[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31923]


[Federal Register: December 28, 1994]


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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