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<br />00 <br />0: <br />C <br />_. <br /> <br />V. <br /> <br />ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATIONS <br /> <br />'. <br /> <br />,- <br />~. <br /> <br />Environmental evaluations were carried out in the Study Area to identify existing conditions. <br />to develop environmental criteria for planning and evaluating the four project configurations and <br />their associated facilities, and to provide environmental information to aid the Denver Water Board <br />in decisions relating to this study. The results of these evaluations also serve as the partial baseline <br />inventory required for the ultimate preparation of an environmental impact statement for this <br />project <br /> <br />The environmental evaluations were initiated early in the study to provide information which <br />might influence the development of preliminary design criteria for the various possible <br />configurations. The environmental program identified opportunities for environmental <br />enhancement and practices for minimizing potential short-term impacts during construction. <br />These evaluations indicated that the project can be undertaken responsibly without serious long- <br />term environmental effects on the area. Extensive use of tunnels and buried conduits in place of <br />open canals will eliminate significant impacts on the environment. The evaluations also indicated <br />that there are no unique ecosystems in the Study Area and that environmental values can be <br />protected by appropriate construction and operation procedures. <br /> <br />The detailed results of the environmental evaluations are contained in a separate report <br />entitled Technical Report and in Appendix 4. The most significant environmental impacts on the <br />area are expected to occur during construction. These short-term impacts can be minimized by <br />careful planning followed by appropriate controls during the construction phase. <br /> <br />Special project features, such as the proper selection of tunnel construction work areas and <br />utilization of the rock excavated as a resource to enhance the environment, are examples of <br />responsible planning. Work areas for construction support can be carefully defined in the design <br />to minimize disturbance. The sites can be restored to their natural conditions by subsequent <br />reseeding and planting with native vegetation. Careful architectural treatment of diversion and <br />storage structures can harmonize them with the natural landscape. An illustration of good <br />treatment is shown on the rendering following this page. Master plans for the effective use of the <br />storage reservoirs as recreational facilities and wildlife habitats is another example of <br />environmental awareness. <br /> <br />9 <br />