denver water diversion impacts

from dow - a discussion of water diversion impact. any thoughts?

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/P ... essId=6778

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A Denver Water proposal to increase the amount of water being diverted to the Front Range would impact five rivers on both sides of the Continental Divide, according to a report presented to the Colorado Wildlife Commission Thursday.

Denver Water's Moffat Firming project would increase the amount of water imported to the Front Range from the Fraser and Williams Fork drainages by 18,000-acre feet, providing a more reliable supply for the utility's 1.3 million customers. Under state law, the Wildlife Commission will be asked to review and comment on a plan that Denver Water will develop to mitigate impacts of the project, which will then be forwarded to the Federal permitting agency...

Ken Kehmeier, senior aquatic biologist for the Platte River Basin, told commissioners that Denver Water's Moffat Firming project would result in reduced stream flows and increased temperatures in the Williams Fork, Fraser and Upper Colorado River systems. The lower flows would increase sedimentation in the affected reaches of these rivers, reducing their ability to support aquatic insects and fish life, Kehmeier said.

there is more about adding to the south platte basin through the roberts tunnel.

That's it! I am diverting all the storm water on my property to cisterns!

When Denver water pays me rent, then I'll release it.

lol and don't forget to fill it with fish - you will have the best fishing in town.

Kehmeier noted that Denver Water could opt to divert an additional 16,000 acre feet, mainly through Roberts Tunnel and South Platte basin through the southern part of its system without getting a new federal permit. That would likely cause significant impacts to Dillon Reservoir and the high-value trout fishery along the South Platte River, Kehmeier said, and it would not give the Wildlife Commission an opportunity to negotiate mitigation for the increased diversions.

They should have built Two Forks when they had the chance. There's still time!

I would think diverting more water through Roberts Tunnel would put more water in our branch of the South Platte, cleaning it up and improving fish habitat, not harming it.

Does increased stream flow hurt or help trout?

hurt - it makes the water too warm coming out of dillon - thats the major issue

Thanks, I hadn't thought about the temperature difference.

i talked to another d.o.w. person, not his field of expertise, but i was asking him how come we have gold medal fishing below cheeseman and other reservoirs, why wouldn't it be the same even though it has to travel some through the roberts tunnel. he thought it might be more a flow and sediment thing.

FYI:

The South Platte is stocked with 8,000 fish 5 times a years at Pine Valley Open Space Park in Pine Grove.

I am not up on this issue, but I am curious. What makes the water warmer coming out of Lake Dillon, and at what time of year? Is it the surface area of the lake, heated by the summer sun?

the way it was explained to me is that lakes keep an even temperature which is a plus for the fish.

which is what made me wonder why other places like cheeseman and other dams have some really good fishing below it - the water temperature must be good creating thriving food beds?

so many questions. maybe they were referring to further downstream? who knows.

i know there are a lot of people who fish nfsp before pine valley and they seem to do ok. i dont have quite as much luck but do ok. i initially thought it to be a good thing to add more water. since i like to kayak it will be good from that stand point.