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Home My WebLink About800260.tiff III � �` .� 1V, _ _ ' -.--let,' 4 1:1 s it •CS' i e - i it G,;, j E$` a F' �0 *41V,i \ J O, ,. 9Ili_ 1s ; O a ig 1 Imo[ 6 co I rollma a Y L I0. I�`� r�� . ay< 2 I- ' • II fN °o OMee.. " IPh U o "" Z • 20 I.,.al aE J)l CO n 90 am , o ,I (J G ix o Qu. ":_9c. 1° o� �a — J 1�d4 F, ; �; yo o b � , 'DI t rig 144 ^$ la FFe 3 Z 11 11.1.8....,r, �j ¢ - q, ' 9 N V 9 memo 1.;o o li• ,- - k'--- I' ION& --allgigirit'i' Rig:, I t„:1 A gthl 9 • b x /,111 , d aka '224 �\ .EI: d O / ar �� z �✓,i,.f(-tg4.�,y, X88« �8� Z �..,/,..-..//,.,, tiiQE. m O O / T aI l /4_-7 - 7 O 6 CC I4 2 IF e t- \! 6 I— CO E 3 v —....mr Z--p m °o_ _ n . I ail 1, gn 1 i' 0 aim Ii voii ; 1I \ rua fI II 11 l _ yz o_vs gz.ia;-- ,�--Mi, p ,\ _ I �i q lf ( o \ ..-.1..4P....- .gl Kam€ kA it.t,; y I 'I �� ` rY k c Y i T II f, a ' 6'" >'� I i g4 -i1.p OA ,J .,J ',...'*I'"VA,* .' ——n.i'--4-r.--,.----7 ' ll IV _ _ a . �� r W °>° o } Z i Z, m u iQo � °a II Q `�� o QE m°i 33a a a g W k Xp 0z ez 1,H EP ,t ' t ml I I— 1„-,!1, m 3 u Il a `oa a' 3 rc o � I j 4 ---.,''''s--,...:- \ ai IfVI r I \'� +�•� II u� I u 3 a 4 I I � �_``\\ I I o g zm g W ^1 -a ll 1 o NIl W o it g�g rym p57® rytlh d .g tlgtl a 0 g e Z a- p2 i 4m ` `� ^�\ Nf;° �I�h (� 6 3 'ma 9 J g_gg' G 9. v ,v rmo ',1 �`.Ae, m°a �S i,gl W• I i Fe @.. e Pld— �sz osv M.oe°zJ°H �/ / ,,i i 5, •I i I ¢ e m Z m 6 p9� : • 1 i W $ S ?.. �' aZ iI lid a' I I I I - I g« 2' ��u`u' '� 9tnn1 r.J1 RESOLUTION RE: APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR AN EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY - TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado held a public hearing on the 4th day of June, 1980 at the hour of 2 : 00 o'clock p.m. in the Chambers of the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of hearing the application of the Town of Johnstown, P. O. Box 306 , Johnstown, Colorado 80534, for a Special Use Permit for an expansion of the existing wastewater treatment facility on the following described real estate, to-wit: Part of the South Half of Section 3 , Town- ship 4 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M. , Weld County, Colorado WHEREAS, evidence was presented in support of the granting of the Special Use Permit for an expansion of the existing waste- water treatment facility on the above described real estate, and WHEREAS, Section 3 .3 (E) (2) of the Weld County Zoning Resolu- tion authorizes such a use in an Agricultural Zone District upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners, and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado heard all of the testimony and statements of those pre- sent, has studied the recommendations of the Weld County Planning Commission and all of the exhibits and evidence presented in this matter, and having been fully informed, is satisfied that the request for a Special Use Permit for an expansion of the existing wastewater treatment facility on the hereinabove described real estate, conforms to the purposes of Section 3 . 3 (E) (2) -of the Weld County Zoning Resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County' Com- missioners of Weld County, Colorado that the application of the Town of Johnstown for a Special Use Permit for an expansion of ?105-5 800260 BEFORE THt WELD COUNTY, COLORADO PLANNING uvriMISSION RESOLUTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Date April 16, 1980 Case No. SUP# 416:80:6 APPLICATION OF Town of Johnstown ADDRESS P.O. Box 306 Johnstown Colorado 80534 Moved by Jerry Keifer that the following resolution he introduced for passage by the Weld County Planning Commission: Be it Resolved by the Weld County Planning Commission that the appli- cation for site approval of Expansion of existing Wastewatt vering the following described property ¶niefacCiounTy, Colorado, to-wit: Part of Si , Section 3, T4N, R67W with attached development standards be recommended (favorably)( *KRRkkik) to the Board of County Commissioners for the following reasons: 1. It is the ,c.`�c�__-._�^+;it�F��;r. of the Plannimi, Carl .onion that this request is in agreement with the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. Said elan states: "Utilities and public goods and services provide for community needs of the people throng:out Weld County" "the Board of County Com- missioners is not only responsible to the public to ace that these facilities are adequately supplied and that they meet certain standards, but also to minimize the costs of providing these facilities." 2. It is the opinion of the Planning Commission that this proposed operation is in compliance with the the jrovisions of Section 3.3 (E) 2 of the Weld County Zoning Resolution. 3. It is the opinion of the Planning Commission that the design end controls proposed in the operation, and the attached development standards, there is little change for adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. 4. This determination is based in part upon a review of the information sub- mitted by the applicant, other relevant infor-ration regarding the request Motion seconded by Frank Suckla _ __ __ Vote: For Passage Chnrk _Carlson Against Passage Jerry Kiefer - _ _-- -- F_ra>k Suckle —- --- — --- - Irma White _ Don Billings - — - _-- _- -- Bob Ehrlich -- _ -- ----The Chairman declared the Resolution passed dnd ordered that a certified copy be forwarded with the file of this case to the Board of County Commissioners for further proceedings. CERT II ICArIOil OF COPY 1 , Bobbie Good _ _ -_ , P, ` i n•l Secretary of the Weld County Planning Commission, do hereby certify Lnd1 rtn above and foregoing Resolution is a true copy of the Resolution of the P ; inninq Commission of Weld County, Color- ado, adopted on AprJ. 15, 1980 and recorded in Book No. _Alit_ __ of the proceedings of the sal �'1<rnlllnr1 rorinl'F,s111,"I. he 16 do/ "1 April , 19 80_ . oc,�\- SUP-416:80:6 Town of Johnstown April 16, 1980 Page 2 and the responses of the referral entities which have reviewed this request. The Planning Commission recommendation for approval is conditional upon: 1. The attached Development Standards being recommended and approved for the Special Use Permit. 2. No building or electrical permits shall be issued on the Special Use Permit until the Development Standards for the Special Use Permit have been placed on the Special Use Permit plat and said plat has been delivered to the Office of the Department of Plan- ning Services. rjg 4/16/80 Page 2 Case Number SUP _ 6: 80:6 Town of Johnstown Development Standards 1. The permitted uses on the hereon described parcel shall be an aerated multi-celled wastewater treatment facility as shown on the plat to include miscellaneous flow and chlorination equipment. All other uses permitted by right under Section 3.3 B of the Weld County Zoning Resolution shall also be permitted. 2. The site shall be enclosed by a 4 strand barbed wire security fence as shown on the SUP plans. 3. All accesses shall have the approval of the Weld County Engineering Department and/or State Highway Department. All accesses shall be construc- ted in accordance with the recommendations and/or requirements of the Weld County Engineering Department and/or State Highway Department. 4. All construction, electrical work and fabrication will be done in accor- dance with the Weld County Building Code. 5. The appearance of the facility shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition through periodic painting and maintenance. 6. The Special Use Permit area shall be maintained in such a manner so as to prevent soil erosion, fugitive dust, and the growth of noxious weeds. 7. All phases of the operation shall comply with all County and State Health Standards and Regulations pertaining to air quality, water quality, noise emission, and sanitary disposal systems. 8. The Special Use Permit shall be limited to the plans shown hereon and governed by the Development Standards stated above and all applicable Weld County Regulations. Any material deviations from the plans and/or Develop- ment Standards as shown or stated above shall require the approval of an amendment to the Special Use Permit by the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners before such changes from the plans and/or Develop- ment Standards shall be permitted. Any other changes from the plans and/or Development Standards shall be filed in the office of the Department of Planning Services. 9. The property owner and/or operator of this operation shall be responsible for complying with all of the above stated Development Standards. Noncom- pliance with any of the above stated Development Standards may be reason for revocation of the Special Use Permit by the Board of County Commissioners. 1 Page 3 Case Number SUP 416:80:6 Town of Johnstown Development Standards Comments: The Town of Milliken has no objections to this request for expansion (Telephone call, April 9, 1980) VT:cr 4-11-80 Minutes of the Weld County Planning Commission Meeting April 15, 1980 Page 3 CASE: S-159:79:4 APPLICANT Harold and Fred Reese SUBJECT: Final Plat I-25 Subdivision LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Part of the Ell, SE 4, Section 10 and part of the NE4 Section 4, T5N, R66W. LOCATION: Directly south of Del Camino Village on the west side of I-25 APPEARANCE: Tom Ragonetti, Attorney from Denver who asked for an extension this case and explained his reasons. MOTION: It was moved by Jerry Kiefer and seconded by Frank Suckla an ex- tension be granted until the regular meeting of the Planning Com- mission scheduled to be held on May 20, 1980. Motion carried unanimously. CASE: SUP 413:80:3 APPLICANT: Paul and Peggy Page SUBJECT: Aircraft Storage and Salvage Yard LOCATION: Adjacent to the northeast corner of the Town of Erie APPEARANCE: None DISCUSSION: The applicants request the application be tabled until May 20, 1980 to allow time for further meetings with the town of Erie. MOTION: It was moved by Jerry Kiefer and seconded by Bob Ehrlich this case be continued until the regular scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission to be held on May 20, 1980. Motion carried unanimously. CASE: SUP 416:80: 6 APPLICANT: Town of Johnstown SUBJECT: Expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility LOCATION: one-half (1/2) mile west of Milliken on the north side of Colorado Highway 60 - LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Part of the Szj Section 4, T4N, R67W APPEARANCE: John Bergeson, M & I Engineering, Fort Collins, Colorado and Dick Salberg, Mayor. DISCUSSION: John Bergeson reported the plans for this project have been submitted to the State Department of Health and they are also under the scrutiny of the EPA for a requested grant. The Weld County Health Department and the State-Health Department will be overseeing this project. It would be a minimum of at least 90 days before construction could begin depending on the grant, interest, etc. Bob Ehrlich stated the Ehrlich family now owns the farm where the sewer site is. Since this is farm land they will work with the town of Johnstown regarding the head ditch and access to the property. Mayor John Bergeson reported the town had no desire to increase their population or bring in further industry until their sewer was adequate to handle these situations. Minutes of the Weld County Planning Commission Meeting April 15, 1980 Page 4 Tom Honn read the recommendations of the Planning Services Department and the Development Standards. Discussion was called for from the audience. There was none. MOTION: Jerry Kiefer moved and Frank Sukla seconded a motion to forward this application to the Board of County Commissioners with recom- mendation for approval, along with the Development Standards and that #2 of the Development Standards be amended to read 4 strands of barbed wire, rather than 6 floot chain link fence. Motion carried with Chuck Carlson, Jerry Kiefer, Frank Suckla, Irma White, Don Billings and Bob Ehrlich voting for and none against. MOTION: It was moved by Don Billings and seconded by Jerry Kiefer that the chairman sign the necessary application forms to assist the Town of Johnstown with their grant application. Motion carried unanimously. CASE: SUP 418:80:8 APPLICANT: Ray and Violet Peterson (Fred McCarger) SUBJECT: Dairy LEGAL DESCRIPTION: West 610 feet of the north 230 feet, NWZ, Section 26, T4N, R61W LOCATION: Three miles east of Dearfield on the south side of US Highway 34 APPEARANCE: Ray Peterson DISCUSSION: Ray Peterson explained a change of plans they have had since the initial application was taken out. Tom Honn read the recommendations and Development Standards recommended by the Planning Services Department. Discussion was called for from the audience. There was none. MOTION: It was moved by Frank Suckla and seconded by Irma White this ap- plication,along with the Development Standards be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with recommendation for approval; and that #4 in the Development Standards be stricken upon receipt of the engineering report. Motion carried with Chuck Carlson, Jerry Kiefer, Frank Suckla, Irma White, Don Billings and Bob Ehrlich voting for and none against. The Planning Commission was asked to consider and formulate a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners concerning the proposed amendments to the Weld County Building Code. Don Billings, who is also a member of the Building Trades Advisory Committee reported these were reviewed a meeting of the Building Trades Advisory Committee. The amendments are primarily for clarification and corrections which will make the Weld County Building Code consistant. It also converts the various sections into a new numbering system. Date: April 15, 1980 CASE NUMBER: SUP 416:80:6 NAME: Town of Johnstown REQUEST: Expansion of existing Wastewater Treatment Facility LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Pt S1/2 Section 3, T4N, R67W LOCATION: 1 mile west of Milliken on the north side of Colo. Hwy. 60 THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES STAFF RECOMMENDS THAT THIS REQUEST BE ApprnvPrl FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS : 1. It is the opinion of the Department of Planning Services staff that this request is in agreement with the Weld County Comprehensive Plan. Said Plan states: "Utilities and public goods and services provide for community needs of the people throughout Weld County" . . . 'the Board of County Commissioners is not only responsible to the public to see that these facilities are adequately supplied and that they meet certain standards, but also to minimize the costs of providing these facilities." 2. It is the opinion of the DPS that this proposed operation is in compliance with the provisions of Section 3.3 (E) 2 of the Weld County Zoning Resolution. 3. It is the opinion of the DPS staff that with the design and controls proposed in the operation, and the attached development standards, there is little chance for adverse impacts on the surrounding environment. 4. This determination is based in part upon a review of the information submitted by the applicant, other relevant information regarding the request and the responses of the referral entities which have reviewed this request. The Department of Planning Services staff recommendation for approval is conditional upon: 1. The attached Development Standards being recommended and approved for the Special Use Permit. 2. No building or electrical permits shall be issued on the Special Use Permit until the Development Standards for the Special Use Permit have been placed on the Special Use Permit plat and said plat has been delivered to the Office of the Department of Planning Services. Page 2 Case Number SUP 416: i Town of Johnstown Development Standards 1. The permitted uses on the hereon described parcel shall be an aerated multi-celled wastewater treatment facility as shown on the plat to include miscellaneous flow and chlorination equipment. All other uses permitted by right under Section 3.3 B of the Weld County Zoning Resolution shall also be permitted. 2. The site shall be enclosed by a 6 foot high chain link security)fence as shown on the SUP plans. 3. All accesses shall have the approval of the Weld County Engineering Department and/or State Highway Department. All accesses shall be construc- ted in accordance with the recommendations and/or requirements of the Weld County Engineering Department and/or State Highway Department. 4. All construction, electrical work and fabrication will be done in accor- dance with the Weld County Building Code. 5. The appearance of the facility shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition through periodic painting and maintenance. 6. The Special Use Permit area shall be maintained in such a manner so as to prevent soil erosion, fugitive dust, and the growth of noxious weeds. 7. All phases of the operation shall comply with all County and State Health Standards and Regulations pertaining to air quality, water quality, noise emission, and sanitary disposal systems. 8. The Special Use Permit shall be limited to the plans shown hereon and governed by the Development Standards stated above and all applicable Weld County Regulations. Any material deviations from the plans and/or Develop- ment Standards as shown or stated above shall require the approval of an amendment to the Special Use Permit by the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners before such changes from the plans and/or Develop- ment Standards shall be permitted. Any other changes from the plans and/or Development Standards shall be filed in the office of the Department of Planning Services. 9. The property owner and/or operator of this operation shall be responsible for complying with all of the above stated Development Standards. Noncom- pliance with any of the above stated Development Standards may be reason for revocation of the Special Use Permit by the Board of County Commissioners. Page 3 Case Number SUP 416 _ _ :6 Town of Johnstown Development Standards Comments: The Town of Milliken has no objections to this request for expansion (Telephone call, April 9, 1980) VT:cr 4-11-80 Pkc ' IAL ii„': ICI?Hh11 '� I,LOW ;;i1EE'1' APPLICANT: 1 Qw y, Oc 3O\tsY154[al.t.71r'1 CA'SI; #SUP-41_ REQUEST: obv% • .:§ U.ASktAntea .-rf_KkItivehk .17..1 LEGAL: PI . JL -c-L:•.. 1 74- SZOW a , LOCATION: IA_ ` W- a ` 1 S ‘6,2, no Co\0 . Ocwi. O . DATE I BY Application Receivedeez Application Fee - Receipt # UL 04Q,, Recording FeeI1t0-0_% Application Complete , 044, , . , . Q166' P.C. Hearing Date : rt Letter to Applicant Drafted "' -' __i Referrals Listed .'n � � Field Check by D.P.S . Staff ' ,=OG a rV3 U '_ File Assembled -:\ (.� '+‘" Referrals Mailed 0.4& Chaindexed - —J`, ';? Notification of Applicant - --\\ -, , Surrounding Property Owners Researched . 3 ( . t+ ) Airphoto/Vicinity Map Preapred 1 IC , '=r' k f) Property Owners Notified by : :2,1 \js„, � Agendas Mailed by : Li - %- ko '2G Legal Approved by County Attorney Referrals - Complete 1-1" g- C50 1O`L Preliminary D.P .S . Staff Comments Li - - %0 VC Staff Conference Lk`'tA " sQ - C D.P .S . Comments 4 -lo - ro VT P.C. Hearing Action : kriirov-av _ 0.6z/ . 13C, P.C. Resolution (le/ _ Case Sent to Clerk to Board C.C. Hearing Cp 4 jp A lc ti o tl : dr to Q4(1/4'`/ C. C. Resolution Received `� �� 80 �'�`� History Card Complete Q&O,C.C. Resolution Sent to Drafting Drafted on Myl ar 05"9 � c; Document Sent to Clerk and Recorder `✓ P.C. Minutes ei-- a.b- >c' c'A w • • SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION Weld County Department of Planning Services 915 - 10th Street Greeley , Colorado 80631 • PHONE: 356,-4000 Ext . 404 FOR PLANNING DEPARTMENT USE ONLY : Permit Fee : 4 OS Case Number : Recording Fee : tob�, SUP- �1� .��, (� Receipt No . : App • Checked by : e, TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROCEDURAL GUIDE REQUIRE- MENTS : Print or type only , except for necessary signatures . I , (we ) the undersigned , hereby request a hearing before the Weld County Planning Commission concerning a proposed Special Use Permit for the following described unincorporated area of Weld County : LEGAL DESCRIPTION of contiguous property owned upon which Special Use Permit is proposed : Situate in the S 1/2 of Section 3, Township 4 North, Range 67 West, Weld County, 1.5 miles east of Johnstown, Colorado. The exact property is described as recorded with the County Clerk; Book 1643, page 72 and page 687, and totally comprising 20.00 acres. It is known as the wastewater treatment pond site for the Town of Johnstown. ATTACHMENTS TO THE APPLICATION: 1. Vicinity map and plot plan (24"x36" sheet) (includes boundary survey data and County certification) 2. Description of the proposed operation. 3. Petition supporting special use permit. 4. Town of Johnstown "201" Facilities Plan, August 1978 (Two Volumes, one cop)- each) STREET LOCATION : East Colorado State Highway 60 ZONE : None PROPOSED USE : Improvements in wastewater treatment ponds. REASON : FEE OWNERS OF AREA PROPOSED FOR SPECIAL USE : NAME : Town of Johnstown, Colorado ADDRESS : P. 0. Box 306 TEL : 587-4664 NAME : ADDRESS : TEL : NAME : ADDRESS : TEL : I hereby depose and state under the penalties of perjury that all state- ments , proposals and/or plans submitted with or contained within this appiica .ion are true and correct to the best of my knowledge . COUNTY OF WELD ) STATE OF COLORADO ) v0t�C ��• Richard Solberg, Mayor Signature : Owner nbr Authorized Agent Subscribed ans sworn to before me this 31st day of J<cn-«,� �. , S F L Notary Public • • ply commission expires : j/-/- fL Attachment No. 2 Special Use Permit Town of Johnstown January 25, 1980 Description of the Proposed Operation The project entitled "Upgrading of Existing Ponds" consists of the con- struction of two aerated cells immediately east of the existing two cell system. The eastern cell of the two existing cells will be retained as a polishing pond prior to chlorination for disinfection. The modifications are being made to conform with design criteria of the Colorado Department of Health and to criteria given in Attachment No. 4. The upgrading also includes flow measuring, chlorination equipment and other miscellaneous minor improvements. Earthwork will be utilized to form the two new aerated cells; other earth work will include piping improvements, contouring, service road work and work to prevent erosion. The domestic water supply for the Town of Johnstown is by way of a raw water storage pond and treatment plant, all west of the Town. This source will serve the Town for some time in the future. Improvements at the pond site will take place on property now owned by the Town and no new lands will be required. Although renovation, improved per- formance and some increased capacity will result, the project is not consid- ered a major expansion which will alter the overall scope of the existing operation. The portion of the project entitled "Interceptor Sewer Improvements" involves the upgrading of the existing interceptor system. Replacement of about 7500' of interceptor from the east edge of Town to the pond site is involved. The forecasted cost for the project is $485,000 (USEPA Step 3; August 1978 dollars) . The work will take about four months to complete and may by opera- tional as soon as January 1981. The Town will fund 25% of the project cost from bond proceeds. Operations and maintenance costs will increase due to increased energy loads, expenditures for chemicals and increased manpower requirement. Recent contacts with area occupants and efforts made during the EPA public meeting/hearing process indicate a favorable response to the project. j Attachment No. 2 Special Use Permit Town of Johnstown ,a January 25, 1980 Design Criteria Data (1) Population 2700 Flow .42 MGD BOD5 875 #/day Disinfection Chlorination (after cell 3) Discharge to Little Thompson River Soil Survey Characteristics Soil characteristics of the area and of the site are covered in great detail in the Environmental Analysis (2) . Specifically, the site area soils are a Nunn Loam and Nunn Clay Loam of moderate shrink/swell potential and slow permeability. Soil in- vestigations conducted on November 29, 1979 give subsurface information and show the water table to be 10-11 feet below the existing ground surface for test holes No. 1 and No. 2. (See Plot Plan) Notes: (1) Town of Johnstown 201 Facilities Plan, August 1978 (Vol. 1) (2) Ibid, Vol. 2, pp. 15-34 Structures Three above-grade structures will be built on the site. All are for the purpose of housing expensive equipment and all will be small in size, less than ten feet x twenty feet in size. All will be designed and built to be as inconspicuous as possible. DEPARTf, ER7 CF PLANNING SE= . ': S PHONE (3031356-4000 EXT =D4 915 10TH STE_- GREELEY,COLORADO 8J63' rf---n--7:- T.-- \____-:- - May 18, 1981 (T) COLORADO Mr. John R. Burgeson, P.E. M & I Consulting Engineers 4710 South College Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 Re: M & I #615-040 - Johnstwon Water Pond Improvements Dear Mr. Burgeson: The proposed modifications explained in your May 8, 1981 letter are not considered as an expansion of the present treatment operation. Aeration, improving present berms and chlorination facilities are reasonable modifi- cations for efficient operations. In conformance with Larimer/Weld C.O.G. procedures, you may wish to advise Mr. Trembly of your proposed changes and also advise him of this correspondence. When you are ready to proceed with "site application" procedures for the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, advise me so that I might schedule the matter with the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. f Very truly yours4_- ! ' (II btil} Cam_ Y _ t e T Thomas E. Bonn -\,../ Zoning Administrator TEH:rjg / '4,, 1 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES PHONE (303)356-4000 EXT.404 915 10TH STREET D GREELEY,COLORADO 80631 U 3 ao COLORADO March 10, 1980 Dick Salberg, Mayor Town of Johnstown P.O. Box 306 Johnstown, Colorado 80534 RE: Request for a Special Use Permit for the expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility on a parcel of land described as Pt. S!, Section 3, T4N, R67W of the 6th p.m. , Weld County, Colorado Dear Mr. Salberg: Your application and related materials for the request described above are complete and in order at the present time. I have scheduled a meeting with the Weld County Planning Commission for Tuesday, April 15, 1980, at 1 : 30 p.m. This meeting will take place in the County Commissioners Hearing Room, first floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado. It is recommended that you and/or a representative be in attendance to answer any questions the Planning Commission might have with respect to your application. It is the policy of Weld County to refer an application of this nature to any town or municipality lying within three miles of the property in question or if the property under consideration is located within the comprehensive planning area of a town or municipality. Therefore, our office has forwarded a copy of the submitted materials to the Milliken Planning Commission for their review and comment. Please ' ' contact Richard Mann at 587-4331 for the exact time, date and place of the Milliken Planning Commission meeting. 4 Dick Salberg Page 2 March 10, 1980 If you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact me. Respectfully, 0440CA4 Chuck Cunliffe Assistant Zoning Administrator CC: sap cc: John R. Burgeson M & I Consulting Engineers 4710 South College Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 r t r y • -E NI))k f omr'ete item, . _ on.' : l -- - k..!,.,irjdrres. If,, k1 II RN 'O ,}'.1. II 2Si� I -' _ The follovt,nq seJ', r€ t'fstfd (thc.l ens) �Ri ECEf P U FOR ClsP�'QP H=E3 C..;A•'L f ' Show 'n v.ho••' 'rid datf dt' \t .t ":0 INSUrd-lI,!i,LC .'E,'':a:F^D'i =7— 1�'t I-0-n,-0-n,O,Ic,and adoresof __C 1JUTrQi Ni:Eiii4.112'.T._'1,1:L ,�i{der•, RI STRK Ti D DI LI�'f R>' (SCC RCVCr;E) Shaw m uhnm .Jrd da.e dtir t c,i 5'vr.o RI STRIC II D DI LR'LRY � Show ,,tiu n -Tit( ,1^d address,t-It In c't S �� ti� N ((O\S: I"F FC)STtf,AtiTFR 11 FIIS) �r�-A^, ar ,)D,_ 2,�ARTICLE ADDRESSEDNTO ,r_,--,:, v "t� � � \••-• V'�� t ?1 �.IC , ter ^ C i . \ F,TIFIFDFEE m \ C �- riESir CTLD Dr) .sr, 2 3 ARTICLE DESCRIPTION '' V cs s 0 REGISTERC= N7 CERTIFIED NO 'NSDRLL NO L i; m v . 1 ` 1[ ex l A' 1\_I LJ x" !h •x 1 (Always,,otain signature of addressee,r agent) R "E� Tr _ C I have recerv^d the article described sbove 1 CI- NATURE .. = y~ ' LI ! \' '- - - /DATE In OF DELIVERY POSTMARK G /C� t/� TOTAL POSTAGE A"dDFE=C Is 5 ADDRESS (Complete only if requested) ¢ FJS7f"Af;C OR DATE O C n o m o0 s 6 UNABLE TO DELIVER BECAUSE CLERK'S c O INITIALS V) 3 a. D C )I= ;r GPO 1'1)8-2]2-382 M&I consulting engineers 4710 South College Ave. Fort Collins,Colorado 80525 Telephone(303)226-2323 Johns town M & I No. 615-040 May 8, 1981 Mr. Tom Honn Weld County Planning Dept. of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 RE: Town of Johnstown Wastewater Pond Improvements Dear Mr. Honn: As we discussed yesterday, the Town has been unable to secure EPA grant or FmHA loan funds for the facilities. In lieu of such funding, bond monies will be utilized for a treatment project that represents a slight change from that pursued earlier. The two new aeration cells will not be constructed. Additionally, the existing Cell No. 2 berm height will be raised to match that of Cell No. 1, aeration will be added to Cell No. 2, new electrical facilities will be added and chlorination provided. Treatment will result in an effluent meeting pond discharge standards of the State Health Department, just as with the origi- nal layout. As I'm sure you're aware, the Town is most anxious to meet its treatment responsibilities. If you have questions please call at once. The Town is proceeding with plans for design and con- struction yet this summer. Very truly yours, M & I, INC. rY•—� 161 'dm -..lj;\\\\ -� e IN —1 John R. Burgeson, P.E. r' cn JRB lkr' cc: Mr. Richard Salberg = � ' G , r DATE:April 2 1980 J TO: The Board of County Commissioners Weld County, Colorado FROM: Clerk to the Board Office Commissioners: If you have no objections, we have tentatively set the following hearings for the 6th of June, 1980 DOC 'A 80-35 Town of Johnstown, SUP, Expansion of wastewater fac. DOC 80-36 Frontier Materials, Inc. , SUP, Open-pit gravel mining • OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD Deputy The above mentioned hearing date and hearing time may be scheduled on the agenda as stated above. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO LL r M&I consulting engineers 4710 South College Ave. Fort Collins,Colorado 80525 Telephone(303)226-2323 M & I File #615-036 A2c March 3, 1980 Mr. Tom Honn Weld County Planning Department of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 ATTN: Mr. Chuck Cunliffe Dear Mr. Honn: Per your phone call 2/29/80, I've enclosed the following material: 1) Legal description of pond site 2) 25 copies of references (1) & (2) noted on Attachment 2 copies of the Special Use Permit application 3) Pond plan of operation - draft I advised Mr. Salberg of Johnstown to contact his County Commissioner regarding early processing of the permit. As I mentioned to you, financial considerations require a minimum of elapsed time. I also advised Mr. Salberg to forward another check in the amount of $140.00. Please call if you have any questions. Very truly yours, M & I, INC. ' ohn R. Burgeson, P.E. t JRB/rb cc: Mr. Dick Salberg, Mayor, wo/ enclosures - Town of Johnstown Town of Johnstown BOARD MEETS FIRST MONDAY IN MONTH P.O. BOX 308 JOHNSTOWN. COLO. 80534 February 29, 1980 Weld Cpuity Department of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Attn: Tom Honn Dear Mr. Horan, In reference to Mayor Richard L. Salberg' s conversa- tion with John Burgeson of M & I, enclosed please find a check in the amount of $140.00, the application fee for the special use permit for the Town of Johnstown. Very truly yours, B. Jane Fahrenbruch Town Clerk sue, Qv�t �e �� M&I consulting engineers 4710 South College Ave. Fort Collins,Colorado 80525 Telephone(303)226-2323 M & I File 615-036 A2.a February 26, 1980 Mr. Dick Salberg, Mayor Town of Johnstown P. 0. Box 306 Johnstown, CO 80534 RE: Site Application for Upgraded Facilities Dear Dick: I've enclosed site application materials for the improvements proposed; please sign as applicant on page 4. Additionally, page 5 requires signa- tures by you as Local Government, and Board of County Commissioners (Special Use Permit being handled separately from this application) , Weld County Health, Town Planning Agency, and C.O.G. signatures. At the bottom of page 5 is a signature required of the State District Engineer. Once all preceding signatures are acquired, the application (2 copies) are forwarded for District Engineer signature. Please return the two applications with signatures and I'll forward them to Ron Schuyler with all other Step II materials. Please call if you have any questions. Very truly yours, M & I, INC. John R. Burge P.E. JRB/rb Enclosure M&I consulting engineers 4710 South College Ave. Fort Collins,Colorado 80525 Telephone(303)226-2323 M & I #615-036, A2.c. February 25, 1980 Mr. Tom Honn Weld County Department of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 RE: Special Use Permit for Johnstown, Colorado Dear Mr. Honn: I've enclosed the following materials per your requirements and previous communications: 1) $10.00 Special Use Permit Fee 2) Special Use Permit Application 3) 201 Facilities Plan Under separate cover, the following materials are provided: 1) Vicinity map and plot plan; reproducible and copies per requirements. The Town is anxious to pursue implementation of the project at an early date; your early review of these materials would be appreciated. Very truly yours, M & I, INC, /C/1(\'' t.4, hn R. Burgeson, P.E. S:, =' JRB/ms Enclosures •.:,,7 1 cc: Mr. Richard Salberg, Mayor Town of Johnstown ',c.7 1tat.' 11 Ma consulting engineers 4710 South College Ave Fort Collins, Colorado E: : 525 Telephone (303) 226-2323 August, 1978 Board of Trustees Town of Johnstown Johnstown, Colorado 80534 Dear Sirs: Submitted herewith is the Town of Johnstown "201" Facilities Plan. Volume 1 contains the Engineering Analysis and Volume 2 the Environ- mental Analysis. At this time we would like to thank the Board Members, Plant Superin- tendent and Town Clerk(s) for their cooperation and assistance pro- vided during the study. If additional information or further explanation is required pertaining to any portion of this report, please advise. Very truly yours, M & I, INC. Ltir /realziaityt, John R. Burgeson, P.E. Project Manager James M. Nichols, P.E.-L.S. Vice President JRB/lk Enclosure I 11 Table 1 . Town of Johnstown Population Projections Year 1975 1980 1985 1990 199S 2000 liPopulation Projections developed by ERT/ECI for Town of Johnstown 201 Facilities Plan 1600 1680 1898 2143 2421 2734 Larimer-Weld Regional El and Community Population Projections 1/ 1580 1600 1600 1600 2000 2200 11 1/ Larimer-Weld Regional Council of Governments 208 Water Quality Planning U PRELIMINARY WASTEWATER FLOWS L Preliminary wastewater flows for use in screening alternatives were derived alfrom a consideration of the projected populations and future industrial loads. As indicated, all infiltration/inflow quantities are included for the purposes of alternative screening. The reason for inclusion of the total amount of the infiltration/inflow is that treatment costs for use in 11 developing the infiltration/inflow analysis are dependent upon the least total cost alternative. As this cannot be determined without preliminary design flows, the information in Table 2 was developed. III Table 2. Preliminary Wastewater Flows Design Per Capita 1/ Wastewater I/I ?/ Design Flow Item Population Flow (gpd) Flow (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) Johnstown 2,734 100 .27 .09 .36 Carnation (--) (--) .043/ (--) .04 Great ® Western 145 (--) .02 (--) .02 Study Area ,// Totals 2,879 (--) .33 .09 .42 `U !! Metered existing per capita contribution. 2/ Infiltration = .057 mgd; Inflow = .033 mgd 3/ At present; expected to be reduced to 25,000 gal. /day . II — 5-2 minimizes disturbance and related environmental impacts. Such impacts are also described in Volume 2 of the report . This site serves the exist- ing Town with few problems but future development south and west of Town most probably will require a lift station for service. A gravity line to serve this same area is possible by paralleling the existing trunk line, but the expense of this line prohibits its immediate installation. An interim lift station to serve this area followed by installation of the gravity line at some time in the future appears appropriate. Each of these sites were considered for the siting of ponds or mechanical systems as noted earlier. DESIGN FLOWS The projected wastewater flows from the Town service area were presented in Section 5. The strictly wastewater flow component was determined through use of the per capita flows and the design populations as described in Sections 4 and 5. The infiltration/inflow (I/I) portion of the projected wastewater flow contains the total I/I as documented in Appendix B, Infiltration/Inflow Analysis. The resulting design flow is 420,000 gal/day. As noted earlier, per capita flows were based on the metering of existing wastewater flows. The flows so obtained were compared with potable water consumption records for rough confirmation of validity. The wastewater flow projections described were used in sizing wastewater treatment units for treatment facility design. However, water conservation programs which could lead to reduced wastewater flow should be evaluated and implemented such that the life of the wastewater treatment facility may be extended. With regard to the specific subject of wastewater flow reduction, a recent Conference on Water Conservation and Sewage Flow Reduction with Water Saving Devices, Penn State University, April 8 - 10, 1976, and more specifically, a paper entitled "Impact of Flow Reduction on On-Lot Sewage Systems" by 1 9-2 FIELD CHECK FILING NUMBER: SUP 416 DATE OF INSPECTION: 3/11/80 NAME: Town of Johnstown REQUEST: Expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Pt Sl Section 3, T4N, R67W LAND USE: N Agriculture E Agriculture S Agriculture (except for railroad and highway) `y Agriculture ZONING: N Agriculture LOCATION: 2 1 Agriculture Mile west of Milliken E on the north side of Colo. Hwy 60 S Agriculture W Agriculture COMMENTS: Parcel appears to contain two ponds. Access to the property is difficult from the two dirt roads on Highway 60. Neither access appears to be directly on the property but rather to the east and west of the parcel. No residences are in the immediate vicinity of the lagoons. BY: I} CU__ it 1 CASE SUMMARY SHEET Case Number : SUP-416 P. C. Hearing Date : April 15, 1980 Applicant : Property Owner : Town of Johnstown Same Size of Parcel: Staff Member to Contact : 20 acres Vickie Traxler Legal Description : Pt. S1/2, Section 3, T4N, R67W Location: 1/2 mile West of Milliken on the North side of Colorado Highway 60 Existing Zoning: Agriculture Request : - Expansion of existing waste water treatment facility Possible Issues Summarized from Application Materials: N 0 T I C E , Pursuant to the zoning laws of the State of Colorado and the Weld County Zoning Resolution, a public hearing will be held in the Chambers of the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Greeley, Colorado, at the time specified. All persons in any manner interested in the Special Use Permit are requested to attend and may be heard. BE IT ALSO KNOWN that the text and maps so certified by the Weld County Planning Commission may be examined in the office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners , located in the Weld County Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Third Floor, Greeley, Colorado. APPLICANT DOCKET NO. 80-35 Town of Johnstown _ P.O. Box 306 Johnstown, Colorado 80534 DATE: June 4, 1980 TIME: 2: 00 P.M. REQUEST: Special Use Permit a Expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Part of S1/2, Section 3, T4N, R67W THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY: MARY ANN FEUERSTEIN COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND CLERK TO THE BOARD BY: Keitha White, Deputy DATED: April 28, 1980 PUBLISHED: May 1, 1980 and May 22 , 1980 in the Johnstown Breeze from the Office of THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Greeley, Colorado WELD COUNTY, COLORADO _April 22 1980 Publisher: Please insert the enclosed notice in your issue the week of May 19 1980 one time only. se small t s Regarding payment, complete the enclosed voucher f ward it in legals) us. returning the voucher, please include an affi avit of to publication so we may complete our files. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, Docket No. 80-35 THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY: Mary Ann Feeuerstein Count and Clerk to the Boardder l BY: Jeannette Ordway Deputy County Clerk AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION THE JOHNSTOWN BREEZE STATE OF COLORADO ) ) ss. COUNTY OF WELD ) I, Eugene Thomas, do solemnly swear that I am publisher of The Johnstown Breeze; that the same is a weekly newspaper printed,in whole or in part,and published in the County of Weld, State of Colorado, and has a general circulation therein; that said newspaper has been PUBLIC`OTR'r: published continuously and uninterrupted- ] \OTI('N. ly in said County of Weld for a period of Pursuant to the lonine laws of more than fifty-two consecutive weeks the State of Colo,ado and the prior to the first publication of the annexed W r Id County Zoning Resolution, a public hearing kill be held in legal notice or advertisement; that said the Chambers 01 the Board of newspaper has been admitted to the County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, Weld County , United States mails as second-class matter Centennial Center, 10th Street,Greeley,Colorado under the provisions of the Act of March 3, time specified Allpersona in 1879,or any amendments thereof,and that any manner interested in the' Special Use Permit are re- said newspaper is a weekly newspaper 'quested to attend and may be heard duly qualified for publishing legal notices , BE IT ALSO KNOWN that the and advertisements within the meaning of text and maps so cer tilled by the the laws of the State of Colorado. Weld County Planning Commis- ,ion may be examined in the That the annexed legal notice or office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, advertisement was published in the located in the Weld Count Centennial Center 915 10tH regular and entire issue of every number of Street, Third Floor, Greeley, said weekly newspaper for the period of Colorado DOCKET NO.80.35 .........................................; and that the APPLICANT first publication of said notice was in the Town of Johnstown P o Box306 issue of said newspaper dated ili Johnstown,Colorado 80534 I DATE June 4, 1980 A.D. 19..80 , and that the last publication TIME• 2 00 P M of said notice was in the issue of said REQUEST Special Use Permit newspaper dated May 22%,A.D. 1920 Expansion of existing waste- water treatment facility In witness whereof I have hereunto set LEGAL DESCRIPTION Part �3_ D of S . Section 3, T4N, R67W my hand this..... day of. .. '441 ..........., THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS A.D. 19.. ..4.... WELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY MARY ANN 567,4st 4>rtVg Z/• FEUERSTEIN COUNTY CLERK AND Publisher RECORDER AND CLERK TO THE BOARD BY Keitha W hrte,Deputy Subscribed and sworn to before me. a DATED April 28, 1980 Notary Public in and for the County of PUBLISHED May 1, 1980 and Weld,State of Colorado, this 'L3 day Mai 22, 1980 in the Johnstown �AA Breeze of `4!/ A D 19 g0 Co Legal 80-40-Clerk to Bd Notary Public My commission expires /9—WY AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION THE JOHNSTOWN BREEZE STATE OF COLORADO ) ) ss. COUNTY OF WELD ) I, Eugene Thomas, do solemnly swear that I am publisher of The Johnstown Breeze; that the same is a weekly newspaper printed,in whole or in part,and published in the County of Weld, State of Colorado, and has a general circulation , _ - __ —1therein; that said newspaper has been PUBLIC NOTICE i published continuously and uninterrupted- , NOTICE ! ly in said County of Weld for a period of Pursuant to the zoning laws of more than fifty-two consecutive weeks the State of Colorado and the prior to the firsi publication of the annexed Weld County Zoning Resolution, I legal notice or advertisement; that said a public hearing will be held in i the Chambers of the Board of newspaper has been admitted to the County Commissioners of Weld f County, Colorado, Weld County ' United States mails as second-class matter Centennial Center, 915 10th , under the provisions of the Act of March 3, Street,Greeley,Colorado,at the time specified All persons in 1879,or any amendments thereof,and that any manner interested in the Special Use Permit are re- said newspaper is a weekly newspaper quested to attend and may be duly qualified for publishing legal notices I BE IT ALSO KNOWN that the and advertisements within the meaning of text and maps so certified by the the laws of the State of Colorado. Weld County Planning Commis- , sion may be examined in the That the annexed legal notice or office of the Clerk to the Board advertisement waspublished of County Commissioners, lo- in n t h e cated in the Weld County regular and entire issue of every number of Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, Third Floor, Greeley, said weekly newspaper for the period of Colorado DOCKET NO 80-35 g sGReee trve•insertions; and that the APPLICANT first publication of said notice was in the Town of Johnstown �/f, P O Box306 issue of said newspaper dated acj Johnstown,Colorado 80534 •' DATE June 4,1980 A.D. 19..80...., and that the last publication of said notice was in the issue of said TIME'2 00 P.M. REQUEST. Special Use Permit ' newspaper dated. a7 LZ A.D. 19 gA.... - Expansion of existing waste- water treatment facility In witness whereof I have hereunto set LEGAL DESCRIPTION Part my hand this.. .�..y.,Q of S1, Section 3, T4N, R67W �t]ay of , THE BOARD OF A D. 19..g0. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO BY MARY ANNfIll&P4 affr^^92 FEUERSTEIN COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND ' Publisher. CLERK TO THE BOARD BY Keitha White Subscribed and sworn to before me. a DATED: April 28, 1980 Notary Public in and for the County of PUBLISHED' May 1 1980 and May 22, 1980 in the ohnstown �`3 Weld State of Colorado, this . ''`T . day J Breeze of. ..�^ Johnstown Breeze,May 22, 1980 ' l; A D 19 D. Co Legal 80-58-Clerk to Bd. *tr4.‘"44-*/1 NotaryPublic My commission expires oi 7/U—g/ f t 'I SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION The Plan of Operation for the new Johnstown wastewater treatment facility is intended to give the Johnstown Town Council members an idea of what their responsibilities will be during the construction and early opera- tional phases of the wastewater treatment project. In addition, the Plan of Operation will outline recommended programs designed to insure that these responsibilities are properly taken care of and will establish a set of specific actions along with a schedule for implementation that will aid the Town in making sure that things are done in a timely fashion. It is important to note that this schedule for specific ac— tions, once approved by the Colorado Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will become a condition of the Step III Grant for the project. With this in mind, the members of the Town Council should review these specific actions closely. The Plan of Operation is the first phase of a three phase effort designed to see that the new wastewater treatment facility will be properly managed, operated and maintained. The second phase of the three phase effort will involve the development of an Operations and Maintenance (0 & M) manual for the treatment facility. The 0 & M manual will be developed as a training and reference manual for the operators of the facility and is intended for in-plant use. The third phase of the three phase effort involves start-up services provided by M & I Consulting Engineers. The start-up services are designed to provide formal training for the operators regarding the specific treatment processes used at the Johnstown facility, to provide formal in-the-field training concerning the system and equipment, and to provide informal consultation regarding problems that arise or areas of need that become apparent during the first year of operation of the facility. This three phase program is intended to form the foundation for many years of acceptable and reliable service by the treatment facility. -1- SECTION 2 ADMINISTRATION AND STAFFING Since the Town of Johnstown presently owns and operates a wastewater treatment facility, it is expected that the Town will retain its existing organization and administrative structure when it assumes responsibility for management, operation and maintenance of the new facility. Existing Administrative Structure The existing administrative organization for Johnstown is depicted in the diagram shown below: Board of Trustees Trustee in Charge of Wastewater Treatment Town Clerk • Public Works Operator Assistant Wastewater Operator It is anticipated that this administrative structure will be maintained when the new wastewater treatment system goes into service. -2- Staffing Requirements The new waste wastewater treatment system will be similar to the existing treatment facilty in that it will be a waste stabilization pond system. It will, however, require more operator attention since it will include more sophisticated aeration equipment as well as disinfection facilities. It is estimated that approximately 10 hours a week will be required on a routine basis to adequately operate and maintain the treatment facility. In the case of equipment breakdown or other emergency stivations, signi- ficantly more time may be required. Under normal operating condition it will be adequate to assign the operator the care and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility as one of several responsibilities requir- ing less than his or her full time attention. It is recommended that at least two persons working for the Town develop a thorough working know- ledge of the wastewater treatment system and its associated operation and maintenance requirements. This will allow uninterrupted care of the treatment facility during vacations, illnesses, etc. The staffing levels recommended here are compatible with the existing administrative struc- ture and staffing provisions of the Town of Johnstown. Operator Responsibilities The operators will have full responsibility for operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment facilities. This will include properly control- ling the processes, monitoring system performance, maintaining system equipment and grounds, keeping appropriate records, and submitting the required reports to state and federal government agencies. The operator will also be responsible for keeping the Town Board up-to-date with regard to the treatment system performance and the problems and costs associated with its operation and maintenance. Specific operator respon— sibilities in each of these areas will be addressed in the 0 & M manual. —3— e ' Personnel Hiring Schedule It is expected that the operators for the existing wastewater treatment facility at Johnstown will be the operators for the new facility as well. Since these individuals are already employed by the Town it will not be necessary to establish a date for their hiring. It is important to see that the operators have the opportunity to become familiar with the new facilities during their construction. When the facilities are completed and ready to be placed into service, the operators will then be able to assume the operational responsibilities. -4- SECTION 3 COMMUNICATION Communication, as it pertains to the management, operation and mainten— ance of the Johnstown wastewater treatment facility, includes two basic areas. These areas are; 1) communication within the staff of the Town, and 2) communication between the Town and the various government agencies involved with the regulation of wastewater treatment. Intra-staff Communication Intra-staff communication refers to communication among members of the Johnstown staff and between the staff and the Town Board. The most basic level of intra-staff communication is between the two individuals who share operations and maintenance responsibilities for the treatment system. This communication can be informal in nature to the extent that no written reports are required but it should be formal to the extent that at least every week or so the two individuals make it a point to get together (possibly over a cup of coffee) to talk about how the system is working, any problems that have come up, any changes that have been made to routine operations or maintenance procedures, etc. Communication at this level is important to keep the secondary operator up-to-date as far as the operation of the system is concerned so that, in the event he is required to take over primary operator responsibilities, he will know what is going on with the treatment system. It will also provide the primary operator with a "second opinion" regarding operation- al changes, etc. The second level of intra-staff communication is between the treatment system operators and the Town Board. It is through this communication that the Board can be kept aware of the status of the wastewater treat- ment system. This may be accomplished through a brief (one page) report presented to the Board at their monthly meeting, or through a similar report presented orally. The report can include such information as -5- whether or not NPDES discharge limitations were met, total power and chemical cost attributed to the treatment system during the report per- iod, major maintenance expenses incurred, etc. An example format for this type of report will be included in the 0 & M manual. This kind of a report will keep the Board members aware of what is going on with the wastewater treatment system and help them to interpret letters and other communication received for regulatory agencies. Government Communication Government communication refers to corresponding with the Colorado Department of Health and the U.S. EPA as required to comply with the state and federal laws regulating the treatment and discharge of waste- water. These requirements will be discussed in the Records and Reporting section of the 0 & M manual. It will be the responsibility of the waste- water treatment system operators to see that all required government com- munication is taken care of as stipulated by government regulations. The following schedule is suggested for implementation of the communica- tions program described here: Submission of first monthly report After 30 days of operation to Town Board of new facility Submission of first annual report 1 year after new facility is placed in service -6- SECTION 4 PROCESS CONTROL The wastewater treatment processes employed at the Johnstown treatment facility include flow measurement, aeration and disinfection. The system operator will be responsible for monitoring each process and making proper process adjustments to allow each process to function at optimum efficiency. Laboratory testing will be used in most cases to monitor process performance. The two most basic of these laboratory tests will be dissolved oxygen and residual chlorine and these two tests will be performed by the operators. Other, more complex tests such as 5-day biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids will be performed by a contractor. A more detailed description of process control methods and laboratory testing requirements is presented in the Treatment Processes section of the 0 & M manual. Flow Measurement Flow measurement at the Johnstown facility is accomplished through the use of a Palmer Bowlus flume located in the division box on the influent line. No monitoring or recording equipment is provided so the operator will have the responsibility of manually monitoring the influent waste- water flow rate on a periodic basis. Aeration Aeration is provided in each of the three cells of the waste stabiliza- tion pond system and is intended to supply enough oxygen to the waste- water to meet the oxygen demand created by the biological treatment process and to provide mixing of the wastewater within each cell. The operators will have the responsibility of monitoring the dissolved oxygen (D.O.) level throughout the system and adjusting the aeration equipment to maintain the appropriate D.O. level. -7- Disinfection Disinfection at the Johnstown facility is provided through the addition of gaseous chlorine to the effluent from the pond system. It will be the responsibility of the operator to monitor the quantity of residual chlorine in the wastewater at the point of discharge and to adjust the chlorine addition rate to provide ample chlorine to achieve the desired level of disinfection. In addition to those responsibilities specifically mentioned above, the operators will have other process control related responsibilities as well. The adequacy of the process control program and effort on behalf of operators will be determined largely by the level of effluent quality achieved and the consistency with which optimum performance is main- tained. Training with regard to the process control program should begin at 90% completion of construction. -8- M SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE In addition to the process control and communications responsibilities discussed previously, the system operators will also have the responsi- bility for treatment system equipment and grounds maintenance. This will include routine items such as equipment inspection and lubrication, major equipment repair, and weed control. In instances where a maintenance job is beyond the capability of the operator, he will have the responsibility of arranging to have the work done by another party. An adequate maintenance program and a conscious effort on the part of the system operators to religously perform all necessary maintenance tasks is essential to the long life and acceptable performance of the treatment system. A more detailed description of specific maintenance requirements and a program for scheduling and recording maintenance activities is provided in the maintenance section of the 0 & M manual. Organization of the maintenance program should begin at approximately 75% completion of construction and the program should be implemented at the time the new equipment is placed into service. -9- SECTION 6 TRAINING • The aspects of operator training that the Town of Johnstown should be involved with are those that will provide the operator with the under- standing and capabilities essential to the proper operation of the treat- ment facility. Since the Johnstown wastewater treatment facility is an aerated pond system, it requires less operator knowledge and understand- ing of wastewater treatment theory for proper system operation than some of the more sophisticated treatment systems. It is still important, how- ever, that the system operators have a basic understanding of how and why the system works, what factors may effect the performance of the system, and what operational changes can be made by the operators. To assist in the area of operator training, an operation and maintenance manual will be developed by M & I Consulting Engineers for use by the operators as a training and reference manual. In conjunction with the design of the treatment system and development of the 0 & M manual, M & I will provide start-up assistance services during the period of initial system operation. These start-up services are intended to provide some initial operator training and to help the operator become familiar with the system and how it can be controlled. The start-up services will involve formal training sessions to familizrize the operators with the theory behind the treatment processes and the controls available to the operator. The formal training sessions will also help the operators to become familiar with the 0 & M manual and how it can be used. In addi- tion to the formal training sessions, the start-up services will include assistance in setting up process monitoring, equipment maintenance, and other programs that will contribute to the efficient and effective opera- tion of the system. The start-up services program has enough flexibility to allow it to be taylored to the needs and wants of the Johnstown opera- tors. -10- In addition to the training opportunities offered as part of the start-up services, it is important that the operational personnel be allowed and encouraged to attend other training programs that are available. This is important as it provides the opportunity for the operators to "get out" and discuss operational problems with other operators, to keep up-to-date on changes in wastewater treatment requirements and regulations, and to be exposed to new treatment concepts and equipment. Training opportunities should also be provided in areas not directly related to wastewater treatment such as safety and first aid, since these areas will be of benefit to the operators in performing work related duties. The following schedule is presented for development and implementation of a training program for those persons involved with operation and mainten- ance of the Johnstown wastewater treatment facility. Develop and adopt a training program 75% Begin implementation of the training program 90% -11- SECTION 7 SAFETY Safety training was mentioned in the previous section as an area where some training will be required. Since the Johnstown treatment system is an aerated waste stabilization pond system, it is relatively simple and does not involve as much mechanical equipment as some of the more complex types of treatment. Nevertheless, since mechanical aeration equipment and chlorine gas are to be used in the treatment process, safety is an area that needs to be addressed. Basically, working with mechanical equipment and chlorine gas are the two main areas in which the Johnstown operators should receive special saftey training. The safety training program should involve initial training to educate the operators regard— ing safety hazards and recommended precautions and follow up training to provide review and updated information. More specific information relating to safety needs will be presented in the 0 & M manual. A schedule for implementation of the safety training program is as follows: Develop a safety training program 80% Begin implementation of the safety training program 90% —12— SECTION 8 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS An emergency operations plan will be discussed in detail in the 0 & M manual. The emergency operations plan is intended to provide operations personnel with a basic plan or schedule of priorities to be addressed in an emergency situation so all important aspects of system operation will be considered in an appropriate way in the event of an emergency. The term emergency as it is used here refers to any situation that would or could cause the performance or treatment capability of the system to be upset. For an emergency operations plan to be effective, the system operators must be familiar with it and understand the logic that went into its development. A schedule for activities pertaining to an emergency operations plan is as follows: Develop an emergency operations plan 85% Begin operator training with regard to the emergency 95% operations plan -13- SECTION 9 BUDGET It is anticipated that the costs associated with the operation and main- tenance of the new Johnstown wastewater treatment facility will be higher than those experienced with the existing facility. This increase in costs will result from increased usage of electricity, the addition of chlorine for disinfection of the wastewater, and an increase in the amount of time that the operator(s) will be required to spend taking care of the system. JOHNSTOWN BUDGET Since historical operating costs are available only for the entire wastewater service including collection and treatment, it was necessary to estimate the effect of the operating costs for the new treatment system on the budget for the entire wastewater program. In order to provide meaningful information to the Town Board, the cost information has been presented by indicating costs associated directly with the new treatment system, the costs associated with operation of the entire wastewater program including the new treatment system and the actual costs incurred in 1979 relating to the wastewater program in Johnstown. This information is presented to provide the Board with an idea of what they should expect as far as operational costs for the new system are concerned so they can adequately plan to meet these costs. The costs presented are for the first year (365 days) that the new treatment system is in service, and do not necessarily reflect the costs of a fiscal year or a calendar year. It should be noted also, that the costs are only estimates based on anticipated power usage, supply needs, etc. The actual costs incurred will depend significantly on the effort of the operator to efficiently operate and maintain the system. —14— The budget categories have been broken down as follows: - Operator Salaries - Treatment Chemicals - Maintenance Supplies and Expenses - Utilities - Training - Administration - Miscellaneous Operator Salaries As discussed in Section 2, it is estimated that approximately 10 hours per week of operator time will be required to adequately operate and maintain the treatment sytem. Based on this estimate and an operator salary of $17,600/yr (including payroll taxes and benefits) , the approxi- mate operator salary cost that can be attributed to the treatment system is about $4400/year. Treatment Chemicals Chlorination will be used to achieve disinfection at the new Johnstown plant. Since chlorination is not practiced at the existing treatment facility, the cost of the chlorine will represent an entirely new cost to the Town. To get an idea of how much chlorine will be used during the first year that the new treatment system is in service an approximate flow of 250,000 gal per day and an average chlorine dosage rate of 3 mg/1 were used. Using these figures it is estimated that the quantity of chlorine used during the first year that the new system is in operation will be approximately 2283 lbs. Assuming that the cost of chlorine is about 254/lb this will result in a chlorine cost of approximately $570. -15- Maintenance Supplies and Expenses This category includes all maintenance supplies such as oil and grease, equipment parts and any special contract maintenance services that are required. The maintenance costs should be relatively low during the first year of operation since the new equipment will be under manufactur— er' s warrenty. In subsequent years maintenance costs may be substantial— ly higher since the equipment will be older and no longer under warrenty. For this estimate, a cost of $200 for maintenance supplies and expenses will be used. Utilities The only utility service that will be provided at the wastewater treat— ment facility will be electricity. Electricity will be used to power the blowers (50 h.p. and 15 h.p.) for the aeration system and to pump water through the chlorine ejector. Based on current rates charged by Public Service Company, the cost for electricity during the first year of operation of the new treatment facility is estimated to be approximately $12,550. Training The costs associated with training cover such things as travel to and from training programs, tuitions, registration fees, meals, lodging, etc. as well as other miscellaneous costs such as magazine subscriptions and membership dues. For the purposes of this estimate, it is aniticipated that training related expenses will be about $400 during the first year that the new treatment system is in service. Administrative Administrative costs include such things as billins, bookkeeping, council members time, insurance costs, office supplies, etc. It is anticipated that these costs will be essentially the same for the new system as they —16— are for the existing system with small increase resulting from inflation. In 1979 approximately $7385 were expended for administrative services relating to wastewater collection and treatment. A value of $8200 will be used in this estimation to account for inflation. Half of this cost will be assumed to be associated with wastewater treatment and the other half will be assumed to be associated with wastewater collection. Miscellaneous • Costs that have been placed in the miscellaneous category include vehicle operating costs, laboratory supplies, and any other relatively small expenses that are incurred as a result of the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment system. It is estimated that the miscellan— eous expenses associated with the new treatment system during its first year of operation will be approximately $950. An additional $950 in miscellaneous costs are expected to result from maintaining the wastewater collection system. • Operating Cost Summary A summary of the expenses described above along with an estimate of the total wastewater program expenses including the new treatment system and a summary of the program expenses incurred in 1979 follows: -17- ti Anticipated(1) Estimated(1) 1979 Over-(2) Costs for Overall all Waste- New Treat- Wastewater water System Category ment System System Costs Costs Operator Salaries $ 4,400 $ 1,100 $ 9,864 Treatment Chemicals 570 570 0 Maintenance Supplies 200 2,600 2,365 Utilities 12,550 12,550 4,517 Professional Services 660 660 11,759(3) Training 400 400 0 Administration 4,100 8,200 7,385 Miscellaneous 950�4� 1,900(4) 395(5) TOTAL $23,830 $37,880 $36,284(5) (1) These costs are in 1980 dollars and also reflect a new rate structure for electric power. (2) These costs are actual costs incurred in 1979 and therefore are shown in 1979 dollars. (3) This cost figure includes the cost of engineering services that were incurred on a one—time basis. Cost for similar services are not expected during the first year that the new system is in service. (4) These cost figures include costs for vehicle usage. (5) Costs for vehicle usage were not included on the 1979 wastewater expense sheet and are therefore not included in this cost figure. —18— SECTION 10 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL OUTLINE I. Introduction - Statement of Purpose - Description of District Responsibilities - Description of Treatment Facility - Discussion of Operator Responsibilities - Process Control - Maintenance - Reporting - Safety - Emergencies - 0 & M Manual User Guide II. Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals - Pollutants in Wastewater - Treatment Processes as Johnstown Facility - What They Remove - How They Work (Very General) III. Treatment Processes - Schematic Diagram of Flow Through Treatment System - Description of Each Treatment Process - Location - Purpose - Schematic Diagram of Process Equipment Layout - Description of Physically How the Process Works - Design Parameters (Table) - Major Components - Equipment - Description and Location of Controls - Start-up, Typical Operation, Optional Modes of Operation, Shut-down and Bypass - Operational Concepts and Controls -19- 4 • IV. Maintenance - Outline of Maintenance Program - Why It Is Important - Description - Record System - Spare Parts Inventory - Maintenance Scheduling and Record Sheets - Spare Parts Inventory - Recommended Parts - Record System V. Laboratory - Control Tests - Required Monitoring - Sampling - Data Sheets - Reporting - Laboratory Equipment - Equipment Maintenance VI. Electrical System - Power Sources - Power Requirements - Locations of All Power Switches - Wiring Diagrams VII. Records and Reporting - Operational Records - Process Control - Required Monitoring - Maintenance Records - Governmental Reporting Requirements - NPDES Permit - Reporting to Town Council - Monthly - Annual -20- • VIII. Emergency Operation - Response to Emergency Situations - Specific Discusison of Emergency Situations - Preparation for Response to Emergency Situation IX. Personnel - Estimate of Personnel Requirements - Personnel Qualifications - Certification Requirements X. Safety - General Safety - Safety Categories - Mechanical - Electrical - Chemical - Grounds - Organization of Safety Programs - Training - Inspections - Staff Input - Record Keeping XI. Appendices - Manufacturer' s Equipment Literature - As Built Drawings - Piping Color Codes - Sewer Use Ordinance The schedule for completion of the 0 & M manual is as follows: Complete Draft of 0 & M manual Construction 50% complete Final 0 & M manual completed Construction 95% complete 1st Annual 0 & M manual update Plant on line approx. 1 yr -21- 4 • • SECTION 11 OPERATION DURING CONSTRUCTION The new treatment system will make use of one cell (the eastern cell) of the existing pond system and two new cells that will be constructed adja- cent to the existing system on the east side. During construction of the new system, provisions will be made to provide continuous treatment of wastewater. To accomplish this as efficiently as possible, the construc- tion schedule will be set-up to allow operation of the existing treatment system throughout construction of the two new cells. When these two cells are finished, the wastewater flow will be directed into the new cells and they will be allowed to fill up while the eastern most cell of the existing system is drained and new aeration equipment is installed and the discharge structure is replaced. If, for some reason it is not possible to complete this work before the two new cells become completely filled, the influent wastewater will again be diverted back to the western cell of the existing system and effluent from this cell will be discharged to the receiving stream. Since treatment will be provided in only one cell under these circumstances, this operational mode will be used for as short a period of time as possible, if it is necessary at all. When the work in the eastern cell of the existing system has been completed and the entire new system is ready to be placed into service, the influent wastewater will be directed into the south new cell and the transfer line between the two new cells will be opened to allow water to flow from the south cell to the north cell. The transfer line from the north new cell to the east cell of the existing system will be opened to allow flow between these two cells. Effluent will be withdrawn from the west cell of the new system (the east cell of the old system), chlorinat- ed, and discharged to the receiving stream. -22- • The operator will have the responsibility of operating and maintaining the facilities that are in service at any given time throughout the con- struction period. Operation and maintenance information for the new equipment will be made available to the operator before it is to be placed into service. • -23- • e SECTION 12 SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION The following is a recommended scheudle for development and implementation of the programs discussed in this Plan of Operation. Item Completion Date Hire Chief Operator Already Employed by Town Completion of Draft 0 & M manual 50% Completion of Construction Begin Organization of Maintenance 75% Completion of Construction Program Begin Development of Training Program 75% Completion of Construction Begin Development of Safety Program 80% Completion of Construction Begin Development of an Emergency 85% Completion of Construction Operations Plan Begin Training with Regard to Process 90% Completion of Construction Control Program Implementation of Maintenance Program Approximately 90% Completion of Construction Implementation of Safety Training Program 90% Completion of Construction Begin Operator Traning with Regard to 95% Completion of Construction Emergency Operations Plan Submission of First Monthly Report to 1 month after new system is Town Board placed into service Submission of First Annual Report to 1 year after new system is Town Board placed into service -24- REFERRAL LIST co O APP]„—ANT Town of Johnstown H CASE n SUP-416 : 80 :6 REFERRALS SENT OUT OR: March 7, 1980 CREFERRALS TO BE RECEIVED BY: April 1, 1980 H z U U 0 � F T--{ O U O REFERRALS RECEIVED County Attorney (plat only) County Health County Engineer - Soil Conservation Service 4302 West 9th Street Road Greeley, Colorado 80631 Don Billings 12023 Weld County Road 36 Platteville, Colorado 80651 State Highway Department 1420 2nd Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 Milliken Planning Commission c/o Richard Mann 109 South Kathleen Avenue Milliken, Colorado 80543 Colorado Geological Survey 1313 Sherman Street Room 703 Denver, Colorado 80203 Don Bogart Division of Wildlife 317 West Prospect Box 2287 Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICE: PHONE (303)3564000 EXT 404 915 10TH STREEl GREELEY,COLORADO S0631• 71F31 D ® CASE NUMBER SUP-416: 80: 6 • COLORADO REFERRAL March 7, 1980 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Enclosed is an application from Town of Johnstown for a expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility The parcel of land is described as Pt . Si- Section 3, T4N, R67W The location of the parcel of land for which this application has been submitted is 1/2 mile west of the town of Milliken This application is submitted to your office for review and recommenda- tions. Any comments or recommendations you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Your prompt reply will help to facili- tate the processing of the proposal and will ensure prompt considera- tion of your recommendations. If a response from your office is not received within 21 days of mailing from our office, it may be in- terpreted to mean approval by your office. If you are unable to respond within 21 days (but wish to do so at a later date) please notify our office to that effect. Check the appropriate boxes below and return to our address listed above. Please reply by April 1, 1980 so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Thank you very much for your help and cooperation in this matter. 1. We have reviewed the proposal and find no conflicts with our interests . 2. A formal recommendation is under consideration and will be submitted to you prior to 3. Please refer to the enclosed letter. Agency Si ne g =Gym - � Date �o�o Erg VI . r I, MAR ? QP Assistant Zoning A inistra WELD COUNTY Engineering Departmen! . AO �� DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SEF,\'iCE� , Ny �.i5U yi, PHONE (303)35613000 EXT 404 �� c.IV a 915 10TH STREET p l_V. - �E� '� GREELEY,COLORADO 80631 i ri I) I -., torj,j0.:-S 1 viol ma, 8® �`�°� ev' ] [j[1jD ( CASE NUMBER SUP-416: 80 : 6 • _ COLORADO REFERRAL March 7, 1980 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Enclosed is an application from Town of Johnstown for a expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility The parcel of land is described as Pt . SL- Section 3, T4N, R67W The location of the parcel of land for which this application has been submitted is 1/2 mile west of the town of Milliken This application is submitted to your office for review and recommenda- tions. Any comments or recommendations you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Your prompt reply will help to facili- tate the processing of the proposal and will ensure prompt considera- tion of your recommendations. If a response from your office is not received within 21 days of mailing from our office, it may be in- terpreted to mean approval by your office. If you are unable to respond within 21 days (but wish to do so at a later date) please notify our office to that effect. Check the appropriate boxes below and return to our address listed above. Please reply by April 1 , 1980 so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Thank you very much for your help and cooperation in this matter. 1. X We have reviewed the proposal and find no conflicts with our interests . 2. A formal recommendation is under consideration and will be submitted to you prior to • 3. Please refer to the enclosed letter. •C !7Signed4 Agency ( C, t Date 7/floral OKA Assistant Zoning cohas41) 1_,:, inistrai . - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SER\',CES JAN • ti') /-.. '"/ -P PHONE (303)356-4000 EXT 404 :'-/ APII �� 3 915 10TH STREET ��® a GREELEY,COLORADO 80631 1 ►^�� j)) rr',- --'''' —V j ��N° W?cr,^��y(^{3`%j`�`/ CASE NUMBER SUP-416 :80: 6 COLORADO - REFERRAL March 7, 1980 10 ��'�'v R TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Enclosed is an application from Town of Johnstown for a expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility The parcel of land is described as Pt . Sz Section 3, T4N, R67W The location of the parcel of land for which this application has been submitted is 1/2 mile west of the town of Milliken This application is submitted to your office for review and recommenda- tions. Any comments or recommendations you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Your prompt reply will help to facili- tate the processing of the proposal and will ensure prompt considera- tion of your recommendations. If a response from your office is not received within 21 days of mailing from our office, it may be in- terpreted to mean approval by your office. If you are unable to respond within 21 days (but wish to do so at a later date) please notify our office to that effect. Check the appropriate boxes below and return to our address listed above. Please reply by April 1, 1980 so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Thank you very much for your help and cooperation in this matter. 1. )< We have reviewed the proposal and find no conflicts with our interests. 2. A formal recommendation is under consideration and will be submitted to you prior to 3 . Please refer to the enclosed letter. Signed L C,cq Z` 1,.2,-f�,a _J Agency Z ,;+' z Li, ' L'ICDate VD/Ac Assistant Zoning A ministra -_, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING Sty- \',CE, 3-47 i5,, 4 /� /,� PHONE (303)356-4000 EXT 404 r' 915 10TH STREET ApR i;b0 :„!-') GREELEY,COLORADO 80631 \ r1411'11 3 scEpif 51D ® `? ,��, tdcld CoGGCy f � •��', Flan+n�>Go�n'i'`= ' a CASE NUMBER SUP-416 : 8O: 6 • COLORADO <�i0CA'P� REFERRAL March 7, 1980 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Enclosed is an application from Town of Johnstown for a expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility The parcel of land is described as Pt . SZ Section 3, T4N, R67W The location of the parcel of land for which this application has been submitted is 1/2 mile west of the town of Milliken This application is submitted to your office for review and recommenda- tions. Any comments or recommendations you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Your prompt reply will help to facili- tate the processing of the proposal and will ensure prompt considera- tion of your recouuniendations. If a response from your office is not received within 21 days of mailing from our office, it may be in- terpreted to mean approval by your office. If you are unable to respond within 21 days (but wish to do so at a later date) please notify our office to that effect. Check the appropriate boxes below and return to our address listed above. Please reply by April 1 , 1980 so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Thank you very much for your help and cooperation in this matter. 1. /7 We have reviewed the proposal and find no conflicts with our interests. 2. A formal recoutuiendation is under consideration and will be submitted to you prior to 3 . P1 se refe to the enclosed lette • Signed Agency Date /0-SkA Assistant Zoning A inistra OF-co , COLORADO STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS Cam) ' , Yore * DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Weld County 1876 SH 60 March 31 , 1980 Johnstown Wastewater 1 Mi . E. of Johnstown, N. of SH 60 DOH FILE 45100 .i '1 W " o ;� Mr. Chuck Cunliffe � Department of Planning Services 9.151 0 Coa�+`�� Weld County ��e. 915 Tenth Street Greeley, Colorado 80631 f' Dear Mr. Cunliffe: We have reviewed the application from the Town of Johnstown for the expansion of an existing wastewater treatment facility. It is our understanding that the expansion of this facility will involve no new direct access to State Highway 60. An existing driveway to the west of this site will be utilized during construction. The upgrading of the existing interceptor system will involve the replacement of pipe which is located within S.H. 60 right of way. An Underground and Utility Permit must be obtained prior to any such construction work. Application for this permit should be made to Mr. David N. Fraser, District IV Maintenance Superintendent, P. 0. Box 850, Greeley, Colorado 80632. Thank you for the opportunity to review this application. Very truly yours, DWIGHT M. BOWER DISTRICT ENGINEER Albert Chotvacs Assistant District Engineer AC:da cc: D. M. Bower D. N. Fraser (2) File: Crier-Jacobson via Rames-Finch-Graham w/encl . P.O. BOX 850 GREELEY, CO 80632 (303) 353-1232 !•• RICHARD D. LAMM * �� * JOHN W. ROLD GOVERNOR * r. ; * Director 846 COLORADO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES • 715 STATE CENTENNIAL BUILDING-1313 SHERMAN STREET i' • DENVER,COLORADO 80203 PHONE (303)839-2611 rNI' M }�y March 14, 1980 , L ,J , -I'1 r ss)ar `;), Mr. Chuck Cunliffe Weld County Department of Planning Services 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Dear Mr. Cunliffe: RE: JOHNSTOWN WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY We have reviewed the plot plan and soil report for the Johnstown wastewater pond and improvements. In a phone call to M & I Consulting Engineers, Mr. John R. Burgeson indicated that the natural clay of the area would be used as the pond liner. If these clays are of an adequate thickness and compaction, and if the operation facilities, if necessary, are designed for swelling soils, we have no objections to the approval of this plan. Sincerely, ulia E. Turney Engineering Geologist JET/ba cc: Land Use Commission GEOLOGY STORY OF THE PAST . . . KEY TO THE FUTURE • I . ` . SCHEDULE A—Continued h W sec- 3 The land referred to in this policy is situated in the Sta:c of Colorado, County of Weld , and is described as follows: r f Born C�1v r Qo 1 rc)(,) .Ns Co . Ikc (�'-. ,7�• 106 t.- Icl-I3 CD- (Dg-7 A tract of land located in the Si of Section 3, Township 4 North, Range 67 West of the 6th P.M. , Weld County, Colorado, being more particularly described as follows : Considering the South line of the Si of Section 3 as bearing S 89° 15' 30" E, and with all bearings contained herein relative thereto; Commencing at the SW Corner of said Section 3, thence alon the said south line, S 89° 15' 30" E, 1324.40 feet; g thence N 01° 29' 30" W, 80.00 feet to the SE property corner of a tract of land surveyed by Willard R. Quirk on June 4, 1962; thence along the south property line which is 80.00 feet north of and parallel to the said south section line S 89° 15' 30" W, 858.33 feet to the SE corner of said surveyed tract, said corner also being the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; Thence along the east property line of said surveyed tract N 01° 29' 30" W, 660.25 feet to the NE property corner of said surveyed tract; thence departing said surge ed tract S 89° 15' 30" E, 462.18 feet; thence S 01° 29' 30" 660.2 feet to a point which lies 80.00 feet north of the said south section line; thence along a line which is 80.00 feet_north of and parallel to the said south line N 89° 15' 30" ; 462.1 feet to the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. q-ules AND D,0 Pro �J G, t2Qc rl, I4 to)52 ou -tea_-. C, �6Q3�ey.� z �"..‘c- kt(.3 � OA tract of land lying in the SEi of the 1 Township 4 North, Range 67 West of the 6th 4P.Me P.M. , Weld ldCounty' Colorado, more particularly described as follows: ) Commencing at the Southwest corner of said Section 3, along the south line of Section 3 which bears South 89° 15' 30" East distance of 1324.40 feet; a eY thence North 1° 29' •30" West a distance of 80 feet to the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; thence North 1° 29' 30" West a distance of 660.25 feet; thence South 89° 15' 30" East a distance of 858.33 feet; thence South 1° 29' 30" East a distance of 660.25 feet• • thence North 89° 15' 30" West a distance of 858.33 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. % 0 V a � D a .51--. A..,'/:.,2. ::::::7' N N \ • Tc✓G.P re '//-"7/ \ S.1"�Co,"","7i•- ey5 off'8e9i�r7/r�9 i .5-.6:77%e7./2 ...(5.- TAN R,rv7�?/ /�/. 89'/S."!?'858..93 S89 '/5'�OE�/..2V�p ��, w LEGAL DESCRIPTION - • A tract of land lying in the Southeast Quarter (SEA) of the Southwest Quarter (SWA) of Section 3, Township 4 North, Range 67 West of the 6th Principal Meridian in the County of Weld, State of Colorado, more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the southwest corner of said Section 3, along the South line of Section 3 which bears South 89° 15' 30" East a distance of 1,324.40 feet; thence North 1° 29' 30" West a distance of 80.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning; thence North 1° 29' 30" West a distance of 660.25 feet; thence South 89° 15' 30" East a distance of 858.33 feet; thence South 1° 29' 30" Bast a distance of 660.25 feet; thence North 89° 15' 30" West a distance of 858.33 feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 13.00 acres. SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That I, Willard R. Quirk, do hereby certify that I have prepared this plat from an actual and accurate survey of the land and that the corner monuments shown thereon were properly placed ed under my personal supervision.Oti® ��1STEREp d'",f e //Ji‘x�C4l� ccaezi y ,a 1 Willard R. Quirk , N 2632 a •� June 4, 1962 Registered Land Surveyor c N r �o and Professional Engineer ® c�,,� �Q Colorado Reg. No. 2632 a•��ti'_ir+ � r=?• NELSON, HALEY, PATTERSON, and QUIRK •4. o-•o° Engineering Consultants aaa. Greeley Colorado a ' .- _-._-.. , ..vl Nvl Q.L_LULL LULLS causea its corporate COL.`'..RAi7U-DL Y alias L::l' U:' J G=i WA:EA QUALITY CONTROL D_._SION 4210 East 11th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80220 APPLICATION FOR SITE APPROVAL OF NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT (Required if Serving More Than Twenty Persons) (Sit nit in Duplicate) Applicant: Town of Johnstown Address: Town Hall Johnstown, Colorado 80534 A. Information Regarding Project STt�-mitted for Revi_w: 1. Briefly describe on a separate sheet of paper the justification for locat- ing the sewage treatment works on this particular site. This should inclade, but is not necessarily limited to, a description of the present and possible development of the site location and service area. 2. Size and type of treatment facility proposed: GPD: 4202000 PE served: 2,900 % Industrial: 0 (Gal/day) (Population equivalent) % Domestic: 100 Proposed class of facility: D Class of operator required: D 3. Location of facility: Map • Attach a map of the area which includes the following: (a) 25-mile radius: all sewage treatment works; (b) 5-mile radius: domestic water supply intakes; (c) 1-mile radius: habitable buildings, location of potable water wells, and an approximate indication of the topography. 4. Wastes will -be discharged to: Watercourse Little Thompson (Name of watercourse) Classification of watercourse B1 Subsurface disposal N/A Land N/A Evaporation N/A Other N/A 5. If the discharge is to a watercourse, what is the waste load allocation for that watercourse? In process of revision/determination What is the remaining wasteload allocation uncommitted in the basim? (See 303 (e) and 208 Plans) In process of revision/determination U0CC approved 1/77 WQ-3(rev. 3-77-40) ��. 6. Does your propL__3 facility require lift stat __s anywhere in the plans or service area?. No 7. What is the zoning for the proposed service area? Mixed - residential/commercial Present zoning of site area? Existing treatment plant Zoning within a 1-mile radius of site? Agricultural . Please explain zoning: N/A 8. What is the distance downstream from the discharge to the nearest domestic water supply intake? None Owner and address: N/A What is the distance downstream from the discharge toe nearest non- domestic water supply intake? None • Name and address: N/A 9. Sewer lines: Approximate number of feet: 7,500 Sizes: 15" 10. Who has the responsibility for operating the facility? Town of Johnstown What is the legal status of the responsible party? Municipal Government 11. Who owns the land upon which the facility will be constructed? Town of Johnstown . . . - Please attach copies of the document creating authority in the applicant to construct the proposed facility. 12. Estimated project cost: Approx. $500,000 Who is financially responsible for the facility? Town of Johnstown What is the method of finance? Bonds - Revenue WQCC approved 1/77 • WQ-3(rev. 3-77-40) -2- • 13. Are there any major land developers involved in the development of the proposed service area? No Give the name, address, and percentage of service area developed by any person if that percentage of development is greater than 10 percent. N/A -Of the total PE that you indicated in No. 2, how many of those PE's are presently existing? 1,500 ; are presently committed? 200 How many PE's are proposed? 2,900 14. Names and addresses of all water and sanitation districts within 5 miles of proposed wastewater treatment facility site and proposed service area: Town of Millikin, Millikin, Colorado Attach separate sheet of paper if necessary. 15. What is the relationship of this facility to any Areawide (208) Plans or Basin (303(e)) Plans? (Contact Planning Section, Water Quality Control Division.) The project is consistant with both the 303(e) and 208 Plans as described in the 201 Facilities Plan. 16. Is the facility in an area subject to flooding? No If so, what precautions are being taken? N/A • Has the flood plain been designated by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Department of Natural Resources? No If so, what is that designation? N/A 17. List other sites other than the proposed site that were considered. Approx. 2 miles south of existing site 18. Are there any available laboratories for your use? Yes If so, give name and location of lab. Weld County, City of Greeley, M & I, Inc. WQCC approved 1/77 WQ-3(rev. 3-77-40) -3- 19. Attach proof that a copy of this application was by certified mail to each of the following federal agencies, requesting their comment. (a) United States Forest Service, Director of Watershed, Soils and Minerals Management, 11177 West 8th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80225. (b) National Park Service, Office of Cooperative Activities, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, 655 Parfet Street, P. 0. Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225. (c) Bureau of Land Management, State Director (911 Planning) , Room 700, Colorado State Bank Building, 1600 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 Please note: These federal agencies do not need to he contacted if the site that is being proposed bears no relationship to any of the lams, streams, lakes, or rivers operated by these agencies. The burden is on the applicant to show that the proposed site does not affect anything within the jurisdiction of these agencies. 20. Please attach proof of mailing to Director of State Parks, 1313 Sherman, Denver, CO 80203. The same criterion applies here as in No. 19. • 21. Consulting engineer: M & I, Inc. Address: 4710 South College, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Telephone: (303) 226-2323 22. ' Please include all additional factors that might help the Water Quality Control Commission make an informed decision on your application for site approval. - The project represents over 5 years of effort on the part of the Town to address its wastewater transportation and treatment needs. The Town is interested in implementing the project at the earliest possible date. • Date 2/20/80 Kali12\ /1011, "'I�r Signature of Applescart • WQCC approved 1/77 WQ-3(rev. 3-77-40) —4 • — ' B. SIGNATURE OF GOVERN.._..`AL OFFICIALS The undersigned have reviewed the proposal for the location of the above-described wastewater treatment facility and recommend approval or disapproval in spaces provided below: Recommend Recommend No Date Approval Disapproval Comment Signature of Representative Local Government (Ciwiies , Towns, and Sewer DisfYicts) Board of ounty Gbmmissioners Local Health Authority - /County Planning Agency Regional Planning Agency Council of Government C. Natural Hazards: Comments of State Geologist regarding possible natural hazards: Recommend approval : Recommend disapproval : Date: Signature k-J)CC approved 1/77 J _3 (rev. 3-77-40) -5- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SE:-YICES PHONE (303)356-4000 EXT 404 915 10TH STREET GREELEY,COLORADO 80631 A a, 7DEi ti gi COLORADO March 11, 1980 To Whom It May Concern : You are receiving a copy of this notification because your name appears as a surrounding property owner owning property within 500 feet of the proposed use. The Weld County Planning Commission will review a request from Town of Johnstown for a Special Use Permit for expansion of existing wastewater treatment facility on property described as follows : Pt. S!, Section 3, T4N, R67W • The location of the parcel of land for which this application has been submitted is : 1/2 mile west of Milliken on the north side of • Colorado Highway 60 If you have any suggestions or objections , will you kindly notify us in writing before April 1, 1980 . The meeting by the Weld County Planning Commission is scheduled for April 15 , 1980 . This meeting will take place in the County Commissioners Hearing Room, first floor, Weld County Centennial Center, 915 1Oth Street , Greeley, Colorado, at 1 : 3O p.m. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact the Department of Planning Services at 356-4OOO, Ext . 4O4. r A I' �, c �� ,t , ,): .- - Assis an Zoning Administrator c . CC: sap - 9/13/78 1 Attachment No. 3 r Special Use Permit Town of Johnstown PETITION SUPPORTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT January 25, 1980 Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado Weld County Centennial Center 915 10th Street Greeley , Colorado 80631 Dear Commissioners : We , the undersigned owners of property located within 500 feet of the property described in the application submited by Town of Johnstown , hereby petition you to grant this request for Wastewater Treatment Pond use. Signature Mailing Address Description of Property d .18 530 j.�. h4a,i 41-14A-a-z- 6, SI).2.-) 7 LaelciLact ,c� 977;6 �� .vim — 8--e Fe.-rt-r`--'-- h1;,Air [gin . ?A 5 c'3 GG 6'26) • '13(�e ��fi 6/G, � c�; �: F%od5 ail 6' , %N�'u1 ,Serfa l t a (`� c. ,Y,�`/3 5- �'2I( •ird, I CA w,,(Gf (er /I 1 Town of Johnstown SUP-416 : 80 : 6 SURROUNDING PROPERTY OWNERS March 10, 1980 Ronald Ottt and Robert Ehrlich P.O. Box 60 Milliken, Colorado 80543 Karen Arthur and Thomas Griffith 6201 West Blackfoot Circle Sedalia, Colorado 80135 Floyd Binder 9783 Weld County Road 46% Milliken, Colorado 80543 sa IBC' / 3 y CL-c- t CC''q�-' 1 [ L ', I.�<<<C 1C�c e (_4/ CL C C . C_L_ ) cc C ! 2.4 Soils Most soils within the study area belong to three major soil orders-- —; Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. One Inceptisol is found along the Big Thompson River. These soil orders are all commonly found in the Great Plains region of the western United States. Many of these soils have been formed by alluvial (water-laid) sedi- ments. These soils are found within or near major water systems in the • study area. Other soils, farther removed from the water courses, have formed from aeolian deposits (windblown materials) , or from residuum. Most of these soils are classified as deep and well-drained with an effective rooting depth of 60 inches or more. Generally, the lighter textured soils border the Big Thompson River, while the heavier textural soils are farther to the west or east. Erosion hazards for most of these soils is low or moderate. Calcareous subsurface (B,C) horizons are common in this area, as are Argillic B-horizons. Plow layers are quite common to many of these soils. The majority of these soils are under cultivation and many are irrigated. Generally, the less steep (0 to 1 percent slope) soils can support all crops adapted to the area, while the more steeply sloped soils are limited to the less common crops. A number of soils (Colby, Colombo, Kim, Nelson, Nunn, Olney, Paoli, Thedalund, Weld, Wiley) are also suitable for the production of dryland wheat with the proper crop- ping sequence. Proper conservation practices and management techniques are needed to combat wind and water erosion and to produce maximum crop yields on many of these soils, especially as slope increases. Many of these soils are very productive and contribute to the high agricultural production of Weld County. 15 • Windbreaks and environmental plantings can be made on many of these soils to decrease erosion and provide wildlife habitat. Open land wildlife (pheasants, mourning doves, etc.) can be especially benefited where a large amount of land is devoted to producing crops. Conservation practices are needed on some soils to prevent soil blowing. The soil in and around the Big Thompson River is especially important for producing food and cover for waterfowl species. Most of these soils have no severe limitations to urban or recrea- tional development. Some soils have a rapid permeability of subsurface layers or a medium depth to bedrock which interferes with the proper functioning of septic tank fields or sewage lagoons. Some shrink-swell limitations for construction activities also exist on a few soils present in the study area. The material used to prepare this section was taken from an un- • published soil survey prepared in 1976 by James A. Crabb of the Soil Conservation Service entitled Soil Survey of Weld County (Southern Part) , Colorado. Field work for this survey was completed by James A. Crabb, Thomas J. Wiggins, David Goeglein, Donald C. Moreland, and John J. Sampson of the Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. Table 2.4a presents the major soil physical characteristics of the study area. Figure 2.4a depicts the spacial distribution of these soils. Detailed soil characteristics are presented in Appendix 1. Aquolls and Aquents, Gravelly Substratum (34) These are deep, poorly drained soils which have formed in recent alluvium. Aquolls (dark-colored surface layers) and Aquents (lighter- colored surface layers) are found on the bottom lands and the flood 16 • . •-I r-I .G x4O4.+ CI'4 0 .r Z .r Z II) 0 `/. 7 0 u 8 ti , r, ti •-+ ti O I O 1 0 c a 4 al 1.1 I 1.1 I I I i I '0 I ,0 I VO I .IJ iJ A A A O.3 w l4") I-4 a • a III• a �'• a a • � < < O < 0 O •1•+ 0 .d 'O 'O %O VD 'O 'O ,O , al L U A A A A A A A 1•+ O. O Cu 0 O• O al al GG rl u •ri r-I c.) cll c0 al Cu 3 •,-I +-+ w cn u c0 I 0 la r-I .a al al a R +-+ 13 1 3 I -I 3 3 3 3 3 3 b 3 N •ri O I O I O I I O O O 0 0 0 0 0 4 40 I a I a I I a s a a s a z a 3 cn O L al O >, O •rI 0 0 - r-I .. 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I I a I I I 0 0 ca r, 19 z - .Y• 7 k X 7 SOILS LEGEND Map Unit Name 34 Aquolls & Aquents 34U Aquolls & Aquents 86-DE Cascajo 4O-B-2-D Colby X30-A Colombo X53A-B-2-D Kim loam 53M-2D Nelson 17A-A or 56A-A; 17A-B Nunn loam 17-A or 41M-A; 41M-B Nunn clay loam 21B-B or 55-b; 21B-2 or 55-D Olney 53-B-2-D Otero X1-A Paoli 43-B Thetalund 41-B-2 Weld X40-B-C Wiley-Colby 4 1 ,, x N t .N..O.......ir.. a MMMMMM.. T / Q a m l .'Q Z A ra , I a •b 9 o 1\—J i•.( 1' , LI- , . X.• \04',-._ d v^• �"-• • WRIMRR CN" fi• D ai; ,� 1, v. •.er Re.« •e,•• ,$ 1 • 1 '' m -� :'`�D . m m_�,r . LI 2 n a Iii 41 . i -\"..S 1 .� +y p mfill r• a m 21 'e A Nom � ` '•. ). a gw7...,... ..j..g ,r j , .\01 ) vl J-O 4 ',.., \''''••,,,,,7, Ce a:, — 2- 1 5.f......./ 1 ki ny: ' a Rayao^ o' I i N Y �\ M i 11r ~M ... .et' a r� 1w ..�•�'�J• 41 c 3 i ° �) ..3.. a ' m v I 1 "��r 47'.-\ ''"•'''' 1 ,, q..41), I. c.. ..."1 :O mom- a 7 `:I 4.1 r - . 11 - - '�.,r'� C'1 i �;',� . v V .. P. 1 I \..• -� • .•P. ae. Imo^47 H 0. .,. `'>°'y.Y l W f . - Wit!, A 1 C. V 1 ,_I to • :1. .1 m _ o , a / •err .I• r,„ ,�, •P N• . •-� 4' a�- n rn " O...I M r r = m CO Np OZ z :iire, O ol A m `1�l N Z '1n ; zb s Z t o rn m 0 tz m m N0 ih1/ Z Cl) s 'ill r Z Z I4p — N V plains within the study area. These soils are typified by mildly to moderately alkaline surface horizons, loamy or clayey surface layers, and are underlain by sand or sand and gravel within 48 inches. Aquolls comprise approximately 65 percent of the mapping unit, while Aquents make up 25 percent. Aquolls and Aquepts, flooded, and Bankard sandy loam comprise the remaining 10 percent. Most of these soils are subject to flooding and have a highly fluc- tuating water table. These soils are a potential source of sand and gravel. This mapping unit (an area on the landscape which consists of a dominant soil or soils for which the unit is named) is of great impor- tance to most types of wildlife, due to the presence of water and vegeta- tion which provide a reliable source of food and cover in the midst of intensive agriculture. Aquolls and Aquepts, Flooded (34U) Aquolls (dark-colored surface layers) and Aquepts (lighter-colored surface layers) are deep, poorly drained soils which are present on smooth plains in depressions and in natural drainageways in the study area. These soils have formed in recent alluvium and typically have mottled, mildly to moderately alkaline surface layers. Textures of surface horizons and underlying layers are of a loamy or clayey texture. Aquolls make up approximately 55 percent of the mapping unit and Aquepts make up about 25 percent. The remaining 20 percent of the unit is comprised of well-drained soils which have sandstone or shale within 48 inches of the soil surface. These soils are subject to intensive runoff and are typified by a water table which is at or near the surface in the spring and during the peak of the irrigation season. Many areas within this mapping unit have increased salinities due to irrigation practices. 21 This mapping unit is used primarily for rangeland and wildlife habitat. Some limited areas are utilized for irrigated pastures. As with the mapping unit previously described, this unit has a high wildlife use importance in terms of food and cover production for wetland and open land wildlife species. Cascajo Gravelly Sandy Loam, 5 to 20 Percent Slope (86-DE) (Sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Ustollic Calciorthids.) This soil has formed from very gravelly, calcareous alluvium and appears on terrace edges and upland ridges scattered throughout the study area. Small areas of shallow soils or soils which are moderately deep to sandstone and shale are included in this unit. Textures range from sandy loam surface layers to very gravelly sand subsurface layers. Permeability is moderately rapid and available water capacity is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more, surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. There is a layer of strong lime accumulation approximately 16 to 36 inches below the soil surface. This soil is used primarily for rangeland. The unit is adapted to windbreak plantings but conservation practices and irrigation are nor- mally needed to ensure tree survival. The Cascajo soil is not adapted to extensive wildlife use, due to a limited ability to produce wildlife food and cover. Steep slope, rapid permeability, and possible contamina- tion of groundwater from sewage lagoons limit construction activities on this soil. 22 Colby Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (40-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (40-C) , 5 to 9 Percent Slopes (40-D) (Fine-silty, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) These soil mapping units are located primarily in the western portion of the study area and have formed in calcareous eolian deposits on uplands. These soils are similar to the Kim and Otero soils. Textures range from loam in the surface layer to silt loam, very fine sandy loam, or sandy loam in the subsurface layers. Permeability is moderate, available water capacity is high and effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more for all slope classes. As slopes increase for this soil series, surface runoff and erosion hazard increase. Erosion hazards for the 40-D mapping unit are high. Suitability of this soil depends on the slope class. The 40-B soil is adapted to all types of crops grown in the area when irrigated. The 40-C soil is suited only to the more commonly grown crops with irriga- tion. The 40-D soil is suited only to producing "close grown" crops such as alfalfa, wheat, and barley. These soils are also adapted to irrigated pasture. The use of good conservation practices is necessary to decrease wind and water erosion on all slope classes. Fertility maintenance is also important for these soils. These soils are adapted to windbreak and wildlife cover plantings with proper conservation practices. With irrigation, Colby soils have a good potential for urban and recreational development. Colombo Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slope (X30-A) (Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Torrifluventic Haplustolls) This is a deep, well-drained soil which has formed in stratified calcareous alluvium. This map unit is found on flood plains and 23 terraces. This soil occupies a position in the southeastern portion of the study area and is similar to the Nunn series. The upper layers of this soil are of a clay loam (or loam) texture, while the lowest layer has a loam texture. The lowest layer is strati- fied with thin lenses of fine sand, medium sand, and clay loam. Permeability of this soil is moderate, available water capacity is high, and effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. The erosion hazard is moderate. This soil is commonly irrigated and used to grow crops common to the area. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are adapted to this soil. This series is also important for wildlife utilization. Habitat for many open land wildlife species can be developed with the proper practices. Colombo soils developed on flood plains are susceptible to flooding and are not suited to urban or recreational development•. However, Colombo soils on higher terraces have a fair suitability for such development. Frost action and a low load support limit the use of this area to activities such as agriculture. Kim Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (X53-A) , 1 to 3 Percent Slope (X53-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slope (X53-C) , 5 to 9 Percent Slope (X53-D) (Fine-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , nesic Ustic Torriorthents.) This mapping unit occurs in the central and eastern portions of the study area. These soils are deep, well-drained, and have developed on smooth plains and alluvial fans. The parent materials consist of mixed eolian deposits and other sediments from a variety of bedrocks. These soils are similar to the Colby, Otero, and Thedalund series. Some soils which have a sandy loam or loamy sand subsurface material are included in this unit. 24 p The surface texture of this soil phase is loam with underlying layers, ranging from clay loam to fine sandy loam. The Kim series usually has free carbonates at the surface. The permeability of these units is moderate and the available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff increases from slow to rapid and erosion hazard increases from low to moderate with an increase in slope. The Kim soils are utilized for agriculture in the study area. The X53-A unit is used almost exclusively for irrigated crop production and very few conservation practices are needed to maintain high yields. The X53-B soil is suited to all crops adapted to the area and the X53-C soil is suited to producing the more commonly grown crops. The X53-D soil is suitable only for limited agricultural production of close-growing crops. Goad conservation practices are needed on the more steep X53 soils. These units are all generally well suited to windbreak plantings and open land wildlife habitat production is an important secondary capability. The Kim soil has a good potential for urban and recreational development. The primary limiting feature is the inability of this soil to support a load. Septic tank fields function correctly in these soils. Sewage lagoons which are constructed on this soil may have to be sealed because of the permeability of the substratum. Nelson Fine Sandy Loam, 3 to 9 Percent Slopes (53M-CD) (Coarse-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) The Nelson fine sandy loam soil occupies a small area on gentle plains in the northwest-central portion of the study area and is formed 25 • by the weathering of calcareous sandstone residuum. Normally some soils are included in this unit which have sandstone to greater depths than the Nelson soil. These soils are similar to the Kim, Otero, and Theda- lund series. This is a moderately deep, well-drained soil which has a fine sandy loam surface layer and a fine sandy loam or sandy loam underlying layer. These soils typically have free carbonates at the surface and a calcare- ous C-horizon. Permeability for this soil is moderately rapid, available water capacity is moderate, and effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid and the erosion hazard is moderate. This soil is suited to limited cropping of close growing crops and must be combined with conservation practices to reduce the erosion hazard. These soils are also suited to irrigated pasture but not suited to the development of windbreaks. Development of habitat for open land wildlife can be an important secondary use of this soil. Due to the depth to bedrock, septic tank absorption fields and sewage lagoons will not operate properly on this soil. Construction costs for dwellings are also increased due to this factor. Nunn Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slope (17A-A or 56A-A) , 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (17A-B) (Fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Argiustolls) These soils have formed in mixed alluvium on terraces (4550-5000 feet) in the northeastern portion of the study area. Some limited sand and gravel deposits are included in the mapping unit. The surface texture of this soil is a loam while the subsurface horizons range from clay loam to a gravelly sandy loam. Typically, an argillic B-horizon and calcareous C-horizons are present in this soil. 26 • Permeability of these units is moderately slow and available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is slow (17A-A or 56A-A) to medium (17A-B) and the erosion hazard is low. The Nunn soil is used intensively for irrigated agriculture and can grow all crops adapted to the area. Windbreak suitability is good. This soil is well suited to the development of habitat for open land wildlife. Nunn soils have a fair to poor suitability for urban develop- ment. Low strength, moderately slow permeability, and moderate to high shrink swell characteristics may negatively affect dwelling and road construction. Where loam or sandy loam textures make up the lower substratum, these soils would be suited for septic tank absorption fields and foundations. These soils, which are adjacent to streams, are subject to flooding. Nunn Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (17-A or 41M-A) , 1 to 3 Percent Slopes 41M-B (Fine-montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Argiustolls) These soils occur throughout the study area on gentle terraces and smooth plains. These Nunn soils have developed in mixed alluvium and eolian deposits. Limited sand and gravel deposits are included in these mapping units. The surface and subsurface horizons are typically of a clay loam texture but some areas of these map units may be underlain by a loam, sandy loam, or gravelly sandy loam textured layer. An argillic B- horizon and C-horizon with an accumulation of carbonates are normally part of this series. 27 • The permeability of these units is moderately low and the available water capacity is high_ The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is slow (17-A or 41M-A) or medium (41M-B) and the erosion hazard is low. Suitabilities and limitations of this soil are approximately the same as for the Nunn loam previously described. Olney Fine Sandy Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (21B-B or 55-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (21B-C) or 55-C or 55-D) (Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Ustollic Haplargids) These map units primarily parallel the Big Thompson River but are also found in other sections of the study area. These soils have formed from mixed outwash deposits and exist on gentle plains. Soils with dark surface layers and some soils with sandstone and shale materials above 60 inches are also included in these mapping units. The surface texture of these soils is fine sandy loam while the subsoil is fine sandy clay loam. The substratum is calcareous fine sandy loam. These soils typically have an argillic B-horizon and calcar- eous B- and C-horizons. For these soils the permeability and available water capacity is moderate, effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more, surface runoff is medium and the erosion hazard is low. The 21B-B (or 55-B) soil, with irrigation, is suited to production of all adapted crops grown in the area. The 21B-C (or 55-C or 55-D) is suited, with irrigation, to production of crops commonly grown in the area with close growing crops making up 50 percent of the cropping sequence. Conservation practices may be needed to help control erosion and maintenance of soil fertility is important. Windbreaks are generally suited to this soil, but conservation practices may be needed to prevent 28 • p Dil blowing and to promote tree survival. Wildlife habitat for open and wildlife can be generated from these soils with habitat management. apid permeability of the substratum and groundwater contamination azards from sewage lagoons are the only limiting factors in terms of rban and recreational development. tero Sandy Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (53-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes 53-C), 5 to 9 Percent Slopes (53-D) Coarse-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) The Otero sandy loam soils are deep, well-drained soils located on entle plains which usually parallel the Big Thompson River to the outh. These soils have been formed from mixed outwash and eolian eposits. Included in the 53-B mapping unit are soils with clay loam or oam underlying material. Included in the 53-C and 53-D units are soils hich have sandstone or shale above a depth of 60 inches. These soils re similar to the Kim, Nelson, and Thedalund soil series. The surface textures of these soils are sandy looms and the subsur- -ace layers are calcareous fine sandy looms. These soils typically have -ree carbonate at the soil surface and a calcareous C-horizon. The permeability of these soils is rapid and the available water :opacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. ,urface runoff increases from slow to medium to rapid with an increase n slope. The erosion hazard for all these soils is low. The 53-B soil is suited, with irrigation, to the production of all dapted crops grown in the area. The 53-C soil is suited to producing .he more commonly grown crops when irrigated. The 53-D soil is suited inly to limited cropping of close growing crops due to erosion hazards. :onservation practices and fertility maintenance are important to these 29 • soils.• The Otero sandy loam soils are all generally suited to wind- breaks, but protection from soil blowing may be necessary. These soils are well suited to providing open land wildlife habitat. A moderately rapid permeability of the substratum and possibly groundwater contamina- tion from sewage lagoons are the limiting factors of this soil in terms of urban development. The slope of the 53-D soil may also cause problems for .urban construction activities. Paoli Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (X1-A) (Coarse-loamy, mixed, mesic Pachic Haplustolls) This mapping unit is found primarily in the northeastern portion of the study area bordering the Big Thompson River. This soil has formed from calcareous alluvial deposits and is deep and well-drained. Soils with surface layers less than 20 inches thick and some soils with loamy sand surface layers are included in this mapping unit. The surface layer is a loam, while the underlying layer is a fine sandy loam. This soil has a mollic epipedon and calcareous C-horizon. The dark colored A-horizon may extend to 50 inches. The permeability of this soil is moderate and the available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is very slow and the erosion hazard is low. This soil is heavily irrigated and is suitable for producing all crops adapted to the area. Windbreaks and environmental plantings may be suitable for this soil. Soil blowing is a hazard which can be over- come with proper conservation procedures. Open land wildlife habitat can be developed on this soil by establishing nesting and escape cover. If protected from flooding, this soil has good potential for urban and recreational development. Limiting features include rapid permeability 30 -- i of the substratum, groundwater contamination hazards from sewage lagoons, and a moderate frost potential. Thetalund Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (43-B) (Fine-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) This is a moderately deep, well drained soil which occurs primarily on gentle plains in the extreme northeastern corner of the study area. This soil has formed in materials weathered from calcareous shale residu- um. Soils with sandstone and shale deeper than 40 inches are also included in this map unit. Thetalund soils are similar to Kim, Nelson, and Otero soil series. The surface layer of this soil is of a loam texture and the under- lying material is also a loam. Depth to shale is 20 to 40 inches. Typically, this series has calcareous C-horizons. This soil usually has free carbonates at the soil surface. The permeability and available water capacity of this soil is moderate. The effective rooting depth ranges from 20 to 40 inches. Surface runoff is medium and erosion hazard is low. The Thedalund loam is suitable to limited cropping with the use of appropriate conservation and cultivation practices. Windbreak plantings are not suitable. Habitat favorable to open land wildlife can be devel- oped on this soil in cropland areas. Because of depth to shale, septic tank absorption fields and sewage lagoons will not operate properly. This subsurface shale may also have high shrink-swell properties. Weld Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (41-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (41-C) (Fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Paleustolls) These soils are located mainly in the western half of the study area. The Weld loam is a deep, well-drained soil which has developed on 31 r► • 0 gentle plains from calcareous eolian deposited materials. Included in both these units are some soils with loam and light clay loam subsoils. The surface layer of these soils is typically a loam while the subsoil ranges from a heavy clay loam to light clay. The substratum is a silt loam or loam. These soils typically have a mollic epipedon, argillic B-horizons, and a calcareous C-horizon. The permeability of these soils is slow, available water capacity is high, and effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff for the 41-B soil is slow and the erosion hazard is low. Surface runoff for the 41-C soil is medium and the erosion hazard is moderate. The 41-B soil is suited to the production of all crops adapted to the area with irrigation. The 41-C soil, with irrigation, is best suited to production of the more commonly grown crops in the area. The 41-C soil is also suitable for the dryland production of wheat. Conser- vation practices are needed to protect the soil from wind and water erosion. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally well suited to these soils. Conservation practices for erosion control are necessary. Beneficial wildlife habitat can be developed on this soil for open land wildlife. These soils have good potentials for urban and recreational developments. Shrink-swell and a limited ability of this soil to support a load are the major limitations of this soil. Wiley-Colby Complex, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (X40-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (X40-C) (Fine-silty, mixed, mesic Ustollic Haplargids; fine-silty, mixed (cal- careous) mesic Ustic Torriorthents) These soils are found primarily on the extreme western portion of the study area on smooth plains and have formed in clacareous eolian 32 0 deposits. The Wiley soil comprises approximately 60 percent of the map unit while the Colby soil makes up about 30 percent of the unit. The ' - remaining 10 percent of the unit is primarily composed of the Heidt silty clay and Weld clay loam. Both these soils are deep and well-drained. The surface layer of the Wiley soil is a silt loam while the materials under the surface layer are typically silty clay loams. The surface layer of the Colby soil is a loam and the upper underlying material is a silt loam. The lower underlying material is a very fine sandy loam. The Wiley soil typically has an argillic B-horizon and calcareous B- and C-horizons. The Colby typically has no B:-horizon. The permeability of the Wiley soils is moderately slow and the available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is medium for the X40-B soil and medium to rapid for the X40-C soil. The erosion hazard is moderate for both Wiley soils. The permeability of the Colby soils is moderate and available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is medium for the X40-B soil and medium to rapid for the X40-C soil. Erosion hazard is moderate for both these soils. The X40-B map unit is suitable, with irrigation, for growing all crops adapted to the area, while the X40-C soils are suited to cultiva- tion of the more commonly produced crops. Conservation practices are needed to combat erosion. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are a possible use of this soil, but conservation practices are necessary to attain maximum benefits. Open land wildlife can be greatly benefited by management practices applied to these soils. 33 Wiley soils have a fair potential for urban and recreational devel- opment because of slow permeability (Figure 2.4b) , moderate shrink-swell potential (Figure 2.4c) , and limited bearing capacity. Colby soils have a good potential for these activities; however, the soil has a limited ability to support a load. 2.5 Hydrology The two major streams flowing through the study area are the Little Thompson and Big Thompson rivers. Ditches, reservoirs, and lagoons are also a part of the local hydrologic system. Surface waters of signifi- cance within the study area can be inventoried as follows: • Johnstown Dam & Reservoir Hillsboro Dam & Reservoir Hillsboro Ditch Home Supply Ditch Thompson & Platte Ditch Beeline Ditch Little Thompson Ditch Little Thompson River Big Thompson River Johnstown Sewage Treatment Lagoons (2) Great Western Sugar Plant Effluent Treatment Lagoons (5) Streamflow records are available for both the Little Thompson and Big Thompson rivers. The Little Thompson River was gaged from 1952 through 1968 at a point 600 feet downstream from the bridge on State Highway 257, northwest of Milliken. The Big Thompson River has been gaged continuously from 1927 to the present. The gaging station is 34 ATTENDANCE F. E C O R APPLICANT : TOWN OF JOHNSTOW_. TIME : :00 P.M. DOCKET1180-35 DATE : MAY 28, 1980 REQUEST : SUP - EXPANSION OF EXISTING WASTEW TER T ATMENT FACILITY NAME Q` 7 ADDRESS -.1G Al S — ° N.T0-/'l`1 le c,`am z Lc, F71. �O /C//�5/ �l 6 • • • CLERK TO THE BOARD CHECKLIST Hearing Title: TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN, SUP, EXPANSION WASTEWATER TREATMENT FAC. Received from Planning Department Hearing date approved Notice typed `5 4 /ecD Notices sent to: Legal advertising Planning Department ., Health Department ,y`/ Bulletin board r Local newspaper Adjacent landowners Packets made Packets to Commissioners • Y2 _3_S---- 7 •SENDER: Complete Items 1,2,and 3. - — - Add your address in the"RETURN TO"space on - _ i reverse. J — Iare�a a a a 1. Thellowing service is requested(check one.) Show to whom and date delivered —a 1.4 p m : O Show to whom,date and address of delivery _rt (Li ® 1.11CO O RESTRICTED DELIVERY EL' O r LL 07 0 0� so Show to whom and date delivered _q i O > o o O RESTRICT ED DELIVERY. W V. to '.o O > CC > o o E o>> •r, Ai Show to whom,date,and address of clelrvery.S_ ` U a O U w w o r- b.. oco i ®,. ,� c'' > o = _ _ _ M �o- O - 0 0 ='6 t=i'-4 i'OU a , + O Isa3 h x 0 w o w oW a �Ww eno a v® O 3 w , , o -,� „ . o Ronald Otte & Robert Ehrlich 1-- u v-1 ca o o a yo �a Sao �� `" Q z 1— o ,� w n fn P. 0. Box 60 w 70 o cc 33 Al S 1dl3D3l7 GIL1D13� n Milliken, CO 80543 ® O ® • o 0 cc n s�30s1U3S��DOidD F = W ,.- m H Pa '� i S33A VOA is t iSDd ii si'iD3 I-- EL n 3— ...,...��.,�,. .... .. 9:,6T adV'OUSE Ut1o` m REGISTERED NO. I CERTIFIED NO. INSURED NO - - - � 3 �' fAltvays obtain signature of addressee or agent) J nt r n \N �'I"�" " " " ;11 I have received me article described above. VD SIGNATURE °Addressee ❑Authorized agent © P...1::68.1 sr I 'CI rfl ftit: ! r �� (,-, c o� A 4. DATE OF DELIVEnY PCQTMARK (� ® �., oo w w - x —' w 7 6. AD RESS Ieromp'ats may d cagiwsbd) ��' ®b > O bo Co-- bco d. O �� 7 _= m 4 O �� O OU w 0 �� LAJ W el.S'� a% C O C lj , ¢ U oW s. sJw s,S` C`I ® 1 -,-I ,--I,—1 (' w U ¢ "�� "ate a b 8. UNABLE TO De LIVER BECAUSE: a CLERK'S a- nc ra o o w L u- w 31�ORd'I S id03�3I31 CiUD131I p ¢ o I INITIALS �' n ct U ® c y a S]3OAII3S 1tlC3DlidO a d I . ® W o 00 —I U) I- rn i Z M —I R. S313 31Stl�d1SDd 1ll1SCiD3 o *GPO 1979-288-848 9L6T sdV`OUSE r";a.,. •H �� / —1 I— -I— p' 4.)— - 4,' v� •SENDER: Complete Items 1,2,and 3. G 3 7 Add your address in the"RETURN TO"space on Q I )a u reverse. p U 7 m 1. The following service is requested(check one.) WLO. . o Er Show to whom and date delivered _a ir LL o O Ir1 a - Q ft O Show to whom,date and address of delivery _C ~ �°� o c� cc o o-- wY ❑ RESTRICTED DELIVERY -- cc _p. H 4 3 ,--I w o o.t w .- = y W �Q x O cc - �°` '0 Show to whom and date delivered �q U ®w �1 ut oo > o _3 =oo Q ❑ R.ESTRICTED DELIVERY. td J - O $4 n 0 w o w o W o e'W w ,I Show to whom,date,and address of delivery.S_ o, 4 O ~ w J U =— =.T'ai o=� ocv. -_ �� J_1 1.1 0 U p .no ''' Hao T4.`===' a fr 0 0- (® <4 a) cd w w W 33l1i1BS Idl333U7 Mini n , _ Karen Arthur & Thomas Griffith - e w ® ro W cc S3aldlll3iS�Gl]D11dD e „ 6201 West Blackfoot Circle o d ) SBA IIDA U31STAISDd 1.111003 ° °a Sedalia, CO 80135 CC xCU �Nc7rn 9L6TihyL„"" w,c Z s T 3. ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: -- .r , _ REGISTERED NO. CERTIFIED NO. INSURED NO. U _I I 'cs r�l tr c3 v is is — .>~ I I co (Always obtain signature of addressee or agent) W S„ I I s I have received tiae ulr.described above. 1� p' }a M I I m SIGNATURE Addresseesee_ ❑Authaslzed agent • 'C LL W.8 N I p —�\ eye O O > a s• f Lt- St4:O'4 -\l'r ¢ wrf. ga �' w `�- ` .� m t' 4. W wP I ¢ D " ! at w w DATE OF DELIVERY .. .R cCOL as O O I > o o oof. boo c O !�y �� _ /( (✓?` 4.??9's- A 0 w� N 117 U w ow o o; o o;N G D _ o / 9;' �� J I ye LL -- '',' - w o z 5. ADDRESS ICompleta only If 1 '9 - - I__ g. O O 0 O F., F —,a 'la: TP sw� l O C - - fl a -,a w R va ¢ MUMS id0393dI C3ilD13I7 0 -, c„n W ® ,- • x o r_ a. Q U ro td O � a , Si _.i 1VCJDO1dD -' E W I- y m 8. UNABLE TO DELIVER BECAUSE: �,� a l�l :i 'Mil 111DSC9>I3 a -I" 91,6T add'OW: GPO 1979-288-448 , �>≥ 7 •SI NUR: Complete items I,2,and 3. Cfc, t1 SLNI:i;R: Complete items I,2,and 3. o Add your addr s in the"RETURN TO"space on e Add your address in the"RETURN TO"space on 3 reverse. reverse. r, I. The following service is requested(check one.) et 'Pi e e following service I. :—requested(check one.) Er Show to whom and date delivered, _¢ Show to whom and date delivered —q r O Show to whom,date and address of clruvery..._a ', O Show to whom,date a_^.3 address of delivery _er r O RESTRICTED DELIVERY O RESTRICTED DELIVERY o Show to whom aid date delivered _G co Show to whom and d"ta delivered —G O RESTRICTED DELIVERY. O RESTRICTED DELIVERY. Show to whom,date,and address of delivery.$_ Show to whom,date,e,.d address of delivery.$ Town of Johnstown - Floyd Binder •—` a 2 P. 0. Box 306 ' 9783 Weld County Road 4612 -I Johnstown, CO 80534 Pt c Milliken, CO 80543 73 i m 33 :,i 3. ARTICLE DESG'?.PTCI:e- n 3. ARTICLE DESCRAPTION. R REGISTERED N). 9 CERT:FIED NO. INSURED NO. F REZ''--TERED NO. CERTIFIED NO. IBISAIRED N;:. 72 Tr 015.5,1/, 5,1/ o JJ 361C' _N(::'_ays abta;n ster tura of addres a or agent) et iQ+:_vat's abta':t str,natu:e of addressee or agent) =r5 I have:mewed the arti_l:de,.:t.bed above. 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Aq q 1 U 0 v TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN 201 FACILITIES PLAN VOLUME 2 OF 2 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AUGUST 1978 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED WASTEWATER TREATMENT IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOWN OF JOHNSTOWN, COLORADO Prepared for Town of Johnstown, Colorado Prepared by ERT/Ecology Consultants Incorporated TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1 .0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Statement of Objectives 4 1.2 Description of Proposed Action 5 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT PROPOSED PROJECT 7 2.1 Climate 7 2.2 Topography 11 2.3 Geology 13 2.4 Soils 15 2.5 Hydrology 34 2.5. 1 Water Quality 42 2.5.2 Water Quality and Quantity Problems 51 2.5.3 Water Quality Management 54 2.5.4 Flood Hazards 61 2.6 Biology 63 2.6. 1 Wildlife 63 2.6.2 Aquatic Flora and Fauna 69 2.6.3 Vegetation 78 2.7 Air Quality 80 2.8 Land Use 81 2.9 Identification of Significant Environmentally Sensitive Areas 82 2.9. 1 Surface Waters 82 2.9.2 Marshland and Wetland 85 2.9.3 Floodplains and Flood Retention Areas 85 2.9.4 Groundwater Recharge Areas 86 2.9.5 Steeply Sloping Lands 86 2.9.6 Riparian Areas 86 2.9.7 Prime Agricultural Land 86 2.9.8 Habitat of Rare and Endangered Species 87 2.9.9 Public Outdoor Recreation Areas 88 2.9. 10 Sensitive Geologic Areas 88 2.9. 11 Archaeological and Historic Sites 89 i TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Section Page 2. 10 Economic Forecasts and Population Projections 89 2.11 Aesthetics 97 3.0 ALTERNATIVES 98 3. 1 Introduction 98 3. 1. 1 Environmental Evaluation of Alternatives 98 4.0 PROPOSED ACTION 113 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION 114 5.1 Primary Impacts 114 5.2 Secondary Impacts 118 6.0 FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 120 7.0 ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 121 8.0 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND OTHER RESOURCES 122 9.0 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY 123 10.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 124 11.0 LITERATURE CITED 126 12.0 APPENDICES ii LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE Table 2.1a Climatological data (1951-1970) for Fort Collins, Colorado 8 Table 2.3a Stratigraphic description of geologic conditions in the Town of Johnstown 201 facilities area 14 Table 2.4a Soil characteristics in the Town of Johnstown 201 facilities area 17 Table 2.5a Average monthly and annual streamflows for the Little and Big Thompson rivers 38 Table 2.5b Average water quality data from the Little Thompson River near Berthoud, Colorado (Longtitude 105° 08' ) 43 Table 2.5- Average water quality data from the Little Thompson River near Milliken, Colorado (Longtitude 104° 53' ) 44 Table 2.5d Average water quality data from the Big Thompson River near Loveland, Colorado (Longtitude 105° 17' ) 47 Table 2.5e Average water quality data from the Big Thompson River near mouth (Longtitude 104° 47' ) 48 Table 2.5f Average groundwater quality from alluvial aquifers in the South Platte River drainage 50 Table 2.5g Colorado limitations for the discharge of waste 53 Table 2.5h Summary of Colorado Water Quality Control Commission proposed classification system 57 Table 2.5i Larimer-Weld Regional COG aquatic biota subclassifications 58 Table 2.6a Periphyton collected from natural substrata at four locations in the Little Thompson River, February 25, 1978 72 Table 2.6b Fish species which may occur in the Little Thompson River in the study area 77 iii LIST OF TABLES (cont. ) TABLE PAGE Table 2.6c Approximate acreages of various vegetation types and land in the study area 79 Table 2.8a Approximate acreage of land use components in the study area 83 Table 2. 10a Distance traveled to work by Johnstown residents 90 Table 2. 10b Town of Johnstown population projections 93 Table 5. 1a Noise level effects on humans 117 iv LIST FIGURES FIGURE PAGE la Map of Colorado showing the Town of Johnstown 201 facilities study area 2 lb Existing wastewater treatment facilities in the study area 3 2.2a Topography of the study area 12 2.4a Soils 20 2.4b Soil permeability 35 2.4c Shrink-swell soils 36 2.5a General surface water resources system 40 2.5b Schematic diagram of local water resources system 41 2.5c Total dissolved solids trends in well No. B5-64-21bcc and well No. B7-66-36cbb 52 2.5b Flood prone areas 62 2.6a Land cover/land use 65 2.6b Aquatic sampling locations 70 2.8a Regulated land use 84 2. 10a Selected population projections for the Town of Johnstown 94 3. 1a Locations of proposed alternatives 99 10a Matrix analyses of environmental components and wastewater treatment alternative for the Town of Johnstown 201 facilites area 125 v 1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION This Environmental Analysis was prepared for the Town of Johnstown, which is located in the northwest portion of Weld County in the State of Colorado (Figure la) . The Town of Johnstown provides wastewater treatment services to the community of Johnstown, Colorado, and to surrounding areas. The 201 facilities area, inclusive of the Town of Johnstown, was established by the Colorado Department of Health in concurrence with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Larimer-Weld Regional Council of Governments, and the Weld County Planning Department. The 201 facilities study area and the location of the existing wastewater treatment facility is shown in Figure lb. The existing wastewater treatment facility consists of a divided lagoon supplemented by two floating aerators. The Town of Johnstown provides wastewater treatment services for Johnstown and, under an agreement with the South Johnstown Water and Sanitation Improvement Corporation, provides treatment services to a small unincorporated community south of the Johnstown city limits. Under regulations set forth in Public Law 92-500 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Town of Johnstown applied for and was issued a final National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System discharge permit. This permit specifies the maximum allowable concentrations of certain pollutants in treated effluent and also requires the sanitation district to monitor wastewater discharge on a regular basis and submit the results to the appropriate federal and state agencies. The Town of Johnstown has complied with monitoring requirements; however, the Town of Johnstown has not consistently met the present discharge standards. The Water Quality Control Division of 1 •' , • �T. _. < �) I s i • I Iz I Y I' < re al ,I I . 1 ' X11 Ell • I z 1 < I i p i ca N 0 $ I J I e• I Y I ; I c I < 1 • I III _ I.• I 10 • I I 1 e y,1 cn< °z Y I. I —�y J • Vi �� 1 i I • r I r ' •rai J I _1 1 s I ,.4 ri ____ __ Y i I l_ c a •rl F 1 o J I Y I I N c Q J z o c5,._-, t u.' Y _ °1 O M 1O 1 , t�"� Z „. J, _ •__' a I x l u I •o ��• < % I N < 1 • I • I y� A I Y 4 • �� s ° c L__ __ _ 1 �Y m I (/p - --I i It a • t 1 i Y _ _i._.__.� q' w it iII: y z I Y r�J. ' �F o 1 1_ f� r 211 I g I fit i Y t . I O / J I n• : 1 H < /,' ; J � • I �' }' ' I j \lam`_"-�/f I Yy .J, p .A < > • . r. - .,• w p 17 I F' �, pdI I O � < •- ; m ��- l < I s Y'1 t•�°� < I1 r. W ) Vliti - 1-1 •c �`�- 1 °1 p U f � I�o.1 J �� \, O t 1 \ < I // la II. 4 1� < W I , J �. __ J I A,1 _ 1 -0' p V I 1 r` -J �.W I �'l ■ --1' . < A I' I C 1 SiI Y I1) ( g ca �)� I a I W -1-- I O • IC I, z T Y p I J ✓ Y 4 I .7 .1.�I r, R 1 WI°%�' 1 I So- I OZ I I W 2 I ci,1 W fi+_ F- Z W w z Q J ~ �° Z a Q W= 51:; H H V w z=C (n Z u a J N y 81 OW W QW � Z (5 ,— i �o F' 2 N II 3z cn Z J Or. ZW c)o N LC I ti-z Ec- ' '1.7i _ rd• > < u).., . OQO 14 N W Q WH ham/' I. /d %4 v a / N " m" 'h A • r • ti� 3 b I, ie a it i ,IL m a // 1F Iz1 es, r, r' 14, „i [ _ a.Y.7� _.. I mo.._ — \� `_`. —7'7Y / J oPEP o f __ 1 I l ' j / ° 1 h• , pp '„ _' u w ." ie a , _ \:~o ° iI l it �� l I I sa �I ,�� _ °N ml �� ' II" I 7- • • 1 F a II iw' 0 ffi 0 ` s .fit.... 1ii... �� F 4°, the Colorado Department of Health has notified the Town of Johnstown that it is in noncompliance with the permit requirements and has requested that the District inform the Colorado Department of Health when steps are being taken to meet the permit requirements . Effluent requirements are presented in Section 2.5.3 of this report. 1. 1 Statement of Objectives The Town of Johnstown is presently evaluating ways to upgrade its wastewater treatment facilities to meet federal and state standards. M & I Consulting Engineers has been contracted to develop preliminary plans for wastewater treatment facility expansion or upgrading as part of a Step 1 Facilities Planning Study. However, the Town of Johnstown is financially unable to complete the development of plans or the con- struction of new wastewater treatment facilities until construction grants are made available. The necessary grants have been applied for under Federal Title II - Grants for Construction of Treatment Works, Section 201(q)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (FWPCA) , (Publication 92-500) . The EPA is the lead federal agency responsible for federal grants to any state, municipal, inter- municipal, or inter-state agency for the construction or improvement of publicly owned wastewater treatment works. This responsibility is authorized by the FWPCA. Provisions in the FWPCA provide for 75 percent federal funding of any facilities planning costs with state and local government financing of the remaining 25 percent. Under provisions of Section 102(2) (c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 an environmental analysis must be completed prior to final approval of any federally financed project. The environmental 4 impact analysis (ETA) conducted for the Town of Johnstown wastewater facilities plan has been prepared under EPA guidelines set forth in the 1974 Manual for Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements for Wastewater Treatment Works, Facilities Plans and 208 Area Wide Waste Treatment. Management Plans. The purpose of an EIA is to provide a description of the existing environment in order to aid in the evaluation and implementation of a specific course of action which may have an effect on the quality of the human environment. This EIA is pursuant to an environmental impact statement (EIS) . The EPA will determine if an EIS is required for the proposed course of action based on guidelines set forth by the Council on Environmental Quality. If an EIS is deemed necessary, the EPA will initiate the preparation of the EIS. During the preparation of this environmental analysis, a variety of county, state, and federal agencies were contacted to inform them of the proposed Town of Johnstown wastewater treatment system improvement plan and to secure vital information relating to the study area. A variety of reports, computerized data, maps, and aerial photographs were also utilized to prepare this report. These materials are listed in Section 11.0. 0n-site inspections of the study area were carried out by environ- mental specialists who contributed to various portions of this analysis. 1.2 Descrfttion. of Proposed Action The Town of Johnstown has instituted procedures to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment facilities. M & I Consulting Engineers has recommended that the present aerated lagoon facilities be upgraded through the best waste stabilization pond technology. A detailed 5 description of the proposed system is presented in the Engineering Analysis , Volume 1 . 6 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT PROPOSED PROJECT 2.1 Climate The principal factors controlling the climate of the study area are: first, the geographic relationship of the area to the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains; second, the elevation (about 5,000 feet) ; and third, the substantial distance to the moisture supply from and thermal moderating effects of the oceans. The combination of these factors generates a semi-arid highland continental climate in the area. Although weather conditions can undergo rapid and sometimes extreme changes, abundant sunshine and the relatively dry, clear air produce a generally mild and pleasant climate. In the preparation of this analysis, long- term data were examined at the Fort Collins, Waterdale (Loveland) , Greeley, Windsor, Longmont, and Fort Lupton stations. The data from the Fort Collins station represents the most complete and longest record and is summarized in Table 2. 1a. 2. 1. 1 Temperature As 1 -vci in the tymper :ture data array in Table 2. la, the coldest month is January and the warmest month is July. The average January minimum temperature is 13.4° F' while the average July maximum is 85.90 F. Temperatures above 90° F occur an average of 22 days per year, while temperatures below 0° F occur an average of 11 days per year. The difference between the average daily maximum and minimum temperatures is approximately 30° F for most months. This rather substantial difference is a result of the generally clear dry air which permits rapid radiative heat loss at night and strong solar heating during the day. Lowest temperatures usually occur when fast-moving cold fronts from the north 7 Table 2.ia. Climatological data (1951-1970) for Fort Collins, Colorado. TE PER TURF 1 PREC:PITL.T10N ( :%CH.ES: .3."",.�. ar•5crg—_.___ t- .'S 1 5'�.. SL1- PTA'. ' :r [t05 rt% o W£ ' VN 0 a a wT w1" -t3 OW Oo p0 . Z pK C' Ci OW Ws: Z CE, Or OS w - O Jwa Z u y .0 41 4 vrJ 6Z aU a N0 S SU �) �S wS <T s p s p 06 In A, om i Up p 11.6 13.1 27.5 68. 1953 12 -32. Lot 10 0.0 7.3 30.2 4.5 .42 .86 1962 8 6.5 13. 7962 8 1.2 .1 C.: FEB 44.7 18.: 31.4 :'5. 7954 8 -41. 195: 1 0.0 3.9 26.7 2.6 .44 .47 1961 26 6.6 9. 7956 8 1.6 0.0 0.0 m4.. 18.6 22.: 35.4 70. 1967 29 -23. 1956 12 0.0 3.8 27.5 1.2 1.10 1.06 1967 18 13.3 17. 1956 74 3.6 .5 .1 F 6:.: 32.1 46.' 83. 1961 19 -8. 1959 72 C.0 .5 14.0 .3 1.55 2.19, '957 2 6.4 18. 1957 2 3.9 .6 .2 69.7 42.8 56.3 91. 1969 27. 25. 1962 1 0.0 0.0 1.9 0.012.88 3.21 1961 73 .2 1. 7961 13 5.2 1.6 .8 79.1 51.8 65.: 1:2. 1954 23 33. 1951 2 4.4 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.99 2.71'1645 17 0.0 0. 0 0 4.6 .8 .2 e5.9 56.7 7'.3 ' _ '95_ 1952 6 9.6 0.0 0.0 0.: '.53 1.58 1961 7 0.0 0. 0 0 3.8 .9 .2 lu 83.6 54.5 69.: 55. 1'569 8 39. 1964 37 6.2 0.0 0.: 0.0 1.62 3.06 1951 3 0.0 0. 0 0 3.4 .6 .2 SEP 75.5 44.7 6..1 95. 1959 6 27. 1965 24 1.2 0.C 1.0 0.0 1.08 .96 1963 20 .1 I. 1959 29 2.9 .8 0.0 -_7 64.9 34.4 49.7 87. 196' 3 9. 1905 14 0.0 .1 12.1 0.0 1.14 1.67 1951 5 2.5 12. 1969 12 2.8 .9 .2 1.1; 5:.0 23.2 37.: 73. 7564 8 1957 2 0.0 2.5 26.4 .5 .55 .61 7667 21 5.5 6. 1967 21 1.8 .2 0.0 -- -3.7 3:.: 73. 1957 9 -17. 1954 28 7.: 5.2 37.5 2.: .367 .82 1959 12 3.9 12. 1958 72 1.2 .7 0.0 =3L1_ 62.4 34.1 49.3 1 I ( I I 22. 23.1171. 11. 13.711 1 1 1 46. 36. 7.j 2. Source: Benci and McKee 1977. 8 deposit a few inches of snow followed by rapidly clearing skies. This situation leads to very rapid nighttime heat loss and record low tempera- tures, an extreme example being the -41° F all-time record low. Such extreme conditions are relatively rare and short-lived, and temperatures below -10° F may be considered unusually cold. High temperatures are moderated somewhat by convective cloud systems that form over the moun- tains and pass over the area almost every afternoon during the summer months. The average frost free season is 146 days, from May 8 until October 1 , although both dates and the total length of the season can vary considerably. Comparison of temperature records from the Fort Collins station to temperatures at stations farther east (Greeley, Windsor, and Fort Lupton) suggest that temperatures in the Johnstown study area are slightly warmer in summer and slightly cooler in winter. 2.1.2 Precipitation An average of 14.7 inches of total precipitation falls in Fort Collins each year. The precipitation totals at other nearby stations are generally somewhat less and indicate that slightly less than 14 inches total precipitation falls on the study area each year. Most precipitation falls during the late spring and early summer in the form of brief showers associated with thunderstorms that develop almost daily over the mountains and move eastward over the project area. Total precipitation can vary considerably from one nearby location to another during any one year because of the scattered nature of these storms. Also, very substantial year to year variations in total precipitation occur in the area. Examination of 20 years data (1951-1970) for Fort Collins shows a minimum of 7.34 inches in 1966 and a maximum of 28.42 inches in 1461 . Occasional severe thunderstorms produce very heavy 9 rainfalls and local flash flooding. One day rainfall totalling greater than three inches occurs at a frequency of about once every 10 years, while one day totals greater than two inches occur approximately once every 4.5 years. Although snowfall in June occasionally occurs in the area, snowfall is normally confined to the period of September through May, with greatest amounts in late winter and spring. Snow depth does not ordinar- ily exceed 18 inches, and continuous snow cover for more than a week is unusual. The closest published humidity data are from Denver, Colorado (U.S. Department of Commerce 1974) . From this data, it can be inferred that the average annual relative humidity for the study area is just over 50 percent. Lowest relative humidity values occur on summer afternoons, while highest average values occur in the early morning hours of late spring and early summer. The generally low humidity values in the area result in relatively infrequent occurrence of heavy dew and fog. 2. 1.3 Winds Lying close to the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, the project area tends to be sheltered from many of the effects caused by large scale movements of the atmosphere. Consequently, the resulting average airflow in the area tends to be largely generated and controlled by the local topography. Several air flow regimes can be identified that constitute the dominant wind patterns in the study area. Throughout much of the year persistant stationary high pressure systems develop over the central Rocky Mountain area. These systems generate little large scale air movement and winds tend to be very localized. During these periods daytime solar heating causes warming and lifting of air 10 over the higher elevations to the west of the area, generating steady westward movement of replacement air across the area. At night the reverse occurs, as air near the ground loses heat rapidly and the result- ing cool heavy air flows downhill following the Big Thompson River drainage eastward across the study area. This day/night and west/east air movement dominates the average flow pattern in the study area. Chinooks, strong warm westerly winds, occur five to ten times per year, generally between September and June. Chinooks have sustained winds greater than 30 mph and last from a few hours to several days. Sustained winds greater than 50 mph with gusts greater than 70 mph accompanied by relative humidities less than 20 percent are not uncommon during these episodes. 2.2 Topography The Town of Johnstown is situated at the western edge of the Great Plains Physiographic Province. The topography consists of undulating hills dissected by the Big Thompson River and Little Thompson River valley and intermittent stream channels. Surface drainage trends are oriented toward the east and eventually intersect the South Platte River approximately 9 miles east northeast of Johnstown. Topographic relief of the study area is approximately 249 feet, with the highest elevation being 4,979 feet west of Johnstown and the lowest 4,730 feet along the western edge of the study area. Figure 2.2a shows the topography and drainage network of the study area and surrounding environs. 11 CO N ti_ N -_ ?8 W Ng F Z Inl Z' Z a .j I- LL O W W o a Cl) -' Z —I CNI 2 u§I Z co QQ N al lo„ ,_ V OE Z Z U O (I) 2W CC ___I oG 0 gi Tc v > Q O.M W I-LL O-J c w a °0 J a ,.. -,II.' ? x a , , 1 �a N csi 4 i I. yl girl %'t ill n. vim N,. mr i.e. \ V t1 li II,,� Ie IC ( hoar r e� 1.a I p� : i ( \ 1 • Py - e r . �, � "?4o,,,,, - _ �= p_ ms " �—- u. jL "ate I ill E I i I � rr l' m tr a oE,1 A , v e ill �� ii �, �� S 3.\ ,,,_e...1 II , ° f • il l x Ji 1, w d i�I "! 43, 5 J. O6 Q70M - a a e _ a. a \ v X11. Iv I I a ,I / ,,o Nm.� a rrr r'Erma riir Elmlul \ 2.3 Geology The bedrock geology beneath the 201 facilities area consists of the Pierre Shale formation of Upper Cretaceous age (80 million years before present) . The Pierre Shale, composed of interbedded shales and sand- stone, is over 1800 feet thick in the study area. Table 2.3a presents a generalized stratigraphic description of the study area. The superficial geology of the area is composed of a variety of unconsolidated Pleistocene deposits (5 million years before present) and Recent or Holocene deposits. Holocene deposits consist of alluvium, colluvium and Colian sand. Alluvium is composed of clay, silt, sand and gravel, and is found along the flood plain of the Big and Little Thompson rivers. Colluvial deposits, containing locally derived and poorly sorted silt, sand, and gravel, intersect and in places cover older stream terrace deposits. Upland areas contain relic sand dune deposits which have revegetated and stabilized. Deposits of Pleistocene age can be classified as upland colluvial, ancient stream terrace, and loess. Upland colluvial deposits are remnants of ancient pediment outwash from the Front Range to the west. The ancient stream terraces were formed in the study area by rivers and streams that flowed from the Front Range and migrated across the area in prehistoric times. Loess is a wind- deposited material consisting of silt and fine sand that mantles most of the upland colluvial deposits in the area. Loess deposits contribute significantly to the high productivity of agricultural land in the region. 13 a) . a • GI a) N N r l u I H •^ '0 .G ).) Si CO 'O N •H P U H G +- 1, Q x G -0 EN a) ro ro a) o ca N 7 o al 1) w > H N H v E Pa 7 a G o 0 O ro ellN a) M .0 0 ^ G .0 a) O H S+ > P HI N N •O N M •rl 'O PN W N OD ro N H F a) C 4-) N N 11 P '7 P 1) W al N ro .v' C) CU 'O 0 G 'O OOH a) 7 '7 P C.1 P U G 7 C 7 •o 0 w 7 3 U 0 N GI G G o 0 ro In C .0 .tiG V) O O P o 'al C E N N L✓ .ri 0 1-1 CCtl ^ U CU @ P O P H a) 7 al N N' 1) a) 'O •rl '0 .C O H 00 Ci •rl 4-I r-i CO H N rl O u o N No 'O N .0 rii .0 o a) > 'O HI C) N Fl G C CO a C CO C w • al O .C H G :C •ri C as I., •r1 a) GWOO T W 1.) 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G fC a C al .G P in HI ato G CU .r71 H .7 m I OD ,0 cct 3 C .rroi b a) C) CU N En Cl a H > rCU N CU O a) 1+ o a) a) ro -0 co Cl) on tf) N CI CZ O 0 G 0 H .H 0 a) a) at N 4) C N HI CO Ca 4-1 00 1+ cC 0 HI H Cl) U C N -H al a) 11 bD ro N 0 W .-U-I N Pa. H r0-I H PI p.i P. 0 O 0 0 ate) 4) V) H -H N N E > SE coN - 7 P 7 4-I tt H > O O O 0 in 1.4 ro G 0 G 0 m En a) •r4 0 ro o ro 0 1) 11 O 11 O 1) 3-1 0 N 0 1-47 $d+ 0 d H `-' 0 '—' U Cl) 14 2.4 Soils Most soils within the study area belong to three major soil orders-- Aridisols, Entisols, and Mollisols. One Inceptisol is found along the Big Thompson River. These soil orders are all commonly found in the Great Plains region of the western United States. Many of these soils have been formed by alluvial (water-laid) sedi- ments. These soils are found within or near major water systems in the study area. Other soils, farther removed from the water courses, have formed from aeolian deposits (windblown materials) , or from residuum. Most of these soils are classified as deep and well-drained with an effective rooting depth of 60 inches or more. Generally, the lighter textured soils border the Big Thompson River, while the heavier textural soils are farther to the west or east. Erosion hazards for most of these soils is low or moderate. Calcareous subsurface (B,C) horizons are common in this area, as are Argillic B-horizons. Plow layers are quite common to many of these soils . The majority of these soils are under cultivation and many are irrigated. Generally, the less steep (0 to 1 percent slope) soils can support all crops adapted to the area, while the more steeply sloped soils are limited to the less common crops. A number of soils (Colby, Colombo, Kim, Nelson, Nunn, Olney, Paoli, Thedalund, Weld, Wiley) are also suitable for the production of dryland wheat with the proper crop- ping sequence. Proper conservation practices and management techniques are needed to combat wind and water erosion and to produce maximum crop yields on many of these soils, especially as slope increases. Many of these soils are very productive and contribute to the high agricultural production of Weld County. 15 Windbreaks and environmental plantings can be made on many of these soils to decrease erosion and provide wildlife habitat. Open land wildlife (pheasants, mourning doves, etc. ) can be especially benefited where a large amount of land is devoted to producing crops. Conservation practices are needed on some soils to prevent soil blowing. The soil in and around the Big Thompson River is especially important for producing food and cover for waterfowl species. Most of these soils have no severe limitations to urban or recrea- tional development. Some soils have a rapid permeability of subsurface layers or a medium depth to bedrock which interferes with the proper functioning of septic tank fields or sewage lagoons. Some shrink-swell limitations for construction activities also exist on a few soils present in the study area. The material used to prepare this section was taken from an un- published soil survey prepared in 1976 by James A. Crabb of the Soil Conservation Service entitled Soil Survey of Weld County (Southern Part) , Colorado. Field work for this survey was completed by James A. Crabb, Thomas J. Wiggins , David Goeglein, Donald C. Moreland, and John J. Sampson of the Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station. Table 2.4a presents the major soil physical characteristics of the study area . Figure 2.4a depicts the spacial distribution of these soils. Detailed soil characteristics are presented in Appendix 1. Aquolls auo Aquenta1 Gravelly_Substratum (34) These are deep, poorly drained soils which have formed in recent alluvium. Aquolls (dark-colored surface layers) and Aquents (lighter- colored surface layers) are found on the bottom lands and the flood 16 •rl ri ,O xroG C 0 Lin• o ti ti .ti h H 1-)In0 4 F fl 0 I 0 1 0 I $ 0 0 ,4 N uI 1) I I I I I I I • I a N u ^ n n E in O4 1+ It", ) GI 0 6 •0 P. 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I I I 0 0 N M ,-i -.Y -Y 19 z. ...I- %-1- X 03 2_ N H= z "W Z < - w J" Na CO zco w N 0, OW W 4 -4Z � N uo Z t! 71 ZN O i° Z J AK' = LL 7 J J W M O > Q cn O- F-O-Ja WQ `� W I' , i' lien ' ,.. ° • /"5< 4 / /I' CO il c, N. w V M M C e a �o itI- l r 1 ra x m o m b co Ico a 1. • W` S' J i a ll ti r p.5<' ; II'=ate 3 a d °''.L �_�.-.. .�_� w _ _ _ ..... ...I X • M �� 'tea° \ 1 ry in O .39 CO lii il o' J M �"v a m _ �� u) . fl — 4 - : �� III C) Q -� m c� CO mil v, N- C O a `� o <�i 0' _ M I Nam. v U 1 gym .- \ II I J' ll I El g III ' 00(I73M a = / i,'y(� OV r I�'O 4-1 °- m U ,, ,,O p co co C m a �w 1 e � ..... ter. . SOILS LEGEND Map Unit Name 34 Aquolls & Aquents 34U Aquolls & Aquents 86-DE Cascajo 40-B-2-D Colby X30-A Colombo X53A-B-2-D Kim loam 53M-2D Nelson 17A-A or 56A-A; 17A-B Nunn loam 17-A or 41M-A; 41M-B Nunn clay loam 21B-B or 55-b; 21B-2 or 55-D Olney 53-B-2-D Otero X1-A Paoli 43--B Thetalund 41-B-2 Weld X40-B-C Wiley-Colby plains within the study area. These soils are' typified by mildly to moderately alkaline surface horizons, loamy or clayey surface layers, and are underlain by sand or sand and gravel within 48 inches. Aquolls comprise approximately 65 percent of the mapping unit, while Aquents make up 25 percent. Aquolls and Aquepts, flooded, and Bankard sandy loam comprise the remaining 10 percent. Most of these soils are subject to flooding and have a highly fluc- tuating water table . These soils are a potential source of sand and gravel. This mapping unit (an area on the landscape which consists of a dominant soil or soils for which the unit is named) is of great impor- tance to most types of wildlife, due to the presence of water and vegeta- tion which provide a reliable source of food and cover in the midst of intensive agriculture. Aquolls and Aquepts, Flooded (34U) Aquolls (dark-colored surface layers) and Aquepts (lighter-colored surface layers) are deep, poorly drained soils which are present on smooth plains in depressions and in natural drainageways in the study area. These soils have formed in recent alluvium and typically have mottled, mildly to moderately alkaline surface layers. Textures of surface horizons and underlying layers are of a loamy or clayey texture. Aquolls make up approximately 55 percent of the mapping unit and Aquepts make up about 25 percent. The remaining 20 percent of the unit is comprised of well-drained soils which have sandstone or shale within 48 inches of the soil surface. These soils are subject to intensive runoff and are typified by a water table which is at or near the surface in the spring and during the peak of the irrigation season. Many areas within this mapping unit have increased salinities due to irrigation practices. 21 This mapping unit is used primarily for rangeland and wildlife habitat. Some limited areas are utilized for irrigated pastures. As with the mapping unit previously described, this unit has a high wildlife use importance in terms of food and cover production for wetland and open land wildlife species. Cascajo Gravelly Sandy Loam, 5 to 20 Percent Slope (86-DE) (Sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Ustollic Calciorthids.) This soil has formed from very gravelly, calcareous alluvium and appears on terrace edges and upland ridges scattered throughout the study area. Small areas of shallow soils or soils which are moderately deep to sandstone and shale are included in this unit. Textures range from sandy loam surface layers to very gravelly sand subsurface layers. Permeability is moderately rapid and available water capacity is moderate. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more, surface runoff is slow, and the erosion hazard is low. There is a layer of strong lime accumulation approximately 16 to 36 inches below the soil surface. This soil is used primarily for rangeland. The unit is adapted to windbreak plantings but conservation practices and irrigation are nor- mally needed to ensure tree survival. The Cascajo soil is not adapted to extensive wildlife use, due to a limited ability to produce wildlife food and cover. Steep slope, rapid permeability, and possible contamina- tion of groundwater from sewage lagoons limit construction activities on this soil. 22 Colby Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (40-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (40-C) , 5 to 9 Percent Slopes (40-D) (Fine-silty, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) These soil mapping units are located primarily in the western portion of the study area and have formed in calcareous eolian deposits on uplands. These soils are similar to the Kim and Otero soils. Textures range from loam in the surface layer to silt loam, very fine sandy loam, or sandy loam in the subsurface layers. Permeability is moderate, available water capacity is high and effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more for all slope classes. As slopes increase for this soil series, surface runoff and erosion hazard increase. Erosion hazards for the 40-D mapping unit are high. Suitability of this soil depends on the slope class. The 40-B soil is adapted to all types of crops grown in the area when irrigated. The 40-C soil is suited only to the more commonly grown crops with irriga- tion. The 40-D soil is suited only to producing "close grown" crops such as alfalfa, wheat, and barley. These soils are also adapted to irrigated pasture. The use of good conservation practices is necessary to decrease wind and water erosion on all slope classes. Fertility maintenance is also important for these soils. These soils are adapted to windbreak and wildlife cover plantings with proper conservation practices. With irrigation, Colby soils have a good potential for urban and recreational development. Colombo Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slope (X30-A) (Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Torrifluventic Haplustolls) This is a deep, well-drained soil which has formed in stratified calcareous alluvium. This map unit is found on flood plains and 23 terraces. This soil occupies a position in the southeastern portion of the study area and is similar to the Nunn series. The upper layers of this soil are of a clay loam (or loam) texture, while the lowest layer has a loam texture. The lowest layer is strati- fied with thin lenses of fine sand, medium sand, and clay loam. Permeability of this soil is moderate, available water capacity is high, and effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. The erosion hazard is moderate. This soil is commonly irrigated and used to grow crops common to the area. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are adapted to this soil. This series is also important for wildlife utilization. Habitat for many open land wildlife species can be developed with the proper practices. Colombo soils developed on flood plains are susceptible to flooding and are not suited to urban or recreational development. However, Colombo soils on higher terraces have a fair suitability for such development. Frost action and a low load support limit the use of this area to activities such as agriculture. Kim Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (X53-A) , 1 to 3 Percent Slope (X53-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slope (X53-C) , 5 to 9 Percent Slope (X53-D) (Fine-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents. ) This mapping unit occurs in the central and eastern portions of the study area. These soils are deep, well-drained, and have developed on smooth plains and alluvial fans. The parent materials consist of mixed eolian deposits and other sediments from a variety of bedrocks. These soils are similar to the Colby, Otero, and Thedalund series. Some soils which have a sandy loam or loamy sand subsurface material are included in this unit. 24 The surface texture of this soil phase is loam with underlying layers ranging from clay loam to fine sandy loam. The Kim series usually has free carbonates at the surface. The permeability of these units is moderate and the available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff increases from slow to rapid and erosion hazard increases from low to moderate with an increase in slope. The Kim soils are utilized for agriculture in the study area. The X53-A unit is used almost exclusively for irrigated crop production and very few conservation practices are needed to maintain high yields. The X53-B soil is suited to all crops adapted to the area and the X53-C soil is suited to producing the more commonly grown crops. The X53-D soil is suitable only for limited agricultural production of close-growing crops. Good conservation practices are needed on the more steep X53 soils. These units are all generally well suited to windbreak plantings and open land wildlife habitat production is an important secondary capability. The Kim soil has a good potential for urban and recreational development. The primary limiting feature is the inability of this soil to support a load. Septic tank fields function correctly in these soils. Sewage lagoons which are constructed on this soil may have to be sealed because of the permeability of the substratum. Nelson Fine Sandy Loam, 3 to 9 Percent Slopes (53M-CD) (Coarse-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) The Nelson fine sandy loam soil occupies a small area on gentle plains in the northwest-central portion of the study area and is formed 25 by the weathering of calcareous sandstone residuum. Normally some soils are included in this unit which have sandstone to greater depths than the Nelson soil. These soils are similar to the Kim, Otero, and Theda- lund series. This is a moderately deep, well-drained soil which has a fine sandy loam surface layer and a fine sandy loam or sandy loam underlying layer. These soils typically have free carbonates at the surface and a calcare- ous C-horizon. Permeability for this soil is moderately rapid, available water capacity is moderate, and effective rooting depth is 20 to 40 inches. Surface runoff is medium to rapid and the erosion hazard is moderate. This soil is suited to limited cropping of close growing crops and must be combined with conservation practices to reduce the erosion hazard. These soils are also suited to irrigated pasture but not suited to the development of windbreaks . Development of habitat for open land wildlife can be an important secondary use of this soil. Due to the depth to bedrock, septic tank absorption fields and sewage lagoons will not operate properly on this soil . Construction costs for dwellings are also increased due to this factor. Nunn Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slope (17A-A or 56A-A) , 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (17A-B) (Fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Argiustolls) These soils have formed in mixed alluvium on terraces (4550-5000 feet) in the northeastern portion of the study area. Some limited sand and gravel deposits are included in the mapping unit. The surface texture of this soil is a loam while the subsurface horizons range from clay loam to a gravelly sandy loam. Typically, an argilli.c: B-horizon and calcareous C-horizons are present in this soil. 26 Permeability of these units is moderately slow and available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is slow (17A-A or 56A-A) to medium (17A-B) and the erosion hazard is low. The Nunn soil is used intensively for irrigated agriculture and can grow all crops adapted to the area. Windbreak suitability is good. This soil is well suited to the development of habitat for open land wildlife. Nunn soils have a fair to poor suitability for urban develop- ment. Low strength, moderately slow permeability, and moderate to high shrink swell characteristics may negatively affect dwelling and road construction. Where loam or sandy loam textures make up the lower substratum, these soils would be suited for septic tank absorption fields and foundations. These soils, which are adjacent to streams, are subject to flooding. Nunn Clay Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (17-A or 41M-A), 1 to 3 Percent Slopes 41M-B (Fine-montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Argiustolls) These soils occur throughout the study area on gentle terraces and smooth plains . These Nunn soils have developed in mixed alluvium and eolian deposits. Limited sand and gravel deposits are included in these mapping units. The surface and subsurface horizons are typically of a clay loam texture but some areas of these map units may be underlain by a loam, sandy loam, or gravelly sandy loam textured layer. An argillic B- horizon and C-horizon with an accumulation of carbonates are normally part of this series. 27 The permeability of these units is moderately low and the available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is slow (17-A or 41M-A) or medium (41M-B) and the erosion hazard is low. Suitabilities and limitations of this soil are approximately the same as for the Nunn loam previously described. Olney Fine Sandy Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (21B-B or 55-B), 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (21B-C) or 55-C or 55-D) (Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Ustollic Haplargids) These map units primarily parallel the Big Thompson River but are also found in other sections of the study area. These soils have formed from mixed outwash deposits and exist on gentle plains. Soils with dark surface layers and some soils with sandstone and shale materials above 60 inches are also included in these mapping units. The surface texture of these soils is fine sandy loam while the subsoil is fine sandy clay loam. The substratum is calcareous fine sandy loam. These soils typically have an argillic B-horizon and calcar- eous B- and C-horizons. For these soils the permeability and available water capacity is moderate, effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more, surface runoff is medium and the erosion hazard is low. The 21B-B (or 55-B) soil, with irrigation, is suited to production of all adapted crops grown in the area. The 21B-C (or 55-C or 55-D) is suited, with irrigation, to production of crops commonly grown in the area with close growing crops making up 50 percent of the cropping sequence. Conservation practices may be needed to help control erosion and maintenance of soil fertility is important. Windbreaks are generally suited to this soil , but conservation practices may be needed to prevent 28 soil blowing and to promote tree survival. Wildlife habitat for open land wildlife can be generated from these soils with habitat management. Rapid permeability of the substratum and groundwater contamination hazards from sewage lagoons are the only limiting factors in terms of urban and recreational development. Otero Sandy Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (53-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (53-C) , 5 to 9 Percent Slopes (53-D) (Coarse-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) The Otero sandy loam soils are deep, well-drained soils located on gentle plains which usually parallel the Big Thompson River to the south. These soils have been formed from mixed outwash and eolian deposits . Included in the 53-B mapping unit are soils with clay loam or loam underlying material. Included in the 53-C and 53-D units are soils which have sandstone or shale above a depth of 60 inches. These soils are similar to the Kim, Nelson, and Thedalund soil series. The surface textures of these soils are sandy loams and the subsur- face layers are calcareous fine sandy loams. These soils typically have free carbonate at the soil surface and a calcareous C-horizon. The permeability of these soils is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff increases from slow to medium to rapid with an increase in slope. The erosion hazard for all these soils is low. The 53-B soil is suited, with irrigation, to the production of all adapted crops grown in the area. The 53-C soil is suited to producing the more commonly grown crops when irrigated. The 53-D soil is suited only to limited cropping of close growing crops due to erosion hazards. Conservation practices and fertility maintenance are important to these 29 soils. The Otero sandy loam soils are all generally suited to wind- breaks, but protection from soil blowing may be necessary. These soils are well suited to providing open land wildlife habitat. A moderately rapid permeability of the substratum and possibly groundwater contamina- tion from sewage lagoons are the limiting factors of this soil in terms of urban development. The slope of the 53-D soil may also cause problems for urban construction activities. Paoli Loam, 0 to 1 Percent Slopes (XI-A) (Coarse-loamy, mixed, mesic Pachic Haplustolls) This mapping unit is found primarily in the northeastern portion of the study area bordering the Big Thompson River. This soil has formed from calcareous alluvial deposits and is deep and well-drained. Soils with surface layers less than 20 inches thick and some soils with loamy sand surface layers are included in this mapping unit. The surface layer is a loam, while the underlying layer is a fine sandy loam. This soil has a mollic epipedon and calcareous C-horizon. The dark colored A-horizon may extend to 50 inches. The permeability of this soil is moderate and the available water capacity is high. The effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is very slow and the erosion hazard is low. This soil is heavily irrigated and is suitable for producing all crops adapted to the area. Windbreaks and environmental plantings may be suitable for this soil. Soil blowing is a hazard which can be over- come with proper conservation procedures. Open land wildlife habitat can be developed on this soil by establishing nesting and escape cover. If protected from flooding, this soil has good potential for urban and recreational development. Limiting features include rapid permeability 30 of the substratum, groundwater contamination hazards from sewage lagoons, and a moderate frost potential. Thetalund Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (43-B) (Fine-loamy, mixed (calcareous) , mesic Ustic Torriorthents) This is a moderately deep, well drained soil which occurs primarily on gentle plains in the extreme northeastern corner of the study area. This soil has formed in materials weathered from calcareous shale residu- um. Soils with sandstone and shale deeper than 40 inches are also included in this map unit. Thetalund soils are similar to Kim, Nelson, and Otero soil series. The surface layer of this soil is of a loam texture and the under- lying material is also a loam. Depth to shale is 20 to 40 inches. Typically, this series has calcareous C-horizons. This soil usually has free carbonates at the soil surface. The permeability and available water capacity of this soil is moderate. The effective rooting depth ranges from 20 to 40 inches. Surface runoff is medium and erosion hazard is low. The Thedalund loam is suitable to limited cropping with the use of appropriate conservation and cultivation practices. Windbreak plantings are not suitable. Habitat favorable to open land wildlife can be devel- oped on this soil in cropland areas. Because of depth to shale, septic tank absorption fields and sewage lagoons will not operate properly. This subsurface shale may also have high shrink-swell properties. Weld Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (41-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (41-C) (Fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Paleustolls) These soils are located mainly in the western half of the study area. The Weld loam is a deep, well-drained soil which has developed on 31 gentle plains from calcareous eolian deposited materials. Included in both these units are some soils with loam and light clay loam subsoils. The surface layer of these soils is typically a loam while the subsoil ranges from a heavy clay loam to light clay. The substratum is a silt loam or loam. These soils typically have a mollic epipedon, argillic B-horizons, and a calcareous C-horizon. The permeability of these soils is slow, available water capacity is high, and effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff for the 41-B soil is slow and the erosion hazard is low. Surface runoff for the 41-C soil is medium and the erosion hazard is moderate. The 41-B soil is suited to the production of all crops adapted to the area with irrigation. The 41-C soil, with irrigation, is best suited to production of the more commonly grown crops in the area. The 41-C soil is also suitable for the dryland production of wheat. Conser- vation practices are needed to protect the soil from wind and water erosion. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are generally well suited to these soils. Conservation practices for erosion control are necessary. Beneficial wildlife habitat can be developed on this soil for open land wildlife. These soils have good potentials for urban and recreational developments. Shrink-swell and a limited ability of this soil to support a load are the major limitations of this soil. Wiley-Colby Complex, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes (X40-B) , 3 to 5 Percent Slopes (X40-C) (Fine-silty, mixed, mesic Ustollic Haplargids; fine-silty, mixed (cal- careous) mesic Ustic Torriorthents) These soils are found primarily on the extreme western portion of the study area on smooth plains and have formed in clacareous eolian 32 deposits. The Wiley soil comprises approximately 60 percent of the map unit while the Colby soil makes up about 30 percent of the unit. The remaining 10 percent of the unit is primarily composed of the Heidt silty clay and Weld clay loam. Both these soils are deep and well-drained. The surface layer of the Wiley soil is a silt loam while the materials under the surface layer are typically silty clay loams. The surface layer of the Colby soil is a loam and the upper underlying material is a silt loam. The lower underlying material is a very fine sandy loam. The Wiley soil typically has an argillic B-horizon and calcareous B- and C-horizons. The Colby typically has no B-horizon. The permeability of the Wiley soils is moderately slow and the available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is medium for the X40-B soil and medium to rapid for the X40-C soil. The erosion hazard is moderate for both Wiley soils. The permeability of the Colby soils is moderate and available water capacity is high. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Surface runoff is medium for the X40-B soil and medium to rapid for the X40-C soil. Erosion hazard is moderate for both these soils. The X40-B map unit is suitable, with irrigation, for growing all crops adapted to the area, while the X40-C soils are suited to cultiva- tion of the more commonly produced crops. Conservation practices are needed to combat erosion. Windbreaks and environmental plantings are a possible use of this soil, but conservation practices are necessary to attain maximum benefits. Open land wildlife can be greatly benefited by management practices applied to these soils. 33 Wiley soils have a fair potential for urban and recreational devel- opment because of slow permeability (Figure 2.4b) , moderate shrink-swell potential (Figure 2.4c) , and limited bearing capacity. Colby soils have a good potential for these activities; however, the soil has a limited ability to support a load. 2.5 Hydrology The two major streams flowing through the study area are the Little Thompson and Big Thompson rivers. Ditches, reservoirs, and lagoons are also a part of the local hydrologic system. Surface waters of signifi- cance within the study area can be inventoried as follows: Johnstown Dam & Reservoir Hillsboro Dam & Reservoir Hillsboro Ditch Home Supply Ditch Thompson & Platte Ditch Beeline Ditch Little Thompson Ditch Little Thompson River Big Thompson River Johnstown Sewage Treatment Lagoons (2) Great Western Sugar Plant Effluent Treatment Lagoons (5) Streamflow records are available for both the Little Thompson and Big Thompson rivers. The Little Thompson River was gaged from 1952 through 1968 at a point 600 feet downstream from the bridge on State Highway 257, northwest of Milliken. The Big Thompson River has been gaged continuously from 1927 to the present. The gaging station is 34 II: j_�I (NI H Z .a a Z J J (off J -, 4-, y IX III 0 O W W o W O C Q �' Z U L IThco o in = > a J z ti OOON ZZ WQ N W i 5 v l w a / .: :.ice- N N �. LLI 9�� .. ., • // Y A o * _ Ir k, it e I '4 i ■! `�',� - I�; • � J„� 1 ^� ,d R ��A - 4 Y o •. 5 �pso' b �e6 a J ,r /� • IJI 5 S d g r% �� . ,a ^ ~ II e ^ � 1 k ^^� �P��' �IIII7IFI� �g „: �h ^� ^ ■y eo0° a '' !§';'!"!4';''.!!! 4°;"0:7,!'7F:7,:!§§0§ W r�' l• t. • �� r w7 CC! 1 � m �_I cil0o x fo6 Guam _=+ ti e � 3niae'T�- - ,„„.„ , - �. ti d Z H 'Cr z'z z z ` Q a II- Z J +�+ N �LI � a a a - ya Z= Z g J J a d CJ° OW W W C C � Z u* J ZN I , N J 2 Z cn ��7511 00 O9 Z Z O � v Wa = LL J14 CC Q Z Z o—-999,9 CC �i Ou_O I z z w O—) N w a y N r� a li v,.,>. tw` ,'� � �� / wv� «r a ,, o,, / � c �I� �� w . ° r m ° Ea o= Cil e: it '�' � 71� 1 `,� / \' l,,. y o"`>* x m v0 d II 4 III ° �IIr "tea a o L.,/ " rl �.— ir'•e -_-_- ---M1- -. °° °' Ate Ilh... i r ? ;offq VI I ° I �� > ,--7:-:lc:- ) I� 1 � - /� , I, —1 loo xQ:ae� \�► .. ' o 21 7 am ` I �, 1 � Z 4 �� located at the mouth of the river near LaSalle, approximately six miles east of the study area. From the gaging station, the Little Thompson River drains a 192 square mile watershed. The average flow rate of this river for the last five consecutive years of available data was 34 cubic feet per second (cfs) . The composition of this yearly average is compiled in Table 2.5a. The maximum recorded flow was 737 cfs. The drainage area of the Big Thompson River at the gaging site is 828 square miles. The latest available data indicates that the mean flow rate at this stream gage was 118 cfs. This data was compiled during the period from October 1969 through September 1975 (Table 2.5a) . During the entire recorded period, the variation in the flow of the river has ranged from a peak of 6100 cfs in August 1951 to periods of infrequent or no flow in 1934, 1935, and 1948. Johnstown is completely dependent upon Big Thompson River water conveyed by the Home Supply Ditch for all municipal water. Water is diverted from this ditch into the Johnstown Reservoir. This constitutes the beginning of the municipal water supply system. During the irriga- tion season this reservoir is maintained at a near capacity state, serving as surge control for the irrigation ditch. However, during the nonirrigation season, the reservoir usually requires two replenishments and is refilled by special "runs" via the home supply ditch. These replenishments occur in early January and April. The use of groundwater for domestic purposes is quite limited within the service area of the Johnstown water system. Consequently, the overwhelming majority of water reaching the treatment plant comes from the Big Thompson River by way of the Home Supply Ditch. 37 Table 2.5a. Average monthly and annual streamflows for the Little and Big Thompson rivers. Little Thompson River near Milliken(a) Big Thompson River near La Salle(b) Month Acre Feet cfs Acre Feet cfs October 2460 40 4870 79 November 2440 41 5180 87 December 2200 36 4430 72 January 1930 31 4200 68 February 1720 31 3530 64 March 1860 30 3580 58 April 1420 24 5830 98 May 1380 22 16800 273 June 2150 36 18230 306 July 2610 42 6850 111 August 2180 35 6670 108 September 2380 40 5320 89 Annual 24710 34 85510 118 a Values for water years 1964-1968 Source: State Engineer 1978 (b)Values for water years 1970-1975 Source: USGS 1978 38 Spent municipal water is discharged from Johnstown' s treatment lagoons via pipe lines into the Little Thompson River at a site immedi- ately north of State Highway 60, approximately 1.8 miles above the river' s mouth. Figures 2.5a and 2.5b depict, schematically, the general surface water resources system in the vicinity of the 201 facilities area and the local/ municipal water resource systems. After mixing with river water, the effluent from the Johnstown sewage lagoons is reused for irrigation purposes in seven significant diversions between the outfall and the town of Hardin, Colorado, 28 miles downstream on the South Platte River. It is generally accepted that the waters of the South Platte River are reused six to seven times during the irrigation season before reaching the Colorado-Nebraska border. The need by agriculture for sources of water to supplement the limited and unpredictable amount of precipitation in this region has prompted the development of a complex storage and distribution system for excess waters from other areas. These excess waters are from areas of high precipitation such as mountainous regions on both sides of the continental divide. Johnstown serves as an intermediate use and distri- bution point within one of the many branches of a regional irrigation system. During times of irrigation, Big Thompson water flowing through the study area may be thought of as a mixture of fresh river water, irrigation waste water, and irrigation return flow. Irrigation waste water is water that has been applied but has not been absorbed into the earth or has not been evaporated and subsequently is returned to a supply ditch or water course. Irrigation return flow is water that has been applied and has percolated into the ground and subsequently has 39 la 1. S S F G w = C n $ C in Cl) O a w: 1 / ie 4.1 U Hrl Co W la , uj t E W m CC T m = O m C..) O01 w J O CO J D (G I W = t° N J I m -~ Z 3 0 COg 417 1 2 § 1 i cd sa co � cc W ! Pc' N F- N O J yyi 01 J DO W out aa) ft _ c� > I = I I n Z U u' N sOl Os Cl) _ 7 I 'I i w g I. yt tut Q , 0 -3 cc Y 40 i El CO w J CC CC I I 0 Cest I@ I `) iiii I I W m IQ) 6iai J N w fy I 7 O O ffih a) as N CU cri PJ o Irl a rd I CC O I ri u.U. I w 0 OCR— — F en Iii 3 w O H 3 w N 4J U v a Q u wLU A En y I ' P N yZ Z O 2 v U O' 0 01 ri - w CC 3 0 Wiz 3 g ( y 41 seeped back into a supply ditch or water course. Johnstown processes, distributes, or consumes a portion of this water in the Big Thompson River. 2.5. 1 Water Quality Water quality data have been summarized from the Environmental Protection Agency' s STORET data retrieval system and other selected parameters have been noted from Engineering Consultants Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan, South Platte River Basin (1974) . Loca- tions of STORET water quality sampling locations on the Little Thompson River are at longitude 105°08' near Berthoud, Colorado (above the 201 facilities area) and at longitude 104°53' near its mouth (below the 201 facilities area) . Engineering Consultants did not measure water quality on the Little Thompson River; however, some useful information may be obtained through evaluation of water quality measurements that they made on the Big Thompson River. Annual average data from STORET for two locations on the Little Thompson River above and below the 201 area are presented in Tables 2.5b and 2.5c. These data indicate that the Little Thompson River is a predominantly calcium-sulfate type water. Concen- trations of calcium and sulfate in the creek above the study area averaged 386 mg/1 and 929 mg/1, respectively, whereas these same consti- tuents near the mouth of the river averaged 552 and 1112 mg/1, respect- ively. Also, sodium concentrations are elevated and range from 133 mg/1 at the upper station to 208 mg/1 at the lower station. Most of the parameters summarized in Tables 2.5b and 2.5c have higher concentrations at the lower station (longitude 104°53' ) than at the upper station (longitude 105°08' ) , indicating a general degradation of the river in its downstream direction. 42 r'- 19- 1 - n n r 1-- r r- r-- r r- r n f\ n n n N n n n n n h n n n n r O N r n 1- n r 1- n n \ n n n r n 1- n N- r n n N n n r- n n n n n 90 \\\ \\\\\\ W \\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\ \\ Id CO 00 CO 00 CO CO CO CO CO N CO CO CO CO 00 CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO 00 CO \\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\ \\ o O Cm on cm o o o o Cn O1 C1 Cn a1 Cn o Cn ca, a, cr al O+ O+ cr. 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Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations more than doubled (1.35 to 2.77 mg/1) , while concentrations of total phosphorus increased about six times (0.069 to 0.44 mg/1) . These rather significant increases in nutrient concentrations no doubt result from animal feedlot drainage, livestock watering in the stream, sewage treatment discharges from the towns of Berthoud and Johnstown, and irrigation return flows. Average 5-day BOD concentrations increased 7.5 times between the upstream and downstream (1.71 and 12.77 mg/1) . This increase is due to the same reasons given for increases in nutrient concentrations. Average dissolved oxygen concentrations decrease somewhat (10.4 to 8.7 mg/1) in a downstream direction and this decrease results in part from assimila- tion of BOD loading in the river. Changes in physical stream factors such as turbulence, flow and temperature can also affect dissolved oxygen concentrations. Bacteriological analysis of sampling stations on Little Thompson River indicate a dramatic increase in both total and fecal coliforms at the lower station in comparison to the upper station. The increase was nearly 350 fold for total coliforms or an increase from an average of 675/100 ml to 234,471/100 ml. The increase for fecal coliforms was about 175 fold or an increase from an average of 445/100 ml to 77,964/100 ml. These increases are probably due primarily to livestock watering in the stream and runoff from pastures or feedlots and secondarily to upstream discharges of sewage effluent. 45 Trace metal concentrations likely represent naturally occurring levels in the river. Elements showing somewhat elevated levels are boron and iron. Boron concentrations averaged 0. 146 mg/1 at the upper station and 0.364 mg/1 at the lower station. Total iron concentrations increased from an average of 0. 153 mg/1 at the upper station to 1.32 mg/1 at the lower station, an increase of about nine times. These increases in both boron and iron concentrations are probably due to the natural conditions in the river' s drainage basin. Boron concentrations, however, average well below 2.0 mg/1, the level recommended as a maximum concentration for irrigation water used on neutral to alkaline soils. Under the same soil conditions, the maximum concentration for iron in irrigation water is 20 mg/l. However, iron concentrations exceed the recommended drinking water level of 0.3 mg/l. At River Mile 5, the Little Thompson River joins the Big Thompson River 1.15 miles downstream from Johnstown' s sewage lagoon outfall. Water quality data for the Big Thompson River near Loveland (longitude 105°17' ) and near its mouth (longitude 104°49' ) are presented in Tables 2.5.d and 2.5.e. Like the Little Thompson River, the Big Thompson River is a calcium sulfate type of water; however, concentrations of total dissolved solids are considerably less (i.e. , 1560 mg/1 in Big Thompson versus 1940 mg/1 in Little Thompson near mouths of each river) . Total dissolved solids in the Big Thompson River near Loveland average about 80 mg/1 as compared to 1579 mg/1 for the Little Thompson River near Berthoud. Concentrations of nutrients increase considerably between the upstream and downstream locations on the Big Thompson River (Table 2.5d & 2.5.e) . These increases are, in part, due to municipal discharging and agricultural runoff before its confluence with the Little Thompson 46 r r-- r- I� r- r r- l-- l-- f-- r r r-- r- r r- r- n f--• r r n n r r- l-- r- n n N N- r- I-- r r n f` n N- r` \ N- N- NN. 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X b r1 O I 0 0 m o N o 1%I HI H 1 44 OI H I� w d 01 CU 7 al P -•..I O N GI ca Vl "L 2. H m •-' m 11 11 u LI co m el - 0 •H •H P. 1n P H G >, > 'O '0 -0 m 'd 1 10 E 'O G 0 it 1-I 1.I W 1J rl .-1 W • 0 — Li Li .H W G •H W 11 m 7 d 0) W W m1.1 O o m . O 0 0 W N 0.4 CO NH u q• > in CU 'O M a) 0 m E •H b al b W E O E - 4.-1W I L 11 0 0 ] E 1.4 'o O rl 44 G •rl 11 .G W 7 m a E •H 11 .H '7 W •r1 7 SI 0 •-I W CUHCO 1 In rl W t m P. C •H W 7 7 11 N N M r1 G C •H W - 0 G - N H rl H m H 0..0 'b m N P. O P m b u C H .H O w 0 G W W 0 E P. G b 00 a) 0 H CU 0 — LI <0 E P G w = e0 11 w14-10 PHI OO'7 'd .-I r1 C 0 R) H '0 P. 0 1C G .-I C W 11 O W 0 •H P0009-100 = 00 •H ,C m 0 0 0 0 .C 7 Hi A W 11 O m 0 P W W •H W O W U H 7 m H H0 CO Pa U P.H W 2 W 0 U Z In cn 0 V) Cr. U d CO o V H a = In N Li H W P 0 `-- 0 P MI I/O Ur H 48 River. Water quality of the Big Thompson River below its confluence with •the Little Thompson River, which is of poorer quality, is no doubt significantly affected by water from the Little Thompson River. Groundwater quality information was not readily available for the Big Thompson and Little Thompson river drainages. However, water quality data from the alluvial aquifers of the Cache La Poudre and South Platte River drainages in the vicinity of the Big Thompson and Little Thompson River drainages were available and will be used to describe general groundwater quality in this region. Average groundwater quality from alluvial aquifers in the South Platte drainage between Brighton-Kuner and the lower Cache La Poudre River drainage are presented in Table 2.5f. Sulfate and total dissolved solids (TDS) from both alluvial aquifers are well above the 250 mg/1 (sulfate) and 500 mg/1 (TDS) drink- ing water limits set by the United States Public Health Service (1962) . The drinking water limit for nitrate nitrogen is 10 mg/1 and is exceeded in both aquifers. According to USGS criteria the water is categorized as very hard. Sodium absorption ratios (SAR's) and electrical conduct- ivity (EC) values are within acceptable limits for nearly all irrigation purposes. SAR' s and EC values of the alluvial groundwater from the Big Thompson and Little Thompson river drainages may more closely reflect those of the South Platte River alluvial aquifer than those of Cache La Poudre River. This may, in part, be due to the relatively high concen- trations of sodium found in the surface water of the Big Thompson and Little Thompson Rivers. EC units ranging from 2 to 3 mmhos can cause up to a 25 percent reduction in such crops as beans, carrots, cucumbers, peas, squash, and celery. 49 a) t el cn C o '+ re) co H U 0 ea W N N - H 'Ti 1+ a) cu C cn M en H al L L .d H P. Z z en N -" 8-.2 M M N0 A .i N 7 co 0 Cupa cn .n a) Cr) H1.4 N co en a) a) b O CA M W r N >l CT N ‘--.1,, x a) U 1U L etl a) HI M .-i O t+1 co (1. 7 a.) cc) Mo N en Di 0 q PO u') co .C N a) H E •-1 •--i •-, u v ri 4_1 O c1 'rl L 7 CO G - 0 N- ON CO .-1 Cl pa b0 N N N P. E E a) 0 C i+ w g ^ CO 9} 0 -I Z M en --- G Cl Cu .. 7 T c u u c H a) rV \ N.. 01 N v--I N U O CO O N CO ad '- 'Ti N 7 a/ 0 U .. Cl P 00 H co 0 en a) Ohm N 0 N a) b0 to E co T co > to H 0 C 6 a) + a)1 O a) a) 6 7 CO al U I-. x m a LH v1 -I 0 CO G G v P a)01 r4 0 N 0 " v m b b ai u E U rOI C 7 1+ N 7 W W Cl '-' a) 0 0 I 11-1 1.1 U 'O A a) U r- X t cu a) P b .C K rl a) C O C 1+ w u _ro p, oo ai w w w-HCl 3 0 w ,�j�g T. • H ..i O O Cl)0 +:^r'pa 7 P. 50 Trends in T➢S concentrations from 1960-1968 for the South Platte River alluvial aquifer and from 1964 to 1968 for the Cache La Poudre River are presented in Figure 2.5c. This figure shows a general increase in TDS for the South Platte River alluvial aquifer, and an overall decrease in TDS for the Cache La Poudre alluvial aquifer. However, due to the rather short period of recorded data, long-term changes in alluvi- al aquifer quality due to increased irrigation usage cannot be assessed. 2.5.2 Water Quality and Quantity Problems Two major point sources of pollution have been identified within the study area. These effluents are from the Johnstown municipal sewage treatment lagoons and Great Western Sugar Company's monosodium glutamate plant. Effluent quality from Johnstown sewage treatment lagoons varies in response to amount and quality of influent waste and to the efficiency of lagoon treatment. Because the lagoons depend on oxidation production by algae, environmental factors, such as temperature, cloud cover, pond icing and winds , also affect operation of the lagoon system. Analysis of Johnstown sewage effluent on April 26, 1973 gave the following results: BOD' s - 29 mg/1; suspended solids - 81 mg/1; color - 60 color units; turbidity - 32 JTU and fecal coliforms - 1000/100 ml. Effluent standards for waste discharges are listed in Table 2.5g. One problem of the Johnstown sewage treatment lagoons is the highly variable industrial load it receives from the Carnation Milk Company. In a report prepared by M & I Consulting Engineers, it was estimated that the BOD' s waste load from the Carnation Milk Company could have a population equivalent of 2,070. The town' s population currently is about 1,400 whereas the town's sewage treatment system is designed for a population of 1,100. 51 Sub-Area 1 Brighton to Kuner 1600 1400 - 1200 1950 1955 1960 1965 Sub-Area 9 Lower Cache La Poudre (Well No. B7-66-36cbb) 240 - 2200' 2000 „ teg\e; 1800 1950 1955 1960 1965 Figure 2.5.c. Total dissolved solids trends in well no. B5-64-21bcc and well no. B7-66-36cbb. Source: Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan, South Platte River Basin 52 Table 2.5g. Colorado limitations for the discharge of waste. Parameter Limitation Parameter 7-day Average 30-day Average • BOD - 5 day 45 mg/1 30 mg/1 Suspended Solids (a) 45 mg/1 30 mg/1 pH 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.0 Fecal Coliform As determined by the Division of Administration of the State Health Department to protect public health in the stream classification to which the discharge is made (b) Residual Chlorine < 0.5 mg/1 < 0.5 mg/1 Oil and Grease 10 mg/1 10 mg/1 Source: Colorado Regulations for Effluent Limitations; Treatment Works Site Approval Regulations; Storm Sewer Discharge Regulations adopted by the Colorado Department of Health, Water Quality Control Commission and effective August 21, 1975. (a)Proposed revisions to limitations on suspended solids in effluents from aerated treatment ponds are 110 mg/1 (7-day average) and 75 mg/1 (30-day average) . (b)For Little Thompson River below point of lagoon effluent discharge, fecal conform standard is a geometric mean of < 1000 organisms/100 ml for 30-day period. 53 The Carnation Milk Company discharges waste cooking water after no treatment into the Hillsborough Irrigation Ditch just below where the water is taken in. The discharge (NPDES permit #C0-0001406) is continu- ous and the irrigation ditch flows to the Little Thompson River at River Mile 8.3. The major problem posed by the Carnation Milk Company is the B0D5 waste load which must be treated by the marginal Johnstown sewage lagoons. Non-point sources of pollution in the study area are runoff from cultivated fields, feedlots and some urban areas in Johnstown. Runoff from these sources can contribute varying amounts of suspended material, phosphates, nitrates, B0D5 loads and trace metals to drainages in the area. 2.5.3 Water Quality Management The entire length of the Little Thompson River in Larimer and Weld counties is included in the Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan for the South Platte River Basin (prepared in 1974 by Engineering Con- sultants, Inc./Toups Corporation for the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of Health) . According to the Comprehensive Water Quality Management Plan, average low dissolved oxygen content in the Big Thompson River below Loveland is about 4.5 mg/1, whereas the average high content is a little above 9.0 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen con- centrations of the Little Thompson River below the Culver Ditch diversion is at certain times as low as 4.0 mg/1 near its mouth. At certain times of the year, localized areas immediately below the discharges of the Johnstown sewage treatment lagoons and the sugar plant no doubt experi- ence dissolved oxygen concentrations less than 4 mg/l. The salinity (TDS) levels in both rivers is less than the criterion of 3500 mg/1 for wildlife and 3000 mg/1 for livestock watering. 54 The Little Thompson River from its confluence with the Big Thompson River upstream to the Culver Ditch diversion point is presently classi- fied B2 by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. Also classi- fied B2 is the Big Thompson River downstream from the Loveland treatment plant to its confluence with the South Platte River. The following standards apply to waters classified as B2: • Free from settleable solids, floating solids, taste, odor, color, oil films, and toxic materials; • Fecal coliform bacteria - geometric mean of < 1000/100 ml from five samples in 30 day period; • Turbidity - no increase of more than 10 JTU above natural conditions; • Dissolved oxygen - 5 mg/1 minimum; • pH - between 6.0 and 9.0 units; • Temperature - maximum of 90o F and maximum change of 5o F from natural conditions. The Larimer-Weld Regional COG (1978) has made the following evalua- tion of stream conditions and existing standards for waters in the plains of Larimer and Weld counties: "Due to the low flow conditions in the streams during the summer and the winter, application of water management practices results in drying up of streams at many points. There is an unstable supply of water available to support aquatic life, resulting in the fact that only the hardiest of species can survive these extreme variations in hydrology. In addition, the highly variable flows have resulted in an extremely limited physical habitat for the propagation of aquatic life. High flows during certain times of the year tend to scour the streams; low flows at other times of the year result in sediment deposition in the plains area. Only the hardiest of species can survive in this habitat. This has been documented by various 55 studies and through the 208 process. The net effect is that attainment of water quality standards as required under the existing B2 classifica- tion would not result in attainment of the associated water quality goals, i.e. , development of a balanced indigenous population of fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Attainment of the B2 standard would not have any significant impact on the type of species presently existing found in the river, given the hydrologic and habitat factors described above. The water quality standards needed to support the existing indigenous species which is characterized by "carp, rough or forage fish" have not been defined, but are certainly not as stringent as those standards currently promulgated under Class B2. In summary, Class B1 should be maintained in all mountainous streams in the region and every effort should be made to protect this classification and the cold water aquatic life which exists there. Class B2 standards are not applicable to the plains area of the Region and attainment of those water quality goals would not have a noticeable impact on aquatic life within the streams." Proposed revisions to Colorado water quality standards and stream classifications are being evaluated by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. The Commission recommends that standards be based on bene- ficial uses of the particular water. A summary of this proposed classi- fication system as interpreted by the Larimer-Weld Regional COG (1978) is presented in Tables 2.5h and 2.5i. Based on this system, the Larimer- Weld Regional COG (1978) recommended that the Little Thompson River below the Town of Berthoud Waste Treatment Plant to its confluence with the Big Thompson River and the Big Thompson River below Loveland Waste Treatment Plant #2 discharge to its confluence with the South Platte River be classified as: 56 P .. P I H I 0 44v 4 44 P P N a) 0 U ro O P 44 0 C ro 0 CO 3 0. 0. '•I 'rI P. 3 O 44 .o A U -0 c3 6 Hi '-I 'n •H .C N G CO U G HO H CO Ca CO • JJ W M 0 HI 0 0 C P. P. C N m m . Cd 3 W a P, O N U N 3 U .0 CZ al ri •-i O ri ❑g W •Ct W •r1 •rI 0. 0 H1 O ?CI 0.1 M 0) G • O O Cl 0 G G J V •.I HI A O >, P a) 0 O 44 m •n U H DO 44 y4 44 P 00 G O O 0 0 C IO N Mra I O 1M41 m 0 0) 000 T l al 0 r 'CI ro S L CIN 24-I .HI p{ .0 al 0 C 4J HI al 44 to Ca O H00 CU m •.'I CO 00' 0 44 r o 0 C CO 00 G IIt U u OD C "a ^i � � p,ri 3 G C S 3 0. 0 0 ci 444 H 3 3 u • H ri a 44 0 0 P ro HO CO CO 'C H a) • 0 00 O M CO CO P. P.O IV 0) 4-ia) A '4-4 O u u1 CU m r A 01 C 0 al H al M 0 0 •r1 0 2 HI A • H gQ • a) 0 P A HI .C `CI Hl 'O r I P. 0) ri N N H O2 4-I Q 44 P 0 U • u A 44 (1) 16 O > (0 O HI U 0 00 a) P H C P O UV N P H 0 3 C al >22 4-I C H P0 a) a) 0' P.Z M a) H O C m 44 P H O •rl 0 0 0 k A A o G ca • P IH G w 01 u 4 H 4 G ro o m O O a) •rl 0 0 OD 0 00 C C) 0 0 0) • 0 C' 00 F U 0 •H A •0 u 44 G •.+ G 0 44 3 m 3 4 a) 4) co 0 M P M •r1 Ia d 0 al 0 0 ' 'Ca 0l In H 01 as G p, 44 •I T N H C '0 P..� u 3 H H ri G C C 3 m w al 0 'rI 44 m g al 00 U •rl C M It M O H 07 al ri 0) ,C 00,L' 01 44 Ca O a) m 0) 0) P .•2y O) w r r CU O .C •rl U 01 'O C C 'O P H H 0 01 a) T 0 G 44 ro P O 'O P '0 0 0 M OP A CU 0) O C A 'o al m O •r1 G P 44 G 0 G >+ H •.I 3 0 44 w P. C7 o 0 .t 0) U 00 -H O) 01 P. 01 r•I 44 4 • Ca 0 0 0. •r1 A 44 •rl ^ •I a) 0 H 0) CO U a) ri T1 al H m P 41 y T (I) a al > G al Gal 01 a) G P D al al a1 01 p C •r1 CO U Ta 00 .C •H •H F HO GG G 0 yal d HP O C 'O 44 0 CO a) > B G a) C 44 H as u o ri •rI G ca M 0 .C M 01 'C M 44 • 44 0 • I O •r1 44 C H U 01 • W O 344 >, DO 0 44 PP CO 44 WO H 0 • 0 0 C C H A U 'O H HI to 0 0 0 O O O 44 go) co U U • I 0 .. O CO 41 0) O W 0 0 4I W N O 00) 01 u r P-•• M CO 'T1 r0 a) U A C C A P 0) O a) 44 ON T P 4) m r- ef al A Ca .0 AH a) ro a44 •• P w H 44 0 0 rn H ri 41 44 O C O .-I al 44 44 O A C .0 ri •r1 w C .M.. O U G O CO CO 41 00 .0 U1 P 00 P 4) •H to • H H .C 0 CI) C OO 01 C o0 am H m PO a) m O) 0 0 O ro U u 0 T) CH 44 al.HI P. P OH 0 0 44 Oro 'CI C.) Ci U (1) M .O O) 'O HP P.ro 0 0) 4I ro 'P yH C C. N co HOU m A a) • 00 a) 01 Oa) OO OP. IJ.J 0 3 4) P a) OP3 P 3 0) 44 m ri tag a) a) al G el H '0 OO O P. Ia O .C O 0l CO O 0) H ri HI a/ 0 a) 0 O Ls b o C 0 O 44 rI a) 03 e-4 C r-1 F .0 0. .0 > cd H •r1 •rl U 0 ,C ro H r .•rl r-1 01 0 Ca G CI) N 444 444 C 44 dal P. 14 O A H O 0 N m •rl "i 44 M H 44 0 44 0 >0 3 C) U U 3 CO N r O H W•.C O .0 'G 3 0 3 0l O O C.0 0 H H o 44 u .C P 3 G O 0 .C w ,C w mg m W' 'o 4) w >, 0) O •.I al 'C 3 0 •H HI ri O H O H W W 44 CO • I •rl 4) 0 C/) m 3 C >, P ,CC) H H •r1 H H [[�� PH 0 PH CO M •r1 CI) 01 ri OO C 0l 0) m 30 A .0 al W 0) W Oct CO H P •H Cl a) C M 4I 44 0) •r1 30 3 U 44 41 66 Hri O 01 C• I- CI U ro...•H 0) 0 •rl m •H H 0l It H 0 H CU •r 01 H r1 I 3 44 H •• 1444 P 44 3W 3W u U U O• in a W (W ra O Op. •r1 0) 0 01 M O N a) (1) H al . C H G G 44 0 O > 44 'O 44 0 44 0 3 m 30 Sow up .G N O 0 C0 01 Ca O A M to 0l CCICr CO CV COO COO 0 .C 4J m 0 44 Ca H HI u 3 u 44 4J 3P 3 m3 N gal. c4 P. 0 J-I0 04-1 v ri P Ia 3 .0 .- Ct C W 0 0 0 'c0 F o CO HI H m 0 .0 Iron C 00 C P M HI HI 1Z H1 P N 2-4 01 -1 Pa L Oro U4) al 0 a)al al 0 0 H 'O H 01 U CO C C I .� I H P 44 H r C 3 a) 0 U W wag Po Pal 3 W m A al C U N w w 0 aJ 0) 3 I 0) p 4.14 P O G G H H P -HP 44 01 44 P 'O a C a) 0 0 >, o G a a) ra a) to 3 01 a) a) a) 3 >, a) 41 H H •H 44 44 44 3 'O 3 O H a 4 44 m ro A > 01 >` 41 to 44 H Oct U N G cif al 3 H Ia ro CO 0 H 3 H 3 OO U Vd H al >, C 'O ,C W C C) u 4.) 44 •rl O •rl H Ca k m N 0) H O H H N re 01 ri H ri O r] a) so m • O U u P 0 ri 0 AC7 ACn 0 '0M 0 H CU N 00 o 0 0 Ia O 0 POHPO o. a Cn M C 6 u d 3 Psi P. 1 •• W H U m u U z .. •-••• • OO H'_ N 0 2--IN r+1 .7 In ,o n N v v z 57 Table 2.5i. Larimer-Weld Regional COG aquatic biota subclassifications Proposed Warm or Cold Water Biota Subclassifications Description SUBCLASS I Aquatic Habitat "Quality" A Class 1 Aquatic Habitat is characterized by healthy physical habitat which includes adeqaute quantity of water to insure survival during critical periods and quality of water which does not impair or inhibit development of a wide variety of self-propagating fish species (and other aquatic biota) including appropriate cold or warm water sport fish as defined in State law (stocking may be required to meet recreation or sport fishery demands. ) SUBCLASS 2 Aquatic Habitat "Seasonal" A Class 2 Aquatic Habitat is defined as that which can support a sport fishery (and other aquatic biota) where existing or improved quality and quantity of water will allow seasonal creation of an expendable fishery. Not all species of fish (i.e. , bass, trout, etc.) would be self-propagating and would have to be restocked each year. Fish other than the most sensitive species may live and propagate throughout these stream segments. In the case of municipal and industrial point source discharges, waste treatment higher than secondary or Best Available Technology may or may not be required. SUBCLASS 3 Aquatic Habitat "Marginal" A Class 3 Aquatic Habitat is defined as that which can support adequate biota under present water use and physical stream characteristics: 58 A. Where existing in-stream uses shall be maintained and protected. No further water quality degradation which would interfere with or become injurious to existing aquatic habitat would be allowable; and Proposed Warm or Cold Water Biota Subclassifications Description B. Where improvement of habitat through flow augmentation or physical habitat modifications which would justify more stringent water pollution control measures than those defined in (C) below are demonstrated to be economically unachievable be- cause of natural background or irretrievable man-induced conditions; and C. Where application of secondary treatment and/or "Best Available Technology Economically Achievable" for point source discharges and applicable Best Management Practices for non-point sources will enhance water quality for aquatic biota. Source: Larimer-Weld Regional Council of Governments. 1978. Areawide Water Quality Management Plan. 59 • 2 - secondary contact-recreation • 3 - agriculture • 5 - warm water biota (subclass 3 - marginal) • 6 - public water supply-groundwater. The Larimer-Weld Regional COG (1978) has outlined a technical strategy for achieving national water quality goals for this area. Elements of this strategy include: • A technical plan for management and control of point source and non-point source discharges; • A set of stream classifications and standards for streams which enable protection of beneficial uses; and • A coordinated regional water quality, biological and hydro- logical monitoring and reporting program aimed towards protect- ing existing beneficial uses and determining new standards and conditions for waste discharges. Methods recommended by the Larimer-Weld COG (1978) for achieving these goals are: • Continued enforcement of feedlot regulations and operation of pollution control facilities by feedlot operators; • A major program of agricultural pollution control in the Region to control, to the extent feasible, discharges of salinity, nitrates, and sediment to rivers of the Region. This program will be heavily dependent upon federal funding for implementation; • Development and implementation of an urban runoff pollution control program in the Region; • Development of pollution control programs for other non-point sources, including construction, silvicultural activities, septic tanks and leachfields, and solid/hazardous waste dis- posal; • Maintenance of the high quality of mountain streams in the Region; • All existing plains area waste discharges to provide secondary treatment; 60 • Fish stocking and stream engineering for improving habitat to be limited to selected areas most amenable to such efforts; and • Institute water quality, quantity, and biological monitoring programs to assure a necessary margin of safety to existing aquatid life and to obtain information to further plan water quality control measures. 2.5.4 Flood Hazard Area The U.S. Geological Survey under the auspices of the Federal Insur- ance Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, has prepared maps of flood-prone areas. These maps depict the approximate boundaries of areas prone to flooding caused by the 100-year, maximum precipitation event. Areas designated as being "flood prone" have, on the average, about 1 chance in 100 of being inundated in any one year. Actually, this probability applies only to lands at the high elevation boundaries of the flood prone areas. Lower lying lands, between the upper boundary of the flood prone area and the particular water course causing the flooding, are subject to an increasing probability of flood- ing as they approach the water course. Flood boundaries depicted on the USGS maps are of a preliminary nature, having been determined from readily available, often approximate or generalized information, rather than from detailed field surveys and area-specific flood calculations. Therefore, these maps should be used only for a general description of the floodplain and for preliminary planning in flood prone areas. Figure 2.5d indicates flood-prone areas within the Johnstown study area. Approximate flood levels taken from the maps are: 6t V N z= cn O Q O zJ Z nq W *— Z J H Q °° w z=. a �� O W �/ Z ` Z V � ;o W O x� �.. O o- 14 O�Oo ZZ —I F—O cg Wa { o• by z-' / .. Lc,. / ° o y, � �, � li I - m 1 e \ ( �I c. V, r1/1 >w ry - d 84° '�� III,L. \ ,; o,pi aY / `-'-.-:l r,....:-.....:: r, 0 . o: i �e ry r m �-1 o / m 50550 e ,. _>\ \ \ '�..., r a i Ill 3 r I S �o a � j F d I m l m °.l E i� _ _n , \00 2IQSV721d7 �. - IIL '. 5 II J it v �oa i�a�lii� m a��l��a�...��...a� m--''#- `=o �t' ___— 11—+.:--:-. 1 !�, Big Thompson River 100 year flood elevation in feet entering study area 4770 leaving study area 4750 Little Thompson River entering study area 4775 leaving study area 4750 The flood plain located at the eastern extremity of the study area is a combination of the flood plains of the Big Thompson and Little Thompson rivers. These two rivers are the only major sources of flooding within the study area. The present sewage treatment lagoons are located near the flood prone areas but are not indicated as being subject to flooding caused by storms of the 100-year magnitude. In June of 1976, Weld County adopted "Supplementary Regulations Concerning Geologic Hazards and Flood Plains." This plan will ultimately regulate development within Weld County floodplains. - However, at present Weld County lacks the precise, engineered floodplain maps necessary for enactment of the regulations. Consequently, until the county is able to enact the regulation, development is still permitted within the 100 year flood plain. Although governmental regulation of floodplain development in Weld County is presently not possible, lending institutions not willing to loan for development within a floodplain can presently exert indirect control over such development. 2.6 Biology 2.6. 1 Wildlife Wildlife habitat is limited in the facilities area because of extensive urbanization and agricultural development. Residential areas 63 are suitable for only a few species of wildlife, primarily songbirds. Agricultural areas usually provide ample food supplies for wildlife, but modern farming practices leave very little of the necessary cover that wildlife species require to survive through the winter season. Suitable habitat within the area includes strips along railroad rights-of-way and irrigation ditches, idle grasslands, and riparian areas. These areas are mapped on Figure 2.6a. Strips along irrigation ditches attract some wildlife species on a seasonal basis, but these areas are limited in their value to wildlife since maintenance of these areas often requires occasional burnings. Each of these habitats attract different populations of wildlife species, but many of the wildlife species present in this area will utilize all habitats to some extent. A general reconnaissance of the study area was made to assess available wildlife habitat. Extensive inventories of comparable habitat along the eastern flank of the Front Range have been completed and these data were incorporated, where appropriate, into this analysis. Mammals. Mammalian species of this area of Colorado have been extensively studied by Dr. Bruce Wunder at the Fort St. Vrain Nuclear Power Generating Station Site (Wunder 1976) . A species list generated from that study is presented in Appendix 2. Species of small mammals occur in all habitats in the study area. The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is likely to be the most ubiqui- tous of all species, and will occur in all habitats. The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) will probably be another common species in most grassy areas, while in moist grassy areas, meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) may be present also. Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) is likely to inhabit agricultural areas, 64 Ca CO W i- d_ N O ?r, col Z 4,2 J Z CI' J V C w z= C O CO 0L O W W o CC ca y -4Z of CC IlL W N L F c c N 7as .4—, N Ora CON t0 = ` O a cO2 Z V, U O CO V CO V co N N .c w: LLI- J G O. 'C °1 C V OUO0 Z-- Z- Z CC — Q W I—'0- N W Q J r N c a to CD ti , 1 to v 7. rr ? �. / r u, r � ti N Ch CI 1'jja <s I � Cl N mi A ►M I r m � rc* I ,,,Te� I CO * _.64, 4' ell 13 ico- yii< Cl) r� � I I r� N o • Y _ 1 � < m ''-ate !� -. .--. -e=4 � -: II o E • L _ g ry. r \i'l: t I I7.,\L.,)° , %I:- ItIL•,-°''''' Na � II � II I v o '.;IF o o I o m � I i l r - s. I . M y °Ii-. 1 \,—,il 'r-; o 2 = _� I u5 I ---.55---11=,--,- -,- ---,r" 1 M r d i A A _ idle upland, and pastures. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are also known to be present in the area. Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) are certain to be common in idle uplands and pastures with sufficient cover. Black-tailed (Lepus californicus) and white-tailed (Lepus townsendii) jackrabbits occur in open agricultural and pasture areas. Several other species of small mammals may be present in localized areas. Many pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius or Thomomys talpoides) mounds were observed along railroad rights-of-way, testifying to the presence of this species. Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) probably inhabit areas along creeks and drain- age ditches. Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are probably present in riparian and residential areas. Predatory mammals in the area include the coyote (Canis latrans) , red fox (Vulpes fulva) , striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and long- tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) . Of these, the skunk may be the most common, but domestic cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis domesticus) are probably the most abundant predators in the study area. A variety of bats probably inhabit the area during summer months. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) may inhabit the area occasionally, but a lack of cover precludes them as resident species. Birds. Several bird species common to urban, agricultural, and idle grassland areas are found in the facilities area. Those species found here year-round and during summer months include American kestrel (Falco sparverius) , mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) , common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) , eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) , black-billed magpie (Pica pica) , common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) , brown thrasher 66 (Toxostoma rufum) , American robin (Turdus migratorius) , western meadow- lark (Sturnella neglecta) , house sparrow (Passer domesticus) , common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) , and brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) . Ring-necked pheasant (an introduced game species) is also present in the area and is hunted by local residents (Rinella 1978) . Most of these species are likely to nest in the study area. Particularly common during migratory periods are the Brewer's sparrow (Spizella breweri) , clay-colored sparrow (Spizella pallida) , and Lincoln' s sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) . Winter resident species char- acteristic of the facilities area include three principal species: white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophorys) , dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) , and tree sparrow (Spizella arborea) . Riparian areas are unique in that they will support a more diverse bird population than other equivalently sized patches of habitat in the area, and on a broader scale, presence of riparian woodlands is very limited within the Great Plains region. Riparian habitat in the study area is limited primarily to the drainages of the Big Thompson and Little Thompson rivers. Common riparian woodland nesting birds include the American kestrel, mourning dove, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) , common flicker (Colaptes auratus) , red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) , common crow, black-capped chickadee (Parus atricappillus) , house wren (Troglodytes aedon) , starling (Sturnus vulgaris) , yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) , northern oriole (Icterus albula) , and lazuli bunting (Passerina amoena) . During migrations, large numbers of birds can be seen in riparian areas. Some characteristic species are red-tailed hawk (Buteo 67 jamaicensis) , western wood pewee (Contopus sordidulus) , Swainson' s thrush (Catharus ustulatus) , yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata) , western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) , black-headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) , and chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) . Cattail marshes are very limited on the study site and occur as zones of special habitat within the riparian areas. These marshes provide nest sites for a variety of songbirds and some species of water birds. Within the study area, the following birds can be expected to occur in marsh habitats during the breeding season: mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) , blue-winged teal (Anas discors) , common snipe (Capella gallinago) , common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) , yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) , red-winged blackbird (Agelaius pheoniceus) , and song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) . During migration periods many other species are likely to make temporary use of these habitats, including species such as the green-winged teal (Anas crecca) , marsh hawk (Circus cyaneus) , Wilson's warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) , Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) , and Lincoln' s sparrow. Winter inhabitants of marshes in this region include white-crowned sparrow, tree sparrow, and dark-eyed junco. In addition, roughlegged hawk (Buteo lagopus) will hunt over marshes and idle grasslands during winter. Water birds listed for the marsh areas are also likely to utilize Hillsboro Reservoir. Other water birds which may be found on the reser- voir include great blue heron, Canada goose, American wigeon, gadwall, and bufflehead. Due to the small amount of aquatic vegetation around the reservoir, suitable nesting habitat for most water birds is limited, and these species will utilize the reservoir primarily as a resting or feeding area during the summer and migration periods. 68 White pelican is listed as threatened by the state of Colorado, and this species is known to feed on Hillsboro Reservoir during the summer months (Rinella 1978) . A comprehensive species list of birds which pertains to this region has been compiled by Ryder (1976) for the Fort St. Vrain Nuclear Genera- ting Station site. This list is presented in Appendix 3. Reptiles and Amphibians. A list of reptiles and amphibians compiled by Wunder (1976) for the Fort St. Vrain Nuclear Generating Station site is given in Appendix 4. Of the six amphibians and six reptiles listed, only a few are likely to be common in the study area, and some may not be present at all. Chorus frogs (Pseudacris triseriata) should be common in most areas of standing water. Woodhouse's toads (Bufo woodhousei) should be found near reservoirs and along irrigation ditches and creeks. Plains spadefoot (Scaphiopus bombifrons) may be abundant in marshy areas. Plains garter snakes (Thamnophis radix) are probably widespread in both marsh and upland habitats. Snapping (Chelydra serpentina) and painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) may be found in reservoirs and creeks. Gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) are probably present in small numbers. 2.6.2 Aquatic Flora and Fauna Periphyton (attached algae) was sampled at four locations (Figure 2.6b) in the Little Thompson River from natural substrates. Sand, rock, wood, and concrete substrates were scraped and a composite sample was collected and preserved at each location. 69 N 7°I;I:c — No. z fw1 cQ=Z a J ;wH N � W "z=��O W Z Z JZU `� „ IW o � �, � o.i � Z � o a �mZ4 O >- _i- E E+= LL > Q T. in 1-1----, _ IK r W I-O� N wa a° O �� .._., Ili „r. !� i I o I. s t. , e, z� p � _ T I °° ".9I uo VI � oI °I i 3 l x �, l it aI k�� 1 w a II li cs 1<l"- I ` YQ `\ „_ m y I I i a‘'''. vv ° Il° .,. I, o� '---,. \ v, f II` � � Z I' ° 1 �� .o 0 dm I m I The locations were as follows: Location 1 - Upstream of both the Johnstown treatment plant and the Great Western Sugar Company effluents. Location 2 - Roadside runoff near Location 1. Location 3 - Immediately downstream of Great Western Sugar Company. Location 4 - Downstream of Johnstown treatment plant effluent and upstream of feedlot near Milliken, Colorado near State Highway 60. Results of periphyton analysis are presented in Table 2.6a. Pollu- tion tolerant diatom and euglenoid taxa predominated. The most prevalent species included Navicula cryptochephala, Navicula tripunctata var. schizonemoides, Surirella spp. and Gyrosigma acuminatum. Differences were noted among the different sampling stations. Total taxa at Loca- tions 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 29, 25, 19, and 29 taxa, respectively. Spirogyra sp. dominated in the roadside runoff, while Stigeoclonium sp. was very abundant downstream of the Great Western Sugar Company. Al- though the sugar refinery was not discharging to the Little Thompson River, its effects from past discharging were evident in the reduction of total periphyton taxa from 29 upstream from the refinery to 19 down- stream from the refinery. Differences between Locations 1 and 4 were limited to nine rare taxa, indicating that assemblages were very simi- lar. The species present are indicative of flowing waters with relatively high organic loading, and high dissolved solids. Many taxa are cosmo- politan, and are able to survive in a wide variety of environmental conditions. 71 • • • 9! 1 00 P4 I P4 Pd I o P4 o40 P4 P4 a. O P'+ O as co U O a N C 0 H ... N td 01 U O C • '-I ,01 1 O U I I. I I 1 P4 I U 6 6 O G I I I I O Y4 a• C N O U LLa 0 00 w a N O\ H m ( td C" N N 1-i CO T ' N 7 al C N N 4 P4 I 0 I P4 I P4 I P4 Pi 6 6 U O I I U P4 P4 0 H 43 1.1 td W N }1 W U 7 0 4-i . I-1 QS 14 C W D O H P4 H w C 0 •d N .-I W Cu N• wC •-I 1 O O P4 I P4 P4 P4 U P4 0 6 6 O 1 O P4 O P: O H H 4-I H td O W U U •-1 0 ,1 a C u O H 4-4 ,-.1 T .C W .a1.J N L+ W W C ^ b P. H U � . 8 O W a C N n4 L 0 4 A td N W . 0 6 N coC .-O-I '%I CO `a 4.J - N G G W 5 0 ' • m H tad td Pa '-I W H • W J-t H H H U O 0 N td .C Ia 07 U td W N N •.4 H W H1 .O td iJ td C U > H W U > N W > td 7 •'I O 7 r%I H I C W H C C H E +' N U .y td N ,G W W }1 H 7 u H H C a H H E • 7 0 0 U W U td W W H E P. C td H 1.1 0 4-1 N C •7 U N <d td <d N W N NNg U U N H 0 H 1-1 rl gl .C .L" N H td W 01 E N 7 HI •a td td '•I Z G H W U •—I E O • 0 • H 7 H PL U N OH A 0. O it 7 C 0 W 0 E P. .C P. N U Y1 PL N H H td Ia co. 0 40 •7 H U E N L N E N H •; J-I N N b c--.1 aJ CO • d PHi U 0 0 1-1 w WI c0 cal Ca z zl ZI z zl zl zl zl zl H A 72 G •.0i a4 d 6 Iy. U a4 0 I c4 I U I c4 a4 u al u 0 a en G 0 a4 r4 VI U U 0 a4 a4 I U I I P' au Cu 0 0 a N G N .ri a4 O.'i 0 I 00 a4 I I I a4 I I a4 C a' G ca •ri U u 0 C .] 0 U v 0 •.0 H NI C C) 0 Z 1 U a4 6 Z 0 P4 I Z C.7 Z I Z ri a) XI Cu Cu u F O a .. .. Co Co N O G b cd i- 0 F ea G C .,i H DA A 7 u t30 a) W 1+ C 8 alt U Ft 1 FF G i.+ G pa N M 6 v U M n1 PA �' 6 al u w o •.UI OH G rn D, E F u F H U ,i 0 7�+' N W Ou O P. W N Na) •0 o 0 • OOz •rroi N N '4 P. co 0 N N H G O F ca 6 o w w 0 f 'GI .T• b o H U U N C 7 Y ~' PI N e-CI ai N U 1.1 •rl rI W U U O H C y H a) G • N ro N a1 a1 cd G P u Z0 0 N ad .P P. S+ C Z ,..-, •-I G C Z G +i Z a-I CD bilO •ri U H > O P. •O •-I OW H N N O N U O N i-I F 4.1 M •ri O 1a W 0 G HI CZ H b N 77 H H O H O MO 0 1-i 0 ItH HI W G G H 0 N I-I G HI H 0 a can m I L0I chi vi caul H ad Z O H W .a H 6 c.) G1 Q G p 73 s C I I I:4 III N 44 CIS U O a Cr) C •r1 I. I I I C I O` 44 ro V O N r. W O I U I d I O N 7 44 C ro •rt u 44 O J-1 O a 7 U O v an a ro I 'O HI N C N a N HI (Y, I I I I 1 Nm co a H L N ca V, 11 H r7l a4 rI co C O .Co co ca v u ro u eo C 't ro II C U 0) N y O o .-. 44 E 43 N 6 o V 0 H • U w W II 7 O L Cl. C. ro • E U N O y N W CO H GL •. U 0) '-4 O N H - N N P N U •r4 "Cl H 44 W H 44 I- C I+ N 4 H .O in H O r1 " U 14 H d 6 p U O >" ° Cl) Cl) p H II 0 q H 6 74 Periphyton productivity is limited by the lack of suitable permanent substratum, and by the scouring nature of the flow upon the shifting sand substratum that exists in this part of the Little Thompson River system. Very little aquatic macrophyte growth was noted along the stream banks. Those areas where macrophytes were found were very limited and contributed little to the riparian habitat of the Little Thompson River in the study area. Substrate of the Little Thompson River in the study area is mainly a shifting sand, silty type, and provides poor habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrates. A winter sampling revealed the presence of eight macroinvertebrate taxa at River Mile 4.0 with an abundance of 12 orga- nisms per square foot (M & I Engineering 1973) . The macroinvertebrate organisms collected were molluscs, fly larvae, beetles, and sludge worms. The stream at the time of sampling (December 1971) had been receiving wastewater from the Great Western Sugar Plant and thus was in a degraded condition. Since the 1971 survey, a major flood has occurred on the Big Thompson River (1976) and the same storm no doubt severely affected the Little Thompson River. The major effect would have been severe scouring and silting-in of existing stream bottom habitat. Although current stream conditions are somewhat different than when the 1971 stream survey was conducted (i.e. , Big Thompson flood and cessation of refinery discharge) , the stream is probably inhabited by the same kinds of organisms collected in 1971. Molluscan fauna are probably represented by physid snails (Physa spp. and Tymnaea spp. ) , while sphaeriid clams (Sphaerium spp. and Pisidium spp.) are also likely 75 present. Sludge worms (tubificid worms) are probably represented by the genera Tubifix and Limnodrilus sp. Predatious diving beetles (Dysti- cidae) and water scavanger beetles (Hydrophilidae) are probably the predominant aquatic beetles which inhabit the stream. Of the fly larvae (dipterans) present, the most predominant group is probably chironomids (midge-fly larvae) . The predominant chironomid genera may be Chironomus, Glyptotendipes, Conchapelopia, and Procladius. The macroinvertebrate fauna of that stretch of the Little Thompson River that flows through the study area is relatively low in abundance and comprised mainly of tolerant tubificid worms and chironomid midge- fly larvae. Tree snag type habitats probably contain tolerant species (Baetis spp. Calibaetis spp. , Caenis spp. and others) of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and stoneflies (Isoperla spp.) (Plecoptera) , while some backwater areas probably contain some species (Gerris spp. , Belastoma spp.) of true bugs (Hemiptera) . Species and numbers of fish are probably scarce and limited to those kinds (e.g. , minnows) which feed predominantly on periphytic algae and those (e.g. , suckers) which are omnivorous. A list of fish that may occur in the Little Thompson River within the study area is presented in Table 2.6b. Of the fish species listed, those which are probably most abundant are white suckers, carp, red shiner, sand shiner, and fathead minnow (Beckman 1974) . Hillsboro Reservoir, located in the southeastern corner of the 201 facilities, supports a respectable fishery (Rinella, personal communi- cation) . The reservoir is used largely by locals and the fish present include: bass, catfish, bullhead, crappie, carp, and an occasional walleye. 76 Table 2.6b. Fish species which may occur in the Little Thompson River in the study area. Scientific Name Com'r-m Name Catostomus commersoni White sucker Catostomus catostomus Longnose sucker Cyprinus carpio Carp Fundulus kansae Plains killifish Hybognathus hankinsoni Brassy minnow Ictalurus melas Black bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Brown bullhead Notropis cornutus Common shiner Notropis lutrensis Red shiner Notropis stramineus Sand shiner Pimephales promelas Fathead minnow Semotilus atromaculatus Creek chub 77 2.6.3 Vegetation The majority of the 6,240 acre facilities study area is presently allotted to agricultural development. Agriculture along with urban and industrial areas occupy approximately 5598 acres, or 90 percent of the study area. The remaining portion of the area is comprised of idle grassland, riparian areas, and transportation and irrigation ditch corridors (see Table 2.6c) . Agricultural areas are extensively manipulated by man to produce specific types of vegetation and to exclude all others. Idle grasslands are pastures or small land areas not presently being cultivated because of high moisture, poor quality soils, or a variety of political and economic reasons. It is probable that all such land in the facilities area has been extensively disturbed in the past and is presently in various stages of secondary succession or recolonization by native and introduced plants. It is unlikely that any of these areas would ever return to the native condition because of the disruptive influences of factors such as pollution, fertilizer, runoff from adjacent agricultural areas, herbicide spraying operations, the presence of exotic weeds, soil erosion, and intentional burning. Idle grassland areas vary considerably in vegetation composition depending upon the influence of site factors such as soils, topography, aspect, drainage, and degree of disturbance. In general, land lying undisturbed only a few years will be primarily composed of annual weeds and grasses. Plants that are common in these areas include summercyprus (Kochia spp. ) , Russian thistle (Salsola kali) , evening primrose (Oenothera spp. ) , cheatgrass brome, mullein (Verbascum thapsus) , thistle (Cirsium spp.) , and milkweed (Asclepias sp. ) . Land areas that have been 78 Table 2.6c. Approximate acreages of various vegetation types and land in the study area. Vegetation Type or Land Use Category Acres Agriculture 5,309 Riparian 236 Urban 188 Transportation Corridor 181 Idle Grassland 138 Industry 101 Ditch 87 TOTAL 6,240 79 relatively undisturbed for 10 or more years will be invaded by trees such as cottonwood (Populus spp. ) , black willow (Salix niger) , and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia). Vegetation along transportation and irrigation ditch corridors will be similar to that listed for idle grassland areas. Corridors along most irrigation ditches will not contain woody species since these areas are often burned periodically to keep them clear. Woody vegetation in riparian areas along the Big Thompson and Little Thompson drainages consists primarily of cottonwood (Populus deltoides) , peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides) , serviceberry willow (Salix monticola) , and white ash (Fraxinus americana) . The herbaceous understory varies from dense to sparse depending on available surface moisture and the amount of disturbance an area has received. In marsh areas where permanent water is usually present, the area is often domina- ted by cattails (Typha latifolia) . Where water is seasonal, sedges (Carex spp.) , spike rushes (Eleocharis spp.) , and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.) are more prevalent. A species list of all plants that have been collected in Weld County and curated in the Colorado State University or the University of Colorado herbarium is presented in Appendix 4. This list also indicates whether the species is usually found in dry habitats (idle grasslands) or wet habitats (marshes and riparian areas) . No rare or endangered plants are present on this list. 2.7 Air Quality The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division has established air quality control regions within the state of Colorado and operates an 80 extensive monitoring network utilizing high-volume air samplers. The study area is within Air Quality Control Region No. 1. Priorities for the Air Quality Control Regions are based on the following factors: • existing air quality data, • demographic factors and trends, • degree and type of industrialization (emission inventory) , • amount of vehicular traffic, and • topographic and meteorological factors. Air Quality Control Region No. 1 encompasses primarily agricultural land and small urban areas. Total suspended particulates (TSP) are the major air pollutant in this region. TSP concentrations in Air Quality Control Region No. 1 exceed federal and state standards. This violation is primarily due to the semiarid conditions of the region where fugitive dust emissions from traffic, construction, agriculture, and high wind storms are common. Carbon monoxide concentrations in the region are localized but many such areas contain carbon monoxide levels that are in violation of state and federal standards. The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division has determined that state and federal standards will not be met in the near future due to extensive natural particulate sources, population increases, industrial- ization, and the lack of a regional transportation system. 2.8 Land Use Johnstown is located along the western edge of Weld County. The community of Johnstown and surrounding communities are accessible by an interchange from Interstate 25 to Colorado State Highway 60. 81 As with other areas in Weld County, the major land use category in the facilities study area is agricultural. The U.S. Bureau of Census statistics indicated that the total agricultural acreage in Weld County was 2,351,902 or 91.8 percent of all the land in the county. Table 2.8a presents a statistical breakdown of land use within the area. Regulated land use within the town is reflected in the existing zoning map, Figure 2.8a. The Town of Johnstown has a zoned commercial district (the central business district - CBD) as well as a small indus- trial development (Mohawk Addition) . Open space in Johnstown is composed of parks and schoolyards that are located throughout the city. Two residential zones exist (single family and multi-family) with the single family residential being the most common class. Future land use patterns will depend on planning; however, it seems likely that further residential development will occur to the west of the city while future industrial development will occur to the east of the city. The abandoned Great Western Sugar Plant, located just east of Johnstown, may be a prime location for industry if city services can be offered and the rail lines utilized. Currently, this plant is being modified for production of corn syrup. Planning agencies responsible for land use decisions within the facilities area include the Johnstown City Council, the Weld County Planning Office, the Weld County Commissioners, and the Larimer-Weld Regional Council of Governments. 2.9 Identification of Significant Environmentally Sensitive Areas 2.9.1 Surface Waters Surface waters within the study area consist of the Big Thompson River, Little Thompson River, Hillsboro Reservoir, and Johnstown Reser- 82 Table 2.8a. Approximate acreage of land use components in the study area. Percent of Component Number of Acres Study Area Agriculture 5309 85.1 Idle(a) 461 7.4 Urban 188 3 Industry 101 1.6 Transportation Corridor 181 2.9 TOTAL 6240 100 (a) The idle component is composed of land cover units; these are riparian, idle grassland, and ditches. 83 CO >I CO 1;= CV co y yx u) .. N c Z oT M� �. �� c cc' Z � Q z � � _ c � Ne a CO•— c0 CO O W z= 9,1 O W W J d � ys � v .� �c 1Z U i 06- 0,9 J z (n W pYy p1<p ++ 7 Z Z v O a incc .—.1-x' v'c �o id Wa I LL O LL O o Z Z w LLI 1 m CN,I c3 a 0 �"i 1.—Q7 cm W Q OC co CO U vr r ..IIluI II111ln...i 11111 inluiir ilunuiii .rArri ". . z �```c ' " ,/ Vii@ - I 1 ;i ..,.n �' ,. . i m . P, i.r.C- ",__4--^�d'r�`si. .3li.tr ill ,rid} g Irrlrx .. : •+III" '"T i r • g+�M....YIII. L. .� ::'usYIIu11u.,;‘,0 ,00111.R'.i,i '. E'' — k4 9 i,,i�.9 �E91IP 1 - i) -� 4,./***/1‘444 , , r N s t = • 1 N 'CO ' 1 j , ... i,...rlyfl 7,1 Ii...IRI.uiiuIuiuu11i.I'.f....#.i/It1! ;� } W ' I,.,.(1� 1.1 r.�! •• d i},L I CIIII i,uIi.lkliii.i.90 ' I.Irr 4 P I( p 749!. �� } -.': ��i �� b k *�i F }" n..nr.fR.rl»I»nlIl1rmrn uc+�' E. f �7 rt I � ,.i.I.Iii r+ -.. ii �' �Y .4MY.YYNY'IYYY17p�` q3 F . 1 • " e A' :n... .A.•' u.triuT'1'fIYTY1 i n YIi voir. In addition to these major bodies of water, the study area also contains many small ponds and irrigation ditches. Surface waters in the Johnstown study area do not appear to be environmentally sensitive from a critical habitat standpoint, but do provide significant benefit to irrigators both in and downstream from the study area. 2.9.2 Marshland and Wetland Marshland within the study area is sparse and, at most, seasonal. Marsh areas form in the spring, when rain and snowmelt increase stream flows. This added moisture inundates the soil near streams and causes small bodies of shallow standing water. The marsh areas remain for one to three months, depending on the amount of precipitation and the amount of sunshine received during that period. While in existence, the marshes may supply a habitat for certain types of wildlife. Food and cover habitat may be provided for ducks, geese, and other waterfowl that migrate through the area in the spring. Due to the intensity of agriculture in the area, marshland is scarce, and is therefore a sensitive area. 2.9.3 Floodplains or Flood Retention Areas Two floodplains, those of the Big Thompson and Little Thompson rivers, occur in the study area. Figure 2.5d illustrates the areal extent of a 100 year flood, and a description of such an event is given in Section 2.5.4. Typical high river flows affect a much smaller area than the 100-year floodplain and tend to replenish the existing riparian vegetation. Most of the floodplain areas are currently utilized by agriculture and few structures have been erected in these areas. The absence of urban development in these areas is considered a good building practice 85 since development would impede the flow of the rivers during flood and therefore cause the water to spread over a larger area. The damage caused by such a flood would be not only to the structures in the origi- nal floodplain, but also to property that is located near the flood- plain. 2.9.4 Groundwater Recharge Areas Recharge of aquifers most likely occurs throughout the study area when precipitation or irrigation water infiltrates into groundwater supplies. 2.9.5 Steeply Sloping Land The study area is located on relatively level topography. It is dissected only by the Big Thompson and Little Thompson rivers and the irrigation ditches. Neither the rivers nor the ditches cause any sharp breaks in the land surface and the occurrence of such anomalies is extremely localized. 2.9.6 Riparian Areas Although the areal extent of riparian habitat is limited within the study area, these areas often support a diverse number of wildlife species. In regions where agricultural development is extensive, ripar- ian habitats often represent the only areas where long-term cover is available to wildlife. Populations of cottontails, white-tailed deer, squirrels, game birds, and songbirds may often be maintained along the riparian corridors in areas where other suitable habitats are not availa- ble. 2.9.7 Prime Agricultural Land Approximately 85 percent of the study area is agricultural land and probably 95 percent of this land is prime agricultural land. Unless a 86 strict no-growth policy LS , ., , ,._„ e construction wilt undoubt- edly occur on this Tani. :.ruc+, l and industrial developments that reduce the acreage of < <_ .:g: . el oral land also make it profitable to develop new agricultural d. However, the amount of land suited for agrlcult.4Le ;.ontinued development. in the area would eventually cau.,t Carta invent of agricultural practices. 2.9.8 Habitats of Rare ana Endangered Species The study area falls within the range of 3 species classified by the federal government es endangered. These are the black-footed ferret, peregrine falcon, and bail eagle. Technically, all black-tailed prairie dog towns can be considered ferret habitat. Although none of these towns were identified on the study area, it is probable that prairie dogs occur here. Any prairie dog towns in the study area would be in very disturbed situations surrounded by agricultural land, and it is unlikely that these areas would be utilized by black-footed ferrets. The entire eastern plains of colorado are potential wintering habitat for bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Therefore, these species may potentially be found over the study area during winter months. Due to the lack of suitable habitat on the study area, occurrence of these two species would only be of a transitory nature. The white pelican is listed as threatened by the State of Colorado, and this species is known to breed on Milton, Latham, Riverside, and Empire reservoirs, which occur south and east of the study area. Suit- able breeding habitat is not available on Hillsboro Reservoir, but the white pelican is reported to utilize this reservoir for obtaining food during the summer months (Rinella , personal communication) . 87 2. 5.9 °atdaor: Recreation Areas kip pubi_re outdoor recreation areas exist in the study area outside ci tun;,. Johnstown Reservoir is a body of water of sufficient size tai .,. :oaamodate water-oriented recreation activity, but this reser- voir is the municipal water supply and use is therefore restricted. Hillsboro Reservoir, an irrigation storage reservoir, is a site that can accommodate water-oriented recreational activity. Currently, this reservoir is used for fishing, mostly by local residents. Recreation developments of the reservoir could include an improved fishery, rowing, or picnicking. The only other site that may be considered for outdoor recreation is a section of riverbank along the Big Thompson River as it enters the study area from the north. The site is visually pleasing and existing trees provide shade to produce a pleasant atmosphere. This site has the potential to be a picnic area if further development occurs. 2.9. 10 Sensitive Geologic Areas Pew natural hazards exist within the study area. No mineral devel- opment srch as coal or oil has occurred and geologic formations that hairy a ei h subsidence potential have not been found. The chance of a ,., :i hzivake in this region is somewhat remote, and any minor actrvcty would have little effect on the proposed facilities. Rote ' ni the study area does contain soils that have high and r e 1.ilr t - ski-inks-swell potentials. ,citliag r.f soils occurs when soils containing clay minerals ctpand alici becoming saturated with water. This expansion is likely when laybi:c of water molecules form between flat, submicroscopic plates of clay :and as more water is absorbed, greater expansion between clay 88 layers occurs. Semi-arid regions, such as the study area, tend to experience more shrink-swell problems than other climatic regions due to seasonal changes of soil moisture. Figure 2.4c illustrates the soil swell potential of the study area. 2.9.11 Archaeological and Historic Sites Under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Executive Order 11593, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, an archaeological and cultural survey is required of any project where federal funding is involved. The survey is to be conducted by a qualified archaeologist, and results submitted to the Colorado State Archaeologist for review and approval. An archaeological and historical investigation of two areas was conducted by the Bureau of Anthropological Research, University of Colorado. One area of about 72 acres is located south of Johnstown and just west of the Little Thompson River. This area is an alternate site for a new lagoon system or a mechanical treatment plant. A second area of about 20 acres is located immediately east of the existing lagoon system. Based on the site survey, a search of the National Register of Historic Places, and a review of site files of the Colorado State Archae- ologist, no historic or prehistoric sites were found to exist in the survey areas and their immediate surroundings. The complete archaeo- logical report is presented in Appendix 6. 2.10 Economic Forecasts and Population Projections The traditional economy of Johnstown has been characterized as a farm service community with some industry. However, recent data suggests a major shift in the economic base. Table 2.10a is a list of round-trip 89 Table 2. 10a. Distance traveled to work by Johnstown residents. Distance Range Average Percent of (miles) (miles) Surveyed Residents 0 0 29.1 <1 Not Available 11.6 2-20 9. 1 22.1 21-40 33.2 23.3 >40 80.3 13.9 Source: Bunnell, Ron. 1978. Alternatives for the Great Western Railroad in Johnstown, Colorado. 90 journey to work percentages by mileage. The table indicates that close to 60 percent of those that answered the survey worked outside town limits. While some residents may prefer to work in Denver or Greeley and live in Johnstown, the majority of residents would rather work in Johns- town (Bunnel 1978) . The largest industry of Johnstown, the Great Western sugar factory and mono-sodium glutamate plant, was closed in 1977. The closure of this facility provides at least a partial explanation of the rather high journey to work distances. That is, those residents that preferred to stay and reside in Johnstown had to find employment in other locations. There is no doubt that the closing of the Great Western plant not only had an adverse economic impact on Johnstown, but also on the surrounding communities that helped supply the work force for this plant. However, once the Great Western sugar factory is converted to a corn syrup factory, these trends may change. The employment and economic base of Johnstown stems from goods, services, and light industry. No employment figures by occupational groups are available at this time. County data on employment is availa- ble, and when known Greeley functions are eliminated, the county can be classified as predominantly rural-agricultural. The future economic outlook for the Town of Johnstown can be charac- terized as slow but steady growth. Approximately 75 percent of those residents surveyed desired controlled slow growth (Bunnell 1978) . Space for industrial development is available. The Mohawk addition is currently zoned for industrial use and has provided an excellent location for light industry. It has been proposed that the Great Western plant site and the surrounding Great Western property should be developed as an industrial park. If acceptable, the industrial park would add 91 approximately 28 acres of industrial zoned land to the existing 1.6 acres. The new tract of land would have the added benefit of the rail- road spur which borders the property on the west. In addition to the use of the Great Western Sugar Company land as a possible industrial park, this same company has announced plans to convert the sugar factory into a corn sweetener production facility that will employ more than 100 workers (Triangle Review, May 6, 1978) . If this plant conversion actually occurs, it would offset many of the adverse effects of the closing of the sugar factory and attract new workers to the area. Any growth in the industrial section will be augmented by a con- current growth in the other sections of the economy. Expansion of a base industry has a multiplier effect on growth. This multiplier factor is estimated to be 2.3:1 (i.e. , for each base industry job that is created, 2.3 additional jobs will be created in the service sector) . Population The Larimer-Weld Regional Council of Governments has recently com- piled population projections for the town of Johnstown through the year 2000. These projections are considered to be low growth projections. Since the current population probably exceeds the 1980 to 1990 COG projections, another population projection was developed that was con- sidered to reflect moderate growth. Finally, another projection, com- piled by Nelson, Haley, Patterson, & Quirk, Inc. , is considered to be the high growth projection. Table 2.10b and Figure 2.10a show the relationships between the different projections. The high and low population projections can be analyzed if certain assumptions are made about future trends. These trends can be influenced by the government sector, the general public, industry, retail and 92 Table 2.10b. Town of Johnstown population projections Projection 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 Low Growth Projection(a) 1580 1600 1600 1600 2000 2200 Middle Growth Projection(b) 1600 1680 1898 2143 2421 2734 High Growth Projection(c) 1700(d) 1950 2500 3400 4700 6500 Sources: (a)Larimer-Weld Regional Council of Governments. 1978. Areawide Water Quality Management Plan. (b)Moderate growth projections developed for the Town of Johnstown. Assumes 5 percent growth every two years. (c)Nelson, Haley, Patterson & Quirk, Inc. 1978. Water System Feasibility Study for the Proposed Northern Colorado Domestic Water Authority. (d)Projection begins at 1976. The figures presented in this projection are estimates taken from the figure. 93 -.,a, 0 0 ' • cv o qq II 11 I 00 1 ' c. o ti 1 Lrl rn w CT o ` o ` 0 % , al : w ' l m 1 0 >r rn o I • a) ti ) U U O O U O 'v 0 U I14 1.1 6 0 v P.+ Cid -4 a) ' i 0 .Z s f 3 C lal 1 n a 00 0 0 o CD I I On a •1-i0 7 4- 7 b U t m P �-I J-+ � ca) U • U •"1 • 4-4 O t I U to 4 O I) .r4 pa .r4 1 N cn a Q I O ^O , N 0 0 • 7 v u 3 • 00 C al Icm O Cl I--4 O s m 0 a! O' 0 •rf W b >+ 01I "'0 z �, � w I u, iN-. s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O 0 CO '0 --I' N NOI IV"IfldOd 94 wholesale outlets, and the number and types of services offered by a community. Low Growth Projection Low population growth in the study area can be projected with some accuracy if certain variables that constrain growth are assumed to be- come operative. High transportation costs may limit growth in the area. If energy costs continue to rise, firms may tend to locate near a metropolitan market rather than at a raw materials source or a central distribution point. The state or local governments could adopt a policy of controlled growth with strict enforcement of zoning laws. Some industries may have needs that cannot be met within an industrial park configuration and would require special rating considerations. Local government or citi- zen groups may be reluctant to rezone an area to include such an indus- try, if the rezoning would cause a hardship on residents directly affected by such a course of action. High tax and utility rates may keep industry out of an area; however, high rates may be necessary if the local government is to provide adequate services to its residents. New technologies could create industries that are not labor intensive. While such industries would increase the economic base, they would have little impact on the population of an area. The major assumption for the low population projection •is that if jobs are not available, large population increases will not occur. High Growth Projection Population growth in the study area is dependent on expansion of the economic base. For purposes of this portion of the analysis, it is assumed that immigration and industrial expansion will occur simultane- 95 ously in the study area. This assumption is not unrealistic if the county and its cities are growth oriented. If base industries can be established in the study area, a concurrent growth in the service indus- tries will occur. However, industrial expansion within the study area will depend on several factors. The availability of industrial sites is an important consideration. Currently the Mohawk Addition, totalling 1 .6 acres, is used by industry. Other large tracts of land presently available within the study area can also act as an inducement to indus- trial development. The location of an industry relative to its comple- mentary industries, to the market place, and to adequate transportation networks is a major consideration in industrial siting. Some large national firms may find that the study area can serve as a distribution point since Colorado is centrally located within the U.S. The enlarge- ment of Colorado Highway 60 would enhance the desirability of the area and have a positive effect on its growth potential. Also, the rail line will appeal to certain industries that ship their products in bulk. It is not likely that complementary industries will be established in the area unless a key industry moves in or new sources of raw materials are discovered. The study area will have little trouble attracting a work force as long as jobs are available. The region has natural beauty and the cost of living is below the national average. City, county, or state governments can enact laws that will encourage industrial expansion. Tax incentives can be offered to industries which are willing to establish in the area, and an intensive advertising campaign by local government agencies or the Chamber of Commerce may also have a positive impact on industrial growth. Lastly, the local government can offer long-term leases on land for little or no cost to 96 the industry that is willing to locate in the area. Inducement of industrial growth will require initial capital outlays; however, if new industries are successful, the increased tax and economic base they generate will result in initial cost recovery. Growth on a large scale will require the availability of oil, natural gas, electricity, and water, and the area must be able to meet not only the needs of any incoming industry but also the social needs of the increased population. Realistic Growth Projection It is likely that the actual growth of Johnstown will occur as a result of a combination of the low and high growth scenarios. Because of current population trends and the growth-oriented viewpoint of the residents of Johnstown, the moderage growth projection is probably realistic. 2.11 Aesthetics The visual landscape of the study area is typical of the front range prairie. The land is mostly flat and is dissected in places by the drainage system. The visual quality of the region is manifested in the agricultural-urban land use patterns that add a variety of shapes and color tones to the landscape. Man-made structures on the plains landscape are visually predominant because of a skylining effect and the lack of natural screening by trees, steep hills, or mountains. Natural vegetation in the study area is generally of the grassland variety with trees occurring along perennial drainages. 97 3.0 ALTERNATIVES 3. 1 Introduction EPA guidelines require that various wastewater treatment alterna- tives be considered for possible implementation into the 201 facilities area. In preparing the facilities plan, M&I Consulting Engineers evalu- ated eight alternative wastewater treatment systems for the Town of Johnstown. A description of these alternatives is presented in M&I' s Master Plan for Wastewater System Improvements, and the location of each alternative is indicated on Figure 3.1a. An environmental evaluation of each alternative is provided in this report section. 3. 1. 1 Environmental Evaluation of Alternatives. Alternative 1 . No Action The no action alternative consists of continuing the use of the existing sewage lagoon system with no alterations or improvements of the system. Water Quality If no action is taken to upgrade the existing treatment system, the quality of the lagoon effluent will probably continue to decline as additional population and industrial waste loads increase in future years. Frequency of occurrence when effluent quality did not meet state discharge limitations would probably increase due to increasing waste loads. Parameters that would most likely exceed state discharge limit- ations (Table 2.5a) are BOD5 , suspended solids (unless limitations for treatment ponds are relaxed) , and instream fecal coliform levels. In addition to these parameters, levels of nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and organic nitrogen) and phosphorus compounds (ortho- phosphates, pyrophosphates and organic phosphorus) in the effluent would 98 O. V.7. ≥ ,- N= Z Q N LL. U. U. I.I. Co (3 a= m a J Z ±; V o 0 o V o 0 o I2 a H W U) 0 a V a W w H¢ U U U Z= CO Z J N N G= O W W a -4 Z 6 i a_ CO H 0 J Z N w a 09 Z Z V OW ≥ o - Wa To b LL CC - a c E v- c c9 .4 Lo co 1- 00 L O �O p Z Z a : c W �07N WQ a • 4 j '_ u I' `". \fir h r It .I,3 t d I win , / II �� as l r `] a ll ti II C° V Ili a 3 i� �l t`,.. o ... __ ' ey I 0 ll a I ti = o J uda.sa M \ v II. 'llq s I p 4. y °m oaE" 1 ti fi f ° ''I �i m o li C ` II • 3 tit A ° l a ' e I CO cliam If vi *-9--, . _ a .o' llii 12 2-•.z.d' aIII— Y-. w .,Eum Hello