marston
Lake which is a short distance downstream and does not develop a thermocline.
Wind mixing could maintain turbidity and retard rooted aquatic vegetation
growth. Based on Corps obtained data, it is predicted that nutrient
levels in the impoundment will be low thus reducing the potential for
nuisance algal blooms.

Should nuisance growths of aquatics develop, their removal would
best be accomplished by developing an overall water quality management
plan for the entire basin. Ideally, such a plan would bring all Federal,
State and local Government agencies together to study methods of
controlling runoff into the lake. Upgrading sewage treatment systems
alone is not adequate when there are many localized areas where pollution
of a stream can occur. The water quality management plan should define the
areas of pollution and should suggest the best quality protection for the
lake. Although such a plan could be formulnted using the disciplines
from various organizations, its implementation would be the responsibility
of the local government.

5. Recreation - Turf grasses vould be planted on heavy impact
public use areas as they will withstand greater volumes of human traffic
than native vegetation.

IV. Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the
proposal be implemented.

Many relocations involving people would occur as a result of project
implementation. These relocations include pri~ate homes, farmsteads,
small businesses, and the mobile home court tha.t are currently vi thin the
proposed project boundary. Admittedly these relocations affect the
physicosocial environment of the individuals involved rather than the
biological environment. They are, nevertheless, adverse environmental
effects. Residential development vill be accelerated on lands immediately
adjacent to, and downstream from, the proposed project.

One-and-one-half miles of mountain stream (portions of both Turkey
and Bear Creeks) would be permanently lost. This is the amount that would
be buried beneath the main embankment and the multiple-purpose pool.

Present gravel and clay mining within the proposed project boundary
would cease upon project implementation. In addition, cessation of this
mining vould lead to an increase of such activities in areas adjacent to
the project thus destroying additional surface ecology.

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