Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Proposed Municipal Water Supply Project Black Hawk, Colorado

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

Corps of Engineers

Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a

Proposed Municipal Water Supply Project Black Hawk, Colorado

AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, DOD.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The City of Black Hawk, Colorado, proposes to construct a new

water supply to meet projected demand and compensate for a future

reduced firm annual water supply. The Corps of Engineers has received

from the City of Black Hawk a letter of intent stating that it intends

to apply for a permit pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act

for construction of a water supply project. Construction of a project

may also require a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service for

construction on forest lands. The U.S. Forest Service action would be

pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Planning

Division, 215 North 17th St., Omaha, NE 68102-4978.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Candace Thomas, (402) 221-4885 or FAX (402) 221-4886.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: since the passage of Colorado's Limited

Stakes Gaming Initiative in November 1990, the city of Black Hawk has

experienced a tremendous amount of growth and increased demands for

water. Current water demand for the city is approximately 261 acre-feet

per year and future demand is project at 613 acre-feet per year.

Currently, the city's firm annual supply is approximately 470 acre-feet

per year. However, future firm annual yield would fall to approximately

210 acre-feet per year because of increased utilization of senior water

rights.

Although the city has not applied for a 404 permit, its tentatively

preferred alternative consists of a pipeline from Clear Creek along

Highway 119. Diversion of Clear Creek Water would occur upstream of the

confluence with North Clear Creek. Water would be pumped in a pipeline

that would follow Highway 119 to four Mile Gulch Road, then to the

water treatment plant. The diversions would be made under a junior

water right requiring depletions to be augmented. The water quality of

Clear Creek would require that the existing water treatment plant be

upgraded.

Potential alternatives identified to date include: (1) acquisition

and/or development of well(s) in the Four Mile Gulch basin and

development of the Bates-Hunter Mine and Running Lode mine water

supplies; (2) a joint project with Central City for storage in the

proposed Chase Gulch Reservoir; (3) a storage reservoir on Missouri

Creek; (4) an East Black Hawk Pump Station utilizing available North

Clear Creek flows east of Black Hawk (includes effluent reuse); and (5)

no Federal action.

Public scoping meetings have been scheduled for January 12, 1995 at

the following times and locations:

1:00 p.m.--Black Hawk City Hall annex, 211 Church St., Black Hawk, CO

7:00 p.m.--Gilpin County School, Highway 119, 1 mile north of Black

Hawk, CO.

The purpose of the scoping meetings is to solicit public input on

issues, studies needed, alternatives to be evaluated, and potential

environmental effects. Written comments will also be requested.

Significant environmental issues identified thus far include

indirect and secondary impacts of development associated with the water

supply project, water quality impacts, fish and wildlife impacts,

wetland impacts, and effects on the National Historic Landmark status

of the area.

Other applicable and pertinent environmental review and

consultation requirements will be undertaken simultaneously with the

NEPA process, including requirements of the Endangered Species Act,

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic

Preservation Act, Protection of Wetlands, Clean Air Act, and others.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is anticipated to be made

available to the public in late fall 1995.

Kenneth L. Denton,

Army Federal Register Liaison Officer.

[FR Doc. 94-31923 Filed 12-27-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3710-62-M