Gross Reservoir Expansion Project
Environmental Review Process
As a federally permitted project, the purpose, need and environmental impacts of the project have been vetted through almost a decade of research. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the Final Environmental Impact Statement in 2014 that details project mitigation measures and addresses public comment received after publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Like many water supply projects, there are a number of permits at the federal, state and local level that are needed before construction can begin:
401 Certification
- Also a component of the Clean Water Act of 1972, 401 Certification is a process handled at the state level. In the case of the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is responsible for evaluating the impacts of and ensuring water quality associated with this project.
- Secured: June 2016
Record of Decision and 404 Permit
- A major responsibility of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is administering the permitting program under Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, also known as the Clean Water Act. Permit review and authorization is a thoughtful and lengthy process that encourages avoidance of impacts, followed by minimizing impacts and, finally, requiring mitigation for unavoidable impacts to the aquatic environment.
- 404 Permit
- Secured: July 2017
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Hydropower License Amendment
- The Gross Reservoir Dam includes a 7.6 mW hydropower unit, which is licensed for operation by FERC. Under the Federal Power Act, FERC has exclusive authority to license non-federal hydropower projects. The amendment of license process requires that FERC address both the economics and engineering issues and the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects of project development and operation.
- Secured: July 2020
Latest News / Blog
Aging outlet works at base of Denver Water dam call for major upgrade to valves, pipes.
October 16, 2020 - TAP - "At Gross Reservoir, one of the most important reservoirs in Denver Water’s system, it’s time to replace the outlet works, a seven-month job so big it will require sawing up massive slabs of concrete and removing fat steel pipes so big a short...
Denver Water submits 1041 permit application with Boulder County
On Sept. 21, Denver Water submitted its 1041 permit application with Boulder County for the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project. The application document is available to view here. We look forward to Boulder County’s 1041 review of the Gross Reservoir expansion with...
Drilling tests to run Oct. 5-30
Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, Denver Water will begin a subsurface investigation that will involve drilling operations close to Osprey Point. This work will inform Denver Water on the suitability of the proposed Osprey Point quarry location for the Gross Reservoir...
Denver Water statement on seeking dismissal of its appeal of 1041 case
July 29, 2020 - A year ago, Denver Water submitted an application with Boulder County to begin the 1041 process related to the Gross Reservoir expansion. At the same time, we sought clarity in the courts on whether the expansion was subject to that process. Boulder...