WSP02836

• File Number: 8149.700
• Description: Homestake Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Date: 1/1/1984
• Author: Colo Springs Util.
• Title: Homestake Project Phase II
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

construction of a major tunnel and a new dam; 5) a water trade
proposal; and 6) a tunnel system instead of the originally-authorized
pipeline system.
The tunnel system (as illustrated on the map) is the preferred
alternative presented by the Cities. This option will provide needed
water, and, at the same time, will have only minimal impact on the
viildemess quality of the surrounding Holy Cross area.
Another option considered was the Green Mountain Exchange.
Although the plan would provide water without construction
through the wilderness area, it proposes an extremely complex
exchange of water.. It would require the mutual agreement of the
United States Bureau of Reclamation, the Denver Water Board the
Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the Colorado River
Water Conservation District, the Cities of Colorado Springs and
Aurora and many others. The timing of the Green Mountain
Exchange makes it an unlikely alternative to the continued develop-
ment of Homestake. Green Mountain could not be developed until
about 2010 - about 15 years later than Colorado Springs' and
Aurora's need for water.

Environmental Impact

Because of the designation of the wilderness area, the effect of
the project on the mountain environment is of special concern. Plans
. have been designed to transport water with as little impact as
possible on the Holy Cross Wilderness, from which the water will be
diverted. The Cities have demonstrated a desire to maintain the
wilderness qualities of the area.
In order to preserve the natural beauty of the area, construction
has been designed so that water will be carried through under-
ground tunnels to existing pipelines and reservoirs which are located
outside the wilderness area. Construction will begin outside the
designated wilderness area 50 that no roads will be built into it and
construction at diversion sites will be accessed through the tunnels.
-;i:r:c Of the 126,000 acres
'.~...'l7.
,'.'" ~ ";;"!f designated as wilder-
ness, only six acres will
be disturbed, and they
will be rehabilitated. In
addition, some areas
of Phase I will be up.
graded to meet or ex-
ceed current environ-
mental standards.
Water will be
diverted during the
spring runoff in May,
June, and July. Speci-
fied minimum stream
flows below the diver.
sian structures will be
maintained. The Forest Service has concluded that these minimum
flows will be adequate to maintain both aesthetically pleasing
standards and habitat for existing aquatic life.
A major environmental concern is the potential effect on the
wetlands downstream from the diversion points. Wetlands provide
habitat for a variety of wildlife species, and also allow filtration of
stream sediments which improves water quality. An independent
study conducted by the US. Forest Service has concluded that the
existence of wetlands in the area is a result of geologic, topographic,
and soil conditions, and is not dependent on annual stream flooding.
The Forest Service expects, and the Cities concur, that no loss of
wetland acreage will occur as a result of the proposed water
diversions.

Wild Flowers Near Project Area

These conclusions are supported by the fact that after four
decades of diversion by the nearby Twin Lakes water project and
nearly two decades of diversion by the first phase of the Homestake
Project, no loss of wetland acreage has been detected. As a
condition of the permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
the Cities will continue to study and carefully monitor conditions of
the wetlands. If necessary, corrective action will be taken to insure
their protection.

Project Costs

One of the obvious considerations of any water project is the
cost. Development of the Homestake Project Phase II using a system
of tunnels through the wilderness means increased costs in order to
protect the environment. It is estimated that the second phase of
Homestake will cost approximately $90,000,000 (in 1983 dollars).
An evaluation of up-front capital costs plus long-term costs for
energy, operation, and maintenance shows this to be reasonable
when compared to projections for alternatives.

Conclusion

Not so long ago, man perceived his challenge as one of subduing
and dominating his environment - of taming the wilderness. Then,
natural resources seemed plentiful, and nature's beauty was almost
taken for granted. Progressively, however, man has come to
recognize that the greater challenges and better solutions are found
in learning to live in harmony with nature.
Review of the Forest Service Environmental Impact Study
supports the final federal agency decisions that the Cities' proposal
for a tunnel system in implementing the next phase of the Home-
stake Project is the best compromise available. While this
compromise provides less water to the Cities at this time than other
development plans would, it has the least environmental impact at a
reasonable cost, and will provide needed water within the reqUired
time frame.
The Cities have concluded that the second phase of the Home-
stake Project will have minimal, if any, adverse effect on the
wilderness qualities of the area - that it is possible to have water and
wilderness too.

For More Information

Homestake is a joint project of the Cities of Colorado Springs
and Aurora. Reviewing agencies involved in the Homestake Project
include the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife SelVice, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, and various slate and local government agencies.

For information or speakers about the Homeslake Project
contact:

In Colorado Springs - The Department of Utilities
636-5316

In Aurora - The Department of Utilities
695-7370

Cover Photo: Area Immediatelv be/ow the Homestake Reservoir
Photographs 10 1984 by John C. GQJr, Colorado Springs
Brochure Produced By Colorado Springs Department of Utilities