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o 1)~5 in Alternatives, Including Proposed Action 2-11 2.1.2.6 Safety Features Project design would include several safety features to protect humans and wildlife: . Escape ladders in the AB Lateral (assuming the all-penstock option is not selected). . Big game escape ramps in front of the penstock intake and near the U.S. Highway 50 crossing (assuming the all-penstock option is not selected). . Safety fencing at the penstock intake, U. S. Highway 50 crossing, and stilling basin. . Air-release check valves along the penstock to release accumulated air during filling, and manholes for proper ventilation and access during construction and maintenance. . Pressure-sensing devices along the penstock to detect any rapid pressure drops. In case of an emergency or unplanned shutdown of power generation, water flow would be maintained through the penstock and released to the river through the turbines. In the unlikely event of a ruptured pipeline, the penstock gates would be closed automatically and the South Canal gates opened automatically for diversion through the South Canal. The Sponsors could also di vert excess flow into Cedar Creek in the event of an unplanned shutdown.2 However, Cedar Creek would not be used on a long-term basis. It would only be used to help minimize short-term fluctuation in the South Canal. 2.1.2.7 Access to Facilities Access to work areas would be from U.S. Highway 50, county roads, and existing UVWUA maintenance roads. Some minor roadways would be upgraded for equipment hauling, but bridge improvements would not be needed. Along the AB Lateral, the existing maintenance road would be widened to 12 ft and upgraded to a crushed rock surface. New access roads may be constructed where necessary, with appropriate landowner agreements, 2.1.2.8 Rights-of-Way Easements would be required for construction and operation of the penstock, powerhouse, tailrace, and transmission lines. The Sponsors have already acquired much of the land and land rights necessary for construction and operation. Easement width would vary depending on landowner negotiations and terrain. Maximum construction easements would be approximately 200 feet; reduced to 100 feet for long-term operations. Any land rights acquired for the AB Lateral enlargement would be donated to the United States to maintain control over the irrigation system. The Sponsors would be responsible for maintenance of these lands. 2 Because Cedar Creek is now used to convey irrigation flows to the Uncompahgre River, there is sufficient channel capacity to carry a portion of the diverted hydropower flows without impacting the channel's environment. However, the decision to use Cedar Creek as an emergency overflow will not be made until detailed design data are axailable for the penstock-turbine-gate control systems, The decision to use Cedar Creek will include considerations of the potential environmental impacts resulting from such use. AS Lateral Hydropower PrOject July 2000 Ai;., ~ __~,.i: _,.::<< ,-.