VAIL, Colo.—A project to remove tons of traction sand that washed into a high-country stream from Interstate 70 has been delayed because the sand may have helped wetlands grow.
The state highway department is trying to clean up the sand that was originally spread on I-70 to improve traction when the road was icy. Much of the sand has washed into streams, damaging the habitat for fish and other creatures.
But the U.S. Forest Service says the sand also may have created or expanded wetlands in Black Gore Creek.
Researchers are trying to determine whether it really is wetlands, whether the sand contributed to them and whether the wetlands are protected by federal law.
Wetlands are habitat to many kinds of water fowl.
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Information from: Vail Daily,
