HomeMy WebLinkAboutCASCADE CROSSING COMMON PART 1-2 LEGALIIIIIIIIIITIIIIIII
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The pipeline route then follows Basingdale Blvd. for approximately 200 feet. At ttris
point the proposed new pipeline will turn to the north, diverge from the existing pipeline route,
and run downhill about 225 feet through a privately owned lot to Belleflower Drive, then
crossing Belleflower Drive and Gore Creek, to the westerly end of the south frontage road. At
Belleflower Drive, the pipeline would cross from Eagle County into the limits of the Town of
Vail.
On the north side of Gore Creek, the pipeline route tums east and follows the north side
of the south frontage road of I-70 for a distance of approximately 14,000 teel'. Q.65 milas). At
this point the proposed pipeline will connect to the natural gas distribution system for the
Town of Vail.
G. Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis
1. Alternative G . North Side of l-70 Right of Way
This alternative utilizes the north side of the I-70 Rightof-Way between Dowd Junction
and the West Vail interchange (Figure 1). Beginning at a point approximately 200 feet west of
the Highway 24 interchange (Minturn) and on the south side of the Eagle River, the proposed
pipeline would travel easteily approximately 120 feet to the location ofthe proposed bikepath
bridge over the Eagle River. At this point the pipeline would cross Gore Creek and physically
attached to the underside ofthe bikepath bridge.
On the north side of the confluence of Gore Creek and the Eagle River, the pipeline
would extend east, generally parallel to Gore Creek. Near the point where I-70 crosses over
Gore Creek, the pipeline would run onto the north shoulder of the west bound lane of the
interstate. In this area I-70 is tightly confined by steep rock walls. The pipeline would be
located approximately 15 feet off of the pavement of the west bound lane in the most tightly
confined areas and 15 to 30 feet offofthe shoulder ofthe road where allowable.
The pipeline would continue east 7,400 feet, following the shoulder of I-70, to a point
approximately 0.40 mile west of the West Vail interchange. At this point a small service road
runs parallel to the interstate. The pipeline would be located in this service road to the
intersection at the West Vail interchange.
At the West Vail interchange, the pipeline would turn to the south and follow the
interchange underpass beneath I-70. Once on the south side ofthe interchange the pipeline
would turn east again and run approximately 7,7fi) feet to the eastern most end of ttre project.
Once on the south side of I-70, this alternative is the same as Alternative B, moving in a west
to east direction.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
Alternative C was eliminated from detailed analysis in ttris Environmental Assessment
because of institutional considerations. It is ttre policy of the Federal Highway Administration
and the Colorado Departrnent ofTransportation not to allow longinrdinal utility installations
within interstate highway corridors when feasible alternative utility corridors are available. As
defined under Alternative B, Public Service Company of Colorado already has an existing
Right-of-Way that is suitable for accommodating the proposed new line.t
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2. Alternative D - Vail to Dowd Junction Bikepath
This alternative is identical to Alternative B between the eastern most point of the
project to the point where the pipeline alignment under Alternative B would cross Gore Creek
(Figure 1). It is also identical to Scenario C from the point immediately on the nonh side of
the west bound lane of I-70 to the western most point of the project.
Between the point in Alternative B where the pipeline crosses Gore Creek and the north
side of I-70, the propose pipeline under this alternative would follow a recreational bikepath
proposed by the Colorado Deparunent of Transportation and the Town of Vail. This bike path
would be located within the I-70 corridor between shoulder of the east bound lane and Gore
Creek. At the intersection of Gore Creek and I-70, the pipeline will follow the bikepath under
a new underpass to the north side of the interstate.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
This alternative has been eliminated from detailed consideration based on economic and
engineering considerations as well as limitations associated with the design of the proposed
bikepath. An existing 20 inch diameter sanitary sewer pipeline currently is located along the
route of the proposed new pipeline. Within the past two years, U.S. West has completed
installation of a fiber optics line along this same route. Prior to construction of the bike path,
two new water lines are proposed for construction in the same corridor: a 16 inch treated water
line for Town of Vail municipal supply; and a 12 inch supplemental raw water supply line for
snow making at the Vail Ski Area.
This alternative would be economically viable from the standpoint of Public Service
Company only if construction costs were shared by all of the interests which plan on locating
facilities beneath the bikepath. However, due to the extremely confined nature of this
corridor, it may not be feasible to accommodate a new 12 inch natural gas pipeline, along with
the other utilities planned, while at the same time providing sufficient access for ongoing
maintenance requirements. Additional problems exist which relate to timing of the
construction of the bikepath, completion of the design of the other facilities which may locate
beneath the bikepath, and the projected natural gas supply shortages in the Town of Vail.
3. Alternative E. North Ridgeline
This alternative is identical to the other structural alternatives between the West Vail
interchange ofI-70 and the eastern terminus ofthe project near the Vail Associates
Maintenance Shops. West of the West Vail interchange the pipeline deviates substantially from
the I-70 Corridor.
Beginning at a point located near River Run along Colorado Highway 6 approximately
2.0 miles westerly of the Highway 24 interchange of I-70, ttre pipeline would take off from the
existing line which connects the Avon, Colorado area with Meadow Mountain Meter Station.
At this point the pipeline would turn 90 degrees to the north and run under the Eagle River.
The pipeline would continue north approximately 8fi) feet under the tracts of the Denver
and Rio Grande Western Railroad then up a steep hillside. At an elevation of approximately
8,000 feet the pipeline would turn in a easterly direction and continue for a distance of
approximately 2.0 miles. The pipeline would rise to an elevation of approximately 9,700 feet
to a point near the top of a small drainage which runs south back down to Gore Creek near the
West Vail interchange.
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The pipeline would generally follow this small drainage back down to West Vail. In the
area of the hillside located to the north of I-70 at West Vail, the pipeline would switch back
several times along a steep residential road down to the frontage road on the north side ofI-70.
From this point on the pipeline would follow the same alignment described under Alternative C
to the eastern end of the project.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis based predominantly on economic
infeasibilities and environmental considerations. This alignment would require several
thousand additional linear feet ofpipe to be installed. The terrain ofthis alignment is very
rugged and would require construction of access roads for construction and maintenance
equipment. In addition, construction along this route would disturb substantial areas of
previously undisturbed National Forest System land. Substantial visual impacts would result
from construction activities in the area north of Highway 6 and west of Dowd Junction.
D. Facilities Associated with Pipeline Alignment Alternatives
Many of the facilities associated with pipeline operation, maintenance and safety would
be common to each of the structural alternatives. Detailed engineering drawings will be
prepared only for the Proposed Action (Alternative B). Features which could potentially have
an impact on the environment are discussed here.
Under each of the structural alternative the pipeline would consists of a 12 inch steel
high pressure pipe. The pipeline would be installed in forty foot sections which would be
welded and lowered into an excavated trench.
To provide for an emergency shutdown of the pipeline, valve sets must be installed
along natural gas pipelines at minimum intervals of every eight miles, or under the Proposed
Action, at either end of the project. These valve sets are also utilized for maintenance and
repair. The valve set at the eastern terminus of the project will be constructed at a sufficient
distance off of the South Frontage Road so as not to impair automotive traffic and to minimize
visual impacts.
Additional facilities associated with the pipeline construction include line markers to
permanently designate the location ofthe buried pipeline. These markers are typically placed
along the line-of-sight of the pipeline and extend two to three feet above the ground.
E. Construction Methods
Construction of the Proposed Action would require approximately 2 months to complete
and would occur between July 15 and September 15, 1993. Completion of other alternatives
would require longer periods of time because of a greater number of engineering and
construction diffrculties and obstacles. Because of several timing issues related to
environmental sensitivities and requirements by the Town of Vail to avoid disruption, the
Proposed Action may be constructed in one or more "spreads" along the pipeline route. In
other words, different segments of the pipeline could be constructed simultaneously by
different cews. The precise timing of construction activities are not yet known but would be
sensitive to these and other such concerns.
Representatives from Public Service Company would be present during all construction
activitiqs. Construction would at times require participation by representatives from the
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CDOT, US Forest Service, Eagle County and the Town of Vail. Participation by these
representatives will be important because of the nature of the construction methods and the
sensitivity of the environment to constnrclion activities.
Under the Proposed Action, the 12 inch diameter pipe would be installed with a depth of
cover of approximately L5 to 4.0 feet. Installation would require excavating a trench which is
approximately 30 inches in width. During excavation, spoil material would be placed along
side of the excavation.
The rate of pipeline installation would be dependent on local site conditions. Under
optimal conditions, the pipeline could be installed at a rate of approximately 0.25 mile per day.
Under conditions that require rock sawing, boulder excavation or accommodating other
obstructions, installation times may be significantly increased. The total width of the area
disturbed by pipeline installation is expected to be on the order of 25 feet.
After the pipeline is installed in the excavated trench, the spoil material will be
backfilled and the disturbed area will be restored to near original levels and conditions. Seed
mixtures for revegetation will meet the requirement of the Town of Vail, CDOT, CDOW
and/or the Forest Service, depending on the location of the disturbance.
Under the Proposed Action the pipeline must cross Gore Creek west of the West Vail
interchange. Several construction methods are possible for dealing with this crossing and will
depend on several factors such as the stream flow during the construction period. A likely
scenario would be for an over size trench to be excavated across the channel of Gore Creek.
The pipeline would then be lowered into the trench with concrete weights attached to counter
buoyancy. After the pipe is installed, the excavated trench will be backfilled and the stream
channel restored to original conditions.
There will be no onsite storage of any fuels to supply construction vehicles during the
construction process. All fuels will be supplied and delivered as needed by small refueling
truck.
PSCO provides a fire watch during all construction activities and currently has an
emergency plan in place which is on file with Eagle County.
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IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
This section ofthe Environmental Assessment presents descriptions ofthe existing
conditions within the areas of the alternative pipeline routes. Included are discussions of the
physical and biological environment, visual amenities, cultural resources and recreational and
socioeconomic activities. Described are general aspects ofthe environment for which issues
and concerns were raised during scoping that could be affected by the proposed action. Many
of the descriptions given iue common among the different alternatives. Each resource is
discussed to a level of detail relative to its potential to be affected. When warranted by unique
features, specific alternative actions are discussed individually.
A. Physiography and Geology
Physiography and geologic conditions described here are limited to an area generally
defined on the west side by Avon; on the north side by a straight line connecting East Vail and
Avon (north oflntersmte 70); on the east side by the East Vail interchange ofI-70; and on the
south side by Lions Head, Meadow Mountain and Vail Ski Area. This area comprises the
majority of the Vail Valley and Dowd lunction.
The Vail Valley is situated in a structural trough which stretches from Vail Pass to
MacCoy in north central Eagle County. Most of the area is underlain by the sedimentary rocks
of the Minturn formation from the Pennsylvanian age. The Minturn formation consists of
gray, pale yellow and red sandstone, interbedded with conglomerate and thin beds ofshale.
Outcrops of the Minturn formation can be found throughout the area. To a lesser extent,
similar rock belonging to the Maroon formation occur in the area. Some Precambrian
gneisses and migmatites can also be found.
During the quarternary period, several large valley glaciers were present within the Gore
Creek Valley which gouged out the lower valley floor, forming steep cliffs. Oversteepening of
the lower valley wall and deepening of the valley itself removed upslope support for large
sections of the formational bedrock which dipped towards the valley axis. This glacial activity
significantly modified the mountain topography to approximately present conditions. A result
of the oversteepening of many side slopes in the area is the existence of numerous unstable
slopes which are the source of frequent small landslides.
B. Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards typical for high mountain areas include seismicity, faults, liquefaction,
landslides and associated slope stability problems, rocKall, mud and debris flows and ground
surface subsidence. Most ofthe geological hazards typical for Colorado have been defined by
Rogers et. al. (1974).
1. Seismicity
Colorado is located in the interior of the North American plate, far from any plate
boundaries. As such. Colorado is considered an area of low seismic risk. The potential for
earthquake hazard in the study area was evaluated by reviewing seismic histories and taking
into account the hazard zone system applied by Uniform Building Code criteria. Under this
system, high earthquake risk is defined by Zone 4, descending to Zone l, where there is a low
probability of seismic activity. Based on the known fault system, Colorado is located in
seisrnic risk Zone I with a low seismic risk, although more recent data indicate that the State
should be inZone 2 (moderately low risk) (Kirkham and Rogers, 1981).
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2. Faults
Two potentially active faults have been identified near the study area (Kirkham and
Rogers, l98l). The Gore fault is actually a system offaults trending in a northwest-southeast
direction approximately parallel to the I-70 corridor and to the northeast ofVail Pass. Based
on the present gmlogic conditions and project configurations, this fault will not cross the
alignment of any of the currently considered pipeline alignments.
3. Liquefaction
Liquefaction is a process which occurs when fine-grained, saturated soils are shaken
during an earthquake. This process temporarily trensfonns soils into a fluid state. As the soil
liquefies, stnrctures within the soil mass may be damaged. Based on the limited seismic risks
in the study area, and in the absence of significant, saturated fine-grained soil deposits, hazards
associated with liquefaction are considered unlikely to be of importance for any ofthe
alternative pipeline al ignments.
4. Landslides
A number of landslide studies in the area have been conducted @arton and others, 1972,
Colton and others, 1975, Golder & Associates, 1984, 1985 and 1986, Robinson and Cochran,
1971). The data from these studies are not always consistent and are sometimes contradictory.
A geologic hazard map @igure l) was prepared from these studies and has taken into account
the most recent data on landslides.
Many small landslides have occurred over time within the study area. Larger landslide
have also occurred and include several caused by glacial activity, such as those which
developed during or immediately following the most recent glaciation. Numerous minor
landslides of soils covering the bedrock formations can also be documented.
The majority of the landslides identified within the study area are ancient and have been
inactive for thousands of years. These landslides have no significance for the proposed
project.. For example, portions of the development associated with the Vail Ski Area have
been built on these landslides. Interstate 70 crosses several landslides and has resulted in only
minor structural problems to the roadway. However, some of the old landslides are
occasionally reactivated and roadways in the area will intermittently experience deformations.
Active landslides are indicated on the Figure l.
5. Rockfall
Rockfall is a common geologic hazard within the study area. These rocKalls are
typically associated with the presence of sandstone cliffs of the Minturn formation bedrock.
As these slopes are usually steep (on the order of 25 to 30 degrees), the moving rock fragments
can reach high velocities and become a serious hazard to structures located in their path.
Rockfall in the study area is largely seasonally related, with the majority ofthe rockfalls
occurring during the spring snowmelt period.
Areas of the rockfall hazard are relatively well defined within the Town of Vail where
significant mitigating measures have been undertaken to protect above-ground structures.
Mitigation measures have been taken by the Colorado Department of Transportation along I-70
in the area of Dowd Junction to reduce the number of rockslides and reduce exposure of
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passing vehicles to falling rock. Additional areas ofrockfall hazard may occur in other
portions ofthe study area but their extent is currently unknown.
6. Mud and Debris Flow
Mud and debris flows occur when a water saturated mass of soil flows rapidly down
slope. Mudflows typically develop during torrential rains or during very rapid snowmelt
runoff. Such runoff initiates rapid erosion and transport of poorly consolidated surficial
material. Mudflows are typical for high Colorado mountains in areas susceptible to erosion.
Numerous mudflows have been documented in the Gore Creek valley and on the slopes above
the Eagle River.
7. Ground Surface Subsidence
Ground surface subsidence can be caused by the withdrawal of pore fluids such as the
groundwater or oil, by excessive wetting of certain lowdensity, weak soils, by dissolution of
soluble rocks or soils, or by the removal of support by underground mining. Although ground
surface subsidence of each ofthese types has been identified within Colorado, there are no
indications that any similar features could be expected in the area studied for alternative
pipeline alignments.
8. Mineral Resources
Mineral resource iueas are defined as areas from which mineral extraction is possible
given economic conditions and existing technology. Mineral resources can be metall ics
@recious- and base-metal ores and ferrous-metal ores), non-metallics (construction aggregates,
building stones, evaporites) and mineral fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, oil shale, uranium).
There are no known mineral resource areas within the area studied. Potentially mined
mineral resources are located to the east of the study area and would include sources of
construction aggregates (gravel pits in the larger creeks or river valleys).
C. Soils
The U.S. Soil Conservation Service has identified, described and mapped soils within
Eagle County. Soils within the study area are relatively deep and are the product of either
weathering ofsandy rocks or deposition by streams or glaciers. Most ofthe soils are sandy,
include a considerable amount of gravel and are permeable. Because of their composition, the
soils in the area are relatively stable and not highly erodible.
In areas where an alternative pipeline alignment follows a highway Right-of-Way, soils
have typicdly been modified by the highway construction. Such modification rypically
includes addition of coarser material such as the gravel or selective use of better quality
material and elinination of a poor quality material.
D. Groundwater
Groundwater conditions are variable throughout the study area, and depend largely on
topographic conditions and the presences ofstreams or other water bodies. The water table in
the study area is generally below the depth that will be required for installation of a pipeline.
Water,table elevations may occasionally and temporarily be close to the ground surface during
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periods of torrential rains or during periods of rapid snowmelt but rapidly decline following
these period. Groundwater may also be encountered at a shallow depth in relatively flat areas
such as local depression and immediately below natural springs. In several areas, highway or
road construction has modified natural drainage conditions and may contribute to increased
groundwater levels.
E. Vegetation
The study area is located primarily within the Lodgepole pine and Engleman spruce-
subalpine fir communities which occur between 7,000 to I1,0fi) feet in elevation. Lodgepole
pine are found at 7,000 to 9,0fi) feet on the west end ofthe proposed route. They often form
dense, pure stands with little understory. At higher elevations, Lodgepole pine gives way to
spruce-fir forest, which dominates the Engleman spruce-subalpine fir community. These
forests are dominated by Engleman spruce and subalpine fir. Limber pine and bristlecone pine
are common on steep, rocky, and southern exposures. Douglas-fir, aspen, lodgepole pine, and
blue spruce are also found in this forest type. These species often form dense stands with little
herbaceous understory because ofshading and considerable litter accumulation @rown, 1985).
Understory species vary depending on topographic, soil, and microclimate conditions.
Typical shrub species are snowberry and serviceberry. The more common species of
graminoids and forbs found in the understory of quaking aspen are blue wild-rye, fringed
brome, elk sedge, bedstraw, Richardson's geranium, and fireweed (Hofftnan and Alexander,
1983).
Historicdly, the valley floors within the study zuea were characterized by grassy
meadows, wet willow meadows, and sagebrush benches. Many of these vegetation
communities still exist but in areas impacted by human development these communities are
smaller and less frequent.
South facing slopes within the study area typically support sagebrush, scrub oak, and
other woody shrubs, with grassy understory and meadows and scattered aspen groves. Most of
the other valley slopes, in conrast, support aspen-conifer woodlands (Metcall 1992).
Mountainiplateau grasslands and meadows are often found interspersed with the other
dominant vegetation and typically include a variety of species. Grasses, forbs, and scattered
shrubs dominate the herbaceous cover. The more common grass species include bromes,
bluegrasses, oatgrasses, sedges, wheatgrasses, fescues, needlegrasses, hairgrasses, reedgrasses,
bentgrasses, and junegrass. The forb component varies with location and is diverse throughout
the region. Shrubs include big sagebrush, fringed sagebrush, rabbitbrush, snakeweed, shrubby
cinquefoils, wild roses, and prickly pear (Mueggler and Stewart, 1980).
A large portion of each ofthe alternative alignments passes through areas ofpreviously
disturbed vegetation including highway and road right-of-ways. A variety ofvegetation types
often occur near these righs-of-way (Greystone, l99l). Plant communities ofrevegetated
rightof-ways consist of various species of grasses and include both native and introduced
specias. Common introduced species include crested wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, smooth
brome, yellow sweetclover, and white sweetclover.
F. Wetlands and Riparian Areas
Scattered wetlands occur throughout the study area. Several wetland reconnaissance
studies have been performed in relation to this and other projects. These studies are referenced
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below and served to establish the location of wetlands which may exist along the alternative
pipeline alignmens.
In September of 1990, a wetlands reconnaissance was performed for US West's Fiber
Optics Cable Project Environmental Assessment. This route is located along the existing bike
path between Vail and Wheeler Flats (Copper Mountain) within the I-70 corridor. Wetlands
were generally found to occur along the route in narrow, often sporadic riparian belts in
intermittent (seasonal) drainages, and as emergent wetlands in ditches and drainages along
roadways. These wetlands were categorized into wetlands on perennial streams, wetlands
along the stream banks, and wetlands outside the stream channel.
Wetlands occurring on perennial streams in the study area include the open water,
submergent and floating aquatic plana and shoreline vegetation within the stream channel.
Wetlands occurring along the banks of intermittent and perennial streamri as well as roadside
ditches and depressions with high water tables are intermittently, semipermanently, or
seasonally flooded. Characteristic vegetation includes cattails, soffstem bulrush, three square
bulrush and a variety of rushes and sedges. Wetlands occurring along intermittent and
perennial streams outside the stream channel are dominated by deciduous shrubs, particularly
willows. The most common shrub is the sandbar willow. However the Colorado willow,
plainleaf willow, and geyer willow also occur along the route. Typical understory vegetation
is similar to that of the wetlands along the banks of the streams and ditches (Greystone, l99l).
Wet meadows and riparian scrub wetlands have been identified along Black Gore Creek
between Black Lake No. 2 and Polk Creek @lack Lakes EA). The wet meadow areas occur
on relatively flat deltas formed by deposition of sediment from I-70, although some are more
specifically "fens" because they are associated with peat soils fed by groundwater from
springs. These areas contain numerous plant species including water sedge, beaked sedge,
wooly cinquefoil, dandelion, darkthroat shootingstar, elephanthead lousewort, elkslip marsh
marigold, and bluejoint reedgrass. Wet meadows are highly valued for food chain support,
wildlife and fishery habitat, and heritage values, and moderately valued for ground water
discharge, shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces.
Riparian scrub wetlands exist on hillslopes and alluvial terraces above and adjacent to
the Gore Creek and the Eagle River. The predominant overstory vegetation consists of various
species of woody shrubs including mountain plainleaf, wolf willow, bog and water birch, red
osier dogwood, and thinleaf alder. Groundcover consists of species common to wet meadow
areas. Riparian scrub areas are highly valued for flood storage and desynchronization,
shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces, sediment trapping, nutrient retention and
removal, wildlife and fishery habitat, and heritage values. They are moderately valued for
ground water discharge, and food chain support. They also have some minimal groundwater
recharge value (Hydrosphere, l99lb).
Few wetlands exist in the vicinity of the alternative pipeline alignments west of the West
Vail interchange, although some small wetland arens do exist in depressions areas where there
is a sufficiently high groundwater table or retention of surface drainage. A significant amount
of riparian wetland vegeultion exists adjacent to the Gore Creek and the Eagle River.
G. Hydrology
The study area is located within the Colorado River Basin and includes the drainages of
Gore Creek and the Eagle River and numerous small tributaries. Streams and creeks within
the study area are fed primarily by precipitation. The majority of this precipitation falls as
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snow and consequently, peak annual runoffusually occurs in early to mid-June. Streamflow
during the late summer, fall, and winter originates mainly from ground water discharges.
Black Gore Creek, a tributary of Gore Creek, originates near the top of Vail Pass.
Black Gore Creek flows for approximately 8.4 miles west along I-70 to its confluence with
Gore Creek. From the Black Gore Creek confluence, Gore Creek flows approximately 10.5
miles to its confluence with the Eagle River at Dowd Junction. Approximately 8 miles of this
segment of Gore Creek are within the boundaries of the Town of Vail. The upper section of
this reach has been channelized along I-70 and the Vail golf course (USDOI, 1988).
Gore Creek drains approximately 100 square miles and is the primary source of water
supply for the Vail Ski Area and the Town of Vail. The mean annual stream flow in Gore
Creek at its mouth is 129 cubic feet per second (cfs), with and average annual discharge of
approximately 92,fi[ acre feet. Peak flows during spring runoff reach 1,5fi) cfs during the
month of June; the lowest recorded flows have been between 10 and 12 cfs during the month
of February.
The water supply for the Town of Vail is diverted from Gore Creek primarily via an
alluvial well field located near the confluence of Booth Creek and used for domestic purposes,
lawn irrigation and golf course irrigation. Water for snowmaking is withdrawn from Gore
Creek by way of an infiltration gallery located at a point near the confluence of Red Sandstone
Creek below the discharge point for the Vail Wastewater Treatment Plant (Hydrosphere,
l99lb).
The Eagle River, at a point near Avon Colorado, drains an area ofapproximately 395
square miles. Annual discharge of the Eagle River at this point averages approximately
250,000 acre-feet, or about 350 cubic feet per second. The Eagle River is used for water
supply for numerous small towns west of Dowd Junction.
H. Water Ouality
.Black Gore Creek and Gore Creek are classified by the Colorado Water Quality Control
Commission as follows: a) Class I cold water aquatic live, b) domestic water supply, c) Class
2 recreation, and d) irrigation. Water quality in Black Gore Creek is considered very good
throughout its entire drainage, whereas water quality in Gore Creek deteriorates as it flows
through Vail Valley. This degradation primarily results from non-point sources of pollution.
Chemicals of panicular concern in Gore Creek are fine sediments and select metals
(cadmium, manganese and lead). Possible sources include l) wash offfrom nearby Interstate
70, and from impervious surfaces ofthe parking areas throughout the Town ofVail, and 2)
naturally high concentrations in the surrounding environment which drainage directly
(untreated) into Gore Creek (Hydrosphere, l99lb). A summary of results from several water
quality monitoring programs is provided in Table 4-1.
The Eagle River has historically experienced sever water quality degradation resulting
from operation of several mines upstream of Minturn. Of particular note is the Eagle Mine
operated from neady seventy five years to extract zinc silver and other metals. As such, heavy
metal pollution has reduced the quality ofthe waters in the Eagle River and reduced existence
of aquatic life.
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I Table I
I Selected Water Quality Parameters Black Gore Creek,
I Gore Creekr and the Eagle River2
I Black Gore Gore Creek Eagle River
I Parameter Creek near at Vail below Dowd Junction
Vail
I Conductivity (umho/cml
I Average 1 67.93 1 1 6.34 146.84(Min-Maxl (80-2601 {50-200} (59-2251
I Dissolved Oxygen (mg/ll
Avetage
- (Min-Max)
rpH
Average
I (Min-Maxl
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Total Alkalinity (mg/l)
I Average
I (Min-Maxl
Nitrite + Nitrate N Diss. (mg/l)
I Averager (Min-Maxl
I Orthophosphate PO4 (mg/l)
I Average
{Min-Max}
I Total Hardness (mg/llt Average'
(Min-Maxl
I tron Dissotved (/g/[
Average
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Manganese Dissolved (pgllI
- Average
' TDS (ms/tl
. Average
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9.54 9.30
9.1-10t (7.5-9.9)
7.93 7.80(7-8.61 (6.9-8.6t
88.23 63.60(53-1001 (26-80t
o.72 0.96
(.01-1 2l (.01-29t
o.72 0.o2
(0-1 .81 (0-.15t
83.0'1 59.20(16-1501 (21-1 101
51.57 65.80(30-1001 (20-190)
40.00 6.00
102.85 74.80(64-1211 {32-931
9.62
(8.0-10.81
7.87
t7.o-8.71
71.57
(34-981
145.25
(46-2051
94.28
t20-1701
1. EPA STORETT water quality data collected | 973 to 1983.
r 2. Advanced Sciences, Inc. 1990.
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- l. Wildlife
r Wildlife resources within the study area are predominantly upland in character
(Greystone, 1991). Specific habitas include subalpine meadow, riparian wetlands, and spruce-
I fu forest. These habitats provide for a diverse assemblage ofboth game and non-gamet wildlife. Game animals most predominant in the area include elk, mule deer, and bear
(Hydrosphere, 1991b).
t Occasional use of the study area by mallard ducks during the late summer and fall and
early spring may also occur. A partial list ofother wildlife species that could be associated
I with the habitats in the vicinity of the project area include: pine martin, ermine, sharp-shinned
I hawk, red-tailed hawk, goshawk, blue grouse, and various passerine birds (Hydrosphere,! 1991b).
I Special interest habitat occurs along the route ofthe Proposed Action at a specially
t constnrcted game underpass on I-70 near West Vail. This underpass is located approximately
1.5 miles east of Dowd Junction. The area is managed by the USFS and the Colorado
I Division of Wildlife and is a major winter migration route for elk and deer.
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J. Fisheries
f Black Gore Creek beween Black Lakes No. I and No. 2 contains a natural reproducing
population of brook trout (Holden, 1986). Brook trout spawn in Black Gore Creek with some
r overwintering in Black Lake No. 2 (Hydrosphere, l99lb).
T- Gore Creek contains a trout population consisting of brown, brook, and rainbow trout.
The brown and brook trout are self-sustaining while the rainbows are stocked. Brown trout
I move up Gore Creek from the Eagle River in the faU to spawn. The reach of Gore Creek fromI Red Sandstone Creek to the confluence with the Eagle River has been classified as a Gold
Medal Water by the CDOW ruSDOI, 1988).
I The Eagle River fishery has been impacted for many years by activities at the Eagle
Mine above Minturn. The fishery in the Eagle is comprised mostly of brown trout. As part of
I the remedial activities at and near the mine, the CDOW is conducting regular population
I surveys ofthe Eagle River. The most recent data suggest that populations ofnaturallyr reproducing fish may be recovering.
I K. Threatened and Endangered Species
1. Terrestrial
No Federally listed threatened, endangered CI&E), or o0rerwise candidate plant or
animal species are koown to exist in the proposed project area. Within the project's area of
influence, T&E species such as perqgrine falcon, bald eagle, Canada lynx, Swainsons hawk,
and southern (mexican) sponed ow{ may possibly be present, but have not been confirmed
(usDA, 1992).
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Bald Eagle) which are federally listed Endangered, migrate through higher elevations in
Colorado during October and November and winter on the Eagle and Colorado Rivers. They
prefer areas near water, as they feed on fish and waterfowl, They use montane lakes for
feeding and resting during migration. Eagles may use stream corridors to accqss the forest for
hunting and foraging during the winter months. This use would be extremely limited along
alternative pipeline routes as there is generally lack of abundant prey species in the area.
Peregrine Falcons are also federally listed as Endangered. Peregrines nest on high,
precipitous cliffs and river gorges. The Interstate corridor does not have suitable habitat for
this species. Peregrines have not been documented in the area (USDA, 1992).
Eighteen plant species have been listed as species of special concern for Eagle County
(Keammerer, 1992). Fourteen of these have been determined not likely to occur along the
alternative pipeline routes. The four species that could occur along the route include: Purple
Lady's Slipper (Q5pdpg[iug fasciculatum, - occurs in subalpine forests usually under the low
overhanging branches ofsub-alpine fir), Mountain Bladder Fern (Cystoperis montana - occurs
in moist, rich spruce frr forests), Canyon Bog Orchid Oimnorchis ensifolia - occurs in dry
woods), and Harrington Beardtongue (Penstemon harringtonii). Of these four, Harrington
Beardtongue is most likely to occur along the routes, as it occurs in sagebrush shrublands and
road cuts. This species has been extensively studied in the Eagle River Valley and is known to
occur at Avon, just west ofDowd Junction. No populations are known to be present above
Avon, although some suitable areas do exist just east of Dowd lunction (Keammerer, 1992).
This project would not have any detrimental effect on the habitat or through the direct
taking ofany ofthe above species. Furthermore, none ofthe dternative pipeline routes have
been designated as critical habitat by the Secretary ofthe Interior (USDA, 1992).
2. Aquatic
No Federally listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species inhabit Gore Creek or
the Eagle River. However, approximately 100 miles downstream of the project, the following
fish species ue listed as endangered: Colorado squawfish Otychocheilus !g!5), humpback
chub (Gila cypha), and bonytail chub (Gila elesans) (USFWS, 1989). The razorback sucker
@Vrauche4 texanus) also occurs in the Colorado River and has been proposed for listing. This
project would not have any detrimental effect on the habitat or through the direct taking of any
of the above species.
L. Air Ouality
The Colorado Department of Health (1989) considers air quality along ttre alternative
pipeline routes to be very good. In the more populated areas of Vail, however, particulates
have recently been of concern. During recent years, development has increased the number of
sources of particulate emissions, particularly wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Because the
Vail Valley is prone to frequent temperature inversions, the increase in emissions has caused
decreases in local air quality (Greystone, 1991).
As a result of diminished air quality, the Colorado Department of Health monitors the
particulates in Vail (Greystone, l99l). From l9E0 to 1987, total suspended solids (ISP) were
measures and recorded. In 1987, the EPA replaced the TSP staDdards with new National
Ambient Air Quality Standards for PMl0. PMl0 is the measure of particulate matter under l0
microns of size (fown of Vail, 1992). Based on this monitoring, Vail has not exceeded
National Ambient Air Quality Standards over the past few years (Greystone, 1991).
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The Town of Vail conducted its own study of air quality in the Vail Valley in 1992.
The study determined that although PMl0 standards were not being exceeded, Vail regularly
exceeded federal standards when TSP was used. This suggests that PM10 standards iue not an
adequate indicator for mountain communities prone to inversions. In addition, the study
concluded with a99Vo confidence intervd that the total number of wood-burning fireplaces
accounts for 74% of the variation in maximum levels and 79% of the variation in winter
averages of TSP and PMl0. The total number of skier days combined with the number of
fireplaces accounted for 90Vo of the variation in PMl0. This indicates that the number of
wood-burning fireplaces and the number of winter visitors have a significant impact on air
quality. The study concluded that gas conversions in lodges could significantly improve air
quality (lown of Vail, 1992).
Other causes of TSP and PM10 fluctuations were determined to be sanding on local
roads and I-70, vehicle exhaust, and barbecue grills. Carbon Monoxide (CO) was monitored
during the 1987-1988 winter and no exceedances offederal standards were found Clown of
Vail, 1992). Vail has recently adopted ordinances prohibiting wood-burning fireplaces in new
construction, allowing only the installation of certified fuel burning devices, gas appliances,
and gas log fireplaces (City ordinance 8.28.030 and 8.28.040, Yail 4-7-92).
M. Recreation
Recreational resources are very abundant along the alternative pipeline routes. These
resources include bike trails, roads, ski areas, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The Vail Pass
Bikeway runs from Frisco to Copper Mountain, then over Vail Pass to, and through, Vail
(Summit County Source Book). As discussed previously under the route description for
Alternative D, this bikepath will eventually be extended from the West Vail interchange to
Dowd lunction. The path receives considerable use during the summer with peak usage
occurring on the weekends (Greystone, l99l). The Copper Mountain to Vail Pass section has
a recorded peak usage of60 bicycles per hour (Greystone, 1991).
Additional recreational resources within the study area include several Forest Service
campgrounds, the Vail Ski Area and resorts, and trails. Primary activities include camping,
hiking, biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, hunting, and picnicking (Greystone, 1991).
Vail Ski area is the most visited ski area in Colorado, bringing in 1,523,503 visitors in the
1989-1990 season. Copper Mountain received 771,565 visitors in the same season (Colorado
Ski Country, USA).
N. Visual Resources
The Vail Valley is generally an area of high scenic quality. The study area consists of
mountainous terrain ranging from approximately 7,5fi) feet in elevation at Dowd Junction to
10,549 feet at the top of Vail Pass. Generally, the valley slopes contain no unusual rock
formations or topographic features. The visual appearance changes dramatically with the
seasoDs. The dominance of aspen trees provide a green lush appearing vegetative cover during
the spring and summer months and spectacular changing colors in the fall. In the winter, the
bare trees and snow cover contribute to a barren winter landscape (Hydrosphere, l99la).
Previously dis$rbed corridors are used for each ofthe alternatives pipeline alignments,
with the exception of a portion of the alignment under Alternative E. The areas located within
the immediate vicinity of the alternative routes range from substantially modified to minimally
modified. Most of the substantial modification is within the areas of the Town of Vail and I-70
Right+f-Way. In these areas, much of the original land form has been altered by grading,
pavement, and building construction. The route under Alternative E in the area which
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diverges from the I-70 corridor towards the north still retains its undeveloped visual quality.
In general, modifications to landforms throughout the study area are minimal and unobtrusive
(Greystone, l99l).
The USFS has assessed the visual resources of the portions of the project area lying
within the National Forests using its Visual Management System. This system determines the
visual quality objectivas (VQO's) to be used by the USFS for managing its visual resources.
USFS land located within the study area are managed for the VQO's of partial retention (PR).
Under a PR classification, activities that alter the landscape must be visually subordinate to that
landscape (USDA 1984c).
O. Cultural Resources
The study area is situated along Gore Creek from East Vail to its confluence with the
Eagle River at Dowd Junction and the Eagle River extending a few miles west of Dowd
Junction. Historic land-use pattems have radically altered many segments of these area. From
the lEE0s through the 1960s widespread cultivation altered the land surface in many areas.
Since the eady 1960s the development of Vail and the I-70 corridor have altered major
portions of the valley floors. In some area these modification to the valley floor along Gore
Creek have been extensive.
Most surface or shallowly buried prehistoric sites along the highway corridor, which the
pipeline corridor will follow, have been destroyed. However, there is some potential that
more deeply buried sites may remain along portions of old Highway 6 or in broader portions
of the valley where earth-moving involved with construction of the interstate highway was less
extensive (Metcalf, 1992).
Previous cultural resource investigations that have been conducted along this corridor
have been for construction along or near the I-70 corridor, including the bicycle trails and
planning and development for the Vail Valley water and sanitation districts. Recent overviews
have included Metcalf (1989), and MAC (1990). Documented prehistoric sites along this
corridor include Vail Pass Camp near the head of West Tenmile Creek (Biggs, 1975; Gooding,
l98l), near Miller Creek, and near Black Lake (Zier, 1986; O'Brien, 1991). Historic
resources include a number of buildings that were destroyed during construction of the
interstate highway.
P. Socioeconomics
The historical economic base within the study area consisted mainly of mining,
agriculture, timber, and railroad industries. Since 1962, the economic base has shown a shift
from these traditional industries, which have either leveled offor declined, to the recreational
industry. Resort activity in Vail and Beaver Creek has experienced rapid growth in recent
years. Presently, retail trade accounts for about 65 percent of all employment in Eagle
County. The cost of living in Eagle County is about 15 to 30 percent higher than in the Metro
Denver area. By cgmparison, nearby towns such as Leadville have experienced financial
troubles, due mainly to layoffs in the mining industry (Hydrosphere, 1991b).
Vail Ski Area is the largest single ski area complex in the United States. Future usage
of the Vail Ski Area is expected to continue growing, in terms of annual skier visits and peak
day demands, at an average rate of2 to 3 percent per year for the next 20 years. However,
during the 1988-1989 ski season, annual skier visits numbered 1,454,3E6, an increase of nearly
12% over the previous year, and an increase of 4.75Vo was realized for the 1989-90 season,
with 1,523,503 skier visits (Vail Associates, Inc.) while the state showed a2.8Vo drop in skier
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visits (colorado Ski country, USA). vail Associates project for the year zw5, 1,727,9s2
annual skier visits, with the peak day demand of 22,917 skiers. Approximately 68% of skiers
at vail are overnight (destination) guests and 32% are day skiers (vail Associdtes, Inc.).
The social characteristics ofEagle County also reflect the influence ofthe ski industry.
The population is quite "cosmopolitan" in the more urban areas, due in part to the rapid
imrnigration ofthe past decade, the effects oftransiency accompanying the substantial seasonal
employment fluctuations, and the presence of large numbers of seasonal residents who maintain
second homes in the area. This state of flux results in limited communitv and social
integration. Local values and lifestyles appear to be highly diverse, and-consensus on public
issues is teportedly difficult to attain. In addition, informal support systems are apparently not
well established, reflecting in part the effects of rapid population change (USDA tSS+)
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEOUENCES AND MITIGATION MEASURES
This section of the Environmental Assessment describes potential adverse and beneficial
impacts to the natural resources of the National Forest that would result ftom construction and
operation of the Proposed Action (Alternative B). No significant adverse impacts to the
environment would result from the Proposed Action and some benefits would be accrued as a
result of revegetation in several areas where existing vegetation has been severely degraded.
A. Physiography and Geology
Impacts associated with the constnrction of a pipeline would be confined to a designated
pipeline Right-of-Way. The Rightof-Way must be wide enough to accommodate all
construction and maintenance activities. The pipeline under in the Proposed Action would
require a Right-of-Way on the order of 25 feet in width.
In order to reduce the impacts associated with developing a construction pad on which
an excavator could operate within the pipeline Right-of-Way, full advantage would be taken of
existing roads, highways, road shoulders, ditches or other previously constructed structure that
could be utilized as the construction pad. This will reduce additional cuts and fills, thus
reducing impact to existing topographic and geologic conditions.
If development of a construction pad is needed, advanced pipeline construction methods
will be utilized. These methods include developing temporary construction pads that exist only
for a short period during trench excavation and for the pipe installation. Immediately
following the pipe installation and back-filling ofthe pipeline trench, the construction pad is
removed. Topographic surface at the construction site is then restored to pre-excavation
conditions. This approach results in no impacts on the physiography of the area.
B. Soils
There will be virually no impact to soil conditions as a result of the Proposed Action.
The construction of the pipeline trench, and of the construction pad, if not properly performed,
can result in increased erosion potential and slope stability problems. However, these
problems are commonly mitigated by construction methods that improve the physical properties
of the native soils and increase their resistance to erosion, sliding or to other geologic hazards.
This approach has been accepted by dxigners ofthe highways and roads throughout the Vail
Valley and surrounding area and will be incorporated in to the construction methods for the
pipeline installation.
C. Groundwater
There would be very minimal impact on local groundwater conditions as a result of the
Proposed Action and any impacs that oicur would bi temporary. Some effect may occur
during the pipeline construction process whereby the trench excavated for the pipeline may
intercept the alluvial water table. This is considered unlikely throughout the majority ofthe
proposed construction area given the proximity of the water table to the ground surface along
the proposed pipeline route. However, if the water table is encountered during the excavation
process, impacts would only be temporary and conditions would be restored after pipeline
installation and backfi ll.
Permanent impacts associated with pipeline construction on groundwater conditions are
rare but occasionally occur. An example of more permanent pipeline influences on
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groundwater is when a pipeline trench functions a$ a water conduit in relatively impervious
ground, and diverts groundwater to different locations than before the pipeline construction.
These cases can be mitigated by the design of the pipeline back-fill material and by using
underground plugs to prevent groundwater flows in the trench.
D. Geologic Hazards
In the absence of any clearly identified active faults, only potentially active fault
crossings will have to be designed within the Proposed Action. If an unstable area must be
crossed by the pipeline, special design procedures will be used. Methods of mitigation of such
crossings include design of "soft" back-fill ofthe pipeline trench and larger dimensions ofthe
pipeline uench.
E. Vegetation
Disturbance to vegetation is the most significant environmental impact that would result
from the Proposed Action. However, a majority of the pipeline route under the Proposed
Action is located along previously disturbed corridors and highway Rightof-Ways. In these
areas, vegetation has in many cases been severely degraded as a result of highway salting and
sanding.
Vegetation along the portion of the proposed pipeline route that lies between the
Meadow Mountain Meter Station and the west terminus of Basingdale Road has also been
degraded. In recent years this area has been used as a biking and hiking route between Vail
and Minturn.
Impacts to vegetation would be confined mainly to the construction phase ofthe project.
Disturbance to vegetation would be limited to the width of the pipeline construction Right-of-
Way. All impacts to vegetation would be temporary. The duration of the disturbance can be
shortened by employing a continual back-fill and re-vegetation process as the construction
moves along the route. All disturbed areas will be reclaimed with a appropriate seed mixture
approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
F. Wetlands and Riparian Areas
Temporary impacts to wetlands and riparian ueas will be limited to very small isolated
wetlands existing along the shoulder ofthe south frontage road and to the point ofcrossing
beneath Gore Creek. After construction of the pipeline, vegetation in these areas will be
restored to pre-project conditions.
Impacts to the wetlands along the Frontage Road will be minimized by stockpiling all
topsoil from the pipeline excavation and replacing the material in the same location after
installing the pipe. No change in local hydrologic conditions are expected and the wetland
vegetation should reestablish very quickly after construction.
Minor impacts to a small riparian area will occur as a result of crossing Gore Creek.
This crossing will require disturbance of approximately 20 feet of riparian vegetation on either
side of Gore Creek. After the pipeline has been installed, these disturbed areas will be
restored to pre-project conditions to extent possible. Due to the prolific nature of riparian
vegetation, it is expected that impacts in these areas will be very temporary and that the Gore
Creek crossing area should be completely restored within one or two growing seasons.
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G. Hydrology
No significant impacts to local hydrology are expected as a result of construction of the
proposed project. Minor impacts may include temporary modification surface drainage and
runoff in the immediate vicinity of the project construction. As reclamation proceeds
following construction of the pipeline, all drainage patterns will be restored to original
conditions.
H. Water Ouality
Temporary impacts to the water quality of Gore Creek and the Eagle River will result
during the construction process of the Proposed Action. These impacts will be limited to
increased sediment load for short periods of time. The most significant impact will be from
consfuction activities within Gore Creek itself.
It is expected that construction activities associated with the Gore Creek crossing will
require two to three days to complete. These activities include developing a construction pad
down into the Creek on both the north and south sides. A four foot deep trench will then be
excavated across the stream and ttre pipeline installed.
Construction activities of the creek crossing will be conducted during a period of high
stream flow. This will be advantageous in terms of reducing water quality impacts because of
the ability of the high flows to keep the sediment in a suspended state in the water column and
flush out the sediment which might otherwise deposit on the stream bottom.
Additional impacs to water quality could result from precipitation runoff carrying high
sediment loads from the construction area. Extensive use of erosion control fencing as well as
continual back-fill and re-vegetation practices will help mitigate this problem.
l. Wildlife
Construction ofthe pipeline under the Proposed Action would result in localized short-
term impacts to wildlife. Surface disturbances would temporarily displace small mammals,
however, as areas become revegetated, these animals are expected to return. Avifauna are not
expected to be impacted in any significant way.
Short-term disturbances during construction in the areas west of the West Vail
interchange could temporarily impact use by deer and elk populations by way of construction
equipment noise. This area is important to these populations because of the presence of a game
crossing beneath I-70. This game crossing tunnel allows safe access to either side of the
interstate. Efforts will be made to minimize the distr,rrbance to deer and elk by compteting
pipeline construction in this area during periods of low animal usage, i.e. not during the big
game migration season.
J. Fisheries
The possibility of additional sediment loading to Gore Creeks and the Eagle River may
impact fish populations in these streams. This impact would be higher in Gore Creek than in
the Eagle River because the additional flow of the Eagle will tend to dilute sediment load. The
reach of Gore Creek which will be impacted has been classified as a Gold Medal Water by the
CDOW. Spawning of Brown trout in this reach of Gore Creek occurs in the fall.
Construction activities will not occur during this time and every effort will be made to
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complete construction of the creek pipeline crossing as quickly as possible. Riparian
vegetation along the banks of Gore Creek will be restored to pre-project conditions after the
pipeline has been installed.
In order to control of runoff and sediment loading problems during construction
activities other than directly in Gore Creek, the construction contractor will be required to
develop an erosion control plan to minimize deposition of sediment from construction areas.
This plan will incorporate such erosion control measures as fencing, hay bales, sedimentation
poods, etc to catch and store runolf.
K. Threatened and Endangered Species
The construction ofthe pipeline should have no adverse effects on threatened or
endangered plant or animal species. The eastern portion of the pipeline route under the
proposed project has been field surveyed and confirmed that no threatened or endangered
species are present. The western portion ofthe proposed project between Basingdale Road and
the Meadow Mountain Meter Station will be surveyed in late May or June of 1993 to establish
if species of concern are present. Although improbable, it is possible that the plant species
Harrington Beardtongue (Penstemon hnningtonii),listed as a species of special concern for
Eagle and Summit Counties, exists in this area. If this, or other threatened or endangered
species are present, mitigation measures will be employed to avoid any adverse effects of
construction activities on these populations.
L. Air Ouality
The continual operation of heavy machinery in the Vail Valley will temporarily affect
local air quality during construction. This is especially true immediately within the Town of
Vail which is prone to temperature inversions that tend to hold locally produced pollution in
the air over the Valley. These temperature inversions, however, occur mainly during the
winter months and should not cause a significant problem during the summer period of
construction. Avoiding unnecessary idling of the construction machinery will help to minimize
these temporary affects.
Pipeline construction along this route will have no lasting adverse affects on the air
quality of this area. The increased availability of natural gas to the Town of Vail may
encourage wood-to-gas appliance conversions, thereby reducing emissions caused by wood-
burning appliances in the Vail Valley.
M. Recreation
There would be virnrally no impacts associated with construction of the project on
recreational opportunities in the Vail Valley.
N. Visual Resources
Construction activities along the south frontage will be very visible to the public eye.
This disturbance, however, will be temporary. The duration of these effects can be minimized
by employing a continual back-fill and re-vegetation procedure along the route. Once
construction in this area is complete, there will be virtually no indications that the project was
constructed .
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In the area between Basingdale Road and the Meadow Mountain Meter Station,
successful revegetation efforts will be very important to reduce long term visual impacts.
Previous reseeding efforts associated with construction of the existing natural gas line in this
area proved highly successful and no future problems in this area are anticipated. Excavation
scarring along the pipeline route will be visible from Highway 24 for several years but will
diminish as vegetation reestablishes. In the long-term, construction of the pipeline will result
only in minor lasting visual effects.
O. Cultural Resources
No disruptipn or destruction of cultural resources will occur due to the construction of
the pipeline along between the eastern end of the project and the western end of Basingdale
Road. A cultural resources study of the area between the western end of Basingdale Road and
the Meadow Mountain Meter Station is currently in progress. Although very unlikely, if
cultural resources are located within the area, mitigation steps will be taken to avoid any
permanent impacts to these areas.
P. Socioeconomics
The construction of a new natural gas pipeline along the proposed route will increase gas
availability for the Town of Vail. New restrictions on wood-burning appliances as well as the
continued growth of the ski area and resulting increases in skier visits will increase the demand
for natural gas. The completion of this project will provide the long-term impact of meeting
this demand.
On the negative side, there will be a short-term "nuisance" impacts resulting from
construction activities, possibly causing minor local trafhc delays, and producing unsightly
construction equipment. These negative impacts will mostly affect local area residents.
O. Gumulative lmpacts
Environmental impacs in all of the areas discussed above will be minimized by limiting
construction, to the extent possible, to areas which have previously been disturbed by other
human construction activities. Coordination with other construction projecs which may occur
in the area, such as construction of the bike path to Dowd Junction and the installation of
additional water supply pipelines to the Town of Vail, can minimize the duration of the
temporary disruptions that will be caused by the construction and reduce environmental
impacB.
R. Summary of Environmental lmpacts that Gannot be Avoided
The most significant impact resulting from construction of the proposed project will be a
temporary disturbance of vegetation along the pipeline route. This impacts will be mitigated
through an extensive revegetation effort which will be conducted simultaneously atong the
route as a particular stretch of the pipeline installation is completed. It is expected that one to
two growing seasons will be suffrcient time to reestablish vegetation to near pre-project
conditions.
Impacts to the water quality and f,rsheries of Gore Creek and the Eagle River are
unavoidable, however they are relatively minor and short lived. These impacts specifically
relate to consffuction activities associated with installing the pipeline across the creek, and the
potential for additional sediment to be carried in the water. The potential for impacts to water
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quality from construction runoff outside of Gore Creek will be minimized utilizing sediment
trapping mechanisms such'as hay bales and/or small retention ponds.
Construction activities may temporarily reduce air quality due to the use ofthe large
machinery and trucks in the Vail Valley.
Temporary adverse visual effects, although relatively minor and partially mitigatable,
will still be unavoidable.
S. Specific Mitigation Measures
Specific precautions and mitigation measures associated with construction of the new
natural gas pipeline will include:
l) Extensive revegetation efforts.
2) Repair of damaged pavement or sidewalks.
3) Sedimentation basins to intercept runoff from disturbed/exposed soils which could
reduce Gore Creek water quality.
4) Topsoil from borrow areas stored and used to revegetate the excavated pipeline
trench.
5) All wetland soils and vegetation set aside after excavation and replaced in same
location after pipeline installation
6) Construction scars covered with the best available topsoil and revegetated according
to a plan approved by the Fore,st Service, CDOT, CDOW and/or Town of Vail.
7) Measures to minimize erosion and stabilize disturbed soils during the revegetation
period.
8) Signing for safety at the construction site(s).
9) Following construction, Right-of-Way between Basingdale Road and the Meadow
Mountain Meter Station will be fenced at either end to discourage use by bikers and
hikers.
26
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I VI. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
I Bill Andre, District Wildlife Manager, Colorado Division of Wildlife
I
Russell Forest, Senior Environmental Policy Planner, Planning Deparunent, Town of Vail,
Colorado
r Sid Fox, Planner, Community Development Departrnent, Eagle County
I Tim Grantham, Lands Forester, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Foresr,I Minturn. Colorado
I
Greg Hall, Town Engineer, Public Works Deparunent, Town of Vail, Colorado
Kristen Larson, Pipeline Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado
t Dan Micka, Project Design Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado
Rich Persky, Colorado Department of Transpiration
I Kristen Pritz, Director of Community Development, Town of Vail, Colorado
I Matthew Reay, District Traffic Engineer, Colorado Department of Transponation
'- Daniel Tekavec, Engineering Services Manager, Public Service Company of Colorado.
I William Wood, District Ranger, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest,I Minturn. Colorado -
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t ur. Lrsr oF PREPARER'
I This Environmental Assessment was prepared by the following individuals under the
I direction of William A. Wood, District Ranger, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River
National Forest:
t *"0""t;nyff:?;,t;Tflssa:"i1H:,?sHydrosphereResourceconsurtants,r('o
I Edward J. Armbruster, Water Resources Engineer, Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1002I Walnut Street, Suite 2fi), Boulder, CO 80302
I Kellev K' clos"d"?:"j63TB:Tfl.:,"Sdtffih|vdrosphere Resource consultants' r0o2 watuut
I lim McClung, Right-of-Way Agent, Public Service Company of Colorado, 1050 lTth Street,
I Suite 500, Denver, CO, 80265{501
Michal Bukovanski, Consulting Engineering Geologist, Denver, Colorado
t Warren Keammerer, Consulting Plant Ecologist, Boulder, Colorado
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VIII. BTBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Advanced Sciences, Inc. 1990. Vail - Gore/Eagle Water Quality Monitoring Prog:am
Results. Report prepared for Vail Valley Consolidated Water District.
Algermissen, S.T., Perkins, D.M., Thenhaus, P.C., HenssJl, S.L., and Bender, B.L. (1982):
Probabilistic Estimates of Maximum Acceleration and Velociw in Rock in the
Contiguous United States. U.S. Geological Survey,, Open Fil6 Report No. 82-1033
Barton, Stoddard, Millhollin & Higgins (1972): Vail Pass Environmental Study. Report for
Colorado Depanment of Highways, Project No. I-70-2 (19), Vail to Wheeler Junction
Bates, R.L., Jackson, J.A., Editors (1957): Dictionary of Geological Terms. Anchor Press
Book, Doubleday, 1984 edition.
Biggs, Robert W. 1975. An Archaeological Survey and Test Excavations of Sites on Vail Pass,
Colorado. Colorado Department of Highways, Highway Salvage Report No. I l,
Boulder CO.
Brown, L. 1985. Grasslands. The Audubon Society Nature Guides. Alfred A. Knopf, New
York. New York.
Colton, R.B., Holligan J.A., Anderson, L.W., and Patterson, P.E. (1975): Preliminary Map
of Landslide Deposits, Leadville lox2o Quadrangle, Colorado. U.S. Geological
Survey, Miscellaneous Field Studies, Map MF-701
Golder Associates (1984): Natural Gas Pipeline Relocation, Climax to Vail, Landslide Close to
Redcliff @ando). Report to Western Gas Supply Company
Golder Associates (1985): Stability Evaluation, Climax to Vail Natural Gas Pipeline, Section
Camp Hale to Minturn. Report to Western Gas Supply Company
Golder Associates (1986): Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Black Lake Dam
#3, Yail Pass, Colorado. Report to Tipton & Kalmbach, Inc.
Gooding, John. 1981. The Archaeology of Vail Pass Camp: A Multi-component Base Camp
Below Tree Limit in the Southern Rockies. Colorado Department of Highways,
Highway Salvage Report No 35, Boulder, Colorado.
Greystone Development Consultants, Inc. and Resource Consultants, Inc. 1991. Environmental
Assessment for the US West Communications Baily to Rifle, Colorado Fiber Optic
Cable Project.
Hofftnan, G. R., and R. R. Alexander. 1983. Forest Vegetation of the White River National
Forest in Western Colorado: A Habitat Type Classification. USDA Forest Service
Research Paper RM-249. 36pp.
Holden, P. 1986. Aquatic Biology Studies Related to the Enlargement of Black Lake No. I
near Vail, Colorado. Draft Technical Report of Biowest, Inc.
Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc. l99la. Environmental Assessment for the Access
Road for the Spraddle Creek Subdivision, Vail, Colorado. Hydrosphere Resource
Consultants, Inc., Boulder, Colorado.
29
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Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc. l99lb. Environmental Assessment for Black Lake
No. I Enlargement Project. Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc., Boulder,
Colorado.
Keammerer, W . 1992. Personal Communications. Plant Ecologist, Stoeker-Keammerer,
Boulder, Colorado.
Kirkham, R.M., Rogers, W.P. (1981): Earthquake Potential in Colorado; A Preliminary
Evaluation. Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Bulletin
43
Lee, L.J. (1977): Potential Foundation Problems Associated with Earthquakes in San Diego.
In Geologic Hazards in San Diego, Earthquakes, Landslides and Floods
Mabey, M.A., and Youd, T.L. (1989): Probabilistic Liquefaction Severity Index Maps of the
State of Utah. Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, Utah Department of Natural
Resources, Open File Report No. 159
Metcalf, Michael D. 1989. A Class I Cultural Resource Inventory of the Vail Valley
Consolidated Water District, Eagle County, Colorado. Metcalf Archaeological
Consultants, Inc., Eagle, Colorado.
Metcalf, Michael D. 1992. WestGas Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline over Bail Pass, Wheeler
Iunction to Dowd Junction, Summit and Eagle Counties, Class I Cultural Resource
Overview and Reconnaissance. Eagle, Colorado.
Mueggler, W. F., and W. L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of
Western Montana. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report INT-66.
O'Brien, Patrick. 1991. Archaeological Testing at 5EA773 in the Black Lakes Area, Eagle
County, Colorado. Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc., Eagle, Colorado.
Robinson, C.S., Cochran, D.M. (1971): Intermediate Geologic Investigations, Big Horn Creek
to Wheeler Junction, Vail Pass. Report for Colorado Department of Highways, project
No. I-70-2 (19)
Rogers, W.P., Ladwig, L.R., Hornbaker, A.L., Schwochow, S.D., Hart, S.S., Shelton, D.C.,
Scroggs, D.L., and Soule, J.M. (1974): Guidelines and Criteria for Identification and
Land-Use Controls of Geologic Hazard and Mineral Resource Areas. Colorado
Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Special Publication No. 6
Summit county Planning and Engineering Department. 1983. Summit county Sourcebook.
Summit County Planning and Engineering Department, Breckenridge, Colorado.
Thornbury, Wiliam D. 1965. Regional Geomorphology of the United States. John Wiley and
Sons, New York, New York.
Tipton and Kalmack, Inc. 1986. Various Hydrology Studies Related to Black Lakes
Enlargement Project. Denver, Colorado.
Town of Vail. 1991. (Iifle of Report). (Who Wrote It), (Where).
30
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Tweto, O., Moench, R.H., and Re€d, J.C. Jr. (1978): Geologic Map of the Leadville lox2o
Quadrangle, Northeastern Colorado. U. S. Geological Survey, Miscellaneous
Investigations Series, Map I-999
USDA Forest Service. 1984a. Keystone/Arapahoe Keystone Mountain Expansion,
Environmental Assessment. Arapahoe National Forest, Rocky Mountain Region.
USDA Forest Service. 1984b. White River National Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan. USDA Forest Service, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
USDA Forest Service. l98,lc. Final Environmental Impact Statement and the Land on
Resource Management Plan for the White River National Forest. USDA Forest
Service, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
USDA Forest Service. 1992. Biological Assessment for the WestGas Pipeline. White River
National Forest Holy Cross Ranger District, Minturn, Colorado.
USDOI Bureau of Reclamation. 1988. Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact
Statement tbr Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado Water Marketing Program,
Colorado-Big Thompson, Windy Gap Projects, Colorado. USDOI Bureau of
Reclamation, Billings, Montana.
Zier, Christian I. 1986. Archaeological Survey of the Black Lake Enlargement Environmental
Assessment Area, Eagle County, Colorado. Centennid Archaeology, Inc., Fort
Collins. Colorado.
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-!
EPPLICATION . IOIIN'OF ITAII,,
DATE APPLICATION RECEIVED :
DATE OF DRB MEETING:
revised el4leL
COIORADO
**********
ITSIS NPPIJTCATION WII.L NOT BE
I'NEII. ALL REQUIRED IHAORMAIION**********
ACCEP!!EDIS SI'BITIIIED
r.PROJECT TNFORMATION:
A. DESCRIPTION:
B.TYPE OF REVIEW:
New Construction
Addition ($50.00)
ADDRESS:
($200. OOI {ruinor ALteration
Conceptual Review
(920.00)
($0)
c.
D.TEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot
Subdivi.sion
Block
a neet,s and bounds legal
on a separate sheet and
If property is described bydescription, please provide
attach to this application.
ZONING:E.
F.
G.
LOT AREA: If required,
stamped survey showing
NAME OF APPLICANT:
applicant must provl-de a currentIot area.
H.
T
NAI,IE OF APPLICANT' S REPRESENTATIVE:
NAME OF OfrINERS:
Mailing Address: roso r.)tL
Phone 6tL-st,- YToo
9IIS@Ig,
Phr
fV\N
N.
\
$".
Nr.
rone
C303)
iS
$
*SIGNABURE(S):
M4i1in9 !.ddress:
J. Condoninlum Approval if applicable.
K. DRB FEES DRB fees, as shown above, are to be paid atthe tirne of submittal of DRB application. Lat,er, whenapplying for a building permit,, please identify theaccurate valuation of the proposal . The Town of VaiLwill adJust the fee according to the table beloi, toensure the correct fee is paid.
FEE PAID: S ZO.a()
FEE SCHEDULE:
VALUATION$ o-$ 1o,oo0
$ 10r 001 - $ 50r 000
. s 50r 001 - $ 15or o00
$150,001 - $ 500,000
$500r 001 - s1,000,000$ Over $1,000,000
* DESIGN RE\'ITETT BOARD APPROVEI. EXPIRES ONE YE:AR AI'TER FIT{AI.
APPRO\TAI. I'NI.ESS A,BUII.DING PERMI! IS ISSI'ED A}ID CONSTRUCTION IS
SIARIED.
**NO APPLICAIION WILI. BE PROCESSED WITEOUT OI{NER'S SIGINATURE
-r---
1
FEE
$ 20 .00
$ 50.00
$100.00
$200 .00
9400.00
s500 .00
Mailing Address :-QC.-Equ
I
II. PRE-APPLICATIEIT MEETING:
t)
A pre-application meeting with a member of the planningstaff is strongLy encouraged to determine if any additionalapplication information is needed. It is the applicant'sresponsibility to make an appointment with the staff todeternine if there are additional submittal reguirements.
Please note that a COMPLETE application will streamline theapproval process for your project.
rII. fMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING ALL SUBMISSIONS TO THE DRB:
A. In addition to meeting subnittal requirements, theapplicant must stake and tape the project site toindicate property lines, building lines and buildingcorners. AII trees to be renoved must be taped. Allsite tapings and staking must be completed prior to the
DRB site visit. The applicant must ensure that staking
done during the winter is not buried by snow.
B. The revier" process for NEW BUILDINGS normally reguirestwo separate meetings of the Design Review Board: aconceptual approval and a final approval . Applicants
shoul-d plan on presenting their development proposal ata minimum of two meetings before obtaining final
approval .
C. Applicants who fail to appear before the Design Reviert
Board on their scheduled neeting date and who have not
asked in advance that discussion on their item bepostponed, will have their items removed from the DRBdocket until such time as the item has beenrepublished.
D. The following items may, at the discretion of thezoning adninistrator, be approved by the Community
Development Department staff (i.e. a formal hearingbefore the DRB may not be required):
a. Windows, skylights and similar exterior changeswhich do not alter the existing plane of thebuilding,' and
b. Building addition proposals not visible from anyother Lot or public space. At the time such aproposal is submitted, applicants must includeletters from adjacent property owners and/or fromthe agent for or manager of any adjacent
condominiun association stating the association
approves of the addition.
E. If a property is located in a mapped hazard area (i.e.
enow avalanche, rockfall, flood plain, debris flow,wetland, etc), a hazard study rnust be submitted and the
owner must sign an affidavit recognizing the hazardreport prJ-or to the issuance of a building pernit.Applicants are encouraged to check with a Town plannerprior to DRB application to determine tbe relationshipof the property eo all mapped hazards.
F. For all residentlal construction:
a. Clearly indicate on the floor plans the insidefaee of the exterior structural walls of thebuilding; andb. Indicate with a dashed line on the site plan afour foot distance from the exterior face of thebuilding walls or supporting colurnns.
G. If DRB approves the application with conditions ornodifications, all conditions of approval must be
resolved prior to Town issuance of a building permit.
LIST OF MATERIALS
t
NAI.4E OF PRO.IECT:CA\ttrls (ttgs't,tla^
LEGAT DESCRIPTION:
STREET ADDRESS:
LOT BLOCK SUBDIVISION
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: L^-{^L[ L.gL p.*-o'^'. ".J,^-,..o,-l
A.
The following information is
Review Board before a final
BUILDING IIIATERIAI,S:
Roof
Siding
Other Wall Materials
Fascia
Soffits
Windows
Window Trin
Doors
Door Trim
Hand or Deck Rails
Flues
Flashings
Chimneys
Trash Enclosures
Greenhouses
Other
LANDSCAPING: Narne
for submittal to the Design
can be given:
IIATER]AL COLOR
required
approval
TYPE OF
B.
PLANT T'IATERIALS:
PROPOSED TPEES
of Designer:
Phone:
Botanical Nane
fu2uL'as' 7P{rttdot4-ts
8rg txlr3ttp6tEtfuLl+
Q't€4 alu^-*.,,-
Conmon Name Ouantitv Size*
vlqtrpa-rs e &*wi+ =De@aADwZe ?.-/?- <e7-)
_""^;:*r_ L ZaAt-tlMSo+Lq,(.tL u a on/
BP,.rte
EXISTING TFGES TO
BE REMOVED
qtcgq frroee,s .<fr,r(F &).'10 3€ Tr4,5/1t4rrs2
lF (v*totco 4-rTq.
,-bpU(US Co no^x)q$/ .]6.-)5TttzLt+
*fndicate caliper for deciduous trees. Mininum caliper for
deciduous trees is 2 inches. Indicate heigtrt for coniferoustrees. Minimum heiqht for coniferous trees is 6 feet.
I
SUBDIVISION
JOB NAME
BLOCK FTLTNG
ADDRESS
The location and availability of utilities, whether tbey be nain
trunk lines or proposed lines' must be approved and verified by
the following utilities for the accompanying site p1an.
Authorized Siqnature Date
U.S. West Cornmunications
1-800-922-1987
458-6860 or 949-4530
PubLic Service Conpany
94 9-5? 81
Gary Hall
Holy Cross Electric Assoc.
949-s892
Ted Husky/Michael Laverty
Heritage Cablevision T.v.
94 9-5530
Steve Hiatt
Upper Eagle Valley l{ater
& Sanitation District *
47 5-7 480
Fred Haslee
1. This form is to verifylocation. This shouldpreparing your utilityinstallations.
service availability and
be used in conjunction withplan and scheduling
NO?E:
2. Bor any neer construction proposal, the applicant
must provide a completed utility verification
form.
3. If a utility company has concerns with the
proposed construction, the utility representative
should not directly on the utility verification
form that there is a problen which needs to beresolved. The issue shoufd then be spelled out indetail i.n an attached letter to the Town of Vail.
However, please keep in mind that it is theresponsibility of the utility company to resolveidentified problems.
4. If the utility verification form has signatures
from eactr of the utility companies, and no
comments are made directly on the form, the Townwill presume that there are no problens and that
the development can Proceed.
5. These verifications do not relieve the contractorof his responsibility to obtain a street cutpermit from the Town of Vail, Department of Public
Works and to obtain utilitv locations before
diqqinq in any public right-of-htay or easement in
the Town of Vail. A buildinq pernit is not a
street cut pernit. A street cut permit must be
obtained seParatelY.
* Please bring a site plan, floor plan, and elevations when
obtaining Upper Eagle Valley water & Sanitation signatures. Fire
fLow needs must be addressed.
l45F'R, R, R P/S ZONE DTSTRICTS ;
DATE:
LEGAI-, DESCRIPTION: Lot
ADDRESS:
Block _ Filing
OVINER
ARCHITECT
ZONE DISTRICT
PROPOSED USE
**LOT SIZE
Height
TOTA1 GRFA
Primary GRFA
Secondary GRFA
Setbacks
+ 425
Front
Sides
Rear
Water Course Setback
Site Coverage
Landscaping 1eS -
Retaining Wall Height.s
Parking
Garage Credit
Dri.ve:
View Corridor Encroachment:
Environmental /Hazards :
3'/6'
Reqrd
(300) (600) (900) (1200)_
Permitted Slope 8t Actual Slope
Date approved by Town Engineer:
No 'r'r',
Flood Plain
Percent Slope '! l't
Geologic Hazardsa) Snow Avalanche dl4b) Rockfall
Allowed
(30) (33)
Existinq Proposed Total.
+ &.=,
20t
15t
15'
(30) (s0)
Yes
1)
2l
3)
c) Debris FIow 'u I D4) wetlana" v /n
-
Prevlous conditions of approval (check property file)
Does thle reguest involve a 250 Addition?
How much of the allowed 250 Addition is used with this request?
**Note: Under Sections 18.12.090(B) and 18.13.080(B) of the Municipal
Code, lots zoned Two Family and Primary/Secondary which are less than
151000 sg. ft. in area may not construct a second dwelling unit. The
Cornmunity Developnent Department may grant an exception to thisrestriction provided the applicant meets the criteria set forth under
Sections 18.12.090(B) and 18.13.080(B) of the Municipal Code includingpermanently restricting Lhe unit as a long-term rental unit for full-time employees of the Upper Eagle Valley.
10
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT
.f-\u{o
PLUMBING A}:,V
FOUNDATTON i.'f,<Y-.U
NOTE _ COPY OF
April 21.DATE:------:
PERMIT TO BE KEPT ON JOBSITE
1993
5974
tm
community O",r"f op."n4$
9
TO BE FILLEO OUT COMPLETELY PRIOF TO ISSUANCE OF PERMIT
trntr!
TYPE OF PERMIT
BUILDING
ELECTRICAL
T.TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION tII III IV V
2. OCCUPANCY GROUP ABEH IR M
DfVISfON r22a34
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK :
C.ryral-r^rr.'f Tnf 6?i,.,ta. rr.?f i ti^n .n,l
PERMIT NO- _-- - - -
zo
F
e
BUILDING 2000.00
ELECTRICAL
PLUMBING
remove partitions as per plans MECHANICAL
and specifications 2000.00
TYPE GROUP G,R.F.A, VALUATION PERMIT FEES
V-1hr b-z EUILDING PERMIT 6s.00
F
\N
i\
PLAN CHECK 42.00
ELECTRICAL
NEW() ALTERATION (X) ADDITIONAT O REPAIR PLUMBING
DWELLING UNITS
-
ACCOMMODATION UNITS
-
MECHANICAL
HEIGHT IN FT.
-
NO. FIREPLACES RECREATION FEE
R.VALLUE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
CLEAN-UP DEFOSIT I00.00
Exr wALLS I | |USE TAX'"*I LT
TYPE
OF
SOLARHEAT
GAS
wooo
TOTAL PERMIT FEES 207.00
_Des_!gae! _ 4-Lo=91
,ILOING OFFICIAL DATE
A Knudtsen 4-13-93
ADDITIONAL PERMITS NEEDED
Y N INITIAL
sr. cur | | |INING AOMINISTRATOR DATE
BLASTING )NING & BUILOING NOTES:ruEure Eenant may use space only tor
^ n6r*i iro,l ,1^f i-^J Spn - I a - ?g - O
uses listed in 18.29.030 requlre a
I hereby acknowtedge that I have read this
"ppric"%lidot"lintrB3touY",f;ir,,
the intormation required,
completed an accurate plot plan, and state that all the information provided as required is correct. I
agree to comply with the information and plot plan, to comply with all Town ordinances and state
laws, and to build this slructure according to the Town's zoning and subdivision codes, design
rgview appr.ov-ed, Uniform Building Code and other ordinan&xiryE
l/d/ Dca ANO THE OWNER.
N MECHI ANI(
031 !oI]
LEGAL
DESC.
LOT BLK
FILING
IJOB NAME: Cascade Crosslngs
TowNER NAME VaiI Ent. Partnersh:
MA;L ADoREss Box 1059
CITY r.-r--^..-r^ PH.nr.n rzrc
ARCHITECT FIRM Mark Donaldson
MA'LADDRESS Box 5300
ctry Avon pH,949-5200
GENERAL
CONTRACTOR
,,"r, Gr."t Divide
Tol /N oF vArL REG. No. L24-A
rFf F 47 6-207 2
ELECTRICAL
lNrRAcroR
FIRM
TOWN,OE]UAII XEG.NO-
PLUMBING
CONTRACTOR
FIRM
TOWN OF VAIL REG. NO.
MECHANICAL
FIRM
TOWN OF VAIL REG. N!-UUNIT{AUIUK
OTHER
CONTRACTOR
FIRM
IOWN OF VALL f,EG. NO.
TELE.
NOTE -- COPY OF
d.p.rtrnnt of oommunity doelopment
TO gE FILLED OUTCOMPLETELY PRIOR TO ISSUANCEOF PERMIT
TYPE OF PERMIT
DATE
rl) sd-rtaal 11.z.t.2ro, il<.*c,
f <anilc 2 ttnl:A,.'J u .--
/D coNSTRucnoN pERMtr
mffi/ tffi "H;Tt"*' firT'o"'"Brc! APR I a leei,
- "
.
-f
PER' r no. fr7/ '
tr
D!
K!BUILDING
ELECTRICAT
MECHANICAL
PLUMBING
FOUNDATION
t. TYPE oF coNsrRucnon r rr rrr rv@
2. OCCUPANCY GROUP ABE H I R TI
GEI{ERAL OESCRIPTIOT{ OF WORK :
TYPE GROUP G.R.F.A. V
EW( ) ALTERAITON
DWELLING UNITS __-- ACCOMMODATION UNITS
-
HEIGHT lN FT
-
tlo. FIREPLACES
TYPE THICXNESS R.VALLUE
ADDITIONAL PEFMITS NEEDEO:
INITIAL
TOT'A PERTIIT FEES
n, 11@ r1 SE *3 o€F-
I hereby acknowledge that I haye read thls appllcatlon, llllsd out In full th6 Information required,
completed an accurato plot plan, and state that ell lhe lnformatlon provlded as requlred is correcl. I
egr€e to comply with tho information and plot olan. lo comply with ell Town ordlnanc$ and stat€egr€e to comply with tho information and plot plan, lo comply
laws, and to build this structure according to tho Town's zonlng and subbjvision codes, design
review approved, Uniform Buildins Code and other ordinances of the-Towfapplicable thereto.review approved, Uniform Building Code and other ordilsng€s
CLEAII I'P I}EFOSIT TO:
IGNATURE OF Owl{ER OR CONTRACTOR fOR HITISELF
AND THE OWNER.
€€ ln-**c
[ [E t.!!- ss!i. r nEtaac
ro'.ooor.o?o B"* tast
cnv EDato?
menroomss Sox 53oo
TOTYN OF V tL 8ES-J{O.
TOW OF VAIL REO. NO,
TOW OF VA|L REO. t{O.
TOWN OF VAIL REO. NO.
TELE.
ln ,r- L&\ 2.t.. dJ)
rt
I
75 roulh frontrge ?o.d
rrll, colondo E1657
(3o3) 479-2138 or 479-2{39 olllce of gommunlty drvelopmcnt
If this peryit requires a Town of Vail Fire Department Approval,
Engineerts (Pgb]ic lJorks) reyiew and approval, a planning'Department
review or Health Department review, and a review by the 6uilbing
Department, the estimated time for a total review may take as l6ngas three weel(s.
All corrnercial (large or small) and all multi-family permits will
have to follow the above mentioned maximum requirements. Residential
and small projects should take a lesser amount of time. However, if
lesidential or smaller projects impact the various above mentioned
departments with regard to necessary review, these projects mayalso take the three week period.
Every attempt w{11 be rnde by this department to exped'ite thispermit as sgon as possible.
BUILDING PERI.IIT ISSUANCE TIME FRAME
undersigned, understand the pl an check procedure and timeI, the
frame.
I hqwnr- Llrssts cs
' Project Name
Corrnuni ty Devel opment Department.
rF. _ ,I: .i1 l r..f,f
JOB NAME
A INSPECTION REQUESTll, , TOXNoFVAIL\ 1j4 ,nl C4 (') n-)J<.',ao
READY FOR
LOCATION:
INSPECTION:
BER OF PROJECT
BUILDING:
D FOOTINGS / STEEL
PLUMBING:
D F-OUNDATI
tr FRAMING
ON / STEEL
tr UNDERGROUND
tr ROUGH / D,W.V.
tr ROUGH / WATER
- ROOF & SHEEB
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INSPECTOR
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PERMIT NU JECT
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lpwN oF vAtL
DATE
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PERMIT NUMBER OF PR OJE
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Rtc'DllAY 1 81991
CTION REOUEST. IOWN OF VA|Lt'"",'ti',rt^ u r,
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LOCATION:(Ac/6-
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INSPECTOR
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PERMIT NUMBER OF PROJECT
TOWN OF VAIL
479-2138
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Fr[ t c{lPr
TOWNOFVAIL
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
303-479-2 I 38 / 479-21 3e
FAX 303-479-2452
DecemberS, 1993
Greg Kraft
Chicago Pizza
P.O. Box 1097
Avon. CO 81620
SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
D e partn e nt of Comnuniry Deve lo pntent
UW{vl
RE: Unapproved sign for Chicago Pizza al the Cascade Crossing Development
Dear Greg:
It has come to my attention that an unapproved sign has been installed at your Cascade
. Crossing location. At the time that the building permit was approved for the renovation of the
' Chicago Pizza and Home Outfitters spaces dated September 21 , 1993, it was specified that
the panchanneled pizza sign was to be removed and that this business would now be limited
_ to 3 square feet. The new sign would need to be reviewed by the Design Review Board
(DRB). At the time of completion of the renovation, a smaller wooden sign had been installed
which was hung from the southeast corner of the building. This sign was required to be
removed as it had not been approved. For a period oi lime it was removed. When I spoke
with you a number of months ago in the Town otfices, I indicated that the wooden sign was
not in keeping with the approved sign program for this project and that not only would a DRB
application be required, but the sign program would also need to be amended.
At this time, the Community Development Department has not received either a DRB sign
application nor a request to amend the approved sign program. While you do have a right to
a three-square foot sign according to the Town of Vail Sign Code, ihe sign in question is
neither approved nor in compliance with the sign program. The wooden sign must be
removed by Wednesday December 15, 1993 to avoid a citation for a violation to the Sign
Code. Should this sign be reinstalled at any point in the future without having been approved
by the DRB, a citation will be issued without further notice.
Enclosed is a sign application for you to complete and submit with a request to amend the
sign program should you choose to use the wood sign. The request to amend the sign
program will need to be signed by the property owner. Should you have any questions,
please contact me at 479-2138.
\..*l
TNSPECTTON hEO UEST
PERMIT NUMB
'or, /o/
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JO
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NAME
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INSPECTOR
PrlGs.cP
o
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
F IL E COPY
STAFF PRESENT
Kristan PriE
Mike Mollica
Andy Knudtsen
Jim Curnutte
't.
November 8, 1993
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT
Bill Anderson
Jeff Bowen
Diana Donovan
Kathy Langenwalter
Allison Lassoe
Dalton Williams
Applicant:
Planner:
Greg Amsden
A request to amend an existing conditional use to allow for the expansion ot the liquor
store located in the Cascade Crossing Reiail Center/I031 S. Frontage Roadian
unplatted parcel located west of the Vail Professional Building and south of l-70.
Applicant: WilliamSchneidaMCuitre International
Planner: Mike Mollica
Mike Mollica made a brief presentation per the staff memorandum.
Jeff Bowen made a motion to approve this request to amend the existing conditional
use permit per the staff memo with Diana Donovan seconding the motion. A 6-0 vote
approved this request.
A request for a worksession to discuss a variance for road grade and a major
subdivision (Trappers Run) to create thirty Hillside Residential lots to be located on Lot
8, Block C, Vail Ridge and Lots 16, 19 and 21, Section 14, Township 5 South, Range
81 West, generally located north of l-70 and west of the Vail Ridge Subdivision.
2.
John Ulbrich, represented by Gateway Development
Jim Curnutte
Jim Curnutte stated that the staff did not have a lormal memorandum concerning this
item and that this meeting was for the purpose of informing the PEC about the project
and to receive public input.
Gary Arthur of Gateway Development, stated that they had submitted an application for
the Trappers Run Subdivision, which consists of 30 lots. He said that the property was
zoned Hillside Residential, which requires a minimum lot size of half an acre. He
pointed out that the average lot size in Trappers Run is 0.8 of an acre. He said that
they have attempted to place the largest lots in heavily wooded areas and that they
have provided for approximately 18 acres of open space. He said that they have
considered alternate access to this property. The first alternative would take its access
Planning and Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes
November 8. 1993
t/
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Planning and Environmental Commission
Commun ity Development Department
November 8, 1993
h6'{
A request to amend an existing conditional use to allow for the
expansion of the liquor store located in the Cascade Croqsing Retail
Center/l031 S. Frontage Roacl/an unplatted parcel located west ol the
Vail Professional Building and south ol l-70.
-V/'t--
. rd+
William Von Schneidaw/Cuitre International
Mike Mollica
Applicant:
Planner:
/rd
Y^fuf u
[ . 'T,DESCRIPTION OF.T
The applicant, William Von Schweidaw, is proposing to expand the existing liquor store
located in the Cascade Crossing commercial center. The existing liquor store consists of
approximately 300 sq. ft. of floor area and this space has been created by dividing a larger
tenant space. The remainder of the tenant space has been used by Mr. Von Schweidaw to
operate a gourmet food store (Cuitre). The original Conditional Use Permit was unanimously
approved by the PEC on November 21, 199'l .
The proposed expansion to the liquor store would consist of approximately 200 square feet of
floor area, and would include additional shelf space and an area for another cooler. The
additional floor area would be taken from the adjacent gourmet food store. No exterior
changes are proposed.' The applicant believes that over the past two years they have had to
turn customers away because the limited square footage of the store has not allowed them to
stock the shelves adequately. The applicant also believes that there are guests who are
staying in condominiums and lodges in Vail, as well as locals, who desire to purchase wine or
beer to go along with the prepared gourmet food. The applicant states that, "Colorado liquor
law prohibits a gourmet market from selling or serving alcohol in the same location where food
is sold. Thus, a physical wall and separate door has been constructed within the current
rental space." The applicant's concept, however, is that the two shops would. receive
business from the same customers.
In the Arterial Business Zone District (ABD), liquor stores are allowed as a coqditional use.
Seqtion 18.29.030 lists the conditional uses and states that they have been included as
conditional uses, ndue to their potential individual and cumulative impacts of generating traffic
in the Arterial Business District." Below is the staff analysis of how the proposal relates to the
conditional use criteria, with specific analysis of the traffic generation addressed under the
third criteria.
)\
il.CRITERIA AND FINDINGS
Upon review of Section 18.60, the Community Development Department recommends
approval of the conditional use permit based upon the following factors:
A. Consideration of Factors:
1. Relatlonship and impact ot the use on development oblectlves ot
the Town.
The purpose section of the Arterial Business Zone District states that the
intention is to 'provide sites for ... limited shopping and commercial facilities
seruing the Town and Upper Eagle Valley residents and guests." Staff believes
the expansion to the existing liquor store, as well as the adjacent gourmet food
store, will serve both guests and local residents, and that the liquor store is
consistent with the development objectives of the Town and is in compliance
with the purposs section of the ABD zone district, as stated above.
2. The effect of the use on light and air, distribution of population,
transportation tacilitlss, utilities, schools, parks and recreation
facilities, and other public facilities needs.
Staff believes there will not be an impact on any of the above-referenced
criteria. The liquor store is not in the immediate vicinity of any schools, parks
or recreation lacilities.
3. Effect.upon traffic with particular reference to congestion,
automotive and pedestrian safety and convenisnce, traffic flow and
control, access, maneuverability, and removal of snow from the
street and parking areas.
Upon review of the request, the Town Engineer believes that the proposal will
not have a significant impact on the traffic patterns in this area. When the
Cascade Crossing retiail center was initially approved, the Golorado Department
of Transportation required that right and left turn lanes be installed on the South
Frontage Road. These improvements have been designed and constructed to
accommodate a significant amount of traffic. Staff believes that a tenant, such
as a liquor store, is along the lines of those anticipated when the trip generation
analysis was done and the design of the turn lanes was completed: Therefore,
the traffic load is generally consistent with the expectations made during the
design process, Staff is not aware of any negative impacts on the South
Frontage Road traffic patterns as a result of the liquor store's operation over the
past two years.
The Town's parking requirement for this tenant space would not change as a
rssult of this expansion to the liquor store.
2
4. Effect upon the character of the area in which the proposed use is
to be located, includlng the scale an<l bulk of the proposed use in
relation to suaounding uses,
There are no exterior changes proposed with the liquor store addition.
B. Findinqs
The Planninq and EnvironmentalCommission shall make the followino findinos before
orantinq a conditional use oermit:
1. That the proposed location of the use in accord with the purposes of the
conditional use permit section of the zoning code and the purposes of
the district in which the site is located.
2. That the proposed location of the use and the conditions under which it
would be operated or maintained would not be detrimental to the public
health, safety, or welfare or materially injurious to properties or
improvements in the vicinity.
3. That the proposed use would comply with each of the applicable
provisions of the conditional use permit section of the zoning code.
III. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the applicant's request to expand the existing liquor store. We
believe all the Conditional Use review criteria have been met, as discussed above, and that
the findings are also met. Specifically, staff believes that the proposed location of the use is
in accordance with the purposes of the ABD zone district, that the proposed location of the
use and the conditions under which it will be operated will not be detrimental to public health,
safety or welfare, and that the use complies with all applicable provisions of the zoning title.
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LOlsl92
Dat.e of Applicat.ion
Date of PEC Meeting
CONDITIONAI USE PERMIT
\n-tt-t:
lt'7,
APPIJTCATION FOR
I. This procedure is required for any project required to obtain aconditional use permit.
The application will not be accepted until_ all i_nformation issubmitted.
A. NAME OF APPLICANT
l\tiJ\Tn{.- \"riX SO \0.-,1D
ADDRESS
\\*PHO
NAME OF APPLICANT' S
ADDRESS
REPRESENTATIVER
E.
NAME OF
o9rNER(S)
ADDRESS
PHONE
OVnIER(S) (print ., t^Jtuttn,"r"., vo/ Sctl rrQronr.^,
STGNATURE (S)oo
L'1, / tcK # I"th t
PHONE
D. LOCATION OF PROPOSAL:l|-t
LEGAL ;LO$Br,OCK_F I T,ING
ADDRESS Ufl tro C) t/u
THE FEE MUST BE PAID BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUN]TY
DEVELOPMENT WILL ACCEPT YOUR PROPOSA:.
F. Stamped, addressed envelopes of the itames of owners of allproperty adjacent to the subject property INCLUDING pROpERTy
BEHIND AND ACROSS STREETS, and a list of names and mailingaddTesses. ?HE APPLICANT WILL BE RESPoNSIBLE FoR coRREcT
OWNERS AND CORRECT ADDRESSES.
I1. PRE_APPIICATION CONFERENCE:
A pre-application conference with a plann:_ng staff member isstrongly suggested to determine if any adciitional information isneeded. No apprication wil-l be accepted unress it complete (mustinclude aII items required by the zoning administrat.orJ. It isthe applicant's responsibility to make an appointment with thestaff to find out about addiLional submittal requirements.
rII. PLEASE NOTE THAT A COMPLETE APPLICATTON W:LL STREAMLTNE THE
APPROVAL PROCESS FOR YOUR PROJECT BY DECR]IASING THE NUMBER OF
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL THAT THE PLANN]NG AND ENVIRONMENTAL
coMMrssroN (PEc) MAY STTPULATE. AIL coND:TroNs oF AppRovAL MUSTBE COMPLIED WTTH BEFORE A BUILDING PERMIT IS ISSUED.
Four (4) copies of the following information must besubmitted:
vLLLI #"--'4
1,. A description of t.he precise nal_ure of the proposed useand j-ts operating characteristics and measures proposedto make the use compatible with other properties in thevicinity.
The description must also address:
a. ReLationship and impact of the use on developmentobjectives of the Town.
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-l
(ff';::"i:.*;, ";:"::o::3:i t":lli'f iEl iibut
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utilities, schools, parks and recreationfacilities, and ot.her public facilities and publi\'facilities needs.
c. Effect upon traffic, with particular reference tocongestion, automotive and pedestrian safety and
convenience, traffic fLow and control, access,maneuverability, and rernoval of snow from thestreets and parking area.
d. Effect upon the character of the area in which theproposed use is to be located, including the scale
and bulk of the proposed use in relation to
surrounding uses.
A site plan at a scale of at Ieast L" = 20t showingproposed development of the site, including topography,building locations, parking, traffic circulation,
useable cpen space, landscaped areas and utilities anddrainage features,
Preliminary buiJ.ding elevations and floor plans.
A title report to verify ownership and easements.
If the building is condominiumized, a letter from the
condominium association in support of the proposal mustbe submi:ted to staff.
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Any addilional material necessaryapplication as determined by the
** For interior modifications,
and site plan may be waivedadministrator.
for the review of thezoning administrator.
improvement surveythe zoning
an
by
IV. TIME REQUIREMENTS
The Planning and Environmental Commission meets on the 2ndand 4th Mondays of each month. A complete application formand all accompanying material (as described above) must besubmitted a minimum of four (4) weeks prior t.o the date ofthe PEC public heari-ng. No incomplete applications (as
determined by the zoning administrator) will be accepted bythe planning staff before or after the designated submitt.aLdate.
AII PEC approved conditional use permits shall lapse ifconstruction is not, connenced wit.hin one year of Lhe date ofapproval and Ciligently pursued to completion, or if the usefor which the approval is granted is not commenced withinone year.
ff this application requires a separate revj_ew by any 1ocal,State or Federal agency other than the Town of Vait, t.heapplication fee shall be increased by $200.00. Examples ofsuch review, nay include, but are not limited to: ColoradoDepartment of Highway Access permits, Army Corps ofEngineers 404, eLc.
The applicant shal_l be responsibLe for paying any publishingfees which are in excess of 50t of the applicat.ion fee. ft;at the appl-icant,s requestr dry matter is postponed forhearing, causing the matter to be re-pubtished, then, theentire fee for such re-publication shall be paid by theapplicant.
A.
B.
AV.
IJ.
ApplicatioFo..*.d by the Community tetoo^"nt Deparrmenrto have significant design, land use or other issues which
may have a significant impact on the community may requirereview by consultant,s other that t.own staff. Shoutd adetermination be made by the town staff that an outsideconsultant is needed to review any airplication, Community
Development may hire an ouLside consultant, it shall-estimate the amount of money necessary to pay hirn or her andthis amount sha1l be forwarded to t.he Town by the applicantat the t,j.me he files his application with the CommunityDevelopment Department. Upon completion of t.he review ofthe application by the consultant, any of the fundsforwarded by the applicant for payment of the consult,ant.which have not been paid to the consrrltant shall be returnedto the applicant. Expenses incurred by the Town in excessof the amount forwarded by the applicant shall be paid tothe Town by the applicant within 30 days of notification bythe Town.
t.r-.
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To the T,:rrrn of Vail:
Thi= is a reque=t for approval of an expansion sf Cuitr'e Liqugrs *,c
go in srder to saf isfy the demandg of sur cusLomer. Over the past twa
years ue have had tc turn custsmers away because the limiting square
foatage has not al lowed ug to gtock our =hel'ves adequately. lrfe
reque-t apprcval to add an additianal 3oO square ft ts the pre=ent, 3Oo
square feet. This rrr*uld allow ug to add another cooler and mare =he1fspace and be ahle t.e pnovide cur customers r*ith a larger selection.
U,*:* vod \i(N^,(ron..,^,f^e5
furnto tNldLIw-rL,
Glen Lyon Office Bldg. Vail Professional Bldg. Colo. Dept. of Tranportation
1000 S. Frontage Rd. West 953 S. Frontage Rd. Wsst P.O. Box 2107
Vall, CO 81657 Vail, CO 81657 Grand Jct, CO 81502
Tom BrandVGeorge Brodin
GT Services
934 S. Frontage Rd. West
Vail, GO 81657
lof ao/ee- ocrptcrrrs N-r.f o-r--t Q t rt
J\o
THIS ITEM MAY EFFECT YOUR PROPERTY
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE lS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning and Environmental Commission of the Town of '
Vail will hold a public hearing in accordance with Section 18.66.060 of the Municipal Code of
the Town of Vail on November 8, 1993, at 2:00 P.M. in the Town of Vail Municipal Building.
ln consideration of:
1. A request to amend an existing conditional use to allow for the expansion of the liquor
store located in the Cascade Crossing Retail Center/l031 S. Frontage Road/an
unplatted parcel located west of the Vail Professional Building and south of l-70.
Applicant WilliamSchneidaWCuitrelnternational
Planner: Mike Mollica
2. A request for a worksession for variances for road grade and wall heights and a
major suMivision (Trappe/s Run) to create thirty Hillside Residential lots to be located
on Lot 8, Block C, Vail Ridge and Lots 16, 19 and 21, Section 14, Township 5 South,
Range 81 West, generally located north of l-70 and west ol the Vail Ridge Subdivision.
Applicant: John Ulbrich, represented by Gateway Development
Planner: Jim Curnutte
3. A request to relocate the helipad to the east end of the Ford Park parking lot located at
580 S. Frontage Road EasUan unplatted parcel located between VailVillage 7th Filing
and Vail Village 8th Filing and a portion of the l-70 right-of-way.
Applicant: VailValley Medical GenlerPlanner: Andy Knudtsen
4. A request for a minor exterior alteration to allow a bay window expansion of
Gotthelf's/196 Gore Creek Drive/Lots A, B, C, Block 5-C, Vail Village 1st Filing.
Applicant PaulGotthelfPlanner: Jim Gurnutte
5. A request for approval of the Cemetery Management and Master Plan Report, for the
Town of Vail Cemetery to be constructed in the upper bench of Donovan Park located
generally southeast of the Matterhorn neighborhood and west of the Glen Lyon
neighborhood.
Applicant Town ol Vail
Planner: Andy Knudtsen
TOWN OF VAIL
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INSTRUCTION MANUAI
part number 648t2355, Beu i
bulletln 228$1N2 llarch 1989
ESL 445CS SERIES successfut rost, the LEo wttl tight and the alarm relay contact (tormlnalo 3
pHoroElEcrRoNtc sMoKE DETECTORS ;i:?lJ'*T:i"':"n:i'"'H.::lT;Tfir'fltHl::tomrosotswitchror
Thls is a gross tosl and b not a reliable indicalion ot the ssnsitivity of th6
detoclor. To insure no slonilicanl loes ol sonsitivity has occurrsd. you
must also utilizo tho ESL Tast Tool Modol 401. To do so, place lhe tool
on ths sido of tho dotectof, botwsen the hinges. Tho magnot ol lhe t€sl tool
will close a rssd switch on lhg prlnted circuit board which. in turn. will
slmulato a smoke dsnsity greator than ths alalm thloshold ot lho smoke
detector. Continue tho lost lor 20 seconds or until an alarm occuts. ll a
Control unit alarm and all ancillary lunctions ehould b€ votiti€d tor a
complet€ tesl of each delector. Follow this ptocoduro tor the tomaining
dstectors,
MODEL DESCRIPTION
,l45CS Smoko deteclor
44scsT Smoko dotsclor wilh
135'F hoat sgnsor
445CSR Smoke doteclor wilh exlra
Form C alarm contact sol
445CSFT Smoko d€tsctor with exlra
Form C alarm contacl set
and 135oF heal sensor
445CSH Smoko dstoctor with
lsolat€d 135"F heat sensor
fii . ltit rEsr EvERy DErEcroR FoR pFopEB opERATroN. rhrs resrins
.:,J.1 - tqf procsdurs should bo conducted annlalty by quallnod p€Isonml.
@re( Ul ) 4 m) lhe susPoctsd railure mode'
\y >;| sEllslrlvlrY MEAsuREtEtrr
co,r,om,a srare ]H"1$:X;iTl9)lxr'!,ii"ii::T;ffi1"*:EFJT'l*,:1,'?i'l?3"'13,-
ll a dotector lails to lunction ptoperly, obtain a Rglurn Authorizallon
Numb€r by calling l-00G64&7422 or 617-740€800, thon carelully pack
il and return it propaid to ths manulactuter. Includo an axplanation of
Flre Morshal patented will oarlorm lhis test and, it a detoctor ts found to be outsido ";iil--Approv6d mari<ed sensitivity range, will clean lh€ d€tactor.
Contact ESL Customer Servic€ lor d€tails on the return ol tho product.GEHEBAL DESCRIPTION
ESL 44sCS Sori€s photoelsctronio, lour-wlrs systsm smoks detoctors wilh an As an altsrnat€ to the abovs ptoc€duro, the Gemini Modsl 501 Aorosol
Bs dB soundgr opoiate on rhe light scattoring irincipte. Gsnoralor may bs used. Follow the operating Inslruclions supplied rvilh
,t4scs sorios are €speciany suited for occupanci€s such as hotets, motsts lP 9-il'T:,19i'"t th€ Gemini llow meter s€tting to the lowe' valua in
and dormitortes. where €fiicient distribution ot the atarm signar is esseiiii. I:]*1"--*lT No atarm should occur with this valus' Now adiust tho
The dstecrors can be used afrscrivery in commerciar, indus-triat and """'l X * ", . , ,:tffi:' fft#iJ",ri:*H[3||,e and te{onduct the test' The delsctol
institutional lho alarm syslems.
They aro inlondod lor lour-wirs connection to UL Lisled 12 and 24 volt OO fl :1r '-ir1: 1 :,'r'r,'::qEi,!!d{ SETTINGS
fire alarm control units. Each dstector has one Form A (SPST-NO) atarm i..- Sensitivlty Flow Msler Selting
rNsrALLArron r "j'\;J""'''""'))i*-"'t
Tho 445 Serfss smok€ dstsctors mount lo standard singls-gang olectrical bqxas, ", Q -Wt-d&s eot o^dEffr{use ol preqburized aotosols in detector testing.
4" octagonat (s.9., RACO tr125 or oquivalont) €lectrical boxes, or on . ; ..--.' --p;e$u-miilaafiosoty66mrcst doredtor sensitivity with accuracy. In tact,
retay contact lor connoction to an alarm initiating circuil. An additional alaim . ' 400 SEfllES, ' . ;, t, .' . 3;t' + 0.5%/lt. 95
refay contact (Form C SPDT) lor auxiliary lunctions and/or an int€gral heat i. Ptrotoelectronic DeiectOisr,'. . . 3:1 - 0.50 /lt. 74
ssnsor aro avallable as options on Modols 445csr and 445csRT. nf:,. ,_:t' sqnsitivity measurements sho!ssnsor aro avallaDle as opllons on Mooors 445tJ!| ano 44cuDrr|. ,15.". , I Sansitlvity measutom€nls shoilld bo tak€n on all detoclots towards tho
equlppod wilh the auxiliary alam contacts (Option F) are tisled as suilabla tot end of th6 lirst iZ months ol operation, and €v€ry 24 months
rcleaEing se'vice. . subsgousnl.
Model 445CSH includ€s a smok€ alarm initiating contact and an €lectrically .. rr a .tctcciortf a detectof responds ingonoctly, contact ESL Custom€r Service lor
detalls on lho.return ol the produtli. .isotatod hoat sensor lor connoction to a ssparate alarm inltiating circuit. . : .,, il#;il;;;;iir.lii iiii'"I,r.
INSTALLATIOT{
WIREMOLD No. 5739 lixlure boxss. Ths volumo ol the eloctrical box is -' ".-. ',th6 it"Ult 6l lwalrrtsstlrE8y
dstormtned by lhe numbor and sizs ot conductors as toqulred by the Nalional The tost leature on gSf- smofi oeteJtorJ provides tho most accurate
Eloctrical code (NFPA 7o). All wiring must bo installed in compliance with the .'l: ,.::'::-:*::t€sl lor minimum smoke sensitiiity rgspons€.
covor roleaso tab, and swing rhe cover open. Bemove the terminal block Ths smoke detgctor ls lor,|,cE in commercial firs-proteclive .sig.naling
cover by gonrty putting strai6ht out. Dresi all systom wiring through tho systoms (NFPA 7..! -d3&'BS72C, or 72O) and in housshold tlre
op€ning In the bass ol the smoko detectot. Socuro ths dstgctor to the warnln*EJ6l9{$$FJrAr 74).
mounting surlace using the approptiat€ mounting holos and hardwaro. Strip --tisteO'&fJtfu6d/ritors Laboratori€s, lnc.; Calilornia Stato Fir€ Marshal
3/8'ol insufation lrom oach conduclor and insert undsr ths appropriats ".-.rF .-ralirovdd l1dflt6g *ZZStatT:104); Factory Mutual approvod
screw tsrminal. Tho barrigr-typs tarminal block will accommodate one-Wtqd t;i : '.'.-' 1j,i'an<zfukb: 3ut" ot Maryland approvsd (Parmit /t1885):screw tstminal, Tho barrigr-typs tarminal block wall accommodate one _!!4fqc 'i l
14 AwG to 22 Awc undsr oach sid€ oj saclt .scr9]{J9aryll9. pleqg,i1l$i_i}- . .
Stat6 ol Maryland approvsd (Parmit /t1885): Cily of
(Dockal S-$E); New York City, Eoard ol Standatds
NEC or th€ local codo(s) having iurisdiction.
All liold wiring connoctions aro made lo a t€rminal block on the printod Tho ESL ploducl waranly does nof Gov€r conlaminalion by aerosols'
circuitboard.1ccosslhisargabyins€rtinglheb|adaolan1/8,!crewdrlvor
in tho small slol on lhe detocior base, op&site tho hingo. G€ntly depress ths APPFOVALS
dosign prevonts "tooping" ol tyir€s and provides lor suqg$pbd{i i1!r-'. t, .'i ;.r' - *,Aeififfi ipprovdo tqrfcnaf-r *izz-zCSa).
"*'"'"ii.',i"u.?^l"3TilJ',ffi1iftffiX"H#l#H'ff:;'j[r;ii1'. r;t i " qnrsv*{67":s*'r *'*'*cHECK ALL wlRlNG AND MOUNTING COlNeE ffs.'6t""" r'liri'iilnfqr[i ",
and re-install tho lorminal block cover. Closo and s€cutely latch ths det#tq( \covsr. t . \\_\1 .+iF,#fr g,$ffi f fff ffi i-iy,,s:"liff #J:lilj:;,'::?3,
5ysl6m and check oach doteclor and tho poror slpervlsion unil (it us€d), lo(
corroct ryiring. ll no alarm has occurted, chocl each dstector's LED to Yorily lhat
il is pulslng al approximatsly ono pulse every sevan seconds. Go lo th€ last
deteclor (or lho powor supervision unit), and check lhs smoko dsleclor pow€t
with I voll meter lor lhe spociliod vollage,
WIRING
MAINTETIANCE
Thg 445 S€ri€s smoko d€tgclors are designed lo tequirg littlo mainlanancs.
Onco a yaar (mor€ oltqn in dusty envifonments). opsn ths detactof
covsr and uso a vacuum and/or liltered comprosssd air to loosgn and
romove dus! from lho screen sunounding lhe optical sensing
mechanism. For doloctors installod in h06tlle (dusly) environmenb, it
may bs nocessary lo purge tha chsmbot wlth cenned ol oban, dry
comprosood alr; ll ls lmportant to ngllly sll ooncetnod Parllgt whon any
malntenano0 or terllng of a tlr0 alsrm lyclom b to 0c0ur, Always tssl
oach dotQclol -.eflol 9lggnlng.
00 Nol ettompl lo rdJuet or altor tho dsloclor.
COv€r. V f \\ \ .---- . Unll4of tflBjaPplopnalg conrrarlue||-vo|ragB aI lns eno oI rna qetsctur
orE: posirivo air prsssuro rrom wirs opsninssT conduir, mounr4g-borsi:; 2ffiffiJP-H{i:,11"^:11"",1"1:'^Tl,::"^fli:d^l'r^::::",:
lrresurer mounrlne surfacos, or pr.i"ri."iJ,,iii'i"'Jid;'"id;$ifi6;;ld €--'z:A:Wfl$i}1tf1m initiatins circuit, and are.closod Yhsn
en:tslz:jl
awiy lrom the doiector may prevent proper operitior[flgat riilsuctr oplfififr'] , 1 . Lfud/(n the detoctor power circuit or a loss ol.Power de€nsrgjzes the
cauiing unwanted air 1ow ilitng UU LisrlO eipanding-tgarpfr D,xcdif- Z^,";L--{eoilor suporvision unit, oponlng lhe contacts and causing a troublg
TEST|IfO THE INSTALf.ATION
- l!t"' _-+f annunciation at the lire alarm control unit. So€ Dlegram lJ2.
Alter alt connociions are completod and tho wlrlng is cirqkdllorcd6ra, apply
powor lo the syst6m. Thoto should not bo an alarm. tl thel6'is, pow6r dotirn the
To lost eaoh deteclol lor alarm operatlon, hold a Bmolderlng punk Stlct ot oQllon
wlok nmr hr 3m0ho ontry aroe! and bhw gently dlrootlng the lmoko
lnlo lhr dotcctor. Contlnua lor up to 20 rocgndr ot untll gn rl$m l! Indlcatod,
U SUAI TO PROPENLY EXTIIIOUISH II{E gMOKE IOURCE AITER TISTIIIOI
APPFOVALS
-51
ELECTFIGAI SPECIFTCATTONS
sr4pKE DEtECroBs-A[ rod.b
Sl,andby Vollag|e' 102-0it VDC or VFWR
Stsndby Curront 40 ,|^ 6| t2 V; t(x) ,.A O 24 V
Ala.m Vdtage' 10.2€il VOC or VFWR
Alarm Cunonl 40r €l tAV,6Or O 24V
Rsvorso Polarlty Vollsgs' 10.2€3 VDC of VFWR
Rowfrs PolErlly "ON" Cunent 25 mA
Rowrsg Polarlty Avorao€ Curronl 12.5 r
Conlacl Ratings (re:ristlve)
Modotr 445CS, 4,|5CST, 445CSH - | Anpers @ 30 VDC or lm VAC
i/bd6ls 4a5CSR, .l,lsCSRT - 2 Ampores O 1, VDC or 12O VAC
POWEF SUPERYISION UNTTS IIODEL 2O,IA r|ODEL 2OIC
oporaling vollago 5.'r.t9.8 vDc 14.533 vDc
Oporatlng Currenl 40 mA @ 12 V 10 mA €| 24 V
Contact Rating (.oslsttuo) 1 Ampore @ 30 VDC or l& VAC
OPERATIONAL DATA
Ho.n Loudness 85 dB @ l0 tl.
Opersling Tomperature Range 0'C to g)oc; 32.F lo l20cF
Opo.allng Humidily Bango 0 to 95rh RH
Oeleclor Siz6: Dlamslar 6.1 In. 15.5 cmHelght 2.0 in. 5.O cmwelghr 8.0 oz, 0.25 k9
PoworrAlarm Indicator LED Standby - Flashlng
Alarm - Stoady
El€clronic Alarm Latch Rss€t by mom€nlary powet
interruptlon
Sonsltlvity to Smoke 3.1 t 0.5c6rn.
'VDC - Fillored OC, 109{r Rlpple maximum
-VFWR
- Unliltared Full Wave Rectitied
INSTALLATIOil (Olagram #1)
FLUSH MOUNTING ON 4' OCTAGON EOX
WI R EMOLO
mounting
lNo.5739l
rlnglt Cangl" oct gon
mou'|tlng
covta
rahata
knocl out
tor lurf.qo
LED wirini
l|ofEt Poslllvo alr prss3ura trom wlra openlng!, condull, mountlng bor!!, lnegular mounllng surtrcor, or plGnum3 calslng elr movlmlnt through and rwly
lrom lhe dsteclor m6y prcvent prop€r oprllllon. Scal all luch openlngt causlng unwrntcd slr ftow uJlng UL Llltod crprndlng lorm ot Durtrrl.
WIBING CONNEGTIONS (Dlagram #2).nl.rt.rnnt lo. d.r.il
nrod.lt atlSCS
aa5csl |nod.l aasCSX
fiDot trxco:v6:
Emorgonoy oponllofl lslyl. I (Clrs! Alll Rolum lnltl lng clrcull rlrlng to rpp,op stc oonlrol unll lrmlnrlr rnd conncct lhr lnd ol llna
.l,rvlc.a pat lha control unll lnruus ,ons.
CAUTION: OO NOT ura bopGd uko undcr rcrau lemlnrb. Thaac tcmlnsl! rr! darlgnad lo prrvanl looplng ol !n unb.okan wlrc uound or undGr r trrmlnal
lctevr In a m$na. thll uould prlmlt tho loopad I'lrc lo rcmrln unbtokan durlng lnstdldlon. Thlt would prcclude auprwltlon ll lha wlta wara to
dlrlodga |rom tha lllmlnrl,
.dt cr ...s ,m.l..i.ai-t! roft
StrlOOTll CElLlllC SpActilO
On smooth coilings, spaclng ol 30 ls€t (9.1 meters) may be u6ed as a 9uid6.
Other spaclng may bo us€d dopendlng on ceillne holght. high dr md6mont. and
olhea condltlons or rospon3. rgqulromantr.
In all In5tallations, gpod engin€ering lndgment should govsrn.
ELECTRO SIGNAL LAB, INC.
75 Totry Drivo, Hingham, l{A oaxil
Sal.s l -8OG22$8032
Lllerature r{n64&7,tUl
Insldg Massachusgtts 617-74G3800
Fot mofe Inlormltlon on ESL 443 8orlos lmoko detsclors, IncludlBg appllcallon
Inlomallon and delailod porlormanco dala. cleaning inslruclions, Eensitivlty
vsriftcetlon ptocodurr, and te@mmendatlons on splcln0 md plaoamcnl. taad
Tochnlcal Bullollo 2282-TB ".145 SERIES PRODUCT OUIOE."
Consult Natlonal Flre Protoctlon Associalion Publlcations'. "NFPA 72E,
Standard on Autornatlc Flre Oetectors," and, whers appllcable. "NFPA 74,
Standard for lho Instsllallon, Malntsnance, and Uso ot HoB€hold Flto Warnlng
Equlpmant."15t
r il)vg2tg{\)ty{\
tNc.
Wheelock's most popular flre slgnats and speakors aro
now avaltablo wlth low cunent dnw 100 0andela
Strobes lhat meet the requhemenls of the Americans
Wlth Dlsabilltlss Acr (ADA). This ls the sams product
llne that has oamed tho Indwtry.s hlghost ovorall rat-
Ings tor quallty and value In 8 6urvey of Flre Alarm
ESDg and OEMs',
Descrlptlon
Wheelock'e line of .100 Candsta Slrobe products teaturos
etele.of.thg.art audlble/vlslble comblnetlon slgnals such ss
hlgh output electronlc homs and minl horns; uniquely ver.
saue oloctronlc muliltone slgnals and chlmes; hlgh perform-
ance volce svacuallon speak€r8; and the Industry's most
cost effectlve ADA approved strobos.
Thsso producfe are doscribod In this dafa eheet. For tult
spsclflcatlons on th€s6 llfo satety slgnals, call us for the
Indlvldual product spec shoots referenced ln lh6 tabl€ on the
nexl page.
Featuree
Wheelock'e alerm slgnals are the industry,s preferred line of
slgnallng products b€cause thoy have a consislsnt record
of fleld proven rellablllty, because they comply tuily wfih tho
latesl codee end otandards, and because they provide big
savlngs on every lob wlth features llke:
. Lower current draw to minimize power suppty and wlrlngcosls-lhe lowest current t 00 Candela Strobes avallable.
I Hlgher dBA output to enhance audlblllty-up to 106 dBA
st 10 foet.
o Convonlont mountlng to standard low cost eleclrlcal
boxes.
o Fully assembled products to ellmlnato costly fleld assem.
blv.
o Fasl In.oul wlrlng termlnals to save on Installation time.
' Thc U.S, Fko
lm,, t09r.
Alarm Mar*et: Cherectodg € and Trorxts. STAT Resourcoo.
I a \r\, vt\aa!-r.-ts^ tI STROBE PRODUCTS I
PRELIMINARY SPECIFrcA-IOF_
STROBES
8rilr Wll rlrc!|tr 100 cmddr firshho
skobrs tlfr
MOII ADAr IIr lowlsl Cunrnt
drrw .vrllrblc-
lust 0.00 .mps
wtt
fin@fl
ELECIBONIC SIGIIATS
8!drt Eil Elcctron]c Sl'obr llomtr Strh.ol.thc.rrl Dfflormancc |t lowor lnslelled coslr 103 ptel dBA wlth 100 c|0drls stmb.s8!.l AE8 lrll|l .toni Stgorts. A d|oh| Ol paoltntin0 &rm tonca! Multtph lhrms wl$ ohr drvlcor 106 poak dBA wtth l0O candda itrobes
Milil.H0RNS Hrr
S! !r lZ Mtnl.Homrr qSlOnod.!nO prlcsd speclllcsly for tfl-tno.room apDltc. onsr 90 pmk dBA wlth 100 csndrtailrobrs
CHIMES
8lrlrr CH Elrctmttr Shobr Ci|mlrr Just onr.lonlh lh! qrnrnl draw 0f convonuonal cfiim0s. 6:! poal dBA tt lth 100 candota strobos
gT.10l0
E tot!
t 12t Et t0|o
E sst lo 96 dBA st 8 wEns wfih 100 €ndcl. stroblr
t;
t
INSPECTION:yoN N.*,' :t /-zf. t
WED THU FRI
ECTION
TOWN OF
'JJ(t
REQUEST
VAILTERMIT NU
. DATE
IB
iy'
CALLER
READY FOR
LOCATION:i,
BUILDING:
tr FOOTINGS / STEEL
PL
tr
tr
D
tr
tr
tr
tr
UMBING:
D FOUNDATION / STEEL
UNDERGROUND
ROUGH / D.W.V.
ROUGH / WATERtr FRAMING
,- ROOF & SHEER" PLYWOOD NAILING GAS PIPING
D INSULATION POOL / H. TUB
O SHEETROCK NAIL
o
dCF'tttRt-D FINAL
!.',
::---
ELECTRIGAL:
D TEMP. POWER
MECHANICAL:
tr HEATING
tr
tr
tr
ROUGH tr
D
tr
EXHAUST HOODS
CONDUIT SUPPLY AIR
tr FINAL O FINAL
VED O DISAPPROVED tr REINSPECTION REQUIRED
->-"--.
'i"
RRECTIONS:
y'a
co
INSPECTOR
nffis-e
t
INSPECTIONTOWN OF
REOUEST
VAIL
JOB NAME
INSPECTI AM '*JUlREADY FOR
LOCATION:l{ 't I'
f"i'
R OF PROJECTBNUM
lo
BUILDING:
tr FOOTINGS / STEEL
PLUMBING:
tr UNDERGROUND
N ROUGH / D.W.V.
tr ROUGH / WATER
tr FOUNDATION / STEEL
n ROOF & SHEER" PLYWOOD NAILING tr GAS PIPING
tr INg{JLATION N POOL / H. TUB
tr SHEETROCK NAIL
ELE
OT
OF
trC
tr-
tr HEATING
O EXHAUST HOODS
CONDUIT tr SUPPLY AIR
tr APPROVED
CORRECTIONS:
)qrsneenoveo D REINSPECTION REOUIRED
onre I b -Al -i3 rNSPEcroR
ffiso"
br INSPECTION REQUEST
VAILrgwNJ gFPERMIT,NUMBER OF JECT
DATE JOB NAME n,\-!
THUR v
It
READY FOR
LOCATION:
INSPECTI
CALLER
s
BUILDING:
tr FOOTINGS / STEEL
PLUMBING:
tr FOUNDATION / STEEL
o
tr
tr
tr
tr
tr
tr
UNDERGROUND
ROUGH / D.W.V. -
ROUGH / WATERtr FRAMING
n ROOF & SHEER
" PLYWOOD NAILING GAS PIPING
tr INSULATION POOL / H. TUB
tr SHEETROCK NAIL
tr
T] FINAL tr FINAL
ELECTRIGAL:
tr TEMP. POWER
MECHANIGAL:
o
tr
tr
tr
HEATING
tr
tr
tr
ROUGH EXHAUST HOODS
CONDUIT SUPPLY AIR
Srrunr-
-
tr FINAL
APPROYED ./r tr DISAPPROVED tr REINSPECTION REQUIRED
CORRECTIONS:
INSPECTOR
b,ib )t
;PECTION REQUESTINSPECTI(-) TowN
t /t^-@6 VAIL
'L.2
1.4,
READY FOR
LOCATION:
INSPECTION:THUR
't/
BUILDING:
D FOOTINGS / STEEL
PLUMBING:
tr UNDERGROUND
tr ROUGH / D.W.V.
tr ROUGH / WATER
D FOUNDATION / STEEL
o rrinurruc
,- ROOF & SHEER" PLYWOOD NAILING tr GAS PIPING
D INSULATION tr POOL / H. TUB
HEETROCK NAIL
tr FINAL tr FINAL
ELECTRICAL:
tr TEMP. POWER tr HEATING
ROUGH tr EXHAUST HOODS
CONDUIT tr SUPPLY AIR
EI FINAL tr FINAL
ED
RRECTIONS:
O DISAPPROVED D REINSPECTION REQUIRED
/t /^ >oart b/ 'Z 4 -9 -, tNSPEcroR
nFs'o"
/r3'7c,;ll
PERMIT NUMBER OF PROJECT
DATE
ll
INSPECTION
UR FRI
1U,./l
REQUEST
VAIL
s-
AM
I a.<5
q----)
/ e-' t-tt JOB NAME
INSPECTION:
<:: .'i ^.,
a/ /\,-/
I
READY FOR
LOCATION:
MON WEDt) IliLl
'. y' u.4 1:: ;t
')tL-n
BUILDING:
O FOOTINGS / STEEL
PL
tr
tr
tr
tr
o
o
tr
UMBING:
tr FOUNDATION / STEEL
UNDERGROUND
ROUGH / D.W.V.
ROUGH / WATERXrnnurr.rc
tr
o
ROOF & SHEEB
PLYWOOD NAILING GAS PIPING
INSULATION POOL / H. TUB
O SHEETROCK NAIL
tr FINAL tr FINAL
ELEGTRICAL:
tr TEMP. POWER
MECHANICAL:
tr HEATING
tr
tr
tr
ROUGH tr
tr
tr
EXHAUST HOODS
CONDUIT SUPPLY AIR
N FINAL tr FINAL
v'fPffiovED
CORRECTIONS:
tr DISAPPROVED D REINSPECTION REOUIRED
INSPECTOR
, ntl
Project Application
,^,. 7/ / 717 ,
Project Name:
Project Description:
Contact Person and Phone
Owner. Address and Phone:r),t
L/t l'J ,l7a
Architect. Address and Phone:
h -o ol
Legal Description: Lot
Com ments:
Cta
B lock
sstnT
Zone
-
Design Review Board
Date
Motion by:
Seconded by:
APPROVAL D ISAPPROVAL
, [b'
q) 5t.rn br
ft^ r
h'n /' (drrt f,C t/a
9ou*h
,znln,
W{^u Approval
)rt /,C t/. t tr.4F,1"J,y. &r/ ' b./r, r
r/,/f*ztrl is tt't
lEt D
.irrl b
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT
PLUMBING
FOUNDATION
NOTE
DATE
_ COPY OF PERMIT TO BE KEPT ON JOBSITE
SEPTEMBER 2I , 1993
6370
hn
departmont of community development
TO BE FILLED OUTCOMPLETELY PRIORTO ISSUANCE OF PERMIT
TYPE OF PERMIT
E
E
BUILDING
ELECTRICAL
Tn
I. TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION I II III IV V
2. OCCUPANCY GROUP AB EH IRM
DIVISION 122a34
CFNFC}AI NFq'EIPTIr|N OF WORK '
PERMIT
z
tr
)
BUILOING 1000.00
EIECTRICAL r000.00
PLUMBING
ALTERATION
MECHANICAL
2000.00
TYPE GROUP G.R.F.A, VATUATION PERMIT FEES
v-l lrn a-t BUILDING PERMIT 65 On r=
.-f
!{
tt'
(\
-/(.+-
PLAN CHECK
ELECTRICAL 50.00
N€WO ALTERATION ( XX AODITIONAL O REPAIR PLUMBING
OWELLING UNITS
-
ACCOMMODATION UNITS
-HEIGHT IN FT
-
NO,FIREPLACES
UECHANICAL
RECREATION FEE
INSULATION: TYPE THICKNESS R-VALLUE DESIGN REVIEW BOARO
FLooR | | |
------_|-'-
CLEAN,UP OEPOSIT 100 .00
EXr wALLs | |USE TAX
ul
.++
^'WILL CAI.I,6-OO
TYPE
OF
HEAT
SOLAR
GAS
WOOD
TOTAL PERMIT FEES 25i - OO
DAN STANEK 9-2I-93
ADDITIONAL PERMITS NEEDED.
Y N INITIAL
sr cur I I I
UtrDtNG OFFTC|Aa DAT-E
grrELLL uE_tLo _ _ _9-20-93
]NING ADMINISTRATOR OATE
BLASTING ONING & BUILOING NOTES:
;^"*,"o | |
cllrcAco eITz{ sIcN wIrL BE qEMOVED &
RITTI.NTN'] WTT T RF PE'DATIITEN I'PTrrD 'TIrr ETTN^T
INSPECTION.
I hereby acknorvledge that I have read this application, filled out in full the information required,
completed an accurate plot plan, and stale that all the information provided as required is correct. I
agree to comply with the information and plot plan, to comply with all Town ordinances and state
laws, and to build this structure according to the Townl zoning and ivision codes, design
review approved, Uniform Building Code and other reto.
CLEAN UP DEPOSIT TO:
FOR HIMSELF
N MECHANICAL N-1031 FRONTAGE I{D W
LEGAL
DESC.
LOT 8LK-
FtLtNc CASCADE CROSSINGS
JOBNAME: HOME OUTFITTERS
OWNER NAME VAIL ENTERPRITE€_
-
MATLADDRE5S BlX 4fO515
clrY ALIRoM C0 PH 745-521
ARCHITECT flEU I{ DQMLDSON
MAIL ADDRESS
clw 949-F,'OO
GENERAL
CONTRACTOR
FIRM RUSTY SPIKE ENT.
TOWN OF VAIL REG. NO. I O2-S
TELE. L'7 A-L7,7 L
J'-"?'^i?3h
FIRM LEGTRIe UNLI*{IEED
TOWNOE]UAILFEG.NO. 2Oq-E
rELE. 476-L448
PLUMBING
FIRM
TOWN OF VAIL REG. NO.coNrRAUt(Jt{
MECHANICAL
CONTRACTOR
FIRM
TOIUN OF VAIL REG, NO
OTHER
CONTRACTOR
FIRM
TOWN OF VAIL BEG. NO-
TELE.
o
TOWN OF VAIIJ CONSTRUCTIONt t. .t.
Job Name: l-lar..'
/()
fuotnt
PER}.TIT +A370
PERMIT APPLTCATION FORM-.DATE: =,_-,n r3t9ll[
^ App,,rcArroN MUsr BE FTLLED ou, "o,'S93ili"to-" rr MAy Nor BE AccEprED,
I****************************** PERMIT INFORMATION *****************************n-$d-nuilding [ ]-P1umbing [ ]-Electrical [ ]-Mechanicat [ ]-other2,4
Job Address: i
Legal Descripti ont "otjnE
Atlq-A<*\eD
SUBDIVISlON:
owners rvur"t Ufil e
Architect, lt4onkTr.rot&r^.1 Address:P'' /t?-{lao
General Description:
Work Class: [ ] -New {r{-efteration I l-Additional [ ]-Repair [ ]-other
Number of Dwelling Units: tl/A Number of Accomrnodation units, /lt
Address:'?O, \:.o{ ( 7C 5
,hltnt ez,
\prnber and Type of Fireplaces: Gas Applian""= Nlff eu, rcg= Nl(woodlPett *-illk, --T--
*********************************
v coBUILDING: $ IOO(J ,ELECTRICAL: $
oP
OrHnn: $
PLUMBINC:TOTAL: $
fim
Address:
Electrical contractor:
Address:
Plurnbing Contractor:
Address:
/'z)op4l#
CONTRACTORl\.-
\a ' . -^.a "\-
,rlAr
of Vail Reg. No.,/Aa-S
one Numberz ('t
/.t of Vail Reg.
Ptrone Number:
Town of Vail Reg. NO.
Phone Number:
Town of Vail Reg. No.
Phone Number:
*********
Mechanical Contractor;
Address:
****************************i*!'t FOR oFFICE USE *********************2,€-BUILDING PERMIT FEE:
PLUMBING PERMIT FEE:
MECHANTCAL PERMIT FEE:
ELECTRICAT FEE:
OTHER TYPE OF FEE:
DRB FEE:ffi.trI
BUILDING PI,AN CHECK FEE:
PLI'MBING PI,AN CHECK FEE:
I''ECHANTCAL PI,AN CHECK FEE:
RECREATTON FEE:
CLEAN-UP DEPOSIT:
TOTAL PERMIT FEES:
BUILDTNG:
STGNATURE:
ZONING:
SIGNATURE:
"B2y
CLEAN I'P DEPOSIT RXrI't{D lil,e .Z-*bs 'D.o. B* rogl €-l.uurzJr,4,
'4., ,!.
75 south lrontage road
vail, colorado 81657
(303) 479-21-38 or 479-2L39
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SU&TECT:
olllce ol communlly developmenl
ALL CONTR,ACTORS CURRENTLYL REGISTERED WITH THE
TOWN OF VAIL
TOWN OF VAIL PUBLIC WORKS/COMMUNTTY DEVELOPMENT
MARCH 16, L988
CONSTRUCTION PARKING & MATERIAL STORAGE
In sunmary, Ordinance No. 6 states that it is unlawful for anyperson to litter, traek or deposit any soil , rock, sand, debrisor material, including trash dumpsters, portable toilets andworkrnen vehicles upon any st,reet,, sidewalk, alley or publicplace or any portion thereof. The right-of-way on aI1 Town ofVail streets and.roads is approxirnately 5 ft. off pavernent.This ordinance will be strictly enforced by the Town of VailPgllic works Departtnent. persons found violating this ordinancewilr be given a 24 hour written notice to remove-said nat,erial.fn the event the person so notified does not cornply with thenotice within the 24 hour time specified, the puUfic WorksDepartrnent will remove said nraterial at the expense of personnotified. The provisions of this ordinance sfrlft not beapplicable to construction, rnaintenance or repair projects ofany street or alley or any utilities in the right-a-way.
To review Ordinance No. G ln full, please stop by the Town ofVail Building Department to obtain a copy. thank you for yourcooperation on this natter.
(i.e. contractor, owner)
75 3outh ftonlage road
Yall, colorado 81657
(303) 479-2138 ot 479-2L39 otflc€ of communlly devclopment
BUILDINq PERI.iIT ISSUANCE TIME FMI.IE
!f th.i.s penl!.t requires a Town of Vail Fire Department Approval,
Engineep's (.Pybli.g Works) reyiew and approval, a p'lanning'Oepartment
revi'ew'or Health Departrnent revi'ew, and a review by the Euiliing
Department, th:e estinated time for a total review may take as longas thfee weeRs.
AII commercial (large or small) and a'll multi-family permits will
have tq follow the above mentioned maximum requirembnts. Residential
and small projects should take a lesser amount of time. However, if
fesrl'denti'al or smaller projects impact the various above mentionid
departments wi.th regard to necessary review, these projects mayalso talte the three week period.
Every attempt wi.lI be nnde by this department to expedite this
permi't as. sgon as possible.
I, the undersigned, understand the plan check procedure and time
frane.
a(
Plan Review Based on
the 1991 Uniform Codes
NAME: HOME OUTFITTERS DATB:9-21-93
ADDRESS: 1031 S.FRONTAGERD CONTRACTOR: RUSTYSPIKE
VAIL, COLORADO ARCHITECT: DONALDSON
OCCI.JPANCY: B-2 ENGINEER: NONE
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION: V-IHR PLANS EXAMINER: DAN STANEK
CORRECTIONS REQTJIRED
The items listed below are not intended to be a complete listing of all possible code
requirements in the adopted codes. It is a guide to selected sections of the codes.
The following is not to be construed to be an approval of any violation of any of
the provisions of the adopted codes or any ordinance of the Town of Vail.
1. FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL REQUIRED BEFORE AI.I-Y WORK CAN BE
STARTED.
2. AI.T- PENETRATIONS IN FLOORS,CEILINGS, AND WALLS TO BE SEALED
WTITI AN APPROVED FIPG RATED MATERIAL.
3. FrELD TNSPECTTON REQT.IRED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE.
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PLEASE MAKE CHE
TOWN OF VAIL
DEPA RT;\{EI*T 0F COivlMLNiTY DEVELOP}IENT'
S.\LES ACTION FOR:\{
SOUTH FRONTAG
, C0L0RAD0
0t 0000 41540 ZC|\T{O .r'j\D ADDRESS ItAtS
0l 0000 424 t 5 LINT.':O R\{ B UILDI.,\-G CO D E
0t ol00 {2415 UMFOR.\{ PLUVSD{G CODE
0 t 0000 42.il 5 UM FOL\ t ]\fECHAT'ICAL CODE
0t 00c0 {1{ l5 UNIFOfu\{ FIRE CODE
0t 0000 {2{ 15 N,\TIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
0t 0000{24t5 onrER coDElooKs
0t 0000 .r t 543 B LUE PRL\TTS O'YLA
0t 0000124t2 >:ER,OX COPIES / S'iUDIES
0r 00c{423?t PENAI.TY FEES / RE.T\SPECTIONS
0l 00c0 .{ t 332 PL.L\ REVIE\V RE.CHECK R:E [S<O FER, HR.
OFF I{OURS D{SPECTION FEES
0t 0000{l.r)2 CONT}I,\CTO RS LICE\s ES FEES
0t ct00011330
SIGN APPLICATiON FEE.01 0000411t1
0r 0000 41{ t3 ADDTNON^I; SICNA6E FEE IS}.OO PER, SO.IT.
VTC ART FROJECT DONANON
,r l33l E PAJD DESIGN REVIEW BOARD FEE
BUILDING-CONSTRUCTION PERMIT COMPUTER DI
.01 0000 41010 T X
0i 0000 42371 TNVESTTGATToN FEE (BUTLDTNG) I 'roro,
our,
I c0cr0 11330
RIOR AL
0t 0000dt110 rspEcLALDEVELoPI\'ENT
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Public ScrYlce
Gompany of Colorado
l{atral Gas Group
5OO Prudential Plaza.1050 .1 7th Street
Denver, CO 80265-0501
(303) 534-1261
August'1."1.,1993
|(D Public Service'
Russell Forrest, Senior Environrnental Policy Planner
Townof Vail
Office of Community Developmmt
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
Dear Russell;
Ttre following is in response to our telephone conversation Monday, August 9,
regarding landscaping the valve set site at Cascade Croosings Shopping Center
and redamation of the areas along the South Frontage Road of I-70.
First, with respect to the frontage roa4 plant specimens were collected from the
area August 6, and delivered to our contractor's botanist on August 9. Once
atlalyzrd,, a recoutmended seed mixture will be provided for your review.
necUnation, along the frontage roa4 will begin approximately Augwt 10 with
Sadin& soil preparation, and silt control for existing drainage catch basins. We
will then follow with either hydromulching or with a seed, mulctt, cri*P
method. Both methods will use a tackifier to minimize wind damage. It is our
ctrrrent plan to water the area east of the West Vail interdtange to establish a
rearcnable stand before winter. This may also be done west of the interdtange if
acceptable results can be achieved.
The valve set site will require removal of ocisting materials and debris to
etablish abase grade (approximately Frcntage Road level) for the above ground
valve set. Following installation of the valve set, the area will be re crontoured
with top soil and large rocks as specified on the landscape plan, whidt wiX be
submitted for staff review once signed by the property owner. The new benn
wiU be of adequate height to screen the valve set as well as to blend with ocisting
improvemenb. The irrigation system, now in the berm area will be utilized for
the new trees and shrubs.
,l
With reapecttotheobrof thevalve a€t, ft wotld behelpdttl if yortwoild
provide us with a colornumber of drlp, nther than gu€8sing atthe olc
preferene.
Please conhct ne atffi5724251 if yott have any queetions.
Sfuteely,
q^ /72t' 'v/
/ lamesM.lvicClung zt='
' Rightof WayAgent
Public Service'
Russell Forret, Senior Environmmtal Policy Planner
Townof Vail
Office of Corununity Developmmt
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
Dear Russell:
Attached are the maps, application and fee for the proposed landscaping at our
Cascade Crossings valve set site.
I am also endosing a copy of the August 11,letter mailed to you and a copy of
the bid request for that work, sent to Western States Reclamation. These letters
should dearly show our intent and approach to this portion of the pipeline
proiect.
I would like to further note tlut significant changes to the landscape plan will
require us to r€ negotiate the eas€trrent from Vail Enterprises Partnership, owners
of Cascade Crossing Shopping Center.
Please call me at30}572425l if you have any quetions.
PuHlc Sorvlco
@mpeny of Golondo
]'lfrral Gas Group
50O Prudential Plaza
1050 17th Street
Denver, CO 80265-0501
(303) 534-1261
Augnst 16,193
Sincerely,
--)gtu 2v'
// famesM. McClungt Rightof WayAgent
Endosure
(t Public Service"
Russell Forrest, Senior Environmental Policy Planner
Townof Vail
Office of Comsrunity Developmmt
75 South Frontage Road
VaiI, Colorado 87657
Dear Russell:
The following is in reponse to oru telephone conversation Monday, At'gust 9,
regarding tandscapingthe valve set site at Cascade Crossings Shopping Center
and reclanation of the areas along the South Frontage Road of I-70.
First, with respect to the frontage road plant were collected from the
area August O, *d delivered to our contractor's botanist on August 9. Once
anal)rzed, a recomrnended seed mixture will be provided for yogr review.
neda:nation, along the frontage road, wiU begin approximately August 16, Yq
gradin& soil preparatiory and silt control for existing drainagecatch basins. We
wiU tfren follow with either hydromulching or with a seed, mulch, crimp
method. Both methods will use a tad<ifier to minimize wind dartage It is our
orrent plan to water the area east of the West VaiI interchange to establish a
reasonabb stand before winter. This may also be done west of the interchange if
acceptable results can be achieved-
Ttre valve set site will require removal of existing rnaterials and debris to
estabiish a base grade (approximately Frontage Road lerrel) for the above ground
valve set. Following installation of the valve set, the area will be re contoured
with top soil and large rocks as specified on the landscape plan, whidt wil be
submitted for staff review once signed by the property owner. The new berm
will be of adeguate height to screen the vdve set as well as to biend with existing
improvements. The irrigation systern, now in the bersr area, will be utilized for
the new trees and sluubs.
h&licL?dc.
Cornplry of Colotrdo
N.t r.l G.! GrouD
500 Pruoential Plaza
1050 17lh Slreel
Denver, CO 80265-0501
(3O3) 534-1261
August 7'1,1993
WiOr respect to the olor of the velve s+ itwould be helpfut U yur would
proride us with a color number of drip nther Sran grrceeing at the ols
Fefie!€noe.
Please ontact ne at 30$522.4!51 if you harrc any questiona
Sincerely,fuK:4?t/ Rightof WayAgent
?o
(t Public Service'h6$c t trda.
Carp;y of Gaaorrdo
llrtnlG.sGrolp
5m Pru.l€r bl Plaza
I O50 1 7th Sk€€t
Dervsr, CO 80265-0501
(303) 534-1261
August 13,!993
David Chenoweth, President
Western States Redanatioru Inc
11730 Wadsrrorth Boulevard
Broomfiel4 Colorado 80020
Dear David:
Endosed is landscape plan for the area around the valve set, to be located at the
far east end of our-'Vail Reinforceurent" proiect. More specifically, the subject
area is an approxirrately 2,4O0 sguare foot berrn area at the west end of Cascade
Crossings Shopping Center.
We would like you to submit a bid to landscape according to this plal You-
should know however, that we wil be recroving approximately five feet oJ
ocisting material, whidr is primarily post building construction-debris. We will
then fuistall the pipeline and valve set, and return the site to a level grade and
compact the soil accordingly.
If you would be interested in doing this portion of the projeqt, you would begin
wittr a relatively level site and complete with irigation, which is now in the
existing bertt, but will need to be octended. Replacement soil (amount not
known-at this time) will be needed to recontour the berrr in a manner that
screens the valve set from both the South Frontage Road and the shopping
c€nter.
Please call if you have any guestions, 5724?.57.
Sincerely,AL* 41?..ry'
// ]amesM. McClung
' Rightof wayAgent
Endosure
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Planning and Environmental Commission
Community Development
May 24, 1993
A request to grant a conditional use permit lor the Public Service Company of
Colorado to build a Natural Gas Pipeline
Applicant:
Planner:
Public Service Company of Colorado
Russell Forrest
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
Natural gas service to the Town of Vail is currently provided by the Public Service Company
via a 4 inch branch line. This line runs from Vail to a 6 inch high pressure line near the
Forest Service Office at Dowd Junction. The 4 inch line is no longer adequate to deliver
sutficient gas to Vail during peak winter demand periods. Peak demand for natural gas for
both residential and commercial customers is projected to be 36.6 million cubic feet per day
in the 1993-1994 winter season which exceeds capacity.
Natural gas demands for the Vail Valley are expected to continue to grow at a rate of about
4Y" per year through 1997. This continued growth in demand is attributed to new
development and a rapidly growing trend towards the use of gas log fireplaces. Due to
concern over air quality in Vail, the Town is implementing an aggressive conversion program
in the 1993 summer to encourage property owners to convert to gas log fireplaces and EPA
Phase ll fireplaces. Vail's conversion program is resulting in a rapidly growing number of
conversions to gas burning fireplaces.
The proposed request consists of installing a 12 inch steel high-pressure pipe. The pipe
would be installed in forty foot sections which would be welded and lowered into an excavated
trench. The 12 inch steel pipe will initially provide additionalcapacity by acting as a
reservoir that could be used during peak demand. Public Service will be completing a pipe
loop from Rifle which will significantly increase capacity when completed. The proposed pipe
line enters the Town of Vail from the west along the north side of the south Frontage Rd.
adjacent to the Intermountiain Subdivision for a distance of approximately 14,000 feet. At this
point the proposed pipe line will connect to the natural gas distribution system for the Town of
Vail just west of the Vail Associates Maintenance facility. The applicant proposes to begin
the line in July and finish construction this September.
The only above ground portion of the line is a valve set that will be located near the VA
maintenance facility. A valve set basically involves a portion of the pipe extending 4 to 5
feet above the ground with a valve (Attachment 1). Public Service proposes to screen the
valve set with a berm.
Since this pipeline will run on Forest Service property, Public Service has applied for a Forest
Service Special Use Permit. Before this permit can be issued an Environmental Assessment
(EA) must be completed as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A
draft EA has been prepared and submitted to the Forest Service and the Town of Vail
(Atachment 2). The EA describes the proposed action, alternatives considered, the affected
environment, environmental consequences, and mitigation measures. After completing the EA
the Forest Service will determine whether an Environmental lmpact Statement will be required
or a Finding ol No Significant lmpact will be issued.
Five alternatives were evaluated in the Environmental Assessment. These alternatives are
described below and there location is described in detail in the EA.
a. A. No Action: NEPA requires that a no action alternative be evaluated.
No action would require " curtailing natural gas demands in Vail hrough
building restrictions and conservation measures. Without curtailing
demand, Vail will have an inadequate supply for heating during peak
times.
b. B. Use of Existinq Pioeline Riqht-of-Way: This is the proposed action
which would utilize a portion of the right-of-way lor the existing 4 inch
natural gas pipeline which extends from PSCO's Meadow Mountain
Meter Station located adjacent to the Denver and the Rio Grande
Railroad north of Minturn.
c. C. North Side of l-70 Riqht-of-Wav: This alternative uses the north side
of the l-70 Right-of-Way between Dowd Junction and the West Vail
interchange. This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis
because the Federal Highway Administration and the Colorado
Department of Transportation will not allow a utility installation in a
interstate highway corridor when feasible alternative utility corridors are
available. Public Service currently has a corridor on the South Frontage
Road.
d. D. Vail to Dowd Junction Bikepath: This alternative involves using the
proposed bike path bridge and following that path into Vail. This
alternative was eliminated because of engineering and economic
conslraints associated with the bikepath. Several utilities and VA have
plans to build utilities under the path which has limited the available
room for the Public Service line. Due to the extremely confined nature
of this corridor, it is Public Services opinion that it may not be feasible
to accommodate a new 12 inch natural gas pipeline, along with the
other utilities planned.
e. E. North Ridoe Line: This pipe line route would go from River Run
Apartments in Dowd Junction and go North across a ridge and onto the
North Frontage Rd. in West Vail and follow the Frontage Rd to the West
Vail interchange and then goes under the interstate to the Soufrl
Frontage Rd.. This alternative was eliminated from consideration
because of economic and environmental constraints. This alignment
would require several thousand additional linear leet of pipe to be
installed in a previously undisturbed National Forest area.
REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The Environmental Assessment used the following criteria to evaluate the alternative
routes: geology, soils, groundwater, geologic hazards, vegetation, wetlands and
riparian areas, hydrology, water quality, wildlife, fisheries, threatened and endangered
species, air quality, recreation, visual resources, cultural resources, socioeconomic,
and cumulative impacts.
The most significant impact in the Town of Vail resulting from construction of the
proposed project will be temporary disturbances of vegetation along the pipeline route.
These impacts will be mitigated through an extensive revegetation effort which will be
conducted simultaneously along the route as a particular stretch of the pipeline
installation is completed. lt is expected that one to two growing seasons will be
sufficient to reestablish vegetation to near pre-project conditions.
lmpacts to the water quality and fisheries of Gore Creek and the Eagle River are
unavoidable. However, there are relatively minor and short lived. These impacts
specifically relate to construction activities associated with installing the pipeline across
the creek in West Vail (outside of Town boundaries), and the potential for additional
sediment to be carried in the water. The potential impacts to water quality from
construction runoff will be minimized by utilizing sediment trapping mechanisms such
as hay bales and/or small retention ponds. Public Service is coordinating this portion
of the line with the Army Corps of Engineers. There is still some question as to
whether the line will go under or above the creek.
Construction may also temporarily reduce air quality due to the use of the large
machinery and trucks. This again will be temporary and can be mitigated by watering
roads during particularly dry periods.
There is a potential to impact the elk migration corridor at Dowd Junction. The
Colorado Division of Wildlife has required Public Service to complete pipe construction
in the Dowd Junction area between May 15, 1993 and September 15, 1993 to
minimize this impact.
lll. Crlterla and Findlnos
Upon review of Section 18.60, the Community Development Department re@mmends
approval of the conditional use permit based upon the following factors:
A. Consideration of Factors:
1. Belatlonshlp and lmpact of the use on development oblectlves ot the Town.
The Town is approaching maximum capacity for natural gas supply. Further
growth will require additional supplies of natural gas. In addition, the Town is
implementing an aggressive fireplace conversion program to improve air quality in
the Vail Valley. This program will encourage residents to convert from dirty buming
woodburing technologies to clean burning gas and wood burning technologies.
Without adequate natural gas supplies this conversion program will need to be
curtailed.
After reviewing the Environmental Assessment staff feels that this project will result
in a net positive environmental benefit for the community. Natural gas provides a
clean alternative to wood burning and is significantly more energy efficient than
electric base board heating. Environmental impacts resulting lrom this project are
short-term and relatively minor.
2. The effect of the use on llght and air, distrlbutlon of populatlon,
transportatlon facllltles, utllltles, schools, parks and recreatlon facllltles, and
other publlc facllltles needs.
There would be no significant impact on these facilities or the distribution of
population.
3. Efiect upon tralllc with particular reference to congestlon, automotlve and
pedestrlan safety and convenlence, traflic flow and control, acoess,
maneuverability, and removal of snow lrom the street and parklng areas.
The proposed project may result in minor traffic delays along the South Frontage
Rd. with heavy equipment moving in and out of the area. The applicant will be
required to provide adequate signage and traffic control personnel to reduce traffic
safety risks.
4. E fect upon the character of the area In whlch the proposed use ls to be
located, lncludlng the scale and bulk ot the proposed use In relatlon to
surroundlng uses.
There would be a temporary aesthetic impact from the pipeline. However this
would be minimized by revegetating the pipeline as sections are completed.
B. Findinos
The Plannino and Environmental Commission shall make the followino findinos before
orantinq a conditional use oermit:
That the proposed locatlon of the use ln accord wlth the purposes of the
condltlonal use permlt sectlon of the zonlng code and the purposes ol the
dlstrlct In whlch the slte ls located.
The proposed pipeline is located in the l-70 corridor on the South Frontage Rd and
is therefore not zoned in the Town of Vail for most of it's route. The line does run
adjacent to a variety of different land uses. lt does not enter a zoned area until the
VA maintenance yard which is zoned Arterial Business District. Public utilities are
a conditional use in the Arterial Business District.
That the proposed locatlon of the use and the conditlons whlch lt would be
operated or malntalned would not be detrlmental to the publlc health, safety,
or welfare or materlally Injurious to properties or lmprovements In the
vlclnlty.
This project would not result in a threat to health, safety, and general welfare.
3. That the proposed use would comply with each of the applicable provlslon of
the condltlonal use permlt section of the zoning code.
The project does not conflict with the conditional uses outlined in chapter 18.
IV. STAFF FECOMMENDATION
The Town of Vail staff recommends that the Public Service Company of Colorado be
granted a conditional use permit for the pipeline. We believe the request meets the
findings listed above. However, staff makes this recommendation contingent upon the
issuance of a Finding of No Significant lmpact from the US Forest Service based on
the EA for this project. Public Service should also be required to submit a construction
workplan to Public Works prior to initiation of construction to ensure coordination on
other utility and path construction projects. In addition, the DRB will need to review
the revegetation plan and screening of the valve set.
Please note that, under Section 18.60.080 of the Town of VailZoning Code, lhe approval shall
lapse if construction is not commenced within two years of the date of issuance and diligently
pursued to completion, or if the use for which the permit is granted is not commenced within
two years.
1.
2.
|(D Public Service'
Russell Forrest, Senior Environmental Policy Planner
Townof Vail
Office of Community Development
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81557
Dear Russell:
The following is in response to our conversation regarding above ground
facilities a,ssociatd with the proposed 12" high pressure natural gas pipeline
project, for whidr a Conditional Use Pernit application has been submitted.
In addition to the existing valve set and meter station at our Meadow Mountain
facility, one valve set will be needed at the east end of thepipeline proiect, whidt
is at the Cascade Crossing Shopping Center. A conceptual drawing is mclosed
showing the design of the valve set whidr can be located at the far west end of
shopping center parcel and benned to mitigate visud impacts and add to the
safety of the location. This location is subject to acquisition of an easement from
the current owners, Vail Enterprises Parbrership.
Although a building has been discussed previously, there appears to be no need
for any kind of an enclosure at this time.
Please contact me at30}5724251 if you have any questions.
Sincereln
PuHb SerYica
Compmy of Col,otado
l'lalur?l Gas Group
500 Prudential Plaza
1050 17th Street
Denver, CO 80265-0501
(3O3) 534- 1261
May17,1993
Endosure
Dear Open Lands Committee
We would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress being made on
the Comprehensive Open Lands Project. The following tasks wi[ be completed by
our next committee meeting in fune.
-zll"^ ?* A request for qualificetidns was publicized on RFQ issued on April2Tth and
we received gugJ*fftailon statements back on May 16th. The selection
mmmittee-pifmeet at 3:00 May 2{Ao review thi submittal and determine
whidt we would like to invite for an interview. We are planning to have
interviews on June 3 in the afternoon. Four very qualified firms have
submitted 43Ci*n statements.
A student intern will be selected on May 24th to assist with the Open Lands
project.
A detailed outline has been completed and staff tasks have been designated.
Staff will be presenting proposed zoning changes to open lands districts to the
PEC on March 24th.
ced^
Staff anticipates closing on several USES parcels as paft of the Land
Ownership Adjustrnent project.
Staff is investigating property management systems. It appears there will be
three stages in the property management component of the projech 1) assist
staff in identifying TOV lands; 2) full time real estate agent to help acquire
lands once plan is complete;3) management of land (e.g. maping properly
filing deeds, easements)
* Staff is plgparing a draft proposal to begin a phased purchase of a GIS L
system. fA GIS system would be invaluable for property managementand lztz//(
other en\rtionmental, land use,and public works projects] This is also a
service that could be sold back to real estate agents, arddtects, private
planners, and developers.
^tL. -. I r. a
l(D FuDlrc seMce'
Town of Vail
Department of Community Development
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
To Whom it Many Concern:
Enclosed is a Conditional Use Permit application for a proposed 12" high pressure natural
gas pipeline, extending generally from Dowd's Junction to the area of Vail Associates
shops, west of the Main Vail Interchange.
The purpose for this pipeline is to insure an adequate supply of natural gas to the Vail
Valley for the upcoming heating season, i.e. 1993194.
This pipeline has been proposed for over three years with tle_tho"ght.of utilizing the
bicycie'path route, currdntl! planned along the s6uth side ofl-70. Problems developed
witir thi3 proposal as the bikapath moved into the fin{-design stages, making.it.prudent
to find ari aliernate route. Tfie delay created by anticipating the use of the bike path'
together with growth in demand foi natural gas exceeding projeplqd glowth, make it
neiessary to bulld this reinforcement pipeline during the summer of this year.
Additional permits being applied for are a Forest Seryce Special p_se_fermit, Colorado
Departmeni of Transpoiati6n Utility Permit, Eagle County 8p*i4 U-se Permit, U. S.
Ariry Corps of Engiieers stream crbssing permit, under Nationwide Permit 12, and a
Denver & fuo Grande Western Railroad encroachment permit.
Your assistance and advice through this permitting process will be appreciated.
Please contact me 303-572-4251 if you have any questions or if can be of further
assistance.
Sincerely,q* 2?' '24tt4
//' lu "tM.McClung z=/v Right of Way Agent
Public Servlca
Gompany of Colorado
Nahrral Gas Group
500 Prudential Plaza
1050 17th Stre€t
Denver, CO 80265-0501
(3O3) 534-1261
April26, 1993
RI[\ IPR26iss
Enclosure
...
-,v
Update
Environmental Health
ifolay l1-,l993
I Open Lands
P€Q DatesIntern Review Dates
OutLine
Rob Robinson
Property ManagemenE -Greg Amsden {.
Strategic Plan
Next Committee MeetinqLocation & Time
3. Air Quality
Brochure & List of Participants at printer
Technology Fair on June 12
4.Public Service
Memo
Water Quality
Report
NWCCOG Position - Filled
r
0 n'nh*J
2.
6)n'
{nr1hn*r\fr, E'rc /*zzlegrJ_c JervJ.ce f ,- ' t'
Do we need property ownership for projec L? ---LnL,
/'1&
5."J*
az,?;-H
"n r,y'L-4/
Charles A. & Sarah A. Marr 2103-15+02-001 Lawrence B. & Pamcla K. Hoffer 2103-15442-W2
c/o Charlotrc Walter, Custodian Donald E. & Jacqucline M. hitz
7335E QuincyAve - #103 39U5. OneidaSt
Denver, CO 8U237-2331 Denver, CO 8U)37-2W
KennethFarabee 2103-15+02-W3 CharlesH. Parks 2103-15442-W
3mlt:. TthAve. TZVincSt
Dcnver,CO 80206 Denver,CO 80206
Atnopos Housing Corp. 2103-15+02-005
725 5th Avc.
New York, f.fY 10022
Lynn Friulen 2lO3-143-07-Wl T. Charles & Meredith Ogilby 2L03-143-15-OI2
P.O. Box 57 2938 S. Frontage Rd W. 2103-143-0G.00/
Yail, CO 8165E Vail, C0 81657
William B. & Lauric J. Steward 2l03-143-17-ffi3
Windermere Island Club
P.O. Box 25, rock sound Eleutnerr
Bahamas
Town of Vail 2103-142-0G003 Steven G. Zorichak 2103-14144-CfE
c/o Finance Deparment 2l0r-123-0GN2 Zl4 Elliottlanc
75 S. Fronagc Rd 2103-123-0G002 Vail, CO 8165?
Vail, CI) 81657 2103-121-0G010
David E. & Jessie L. Edeen 2103-141-@006 Pet Limitcd 2103-14140.001 2103-f4l-1G0052374EllionRd 2103-141-0+0tr/ c/oEMCR 2103-141-1G001 2103-l4l-1G006
Yail, CO 81657 P.O. Box 2759 2103-141-1G002 2103-141-1G0fi
NewportBeach,CA 92659 2103-141-10-003 2103-141-1G008
2103-r4l-1G.004 2103-141-1G009
2103-141-1G010 2103-141-10-011
2103-141-1G,012
HighlandP.U. D. Association 2103-l4l-02-M0 Aspen at Streansidc Condo. Assoc 2103-141-09-011
2284 S. Frontage Rd. W 2244 S. Frontage Rd. W
Vail, CO 81657 Vail, CO 81657
Vail Village West 2103-ll4-0Gm8 Thomas J. Thomson 2103-ll+23-ml
c/o Vail City Corp 2103-123-OG03l 12760 Wcst North Ave
2809 Butterfield Rd 350 Brookficld, WI 53008-0944
OakBrook,IL ffi52I
Murray\V. Hessltr 2103-ll+23-W2 Town of Vail 2lO3-123-06,W2
Donna M. Richarson 75 S. Frontage Rd
8101 E. Dartmouth Ave Vail, CO 81657
Dcnver,Co 80231
RaymondMarion 2103-123-ffi029 John F.Millis 2103-123-06.030
1773 Shasta Pl P.O. Box 102
Vail, CO 81657 Vail, CO 81658
J. Antonio & Walentyne Aldrete 2103-123-061032 Vail Village West 2103-123-0G008
Rr 2 2103-123-06033 Water & Sanitation Dsnict
Santa Rosa Beach,FL 37459 709 W. Litdeton Blvd
Uttlcton" CO 80120
Comelia Bear Givhan 2103-121-11-018 Randail G. Baidas 2t03-l2l-ll4l7
610 W. Lionslread Circlc William K. Reeves
Vail,CO E1657 663l SunsetConcourse
Holland,MI49423
Connnercial Fderal 2103-121-0G016 MECM Entcrprises, LTD 2103-121-0G019
2 Steelc St, Suite 201 c/o oto Fredcrick
Denver, CO 80206 P.O. Box 3149
Vail, Cl) E1658
Tlrc Glen Lyon Office Bldg 2103-l2l-0Plm3 Vail Entcrprises Farmership 2103-121-0Gfl)4c/oAn&cwD.Ncris P.O.Box 1066l0ms.FrontageRd KansasCity,MO 64111
Vail, CO E1657
Cascadc Club, LTD.
1000 S. Frontage Rd. W
Vail, CIO E1657
Interlochen Cond.
Gemge & DagrnarAllaman
23631 Tcmpico Bay
MonarchBcach,CA 92629
WayneE. Burctt
MikeVosburgh
1240 S. Garfield
Denver, CO 80210
BrentlL Cartwright
2958 S. Frontage RdW.
Unit l Bldg.D
Vail, C0 81657
Susan Faulkner Contesini
1001 Vallejo St
SanFrancisco,CA 94133
Dianc B. Dbkinson
P.O. Box 148
Vail, C0 t1658
Lukc & Sally Fontana
500 Dufossat St
New Orlcans, LA 70115
2r03-t22-00-ffi1
2r03-t2r-rs-w
2103-143-08-018
2103-143-08-006
2103-143-08-032
2103-143-0&011
2103-1,+E-0E-016
2103-143-08-002
2103-143-08-031
Dan L & Cynthia S. Bu*s
P.O. Box 1216
Vail, C0 81658
Janice Cassin
129 Yalc Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80904-1469
Charles C. Gewshaw
Middle Court Stardens - Newart
Gloucbcstshirc, England GLIS lIIi
R Edward English
P. E.Dowling
Carol CxnninghamKeetch
404 52d St- Conage
Virginia Bcach, VA 23451
Jay M. & Elisabeth Freeman
1220 Monaco St.
D@v€r,CO 8(}220
2r03-143-08-Or8
2101.143-08-029
2103-143-08-017
2103-143-08-025
2103-143-08-010
2l(B-143-08-039
Nicholas J. & Gladys L. Cilida 2103-143-08-008 Raymond H. Goeu6U S. Sycamorc St 3570 Atlantic Ave F
Littlebn,CO 80120 LongBcach,CA 908tr/
Eilene E. & A. W. Henderson 2103-143-08-020 I*n & Jean Huckett
2103-143-08-036
2103-143-08-014
2103-1434E-028
2103-143-08-004
2103-143-08-038
c/o RichardErickson
V1226 W est Currant Drive
Golden, CO 80401
Jacquelinc Iley
672 Foinscnia Rd 9
Belleair, FL 34616
Kick-off4648 High St
Flitwich Bcds, England
2103-143-08-015 Ronald A. Jmes
P.O. Box 2El7
Vail, CO 81658
c/o Phoebe Barrptt
1397 Vail Valley Dr
Vail, Cl) 81657
2103-143-08-m1 Annick M. Man Hen
4560 MaCarthur
Bould€r,C0 80303
2103-143-08-0033
251 lersey St
Denver, CO 8022G5918
2103-143-08-012 Tracey & John Pitman
DanMllison
Anne Rasmusscn
lillE.Darthmouth Ave
Engbwood,CO 801f0
Iffry A. & Laura J. Kobilca 2103-143-08-034 Kar€Nt B. Kubby
Michael & Maria Gist Fulk
10550 E" 54th Avc B
Denver,C0 E0239
Laurie J. Mactavish
P.O. Box 5103
Vail, CO 81658
Te,resa C. Day
P.O. Box 1822
Vail, CO tl65t
Denver,C0 80220
Don C. &Jcan E. Pectc
350t W.71st St
hairic Villagc,KS 66208
2103-143-08-m5
Gregory J. & Christine P. Moffet 2103-143-08-019 James C. & Anita W. Mosher 2103-143-08-033
l2t6 Clermont Sandor A. & Barbara C. Falk
Joseph Gregory & Ellen M. Schmidt 2103-143-08-030 Roger Seaman 2103-143-08-022
David & Traci Johnson P.O. Box 1z$04
1875 W. GoreCrcekDr Marcolsland, ru n969
Vail, CO 816574311
FrEd W., Jr. & Priscilla R. Sellers 2103-143-08-021 Ski Vail 2103-143-08-035
P.O. Box 2460 73lE Island Cir
No'rman, OK 73070 Boulder, CO 80301
DebraS. Sporcich 2103-143-08-037 JanEric Srauch 2103-14348-023
P.O. Box 693 P.O. Box 5530
Vail, CO 81658 Avon, CO 81620
Judity E. Sullivan 2101143-08-009 William J. Sutherland 2103-143-08-013
Phyllisl. Nusworthy Dany K. Osborn
794l2E,. Hampden Cir 4566 S. Salida St
Dcnver, CO 80237 Auora" CO 80015
Roderick John Walker 2103-143-08-024 Glenn O. Weaver 2103-143-08-027
2115 FoplarAve 5525 N. Macarthur
Bouldcr, CO 8030+1342 lrving, TX 75038
F. D. Wilkins 2103-143-08-00/ Sandra S. Yarnell 2103-14348-026
5370 Manhanan Circle, Suite 200 P.O. Box 3202
Bouldcr, CO 80303 Vail, CO 81658
Abude & Mary Anie 2103-ll4-2G'005 Casaco of Vail 2lO3-ll+2GOl3c/oJoniWhircTaylor tl45UnionBlvd #205
285 Bridge Sr Iakewood, CO 80228
Vail, CO E1657
Solomon Chorer 2103-11+2G'001 Moises&EmiliaCohcn 2l03-ll+20-017
c/o Vail National Bank c/oEduardo Sitt
108 S. Frontagc Rd W Sierra Amarcpoc 270
Vail,CO 81658 Mcxico1100,D.F.,Mexico
Steven D. & lois N. Dreyer 2l03-ll+2sl014
35 Alfred lane
New Rochelle, NY 10804
Ada Laura Bosqnes De Tejocotes Duff 2103-1142G008 Meyer & Barbara K. Columbia 2103-ll+20-Wl93-302 Feldberg
Bosques Dc las Inmas, Mexico, D. F. University/School of Business05210 Uris Hall
New York, NY 10027
Jimry SueGuggcnhim, Trustee 2103-ll+2O-W3 WilliamJ. Hybl 2103-11+4010
14 W Espanola 2 Penrosc LN
Colorado Springs, Cl() 80907 Colorado Springs, CO 80906
DaniellY.Irblond 2103-11+20-004 Van & Sandral-essig 2103-ll+2UW2
4500 Willow Hills LN 237 Arcadia Road @-01
Cincinnati, OH 45243 Singaporc 1128
Mary J.Letschert 2103-1142G006 PeterAlcxanderMirchell 2103-ll+2UVZl
1230 Sea Plume Way 354 A Beaver Dam Rd
Sarasota,n SLUZ Vail,CO 81657
Jaimc Sanchez Montcmayu 2103-Il+2UOn Michael Brian & Karen Zaleski Roach 2103-11+2G019
Carlos Dc La Garza 694/.F,. OverlmkTcr
Maddd 2l-3, COL. Pabacalera Anaheim, CA 928fl
Mexico, D. F. 06030
Antonio Lopez Ro&iguez 2103-ll+20015 Edward J. & Esrclla Sierra Sin 2103-ll+2o1016
c/o Investmcnt Services Corp Amarcpec No. 27GA
200 ConcqdPlaaDr, Suite 200 Mcxico 10, D. F., Mcxico
San Antonio, TX 78216
Jose & Niza Siu 2103-ll+2ol0tD Josc Fuente De Sutton 2103-ll+2${12
c/o Eduardo Sitt Los Angels No. 5
Sierra Amatepcc 270 Tecamachalco, Mexico 53905
Mexico 1100, D. F., Mcxico
Joni Whirc Taylo 2103-ll+2Gl0l8 G. R & S. R. Zehcnny 2103-ll+2G0112S5BridgcSt A&V7*hemy
Vail, CO 81657 Av. Tcziutlan SurTl
Col. La Paz
Puebla, Mcxico 72160
Alpine Crcek Townhome
Michael J. Lauterbach 2IO3-I23-26IW3 William K. Reeves 2l03-123-2G00l
P.O. Box 3451 2103-ln-2ffi 6681 Sunset Concorsc
Vail, CO 81658 Holland, Ml 49+23
Srcphcn Charles & Brcnda G. Slaughter 2IO3-123-26IOU2
633 Bobbi Ct
Kcller,TX 76248
Spmcc Creek Townhornes at Vsil
Panl &Anne Ankn 2103-123-n-0CIl3 JenniferHelen Bcrg 2103-123-1742L
c/o Karlin & Segal Nigro 43 W. 76th St, Apt 1A
Suirc 1300 New Yqt, f,[Y 1m23
l0 100 Santa Monic a Blvd ?A6O
LosAngclcs,CA 9006?
Bigelow Invcstmcnt Co. 210&l23-17-0ll Thornas P. & Bctty bu Brock 2lO3-123-17-0lO
1600 Broadway, Suitc 2390 1179 Purduc Dr
Denvcr,Co 8@02 longmnt,Co 80503
Frank & Ctairp Connon 2103-123-t7412 James IL & Liilirn n Distrcr 2IO3-L23-17-0fE
717 KendallDr 84{Il WhitmanDrivc
Laguna Bcach, CA 9651 Bctheda, MD 2OE1?
Claus Werncr & Edna N. Fricks 210?-123-17-W2, JuanPcdroGandorlf 2L03-123-17-Un
P.O. Box 3?0 c/o Vail Nattunal Butkl
Vail, CI) t1658 Attn: Ivh* J. hioc
108 S.FrontagcRdW
Vail, C0 81657
Heinz & Alcxandra G. Gundlach 2103-123-17415 Valerie Gatcs Harbaugh 2103-123-17-017
c/o Vail hoperty Management Inc. 3133 S. Adams Way
P.O. Box 1218 Dcnver, CO 80210
Avon,CO E1620
Robcrt O. Hirsch 2103-123-17-00/ Carlos Gonzalez Luna 2103-123-17419
Ilawn-Hirsch, Clairlee Stage Trustcer .ro Vail National Bank
50 WestEden Circle Attn: Mn. J. Price
ThcWoodlands, fi 77381 108 South Fmntagc RoadWest
Vail, C'O 81657
Jorgc Mackissack 2103-123-l74lE Barry P. & Susan C. Marshall 2103-123-17-ffi8
c/o Vail National Bank 10247 Democrat Rd
Atm: Itilrs. J. Price Parker, CO 80134
108 South Frontagc Road West
Vail, CO 81657
James lL Osterfoss 2103-123-17-Wl David F. Overfield 2l03-123-17-ffi
Jacquelinc R. Padow 9500 S. Ocean DrA-1809l783N.FmntagcMWest JenscnBcach,FL 34957-233/.
Vail, CO 81657
Shirlcy S. Ronness 2l03-123-17-ffi1 Ardcttc V. Seeman 2lOYl23-17-014
5213 Bartlctt Blvd. 5400 Three Foints Blvd 322
Moun4MN 55364 Mounil,MN 55364
Kimberly A. Somers 2103-L23-17-013 Spnrce Creek Parmers 2l03-123-n-ns
141 E. Meadow Dr E208 1000 Second Ave. 37th Floor
Vail, CO E1657 Seattle, WA 98104
ThcGrocsman Childrenslrrevocable 2103-123-17-016 CCVPGlimitedliability Co 2103-121-15-m3Trust P.O. Box 31496EO0E.CaminoDelDorado Vail,@ 81658
Tucson, AZ 85715
Colorado National Bank
Ancillary Tnrstec
Attn: Janet Bonestroo
P.O. Box 5168
Denver, CO 80217
2103-121-15-001
2to3-t2r-rs-w2
PLEASE I'{AKE
TOWN OF VAIL
DEPART;\{ENT OF COM]VIL|NITY DEVELOP}IENT .
S,TLES ACTION FOR}{
75 souTH FRoNTAIE RoAD
0t 0000 4 t510 ZC|\T\'C .tu\D ADDRESS IiAPS
0l ct0042415 IINI.':O R.\ { B UILDL.'-G C OD E
0r 0000 {24 t5 UMFOR.\{ PLUYSh''C CODE
uM FOL\t j\fEcHI$']CAL CODE0l 00'10 42.1l5
UNIFOfu\{ FIRE CODE0t 0000 {2.{t5
0t 0000121t5 N,\T]ONAL ELECTRJCAL CODE . s-'10.00
0l 0000 {24t5 OT]IER CODE EOOKS
B LUE PRL\TTS C\IYLAItS0r 0000{t54s
0t 00cl1 {21t 2 }:EROX COPIES / S'iUDIES
OI OOC{1237I i PENAI,TYFEES/RE.$ISPECT]ONS
ol cr0c0.rt332 i PL,rvngvtslvRE.cllEcKFEE ts.(oFER HR.
0l 00co 42323 OFF I.IOURS DiSPECTION FEES
0l 000041{2 CONTR-\ CTORS LICL\S ES FEIJ
0t 0000 j 1330
SIGN APPL]CATJOi.I FEE.0r 00004t1r3
0l COCI0 4l{ | 3 ADDITiONAI- SIGNAGE ;;E ISt.OO PER, SO,IT.
0t 0co0 {?1.t0 lTC ART PFOECT DONATJON
0t 00004t33t PRE PAJD DESIGN RE\4EV BOARD TEE
OICWO424T2 I BUILDING-CONSTRUCIION PERMIT COMPUTER DI
0 41010
0I 0000 42371 TNVESTTCATToN FEE (BUTLDTNG) I 'ro"*
ou",
iORETHAN tCO
*
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*
*
*
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REMIT'\CE ADVICE. PLEASE DETACH FOR YOUR RF"ORDS.THE Ar cHEcK rs rN pAvMENT FoR THE eollorr-- rrEMS.2L1,87 L
DESCR IPTION
RECEIPT-Fhe Town of VailIM',NG
DATE N9 47763
RECEIVED FROM
ADDREss /r5o -
Permit Numbers
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
/
.TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Planning and Environmental Commission
Community Development
FtL I coP y
May 24, 1993
A request to grant a conditional use permit for the Public Service Company of
Colorado to build a Natural Gas Pipeline
Applicant:
Planner:
Public Service Company of Colorado
Russell Forrest
ffi
t. pEScRrpTloN oF THE COND|TTONAL qSE
Natural gas service to the Town of Vail is currently provided by the Public Service Company
via a 4 inch branch line. This line runs from Vail to a 6 inch high pressure line near the
Forest Service Office at Dowd Junction. The 4 inch line is no longer adequate to deliver
sufficient gas to Vail during peak winter demand periods. Peak demand for natural gas for
both residential and commercial customers is projected to be 36.6 million cubic feet per day
in the 1993-1 994 winter season which exceeds capacity.
Natural gas demands for the Vail Valley are expected to continue to grow at a rate of about
4o/" pe( year through 1997. This continued growth in demand is attributed to new
development and a rapidly growing trend towards the use of gas log fireplaces. Due to
concern over air quality in Vail, the Town is implementing an aggressive conversion program
in the 1993 summer to encourage property owners to convert to gas log fireplaces and EPA
Phase ll fireplaces. Vail's conversion program is resulting in a rapidly growing number of
conversions to gas burning fireplaces.
The proposed request consisls of installing a 12 inch steel high-pressure pipe. The pipe
would b,r'nstalled in fcrty icci:--;ir.:l-,s which would be welded and lowered into an excavated
trench. The 12 inch steel pipe will initially provide additional capacity by acting as a
reservoir that could be used during peak demand. Public Service will be completing a pipe
loop from Rifle which will significantly increase capacity when completed. The proposed pipe
line enters the Town of Vail from the west along the north side of the south Frontage Rd.
adjacent to the Intermountain Subdivision for a distance of approximately 14,000 feet. At this
point the proposed pipe line will connect to the natural gas distribution system tor the Town of
Vail just west of the Vail Associates Maintenance facility. The applicant proposes to begin
the line in July and finish construction this September.
The only above ground portion ol the line is a valve sel that will be located near the VA
maintenance facility. A valve set basically involves a portion of the pipe extending 4 to 5
feet above the ground with a valve (Attachment 1). Public Service proposes lo screen the
valve set with a berm.
\
Since this pipeline will run on Forest Service property, Public Service has applied for a Forest
Service Special Use Permit. Before thls permit can be issued an Environmental Assessment
'.(EA) must be completed as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A
draft EA has been prepared and submitted to the Forest Service and the Town of Vail
(Attachment 2). The EA describes the proposed action, altematives considered, the affected
environment, environmental consequences, and mitigation measures. After completing the EA
the Forest Service wilt determine whether an Environmental lmpact Statement will be required
or a Finding of No Significant lmpact will be issued.
Five alternatives were evaluated in the Environmental Assessment. These alternatives are
described below and there location is described in detail in the EA.
a. A. No Action: NEPA requires that a no aclion alternative be evaluated.
No action would require 'curtailing natural gas demands in Vail throughI building restrictions and conservation measuf_es. Without curtailingI demand, Vail will have an inadequate supply*for heating during peakI times.
b. B. Use of Existino Pioeline Rioht-of-Wav: This is the proposed action
which would utilize a portion of the right-oFway for the existing 4 inch
nalural gas pipeline which extends from PSCO's Meadow Mountain
Meter Station located adjacent to the Denver and the Rio Grande
Railroad north of Minturn.
C. North Side of l-70 Rioht-of-Wav: This alternalive uses the north side
of the l-70 Right-of-Way between Dowd Junction and the West Vail
interchange. This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis
because the Federal Highway Administration and the Colorado
Department of Transportation will not allow a utility installation in a
interstate highway corridor when feasible alternative utility corridors are
available. Public Service currently has a corridor on the South Frontage
Road.
D. Vail to Dowd Junction Bikeoath: This alternative involves using the
proposed bike path bridge and following that path into Vail. This
alternative was eliminated because of engineering and economic
constraints associated with the bikepath. several utilities and VA have
plans to build utilities under the path which has limited the available
room for the Public Service line. Due to the extremely confined nature
of this conidor, it is Public Services opinion that it may not be feasible
to accommodate a new 12 inch natural gas pipeline, along with the
olher utilities planned.
d.
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s. E. North Ridoe Line: This pipe line route would go from River Run
Apartments in Dowd Junction and go North across a ridge and onto the
North Frontage Rd. in West Vail and follow the Frontage Rd to the West
Vail interchange and then goes under the interstate to the South
Frontage Rd.. This alternative was eliminated from consideration
because of economic and environmental constraints. This alignment
would require several thousand additional linear feet of pipe to be
installed in a previously undisturbed National Forest area.
REVTEW OF THE ENV]RONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The Environmental Assessment used the following criteria to evaluate the alternative
routes: geology, soils, groundwater, geologic hazards, vegptation, wetlands and
riparian areas, hydrology, water quality, nrildlife, lisheries, th"reatened and endangered
Species, irir qua,,iy, rcciseliion, i'isual rysources, cui,r,.:r lesources,:.uc,!oc;i,i.,i;u,
and cumulative impacts.
The most significant impact in the Town of Vail resulting from construction of the
proposed project will be temporary disturbances of vegetation along the pipeline route.
These impacts will be mitigated through an extensive revegetation effort which will be
conducted simultaneously along the route as a particular stretch of the pipeline
installation is completed. lt is expected that one to two growing seasons will be
suflicient to reestablish vegetation to near pre-project conditions.
lmpacts to the water quality and fisheries of Gore Creek and the Eagle River are
unavoidable. However, there are relatively minor and short lived. These impacts
specifically relate to construction activities associated with installing the pipeline'across
the creek in West Vail (outside ol Town boundaries), and the potential for additional
sediment to be carried in the water. The potential impacts to water quality from
construction runoff will be minimized by utilizing sediment trapping mechanisms such
as hay bales and/or small retention ponds. Public Service is coordinating this portion
of the line n'ith the Army Corps of Eng!neers. There is stiil sone questicn as io
wheiher 'rhe line wiil go under or above rhe creek.
Construction may also temporarily reduce air quality due to the use of the large
machinery and trucks. This again will be temporary and can be mitigated by watering
roads during particularly dry periods.
There is a potential to impact the elk migration corridor at Dowd Junction. The
Colorado Division of Wildlife has required Public Service to complete pipe construction
in the Dowd Junction area between May 15, 1993 and September 15, 1993 to
minimize this impact.
Itl. Crlterla and Flndlnos
Upon review of Section 18.60, the Community Development Department recommends
approval of the conditional use permit based upon the following factors:
A. Consideration of Factors:
1. Relationshlp and lmpact of the use on development objectlves of the Town.
The Town is approaching maximum capacity for natural gas supply. Further
growth will require additional supplies of natural gas. In addition, the Town is
implementing an aggressive fireplace conversion program to improve air quality in
' the Vail Valley. This program will encourage residents to convert from dirty burningrr woodburing technologies to clean burning gas and woo$ burning technologies.
Without adequate natural gas supplies this conversion p?ogram will need to bel, curiaiied.:-' After reviewing the Environmental Assessment staff feels that this project will result
in a net positive environmental benefit for the community. Natural gas provides a
clean alternative lo wood burning and is significantly more energy efficient than
electric base board heating. Environmental impacts resulting from this project are
short-term and relatively minor.
2. The effect of the use on llght and alr, dlstributlon of populatlon,
transportation facilities, utlllties, schools, parks and recreatlon facilltles, and
other publlc facilities needs.
There would be no significant impact on these facilities or the distribution of
population.
- 3. Effect upon traffic with partlcular reference to congestion, automotlve and
pedestrlan safety and convenience, tralflc flow and control, access,. maneuverability, and removal of snow from the street and parking areas.
The proposed project may result in minor traffic delays along the South Frontage
Rd. with heavy equipment moving in and out of the area. The applicant will be
required to provide adequate signage and traffic control personnel to reduce traffic
safety risks.
4. Effect upon the character of the area In whlch the proposed use ls to be
located, lncludlng the scale and bulk of the proposed use ln relatlon to
surroundlng uses.
There would be a temporary aesthetic impact from the pipeline. However this
would be minimized by revegetating the pipeline as sections are completed.
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B. Findinos
..The Plannlno and Environmental Commisslon shall make the followino findinos before
orantino a conditional use oermil:
That the proposed locatlon of the use In accord with the purposes of the
condltlonal use permlt sectlon of the zonlng code and the purposes of the
dlstrlct ln whlch the slte ls located.
The proposed pipeline is located in the l-70 corridor on the South Frontage Bd and
is therefore not zoned in the Town of Vail for most of it's route. The line does run
adjacent to a variety of different land uses. lt does not enter a zoned area until the
VA maintenance yard which is zoned Arlerial Business District. Public utilities are
a conditional use in the Arterial Business District. a
That the proposed locatlon of the use and the conditions whlch ri
"'.'ould
be
operated or maintained would not be detrimental to the publlc health, safety,
or welfare or materlally lnJurlous to ilropertles or lmprovements ln the
vlclnlty.
This project would not result in a threat to health, safety, and general welfare.
That the proposed use would comply with each of the appllcable provlslon of
the conditlonal use permit section of the zoning code.
The project does not conflict with the conditional uses outlined in chapter 18.
lv.STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The Town of Vail staff recommends that the Public Service Company of Colorado be
granted a conditional use permit for the pipeline. We believe the request meets the
findings listed above. However, staff makes this recommendation contingent upon the
issuance cf a Finding cf No Significant lmpact from the US Forest Service l,:sed on
lhe EA for this project. Public Service should also be required to submit a construction
workplan to Public Works prior to initiation ol construction to ensure coordination on
other utility and path construction projects. ln addition, the DRB will need to review
the revegetation plan and screening of the valve set.
Please nole that, under Section 18.60.080 of the Town of Vail Zoning Code, the approval shall
lapse if construction is not commenced within two years of the date of issuance and diligently
pursued to completion, or if the uss for which the permit is granted is not commenced wilhin
two years.
1.
2.
3.
f/1, Public Service'\lrt
Russell Forest, Senior Environmental Policy Planner
Townof Vail
Office of Community Development
75 South Frontage Road
Va!!, Colorado 81557
Dear Russell:
The following is in response to our conversation regarding above ground
facilities associated with the proposed 12" high presswe natural gas pipeline
project, for which a Conditional Use Permit application has been submitted.
In addition to the existing valve set and meter station at our Meadow Mountain
facilitn one valve set will be needed at the east end of the pipeline project, which
is at the Cascade Crossing Shopping Center. A conceptual drawing is endosed
showing the design of the valve set which can be located at the far west end of
shopping center parcel, and bermed to mitigate visual impacts and add to the
safety of the location. This location is subject to acquisition of an easement from
the current owners, Vail Enterprises Parbrership.
Altl',o',rglr a buildi:lg has been discusseci lreviousll', ihere aplears to be no need
for any kind of an endosure at this time.
Please contact me at 303-572-4?57 if you have any guestions.
Sincerely,
Publlc S.wlco
Company of Colorado
Natural Gas Group
500 Prudential Plaza
1050 1 7th Street
Denver, CO 80265-0501
(303) 534.1261
May77,7993
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Endosure
oa
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@Public Service DATE: MAY 12, 1993
DRAWN BY: P. GEISERT
SCALE: NONE
FILE NAME: LIONHD
Publlc Service Compony of Colorodo
Nolurol Gos Group
SOUTHERN DIV1SION
PROPOSED LIONSHEAD VAL\E SET
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE BETWEEN
MEADOW MOUNTAIN AND TOWN OF VAIL
April 23, 1993
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT
HYDROSPHERE
Resource consultants
roo2 walnut . suite 200 . Boulder, co ao302
(3031 443-7839 . Tel€Fax (303) +42'0616
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO I'
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE BETWEEN
MEADOW MOUNTAIN AND TOWN OF VAIL
lpril2il, 1993
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION. WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT
Prepared by
Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc.
1fi2 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, Colorado 80303
(303) 443-7839
Prepared Under Direction by
Willian A. Wood, District Ranger
Holy Cross Ranger District
Wbite Riv€r Nationd Forest. Min$rn, Colorado
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. Preface
tr. Purpose and Need for Proposed Action.......... ..................2
Itr. Proposed Action and alternatives ................3
A. Alternative A - No Action .................3
B. Alternative B - Use of Existing Pipeline Rightof-Way (Proposed Action) .............3
C. Alternativss Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis ........5
1. Alternative C - North Side of I-70 Right of Way .....................................5
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis ................5
2.AlternativeD.VailtoDowdJunctionBikepath.......
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis ...-1...................;..........6
3. Alternative E. North Ridgeline .........:..............................6
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis ..................................7
D. Facilities Associated with Pipeline Alignment Alternatives ..............7
. E. Construction Methods .............:..........7
IV. Affected Environment.. ......,.,9
A. Physiography and Geo1ogy................. ..................9
B. Geologic Hazards .........9
l. Seismicity ..........9
2. Faults ............... l0
3. Liquefaction ................
4. Landslides. ........ l0
5. Rockfall.... ........ l0
6. Mud and Debris Flow........... .................... ll' 7. Ground Surface Subsidence.... ..................... ll
8. Mineral Resources..... ............. ll
C. Soils ..'.............---.... 11
D. Groundrvater............... .....,....;........ ,................ ll
E. Vegetation ................ 12
F. Wetlands and Riparian Areas.......... .................... 12
G. Hydrology ................. 13
H. Water Quality......... ...................... 14
I. Wildlife ..................... 16
J. Fisheries .................... 16
K. Threatened and Endangered Species ..................... 16
l. Terrestrial .......... 16
2. Aquatic.................. ............. 17
L. Air Quality
M. Recreation
N. Visual Resources.....
O. Cultural Resources.....
P. Socioeconomics............
V. Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures.......
A. Physiography and Geo|ogy.................
B. Soils........
C. Groundwater ...............
D. Geologic Hazards
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I l. PREFACE . ..
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An environmental assessment is not a decision document. It is a document disclosing"l the environmental consequeoces of implementation of the Proposed Aaion. It is an important
I document for Federal, State anp locd governmeots to use in arriving at their individud' decisions regarding theproposed action end dternatives to it.
I 'rrne environmental cronsequences on lands, activities, and resources administered by thei ether Federal, State and Local jurisdicrions resulting from the Proposed Action have been
disclosed in this Environmental Assessment. Through consultation and cooperation, other
I federal, state and local jurisdictions have assisted in the disclosure of environmental
i coDsequences and development of alternatives to the proposed action.
The Forest Service decision will relate only !o lands administeq€d by the Forest Service
and will be documented in a decision notice. Decisions by other jurisdictions to issue or not
issue approvds related to this proposal can be made by Orem based on the disc.losure of impacts
available in this document.
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II. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION
In September of 1992, the Public Service Company of Coiorado (PSCO), submitted a '
Special-Use Permit Application to the U.S. Forest Service for construction of a natural gas
pipeline from Wheeler Junction to Dowd lunction along the right-of-way for Interstate
Highway 70. At ilrat time, the application was submined through a PSCO subsidiary, Western
Gas Supply Company, which has since been acquired and is now wholly owned by PSCO.
The primary purposes of this proposed pipeline were to provide additional natural gas supply
to the Town of Vail and to provide backup supply for both Vail and the Avon area in case of a
supply intemrption due to potential problems with the existing gas pipeline that now serves the
Vail, Minorn and Avon areas. Because of a pending shonfall in natural gas supply to the
Town of Vail during peak demand periods in the winter, the Public Service Company had
concluded that the project must be completed by the fall of 1993.
Following several scoping meetings and extensive discussions with the Colorado
Department of Highways (CDOT), it was concluded that the scope o{.the Environmental
Assessment @A) for the proposed projea would have to be expanded to include additional
dternatives and issues. Public Service Company then decided to withdraw its original
application because it would not be possible to complete the EA and the review processes
required by the CDOT and the Forest Service in time for construction of the project this
surnmer. In order to achieve the goal of providing additional service capacity to Vail in time
for the 1993-94 winter, Public Service Company has submitted a new Special-Use Permit
Application for the installation of an additional pipeline within their existing rightof-way (See
Exhibit A).
Natural gas service to Minturn, the Town of Vail, Eagle/Vail and Avon is currently
provided by the Public Service Company via a 6 inch high pressure pipeline from the west side
ofFremont Pass near Climax. A 4 inch branch line, originally constructed in 1965, currently
serves the entire Town of Vail. This line is no longer adequate to deliver sufficient gas to Vail
during winter peak demand periods.
Since its inception in the early 1960's, Vail has grown to a permanent population of
approximately 5,200 people, with accommodations for up to 15,000 overnight visitors.
Natural gas is the primary source of fuel for heating throughout Vail. During the winter
months, peak demand for natural gas for both residential and commercial customers has grown
to an 36.6 million cubic feet per day.
Naturd gas demands throughout the Vail Valley are expected to continue growing at a
rate ofabout 4 percent per year through 1997. This continued growth in demand is attributed
to new development and a rapidly growing trend toward use of gas log hreplaces. Due to air
quality problems caused in part by wood burning, the Town of Vail bas implemented building
codes re4uiring gas logs in new development. In addition, restrictions on wood burning during
periods when air quality is poor have resulted in a rapidly growing number ofconversions of
wood burning fireplaces to gas logs.
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III. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
This section of the Environmental Assessment (EA) presents the alternatives evaluated aS.
a part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance process, including
alternatives considered but eliminated from detailed analysis. Alternatives were defined based.
on the criteria of meeting the purpose and need for the project while taking into consideration
the location and service capabilities of existing natural gas pipeline facilities. The alternatives
considered in this EA are those.that are most feasible in terms oftechnical and engineering
aspects, and which minimize environmental impacts and project costs.
Five dternatives were identified including a No Action alternative and four structural
alternatives. The structural alternatives differ primarily by way of the location of pipeline
routes. Ofthe four structurd alternatives discussed, the Proposed Action (Alternative B) is
described in the most detail with regard to pipeline alignment. Alternatives C, D, and E
eliminated from detailed analysis based on environmental, engineering or project cost
considerations. Reasons for elimination of these alternatives are discussed further below.
Also described are pipeline construction methods and associated facilities which are
common to some of the structural alternatives.
A. Alternative A - No Action
Under the No Action alternative, the Forest Service would deny the Special Use Permit
Application submitted by the Public Service Company of Colorado for the new natural gas
' pipeline. Additional pipeline facilities would not be constructed to serve the Vail Valley.
Natural gas usage would continue to be limited by the supply described under the Purpose and
Need section of this report. As an alternative to increasing the available supply of natural gas
in the Vail Valley, curtailment of natural gas demands through building restrictions,
conservation measures and other means would be required.
B. Alternative B - Use of Existing Pipeline Right-of-Way (Proposed Action)
Alternative B is the action preferred by the Public Service Company. This alternative
utilizes a portion of the rightof-way for the existing 4 inch natural gas pipeline which extends
from PSCO's Meadow Mountain Meter Station located adjacent to the Denver and Rio Grande
Railroad, immediately northwesterly of the town limis of Minturn, to the Town of Vail. The
location of the existing pipeline is shown on the map in Figure l.
Beginning at the Meadow Mountain Meter Station, on the north side of the Denver and
Rio Grande Railroad tracts, the existing 4 inch pipeline extends across National Forest System
land, within the White River National Forest, in a northeasterly direction 1,760 feet to the
boundary of a parcel of land owned by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). The
proposed new pipeline would be constructed parallel and immediately adjacent to the existing
pipeline in this area.
At ttris point the pipeline continues northwesterly appro*imately 400 feet, rising to an
elevation of approximately 8,000 feBt near the top of the ridge separating the Eagle River and
Gore Creek drainages. The pipeline route then continues through the CDOW land in a
northeasterly direction for about 1,280 feet where it re-enters Forest Service land. The
pipeline traverses a distance 0f960 feet across the Nation Forest before again entering land
owned by the CDOW. The pipeline continues in the same general direction approximately 900
feet to the western terminus of Basingdale Blvd.
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The pipeline route then follows Basingdale Blvd. for approximately 200 feet. At this ,
point the proposed new pipeline will turn to the north, diverge from the existing pipeline route,
and run downhill about 225 feet through a privately owned lot to Belleflower Drive, then
crossing Belleflower Drive and Gore Creek, to the westerly end of the south frontage road. At
Belleflower Drive, the pipeline would cross from Eagle County into the limits of the Town of
Vail.
On the north side of Gore Creek, the pipeline route turns east and follows the north side
of tbe south frontage road of I-70 for a distance of approximately 14,0fi) feet (2.65 miles). At
this point the proposed pipeline will connect to the natural gas distribution system for the
Town of Vail.
C. Atternatives Considered but Elimlnated trom Detaited Analysis
.:
1. Alternative C - North Slde of l-70 Right of Way
This alternative utilizes the north side of the I-70 Rightof-Way between Dowd lunction
and the West Vail interchange @igure l). Beginning at a point approximately 200 feet west of
the Highway 24 interchange (Minturn) and on the south side of the Eagle River, the proposed
pipeline would travel easterly approximately 120 feet to the location ofthe proposed bikepath
bridge over the Eagle River. At this point the pipeline would cross Gore Creek and physically
attached to the underside ofthe bikepath bridge.
On the north side of the confluence of Gore Creek and the Eagle River, the pipeline
would extend east, generally pardlel to Gore Creek. Near the point where I-70 crosses over
Gore Creek, the pipeline would run onto the north shoulder of the west bound lane of the
interstate. In this area I-70 is tightly confined by steep rock walls. The pipeline would be
located approximately 15 feet off of the pavement of the west bound lane in the most tightly
confined areas and 15 to 30 feet offofthe shoulder ofthe road where allowable.
The pipeline would continue east 7,400 feet, following the shoulder of I-70, to a point
approximately 0.40 mile west of the West Vail interchange. At this point a small service road
runs parallel to the interstate. The pipeline would be located in this service road to the
intersection at the West Vail interchange.
At the West Vail interchange, the pipeline would turn to the south and follow the
intercbange underpass beneath I-70. Once on the south side of the interchange the pipeline
would turn east again and run approximately 7,700 feet to the eastern most end ofthe project.
Once on the south side of I-70, this alternative is the same as Alternative B, moving in a west
to east direction.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Anatysis
Alternative C was eliminated from detailed analysis in this Environmental Assessment
because of institutional considerations. It is the policy of the Federal Highway Administration
and the Colorado Department of Transportation not to allow longitudinal utility installations
within interstate highway corridors when feasible alternative utility corridors ue available. As
defined under Alternative B, Public Service Company of Colorado already has an existing
Rightof-Way that is suitable for accommodating the proposed new line.
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2. Alternative D - Vail to Dowd Junction Bikepath
This alternative is identical to Alternative B between the eastern most point of the I
project to the point where the pipeline alignment under Alternative B would cross Gore Creek
(Figure l). It is also identical to Scenario C from the point immediately on the nonh side of
the west bound lane of I-70 to the western most point of the project.
Between the point in Alternative B where the pipeline crosses Gore Creek and the north
side ofI-70, the propose pipeline under this alternative would follow a recreational bikepath
proposed by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Town of Vail. This bike path
would be located within the I-70 corridor between shoulder of the east bound lane and Gore
Creek. At the intersection of Gore Creek and I-70, the pipeline will follow the bikepath under
a new underpass to the north side of the interstate.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
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This alternative has been eliminated from detailed consideration based on economic and
engineering considerations as well as limitations associated with the design of the proposed
bikepath. An existing 20 inch diameter sanitary sewer pipeline currently is located along the
route of the proposed new pipeline. Within the past two years, U.S. West has completed
installation of a fiber optics line along this same route. Prior to construction of the bike path,
two new water lines are proposed for construction in the same corridor: a 16 inch treated water
line for Town of Vail municipal supply; and a 12 inch supplemental raw water supply line for
snow making at the Vail Ski Area.
This alternative would be economically viable from the standpoint of Public Service
Company only if construction costs were shared by all of the interests which plan on locating
facilities beneath the bikepath. However, due to the extremely confined nature of this
corridor, it may not be feasible to accommodate a new 12 inch natural gas pipeline, along with
the other utilities planned, while at the same time providing sufficient access for ongoing
maintenance requirements. Additional problems exist which relate to timing of the
construction of the bikepath, completion of the design of the other facilities which may locate
beneath the bikepath, and the projected natural gas supply shortages in the Town ofVail.
3. Alternative E. North Ridgeline
This alternative is identical to the other structural alternatives between the West Vail
interchange of I-70 and the eastern terminus of the project near the Vail Associates
Maintenance Shops. West of the West Vail interchange the pipeline deviates substantially from
the I-70 Corridor.
Beginning at a point located near River Run along Colorado Highway 6 approximately
2.0 miles westerly of the Highway 24'interchange of I-70, the pipeline would take off from the
existing line which connects the Avon, Colorado area with Meadow Mountain Meter Station.
At this point the pipeline would turn 90 degrees to the north and run under the Eagle River.
The pipeline would continue north approximately 800 feBt under the tracts of the Denver
and Rio Grande Western Railroad then up a steep hillside. At an elevation of approximately
8,000 feet the pipeline would turn in a easterly direction and continue for a distance of
approximately 2.0 miles. The pipeline would rise to an elevation of approximately 9,700 feet
to a point near the top of a small drainage which runs south back down to Gore Creek near the
West Vail interchange.
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The pipeline would generally follow this small drainage back down to West Vail. In the
area of the hillside located to the north of I-70 at West Vail, the pipeline would switch back
several times along a steep residential road down to the frontage road on the north side of I-70.'.
From this point on the pipeline would follow the same alignment described under Alternative C
to the eastern end of the project.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis based predominantly on economic
infeasibilitie.s and environmental considerations. This alignment would require several
thousand additional linear feet of pipe to be installed. The terrain of this alignment is very
rugged and would re4uire construction of access roads for construction and maintenance
equipment. In addition, construction along this route would disturb substantial areas of
prwiously undisorbed National Forest System land. Substantial visual impacts would result
from construction activities in the area north of Highway 6 and west of Dowd Junction.
D. Facilities Associated with Pipeline Alignment Alternatives
Many of the facilities associated with pipeline operation, maintenance and safety would
be common to each of the structural alternatives. Detailed engineering drawings will be
prepared only for the Proposed Action (Alternative B). Features which could potentially have
an impact on the environment are discussed here.
Under each of the structural alternative the pipetine would consists of a 12 inch steel
high pressure pipe. The pipeline would be installed in forty foot sections which would be
welded and lowered into an excavated trench.
To provide for an emergency shutdown of the pipeline, valve sets lnust be installed
along natural gas pipelines at minimum intervals of every eight miles, or under the Proposed
Action, at either end ofthe project. These valve sets are also utilized for maintenance and
repair. The valve set at the eastern terminus ofthe project will be constructed at a sufficient
distance off of the South Frontage Road so as not to impair automotive traffic and to minimize
visual impacts.
Additional facilities associated with the pipeline construction include line markers to
permanently designate the location of the buried pipeline. These markers are typically placed
along the lineof-sight of the pipeline and extend two to three feet above the ground.
E. Construction Methods
Construction of the Proposed Action would require approximately 2 months to complete
and would occur between July 15 and September 15, 1993. Completion of other alternatives
would require longer periods oftime because ofa greater number ofengineering and
construction difficulties and obstacles. Because of several timing issues related to
environmental sensitivities and requirements by the Town of Vail to avoid disruption, the
Proposed Action may be constructed in one or more "spreads' along the pipeline route. In
other words, different segments of the pipeline could be constructed simultaneously by
different crews. The precise timing of construction activities are not yet known but would be
sensitive to these and other such concerns.
Representatives from Public Service Company would be present during all construction
activities. Construction would at times require participation by representatives from the
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CDOT, US Forest Service, Eagle County and the Town of Vail. Participation by these
representatives will be important because of the nature of the construction methods and the
sensitivity of the environment to sonstruction activities. t
Under the Proposed Action, the 12 inch diameter pipe would be installed with a depth of
cover of approximately 1.5 to 4.0 feet. Installation would require excavating a trench which is
ap'proximately 30 inches in width. During excavation, spoil material would be placed along
side of the ercavation.
The rate ofpipeline instdlation would be dependent on local site conditions. Under
optimal conditions, the pipeline could be installed at a rate of approximately 0.25 mile per day.
Under conditions that require rock sawing, boulder excavation or accommodating other
obstrustions, instdlation times may be significantly increased. The otal width of the area
disorbed by pipeline installation is expected to be on the order of 25 fl-r/...
After the pipeline is installed in the exi:avated trench, the spoilumaterial will be
backfrlled and the disturbed area will be restored to near original levels and conditions. Seed
mixtures for revegetation will meet the requirement of the Town of Vail, CDOT, CDOW
and/or the Forest Service, depending on the location ofthe disturbance.
Under the Proposed Action the pipeline must cross Gore Creek west of the West Vail
intercbange. Several construction methods are possible for dealing with this crossing and will
depend on several factors such as the stream flow during the construction period. A likely
scenario would be for an over size trench to be excavated across the channel ofGore Creek.
The pipeline would then be lowered into the trench with concrete weights auached to counter
buoyancy. After the pipe is installed, the excavated trench will be backfilled and the stream
channel restored to original conditions.
There will be no onsite storage of any fuels to supply construction vehicles during the
construction process. All fuels will be supplied and delivered as needed by small refueling
trucks.
PSCO provides a fire watch during all construction activities and currently has an
emergency plan in place which is on file with Eagle County.
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II IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
1 This section of the Environmental Assessment presents descriptions of the existing
I conditioni within the areas of the alternative pipeline routes. Included are discussions of the
physical and biological environment, visual amenities, culiural resources and recreational and'1 socioeconomic activities. Described are general aspects of the environment for which issues
I and concerns were raised during scoping that could be affected by the proposed action. Many' of the dascriptions given are cornmon among the different alternatives. Each resource is
- discussed to a level of detail relative to its potential to be affected. When warranted by unique
I features, specific alternative actions are disiussed individually.
-, A. Physlography and Geology
IIt Physiography and geologic conditions described here are limited to an area generally
defined on the west side by Avon; on the north side by a straight line connecting East Vail and
i Avon (north oflnterstate 70); on the east side by the East Vail interchange ofl-70; and on the
I south side by Lions Head, Meadow Mountain and Vail Ski Area. This area comprises the
majority of the Vail Valley and Dowd Junction.
Ii The Vail Valley is situated in a structural trough which stretches from Vail Pass to' MacCoy in north central Eagle County. Most of the area is underlain by the sedimentary rocks
of the Minturn formation from the Pennsylvanian age. The Minturn formation consists of
gray, pale yellow and red sandstone, interbedded with conglomerate and thin beds ofshale.
Outcrops of the Minturn formation can be found throughout the area. To a lesser extent,
similar rocks belonging to the Maroon formation occur in the area. Some Precambrian
gneisses and migmatites can also be found.
During the guarternary period, several large valley glaciers were present within the Gore
Creek Valley which gouged out the lower valley floor, forming steep cliffs. Oversteepening of
the lower valley wall and deepening of the valley itself removed upslope support for large
sections of the formational bedrock which dipped towards the valley axis. This glacial activity
significantly modified the mountain topography to approximately present conditions. A result
of the oversteepening of many side slopes in the area is the existence of numerous unstable
slopes which are the source of frequent small landslides.
B. Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards typical for high momtain areas include seismicity, faults, liquefaction,
landslides and associated slope stability problems, rockfall, mud and debris flows and ground
surface subsidence. Most of the geological hazards typical for Colorado have been defined by
Rogers et. d. (1974).
1. Seismicity
Colorado is located in the interior of the North American plate, far from any plate
boundaries. As such, Colorado is considered an area oflow seismic risk. The potential for
earthquake hazard in the study area was evaluated by reviewing seismic histories and taking
into account the hazard zone system applied by Uniform Building Code criteria. Under this
system, high earthquake risk is defined by Zone 4, descending to Zone l, where there is a low
probability of seismic activity. Based on the known fault system, Colorado is located in
seismic risk Zone I with a low seismic risk, although more recent data indicate that the State
should be inTane 2 (moderately low risk) (Kirkham and Rogers, l98l).
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2. Faults
I Two potentially active faults have been identified near the study area (Kirkham and
I Rogers, l98l). The Gore fault is actually a system offauls trending in a northwest-southeast
direction approximately parallel to the I-70 corridor and to the northeast ofVail Pass. Based-l on the present geologic conditions and project configurations, this fault will not cross the
I atignment of any of the currently considered pipeline alignments.
1 3. Liquefaction
I
Liquefaction is a process which occurs when fine-grained, saturated soils are shaken
-: during an earthquake. This process temporarily transforms soils into a fluid state. As the soilj liquefies, structures within the soil mass may be damaged. Based on the limited seismic risks
' in the study area, and in the absence of significant, saturated fine-grained soil deposits, hazards
associated with liquefaction are considered unlikely to be of importance for any ofthe
dternative pipeline alignments. '::
4. Landslides
A number of landslide studies in the area have been conducted (Barton and others, l9?2,
Colton and others, 1975, Golder & Associates, 1984, 1985 and 1986, Robinson and Cochran,
l97l). The data from these studies are not always consistent and are sometimes contradictory.
A geologic hazard map (Figure l) was prepared from these studies and has taken into account
the most recent data on landslides.
Many small landslides have occurred over time within the study area. Larger landslide
have also occurred and include several caused by glacial activity, such as those which
developed during or immediately following the most recent glaciation. Numerous minor
landslides ofsoils covering the bedrock formations can also be documented.
The majority of the landslides identified within the study area are ancient and have been
inactive for thousands of years. These landslides have no significance for the proposed
project. For example, portions of the development associated with the Vail Ski Area have
been built on these landslides. Interstate 70 crosses several landslides and has resulted in only
minor structural problems to the roadway. However, some of the old landslides are
occasionally reactivated and roadways in the area will intermittently experience deformations.
Active landslides are indicated on the Figure l.
5. Rockfall
Rockfall is a common geologic hazard within the study area. These rockfalls are
typically associated with the presence of sandstone cliffs of the Minturn formation bedrock.
As these slopes are usually steep (on the order of 25 to 30 degrees), the moving rock ftagments
can reach high velocities and become a serious hazard to structures located in their path.
Rockfall in ttre study area is largely seasonally related, with the majority of the rockfalls
occurring during the spring snowmelt period.
Areas of the rockfall hazud are relatively well defined within the Town of Vail where
significant mitigating measures have been undertaken to protect abov+ground stmctures.
Mitigation measures have been taken by the Colorado Department of Transportation along I-70
in the area of Dowd Junction to reduce the number of rocklides and reduce exposure of
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passitrg ve.hicles to falling rock. Additional areas of rockfdl hazard may occur in other
portions ofthe study area but their extent is cunently unknown.
6. Mud and Debris Flow
Mud and debris flows occur when a water seturated mass of soil flows rapidly down
slope. Mudflows t5pica[y develop during torrential rains or during very rapid snowmelt
runoff. Such runoffinitiates rapid erosion and transport ofpoorly consolidated surficial
material. Mudflows are typical for high Colorado mountains in areas susceptible to erosion.
Numerous mudflows have been documented in the Gore Creek valley and on the slopes above
the Eagle River.
. 7. Ground Surface Subsidence
Ground surface subsidence can be caused by the withdrawal of pore fluids such as the
groundwater or oil, by excessive wening of certain lowdensity,.weak soils, by dissolution of
soluble rock or soils, or by the removal of support by underground mining. Although ground
surface subsidence of each of these types has been identified within Colorado, there are no
indications that any similar features could be expected in the uea studied for alternative
pipeline alignments.
8. Mineral Resources
Mineral resource areas are defined as areas from which mineral extraction is possible
given economic conditions and existing technology. Mineral resources can be metallics
@recious- and base-metal ores and ferrous-metal ores), non-metallics (construction aggregates,
building stones, evaporites) and mineral fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, oil shale, uranium).
There are no known mineral resource areas within the area studied. Potentially mined
mineral resources are located to the east ofthe study area and would include sources of
construction aggregates (gravel pis in the larger creeks or river valleys).
C. Solls
The U.S. Soil Conservation Service has identified, described and mapped soils within
Eagle County. Soils within the study area are relatively deep and are the product of either
weathering ofsandy rocks or deposition by streams or glaciers. Most ofthe soils are sandy,
iuclude a considerable amount of gravel and are permeable. Because of their composition, the
soils in the area are relatively stable and not highly erodible.
In areas where an alternative pipeline alignment iollows a highway Rightof-Way, soils
have typically been modified by the highway construction. Such modification typically
includes addition of coarser material such as the gravel or selective use of better quality
material and elimination of a poor quality material.
D. Groundwater
Groundwater conditions are variable throughout the study area, and depend largely on
topographic conditions and the presences ofstreams or other water bodies. The water table in
the study area is generally below the depth that will be required for installation ofa pipeline.
Water table elevations may occuionally and temporarily be close to the ground surface during
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i periods of torrential rains or during periods of rapid snowmelt but rapidly decline following
these period. Groundwater may also be encountered at a shallow depth in relatively flat areas
such as local depression and immediately below natural springs. In several areas, highway or '
road construction has modified natural drainage conditions and may contribute to increased
groundwater levels.
E. Vegetation
The study area is located primarily within the l,odgepole pine and Engleman spruce-
subalpine fir communities which occur between 7,000 to ll,fiX) feet in elevation. Lodgepole
pine are found at 7,000 to 9,000 feet on the west end of the proposed route. They often form
dense, pure stands with little understory. At higher elevations, Lodgepole pine gives way to
spruce-fir forest, which dominates the Engleman spruce-subalpine fir community. These
forests are dominated by Engleman spruce and subalpine fir. Limber pine and bristlecone pine
are cornmon on steep, rocky, and southern exposures. Douglas-fir, aspen, lodgepole pine, and
blue spruce are also found in this forest type. These species often form dense stands with linle
herbaceous understory because of shading and considerable litter accumulation @rown, 1985).
Understory species vary depending on topographic, soil, and microclimate conditions.
Typical shrub species are snowberry and serviceberry. The more common species of
graminoids and forbs found in the understory of quaking aspen are blue wild-rye, fringed
brome, elk sedge, bedstraw, Richardson's geranium, and fireweed (Hoffman and Alexander,
1983).
Historically, the valley floors within the srudy area were characterized by grassy
meadows, wet willow meadows, and sagebrush benches. Many of these vegetation
communities still exist but in areas impacted by human development these communities are
smaller and less frequent.
South facing slopes within the study area typically support sagebrush, scrub oak, and
other woody shrubs, with grassy understory and meadows and scattered aspen groves. Most of
the other valley slopes, in contrast, support aspen-conifer woodlands (Metcalf, 1992).
Mountain/plateau grasslands and meadows are often found interspersed with the other
dominant vegetation and typically include a variety of species. Grasses, forbs, and scattered
shrubs dominate the herbaceous cover, The more common grass species include bromes,
bluegrasses, oatgrasses, sedges, wheatgrasses, fescues, needlegrasses, hairgrasses, reedgrasses,
bentgrasses, and junegrass. The forb component varies with location and is diverse throughout
the region. Shrubs include big sagebrush, fringed sagebrush, rabbitbrush, snakeweed, shrubby
cinquefoils, wild roses, and prickly pear (Mueggler and Stewart, 1980).
A large portion ofeach ofthe alternative alignments passes through areas ofpreviously
disturbed vegetation including highway and road right-of-ways. A variety ofvegetation types
often occur near these rights-of-way (Greystone, l99l). Plant communities of revegetated
right-of-ways consist ofvarious species ofgrasses and include both native and introduced
species. Common introduced species include crested wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, smooth
brome, yellow sweetclover, and white sweetclover.
F. Wetlands and Riparian Areas
Scattered wetlands occur throughout the study area. Several wetland reconnaissance
studies have been performed in relation to this and other projects. These studies are referenced
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below and served to establish the location ofwetlands which may exist along the alternative
pipeline alignmens.
In September of 1990, a wetlands reconnaissance was performed for US West's Fiber
Optics Cable Project Environmental Assessment. This route is located along the existing bike
path between Vail and Wheeler Flats (Copper Mountain) within the I-70 corridor. Wetlands
were generally found to occur along the route in narrow, often sporadic riparian belts in
intermittent (seasonal) drainages, and as emergent wetlands in ditches and drainages along
roadways. These wetlands were categorized into wetlands on perennial streams, wetlands
along the stream banks, and wetlands outside the stream channel.
Werlands occurring on perennial streams in the study area include the open water,
submergent and floating aquatic plants and shoreline vegetation within the stream channel.
Wetlands occurring along the banks of interminent and perennial streams as well as roadside
ditches and depressions with high water tables are intermittently, semipermanently, or
seasonally flooded. Characteristic vegetation includes cattails, softstqm bulrush, three square
bulrush and a variety of rushes and sedges. Wetlands occurring along intermittent and
perennial streams outside the stream channel are dominated by deciduous shrubs, pafticularly
willows. The most common shrub is the sandbar willow. However the Colorado willow,
plainleaf willow, and geyer willow also occur along the route. Typical understory vegetation
is similar to that of the wetlands along the banks of the streams and ditches (Greystone, l99l).
Wet meadows and riparian scrub wetlands have been.identified along Black Gore Creek
between Black Lake No. 2 and Polk Creek @lack Lakes EA). The wet meadow areas occur
on relatively flat deltas formed by deposition of sediment from I-70, although some are more
specifically "fens" because they are associated with peat soils fed by groundwater from
springs. These areas contain numerous plant species including water sedge, beaked sedge,
wooly cinquefoil, dandelion, darkthroat shootingstar, elephanthead lousewort, elkslip marsh
marigold, and bluejoint reedgrass. Wet meadows are highly valued for food chain support,
wildlife and fishery habitat, and heritage values, and moderately valued for ground water
dischuge, shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces.
'Riparian
scrub wetlands exist on hillstopes and alluvial terraces above and adjacent to
the Gore Creek and the Eagle River. The predominant overstory vegetation consists of various
species of woody shrubs including mountain plainleaf, wolf willow, bog and water birch, red
osier dogwood, and thinleaf alder. Groundcover consists of species common to wet meadow
areas. Riparian scrub areas are highly valued.for flood storage and desynchronization,
shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces, sediment trapping, nutrient retention and
removal, wildlife and fishery habitat, and heritage values. They are moderately valued for
ground water discharge, and food chain support. They also have some minimal groundwater
' recharge value (Hydrosphere, l99lb).
Few wetlands exist in the vicinity of the alternative pipeline alignments west of the West
Vail interchange, although some small wetland areas do exist in depressions areas where there
is a sufhciently high groundwater table or retention ofsurface drainage. A significant amount
ofriparian wetland vegetation exiss adjacent to the Gore Creek and the Eagle River.
G. Hydiotogy
The study area is located within the Colorado River Basin and includes the drainages of
Gore Creek and the Eagle River and numerous small tributaries. Streams and creeks within
the study area are fed primarily by precipitation. The majority of this precipitation falls as
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snow and consequently, peak annual runoff usually occurs in early to mid-June. Streamflow
during the late summer, fall, and winter originates mainly from ground water discharges.
Black Gore Creek, a tributary of Gore Creek, originates near the top of Vail Pass.
Black Gore Creek flows for approximately 8.4 miles west along I-70 to its confluence with
Gore Creek. From the Black Gore Creek confluence, Gore Creek flows approximately 10.5
miles to its confluence with the Eagle River at Dowd Junction. Approximately 8 miles of this
segment of Gore Creek are within the boundaries of the Town of Vail. The upper section of
this reach has been channelized along I-70 and the Vail golf course (USDOI, 1988).
Gore Creek drains approximately 100 square miles and is the primary source of water
supply for the Vail Ski Area and the Town of Vail. The mean annual stream flow in Gore
Creek at its mouth is 129 cubic feet per second (cfs), with and average annual discharge of
approximately 92,fi)0 acre feet. Peak flows during spring runoffreach 1,500 cfs during the
month of June; the lowest recorded flows have been between l0 and 12 cfs during the month
of February. +
The water supply for the Town of Vail is diverted from Gore Creek primarily via an
alluvial well field located near the confluence ofBooth Creek and used for domestic purposes,
lawn irrigation and golf course irrigation. Water for snowmaking is withdrawn from Gore
Creek by way of an infilfiation gallery located at a point near the confluence of Red Sandstone
Creek below the discharge point for the Vail Wastewater Treatment Plant (Hydrosphere,
l99rb).
The Eagle River, at a point near Avon Colorado, drains an area of approximately 395
square miles. Annual discharge of the Eagle River at this point averages approximately
250,000 acre-feet, or about 350 cubic feet per second. The Eagle River is used for water
supply for numerous small towns west of Dowd Junction.
H. Water Ouality
Black Gore Creek and Gore Creek are classified by the Colorado Water Quality Control
Commission as follows: a) Class I cold water aquatic live, b) domestic water supply, c) Class
2 recreation, and d) irrigation. Water quality in Black Gore Creek is considered very good
throughout its entire drainage, whereas water quality in Gore Creek deteriorates as it flows
through Vail Valley. This degradation primarily results from non-point sources of pollution.
Chemicals of particular concern in Gore Creek are fine sediments and select metals
(cadmium, mirnganese and lead). Possible sources include 1) wash off from nearby Interstate
70, and from impervious surfaces ofthe parking areas throughout the Town of Vail, and 2)
naturally high concentrations in the surrounding environment which drainage directly
(untreated) into Gore Creek (Hydrosphere, l99lb). A summary of resuls from several water
quality monitoring programs is provided in Table 4-1.
The Eagle River has historically experienced sever water quality degradation resulting
from operation of several mines upstream bf Minturn. Of particular note is the Eagle Mine
operated from nearly seventy five years to extract zinc silver and other metals. As such, heavy
metal pollution has reduced the quality of the waters in the Eagle River and reduced existence
of aquatic life.
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Set€ct€d Wstcr (lua[ty Parametem Blrdr Gore Crect,
Gore Credrt.and the Eagle Rlvcrr
' ilack Gore Gore Creek Eaglc River
Creek near at Vai! below Dowd Junction
Vail
\
167.93 t 16.34(80-260t (5O-200t
Dissolvld Oryg€n lmgll
Avcrag€ 9.54 9.30 9.62
lMin-Maxl 9.1-101 0.5-9.91 q l8.(},10.8l
pH
Perarnctrr
Conductivity lumho/cml
Avcraee
lMirrMsxl
Average
(Min-Maxl
Total Alkslinity {mgnl
Averaeo
(Min-Maxl
Nitrite + Nitrsto N Diss. (mg/ll
Avcrage
lMin Maxl
Orthophosphato FO4 (mofll
Average
(MirMaxl
Total Hardncss (mg/ll
Average '
(Min-Maxl
lron Dissolved lpglll
Average
(Min-Maxl
Mangan€se Dissolved (rrglU
Average
TDS lmgll
Average
(Min'Maxl
7.93 7.80
17.8.61 t6.9-8.61
88.23 63.60
t53-10O1 {26-801
o.72 0.96
l.o1-121 t.01-29t
o.72 0.o2(0-1.81 tG.15l
83.01 59.20
116-150t (21.1 lOl
51.57 65.80
130-1@l (2c,r90t
40.00 6.00
102.85 74.80
{64-121t (32-93t
r46.84
t59-225t
7.87
(7.S8.71
71.57
134-981
145.25
146-2051
94.28
t20-1701
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^. 2. Advanccd Sciences, Inc. 1990.I
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l. Wildlife
Wildlife resources within the study area are predominantly upland in character
(Greystone, l99l). Specific habitats include subalpine meadow, riparian'wetlands, and spruce-
fir forest. These habitats provide for a diverse assemblage of both game and non-gane
wildlife. Game animals most predominant in the area include elk, mule deer, and bear
(Ilydrosphere, l99lb).
Occasional use of the study area by mallard ducks during the late summer and fall and
early spring may also occur. A partial list ofother wildlife species that could be associated
with the habitats in the vicinity of the project'area include: pine ma4in, ermine, sharp-shinned
hawk, red-tailed hawk, goshawk, blue grouse, and various passerine birds (Hydrosphere,
l99lb).
Special interest habitat occurs along the route ofthe Proposed Action at a specially
constructed game underpass on I-70 near West Vail. This underpass is located approximately
1.5 miles east of Dowd Junction. .The area is manage! by the USFS and the Colorado
Division of Wildlife and is a major winter migration route for elk and deer.
J. Fisheries
Black Gore Creek between Black Lakes No. I and No. 2 contains a natural reproducing
population of brook trout (Holden, 1986). Brook trout spawn in Black Gore Creek with some
overwintering in Black Lake No. 2 (Hydrosphere, 1991b).
Gore Creek contains a trout population consisting ofbrown, brook, and rainbow trout.
The brown and brook trout are self-sustaining while the rainbows are stocked. Brown trout
move up Gore Creek from the Eagle River in the fall to spawn. The reach of Gore Creek from
Red Sandstone Creek to the confluence with the Eagle River has been classified as a Gold
Medal Water by the CDOW (USDOI, 1988).
The Eagle River fishery has been impacted for many years by activities at the Eagle
Mine above Minturn. The fishery in the Eagle is comprised mostly of brown trout. As part of
the remedial activities at and near the mine, the CDOW is conducting regular population
- surveys of the Eagle River. The most recent data suggest that populations of naturally
reproducing fish may be recovering.
K. Threatened and Endangered Species
1. Terrestrial
No Federally tisted threatened, endangered Cf&E), or otherwise candidate plant or
animal species are known to exist in the proposed project area. Within the projecr's area of
influence, T&E species such as peregrine falcon, bald eagle, Canada lynx, Swainsons hawk,
and southern (mexican) spotted own may possibly be present, but have not been confirmed
(usDA, 1992).
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Bald Eagle, which are federally listed Endangered, migrate through higher elevations in
Colorado during October urd November and winter on the Eagle and Colorado Rivers. They
prefer areas near water, as they feed on fish and waterfowl. They use montane lakes for
feeding and resting during migration. Eagles may use stream corridors to access the forest for
hunting and foraging during the winter months. This use would be extremely limited along
alternative pipeline routes as there is generally lack of abundant prey species in the area.
Peregrine Falcons are also federally listed as Endangered. Peregrines nest on high,
precipitous cliffs and river gorges. The Interstate corridor does not have suitable habitat for
this species. Peregrines have not been documented in the area (USDA, 1992).
Eighteen plant species have been listed as species ofspecial concern for Eagle County
(Keammerer, 1992). Fourteen of these have been determined not likely to occur along the
alternative pipeline routes. The four species that could occur along the route include: Purple
Lady's Slipper (Cypdpgdiq fasciculatum, - occurs in subalpine forests usually under the low
overhanging branches ofsub-alpine fir), Mountain Bladder Fern (Cystooeris montana - occurs
in moist, rich spruce fir forests), Canyon Bog Orchid (Limnorchis ensifolia - occurs in dry
woods), and Harrington Beardtongue (PenStsrnq harrinetonii). Of these four, Harrington
Beardtongue is most likely to occur along the routes, as it occurs in sagebrush shrublands and
road cuts. This species has been extensively studied in the Eagle River Valley and is known to
occur at Avon, just west ofDowd Junction. No populations are known to be present above
Avon, although some suitable areas do exist just east of Dowd Junction (Keammerer, 1992).
This project would not have any detrimental effect on the habitat or through the direct
taking of any of the above species. Furthermore, none of the alternative pipeline routes have
been designated as critical habitat by the Secretary of the Interior (USDA, 1992).
2. Aquatic
No Federally listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species inhabit Gore Creek or
the Eagle River. However, approximately 100 miles downstream of the project, the following
fish species are listed as endangered: Colorado squawfish Bychochellcg lust!$, humpback
chub (Gila Shd, and bonytail chub (Grla elegans) (USFWS, 1989). The razorback sucker
(!yggg[g texanus) also occurs in the Colorado River and has been proposed for listing. This
project would not have any detrimental effect on the habitat or through the direct taking ofany
of the above specias.
L. Air Ouality
The Colorado Department of Health (1989) considers air quality along the alternative
pipeline routes to be very good. In the more populated areas ofVail, however, particulates
have recently been of concern. During recent years, development has increased the number of
sources ofparticulate emissions, particularly wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Because the
Vail Valley is prone to frequent temperature inversions, the increase in emissions has caused
decreases in local air quality (Greystone, l99l).
As a result of diminished air quality, the Colorado Department of Health monitors the
particulates in Vail (Greystone, l99l). From l9E0 to 1987, total suspended solids C[SP) were
measures and recorded. In 1987, the EPA replaced the TSP standards with new National
Ambient Air Quality Standards for PMl0. PMl0 is the measure of particulate matter under l0
microns of size (Iown of Vail, 1992). Based on this monitoring, Vail has not exceeded
National Ambient Air Quality Standuds over the past few years (Greystone, 1991).
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The Town of Vail conducted its own study of air quality in the Vail Valley in 1992.
The study determined that dthough PMIO standards were not being exceeded, Vail regularly
excpded federal standards when TSP was used. This suggests that PMl0 standards are not an..
adequate indicator for mountain communities prone to inversions. In addition, the study
concluded with a 99% confidence interval that the total number of wood-burning fireplaces
accounts for 74% of the variation in maximum levels and 79% of the variation in winter
averages of TSP and PMl0. The total number of skier days combined with the number of
fireplaces accounted for 90Vo of the variation in PMIO. This indicates that the number of
wood-burning fireplaces and the number of winter visitors have a significant impact on air
quality. The snrdy concluded that gas conversions in lodges could significantly improve air
quality (fown of Vail, 1992).
Other causes of TSP and PMl0 fluctuations were determined to be sanding on local
roads and I-70, vehicle exhaust, and barbecue grills. Carbon Monoxide (CO) was monitored
during the 1987-1988 winter and no exceedances offederal standards were found (fown of
Vail, 1992). Vail has recently adopted ordinances prohibiting wood-burning fireplaces in new
construction, allowing only the installation of certified fuel burning devices, gas appliances,
and gas log fireplaces (City ordinance 8.2E.030 and 8.28.040, Yail 4-7-92).
M, Recreation
Recreational resources are very abundant along the alternative pipeline routes. These
resources include bike trails, roads, ski areas, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The Vail Pass
Bikeway runs from Frisco to Copper Mountain, then over Vail Pass to, and through, Vail
(Summit County Source Book). As discussed previously under the route description for
Alternative D, this bikepath will eventually be extended from the West Vail interchange to
Dowd Junction. The path receives considerable use during the summer with peak usage
occurring on the weekends (Greystone, l99l). The Copper Mountain to Vail Pass section has
a recorded peak usage of60 bicycles per hour (Greystone, l99l).
Additional recreational resources within the study area include several Forest Service
campgrounds, the Vail Ski Area and resorts, and trails. Primary activities include camping,
hiking, biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, hunting, and picnicking (Greystone, l99l).
Vail Ski area is the most visited ski area in Colorado. bringing in 1,523,503 visitors in the
1989-1990 season. Copper Mountain received 771,565 visitors in the same season (Colorado
Ski Country, USA).
N. Visual Resources
The Vail Valley is generally an area ofhigh scenic quality. The study area consists of
mountainous terrain ranging from approximately 7,500 feet in elevation at Dowd Junction to
10,549 feet at the top ofVail Pass. Generally, the valley slopes contain no unusual rock
formations or topographic features. The visual appearance changes dramatically with the
seasons. The dominance of aspen trees provide a green lush appearing vegetative cover during
the spring and summer months and spectacular changing colors in the fdl. In the winter, the
bare trees and snow cover contribute to a barren winter landscape (Hydrosphere, l99la).
Previously disturbed corridors are used for each of the alternatives pipeline dignments,
with the exception of a portion of tlre alignment under Alternative E. The areas located within
the immediate vicinity of the alternative routes range from substantially modified to minimally
modified. Most of the substantial modification is within the areas of the Town of Vail and I-70
Rightof-Way. In these areas, much of the original land form has been altered by grading,
pavement, and building construction. The route under Alternative E in the area which
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diverges from the I-70 corridor towards the north still retains its undeveloped visual quality.
In general, modifications o landforms throughout the study area are minimal and unobtrusive
(Greystone, l99l). .
The USFS has assessed the visual resources of the portions of the project uea lying
within the National Forests using its Visual Manhgement System. This system determines the
visual quality objectives (VQO's) to be used by the USFS for managing is visual resources.
USFS land located within the study area are managed for the VQO's of partial retention @R).
Under a PR classification, activities that dter the landscape must be visually subordinate to tbat
landscape (USDA l9E4c).
O. Cultural Resources
The study area is sioated along Gore Creek from East Vail to its confluence with the
Eagle River at Dowd Junction and the Eagle River extending a few miles west of Dowd
Junction. Historic land-use patterns have radically altered many segriients ofthese area. From
the 1880s through the 1960s widespread cultivation altered the land surface in many areas.
Since the early 1960s the development of Vail and the I-70 corridor have altered major
portions of the valley floors. In some area these modification to the valley floor along Gore
Creek have been extensive.
Most surface or shallowly buried prehistoric sites along the highway corridor, which the
pipeline corridor will follow, have been destroyed. However, there is some potential that
more deeply buried sites may remain along portions of old Highway 6 or in broader portions
of the valley where earth-moving involved with construction of the interstate highway was less
extensive (Metcalf, 1992).
Previous cultural resource investigations that have been conducted along this corridor
have been for construction along or near the I-70 corridor, including the bicycle trails and
planning and development for the Vail Valley water and sanitation districts. Recent overviews
have included Metcalf (1989), and MAC (1990). Documented prehistoric sites along this
conidor include Vail Pass Camp near the head of West Tenmile Creek @iggs, 1975; Gooding,
l98l), near Miller Creek, and near Black Lake (Zier, 1986; O'Brien, l99l). Historic
resources include a number of buildings that were destroyed during construction of the
interstate highway.
P. Socioeconomics
The historical economic base within the study area consisted mainly of mining,
agriculture, timber, and railroad industries. Since 1962, the economic base has shown a shift
from these traditiond industries, which have either leveled off or declined, to the recreational
industry. Resort activity in Vail and Beaver Creek has experienced rapid growth in recent
years. Presently, retail trade accounts for about 65 percent ofall employment in Eagle
County. The cost of living in Eagle County is about 15 to 30 percent higher than in the Metro
Denver area. By comparison, nearby towns such as Leadville have experienced financial
troubles, due mainly to layoffs in the mining industry (Ilydrosphere, l99lb).
Vail Ski Area is $e largest single ski area complex in the United States. .Future usage
of the Vail Ski Area is expected to continue growing, in terms of annual skier visits and peak
day demands, at an average rate of2 to 3 percent per year for the next 20 years. However,
during the l9E8-1989 ski season, annual skier visits numbered 1,454,386, an increase ofnearly
12% over the previous year, and an increase of 4.75/o was realized for the 1989-90 season,
with 1,523,503 skier visits (Vail Associates, Inc.) while the state showed a2.8% drop in skier
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.lI visits (Colorado Ski Country, USA). Vail Associates project for the year 2m5, 1,727,952
annual skier visits, with the peak day demand of 22,917 skiers. Approximately 6E% of skiers
I at Vail are overnight (dastination) guests and 32% ue day skiers (Vail Associates, Inc.).t-' the social characteristics ofEagle County also reflect tbe influence ofthe ski indusry.
I The population is quite "cosmopolitan" in the more urban areas, due in part to the rapid
I immigration ofttre past decade, the effects oftransiency accompanying the substantial seasonal' employment fluchrations, and the presence of large numbers of seasonat residents who maintain
, second homes in the area. This state of flux results in limited community and social
integration. local values and lifestyles appgar to be highly diverse, and consensus on public
issues is reportedly difficult to attain. In addition, informal support systems are apparently not
well established, reflecting in part the effects of rapid population change (USDA 1984c)
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEOUENCES AND MITIGATION MEASURES
This section of the Environmental Asse.ssment describes potential adverse and beneficial '
imFacts !o the naturd resources of the Nationd Forest tbat would result from construction and
op€(ation of the Proposed Action (Alternative B). No significant adverse impacts to the
etrvirotrment would rdsult from the Proposed Action and some benefits would be accrued as a
result ofrevegetation in several areas where existing vegetation has been severely degraded.
A. Physiography and Geology
Impacts associated with the construction of a pipeline would be confined !o a designated
pipeline Rightof-Way. The Right-of-Way must be wide enough to accommodate all
construction and maintenance activities. The pipeline under in the Proposed Action would
require a Rightof-Way on the order of 25 feet in width.
In order to reduce the impacts associated with devetoping a construction pad on which
an excevator could operate within the pipeline Rightof-Way, full advantage would be taken of
existing roads, highways, road shoulders, ditches or other previously constructed structure that
could be utilized as the construction pad. This will reduce additional cuts and fills, thus
reducing impact to existing topographic and geologic conditions.
If development of a construction pad is needed, advanced pipeline construction methods
will be utilized. These methods include developing temporary construction pads that exist only
for a short period during trench excavation and for the pipe installation. Immediately
following the pipe installation and back-filling ofthe pipeline trench, the construction pad is
removed. Topographic surface at the construction site is then restored to pre-excavation
conditions. This approach results in no impacts on the physiography ofthe area.
B. Soils
There will be virtually no impact to soil conditions as a result of the Proposed Action.
The construction of the pipeline trench, and of the construction pad, if not properly performed,
can result in increased erosion potential and slope stability problems. However, these
problems are commonly mitigated by construction methods that improve the physical properties
ofthe native soils and increase their resistance to erosion, sliding or to other geologic hazards.
This approach has been accepted by designers ofthe highways and roads throughout the Vail
Valley and surrounding area and will be incorporated in to the construction methods for the
pipeline installation.
C. Groundwater
There would be very minimal impact on local groundwater conditions as a result of the
Proposed Action and any impacts that occur would be temporary. Some effect may occur
during the pipeline construction process whereby the trench excavated for the pipeline may
intercept the alluvid water table. This is considered unlikely throughout the majority of the
proposed construction area given the proximity of the water table to the ground surface along
the proposed pipeline route. However, ifthe water table is encountered during the excavation
prosess, impacts would only be temporary and conditions would be restored after pipeline
instdlation and backfrll.
Permanent impacts associated with pipeline construction on groundwater conditions are
rare but occasionally occur. An example of more permanent pipeline influences on
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groundwater is when a pipeline trench functions as a water conduit in relatively impewious
ground, and diverts groindwater to different locations than before the pipeline conitruction.
These cases can be mitigated by the dasign of the pipeline back-fill material and by using
underground plugs to prevent groundwater flows in the trench.
D. Geologic Hazards
In the absence of any clearly identified active faults, only potentidly active fault
crossings will have 0o be designed within the Proposed Action. If an unstable area must be
crossed by the pipeline, special design procedures will be used. Methods of mitigation of such
crossings include design of "soft" back-fill ofthe pipeline trench and larger dimensions ofthe
pipeline trench.
E. Vegetation
Disturbance to vegetation is the most significant enuironmental"impact that would result
from the Proposed Action. However, a majority of the pipeline route under the Proposed
Action is located along previously disturbed corridors and highway Right-of-Ways. In these
areas, vegetation has in many cases been severely degraded as a result ofhighway salting and
sanding.
Vegetation along the portion of the proposed pipeline route that lies between the
Meadow Mountain Meter Station and the west terminus of Basingdale Road has also been
degraded. In recent years this area has been used as a biking and hiking route between Vail
and Minturn.
Impacts to vegetation rvould be confined mainly to the construction phase of the project.
Disturbance to vegetation would be limited to the width of the pipeline construction Rightof-
Way. All impacts to vegetation would be temporary. The duration of the disturbance can be
shortened by employing a continual back-frll and re-vegetation process as the construction
moves along the route. All disturbed areas will be reclaimed with a appropriate seed mixture
approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
F. Wetlands and Riparian Areas
Temporary impacts to wetlands and riparian areas will be limited to very small isolated
wetlands existing along the shoulder of the south frontage road and to tbe point of crossing
beneath Gore Creek. After construction of the pipeline, vegetation in these areas will be
restored to pre-project conditions.
Impacts to the wetlands along the Frontage Road will be minimized by stockpiling all
topsoil from the pipeline excavation and replacing the material in the same location after
instdling the pipe. No change in local hydrologic conditions are expected and the wetland
vegetation should reestablish very quickly after construction.
Minor impacts to a smatl riparian area will occur as a resutt of crossing Gore Creek.
This crossing will require disturbance of approximately 20 feet of riparian vegetation on either
side of Gore Creek. After the pipeline has been installed, these disturbed areas will be
restored to pre-project conditions to extent possible. Due to the prolific nature of riparian
vegetation, it is expeaed that impacs in these areas will be very temporary and that the Gore
Creek crossing area should be completely restored within one or two growing seasons.
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G. Hydrology
No significant impacts to locd hydrology are expected as a result of construction of the
proposed project. Minor impacts may include temporary modification surface drainage and
mnoff in the immediate vicinity of the project construction. As reclamation proceeds
following constnrction ofthe pipeline, all drainage patterns will be restored to original
conditions.
H. Water Ouality
Temporary impacs to the water quality of Gore Creek and the Eagle River will result
during the consfruction process of the Proposed Action. These impacts will be limited to
increased sediment load for short periods of time. The most significant impact will be from
construction activities within Gore Creek itself.
It is expected that construction activities associated with the Gore Creek crossing will
require two to three days to complete. These activities include developing a construction pad
down into the Creek on both the north and south sides. A four foot deep trench will then be
excavated across the stream and the pipeline installed.
Construction activities of the creek crossing will be conducted during a period of high
stream flow. This will be advantageous in terms of reducing water quality impacts because of
the ability of the high flows to keep the sediment in a suspended state in the water column and
flush out the sediment which might otherwise deposit on the stream bottom.
Additional impacts to water quality could result from precipitation runoff carrying high
sediment loads from the construction area. Extensive use of erosion control fencing as well as
continual back-fill and re-vegetation practices will help mitigate this problem.
l. Wildlife
Construction of the pipeline under the Proposed Action would result in localized short-
term impacts to wildlife. Surface disturbances would temporarily displace small mammals,
however, as areas become revegetated, these animals are expected to return, Avifauna are not
expected to be impacted in any significant way.
Short-term disturbances during construction in the areas west of the West Vail
interchange could temporarily impact use by deer and elk populations by way of construction
equipment noise. This area is important to these populations because of the presence of a game
crossing beneath t-70. This game crossing tunnel allows safe access to either side of the
interstate. Efforts will be made to minimize the disturbance to deer and elk by completing
pipeline construction in this area during periods of low animal usage, i.e. not during the big
game migration season.
J. Fisheries
The possibility of additional sediment loading to Gore Creek and the Eagle River may
impact fish populations in these streams. This impact would be higher in Gore Creek than in
the Eagle River because the additional flow of the Eagle will tend to dilute sediment load. The
reach of Gore Creek which will be impacted has been classified as a Gold Medal Water by the
CDOW. Spawning of Brown trout in this reach of Gore Creek occurs in the fall.
Construction activities witl not occur during this time and every effort will be made to
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complete construction ofthe creek pipeline crossing as quickly as possible. Riparian
vegetation along the banks of Gore Creek will be restored to pre-project conditions after the
pipeline has been installed.
In order to control of runoff and sediment loading problems during construction
activities other than directly in Gore Creek, the construction contractor will be required to
develop an erosion control plan to minimize deposition of sediment from construction areas.
This plan will incorporate such erosion control measures as fencing, hay bales, sedimentation
ponds, etc to catch and store runoff.
K. Threatened and Endangered Species
The construction ofthe pipeline should have no adverse effects on threatened or
endangered plant or animal species. The eastern portion ofthe pipeline route under the
proposed project has been field surveyed and confirmed that no threatened or endangered
species ue present. The western portion ofthe proposed project between Basingdale Road and
the Meadow Mountain Meter Station will be surveyed in late May or June of 1993 to establish
if species of concern are present. Although improbable, it is possible that the plant species
Harrington Beardtongue (Penstemon harringtonii),listed as a species ofspecial concern for
Eagle and Summit Counties, exists in this area. If this, or other threatened or endangered
species are present, mitigation measures will be employed to avoid any adverse effects of
construction activities on these populations.
L. Air Ouality
The continual operation of heavy machinery in the Vail Valley will temporarily affect
local air quality during construction. This is especially true immediately within the Town of
Vail which is prone to temperature inversions that tend to hold locally produced pollution in
the air over the Valley. These temperature inversions, however, occur mainly during the
winter months and should not cause a significant problem during the summer period of'
construction. Avoiding unnecessary idling of the construction machinery will help to minimize
these temporary affects.
Pipeline construction along this route will have no lasting adverse affects on the air
quality of this area. The increased availability of natural gas to the Town of Vail may
encourage wood-to-gas appliance conversions, thereby reducing emissions caused by wood-
burning appliances in the Vail Valley.
M. Recreation
There would be virtually no impacts associated with construction of the project on
recreational opportunities in the Vail Valley.
N. Visual Resources
Construction activities along the south frontage will be very visible to the public eye.
This disnlrbance, however, will be temporary. The duration of these effects can be minimized
by employing a continual back-fill and re-vegetation procedure along the route. Once
construction in this area is complete, there will be virtually no indications that the project was .
constructed.
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In the area between Basingdale Road and the Meadow Mountain Meter Station,
successful revegetation efforts will be very important to reduce long term visual impacts.
Previous reseeding efforts associated with construction ofthe existing natural gas line in this
area proved highly successful and no future problems in this area are anticipated. Excavation
scarring along the pipeline route will be visible from Highway 24 for several years but will
diminish 8s vegetation reestablishes. In the long-term, construction of the pipeline will result
only in minor lasting visual effects.
O. Cultural Resources
No disruption or destruction of cultural resources will occur due to the construction of
the pipeline along between the eastern end ofthe project and the wesrern end ofBasingdale
Road. A cultural resources study of the area between the western end of Basingdale Road and
the Meadow Mountain Meter Station is currently in progress. Although very unlikely, if
cultural resources are located within the area, mitigation steps will be taken to avoid any
permanent impacts to these areas. ')
P. Socioeconomics
The construction of a new natural gas pipeline along the proposed route will increase gas
availability for the Town of Vail. New restrictions on wood-burning appliances as well as the
continued growth ofthe ski area and resulting increases in skier visits will increase the demand
for naturd gas. The completion of this project will provide the long-term impact of meaing
this demand.
On the negative side, there will be a short-term "nuisance' impacs resulting from
construction activities, possibly causing minor local traffic delays, and producing unsightly
construction equipment. These negative impacts will mostly affect local area residents.
O. Cumulative lmpacts
Environmental impacts in all of the areas discussed above will be minimized by limiting
construction, to the extent possible, to areas which have previously been disturbed by other
human construction activities. Coordination with other construction projects which may occur
in the area, such as construction of the bike path to Dowd Junction and the installation of
additional water supply pipelines to the Town of Vail, can minimize the duration of the
temporary disruptions that will be caused by the construction and reduce environmental
impacts.
R. Summary of Environmental lmpacts that Cannot be Avoided
The most significant impact resulting from construction of the proposed project will be a
temporary disturbance of vegetation along the pipeline route. This impacts will be mitigated
through an extensive revegetation effort which will be conducted simultaneously along 0re
route as a particular stretch ofthe pipeline installation is completed. It is expected that one to
two growing seasons will be sufficient time to reestablish vegetation to near pre-project
conditions.
Impacts to the water quality and fisheries of Gore Creek and the Eagle River are
unavoidable, however they are relatively minor and short lived. These impacts specificdly
relate to construction activities associated with installing the pipeline across the creek, and the
potential for additional sediment to be carried in the water. The potential for impacts to water
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' quality from consmrction mnoff outside of Gore Creek will be minimized utilizing sediment
trapping mechanisms such as hay bales and/or small retention ponds.
lr.I Construction activities may temporarily reduce air quality due to the use of the large
machinery and tmcks in the Vail Valley.
I
I Temporary adverse visual effects, although relatively minor and partially mitigatable,' will still be unavoidable.
)
' S. Specific Mitigation Measures
Specific precautions and mitigation measures associated with construction of the new
. natural gas pipeline will include:
l) Extensive revegetation efforts.
2) Repair of damaged pavement or sidewalks.
3) Sedimentation basins to intercept runoff from disturbed/exposed soils which could
reduce Gore Creek water quality.
4) Topsoil from borrow areas stored and used to revegetate the excavated pipeline
trench.
5) All wetland soils and vegetation set aside after excavation and replaced in same
location after pipeline installation
6) Construction scars covered with the best available topsoil and revegetated according
to a plan approved by the Forest Service, CDOT, CDOW and/or Town of Vail.
7) Measures to minimize erosion and stabilize disturbed soils during the revegetation
period.
8) Signing for safety at the construction site(s).
9) Following construction, Right-of-Way between Basingdale Road and the Meadow
Mountain Meter Station will be fenced at either end to discourage use by bikers and
hikers.
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II VI. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
I Bill Andre, District Wildlife Manager, Colorado Division of Wildlife
I
Russell Forest, Senior Environmental Policy Planner, Planning Department, Town of Vail,r Colorado
I
I' Sid Fox, Planner, Community Development Department, Eagle County
-l
I Tim Grantham, Lands Forester, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest,! Minturn, Colorado
; Greg Hall, Town Engineer, Public Work Department, Town of Vail, Colorado
Kristen Larson, Pipeline Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado
;$j pan Micka, Project Design Engineer, Public Service Company of Coiorado
Rich Penky, Colorado Department of Transpiration
Kristen Pritz, Director of Community Development, Town of Vail, Colorado
Matthew Reay, Disuict Traffic Engineer, Colorado Department of Transportation
Daniel Tekavec, Engineering Services Manager, Public Service Company of Colorado.
William Wood, District Ranger, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest,
Minturn, Colorado
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't'lI VII. LIST OF PREPARERS
-l This Environmenul Assessment was prepared by the following individuals under the ,.
I direction of William A. Wood, District Ranger, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River
National Forest:
'1.l Robert M. Weaver, Environmental Consuttant, Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, lfi)2
' Walnut Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO E0302
I Edward J. Armbruster, Water Resources Engineer, Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1002i Wdnut Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302
' I Kelley K. Close, Environmental Consultant, Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1002 Walnut
i Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302
Jim McClung, Rightof-Way Agent, Public Service Company of Colqrado, 1050 l70r Street,
Suite 500, Denver, CO, 80265-0501
Michal Bukovanski, Cbnsulting Engineering Geologist, Denver, Colorado
Warren Keammerer, Consulting Plant Ecotogist, Boulder, Colorado
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VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Advanced Sciences, Inc. 1990. Vail - Gore/Eagle Water Quality Monitoring Program
Results. Report prepared for Vail Valley Consolidated Water District.
Algermissen, S.T., Perkins, D.M., Thenhaus, P.C., Hanson, S.L., and Bender, B.L. (1982):
Probabilistic Estimates of Maximum Acceleration and Velocity in Rock in the
Contiguous United States. U.S. Geological Survey,, Open File Report No. 82-1033
Barton, Stoddard, Millhollin & Higgins (1972): Vail Pass Environmental Study. Report for
Colorado Department of Highways, Project No. I-70-2 (19), Vail to Wheeler Iunction
Bates, R.L., Jackson, J.A., Ettitors (1957): Dictionary of Geological Terms. Anchor Press
Book, Doubleday, 1984 edition.
Biggs, Robert W. 1975. An Archaeological Survey and Test Excavations of Sites on Vail Pass,
Colorado. Colorado Department of Highways, Highway Salvage Repon No. I l,
Boulder CO.
Brown, L. 19E5. Grasslands. The Audubon Society Nature Guides. Alfred A. Knopf, New
York, New York.
Colton, R.B., Holligan J.A., Anderson, L.W., and Patterson, P.E. (1975): Preliminary Map
of Landslide Deposits, Leadville lox2o Quadrangle, Colorado. U.S. Geological
Survey, Miscellaneous Field Studies. Map MF-701
Gotder Associates (1984): Natural Gas Pipeline Relocation, Climax to Vail, Landslide Close to
Redcliff (Pando). Report to Western Gas Supply Company
Golder Associatqs (1985): Stability Evaluation, Climax to Vail Natural Gas Pipeline, Section
Camp Hale to Minturn. Report to Western Gas Supply Company
Golder Associates (1986): Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Black Lake Dam
#3, Vail Pass, Colorado. Report to Tipton & Kalmbach, Inc.
Gooding, John. 1981. The Archaeology of Vail Pass Camp: A Multi-component Base Camp
Below Tree Limit in the Southern Rockies. Colorado Department of Highways,
Highway Salvage Report No 35, Boulder, Colorado.
Greystone Development Consultants, Inc. and Resource Consultants, Inc. 1991. Environmental
Assessment for the US West Communications Baily to Rifle, Colorado Fiber Optic
Cable Project.
Hofftnan, G. R., and R. R. Alexander. 1983. Forest Vegetation of the White River National
Forest in Western Colorado: A Habitat Type Classification. USDA Forest Service' Research Paper RM-249. 36pp.
Holden, P. 1986. Aquatic Biology Studies Related to the Enlargement of Black Lake No. I
near Vail, Colorado. Draft Technical Report of Biowest, Inc.
Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc. l99la. Environmental Assessment for the Access
Road for. tlre Spraddle Creek Subdivision, Vail, Colorado. Hydrosphere Resource
Consultants, Inc., Boulder, Colorado.
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Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc. l99lb. Environmental Assessment for Black Lake
No. I Enlargement Project. Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc., Boulder,Colorado. ,
Keammerer, W . 1992. Persond Communications. Plant Ecologist, Stoeker-Keammerer,
Boulder, Colorado.
Kirkfiam, R.M., Rogers, W.P. (1981): Earthquake Potential in Colorado; A Preliminary
Evaluation. Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Bulletin
43
Ita,, LJ . (1917): Potential Foundation Problems Associated with Earthquakes in San Diego.
In Geologic Hazards in San Diego, Earthquakes, Landslides and Floods
Mabey, M.A., and Youd, T.L. (1989): Probabilistic Liquefaction Severity Index Maps of the
State of Utah. Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, Utah Department of Natural
Resources, Open File Report No. 159
Metcalf, Michael D. 1989. A Class I Cultural Resource Inventory of the Vail Valley
Consolidated Water District, Eagle County, Colorado. Metcalf Archaeological
Consultants, Inc., Eagle, Colorado.
Metcalf, Michael D. 1992. WestGas Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline over Bail Pass, Wheeler
Junction to Dowd Junction, Summit and Eagle Counties, Class I Cultural Resource
Overview and Reconnaissance. Eagle, Colorado.
Mueggler, W. F., and W. L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of
Western Montana. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report INT{6.
O'Brien, Patrick. 1991. Archaeological Testing at 5F,A773 in the Black Lakes Area, Eagle
County, Colorado: Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc., Eagle, Colorado.
Robinson, C.S., Cochran, D.M. (1971): Intermediate Geologic Investigations, Big Horn Creek
to Wheeler Junction, Vail Pass. Report for Colorado Department of Highways, Project
No. I-70-2 (19)
Rogers, W.P., Ladwig, L.R., Hornbaker, A.L., Schwochow, S.D., Hart, S.S., Shelton, D.C.,
Scroggs, D.L., and Soule, J.M. (197Q:. Guidelines and Criteria for ldentification and
Land-Use Controls of Geologic Hazard and Mineral Resource Areas. Cotorado
.Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Special Publication No. 6
Summit County Planning and Engineering Department. 1983. Summit County Sourcebook.
Summit County Planning and Engineering Department, Breckenridge, Colorado.
Thornbury, William D. 1965. Regional Geomorphology of the United States. John Wiley and
Sons, New York, New York.
Tipton and Kdmack, Inc. 1986. Various Hydrology Studies Related to Black Lakes
Enlargement Project. Denver, Colorado.
Town of Vail. 1991. (title of Report). (Who Wrote It), ffiere).
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Tlveto, O., Moench, R.H., and Reed, J.C. Ir. (1978): Geologic Map of the Leadville lox2o
Quadrangle, Northeastern Colorado. U.S. Geological Survey, Miscellaneous
Investigations Series, Map I-99
USDA Forest Service. 1984a. Keystone/Arapahoe Keystone Mountain Expansion,
Environmental Assessment. Arapahoe National Forest, Rocky Mountain Region.
USDA Forest Service. 1984b. White River National Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan. USDA Forest Service, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
USDA Forest Service. 1984c. Final Euvironmental Impact Statement and the Land on
Resource Management Plan for ttre White River National Forest. USDA Forest
Service, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
USDA Forest Service. 1992. Biological Assessment for the WestGas Pipeline. White River
National Forest Holy Cross Ranger District, Minturn, Colorqfo.
USDOI Bureau of Reclamation. 1988. Final Supplement to the Final Environmerital Impact
Statement for Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado Water Marketing Program,
Colorado-Big Thompson, Windy Gap Projecs, Colorado. USDOI Bureau of
Reclamation, Billings, Montana.
Zier, Christian J. 19E6. Archaeological Survey of the Black Lake Enlargement Environmental
Assessment Area, Eagle County, Colorado. Centennial Archaeology, Inc., Fort
Collins, Colorado.
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"Qt rqej
'Rts$\l\hr
ffiss [PR26tq6
@Public service'
Townof Vail
Departmcnt of Community Development
75 South Frontage Road
Vail, Colorado 81657
ToWhomitManyConcem: €'
Enclosed is a Conditional Use Pemrit application for a proposed 12" high pressure natural
gas pipelinc, extending generally from Dowd's Junction to the area of Vail Associates
shops, west of the Main Vail Interchange.
The purpose for this pipcline is to insure an adequate supply of natural gas to the Vail
Vallrly f6r tlre upcoming heating season, i.e.1993194,
This pipeline has bepn proposed for over three years -with tle_though.t.of utilizin-g the
bicvcie'path routc. currelntli planned along the south side of I-70. Problems developed
witir thii proposal as the bike path moved into the fin9l design stagcs' making-it-pntdent
to find ari al'ternate route. Tfie delay created by anticipating the use of the aike path'
together with growth in demand foi natural gas exceeding projected growth, make it
niessary to bulld this reinforcement pipeline during the summer of this year.
Additional permits being applied for are a Forcst leryce Special Use_Permit, C9l99d9
Departnenf of Transpoiation Utility Permit, Eagle County Special Use Permit, U. S.
Ariry Corps of Engiieers stream crbssing pemrii, under Nationwide Permit t2, and a
Denver & fuo Grande Western Railroad encroachment permit.
Your assistance and advice through this permitting process will be appreciated.
Please contact me 303-572-4251 if you have any questions or if can be of further
assistance.
Sincerely,
fu"*Ko,?:4'-)u Right of Way Agent
PnHlc s*rlcr
Compmy of Colordo
Nltral Oas Group
500 Prud€ntial Plaza
1050 17th Street
DsnvEr, CO 80265-0501
(303) 534-1261
April26, 1993
Enclosure
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE BETWEEN
MEADOW MOUNTAIN AND TOWN OF VAIL
April 23, 1993
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT
HYDROSPHERE
Resource Consultanta
roo2 Walnut . suite 200 . Boulder, co 80302
(3031 4+3-7839 . TeleFax (3O3) 4+2-O6t6
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE BETWEEN
MEADOW MOUNTAIN AND TOWN OF VAIL
April23, 1993
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICYLTURE
FOREST SERVICE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT
Prepared by
Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc.
1fi)2 Walnut Street, Suite 2fi)
Boulder, Colorado 80303
(303) 443-7839
Prepared Under Direction by
William A. Wood, District Ranger
Holy Cross Ranger District
White River National Forest, Minturn, Colorado
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V. Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures......
A. Physiography and Geology
B. Soi1s........ ......-...........21
C. Groundwater.........-..... ..............,...21
D. Geologic Hazards........ .,....-............22
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I. PREFACE
Aq environmentd assessment is not a decision document. It is a document disclosing
the envimnmental consequences of implementation of the Proposed Action. It is an important
document for Federal, State and Local governments to use in arriving at their individual
decisions regarding the proposed action and alternatives to it.
The environmental consequences on lands, activities, and resources administered by ttre
other Federal, State and L,ocal jurisdictions resulting from the Proposed Action have been
disclosed in this Environmental Assessment. Through consultation and cooperation, other
federal, state and local jurisdictions have assisted in the disclosure of envilonmental
consequences and development ofalternatives to the proposed action.
The Forest Service decision will relate only to lands administerd by the Forest Service
and will be documented in a decision notice. Decisions by other juri3dictions to issue or not
issue approvals related to this proposal can be made by them based on the disclosure of impacts
available in this document.
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II. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION
In September of 1992, the Public Service Company of Coiorado (PSCO), submitted a
Special-Use Permit Application to the U.S. Forest Service for construdion of a natural gas
pipeline from Wheeler Junction to Dowd Junction along the right-of-way for Interstate
Highway 70. At that time, the application was submitted through a PSCO subsidiary, Western
Gas Supply Company, which has since been acquired and is now wholly owned by PSCO.
The primary purposes ofthis proposed pipeline were to provide additional natural gas supply
to the Town of Vail and to provide backup supply for both Vail and the Avon area in case of a
supply interruption due to potential problems with the existing gas pipeline that now serves the
Vail, Minturn and Avon areas. -Becairse of a pending shortfall in natural gas supply to the
Town of Vail during peak demand periods in the winter, the Public Service Company had
concluded that the project must be completed by the fall of 1993.
Following several scoping meetings and extensive discussions with the Colorado
Department of Highways (CDOT), it was concluded that the scope of the Environmental
Assessment @A) for the proposed project would have to be expanded'to include additional
alternatives and issues. Public Service Company then decided to withdraw its original
application because it would not be possible to complete the EA and the review processes
required by the CDOT and the Forest Service in time for construction of the project this
sunrmer. In order to achieve the goal of providing additional service capacity to Vail in time
for the 1993-94 winter, Public Service Company has submitted a new Special-Use Permit
Application for the installation of an additional pipeline within their existing right-of-way (See
Exhibit A).
Natural gas service to Minturn, the Town of Vail, EagleA/ail and Avon is currently
provided by the Public Service Company via a 6 inch high pressure pipeline from the west side
of Fremont Pass near Climax. A 4 inch branch line, originally constructed in 1965, currently
serves the entire Town of Vail. This line is no longer adequate to deliver sufficient gas to Vail
during winter peak demand periods.
Since its inception in the early 1960's, Vail has grown to a permanent population of
approximately 5,200 people, with accommodations for up to 15,000 overnight visitors.
Natural gas is the primary source of fuel for heating throughout Vail. During the winter
months, peak demand for natural gas for both residential and commercial customers has grown
to an 36.6 million cubic feet per day.
Natural gas demands throughout the Vail Valley are expected to continue growing at a
rate of about 4 percent per year through 1997. This continued growth in demand is attributed
to new development and a rapidly growing trend toward use of gas log fireplaces. Due to air
quality problems caused in pprt by wood burning, the Town of Vail has implemented building
codes re4uiring gas logs in new development. In addition, restrictions on wood burning during
periods when air quality is poor have resulted in a rapidly growing number ofconversions of
wood burning fireplaces to gas logs.
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III. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
This section of the Environmental Assessment (EA) presents the alternativqs evaluated as
a part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance process, including
alternatives considered but eliminated from detailed analysis. Alternatives were defined based.
on the criteria ofmeeting the purpose and need for the project while taking into consideration
the location and service capabilities of existing natural gas pipeline facilities. The alternatives
considered in this EA are those that are most feasible in terms oftechnical and engineering
aspects, and which minimize environmental impacts and project costs.
Five alternatives were identified including a No Action alternative and four structural
alternatives. The structural alternatives differ primarily by way of the location of pipeline
routes. Of the four structural alternatives discussed, the Proposed Action (Alternative B) is
described in the most detail with regard to pipeline alignment. Alternatives C, D, and E
eliminated from detailed analysis based on environmental, engineering or project cost
considerations. Reasons for elimination of these alternatives are discussed further below.
Also described are pipeline construction methods and associated facilities which are
conrmon to some of the structural alternatives.
A. Alternative A - No Action
Under the No Action alternative, the Forest Service would deny the Special Use Permit
Application submitted by the Public Service Company of Colorado for the new natural gas
' pipeline. Additional pipeline facilities would not be constructed to serve the Vail Valley.
Natural gas usage would continue to be limited by the supply described under the Purpose and
Need section of this report. As an alternative to increasing the available supply of natural gas
in the Vail Valley, curtailment of natural gas demands through building restrictions,
conservation measures and other means would be required.
B. Alternative B - Use of Existing Pipeline Right-of-Way (Proposed Action)
Alternative B is the action preferred by the Public Service Company. This alternative
utilizes a portion of the rightof-way for the existing 4 inch natural gas pipeline which extends
from PSCO's Meadow Mountain Meter Station located adjacent to the Denver and Rio Grande
Railroad, imm€diately northwesterly of the town limits of Minturn, to the Town of Vail. The
location of the existing pipeline is shown on the map in Figure l.
Beginning at the Meadow Mountain Meter Station, on the north side of the Denver and
Rio Grande Railroad tracts, the existing 4 inch pipeline extends across National Forest System
land, within the White River National Forest, in a northeasterly direction 1,760 feet to the
boundary of a parcel of land owned by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). The
proposed new pipeline would be constructed parallel and immediately adjacent to the existing
pipeline in this area.
At this point the pipeline continues northwesterly approximately 400 feet, rising to an
elevation of approximately 8,000 feet near the top of the ridge separating the Eagle River and
Gore Creek drainages. The pipeline route then continues through the CDOW land in a
riortheasterly direction for about 1,280 feet where it re-enters Forest Service land. The
pipeline traverses a distance of960 feet across the Nation Forest before again entering land
owned by the CDOW. The pipeline continues in the same general direction approximately 900
feer to ttre western terminus of Basingdale Blvd.
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The pipeline route then follows Basingdale Blvd. for approximately 200 feet. At this
point the proposed new pipeline will turn to the north, diverge from the existing pipeline route,
and run downhill about 225 feet through a privately owned lot to Belleflower Drive, then
crossing Belleflower Drive and Gore Creek, to the westerly end of the south frontage road. At
Belleflower Drive, the pipeline would cross from Eagle County into the limits of the Town of
Vail.
On the north side of Gore Creek, the pipetine route turns east and follows the north side
of the south frontage road of I-70 for-a distance of approximately 14,000 feet Q.65 miles). At
this point the proposed pipeline will connect to the natural gas distribution system for the
Town of Vail.
C. Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis
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1. Alternative C - North Side of l-7O Right of Way
This alternative utilizes the north side of the I-70 Right-of-Way between Dowd Junction
and the West Vail interchange (Figure l). Beginning at a point approximately 200 feet west of
the Highway 24 interchange (Minturn) and on the south side of ttre Eagle River, the proposed
pipeline would travel easterly approximately 120 feet to the location ofthe proposed bikepath
bridge over the Eagle River. At this point the pipeline would cross Gore Creek and physically
attached to the underside of the bikepath bridge.
On the north side of the mnfluence of Gore Creek and the Eagle River, the pipeline
would extend east, generally parallel to Gore Creek. Near the point where I-70 crosses over
Gore Creek, the pipeline would run onto the nonh shoulder of the west bound lane of the
interstate. In this area I-70 is tightly confined by steep rock walls. The pipeline would be
located approximately 15 feet off of the pavement of the west bound lane in the most tightly
confined areas and 15 to 30 feet offofthe shoulder ofthe road where allowable.
The pipeline would continue east 7,400 feet, following the shoulder of I-70, to a point
approximately 0.40 mile west of the West Vail interchange. At this point a small service road
runs parallel to the interstate. The pipeline would be located in this service road to the
intersection at the West Vail interchange.
At the West Vail interchange, the pipeline would turn to the south and follow the
interchange underpass beneath I-70. Once on the south side of the interchange the pipeline
would turn east again and run approximately 7,700 feet to the eastern most end of the project.
Once on the south side of I-70, this alternative is the same as Alternative B, moving in a west
to east direction.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
Alternative C was eliminated from detailed analysis in this Environmental Assessment
because of instiotional considerations. It is the policy of the Federal Highway Administration
and tbe Colorado Department of Transportation not to allow longitudinal utility instdlations
witbin interstate highway corridors when feasible alternative utility corridors are available. As
defined under Alternative B, Public Service Company of Colorado already has an existing
Right-of-Way that iS suitable for accommodating the proposed new line.
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2. Alternative D - Vail to Dowd Junction Bikepath
This alternative is identical to Altgrnative B bitween the eastern most point of the
project to the point where the pipeline alignment under Alternative B would lross Gore Creek
(Figure 1). It is also identical to Scenario C from the point immediately on the north side of
the west bound lane of I-70 to the western most point of the project.
Between the point in Alternative B where the pipeline crosses Gore Creek and the north
side ofI-70, the propose pipeline under this alternative would follow a recreational bikepath
proposed by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Town of Vail. This bike path
would be located within the I-70 corridor between shoulder of the east bound lane and Gore
Creek. At the intersection of Gore Creek and I-70, the pipeline will follow the bikepath under
a new underpass to the north side of.the interstate.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detailed Analysis
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This alternative has been eliminated from detailed consideratiori based on economic and
engineering considerations as well as limitations :Nsociated with the design of the proposed
bikepath. An existing 20 inch diameter sanitary sewer pipeline currently is located along the
route of the proposed new pipeline. Within the past two years, U.S. West has completed
installation of a fiber optics line along this same route. Prior to construction of the bike path,
two new water lines are proposed for construction in the same corridor: a 16 inch treated water
line for Town of Vail municipal supply; and a 12 inch supplemental raw water supply line for
snow making at the Vail Ski Area.
This alternative would be economically viable from the standpoint of Public Service
Company only if construction costs were shared by all of the interests which plan on locating
facilities beneath the bikepath. However, due to the extremely confined nature of this
corridor, it may not be feasible to accommodate a new 12 inch natural gas pipeline, along with
the other utilities planned, while at the same time providing sufficient access for ongoing
maintenance requ irementS. Additional problems exist which relate to timing of the
construction of the bikepath, completion of the design of the other facilities which may locate
beneath the bikepath, and the projected natural gas supply shortages in the Town ofVail.
3. Alternative E. North Ridgeline
This alternative is identical to the other structural alternatives between the West Vail
interchange ofI-70 and the eastern terminus ofthe project near the Vail Associates
Maintenance Shops. West of the West Vail interchange the pipeline deviates substantially from
the I-70 Corridor.
Beginning at a point located near River Run along Colorado Highway 6 approximately
2.0 miles westerly of the Highway 24'interchange of I-70, the pipeline would take off from the
existing line which connects the Avon" Colorado area with Meadow Mountain Meter Station.
At this point the pipeline would turn 90 degrees to the north and run under the Eagle River.
The pipeline would continue north approximately 800 feet under the tracts ofthe Denver
and Rio Grande Western Railroad then up a steep hillside. At an elevation of approximately
8,000 feet the pipeline would turn in a easterly direction and continue for a distance of
approximately 2.0 miles. The pipeline would rise to an elevation of approximately 9,700 feet
to a point near the top of a small drainage which runs south back down to Gore Creek near the
West Vail interchange.
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The pipeline would generally follow this small drainage back down to West Vail. In the
area of the hillside located to the north of I-70 at West Vail, the pipeline would switch back
several times along a steep residential road down to the frontage road on the north side ofl-70.
From this point on the pipeline would follow the same alignment described under Alternative C
to the eastern end oftheproject.
a. Reasons for Elimination from Detaited Analysis
This alternative was etiminated from detailed analysis based predominantly on economic
infeasibilities and environmental considerations. This alignment would require several
thousand additional linear feet of pipe to be installed. The terrain of this alignment is very
rugged and would require construction of access roads for construction and maintenance
equipment. In addition, construction along this route would disturb substantial areas of
previously undisturbed National Forest System land. Substantial visual impacts would result
from construction activities in the area north of Highway 6 and west of Dowd Junction.
D. Facilities Associated with Pipetine Alignment Alternat]ives
Many of the facilities associated with pipeline operation, maintenance and safety would
be common to each of the structural alternatives. Detailed engineering drawings will be
prepared only for the Proposed Action (Alternative B). Features which could potentially have
an impact on the environment are discussed here.
Under each of the structural alternative the pipeline would consists of a 12 inch steel
high pressure pipe. The pipeline would be installed in forty foot sections which would be
welded and lowered into an excavated trench.
To provide for an emergency shutdown ofthe pipeline, valve sets tnust be installed
along natural gas pipelines at minimum intervals of every eight miles, or under the Proposed
Action, at either end ofthe project. These valve sets are also utilized for maintenance and
repair. The valve set at the eastern terminus of the project will be constructed at a sufficient
distance off of the South Frontage Road so as not to impair automotive traffic and to minimize
visual impacts.
Additional facilities associated with the pipeline construction include line markers to
permanently designate the location of the buried pipeline. These markers are typically placed
along the lineof-sight ofthe pipeline and extend two to three feet above the ground.
E. Construction Methods
Construction of the Proposed Action would require approximately 2 months to complete
and would occur between July 15 and September 15, 1993. Completion of other dternatives
would require longer periods of time because of a greater number of engineering and
constructioa difficulties and obstacles. Because of several timing issues related to
environmental sensitivities and requirements by the Town of Vail to avoid disruption, the
Proposed Action may be constructed in one or more nspreads' along the pipeline route. In
other words, different segments of the pipeline could be constructed simultaneously by
different crews, The precise timing of construction activities are not yet known but would be
sensitive to these and other such concerns.
Representatives from Public Service Company would be present during all construction
activities. Construction would at times require participation by representatives from the
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CDOT, US Forest Service, Eagle County and the Town of Vail.. Participation by these
representatives will be important because of the nature of the construction methods and the
sehsitivity of the environment to construction activities.
Under the Proposed Action, the 12 inch diameter pipe would be instalted with a depth of
cover ofapproximately 1.5 to 4.0 feer. Installation would require excavating a trench which is
approximately 30 inches in width. During excavatio!, spoil material would be placed along
side of the excavation.
The rate of pipeline installation would be dependent on local site conditions. Under
optimal conditions, the pipelinercould be installed at a rate of approximately 0.25 mile per day.
Under conditions that require rock sawing, boulder excavation or accommodating other
obstructions, installation times may be significantly increased. The total width of the area
disturbed by pipeline installation is expected to be on the order of25 feet.
After the pipeline is installed in the excavated trench, the spoil material will be
backfilled and the disturbed area will be restored to near original leveJs and conditions. Seed
mixtures for revegetation will meet the requirement of ttre Town of Vail, CDOT, CDOW
and/or the Forest Service, depending on the location of the disturbance.
Under the Proposed Action the pipeline must cross Gore Creek west of the West Vail
interchange. Several construction methods are possible for dealing with this crossing and will
depend on several factors such as the stream flow during the construction period. A likely
scenario would be for an over size trench to be excavated across the channel of Gore Creek.
The pipeline would then be lowered into the trench with concrete weights attached to counter
buoyancy. After the pipe is installed, the excavated trench will be backfilled and the stream
channel restored to original conditions.
There will be no onsite storage of any fuels to supply construction vehicles during the
construction process. All fuels will be supplied and delivered as needed by small refueling
trucks.
PSCO provides a fire watch during all construction activities and currently has an
emergency plan in place which is on file with Eagle County.
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IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
This section of the Environmental Assessment presents descriptions of the existing
conditions within the areas of the alternative pipeline routes. Included are discussions of the
physical and biological environment, visual amenities, cultural resources and recreational and
socioeconomic activities. Described are general aspects of the environment for which issues
and concerns were raised during scoping that could be affected by the proposed action. Many
of the descriptions given are common among the different alternatives. Eich resource is
discussed to a level of detail relative to its potential to be affected. When warranted by unique
features, specific alternative actions are discussed individually.
A. Physiography and Geology
Physiography and geotogic conditions described here are limited to an area generally
defined on the west side by Avon; on the north side by a straight line connecting East Vail and
Avon (north of Interstate 70); on the east side by the East Vail interctlange of I-70; and on the
south side by Lions Head, Meadow.Mountain and Vail Ski Area. This area comprises the
majority of the Vail Valley and Dowd Junction
The Vail Valley is situated in a structural trough which stretches from Vail Pass to
MacCoy in north central Eagle County. Most of the area is underlain by the sedimentary rocks
of the Minturn formation from the Pennsylvanian age. The Minturn formation consists of
gray, pale yellow and red sandstone, interbedded with conglomerate and thin beds ofshale.
Outcrops of the Mintrlrn formation can be found throughout the area. To a lesser extent,
similar rocks belonging to the Maroon formation occur in the area. Some Precambrian
gneisses and migmatites can also be found.
During the quarternary period, several large valley glaciers were present within the Gore
Creek Valley which gouged out tle lower valley floor, forming steep cliffs. Oversteepening of
the lower valley wall and deepening of the valley itself removed upslope support for large
sections of the formational bedrock which dipped towards the valley axis. This glacial activity
significantly modified the mountain topography to approximately present conditions. A result
ofthe oversteepening ofmany side slopes in the area is the existence ofnumerous unstable
slopes which are the source of frequent small landslides.
B. Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards typical for high momtain areas include seismicity, faults, liquefaction,
landslides and associated slope stability problems, rockfall, mud and debris flows and ground
surface subsidence. Most of the geological hazards typical for Colorado have been defined by
Rogers et. al. (1974).
1. Selsmicity
Colorado is located in the interior of the North American plate, far from any plate
boundaries. As such, Colorado is considered an area oflow seismic risk. The potential for
earthquake hazard in the sildy area was evaluated by reviewing seismic histories and taking
into account the hazard zone system applied by Uniform Building Code criteria. Under this
system, high earthquake risk is defined by Tnne 4, descendiug to Zone l, where there is a low
probability of seismic activity. Based on the known fault system, Colorado is located in
seismic risk Zone I with a low seismic risk, although more recent data indicate that the State
should be in Zone 2 (moderately low risk) (Kirkham and Rogers, l9El).
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2. Faults
Two potentially active fautts have been identified near the study area (Kirkham and
Rogers, 1981). The Gore fault is actudly a system offaula trending in a northwest-southeast
direction approximately parallel to the I-70 corridor and to the northeast of Vail Pass. Based
on the present geologic conditions and project configurations, this fault will not cross the
alignment ofany ofthe currently considered pipeline alignments.
3. Liquefaction
Liquefaction is a process which occurs when fine-grained, saturated soils are shaken
during an earthquake. This process temporarily transforms soils into a fluid state. As the soil
liquefies, structures within the soil mass may be damaged. Based on the limited seismic risks
in the study area, and in the absence of significant, saturated fine-grained soil deposis, hazards
associated with liquefaction are considered unlikely to be of importance for any ofthe
alternative pipeline alignments. n'
4. Landslides
A number of landslide studies in the area have been conducted (Barton and others, 1972,
Colton and others, 1975, Golder & Associates, 1984, 1985 and 1986, Robinson and Cochran,
1971). The data from these studies are not always consistent and are sometimes contradictory.
A geologic hazard map (Figure l) was prepared from these studies and has taken into account
the most recent data on landslides.
Many small landslides have occurred over time within the study area. Larger landslide
have also occurred and include several caused by glacial activity, such as those which
developed during or immediately following the most recent glaciation. Numerous minor
landslides ofsoils covering the bedrock formations can also be documented.
The majority of the landslides identified within the study area are ancient and have been
inactive for thousands of years. These landslides have no significance for the proposed
project. For example, portions of the development associated with the Vail Ski Area have
been built on these landslides. Interstate 70 crosses several landslides and has resulted in only
minor structural problems to the roadway. However, some of the old landslides are
occasionally reactivated and roadways in the area will intermittently experience deformations.
Active landslides are indicated on the Figure l.
5. Rockfall
Rockfall is a common geologic hazard within the study area. These rockfalls are
typically associated with the presence of sandstone cliffs of the Minturn formation bedrock.
As these slopes are usually steep (on the order of 25 to 30 degrees), the moving rock fragments
can reach high velocities and become a serious hazard to structures located in their path.
Rockfall in the study area is largely seasonally related, with the majority of the rocKalls
occurring during the spring snowmelt period.
Areas of the rockfalt hazard are relatively well defined within the Town of Vail where
significant mitigating measures have been undertaken to protect above-ground structures.
Mitigation measures have been taken by the Colorado Department of Transportation.along I-70
in the area of Dowd Junction to reduce the number of rockslides and reduce exposure of
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passing vehicles to falling rock. Additional areas ofrockfall hazard may occur in other
portions of the study area but their extent is currently unknown.
6. Murl and Debris Flow
Mud and debris flows occur when a water saturated mass of soil flows rapidly down
slope. Mudflows typically develop during torrential rains or during very rapid snowmelt
runoff. Such runoffinitiates rapid erosion and transport ofpoorly consolidated surficial
material. Mudflows are typicd for high Colorado mountains in areas susceptible to erosion.
Numerous mudflows have been-documented in the Gore Creek valley and on the slopes above
the Eagle River.
7. Ground Surface Subsidence
Ground surface subsidence can be caused by the withdrawal of.pore fluids such as thp
groundwater or oil, by excessive wetting of certain low{ensity,.wealc'soils, by dissolution of
soluble rocks or soils, or by the removal ofsupport by underground mining. Although ground
surface subsidence ofeach ofthese types has been identified within Colorado, there are no
indications that any similar features could be expected in the area studied for alternative
pipeline alignments.
8. Mineral Resources
Mineral resource areas are defined as areas from which mineral extraction is possible
given economic conditions and existing technology. Mineral resources can be metallics
(precious- and base-metal ores and ferrous-metal ores), non-metallics (construction aggregates,
building stones, evaporites) and mineral fuels (coal, oil, natural gas, oil shale, uranium).
There are no known mineral resource areas within the area studied. Potentially mined
mineral resources are located to the east of the study area and would include sources of
construction aggregates (gravel pits in the larger creeks or river valleys).
G. Soils
The U.S. Soil Conservation Service has identified, described and mapped soils within
Eagle County. Soils within the study area are relatively deep and are the product of either
weathering of sandy rocks or deposition by streams or glaciers. Most of the soils are sandy,
include a considerable amount ofgravel and are permeable. Because oftheir composition, the
soils in the area are relatively stable and not highly erodible.
ln areas where an alternative pipeline alignment follows a highway Right-of-Way, soils
have typically been modified by the highway construction. Such modification typically
includes addition ofcoarser material such as the gravel or selective use ofbetter quality
material and elimination of a poor quality materid.
D. Groundwater
Groundwater conditions are variable throughout the study area, and depend largely on
topographic conditions and the presences ofstreams or other water bodies. The water table in
the study area is generally below the depth that will be required for installation of a pipeline.
Water table elevations may occasionally and temporarily be close to the ground surface during
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periods of torrential rains or during periods of rapid snowmelt but rapidly decline following
theseperiod. Groundwatermay also be encountered at a shallow depth in relatively flat areas
such as local depression and immediately below natural sprihgs. In several areas, highway or
road construction has modified natural drainage conditions and may contribute to increased
groundwater levels.
E. Vegetation
The study area is located primarily within the Lodgepole pine and Engleman spruce-
subalpine fir communities which occur between 7,000 to 11,000 feet in elevation. Lodgepole
pine are found at 7,000 to 9,000 feet on the west end of the proposed route. They often form
dense, pure stands with little understory. At higher elevations, Lodgipole pine gives way to
spruce-fir forest, which dominates the Engleman spruce-subalpine fir community. These
forests are dominated by Engleman spruce and subalpine fir. Limber pine and bristlecone pine
are cornmon on steep, rocky, and southern exposures. Douglas-fir, aspen, lodgepole pine, and
blue spruce are also found in this forest type. These species often fo$n dense stands with little
herbaceous understory because of shading and considerable litter accumulation @rown, 1985).
Understory species vary depending on topographic, soil, and microclimate conditions.
Typical shrub species are snowberry and serviceberry. The more common species of
graminoids and forbs found in the understory of quaking aspen are blue wild-rye, fringed
brome, elk sedge, bedstraw, Richardson's geranium, and fireweed (Hoffman and Alexander,
1983).
Historically, the valley floors within the srudy :uea were characterized by grassy
meadows, wet willow meadows, and sagebrush benches. Many of these vegetation
communities still exist but in areas impacted by human development these communities are
smaller.and less frequent.
South facing slopes within ttre study area typically support sagebrush, scrub oak, and
other woody shrubs, with grassy understory and mOadows and scattered aspen groves. Most of
the other valley slopes, in contrast, support aspen-conifer woodlands (Metcalf, 1992).
Mountain/plateau grasslands and meadows are often found interspersed with the other
dominant vegetation and typically include a variety of species. Grasses, forbs, and scattered
shrubs dominate the herbaceous cover. The more common grass species include bromes,
bluegEsses, oatgrasses, sedges, wheatgrasses, fescues, needlegrasses, hairgrasses, reedgrasses,
bentgrasses, and junegrass. The forb component varies with location and is diverse throughout
the region. Shrubs include big sagebrush, fringed sagebrush, rabbitbrush, snakeweed, shrubby
cinquefoils, wild roses, and prickly pear (Mueggler and Stewart, 1980).
A large portion ofeach ofthe alternative alignments passes through areas ofpreviously
disturbed vegetation including highway and road right-of-ways. A variety ofvegetation types
often occur near these rights-of-way (Greystone, 1991). Plant communities of revegetated
rightrf-ways consist of various species of grasses and include both native and introduced
sp-ecies. C6mmon introduced species include crested wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, smooth
brome, yellow sweetclover, and white sweetclover.
F. Wetlands and Riparlan Areas
Scattered wetlands occur throughout the study area. Several wetland reconnaissance
studies have been performed in relation to this and other projecs. These studies are referenced
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below and served to establish the location of wetlands which may exist along the alternative
pipeline alignmens.
In September of 1990, a wetlands reconnaissance was performed for US West's Fiber
Optics Cable Project Environmental Assessment. This route is located along the existing bike
path between Vail and Wheeler Flac (Copper Mountain) within the I-70 corridor. Wetlands
were generally found to occur along the route in narrow, often sporadic riparian belts in
intermittent (seasonal) drainages, and as emergent wetlands in ditche.s and drainages along
roadways. These wetlands were categorized into wetlands on perennial streams, wetlands
along the stream bank, and wetlands.outside the stream channel.
Wetlands occurring on perennial streams in the study area include the open water,
submergent and floating aquatic plants and shoreline vegetation within the stream channel.
Wetlands occurring along the banks of intermittent and perennial streams as well as roadside
ditches and depressions with high water tables are intermittently, semipermanently, or
seasonally flooded. Characteristic vegetation includes cattails, softstem bulrush, three square
bulrush and a variety of rushes and sedges. Wetlands occurring aloni intermittent and
perennial streams outside the stream channel are dominated by deciduous shrubs, particularly
willows. The most common shrub is the sandbar willow. However the Colorado willow,
plainleaf willow, and geyer willow also occur along the route. Typical understory vegetation
is similar to that of the wetlands along the banks of the streams and ditches (Greystone, 1991).
Wet meadows and riparian scrub wetlands have been identified along Black Gore Creek
between Black Lake No. 2 and Polk Creek @lack Lakes EA). The wet meadow areas occur
on relatively flat deltas formed by deposition of sediment from I-70, although some are more
specifically "fens" because they are associated with peat soils fed by groundwater from
springs. These areas contain numerous plant species including water sedge, beaked sedge,
wooly cinquefoil, dandelion, darkthroat shootingstar, elephanthead lousewort, elkslip marsh
marigold, and bluejoint reedgrass. Wet meadows are highly valued for food chain support,
wildlife and fishery habitat, and heritage values, and moderately valued for ground water
discharge, shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces.
Riparian scrub wetlands exist on hillslopes and alluvial terraces above and adjacent to
thq Gore Creek and the Eagle River. The predominant overstory vegetation consists ofvarious
species of woody shrubs including mountain plainleaf, wolf willow, bog and water birch, red
osier dogwood, and thinleaf alder. Groundcover consists of species common to wet meadow
areas. Riparian scrub areas are highly valued.for flood storage and desynchronization,
shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces, sediment trapping, nutrient retention and
removal, wildlife and fishery habitat, and heritage values. They are moderately valued for
ground water discharge, and food chain support. They also have some minimal groundwater
recharge value (Hydrosphere, 199 lb).
' Few wetlands exist in the vicinity of the alternative pipeline alignments west of the West
Vail interchange, although some small wetland ueas do exist in depressions areas where there
is a sufficiently high groundwater table or retention of surface drainage. A significant amount
of riparian wetland vegetation exists adjacent to the Gore Creek and ttre Eagle River.
G. Hydrology
The study area is located within the Colorado River Basin and includes the drainages of
Gore Creek and the Eagle River and numerous smdl tributaries. Streams and creeks within
the study area are fed primarily by precipitation. The majority of this precipitation falls as .
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suow atrd conseguently, peak amual runoffusually occurs in early to mid-June. Sheamflow
during the late summer, fall, and winter originates mainly from ground water discharges.
Black Gore Creek, a tributary of Gore Creek, originates near the top of Vail Pass.
Black Gore Creek flows for approximately 8.4 miles west along I-70 to its confluence with
Gore Creek. From the Black Gore Creek confluence, Gore Creek flows approximately 10.5
miles to its confluence with the Eagle River at Dowd Junction. Approximately 8 miles of this
segment of Gore Creek are within the boundaries of the Town of Vail. The upper section of
this reach has been channelized along I-70 aid the Vail golf course (USDOI, 1988).
Gore Creek drains approximately 100 sguare miles and is the primary source of water
supply for the Vail Ski Area and the Town of Vail. The mean annual stream flow in Gore
Creek at its mouth is 129 cubic feet per second (cfs), with and average annual discharge of
approximately 92,(X)0 acrb feet. Peak flows during spring runoffreach 1,500 cfs during the
month of June; the lowest recorded flows have been between 10 and 12 cfs during the month
of February.
d
The water supply for the Town of Vail is diverted from Gore Creek primarily via an
alluvial well field located near the confluence ofBooth Creek and used for domestic purposes,
lawn irrigation and golf course irrigation. Water for snowmaking is withdrawn from Gore
Creek by way of an infiltration gallery located at a point near the confluence of Red Sandstone
Creek below the discharge point for the Vail Wastewater Treatment Plant Qlydrosphere,
l99rb).
The Eagle River, at a point near Avon Cotorado, drains an area of approximately 395
square miles. Annual discharge of the Eagle River at this point averages approximately
250,0fi) acre-feet, or about 350 cubic feet per second. The Eagle River is usdd for water
supply for numerous small towns west of Dowd Junction.
H. Water Ouality
Black Gore Crepk and Gore Creek are classified by the Colorado Water Quality Control
Commission as follows: a) Class I cold water aquatic live, b) domestic water supply, c) Class
2 recreation, and d) irrigation. Water quality in Black Gore Creek is considered very good
throughout its entire drainage, whereas water quality in Gore Creek deteriorates as it flows
through Vail Valley. This degradation primarily results from non-point sources of pollution.
Chemicals of particular concern in Gore Creek are fine sediments and select metals
(cadmium, manganese and lead). Possible sources include l) wash off from nearby Interstate
70, and from impervious surfaces of the parking areas throughout the Town of Vail, and 2)
naturally high concentrations in the surrounding environment which drainage directly.
(untreated) into Gore Creek Qlydrosphere, l99lb). A summary of results from several water
quality monitoring programs is provided in Table 4-l.
The Eagle River has historically experienced sever water quality degradation resulting
from operation of several mines upstream of Minturn. Of panicular note is the Eagle Mine
operated from nearly seventy five years to extract zinc silver and other metals. As such, heavy
metal poltution has reduced the quality of the waters in the Eagle River and reduced existence
of aquatic life.
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II Table 1
I Selected Water Quality Parameters Blad< Gore Creek,
I Gore Creekt and the Eagle Riverz
1 Black Gore Gore Creek Eagle River
I Parameter Creek near at Vail below Dowd JunctionI Vait
\
1 67.93 I 16.34(80-2601 (50-2001
9.54 9.30
9.1-101 {7.5-9.9t €l
7.93 7.80 7.87
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Conductivity (umho/cml
Average
lMin-Maxl
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/ll
Average
lMin-Maxl
pH
Average
(Min-Max)
Total Alkalinity (mg/ll
Average
(Min-Maxl
Nitrite + Nitrate N Diss. (mg/ll
Average
(Min-Maxl
Orthophosphate PO4 (mg/l
Average
(Min-Maxl
Total Hardness (mg/ll
Average '
(Min-Maxl
lron Dissolved (pglll
Average
(Min-Maxl
Manganese Dissolved [uglll. Average
TDS lmg/tl
Average
(Min-Maxl
(7-8.61 (6.9-8.61
88.23 63.60(53-1001 t26-801
o.72 0.96
(.01-r 2l (.01-29)
o.72 0.o2
(0-1 .81 (0-.1 5l
83.01 59.20
{1 6-1501 (21 -1 1O}
51.57 65.80(30-1001 P0-1901
40.00 6.00
102.85 74.80(64-1211 {32-931
146.84
(59-2251
9.62
{8.0-10.81
t7.o-8.7"
71.57
(34-98)
-.:
145.25
(45-20s1
94.28
120-1701
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1. EPA STORETT water quality data collected 1 973 to 1983.
2. Advanced Sciences, lnc. 1 990.
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l. Wildtife
Wildlife resources within the study area are predominantly upland in character
(Greystone, l99l). Specific habitats include subalpine meadow, riparian.wetlands, and spruce-
fir forest. These habitats provide for a diverse assemblage of both game and non-game
wildlife. Game animals most predoriinant in the area include elk, mule deer, and bear
(llydrosphere, l99lb).
Occasional use of the sudy area by mallard ducK during the late summer and fall and
early spring may also occur. A partial list ofother wildlife species that could be associated
with the habitats in the vicinity of the project'area include: pine martin, ermine, sharp-shinned
hawk, red-tailed hawk, goshawk, blue grouse, and various passerine birds (Hydrosphere,
1991b).
Special interest habitat occurs atong the route of the Proposed Action at a specially
constructed game underpass on I-70 near West Vail. This underpass is located approximately
1.5 miles east of Dowd Junction. .The area is managed by the USFS and the Colorado
Division of Wildlife and is a major winter migration route for elk and deer.
J. Fisheries
Black Gore Creek benveen Black Lakes No. I and No. 2 contains a natural reproducing
population of brook trout (llolden, l9E6). Brook trout spawn in Black Gore Creek with some
overwintering in Black Lake No. 2 (Ilydrosphere, l99lb).
Gore Creek contains a trout population consisting of brown, brook, and rainbow trout.
The brown and brook trout are self-sustaining while the rainbows are stocked. Brown trout
move up Gore Creek from the Eagle River in the fall to spawn. The reach of Gore Creek from
Red Sandstone Creek to the confluence with the Eagle River has been classified as a Gold
Medal Water by the CDOW (USDOI, 1988).
The Eagle River fishery has been impacted for many years by activities at the Eagle
Mine above Minturn. The fishery in the Eagle is comprised mostly of brown trout. As part of
the remedial activities at and near the mine, the CDOW is conducting regular population
surveys of the Eagle River. The most recent data guggest that populations of naturally
reproducing fish may be recovering.
K. Threatened and Endangered Species
1. Terrestrial
No Federally listed threatened, endangered Ct&E), or otherwise candidate plant or
animal species are ktrown to exist in the proposed project area. Within the project's area of
influence, T&E species such as peregrine falcon, bald eagle, Canada lynx, Swainsons hawk,
and southern (mexican) spotted own may possibly be present, but have not been confirmed
(usDA, 1992).
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Bald Eagle, which are federally listed Endangered, migrate through higher elevations in
Colorado during October and November and winter on the Eagle and Colorado Rivers. They
prefer areas near water, as they feed on fish and waterfowl. They use montane lakes for
feeding and resting during migration. Eagles may use stream corridors to access the forest for
hunting and foraging during the winter months. This use would be extremely limited along
alternativepipeline routes as there is generally lack ofabundant prey species in the area.
Peregrine Falcons are also federally listed as Endangered. Peregrines nest on high,
precipitous cliffs and river gorges. The Interstate corridor does not have suitable habitat for
this species. Peregrines have not been documented in the area (USDA, 1992).
Eighteen plant species havebeen listed as species ofspecial concern for Eagle County
(Keammerer, 1992). Fourteen of these have been determined not likely to ociur along the
alternative pipeline routes. The four species that could occur along the route include: Purple
Lady's Slipper (f.;pg!g!jq fasciculatum, - occurs in subalpine forests usually under the low
overhanging branches ofsub-alpine fir), Mountain Bladder Fern (eySlSpedg montana - occurs
in moist, rich spruce fir forests), Canyon Bog Orchid Ginnrc_Lg enSifolia - occurs in dry
woods), and Harrington Beardtongue (@ harringtonii). Of these four, Harrington
Beardtongue is most likely to occur along the routes, as it occurs in sagebrush shrublands and
road cuts. This species has been extensively studied in the Eagle River Valley and is known to
occur. at Avon, just west of Dowd Junction. No populations are known to be present above
Avon, although some suitable areas do exist just east of Dowd Junction (Keammerer, 1992).
This project would not have any detrimental effect on the habitat or through the direct
taking of any of the above species. ' Furthermore, none of the alternative pipeline routes have
been designated as critical habitat by the Secretary of the Interior (USDA, 1992).
2. Aquatic
No Federally listed threatened, endangered, or candidate species inhabit Gore Creek or.
the Eagle River. However, approximately 100 miles downstream of the project, the following
fish species are listed as endangered: Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus !9!6), humpback
chub (Gila cypha), and bonytail chub (Gila elegans) (USFWS, 1989). The razorback sucker(pguCb texanus) also occurs in the Colorado River and has been proposed for listing. This
project would not have any detrimental effect on the habitat or through the direct taking of any
of fte above species.
L. Air Ouality
The Colorado Department of Health (1989) considers air quality along the alternative
pipeline routes to be very good. In the more populated areas of Vail, however, particulates
have recently been of concern. During recent years, development has increased the number of
sources ofparticulate emissions, particularly wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Because the
Vail Valley is prone to frequent temperature inversions, the increase in emissions has caused
decreases in local air quality (Greystone, l99l).
As a result of diminished air quality, the Colorado Department of Health monitors the
particulates in Vail (Greystgne, l99l). From 1980 to 1987, total suspended solids (ISP) were
measures and recorded. In 1987, the EPA replaced the TSP standards with new National
Ambient Air Quality Standards for PMl0. pMtO is the measure of particulate matter under 10.
microns of size (fown of Vail, 1992). Based on this monitoring, Vail has not exceeded
National Ambient Air Quality Standards over the past few years (Greystone, l99l).
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The Town of Vail conducted its own study of air quality in the Vail Valley in 1992.
The sody determined that although PMIO standards were not being exceeded, Vail regularly
excgeded federal standuds when TSP was used. This suggests that PM10 standards are not an
adequate indicator for mountain communities prone to inversions. In addition, the study
concluded with a 99Vo confidence interval that the total number of wood-burning fireplaces
accounts for 74% of the variation in maximum levels and 79% of the variation in winter
averages of TSP and PMl0. The total number of skier days combined with the number of
fireplaces accounted fot 90Vo of the variation in PMl0. This indicates that the number of
wood-burning fireplaces and the number of winter visitors have a significant impact on air
quality. The study concluded that gas conversions in lodges could significantly improve air
quality (fown of Vail, 1992). '
Other causes of TSP and PMIO flucnrations were determined to be sanding on local
roads and I-70, vehicle exhaust, and barbecue grills. Carbon Monoxide (CO) was monitored
during the 1987-1988 winter and no exceedances offederal standards were found (Iown of
Yail, 1992). Vail has recently adopted ordinances prohibiting wood-burning fireplaces in new
construction, allowing only the installation ofcertified firel burning ddvices, gas appliances,
and gas log fireplaces (City ordinance 8.28.030 and 8.28.0,(), Yail al'92).
M. Recreation
Recreational resources are very abundant along the alternative pipeline routes. These
resources include bike trails, roads, ski areas, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The Vail Pass
Bikeway runs from Frisco to Copper Mountain, then over Vail Pass to, and through, Vail
(Summit County Source Book). As discussed previously under the route description for
Alternative D, ttris bikepath will eventually be extended from the West Vail interchange to
Dowd Junction. The path receives considerable use during the summer with peak usage
occurring on the weekends (Greystone, 1991). The Copper Mountain to Vail Pass section has
a recorded peak usage of60 bicycles per hour (Greystone, l99l).
Additional recreational resources within the study area include several Forest Service
campgrounds, the Vail Ski Area and resorts, and trails. Primary activities include camping,
hiking, biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, hunting, and picnicking (Greystone, l99l).
Vail Ski area is the most visited ski area in Colorado, bringing in 1,523,503 visitors in the
1989-1990 season. Copper Mountain received 771,565 visitors in the same season (Colorado
Ski Country, USA).
N. Visual Resources
The Vail Valley is generally an area of high scenic quality. The study area consists of
mountainous terrain ranging from approximately 7,500 feet in elevation at Dowd Junction to
10,549 feet at the top of Vail Pass. Generdly, the valley slopes contain no unusual rock
formations or topographic features. The visual appearance changes dramatically with the
seasons. The dominance of aspen trees provide a green lush appearing vegetative cover during
the spring and summer months and spectacular changing colors in the fall. In the winter, the
bare trees and snow cover contribute to a barren winter landscape Qlydrosphere, l99la).
Previously disturbed corridors are used for each of the alternatives pipeline alignments,
with the exception of a portion of the alignment under Alternative E. The areas located within
the immediate vicinity of the alternative routes range from substantidly modified to minimally
modified. Most of the substantial modification is within the areas of the Town of Vail and I-70
Rightrf-Way. In these areas, much of the original land form has been altered by grading,
pavement, and building construction. The route under Alternative E in the area which
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diverges ftom the I-70 corridor towards the north still retains its undeveloped visual quality.
In general, modifications to landforms throughout the sody area are minimal and unobtrusive
(Greystone, 1991).
The USFS has assessed the visual resources of the portions of the project area lying
within the National Foresb using its Visual Manhgement System. This system determines the
visual quality objectives (VQO's) to be used by the USFS for managing its visual resources.
USFS land located within the study area are managed for the VQO's of partial retention @R).
Under a PR classification, activities $at alter the landscape must be visually subordinate to that
landscape (USDA l98ac).
O. Cultural Resources
The study area is situated along Gore Creek from East Vail to its confluence with the
Eagle River at Dowd Junction and the Eagle River extending a few miles west of Dowd
Junstion. Historic land-use patterns have radically altered many segqents of these area. From
the 1880s through the 1960s widespread cultivation altered the land surface in many areas.
Since the early 1960s the development of Vail and the I-70 corridor have altered major
portions of the valley floors. In some iuea these modifrcation to the valley floor along Gore
Creek have been extensive.
Most surface or shallowly buried prehistoric sites along the highway corridor, which the
pipeline corridor will follow, have been destroyed. However, there is some potential that
more deeply buried sites may remain along portions of old Highway 6 or in broader portions
of the valley where earth-moving involved with construction of the interstate highway was less
extensive (Metcalf, 1992).
Previous cultural resource investigations that have been conducted along this corridor
have been for construction along or near the I-70 corridor, including the bicycle trails and
planning and development for the Vail Valley water and sanitation districts. Recent overviews
have included Metcalf (1989), and MAC (1990). Documented prehistoric sites along this
corridor include Vail Pass Camp near the head of West Tenmile Creek @iggs, 1975; Gooding,
1981), near Miller Creek, and near Black Lake (Zier, 1986; O'Brien, l99l). Historic
resources include a number of buildings that were destroyed during construction of the
interstate highway.
P. Socioeconomics
The historical economic base within the study area consisted mainly of mining,
agriculture, timber, and railroad industries. Since 1962, the economic base has shown a shift
from these traditional industries, which have either leveled offor declined, to the recreational
industry. Resort activity in Vail and Beaver Creek has experienced rapid growth in recent
years. Presently, retail trade accounts for about 65 percent of all employment in Eagle
County. The cost of living in Eagle County is about 15 to 30 percent higher than in the Metro
Denver area. By comparison, nearby towns such as Leadville have experienced financial
troubles, due mainly to layoffs in the mining industry Slydrosphere, f99lb).
Vail Ski Area is the largest single ski area complex in the United States. . Future usage
of the Vail Ski Area is expected to continue growing, in terms of annual skier visits and peak
day demands, at an average rate of 2 to 3 percent per year for the next 20 years. However,
during the 1988-19E9 ski season, annual skier visits numbered 1,454,386, an increase of nearly
12% over the previous year, and an increase of 4.757o was realized for the 1989-90 season,
witlr 1,523,503 skier visits (Vail Associates, Inc.) while the state showed a2.8% drop in skier
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Visits (Colorado Ski Country, USA). Vail Associates project for the year 2005, 1,727,952
annual skier visits, with the peak day demand of.22,917 skiers. Approximately 68% of skiers
at Vail are overnight (destination) guess and 32% ue day skien (Vail Associates, Inc.).
The social characteristics ofEagle County also reflect the influence ofttre ski industry.
The population is quite "cosmopolitan' in the more urban areas, due in part to the rapid
immigration of the past decade, the effects of transiency accompanying the substantial seasond
employment fluctuations, and the presence of large numbers of seasonal residents who maintain
second homes in the area. This state of flux results in limited community and social
integration. Local values and lifestylas appgar to be highly diverse, and consensus on public
issues is reportedly difficult to attain.' In addition, informal support systems are apparently not
well established, reflecting in part the effects ofrapid population change (USDA 1984c)
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V. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEOUENCES AND MITIGATION MEASURES
This section of the Environmental Assessment describes potential adverse and beneficial
impacts to the natural resources of the National Forest that would result from construction and
operation of the Proposed Action (Alternative B). No significant adverse impacts to the
environment would result from the Proposed Action and some benefits would be accrued as a
result ofrevegetation in several areas where existing vegetation has been severely degraded.
A. fhysiography and Geology
Impacts associated with tie construction of a pipeline would be confined to a designated
pipeline Rightrf-Way. The Right-of-Way must be wide enough to accommodate all
construction and maintenance activities. The pipeline under in the Proposed Action would
require a Rightof-Way on the order of 25 fe.t in width.
In order to reduce the impacts associated with developing a constnrction pad on which
an excavator could operate within the pipeline Rightof-Way, full advantage would be taken of
existing roads, highways, road shoulders, ditches or other previously constructed structure that
could be utilized as the construction pad. This will reduce additional cuts and fills, thus
reducing impact to existing topographic and geologic conditions.
If development of a construction pad is needed, advanced pipeline construction methods
will be utilized. These methods include developing temporary construction pads that exist only
for a short period during trench excavation and for the pipe installation. Immediately
following the pipe installation and back-filling of the pipeline trench, the construction pad is
removed. Topographic surface at the construction site is then restored to pre-excavation
conditions. This approach results in no impacts on the physiography of the area.
B. Soils
There will be viroally no impact to soil conditions as a resutt of the Proposed Action.
The construction of the pipeline trench, and of the construction pad, if not properly performed,
can result in increased erosion potentid and slope stability problems. However, these
problems are commonly mitigated by construction methods that improve the physical properties
of the native soils and increase their re.sistance to erosion, sliding or to other geologic hazards.
This approach has been accepted by designers ofthe highways and roads throughout the Vail
Valley and surrounding area and will be incorporated in to the construction methods for the
pipeline installation.
C. Groundwater
There would be very minimal impact on tocal groundwater conditions as a result of the
Proposed Action and any impacts that occur would be temporary. Some effect may occur
during the pipeline construction process whereby the trench excavated for the pipeline may
intercept the alluvial water table. This is considered unlikely throughout the majority of the
proposed construction area given the proximity ofthe water table to the ground surface along
the proposed pipeline route.. However, ifthe water table is encountered during the excavation
process, impacts would only be temporary and conditions would be restored after pipeline
installation and backfill.
Permanent impacts associated with pipeline construction on groundwater conditions are
rare but occasionally occur. An example of more permanent pipeline influences on
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groundwater is when a pipeline trench functions as a water conduit in relatively impewious
ground, and diverts grouDdwater to different locations than before the pipeline construction.
These cases can be mitigated by the design of the pipeline back-fill material and by using
undergmund plugs to prevent groundwater flows in the trench.
D. Geologic Hazards
In the absence ofany clearly identified active faults, only potentially active fault
crossings will have to be designed within the Proposed Action. If an unstable area must be
crossed by the pipeline, special.design procedures will be used. Methods of mitigation of such
crossings include design of 'soft" back-fill of the pipeline trench and larger dimensions of the
pipeline trench.
E. Vegetation
Disturbance to vegetation is the most significant environmentaliimpact that would result
from the Proposed Action. However, a majority of tlre pipeline route under the Proposed
Action is located along previously disturbed corridors and highway Rightof-Ways. In these
areas, vegetation has in many cases been severely degraded as a result ofhighway salting and
sanding.
Vegetation along the portion of the proposed pipeline route that lies between the
Meadow Mountain Meter Station and the west terminus of Basingdale Road has also been
degraded. In recent years this area has been used as a biking and hiking route between Vail
and Minturn.
Tmpacts to vegetation would be confined mainly to the construction phase ofthe project.
Disturbance to vegetation would be limited to the width of the pipeline constnrction Rightof-
Way. All impacts to vegetation would be temporary. The duration of the disturbance can be
shortened by employing a continual back-fill and re-vegetation process as the construction
moves along the route. All disturbed areas will be reclaimed with a appropriate seed mixture
approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
F. Wetlands and Riparian Areas
Temporary impacts to wetlands and riparian areas will be limited to very small isolated
wetlands existing along the shoulder of the south frontage road and to the point of crossing
beneath Gore Creek. After construction of the pipeline, vegetation in these areas will be
restored to pre-project conditions.
ImFacts to the wetlands along the Frontage Road will be minimized by stockpiling all
topsoil from the pipeline excavation and replacing the material in the same location after
installing the pipe. No change in local hydrologic conditions are expected and the wetland
vegetation should reestablish very quickly after construction.
Minor impacts to a small riparian area will occur.as a result of crossing Gore Creek.
This crossing will require disturbance of approximately 20 fent of riparian vegetation on either
side of Gore Creek. After the pipeline has been installed, these disturbed areas will be
restored to pre-project conditions to extent possible. Due to the prolific nature of riparian
vegetation, it is expected that impacts in these areas will be very temporary and that the Gore
Creek crossing area should be compl*ely restored within one or two growing seaso$.
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G. Hydrology
No significant impacts to local hydrology are expected as a result of construction of the
proposed project. Minor impacts may include temporary modification surface drainage and
runoff in the immediate vicinity of the project construction. As reclamation proceeds
following construction of the pipeline, all drainage patterns will be restored to original
conditions.
H. Water Ouality
Temporary impacts to thd water quality of Gore Creek and the Eagle River will result
during the construction process of the Proposed Action. These impacts will be limited to
increased sediment load for short periods of time. The most significant impact will be from
construction activities within Gore Creek iself.
It is expected that construction activities associated with the Gqre Creek crossing will
require two to three days to complete. These activities include developing a construction pad
down into the Creek on both the north and south sides. A four foot deep trench will then be
excavated across the stream and the pipellne installed.
Construction activitiqs ofthe creek crossing will be conducted during a period ofhigh
stream flow. This will be advantageous in terms of reducing water quality impacts because of
the ability of the high flows to keep the sediment in a suspended state in the water column and
flush out the sediment which might otherwise deposit on the stream bottom.
Additional impacts to water quality could result from precipitation runoff carrying high
sediment loads from the construction area. Extensive use of erosion control fencing as well as
continual back-fill and re-vegetation practices will help mitigate this problem.
l. Wildlife
Construction ofthe pipeline under the Proposed Action would result in localized short-
term impacts to wildlife. Surface disturbances would temporarily displace small mammals,
however, as areas become revegetated, these animals iue expected to refurn. Avifauna are not
expected to be impacted in any significant way.
Short-term disturbances during construction in the areas west of the West Vail
interchange could temporarily impact use by deer and elk populations by way of construction
equipment noise. This area is important to these populations because of the presence of a game
crossing beneath I-70. This game crossing tunnel allows safe access to either side ofthe
interstate. Efforts will be made to minimize the disturbance to deer and elk by completing
pipeline construction in this area during periods oflow animal usage, i.e. not during the big
game migration season.
J. Fisheries
The possibility of additional sediment loading to Gore Creek and the Eagle River inay
impact fish populations in these sEeanN. This impact would be higher in Gore Creek than in
fte Eagle River because the additional flow of the Eagle will tend to dilute sediment load. The
reach of Gore Creek which will be impacted has beBn classified as a Gold Medal Water by the
CDOW. Spawning of Brown trout in this reach of Gore Creek occurs in the fall.
Construction activities will not occur during this time and every effort will be made to
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complete construction ofthe creek pipeline crossing as quickly as possible. Riparian
vegetation along the banks ofGore Creek will be restored to pre-project conditioni after the
pipeline has been installed.
In order to control of runoff and sediment loading problems during construction
activities other than directly in Gore Creek, the construction contractor will be required to
develop an erosion control plan to minimize deposition of sediment ftom construction areas.
This plan will incorporate such erosion control measures as fencing, hay bales, sedimentation
ponds, etc to catch and store runoff.
K. Threatened and Endanlered Species
The construction of the pipeline should have no adverse effects on threatened or
endangered plant or animal species. The eastern portion ofthepipeline route under the
proposed project has been field surveyed and confirmed that no threatened or endangered
species ,tre present. The western portion of the proposed project betrXreen Basingdale Road and
the Meadow Mountain Meter Station will be surveyed in late May or June of 1993 to e.stablish
if speeies of concern are present. Although improbable, it is possible that the plant species
Harrington Beardtongue (Penstemon harringtonii),listed as a species of special concern for
Eagle and Summit Counties, exists in this area. If this, or other threatened or endangered
species are present, mitigation mq$ures will be employed to avoid any adverse effects of
construction activities on these populations.
L. Air Ouality
The continual operation of heavy machinery in the Vail Valley will temporarily affect
local air quality during construction. This is especially true immediately within the Town of
Vail which is prone to temperature inversions that tend to hold locally produced pollution in
the air over the Valley. These temperature inversions, however, occur mainly during the
winter months and should not cause a significant problem during the summer period of
construction. Avoiding unnecessary idling of the construction machinery will help to minimize
these temporary affects.
Pipeline construction along this route will have no lasting adverse affects on the air
quality of this area. The increased availability of natural gas to the Town of Vail may
encourage wood-to-gas appliance conversions, thereby reducing emissions caused by wood-
burning appliances in the Vail Valley.
M. Recreation
There would be virtually no impacts associated with construction of the project on
recreational oppormnities in the Vail Valley.
N. Visual Resources
Construction activities along the south ftontage will be very visible to the public eye.
This disturbance, however, will be temporary. The duration of these effects can be minimized
by employing a continual back-fill and re-vegetation procedure along the route. Once
construction in $is area is complete, there will be virtually no indications that the project was .
constructed.
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In the area between Basingdale Road and the Meadow Mountain Meter Station,
successful revegetation efforts will be very important to reduce long term visual impacts.
Previous reseeding efforts associated with construction ofthe existing natural gas line in this
area proved highly successful and no furure problems in this area are anticipated. Excavation
scarring along the pipeline route will be visible from Highway 24 for several years but will
diminish as vegetation reestablishes. In the long-term, construction of -the pipeline will result
only in mioor lasting visual effects.
O. Cuttural Resources
No disruption or destnrcdion oi cultural resources will occur due to the construction of
the pipeline along between the eastern end ofthe project and the western end ofBasingdale
Road. A cultural resources study of the area between the western end of Basingdale Road and
the Meadow Mountain Meter Station is currently in progress. Although very unlikely, if
cultr,rral resources are located within the area, mitigation steps will be taken to avoid any.
perm,rneDt impacts to these areas. d
P. Socioeconomics
The construction ofa new natural gas pipetine along the proposed route will increase gas
availability for the Town of Vail. New restrictions on wood-burning appliances as well as the
continued growth of the ski area and resulting increases in skier visits will increase the demand
for natural gas. The completion of this project will provide the long-term impact of meeting
this demand.
On the negative side, there will be a short-term nnuisance" impacts resulting from
construction activities, possibly causing minor local traffic delays, and producing unsightly
construction equipment. These negative impacts will mostly affect local area residents.
O. Cumulative lmpacts
:
Environmental impacts in all of the areas discussed above will be minimized by limiting
construction, to the extent possible, to areas which have previously been disturbed by other
human construction activities. Coordination with other construction projects which may occur
in the area, such as construction of the bike path to Dowd Junction and the installation of
additional water supply pipelines to the Town of Vail, can minimize the duration of the
temporary disruptions that will be caused by the construction and reduce environmental
impacts.
R. Summary of Environmental lmpacts that Gannot be Avoided
The most significant impact resutting ftom construction of the proposed pio3ect *ill be a
temporary disturbance of vegetation along the pipeline route. This impacts will be mitigated
through an extensive revegetation effort which will be conducted simultaneously along the
route as a particular stretch ofthe pipeline installation is completed. It is expected that one to
tuio growing seasons will be sufficient time to reestablish vegetation to near pre-project
conditions.
Impacts to the water quality and fisheries of Gore Creek and the Eagle River are
unavoidable, however they are relatively minor and short lived. These impacts specifically
relate to construction activities associated with installing the pipeline across the creek, and the
potentid for additional sediment to be carried in the water. The potential for impacts to water
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. quality from construction runoff outside of Gore Creek will be minimized utilizing sediment
trapping mechanisms such as hay bales and/or small retention ponds.
Construction activities may temporarily reduce air quality due to the use of the large
machinery and trucks in the Vail Valley.
,Temporary adverse visual effects, although relatively minor and partially mitigatable,
will still be unavoidable.
S. Specific Mitigation Megsures
Specific precautions and mitigation measures associated with construction of the new
natural gas pipeline will include:
l) Extensive revegetation efforts.
2) Repair of damaged pavement or sidewalks. ti
3) Sedimentation basins to intercept runofffrom disturbed/exposed soils which could
reduce Gore Creek water quality.
4) Topsoil from borrow areas stored and used to revegetate the excavated pipeline
trench.
5) All wetland soils and vegetation set aside after excavation and replaced in same
location after pipeline installation
6) Construction scars covered with the best avaitable topsoil and revegetated according
to a plan approved by the Forest Service, CDOT, CDOW and/or Town of Vail.
7) Measures to minimize erosion and stabilize disturbed soils during the revegetation
period.
8) Signing for safety at the construction site(s).
9) Following construction, Rightof-Way between Basingdale Road and the Meadow ,
Mountain Meter Station will be fenced at either end to discourage use by bikers and
hikers.
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IJ vr. coNsuLTATroN AND cooRDrNATroN
I Bill Andre, District Wildlife Manager, Colorado Division of Wildlife
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Russell Forest, Senior Environmental Policy Planner, Planning Department, Town of Vail,
I Colorado
I- Sid Fox, Planner, Community Development Department, Eagle County
tI Tim Grantham, Lands Forester, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest,I Yinturn, Colorado -
,l Oreg Hall, Town Engineer, Public Worts Department, Town of Vail, Colorado
Kristen Larson, Pipeline Engineer, Public Service Company of Colorado
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J Dan Micka, Project Design Engineer, Public Service Company of Colbrado
- Rich Persky, Colorado Department of Transpiration
I.l Kristen Pritz, Director of Community Development, Town of Vail, Colorado
I Matthew Reay, District Traffic Engineer, Colorado Department of Transportation
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Daniel Tekavec, Engineering Services Manager, Public Service Company of Colorado.
t.I William Wood, District Ranger, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest,t Minturn, Colorado
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II vr. Ltsr oF PREPARERS
I Tbis Environmental Assessment was prepared by the following individuats under the
I direction of William A. Wood, District Ranger, Holy Cross Ranger District, White River
National Forest:
1I Robert M. Weaver, Environmental Consultant, Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1002I Walnut Street, Suite 2(X), Boulder, CO 80302
t-J Frlward J. Armbruster, Water Resources Engineer, Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1ffi2I Walnut Street, Suite 2fl), Boulder, CO 80302
-l Kelley K. Close, Environmental Consultant, Hydrosphere Resource Consultane, lfi)2 Watnut
I Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302
: Jim McClung, Rightof-Way Agent, Public Service Company of Colorado, 1050 lTth Street,
I Suite 500, Denver, CO, 80265-0501
Michal Bukovan"ki, Cbnsulting Engineering Geologist, Denver, Colorado
,I Warren Keammerer, Consulting Plant Ecologist, Boulder, Colorado
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VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Advanced Sciences, Inc. 1990. Vail - Gore/Eagle Water'Quality Monitoring Program
Resuls. Report prepared for Vail Valley Consolidated Water District.
Algermissen, S.T., Perkins, D.M., Thenhaus, P.C., Hanson, S.L., and Bender, B.L. (f9E2):
Probabilistic Estimates of Maximum Acceleration and Velocity in Rock in ther
Contiguous United States. U.S. Geological Suney,, Open File Report No. E2-1033
Barton, Stoddard, Millhollin & Higgins (1972):Vail Pass Environmental Study. Report for
Colorado Department of Higliways, Project No, I-70-Z (19), Vail to Wheeler Junction
Bates, R.L., Jackson, J.A., Editors (1957): Dictionary of Geotogical Terms. Anchor Press
Book, Doubled ay, 1984 edition.
Biggs, Robert W. 1975. An Archaeological Survey and Test Excavatigns of Sites on Vail Pass,-- Colorado. Colorado Departmei-t of Highways, Highway Satv8le Report No. ll,
Boulder CO.
Brown, L. 19E5. Grasslands. The Audubon Society Nature Guides. Alfred A. Knopf, New
York, New York.
Colton, R.B., Holligan J.A., Anderson, L.W., and Patterson, P.E. (1975): Preliminary Map
of Landslide Deposits, Leadville lox2o Quadrangle, Colorado. U.S. Geological
Survey, Miscellaneous Field Studies, Map. MF-70 I
Golder Associates (1984): Natural Gas Pipeline Relocation, Climax to Vail, Landslide Close to
Redcliff (Pando). Report to Western Gas Supply Company
Golder Associates (1985): Stability Evaluation, Climax to Vail Naturd Gas Pipeline, Section
Camp Hale to Minturn. Report to Western Gas Supply Company
Golder Associates (1986): Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Black Lake Dam
#3, Vail Pass, Colorado. Report to Tipton & Kalmbach, Inc.
Gooding, John. 1981. The Archaeology of Vail Pass Camp: A Multi-component Base Camp
Below Tree Limit in the Southern Rockies. Colorado Department of Highways,
Highway Salvage Report No 35, Boulder, Colorado.
Greystone Development Consultants, Inc. and Resource Consultants, Inc. 1991. Environmental
Assessment for the US West Communications Baily to Rifle, Colorado Fiber Optic
Cable Project.
Hofftnan, G. R., and R. R. Alexander. 1983. Forest Vegetation of the White River National
Forest in Western Colorado: A Habitat Type Classification. USDA Forest Service
Research Paper RM-249. 36pp.
Holden, P. 1986. Aquatic Biology Studies Related to the Enlargement of Black Lake No. I
near Vail, Colorado. Draft Technical Report of Biowest, Inc.
Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc. l99la. Environmentat Arromant for the Access
Road for.the Spraddle Creek Subdivision, Vail, Colorado. Hydrosphere Resource
Consultants, Inc,, Boulder, Colorado.
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Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc. 1991b. Environmental Assessment for Black Lake
No. I Enlargement Project. Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, Inc., Boulder,
Colorado.
Keammerer, W. 1992. Personal Communications. Plant Ecologist, Stoeker-Keammerer,
Boulder, Colorado.
Kirkham, R.M., Rogers, W.P. (l9El): Earthquake Potential in Colorado; A Preliminary
Evaluation. Colorado Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Bulletin
43
Lee, L.J. (1977): Potential Foundation Problems Associated with Earthquakes in San Diego.
In Geologic Hazards ia San Diego, Earthquakes, Landslides and Floods
Mabey, M.A., and Youd, T.L. (19E9): Probabilistic Liquefaction Severity Index Maps of the
State of Utah. Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, Utatr Department of Natural
Resources, Open File Report No. 159 6'
Metcalf, Michael D. 1989. A Class I Culnrral Resource Inventory of the Vail Valley
Consolidated Water District, Eagle County, Colorado. Metcalf Archaeological
Consultants, Inc., Eagle, Colorado.
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Metcalf, Michael D. 1992. WestGas Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline over Bail Pass, Wheeler
Junction to Dowd Junction, Summit and Eagle Counties, Class I Cultural Resource
Overview and Reconnaissance. Eagle, Colorado.
Mueggler, W. F., and W. L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and Shrubland Habitat Types of
Western Montana. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report INT-66.
O'Brien, Patrick. 1991. Archaeological Testing at 5EA773 in the Black Lakes Area, Eagle
County, Colorado. Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc., Eagle, Colorado.
Robinson, C.S., Cochran, D.M. (1971): Intermediate Geologic Investigations, Big Horn Creek
to Wheeler lunction, Vail Pass. Report for Colorado Department of Highways, Project
No. I-70-2 (19)
Rogers, W.P., Ladwig, L.R., Hornbaker, A.L., Schwochow, S.D., Hart, S.S., Shelton, D.C.,
Scroggs, D.L., and Soule, J.M. (197$: Guidelines and Criteria for Identification and
Land-Use Controls of Geologic Hazard and Mineral Resource Areas. Colorado
. Geological Survey, Department of Natural Resources, Special Publication No. 6
Summit County Planning and Engineering Department. 1983. Summit County Sourcebook.
Summit County Planning and Engineering Deparfinent, Breckenridge, Colorado.
Thornbury, William D. 1965. Regional Geomorphology of the United States. John Wiley and
Sons, New York, New York.
Tipton and Kalmack, Inc. 1986. Various Hydrology Studies Related to Black Lakes
Enlargement Project. Denver, Colorado.
Town of Vail. 1991. (title of Report). (Who Wrote It), Qi/here).
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Tweto, O., Moench, R.H., and Reed, I.C. Jr. (1978): Geologic Map of the Leadville lox2o
Quadrangle, Northeastern Colorado. U.S. Geological Survey, Miscellaneous
Investigations Series, Map I-999
USDA Forest Service. 1984a. Keystone/Arapatroe Keystone Mountain Expansion,
Environmental Assessment. Arapahoe National Forest, Rocky Mountain Region.
USDA Forest Service. 1984b. White River National Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan. USDA Forest Service, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
USDA Forest Service. 1984c. Final Environmental Impact Statement and the Land on' Resource Management PIan for the White River National Forest. USDA Forest
Service, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
USDA Forest Service. t992. Biological Assessment for the WestGas Pipeline. White River
Nationd Forest Holy Cross Ranger District, Minturn, Colorado.
USDOI Bureau of Reclamation. 1988. Final Supplement to the Final Environmerital Impact
Statement for Green Mountain Reservoir, Colorado Water Marketing Program,
Colorado-Big Thompson, Windy Gap Projects, Colorado. USDOI Bureau of
Reclamation, Billings, Montana.
Zier, Christian J. 1986: Archaeological Survey of the Black Lake Enlargement Environmental
Assessment Area, Eagle County, Colorado. Centennial Archaeology, Inc., Fort
Collins, Colorado.
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303S263515;# 1/ 3
RECEIVED
HAY aE Bm
EAGI.E COUI{IY
C(IMMUNI TY BEVEIOPiIEI{T
Mty 27,199.3
30332E7207-o
Mr. Sid Fox
Community Derrelopment Depsrtnont
Eagle County
500 BroadweY
Eagle, CO Et63l
RE: Supplemental ldormation for the lntcrtsilrectlng Wator Mstn a{$noym*J$ $petins- l04i Applicarions submitted hy Vail Valley Consolidst€d Watcr Distrlct and Vsil
Associates, Inc-
Dear Sid:
Enclosed please flnd copies of the Dwdopment Area and Source Dcvdopment AIG1
-aps fo. ttre efdve referencdpruject. There mrps h-avc been slightly rovised to show the
AtJ.-tiue pipeline routo &at ii pi:posd by the ipplicants. 'Ilris.allgnnent inchdos a
proposed viriation in the two piicliire rourtir S-rt y* descrihed in the psrmit applications.
l"U-"riircA m yor oo Apfil 26,'1i93. On behalf of tho applicanu,.Vstl vllleY Consolidaled
Water Distriri and Vaill Associatut, Inc., dri.c tetter proviiles supplorneirtal informatlon to thg
pipeli"i afplications regerding the-proposed ard prr:fened altentatives. fire applications
iuh*inert'tb Eagle Couity on Aprii 26- Occrilo two alternativs foutsr for thc prop_oS
iutermnnecting-Wrter Miin and-the Snowmaking Pipeline: the lifc-prlh ryute and the routc
followlng the iignmcnt of tr mtural gas pipdinc-owneA Uy ry hrUllc S€fvicc Company
Cp-SLO).- Sto* ifie appttcuton w"r sirUniitied, Se applicante havs becn uorkiqS wit! the U.S.
Forest'Service, desigif engineers. and envimnmentil coruulturts to firther evaluato the
alternativg nlpellne ilisn;eoB so aE to select a routo thu is practiceble from an cngineoring
imndpoint iviile avoiding undue exposure o natural hazards and mlnimizing cnvironmental
impaits. In ths c{rur$e oT thn evatuation, wc havc ldcntlfiad 0 routs vanldion whlch maket u$e
ofiubsrantlal portiotrs ofborh routes describod ln theorigind appllcationt, but involves
conntrustion o'f approximatety 900 feet of pipcline conncdting the.two toutB. This ptoposcd
nrute varition urould altow dle pipeline to rivold problem areas that exist ln both 0re biko path
and PSCO right+f-wry, thus utliEing the bcst portions of htut rlignmma.
The prcposod ruute is rtescrlbed as follow*: from the end of tho Sott$ Frontage Road,
the pipelhi w6uU follo* the PSCO rightof-way descdbcd in tle rpnllcatiort. At l point
bciteh approxinatety 2,800 f€d w€st of th6 cnd of Basingdale Drilc' the ptoposed roulc -
wogll leiw the PSCb rishtof-way and fullow a nortil-we$t€rly allgrrmont down the hlll stopc
toward Gore Craol hr afproximatiCy 9fit feet io thc I-70 bridge across Gore Crcet. Thc
plpeline would then "rosi'Gore Creel anrl IJO under the bridgc ad entet dre bife p4tt
itienomnt on 0re nonh slde of thc I-?0 brklgc. Frcm-this point thq pipolines would follow thc
bili=e prth alignment to the west as described in the original appliculons.
Ths rdvcotagc.r of this proposed allgnmont are thst it would avoid sertions of the tlike
oath alrernative thi would traie io be conitrudql in a vory tight conidor betn'een Gors Crcck
lna tne interstate highway tr woukl also rvoid the highly visible secrion on lhe wcst end of the
pSCO right-of-way -that faversss r sto€p slopc above the Eagle River. Tho-onty disdvantage
of thc pr6poserl route is thar it would cioss a prcviously undcvclopul uea that provides
Fo€t lt- trand fax lransrnittal memo TEll
SEITN BY:EAGI.E COIJTTTY l-98 ; 11:28 ;;6-o 8033287207.o 8039268515;# 2/ 3
Mry 7f, t993
Prge 2
vduablo habttat for docr ud elk. Wo bel aonfdilt th thir uoa can bo oftcrivctv roclrimod
in a mrucr ttst vil f,rlly rwtolr ulrtlog t€bttrt vdu$.
In 6o proccr of cvdudry ftc bi&e prlh rour, wc frund St frc nmbsnlmgd ftr |hc
blb pafr rutld hflE F bo cubsmdalb €illagod o prwtdo de$a00 $aco b Escomnodrte
&o watcr lincs ir conrpliroco wfrr conetnrctlon codo rcquiriry ton fi* of repardoo bc{rGco
351v6tr rnd nured urter plpe llau. Specing of theptpeltnec nr$ d|o be ruficieot !0 dlory
rccesr for repalr rld ndilooeffe pueoc€B wlile at tbc reue tlne provldlng a nhlmm of
rbout rix ftet of crvcr b prwent tcedng. Tbs ombircd in1nfi of 6ese frciors rodd
reqdre reloccinn of the oxkiliq U.S. WGst fr€r opdcs cable sd rcgult iu diffcnlt
conffiucdon conditioru 6d would rtquiro frorirg lrrge recionr of highwey cnbankrud
rbove dre bite path plaform ln ordes b comply wldr OSHA rddy itrrdlnt. In rdditioa b
ttcsc sustruction and dcign pmbluru, wu foud that $o cnlargcmcnl of tle trilp @
cnbanknent ad platform E aconnodste tho w@r supply pipoliu wmtd rqdr€ plffitr€ot
of rcalnlqg wallt vi6ln Gorc Crtst ln some locatlons. Tbli inpa* would be permancut d
moro difticult to mitiguc thrn the regoratlon of vegelatlon rcquired ftr the prefcrrcd rorro.
With qgud to thc nrost ild of the PSCO rfttfof-way our waluathns concluded tbat tlc
courbhed vlrud inprcts of corufuction of ttc poposed n*ual gas liuq the htercoorccthg
Wrter Mdn and the $nouullng Prpellne would be substrtrtid. Thlr scgn€ffi of pbdlnr
wuuld trrvertp ths hilbrdc rbovc thc Bogle Rlver crosrlng 30 to a0 dsgtte slols and up b
sfi) fs{ of Oo plpclinc world heve to ba condmctod thmugf, a rock outoup4ring (the Minturr
fornltion) just below 0re ridge llae reprrting &e Fqlo Rlver dralnago urd Gort Cre€t. llis
sca b of concorn becanro it ir highly vlsible from I-70 ad ftom tho elk vien'iug *dion
located ufrcForc$ SefllceHoly Crols Raqcr Di*dctofu.
Il addition, 6is slope ryould be more dlfiicult to rcvsgotate duo rt iB souhwe$t esp€ct
sftich rcsulG in dryer cotdltloar and more sparse vegeadve coverthan ls ftund on ths norrl
lbclng slopc abovs Gore Cr€ek thn wnuld be cross€d by tbo proposed aligrnent- The flow grs
linepropced by FSCO c8n be s{afu$ed by lsdf rrrltb nlnlrilal rlbt$rbacc o thir erer
bccsuss it ean be inrtalled snd mchordd to t[e bedrock witb a nioinal amorfr of ovsrburdso.
lf the wnlcr linec wcrc addod b tlis corrldor, the arsf, of dhhrrbancs \ieuld ho ruch largcr
becarrsoof tle sprclog requiremenb for ragair ud maintenanco accrs and berure of thd
requlrerent for sufficient wtrbudeu to ptrwgtt fteod[g. Beca$e of thgc frcbrs tho qtcnt
of dlrturtnncr would bc mucb greater ud ho uirlgulon of vlrurl ispacts voutd be vcry
diftisult.
The proprscd routE avolds the plthlls dccrlbed above for tfte b|Ic path ud PS@ ristt-
ofiray dtarnnlvec. The $el betwcen thc PSCO rightd-wry and Goro Creelc rh* crould b6
crmsed by tlc proposed rcute le oilttrBd by Se Colorrdo Dlvlgbn of wilrtltft rrd is of coEc|flr
becsusc of its vslue as wlldllfe Dahlt* for ds and elk and because lt is locdEd wittrin ur
imporunt gnoe nigrrtion csrridor bctlveen wintcr rrrd sumrnsr t&ges. Tho veg*aion ln drb
rr€8 n'fidd be cl|racterized U a conifcr/aspcn forc$, MaUrc NSp€tr toEc arc mt prwrlent,
wtth mired conifcrs and a hedt[y undunory of young rlpqL gassr and ftrbc. The arEf,
provides ercdl€ot oov€r ard forago ftrr wildllfo inclrding big grne and rmall mrmmale. The
ortent of thc diehrrbarrco associoed wi& coutrucion of tbc wator supply lLrcr thmlgh thts
rrea norrld be rpprorinately 30-35 foct wida ud about 900 feet long.
The appllcus hrvo Initiatal conrultrtior rviti the Cobrado Divicion of Wildtlfe 111d
*ould pmpose E lmpl€meil relrmatloo moasrlres dosigned to fully rootorc Ell habltat valuef
witlrin a rearondilc Jrcriod of timc. Ttc cnmtruction rmnrld rrtc place on sloper rangilrg fton
10-211 degrees fta are geologlcally stable, hrvo good qurllty top soll cm'sr. anl cen bo
offeolvoly rwstqat€d with Indigenous plant rpecic.
SENT BY:EIO.E OOI.JTTTY 6- l-9ll ; 11:28 ;a 808328?20?,I 8009268515;# 3/ 3
wn,tw
Prge 3
. ..hlu*rty' rhe_propoood aod proforrod allgnmom ftr$o w&r rupply rlnco. as(qcrib€d above'_would evnid the aonsbuctiou urd enviroulentrl prohlcnr- isrociat€d with thesstern Esdion of the bike pattr atcroatlve. Furthcr, dro proporcd allFmsrt muli awff ftevbual lnprctgEsocirtd with Sc west eod of tho pSCo rightd-way. The tsado+ffrvould be
lt€r. po.aty +v91so jgpa* m wildlift habiEr tasring fiom one to tbiee years, rlepediru oe
tho timo Fqulr€d to frrlly resmrc tho rcclalmed u€ar b orrrem hrbitu eiutidbnr.
rL-F ,gll for your willingners ro rccomnrodse tf,e ttght rc[eduting requircmnr ftrtItE applcatio[- If you h{re-my queotions or netd rny rdditiouel informuior rogarUiog rleproporcd ptuJort plcarc lbel fred to gtve mo a call,
Sinecdy,
Hydrosplurr
bp
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cc: Joe Mecy
Gail Gridcr