WSP04503

• File Number: 8142.600.20
• Description: Trinidad Project - Environmental Studies
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 3/1/1974
• Author: Corps of Engineers
• Title: Draft Environmental Statement - Trinidad Lake Project - Purgatoire River - Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

OC1470
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SUMMARY

TRINIDAD LAKE PROJECT

(X) DRAFT

() FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE: U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW
MEXIr.O. COLONEL JAMIlS L. SUITON, DISTRICT
ENGINEER, BOX 1580, PHONE [phone]

1. NAMIl OF ACTION: (X) ADMINISTRATIVE

() LEGISLATIVE

2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION: Trinidad Dam is currently being constructed
across the Purgatoire River approximately 4 miles west of the city of
Trinidad, Colorado. When completed, the project will provide flood
security, irrigation storage and regulation, sediment retention, and,
with the acquisition of water for the maintenance of a permanent pool
enhanced recrestion and fish and wildlife resources. As of 28 February
1974, work on about 61 percent of the overall project had been completed
with about 45 percent of embankment work complete. Approximately 3,658
acres of land have been acquired for project purposes including six
small communities with a combined population of about 1,500. Displaced
persons have relocated and the structures removed. The project requires
the relocation of about 6 miles of State Highway, 6 miles of county
road, 9 miles of railroad, utilities, Jansen Reservoir, and two ceme-
teries (630 graves). Future action involves the completion of the
embankment; complete construction of the relocated highway, railroad,
and utilities; recreation facilities development; landscape restora-
tion; filling of the reservoir; and fisheries development. The
embankment is currently scheduled to be completed early in 1977, and
impoundment of water can begin at that time.

3. (A) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The completed multipurpose project
will provide for flood control, irrigation storage and regulation,
sediment retention, and water-associated recreation. Both short-
and long-term economic benefits can be expected to accrue, as well
as contributions to the field of archeology. Project construction
will affect visual and physiographic alteration as a consequence of
construction activities and the substitution of a terrestrial and
running water environment with a lacustrine environment. Wildlife
disturbance and losses, as well as habitat loss, will be minimal,
and the increased water storage should attract an increased number
of water-associated avian species. Ramifications of displacing
approximately 1,500 persons are not known. An increase in recreation-
oriented visitation will influence nearby communities as well as
surrounding recreation areas.

(B) ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: Some adverse consequences
were undoubtedly associated with the displacement of individuals
living on land acquired for project construction; however, the extent

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