WSP06933

• File Number: 8272.500
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Colo Dept of Public Health - WQCC and WQCD
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 11/1/1989
• Author: WQCD
• Title: Colorado Nonpoint Assessment Report - November 1989
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

~i
,.,J (.I)
o
~t 0 Left Hand Creek, from Ward to Gold Hill, contains cadmium above the basic
,,".1,1 ,.....
."'~ l"J .II

.."1
'<}
':-.'.<
~.;;: :j

t:.~
t.:\:

'~~

.~
....;0'

.,-",
.-..,1
~:::"i
t";Y

f1

~: "Jl
.....,

~;~I

standard for aquatic life. Below Gold Hill to Altona, cadmium is above the,

,

basic standard as is copper and zinc. James Creek, from Jenks Gulch to its

confluence with Left Hand Creek, carries cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel and

lead above .the aquatic life values. From its source to James .Creek, Little

James Creek contains cadmium in excess of water supply and agricultural

values; in. addition to these pollutants, copper and zinc.also, exceed aquatic

life values.

Lower Boulder Creek and its tributaries, Coal Creek and Rock Creek, have also

been cited for streambsnk erosion and resultant sediment problems. In an

extensive study of the Lower Boulder Creek system. The City of Boulder has

found that nonpoint source impacts and, habitat degradation, greatly impact

the ability of the stream to attain its uses for warm.wster aquatic life.

Irrigation return flows contribute sediment, nutrients, and pestides. .Channel

straightening and, removal of riparian habitat, have also changed the

temperature, depth and flow characteristics of the stream. The City is

constructing a project which includes restructuring the stream"and restoring

riparian habitat, from 75th Street to Coal Creek. Additional study and

project plans for Boulder Creek, to its confluence with the St. Vraib., is

necessary to further restore the potential for aquatic habitat in Boulder

Creek.

-68-