Jaffe, Mark. Surge of water projects show little coordinati

The Denver Post of April 26, 2009 had an article entitled, Surge of water projects show little coordination. It discussed the $3 million water projects in various stages of development throughout the front range. Because of the number of projects and the likelihood of over appropriation of water, the regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency has voiced concerns about water quality. The article listed the following water bodies impacted by the projects, the Cache La Poudre River, the Colorado River, and ground water in Brighton. Together the projects lack coordination and a statewide plan, perpetuating the fear of a future shortage of water in 2030 of 29 billion gallons. The author quotes Sarah Klahn, a water attorney and professor at the University of Denver School of Law as saying, "Unlike some other states, in Colorado the legislature and the administrative agencies have no role. It is all settled in water court" (p. 8b). Melinda Kassen capsulized the consequences of the prior appropriation doctrine, "We don't have a water plan; prior appropriation is our plan and it's every man for himself" (p. 8b).

Because of the requirements of NEPA, all water projects must undertake a environmental impact statement. The Northern Integrated Supply Project and the Fort Collins and Greeley reservoir projects in the area of the Poudre have not obtained approval of their final environmental impact statement. The trans-basin diversion resulting from the Windy Gap Firming project, moving 30,000 AF of water, remains under review for its environmental impact statement. The expansion of the Colorado Springs Utility pipeline from the Pueblo reservoir has received positive reviews, after revisions to the project based on criticisms from the EPA.

The federal government assumes the role of reviewer of last resort. The Department of Resources head for the State of Colorado, Harris Sherman, realized the potential for a change of attitude in the state. He predicted, "the state has been reluctant to support one project over another. . . as we enter water scarcity, that may change" (p. 8b).