DENVER—The Environmental Protection Agency says a project to divert more water from western Colorado to Front Range cities could further degrade ecosystems along the upper Colorado River.
The Northern Water Conservancy District’s Windy Gap Firming Project would build a 90,000-acre-foot reservoir near Loveland. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing whether it should be built.
The Denver Post reports () that an EPA review of data used in planning the project found mathematical errors and a downplaying of “critical adverse impacts” from the $270 million project. The agency recommends further analysis to prevent new violations of state water-quality standards, plus more robust monitoring and mitigation plans to protect the river.
State officials contend the existing project plan balances protection for the river with supplying water to Front Range cities.
———
Information from: The Denver Post,
