WSP05529 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. 3433 EAGLE COUNTY LAND USE CONTROL PERMIT FOR MAJOR EXTENSION OF EXISTING DOMESTIC WATER SYSTEM (1) Abstract Of The Proposal Indicating The Scope And Need For The Development; The Cities of Colorado Springs and Aurora, home rule cities, propose to develop Phase II of the Homestake Water Project. The Homestake Water Project, adjudicated with a 1952 priority under the Homestake Decree, currently diverts water from Homestake Creek and tributaries in the Homestake Valley. Existing storage and delivery systems have been sized to accomodate future expansion into the Phase II area. This Phase II proposed development will divert waters from the headwaters of Cross Creek and its tributaries and Fall Creek in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area. The Homestake Water Project received federal exemption to develop this water within the Holy Cross wilderness area under Public Law 96-560. The proposal is for 57,000 feet of tunnels, 3,000 feet of pipeline and four diversion structures. The diversion of water from the Cross Creek and Fall Creek drainages is estimated to amount to approximately 21,000 acre feet per year (af/yr), according to the U.S. Forest Service. This water is to be delivered into the existing Homestake system for subsequent delivery to the Cities of Colorado Springs and Aurora for municipal use. The need for the project is based on forecasted growth of the Cities of Colorado ~prings and Aurora, to include water service to the existing service area as well as future annexations as the communities grow. The need for the project is demonstrated in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Attachment 1) issued by the U.S. Forest Service, pages 1-1 through 1-3, which pages are being updated by Attachments 2 & 3. It should be noted that both Cities have continuously experienced extensive population growth for at least the last two decades and can expect a continued similar growth trend into the 1990's. According to the State Demographer, from 1970 to 1980, census results show the annual compounded rates of growth to have been 4.7 percent per annum for Colorado Springs . and 7.8 percent per annum for Aurora. For 1982 through 1995, Colorado Springs is projecting a growth rate of approximately 3.2% per year, based upon Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments' air and water quality planning population projections. For Aurora, for the same time span, a growth rate of approximately 3.1% per year is projected by the Aurora Planning Department. This growth rate is consistent with the Denver Regional Council of Governments projection for the Aurora area. Some reasons for growth are the expansion of present population, businesses and industries, as well as new industry and new residents being attracted to the Cities for a host of reasons. The forecasts by the Cities anticipate demand exceeding existing supply in approximately 1994. With a two year margin of safety, the project should be on line to deliver water to the Cities by Spring 1992. Due to the long lead times required for project study and permitting, plus five to ten years for construction, the Homestake Project has begun the process of acquiring all necessary permits and the development of detailed engineering drawings for a timely construction start.