HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021CV30425 - Save The Poudre And No Pipe Dream Coporation V. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Northern Integrated Supply Project Water Activity Enterprise, The City Of Fort Collins - 002B - Exhibit 2
Larimer County Analysis –
Technical Memorandum No. 1
Project Description
Prepared for:
Larimer County
Prepared by:
Northern Integrated Supply Project
Water Activity Enterprise
February 2020
DATE FILED: June 9, 2021 4:02 PM
FILING ID: AFF1937935C59
CASE NUMBER: 2021CV30425
CONTENTS
1.0 Organization of Application Materials .................................................................................................. 1
2.0 Project Description ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2.1. Project Components ............................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1 Glade Reservoir Unit ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 South Platte Water Conservation Project .............................................................................. 4
2.1.3 Conveyance to NISP Participants .............................................................................................. 5
3.0 Voluntary Recreation Enhancement Measures .................................................................................. 9
3.1. Major Recreation Components ......................................................................................................... 11
3.1.1 Educational Visitor Center ......................................................................................................... 11
3.1.2 Fishing ............................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1.3 Boat Ramp ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.4 Camping ........................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.5 Trails ................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2. Benefit to Larimer County ................................................................................................................... 14
4.0 1041 Permit Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1. Voluntary U.S. Highway 287 Commitments ................................................................................. 15
5.0 Purpose and Need for the Project ........................................................................................................ 16
5.1. Description of the Site Selection Process...................................................................................... 17
5.2. Explanation of Why No Reasonable Alternatives are Available ............................................ 18
6.0 Project Location and Area ....................................................................................................................... 18
7.0 Project Maps ................................................................................................................................................. 19
7.1. Descriptions of Existing Land Uses .................................................................................................. 20
8.0 1041 Permit Review Criteria .................................................................................................................... 20
9.0 Description of Existing and Proposed Utilities ................................................................................ 20
10.0 Project Development Schedule ............................................................................................................. 21
10.1. Permit Requirements and Associated Schedule ......................................................................... 23
10.2. On Site Workers and Work Schedule ............................................................................................. 25
11.0 Public Input Process ................................................................................................................................... 26
12.0 Final Design and Permit Coordination................................................................................................ 31
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: NISP Infrastructure and Features ............................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2: NISP Conveyance Map ............................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Glade Reservoir Recreation Area Illustrative Site Plan ................................................................ 10
Figure 4: Normal Pool WSEL .................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 5: Anticipated Project Development Schedule ................................................................................... 22
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Recreation Concept Master Plan
Attachment B: U.S. Highway 287 Memorandum
Attachment C: Glade Unit/Complex Mapping
Attachment D: Conveyance Pipeline Mapping
Attachment E: Glade Unit/Complex Utility Description
Attachment F: NISP Public Engagement History Memo
Attachment G: NISPTalk Public Engagement Summary
Attachment H: June 2017 Open House Summary
Attachment I: October 2019 Open House Summary
Attachment J: December 2019 Open House Summary
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1.0 Organization of Application Materials
The purpose of this submittal is to provide reports, maps, and associated information for the
Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP or Project) as outlined and requested in the Larimer
County (County) 1041 Permit application. As set forth at the pre-application meeting, which took
place on December 4, 2019 with Larimer County staff, the scope of the 1041 Permit evaluation is
the siting and development of proposed conveyance pipelines and the site selection and
construction of Glade Reservoir and its appurtenant facilities including voluntary commitments
to develop recreation facilities at Glade Reservoir. The Technical Memoranda included with this
submittal are:
• TM No. 1: Project Description
• TM No. 2: Larimer County 1041 Evaluation Criteria
• TM No. 3: Conveyance Routing Assessment
• TM No. 4: Glade Reservoir Recreation Voluntary Permit Conditions
• TM No. 5: Legal Description
• TM No. 6: Wetland Mitigation Plan
• TM No. 7: Wildlife Conservation Plan
• TM No. 8: Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
• TM No. 9: Traffic Impact Study
• TM No. 10: Drainage Plan
• TM No. 11: Floodplain Report
• TM No. 12: Groundwater Modeling Report
• TM No. 13: Glade Dam Appearance Simulation
• TM No. 14: Conveyance Pipeline Noise Analysis
• TM No. 15: Air Quality Impact and Mitigation Report
This content was determined by Larimer County staff as part of the Project’s pre-application
meeting and checklist.
2.0 Project Description
NISP is a proposed water storage and distribution project that will supply 15 Northern Front
Range water providers with 40,000 acre -feet of new, reliable water supplies. As proposed, NISP
would consist of two new reservoirs; forebay reservoirs and pumping plants to deliver water
from the Cache la Poudre and South Platte rivers to the reservoirs; pipelines to deliver water
for exchange with irrigation companies and to deliver water to water users; and improvements
to existing canals that divert water from the Poudre River near the canyon mouth northwest of
Fort Collins. NISP is a Water Activity Enterprise of Northern Water created by the Northern
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Water Board of Directors under the authority of Colorado statute and is formally known as the
Northern Integrated Supply Project Water Activity Enterprise (NISP WAE).
The Participants are a group of rapidly growing communities and domestic water districts
located throughout Northern Water district boundaries, and include Central Weld County
Water District, City of Dacono, Town of Eaton, Town of Erie, City of Evans, Town of Firestone,
Fort Collins-Loveland Water District, City of Fort Lupton, City of Fort Morgan, Town of
Frederick, City of Lafayette, Left Hand Water District, Morgan County Quality Water District,
Town of Severance, and the Town of Windsor. The Fort-Collins Loveland Water District and the
Town of Windsor both provide water to Larimer County residents.
The proposed Project would be constructed, owned, and managed by the NISP WAE. The
Participants would own a perpetual contractual right to a defined portion of the Project
facilities and a defined portion of the water diverted by the Project.
2.1. Project Components
The two primary components of NISP are the Glade Reservoir Complex and the South Platte
Water Conservation Project. Glade Reservoir would be a new off-channel reservoir and is the
primary water supply reservoir from which all deliveries to NISP Participants would be made.
Diversions from the Poudre River into Glade Reservoir would be made via the existing Poudre
Valley Canal diversion structure and canal, a new forebay reservoir, and new pump station from
the forebay reservoir into Glade Reservoir. Water conveyance to NISP Participants will be made
from Glade Reservoir via Poudre River delivery and multiple pipelines.
The South Platte Water Conservation Project would divert and store water from the South Platte
River. Stored water would be delivered to the existing Larimer & Weld Irrigation Company and
New Cache la Poudre Irrigating Company. NISP would then exchange and convey a like amount
of water from the diversion structures of these irrigation companies for storage in Glade
Reservoir and/or delivery to NISP Participants. An exchange allows an upstream diverter to take
water a downstream diverter would otherwise receive, if the water is replaced. South Platte
Water Conservation Project facilities would include the new off-channel Galeton Reservoir east
of Ault, and a diversion, forebay reservoir, and pump station just downstream of the confluence
of the Poudre and South Platte rivers. It will also include pipelines from the pump station to
Galeton Reservoir and from Galeton Reservoir to the existing ditches. Each of the Project
components is shown in Figure 1, and more detail is included in subsequent subsections.
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Figure 1: NISP Infrastructure and Features
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2.1.1 Glade Reservoir Unit
Glade Reservoir will be located northwest of Fort Collins near the intersection of U.S. Highway
287 and State Highway 14. It will be 5 miles long, 250 feet deep, and have the capacity to store
170,000 acre-feet of water, slightly larger than the existing Horsetooth Reservoir. The reservoir
surface area at full capacity would be approximately 1,600 acres (2.5 square miles). The dam
would be approximately 275 feet high and be a zoned earth fill or zoned earth-rock fill dam.
The dam would include a spillway structure, low level inlet/outlet works, and a multi-level
inlet/outlet tower.
The existing Poudre Valley Canal would convey NISP diversions from the Poudre River to the
Glade Reservoir Forebay. The existing diversion structure would be removed and replaced. The
capacity of the diversion structure and approximately 10,800 feet (2.0 miles) of canal would be
expanded by 1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) to accommodate NISP diversions.
Diversions made through the Poudre Valley Canal would be delivered by gravity to the Glade
forebay reservoir, where the water would then be pumped into Glade Reservoir itself. The
forebay reservoir would have a capacity of up to 2,000 acre-feet. The pump station from the
forebay reservoir would be approximately 40,000 horsepower, with a capacity of approximately
1,200 cfs when reservoir storage levels are low to 800 cfs when reservoir storage levels are high.
Because the reservoir would inundate a portion of the existing Poudre Valley Supply Canal (also
known as Munroe Canal), facilities would be constructed to convey the canal through the
reservoir through a buried pipeline encased in concrete and tunnels.
The reservoir site is divided by U.S. Highway 287 that travels between Fort Collins and Wyoming.
Therefore, about seven miles of the highway will be relocated to the east. The relocated road will
primarily be aligned along an abandoned haul road for the former Holcim cement plant mining
operation. A “cut” will be required through the “hogback” geologic formation at the north end
of the alignment. The “cut alignment” was the alignment chosen by the Colorado Department of
Transportation as its preferred route. NISP WAE is currently developing the preliminary and final
design of the roadway alignment in coordination with the Colorado Department of
Transportation.
2.1.2 South Platte Water Conservation Project
Galeton Reservoir will be located east of Ault and northeast of Greeley, just north of Highway 14.
It will store about 45,600 acre-feet of water at full capacity. The surface area at full capacity
would be approximately 1,700 acres, with a depth of 75 feet. Galeton Dam would be
approximately 90 feet high and be constructed primarily of on-site materials with imported
filter-drain materials and riprap. The dam would include inlet/outlet works and a spillway.
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The water to fill Galeton will be diverted from the South Platte River downstream from Greeley.
A new diversion structure would be located on the South Platte and would divert water into a
forebay reservoir. Water would be pumped from the forebay reservoir to Galeton Reservoir via a
15,000-horsepower pump station and approximately 16 miles of mostly 70-inch pipe with a total
capacity of 200 cfs.
Water stored in Galeton Reservoir would be delivered to the Larimer & Weld and New Cache
irrigation companies in exchange for a portion of the Poudre River water they currently use.
Pipelines from Galeton Reservoir would be used to deliver water to each ditch system west of
U.S. Highway 85 at a rate of approximately 100 cfs each.
2.1.3 Conveyance to NISP Participants
The Project’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) analyzed multiple
options for conveyance of water from Glade Reservoir to the NISP Participants including
exchanges using Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) water, pipelines to existing C-BT facilities, and
direct conveyance to the Participants. Following review of agency and public comment on the
SDEIS, the NISP Participants are proposing a refined-conveyance concept with the goal of
keeping more flows in the Poudre River year-round along with direct conveyance. The refined-
conveyance concept was incorporated into the Final Environmental Impact Statement, and as
discussed in that document, the proposal avoids and minimizes impacts to and enhances the
aquatic environment while mitigating other environmental effects. Under the refined-
conveyance concept, water would be delivered from Glade Reservoir to Project Participants
through the following means:
• Pipeline Deliveries – Participants would be delivered NISP water from Glade Reservoir via
a pipeline. The main delivery pipeline is the County Line Pipeline, which generally follows
the Larimer-Weld county line and Weld County Road 13 south to the existing Southern
Water Supply Pipeline just north of State Highway 66. Water would be delivered from
Glade Reservoir to the County Line Pipeline using two mechanisms:
o Northern Tier Pipeline – The Northern Tier Pipeline would deliver water directly
from Glade Reservoir to the County Line Pipeline. The pipeline would be a 45-
inch to 54-inch diameter pipeline capable of conveying 81 to 106 cfs of water to
the NISP Participants, depending upon the need for redundancy. The need for
redundancy will be determined following additional analyses.
o Glade Release Pipeline (also known at the Poudre Release Pipeline) and Poudre
Intake Pipeline – Water from Glade Reservoir would be conveyed directly to the
Poudre River at the entrance to the canyon, below the Poudre Valley Canal
diversion, through the Glade Release Pipeline. The water would travel down 13
miles of the Poudre River before being pumped into the Participant conveyance
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system via the Poudre Delivery Pipeline. The intake for that water is the Poudre
River Intake and Pump Station, which would be located upstream of the City of
Fort Collins’ Mulberry Water Pollution Control Facility (MWPCF) discharge
location and constructed to allow for 18 to 25 cfs, or 14,350 acre-feet annually, of
NISP delivery. The Poudre River Intake would have a diversion structure,
sedimentation basin, and pump station (1,000 to 1,300 horsepower). Water would
be delivered from the intake to the County Line Pipeline via the approximately
32-inch diameter Poudre Intake Pipeline.
Sections 5.2.2.4 and 2.4 of the Project’s Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plan
(available online at https://www.northernwater.org/Kentico/getmedia/ee3c1a4c-dcc6-4083-
a462-67047e4ce704/2017-State-Fish-and-Wildlife-Mitigation-and-Enhancement-Plan.pdf) go
into further detail regarding the Poudre River refined conveyance, where 18 to 25 cfs of NISP
deliveries will be added to the Poudre River. The preferred Poudre River Intake location is
upstream of the existing MWPCF discharge point for water quality reasons as described in the
next paragraph. In addition, C-BT exchanges through Bureau of Reclamation facilities are no
longer part of the Project or the Clean Water Act Section 404 Permitting and associated National
Environmental Policy Act assessments.
NISP will divert Poudre River water for use by the NISP Participants at a location upstream of the
effluent discharge point for the MWPCF. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent
contributes nutrients, metals, total organic carbon (TOC), microbiological contaminants, and
compounds of emerging concern to receiving water bodies. Diversion of Poudre River water
upstream of the MWPCF will provide water of the highest quality for domestic use.
Our understanding of Poudre River water quality, including the water quality conditions above
and below the MWPCF, has been obtained through numerous data collection efforts and studies
conducted over the years by Northern Water and other entities. These data collection and data
analysis efforts have resulted in an understanding of the concentrations of various constituents
and their spatial and temporal patterns as the water flows from above the canyon mouth,
through Fort Collins, and downstream to the South Platte River. Some sources of Poudre River
water quality data and information that have provided the basis for our understanding include:
• Upper Poudre Collaborative Water Quality Monitoring Program: Fort Collins, Greeley, Tri-
Districts https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/water/water-quality/source-water-
monitoring/upper-poudre-quality-monitoring
• Lower Poudre Monitoring Alliance: Cities of Fort Collins and Greeley, Town of Windsor,
Boxelder Sanitation District, South Fort Collins Sanitation District, Carestream Health
https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/what-we-do/water/water-quality/lower-poudre-monitoring
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• Poudre River Water Quality Monitoring Program: Northern Water
https://www.northernwater.org/Kentico/getmedia/244f12cd-a04d-4a44-b9da-
d3346ab6041e/Poudre-River-water-quality-monitoring-brochure.pdf
• Cache la Poudre River Water Quality Analysis - Model Development & Calibration, prepared
by Hydros Consulting, September 19, 2017.
• Northern Colorado Compounds of Emerging Concern Program (CEC Program): Cities of
Boulder, Broomfield, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, and Loveland, Town of Estes Park, and
Northern Water
https://www.northernwater.org/docs/WaterQuality/CEC%20Monitoring%20Program.pdf
The wastewater treatment plant effluent is a known source of compounds of emerging concern
(CEC) in surface waters. Monitoring by Northern Water for the Northern Colorado CEC Program
at locations upstream and downstream of the MWPCF confirms their presence in the Poudre
River as a result of discharges from the MWPCF. CECs include pharmaceuticals, personal care
products, pesticides, and endocrine disrupting compounds. Research continues to evolve
regarding the human health effects of exposure to chronic, low level concentrations of CECs in
drinking water, and information is also evolving as to the effectiveness of drinking water
treatment processes for the removal of the long list of possible CECs. The presence of these
compounds in water intended to be used specifically for a drinking water supply would be of
critical concern to both water treatment managers and consumers.
As water moves further downstream in the Poudre River, its quality continues to change as more
substances are introduced from the watershed, reflecting changes in geology and land use.
Downstream of the MWPCF, there are three additional WWTPs in the Larimer County reach of
the Poudre River watershed that influence Poudre River water quality, including the Boxelder
Sanitation District WWTP, the City of Fort Collins Drake Water Pollution Control Facility, and the
South Fort Collins Sanitation District WWTP.
Key drinking water treatment parameters, including total dissolved solids (TDS), major ions,
hardness, turbidity, TOC, and alkalinity, increase in the Poudre River as water flows downstream.
Specific conductance, a measure of TDS, increases in the downstream direction as indicated in
the figure below because WWTP effluent, urban runoff, irrigation return flows and the Pierre
Shale bedrock all add major ions (calcium, magnesium, sulfate), and other dissolved substances
to the water and therefore increase specific conductance. Concentrations of selenium and
arsenic also increase in the downstream direction.
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Figure 2: NISP Conveyance Map
These pipeline routes are further described in TM No. 3 as part of the routing analysis.
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3.0 Voluntary Recreation Enhancement Measures
As a commitment to the County to provide substantial benefit to the community where key
components of NISP are located (delivery pipelines and Glade Reservoir), the NISP WAE is
voluntarily proposing to allow recreation on Glade Reservoir and to dedicate and develop a 170-
acre recreation area on the southeast corner of Glade Reservoir.
Over the course of a year, meetings with County staff regarding potential recreation amenities
and facilities have occurred to make sure recreation facility planning is conducted in concert
with Larimer County’s master plans and recreation vision. Based on those discussions, a
Recreation Concept Master Plan has been developed by AECOM on behalf of the applicant that
utilizes information gained from site visits with County staff, public outreach efforts in the
County and with neighborhoods in the vicinity of the reservoir, and early engineering analysis.
The plan provides a description of the major recreation components and provides a conceptual
layout and details for how those components can be integrated at Glade Reservoir as shown
below. It also includes provisions for Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access and multi-
modal transportation options. The Recreation Concept Master Plan is included as Attachment A,
and a summary of the plan’s major recreation components is included below.
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Figure 3: Glade Reservoir Recreation Area Illustrative Site Plan
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3.1. Major Recreation Components
3.1.1 Educational Visitor Center
The Glade Reservoir recreational area visitor center is envisioned to be a key amenity for the
nearby community and the general public. This facility could provide information and exhibits
related to the available recreational opportunities, historic and cultural education, endangered
and protected native wildlife species, regional geology, water stewardship and conservation,
agricultural interests including the preservation of irrigated lands, and reservoir operations.
Water Recreation
3.1.2
Water recreation is anticipated to be the strongest draw for recreation and outdoor enthusiasts
in the area. Over a variety
of reservoir operations
scenarios (from low-water
to high-water years),
Glade Reservoir will
provide a large, inviting
surface area to recreate
on. Surface area during
the recreation season
would be greater than
1,308 acres (80 percent of
maximum surface area)
nearly 75 percent of the
time. Water depth during Figure 4: Normal Pool WSEL
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the recreation season would be greater than 88 percent of maximum depth (or greater than 253
feet) nearly 75 percent of the time. Water levels will change more during the reservoir fill cycle
than during the drawdown cycle. During the fill cycle, average monthly increases in water
elevation are 7.2 feet per month. Drawdowns will typically be in the range of 1 to 4 feet per
month.
A variety of boating recreation options are being considered, from powered to low-powered
and non-motorized watercraft. Additionally, low-wake activities such as paddle boarding, bird
watching, and fishing bring the opportunity for a quiet experience on the water, to reconnect
with the area, wildlife, and preservation areas surrounding the reservoir.
Attention has been and will be given to effectively managing and locating boating areas within
the reservoir. Designated portions of the reservoir could be reserved for both motorized and
non-motorized water recreation. Possible noise or light impacts from motorized boating could
be managed through natural or designated no-wake zones. For instance, the northern extents of
the reservoir will be considerably shallower creating limitations for motorized boats. This
limitation will naturally create a buffer between motorized boating and neighboring land uses.
3.1.3 Fishing
Fishing at Glade Reservoir will provide opportunities for people of all skill levels and physical
capabilities to learn and participate in fishing activities. To strengthen ADA-compliant access,
the entry road configuration is being studied to include accessible parking and drop-off at the
boat launch area, with easy access to a possible boardwalk area, accessible to mobility
wheelchairs or scooters, to provide better accessibility to fishing and recreation at the reservoir.
In coordination with Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW), NISP has committed to
establishing and maintaining a cool water
fishery at Glade similar to those at Horsetooth
Reservoir and Carter Lake as defined in the
2017 CPW Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and
Enhancement Plan and the 2018 NISP Final
Environmental Impact Statement Conceptual
Mitigation Plan. Due to CPW fish hatchery
production currently being near capacity,
implementation of the cool-water fishery will also require and include expansion of current
fishery facilities. Funding for required hatchery expansion is provided associated with this
recreation plan.
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3.1.4 Boat Ramp
A Glade Reservoir boat ramp, at the south abutment, will provide controlled access to the
reservoir for a range of watercraft. The Recreation Concept Master Plan illustrates a four-lane
boat ramp with two floating docks.
3.1.5 Camping
One of the most exciting activities for the
recreation area will be camping. Campground
use areas are being studied to allow for a mix
of camping experiences and programs from
walk in and drive in camping to full scale RV
camping. NISP is actively seeking to acquire
the existing KOA Campground at the U.S.
Highway. 287 and State Highway 14
intersection for incorporation into the
Recreation Concept Master Plan. This existing
facility allows for a range of camping options, containing primary service hookups for larger
scale and RV camping. It would also expand the area available for recreation from 170 acres to
190 acres.
Campfire control and fire incident mitigation will be central to the campsite operational policy
and program requirements. Working in close coordination and cooperation with the County,
State, and Federal regulations on campsites and campfires, the Glade Reservoir recreation area
will develop policies and best management practices to control and regulate fire burning.
3.1.6 Trails
As part of the Recreation Concept Master Plan, internally networked looping trails are provided.
The trail opportunities at the Glade Reservoir recreation area will be flexible and dynamic
enough to offer a host of different trail uses such as biking, running, and hiking and will be
managed to maximize safety and avoid conflict.
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Extending beyond the recreational area,
the East Shoreline Trail, an unpaved trail,
will be developed along the east shoreline
that could serve a variety of recreational
uses such as hiking, snowshoeing,
mountain biking, camping, rock climbing
and fishing activities. The East Shoreline
Trail will be approximately 5 miles in
length and will connect to a north
trailhead located at the northerly limit of
Glade Reservoir. By vehicle, access to the
north trailhead will be available from the
future section of U.S. Highway 287 being realigned as part of NISP.
The Recreation Concept Master Plan provides an example of how these facilities could be
developed. The exact layout of and design of the recreation program will be completed in a
future Recreation Development Plan based on coordination between County staff and the NISP
WAE.
3.2. Benefit to Larimer County
These new recreation opportunities within the County will bring tourism and economic growth
to the County along with additional sales tax revenues. Development of Glade Reservoir
Recreation is estimated to provide $13 million to $30 million per year in total economic benefits
as described in the Project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement.
The County has indicated a desire to manage recreation at Glade Reservoir. As a benefit to
Larimer County, the County and NISP WAE will enter into a 25-year lease agreement for the
County to act as the managing partner to manage recreation at Glade Reservoir.
Additionally, $21.8 million is being committed to develop these facilities. The NISP WAE will
contribute 75% ($16.35 million) and the County will contribute the remaining 25%. This funding
is a substantial commitment by the NISP Participants and represents a guarantee to share the
benefits of the project with Larimer County and the people of Larimer County.
During NISP WAE’s public outreach efforts, several recreation groups in the County expressed a
desire for more recreation opportunities and indicated that Glade Reservoir could provide an
identified need for fishing, paddle boarding, rock climbing, hiking, and other recreation options.
Recreation at Glade Reservoir provides value to residents of Larimer County including those
located near the project’s infrastructure. In surveys of Larimer County residents, users chose
county facilities as their favorite place(s) to visit because of their proximity to home, as well as
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the experiences provided according to the County’s 2017 Reservoir Parks Master Plan. Glade
Reservoir will provide a close-to-home recreation option.
Additionally, John Compton, a professor at Texas A&M University, has studied effects of parks
and opens space extensively and published his findings in a book called The Proximate Principle.
Compton studied 25 instances of open space near residential developments, and he found that
20 of the 25 cases resulted in higher property values, which would be a benefit to neighbors
located near the reservoir.1 Development
around Carter Lake and Horsetooth
Reservoir also demonstrates the
desirability of properties with views of
and in proximity of local reservoirs.
4.0 1041 Permit Scope
Larimer County has designated the
following project components as Areas
and Activities of State Interest, which are
regulated under Section 14 of the Larimer County Land Use Code and associated 1041 Permits:
• Siting and development of new or extended domestic raw-water transmission lines.
• Site selection and construction of a new water storage reservoir resulting in a surface
area in excess of 50 acres used for the storage of water for domestic use. A water
storage reservoir shall also include all appurtenant uses, structures, and facilities, roads,
parks, parking, trails, and other uses, which are developed as part of the water storage
reservoir.
As described above, the scope of the 1041 Permit evaluation is the siting and development of
proposed conveyance pipelines and the site selection and construction of Glade Reservoir and
its appurtenant facilities including voluntary commitments to develop recreation facilities at
Glade Reservoir. These project components are the subject of the evaluations and discussions in
the remainder of this permit application and associated application materials.
4.1. Voluntary U.S. Highway 287 Commitments
Larimer County in its designation of areas and activities of state interest and associated 1041
permitting process declined to regulate state highways. As a result, the Relocation of U.S.
1 https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/spaces-to-places/placemaking-the-value-to-real-estate (Accessed November 18, 2019)
Glade Reservoir could provide
approximately 1,600 surface acres of new
water-based recreation opportunities and
approximately 170 acres of new land-
based recreation opportunities.
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Highway 287 is not included in the permit application and associated application materials.
Further explanation is included in Attachment B.
Nevertheless, the NISP WAE commits to working with the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT), impacted property owners, and Larimer County to provide that proper
access for the affected property owners is in place as the design for the relocated highway is
developed. Thirty-five-acre or larger parcels typically have simplified water-well permitting
standards. Any right-of-way acquisitions that would reduce parcel sizes below that 35-acre
threshold will be completed using easements or through the Larimer County land subdivision
process to maintain 35-acre-lot water-well permitting standards. Additionally, the NISP WAE will
coordinate with CDOT to complete a safety study of the LCR 21C and U.S. Highway 287
intersection to analyze the need for safety upgrades at that intersection and evaluate potential
solutions if warranted.
5.0 Purpose and Need for the Project
The purpose and need for this project are:
The Northern Integrated Supply Project Water Activity Enterprise, on behalf of 15 towns,
municipalities and rural domestic water providers, is pursuing NISP to provide 40,000
acre-feet of reliable water supplies.
See Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Vol.1 Chapter 1 available online at:
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Program/Colorado/EIS-NISP/ or in the
formal record of this 1041 Permit Application. Larimer County accepted status as a cooperating
agency with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps or USACE) through a formal
agreement signed by Larimer County officials in 2005 and has participated in the federal
permitting process.
This 1041 Permit application is consistent with state and federal permit requirements. A Fish and
Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plan (FWMEP) as required by state law (C.R.S. 37-60-122.2)
was approved in 2017 by both the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and the Colorado
Water Conservation Board. The FWMEP, available online at
https://www.northernwater.org/Kentico/getmedia/ee3c1a4c-dcc6-4083-a462-
67047e4ce704/2017-State-Fish-and-Wildlife-Mitigation-and-Enhancement-Plan.pdf, includes
both a Mitigation Plan, which mitigates fish and wildlife related impacts of NISP, as well as an
Enhancement Plan, which outlines fish and wildlife related environmental commitments that go
above and beyond direct mitigation of NISP effects. A portion of those permit conditions and
mitigation and enhancements agreements occur in Larimer County.
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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Control Division
(Division) also completed a review of the NISP Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification
Application including an antidegradation determination conducted pursuant to Regulation No.
31 (5 CCR 1002-31) § 31.8(3) and Regulation No. 82 (5 CCR 1002-82) § 82.5(A)(1)(a). The Division
certified on January 28, 2020, that there is reasonable assurance that the project will be
conducted in a manner that complies with all applicable water quality requirements.
A Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pending, and
three federal environmental reports predate this 1041 Permit Application:
• A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
• A Supplemental Draft EIS
• A Final EIS
These reports are available online at https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-
Program/Colorado/EIS-NISP/. All these documents have been submitted to Larimer County and
have been publicly available in Larimer County.
5.1. Description of the Site Selection Process
The federal permitting process for NISP included study and analysis of more than 200 potential
water storage facilities and 16 potential water supply sources with four project alternatives being
carried forward in the EIS. The four alternatives were No Action Alternative, Glade with modified
conveyance and South Platte Water Conservation Project, Cactus Hill and the South Platte Water
Conservation Project, Cactus Hill and Multiple Diversion Locations and the South Platte Water
Conservation Project.
See NISP FEIS Vol.2 Chapter 4 available online at:
https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Program/Colorado/EIS-NISP/
or in the formal record of this 1041 Permit Application.
The four alternatives are discussed at length in the EIS. Larimer County submitted comments on
both the Draft EIS on September 12, 2008, and again on the Supplemental DEIS on September 2,
2015, which comments addressed project alternatives as well as other topics. At this juncture the
alternatives have been determined through the state and federal processes. Larimer County, as a
formal cooperating agency, submitted comments on the site selection and other issues.
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5.2. Explanation of Why No Reasonable Alternatives are Available
After many years of federal scientific studies and required environmental compliance with
substantial public input, including input from Larimer County, approvals by the agencies of the
State of Colorado and the permits issuing for the current project configuration, which is the
subject of this permit application, it is not possible at this juncture for the Applicant to submit a
Permit request for another Project configuration or alternative. Having incongruent permit
applications at the various agencies is not a viable option, therefore no reasonable alternatives
are possible at this time as the other state and federal permitting agencies have acted.
6.0 Project Location and Area
Glade Reservoir, its supporting infrastructure, and proposed recreation areas are located in
unincorporated Larimer County just to the north of the junction of U.S. Highway 287 and State
Highway 14, about 10 miles northwest of Fort Collins. The area occupied by these features is
approximately 2,700 acres. Maps showing that infrastructure and nearby features is included as
Attachment C.
The proposed conveyance pipelines located in Larimer County consist of the following three
proposed pipeline alignments:
• The County Line Pipeline
• The Northern Tier Pipeline
• The Poudre Intake Pipeline and Glade Release Pipeline
The main delivery pipeline is the County Line Pipeline which generally follows the Larimer-Weld
county line south to the existing Southern Water Supply Pipeline just north of Highway 66 in
Weld County. The County Line Pipeline would receive water from the Northern Tier Pipeline and
the Poudre Intake Pipeline. This pipeline construction corridor is approximately 410 acres in size
including areas outside of unincorporated Larimer County. The Glade Release Pipeline will
convey water from Glade Reservoir to the Poudre River at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon
generally along State Highway 14. That water will be released to the Poudre River and conveyed
by river to just upstream of the Lemay Avenue and Mulberry Street intersection in Fort Collins.
From that point the water will be conveyed in the Poudre Intake Pipeline east to the County Line
Pipeline. This pipeline construction corridor is approximately 100 acres in size including areas
outside of unincorporated Larimer County. The Northern Tier Pipeline will convey water directly
from Glade Reservoir to the County Line Pipeline. The pipeline construction corridor is
approximately 240 acres in size including areas outside of unincorporated Larimer County. Maps
showing these pipeline routes and nearby features are included as Attachment D.
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7.0 Project Maps
Project maps are contained in Attachments C and D. These maps show proposed infrastructure
footprints and nearby vicinity information including:
• Parcel boundaries
• Nearby residences and businesses
• Municipality boundaries
• Roads and significant features in the vicinity of the Project
They include site inventory information such as:
• Nearby subdivisions, existing buildings, structures, utilities, irrigation facilities, and roads
• Existing vegetation, soils types, water bodies, and other natural features
• Floodplains including floodway and flood fringe where applicable
• Geologic hazards and commercial mineral deposits
• Topographic contours, drainage patterns, and general direction of flow on and through
the site
• Wetlands, wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors, and rare and endangered species
habitat
They also include site map information such as:
• Project boundaries
• Proposed buildings and structures
• Proposed access points
• Parking areas
• Adjacent rights-of-way
An evaluation of cultural, historical, and paleontological resources is required as part of the
Project’s Clean Water Act Section 404 permit and associated National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) requirements. Northern Water will enter into a Programmatic Agreement with the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Colorado State Historic Preservation Office, and the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation to set forth how cultural resources will be addressed. A Class III level
survey and evaluation will be conducted prior to any ground-disturbing activities on the Project.
This survey will include both reservoir sites and the conveyance system. This survey will include
an intensive inventory and systematic effort to identify all resources within the area of concern
and will record information sufficient to permit their evaluation or to indicate what further work
is necessary to accomplish their evaluation. After all structures or sites are identified and
documented and evaluation of all resources is complete, any needed treatment plans will be
developed as outlined in the Project’s Programmatic Agreement. Additional information on and
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associated mapping for cultural resources can be found in the Project’s Final Environmental
Impact Statement.
A Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for Glade Reservoir, associated infrastructure, and the
proposed recreation area is included in Technical Memo 8. This plan evaluates the potential for
wildfire or geologic hazards in the Glade Reservoir area and purposes mitigation measures for
any identified impacts. A Wetlands Mitigation Plan and Wildlife Conservation Plan
corresponding to information shown on these maps are also included in Technical Memos
6 and 7.
7.1. Descriptions of Existing Land Uses
Existing land uses for Glade Reservoir and the surrounding area include rural residences and a
rural residential subdivision along and adjacent to LCR 29C, the Poudre Valley Canal and
Munroe Canal irrigation ditches, irrigated cropland, pastures, an existing KOA campground, a
gas station, a sandstone quarry, and state managed lands.
Existing lands uses for the conveyance pipeline alignments include rural residences and
subdivisions, irrigated and dry cropland, pastures, industrial business parks, natural areas and
open space, school campuses, and towns.
These land uses are shown in the maps included as Attachments C and D.
8.0 1041 Permit Review Criteria
An evaluation of the 12 review criteria for approval of 1041 permits, as described in Larimer
County Land Use Code Section 14.10.D, is included in Technical Memo 2. This evaluation
addresses the review criteria and how they are met in order to demonstrate that this proposal,
including mitigation measures, complies with the requirements for approval of 1041 permits.
This report provides a detailed explanation on how the proposed reservoir and associated
infrastructure, proposed recreation areas, and proposed conveyance pipelines are consistent
with direction set forth in Larimer County’s master plans. It also outlines how impacts to public
health and safety will be avoided, minimized, or mitigated.
9.0 Description of Existing and Proposed Utilities
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The proposed conveyance pipelines are unmanned facilities and will not require sewage disposal
facilities or water supply. Access to these pipelines will be via the existing, public county road
network on paved or dirt roads or via private pipeline easements. The pipeline corridor will be
regraded and revegetated to match preconstruction conditions without the need for additional
site improvements.
A description of the existing and proposed utilities needed for the development and operation
of Glade Reservoir, it’s supporting infrastructure, and the proposed recreation area is included in
Attachment E. This report includes an evaluation of sewage treatment, water, fire protection,
transportation access, and electrical service needed to support the complex. Electrical
infrastructure will include the relocation and construction of electric lines. The use of and extent
of these lines were discussed with Larimer County Planning Department Staff and were
determined to be minor appurtenant uses to the Glade Reservoir Unit and not upgrades to
existing lines.
10.0 Project Development Schedule
Construction of Glade Reservoir, forebay, and pump station is anticipated to start early in 2023,
and that construction is anticipated to continue to the end of 2027. Construction of the Poudre
Valley Canal (PVC) Improvements is anticipated to occur during winter, non-operational periods
for the ditch starting in 2022. PVC construction is anticipated to continue until the spring of
2026. Construction of the conveyance pipelines is anticipated to start in early 2024 and will
continue through 2029.
Diversions into and operation of Glade Reservoir is anticipated to start in 2029. Operation of the
pipelines is anticipated to start in 2030.
This anticipated schedule is presented in the figure below.
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Figure 5: Anticipated Project Development Schedule
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10.1. Permit Requirements and Associated Schedule
To construct the Northern Integrated Supply Project, local, state, and federal permits are
required. This section provides an overview of those permits and the associated permitting
process occurring in concert with the development of the Larimer County 1041 Permit.
The Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit and associated regulations administered by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) approves impacts to wetlands and waters of the U.S. through
the NEPA process and other federal agency requirements, such as compliance with the
Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, impacts associated with the
development and operation of the Project have been thoroughly analyzed and will be mitigated
and approved.
Through the NEPA process, Project alternatives were developed, and the impacts and benefits of
those alternatives were thoroughly evaluated in the environmental impact statement. This
process allowed for numerous public comment opportunities. Various federal and state
approvals are forthcoming. A summary of the major milestones of that process follows:
• Letter of Intent (2004): This provided official notification of the proposed construction
of the Northern Integrated Supply Project and the beginning of the NEPA process.
Northern Water met with the USACE and an independent third-party consultant was
selected to prepare the environmental impact statement under the direction of the
USACE.
• Alternatives Development and Screening (2004-2008): A comprehensive list of
alternatives and Project configurations to potentially meet the Project’s goals were
prepared. These alternatives were rigorously evaluated and screened through criteria,
including environmental, engineering, and economic considerations. Studies and analysis
were done to evaluate the affected environment, impacts, including beneficial impacts,
and to include considerations of impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation for all
alternatives. A representative list of the resources evaluated included:
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Environmental Impact Statement Topics
Surface Water Quality Wildlife Impacts Land Use
Stream Morphology
and Sediment Transport
Special Status Species
Impacts
Visual Resources and
Aesthetics
Groundwater Impacts Aquatic Biological Resources Cultural and Historical
Resources
Geology Traffic and Transportation Paleontological
Resources
Soils Air Quality Socioeconomic
Resources
Vegetation Noise Hazardous Material
Wetlands and Riparian
Resources
Recreation Energy Use
• Draft Environmental Impact Statement (2008): A draft environmental impact
statement was prepared and was made available to the public for review and input.
Public hearings were also held to get input on the Project.
• Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (2015): The USACE updated
the environmental impact statement and associated alternatives to incorporate public
input. They released the updated document to the public for review and input in 2015.
Public hearings were also held to get input on the Project.
• Final Environmental Impact Statement (2018): The USACE updated the environmental
impact statement and associated alternatives to incorporate public input. They released
the updated document to the public for review and input in 2018.
• Record of Decision (anticipated in 2020): After input on the final environmental
impact statement is addressed, the USACE will issue a Record of Decision identifying the
alternative with the least environmental impact and discussing all factors used in
reaching that decision.
Larimer County is a cooperating agency to the USACE in the development of the Project’s
environmental impact statement and reviewed and provided input on the development of the
environmental impact statement and alternatives assessments in that role.
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The Project also requires several other permits from other federal agencies and the State of
Colorado, which also regulate aspects of the Project not included in the Larimer County 1041
Permit. These permits include:
• Endangered Species Act Consultation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service evaluates the
Project’s impacts to threatened or endangered species through the development of a
Biological Opinion. This was originally completed in 2007 and will be updated in 2020.
• 401 Water Quality Certification: The Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment analyzes the Project impacts to water quality and has authority to develop
permit conditions to provide mitigation for adverse impacts. This process included a
period for public review and input on water quality effects. This certification was issued
in January of 2020.
• Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Plan: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Commission, Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the governor reviewed Project
impacts to fish and wildlife and required mitigation and enhancement measures for
those impacts as reviewed and approved in this plan. This process included an open
house and multiple public hearings to solicit public input on the plan. This plan was
approved in 2017.
• Permit for Dam Construction: The Colorado Division of Water Resources reviews and
approves the engineering evaluations and designs for reservoir and dam construction.
This is anticipated to be completed by the start of 2023.
• Other Construction Permits: Permits for stormwater management, air quality
management, historic preservation, protection of migratory birds and eagles,
groundwater discharges, local road, development, and construction permits, and other
construction topics will be acquired, as needed, as the Project progresses. Needed
permits will be in place by the start of construction anticipated in 2023.
10.2. On Site Workers and Work Schedule
During construction of Glade Reservoir and associated facilities, approximately 250 workers are
anticipated to be on site on average. A second construction shift for dam construction might be
required. If this second shift is implemented, the approximate number of workers for that shift
would decrease to 100. During peak summer construction timeframes, the number of workers
could temporarily increase to approximately 500 workers. Work is anticipated to be scheduled
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six days a week. After construction is complete, during operation of the pump station and
reservoir, up to five Northern Water employees will visit Project facilities each day.
During construction of the conveyance pipelines approximately 25 workers are anticipated to be
on a construction site on average, and there is the potential that crews could work at multiple
construction sites to construct multiple pipeline segments or parts of a segment concurrently.
Work is anticipated to be scheduled six days a week and will occur in one shift. After
construction is complete, during operation of the pipelines there will be no employees on site.
On average, maintenance is anticipated to require only a few trips to Project features each
month.
11.0 Public Input Process
Over the 16-year NISP development and permitting process, continuous effort has been made
to inform, engage, involve, and receive input from the public on the Project. Independent of the
Larimer County 1041 Permitting process, hundreds of outreach events have been held in and
around Northern Colorado, including in Larimer County, to get the word out about NISP. This
effort is further described in the NISP Public Engagement History memo included in Attachment
F. The NISP Participants and Water Activity Enterprise are committed to timely, accurate, and
consistent community engagement associated with the Project.
In addition to this NISP related outreach, public outreach platforms and events have been
developed specifically for the Larimer County 1041 permitting process. A public engagement
platform NISPTalk.com has been developed to engage and listen to the public, inform the
community about the facts of the Project, display important content, and receive public
feedback. On this site, individual pages were developed for the Project components listed below
with means of communication and engagement customized to each topic. Specific pages on this
site have been developed for:
• NISP Overview
• Pipeline Conveyance Routes
• Recreation at Glade Reservoir
• Larimer County 1041 Permitting Process
Content on the pipeline conveyance routes includes an interactive map allowing landowners to
geospatially reference a point and provide comments. This page contains a question-and-
answer section where the public can post questions, and answers are provided. There is also an
option to submit comments directly to staff.
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Content on the Glade Reservoir recreation page includes a conceptual recreation map allowing
interested parties to reference and comment on recreation concepts. This page contains a
recreation-option poll to help measure public support for various recreation options. This page
also contains a question-and-answer section where the public can post questions, and answers
are provided. There is also an option to submit comments directly to staff.
The Larimer County 1041 Permitting Process page provides an overview of the Larimer County
1041 permitting and review process as it relates to NISP. This page contains a question-and-
answer section where the public can post questions and answers are provided.
Postcard invitations to visit NISPTalk.com were sent to:
• Properties within 500 feet of the proposed conveyance pipelines in Larimer County
• Any reservoir or ditch companies that could have pipeline crossings near dams or large
canals
• The Bonner Peak neighborhood and properties within 1 mile of the reservoir and
recreation areas
Multiple approaches were utilized to reach out to the general public regarding NISPTalk.com
and the associated Larimer County permitting process. Social medial outreach included posting
the website and information on the following:
• Primary NISP website, www.gladereservoir.org
• Northern Water social media accounts
• Larimer County Social Media Accounts
• Northern Water E-News
• NISP Participants located in Larimer County Social Media Accounts (including the
Fort Collins Loveland Water District and Town of Windsor)
• Posters at recreation vendors or recreation spots
A summary of the feedback submitted to NISPTalk.com as well as responses to that feedback is
provided in Attachment G.
Additional outreach specific to the development of the Larimer County 1041 Permit has
occurred through Project specific open houses on June 29, 2017, October 9, 2019, and
December 18, 2019. Each of these open houses is described in more detail below.
An open house to discuss pipeline conveyance alignments in Larimer County was held on June
29, 2017. Notifications for this open house were sent to all property owners within 500 feet of
the proposed pipeline routes. A total of 144 people signed in at the open house.
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Multiple handouts, posters, and large-scale maps of the pipeline areas were displayed at the
open house. Twenty-seven comment cards were received, and a breakdown of major areas of
feedback received is included below:
Issue No. of Comments*
Douglas Road Pipeline concerns (Use Northern Route, not Douglas
Road)
11
Douglas Road Traffic and Roadway Concerns 6
Northern Route Concerns (Use Douglas Road, not Northern Route) 5
Easement Width issues 3
Safety Concerns 2
Opposed to NISP Entirely 2
Thanks for hosting open house 2
Terry Lake wetlands issues 1
Highway 14 impacts 1
Request additional NEPA Review 1
Water Quality Issues 1
Request more Public Meetings 1
Notify others, including all Terry Point residents 1
*Some cards contained multiple comments/ issues.
Feedback received from this open house was considered as part of the pipeline alternatives
analyses to inform pipeline routes and specific alignments. Additional information on this open
house can be found in Attachment H.
An open house was held on October 9, 2019. Notifications for this open house were sent to:
• Properties and property owners within 500 feet of the proposed pipeline routes
• Properties and property owners in the Bonner Peak neighborhood
• Properties and property owners within 1 mile of either Glade Reservoir or the associated
recreation area
The Loveland Reporter Herald, Longmont Times Call, The Fence Post, and KUNC also had articles
or segments notifying the public about the open house. The open house was also advertised on
NISPTalk.com, Northern Water social medial channels, and Northern Water’s electronic
newsletters. A total of 95 people signed in at the open house.
Multiple handouts, posters, and large-scale maps of the pipeline areas were displayed at the
open house. Information explaining the NISP Project, the U.S. Highway 287 relocation, proposed
pipeline alignments in Larimer County, proposed recreation options at Glade Reservoir, and the
content and scope of the proposed permitting process with Larimer County were presented.
29
Staff received 32 comment cards from the open house. A breakdown of major comment themes
is included below:
Issue No. of
Comments*
Pipelines Damage or impact to property from construction 2
Opposition to pipelines entirely 1
Suggested alternative pipeline alignments 3
Recreation Support for camping 7
Support for fishing 10
Support for recreation plan 2
Support for trails 15
Support for picnic pavilion 3
Support for boating 8
Concerns regarding noise and impacts from motorized
boating
10
Suggested boat ramp locations and configuration 3
Suggested trial and trailhead configurations 3
*Some cards contained multiple comments/ issues.
Information received on the pipelines conveyances was considered as part of the pipeline
alternatives analyses to inform pipeline routes and specific alignments. Feedback on the
recreation options at Glade Reservoir will be incorporated into the development of recreation
options and associated management plans and designs when that information is developed.
More information on this open house can be found in Attachment I.
Another open house was held on December 18, 2019. Notifications for this open house were
sent to:
• Properties and property owners in the LCR 29C neighborhood
• Properties and property owners in the Bonner Peak neighborhood
Emails were also sent to the limited number of property owners in these neighborhoods that
email addresses were available for, with invitations to the open house and the request that those
property owners share that invitation with their neighbors. A total of 34 people signed in at the
open house.
Multiple handouts, posters, and large-scale maps of the proposed Glade Reservoir recreation
plan and recreation areas, U.S. Highway 287 relocation, and pipeline areas were displayed at the
30
open house. Information explaining the NISP Project and the content and scope of the
proposed 1041 Permit with Larimer County were also presented.
Staff received 22 comment cards from the open house. A breakdown of major comment themes
is included below:
Issue No. of
Comments
In
Support
or
Neutral
In
Opposition
Position on project in general 4 2 2
Boating on reservoir 14 11 3
Request for non-motorized boating 9 - -
Night-time boating on reservoir 18 1 17
Camping at recreation area 19 13 6
Fishing on reservoir 19 12 7
Trails in recreation area 19 14 5
Call for turn lanes at Bonner Peaks or other 287
safety issues
8 - -
*Some cards contained multiple comments/ issues.
Feedback received on the recreation options at Glade Reservoir will be incorporated into the
development of recreation options and associated management plans and designs when that
information is developed. U.S. Highway 287 relocation comments focused on safety issues
associated with the existing U.S. Highway 287 alignment and a desire for turn lanes at the
entrance to the Bonner Peak neighborhood. While that entrance (the Bonner Springs Ranch
Road and U.S. Highway 287 Intersection) is outside of the scope of the U.S. Highway 287
Relocation and Larimer County 1041 Permit, we have been in contact with CDOT sharing the
neighborhood’s concerns with the intersection, the Owl Canyon intersection, and the overall
safety of U.S. Highway 287. Finally, there were no submitted comments on the pipeline routes.
More information on this open house can be found in Attachment J.
Information on NISP and its conveyance pipelines was also presented at the Thornton Water
Project’s public outreach events at the request of Larimer County Staff.
In addition to these outreach efforts, staff has worked with individuals and recreation groups
one-on-one to answer questions and receive feedback on the project. These efforts have
included contract with rock-climbing, bass-fishing, and paddle boarding groups who are in
support of the Project and look forward to coordinating on future design of recreation facilities
at Glade Reservoir as those designs relate to their form of recreation. One-on-one conversations
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have also occurred with individuals and home-owners associations along pipeline conveyance
routes to inform them on the scope and location of construction as it relates to their properties.
Feedback received on the pipeline routes was considered as part of the pipeline routing analysis.
12.0 Final Design and Permit Coordination
Plans and designs presented in this 1041 Permit application have been developed at a
conceptual level. Additional refinement and changes are anticipated as design efforts progress.
Plans and designs presented will also be subject to final federal permit requirements for the
Project, which will control in the event of a conflict.