Colorado River District opposes Flaming Gorge pipeline

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

The Green River in southwestern Wyoming. PHOTO COURTESY USGS.

Opposition to proposed Regional Water Supply Project continues to build

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Just a few days after conservation groups filed their comments against the proposed Flaming Gorge Reservoir pipeline, the Colorado River District has also gone on record as formally opposing the project with a a motion to intervene.

According to the River District’s motion, the project is speculative and, thus far, none of the projected users have shown an ability to pay for the expensive project.

The 560-mile pipeline, formally called the Regional Water Supply Project, could potentially transport up to 250,000 acre feet of water from the Green River Basin in Wyoming to the Colorado Front Range. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, energy, Environment, rivers, Summit County news, water | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Colorado: Proponent of regional water pipeline seeks to switch permitting agencies to expedite review process

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

The proposed pipeline would carry water 560 miles from Wyoming to the Front Range. MAP COURTESY WESTERN RESOURCE ADVOCATES. Click on the image to visit Western Resource Advocates online.

Aaron Million wants to build a pipeline to carry water from Wyoming to Front Range

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Planning for a pipeline project that could deliver Green River water from Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Wyoming to the Colorado Front Range has been moving slowly, and now, Aaron Million, the project’s proponent, has said he wants to speed the process by switching the review and permitting process from the purview of the Army Corps of Engineers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Million has been touting the pipeline for many years , but it’s not clear if the project is viable financially, or if it could deliver as much water as promised. The Corps of Engineers project page is online here.

Several regional and state groups have taken early looks at the proposal, but as yet, nobody has stepped forth to fully claim and embrace the long-distance pipeline. According to one review by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, construction could cost $7.4 billion, with annual operating costs of $170 million. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Environment, rivers, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news, water | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Aspen to move ahead with new hydroelectric project

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Hoover Dam, the granddaddy of hydroelectric facilties in the West. PHOTO COURTESY BUREAU OF RECLAMATION.

City seeks streamlined federal review for a hydropower plant on Castle Creek

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Aspen is moving ahead with plans for a hydroelectric facility on Castle Creek by applying to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a conduit exemption that could help speed up the approval process while maintaining a high level of environmental scrutiny.

The federal agency recently announced it would ease permitting for small-scale hydro projects in Colorado to help foster the growth of renewable energy supplies. The rule changes are aimed specifically at existing water deliver systems like irrigation ditches or pipelines, where, for example, pressure-reducing valves could be replaced by micro-turbines.

Federal studies show that Colorado has several hundred sites with a potential of 5 megawatts or less that could potentially supply power for up to 1 million homes. It’s not likely that all the sites will be developed, but easing the permitting process could spur more interest in developing hydropower resources. (more…)

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Permitting eased for small Colorado hydropower projects

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

The Governor's Energy Office has published an interactive online map with specific information on potential micro-hydropower sites. Click on the image to visit the map.

Micro-hydropower plants could provide energy for up to 1 million homes

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Several locations in Summit County are included in a federal survey showing potential for hydropower development, and a new agreement between state and federal officials could make it easier to develop those resources. Click here to visit an interactive map showing the potential Colorado hydropower sites.

Gov. Bill Ritter said Wednesday the deal could streamline the federal permitting process and help open the door to producing more clean energy. Criteria adopted as part of the agreement help ensure a high level of environmental protection.

“This agreement moves our new energy economy another important step forward,” Gov. Ritter said. “Colorado has enormous potential to produce more clean energy from small-scale hydroelectric power. These projects can create local jobs, diversify our energy supplies, reduce emissions and further bolster our energy security.”

The federal studies show that Colorado has several hundred sites with a potential of 5 megawatts or less that could potentially supply power for up to 1 million homes. It’s not likely that all the sites will be developed, but easing the permitting process could spur more interest in developing hydropower resources. (more…)

Filed under: energy, Environment, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

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