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
Gross Reservoir Seasonal Shuttle Operator Job
May 13, 2022 - Denver Water is hiring for seasonal recreation shuttle operators at Gross Reservoir. Additional information on the posting can be found here.
Gross Reservoir community information sessions
Denver Water invites Gross Reservoir neighbors to join us for information sessions on May 21, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association Hall. Gross Reservoir Expansion Project representatives will provide an update on project...
Gross Reservoir fully closed to recreation for 2-3 weeks in May to allow for construction of access improvements
COAL CREEK CANYON — May 2, 2022 — Denver Water will close all recreation access to Gross Reservoir beginning in early May as contractors build access improvements on the north side ahead of the upcoming boating season. The closure is expected to last two to three...
Survey activity on Gross Dam Road
Over the next two weeks, Denver Water’s contractors, Metcalf Archeological Consultants, will be conducting cultural resource surveys along Gross Dam Road. Surveys are scheduled to start the week of April 25. Residents can expect to see crews walking along the...