There are two concurrent permits in progress regarding the possible enlargement of Gross Reservoir. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has drafted an Environmental Impact Statement to analyze potential environmental impacts of the proposed enlargement and alternatives.
At the same time, Denver Water is applying for an amendment to its hydropower license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Denver Water needs the FERC amendment if the Moffat project is approved in order to address the increased dam size, possible expansion of the current FERC project boundary, possible change in hydroelectric power and construction of replacement recreation facilities.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license amendment are independent processes. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be included as an attachment or exhibit to Denver Water’s FERC application to show the impacts of the proposed Gross Reservoir enlargement.
Public involvement is a key part of both permitting processes. Denver Water and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide updated information and hold community meetings as the processes move forward.
| Denver Water will collect comments on the FERC hydropower license amendment (Notable Dates in Process) | The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will collect comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Notable Dates in Process) |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2008: Public outreach letter sent. | September 17, 2003: Corps issued Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register and local newspapers. |
| June 18, 2008: Initial Consultation Document sent. |
October 7-8, 2003: Public scoping meetings for EIS. |
| July 29 and 30, 2008: Public meetings for Initial Consultation Document. | November 7, 2003: NEPA scoping comment period ended (52 days). |
| November 7, 2008: Initial Consultation Document comment period extended to Jan. 7, 2009. | December 22, 2003: Corps issued Final Scoping Summary Report. |
| April 2004: Purpose and Need Document issued. | |
| June 2009: Corps completes the Preliminary Draft EIS for the Moffat Collection System Project for cooperating and consulting agencies to review. | |
| October, 30, 2009: Denver Water submits Draft FERC Hydropower License Amendment Application to the FERC and public. |
October 30, 2009: Corps issues Draft EIS; Notice of Availability (NOA) issued in the Federal Register and local newspapers. |
| October 30, 2009 – March 17, 2010: comment period on the Draft FERC Hydropower License Amendment Application. |
October 30, 2009 – March 17, 2010: comment period on the Draft EIS. |
| December 2009: Public Hearings on the Draft EIS. |
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| 2011: Denver Water responds to comments on the draft amendment application. |
2011: Corps responds to comments on Draft EIS. |
| 2011: Denver Water submits Final Hydropower License Amendment Application to the FERC after the Corps permit decision (ROD). | 2011: Corps issues Final EIS. |
| 2011/2012: FERC decision on the license amendment. | 2011: Corps issues permit decision in a Record of Decision (ROD). |