WSP02012

• File Number: 8141
• Description: Fryingpan-Arkansas Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 3/15/1971
• Author: various
• Title: Correspondence related to Fryingpan-Arkansas EIS
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

0414

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ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Mt, EJnert Pumped-Storage Powerplant
fryingpan-Arkansas Project, Colorado

Introduction

This environmental statement concerning the Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage
Powerplant, a major Project feature authorized by Public Law 87-590,
87th Congress and apprcved by the President on August 16, 1962, is sub-
mitted in compliance with Public Law 91-190, the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1959.

Project Authorization

fryingpanl!Arkansas Project Authorization under Public Law 87-590 approved
August 16, 1962, is documented by House Documents No. 187, 83rd Congress,
1st Session and House Document 353, 86th Congress, 2nd Session.

Description of Fryingpan-Arkansas Project

The Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, shown on the attached Map No.. 382-706-2648,
is a multipurpose development in Colorado which will serve the functions
of irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood ccntrol, municipal and industrial
water, recreation, fish and wildlife, and other useful benefits. This
Project will make a substantial contribution toward meeting the 11ational
and regional objectives for the protection and development of the area's
water and land resources.

The Fryingpan-h'kansas Project will conform with the cri teria and limita-
tions established in the "Operating Principles, Fryingpan-Arkansas Project,"
adopted by the State of Colorado on April 30, 1959, and as amended. These
principles reflect eastern and western slope agreement on operations of
western slope facilities and provide various measures for the protection
of recreation values, including fishing, and the rights anu interests of
the people on both slopes in Colorado.

The Bureau of Reclarr,ation is the principal federal agency responsible for
constructing, operating and maintaining the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project.
This agency began construction of the Project in the summer of 1964 with
the award of contract for Ruedi Dam, one of the Project's major features.
Since then, other contracts, as permitted by appropriation of funds, have
been awarded. Present work schedules call for completion of the Project
in 1977 0

Descripticn of Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage Pawerplant

Mt. Elbert Putlped-Stcrage Powerplant will b" located on the north shore
of Twin Lakes abcut 13 Iniles scuth,,'est of Leadville. The initial con-
struction of the powerplant will include a 100-megawatt capacity reversible