Day: September 1, 2009

The Colorado Geological survey is planning study of the effects of coalbed methane production on water quality and streamflow

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From The Trinidad Times Independent (Randy Woock):

The study, which is to be conducted beginning this month and stretch through June 2010, will seek to compile current and historic stream flow levels; characterize the quality of ground and surface waters in the river basin; determine the relationship between coalbed methane (CBM) “producing intervals” – a given time period when a production wellhead is working – aquifers and surface formations, and create a groundwater-level monitoring system and determine the hydraulic storage capacities of the bedrock (how much water it can hold) and alluvial aquifers (those formed by deposits of things such as sand and silt).

“This is really a follow-up to a stream depletion analysis that was done by multiple state agencies – the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the Division of Water Resources and our own agency,” Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) Senior Hydrologist Ralf Topper said in an Aug. 21 interview. “That was a first look at trying to answer the question, is there an impact from CBM production on water rights? That study indicated that, yes, there was an impact to stream depletion.”

More coalbed methane coverage here and here.

Next Colorado Water Conservation Board meeting in Steamboat September 15-16

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From email from the Colorado Water Conservation Board:

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is meeting on September 15-16, 2009, at the Steamboat Grand Hotel, 2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. The agenda (pdf) is available on the CWCB website

More CWCB coverage here.

Florence: Council approves $3 million loan for water system

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From the Cañon City Daily Record (Charlotte Burrous):

Recently, the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority offered to loan the city an amount not to exceed $3,025,930 at a 0 percent interest to improve two clear wells with the loan maturing in not more than 40 years from the date the bond is issued. The money will be used to install transmission lines and controls as well as any other items permitted by the loan, the ordinance said.

More infrastructure coverage here.

Green Mountain update

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From email from Reclamation (Kara Lamb):

…we dropped releases from Green Mountain Reservoir to the Lower Blue by 100 cfs earlier today. The Lower Blue is now flowing at about 850 cfs.

More Blue River watershed coverage here

Colorado Foundation for Water Education

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Say hello to the shiny new Colorado Foundation for Water Education website. Nicole and the staff have done a good job updating the format and website in general. Don’t forget to join up.

Disclaimer: CFWE links to Coyote Gulch.

Cache la Poudre asphalt cleanup

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From the Loveland Reporter Herald:

A test for toxic chemicals in the Poudre River west of Fort Collins came up negative Monday, according to local officials. A test for poly-aromatic hydrocarbons did not find any. However, the city of Fort Collins is continuing to take its drinking water from Horsetooth Reservoir. Crews have hauled away all of the debris from the immediate site of the Aug. 25 crash of a tanker hauling liquid asphalt into the river, and about 70 percent of the asphalt in the river has been removed as well. Work should be completed by the weekend, officials said.

More Cache la Poudre coverage here.

Lake Pueblo cleanup September 19

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From The Pueblo Chieftain (Chris Woodka):

“The first time I ever dove at Lake Pueblo, my dive buddies and I brought up fishing poles, lures, anchors, swim goggles, a diver’s mask and a 35 mm camera,” Wynn said. “And that’s just the stuff we chose to take with us.”[…]

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19, with groups meeting at both the North and South marinas. “Last year, we had nearly 100 volunteers and we collected 1,100 pounds of trash,” Wynn said. Most of the trash last year came from along the shoreline. While nine scuba divers participated, Wynn said more are needed. She also needs boaters willing to transport volunteers to remote coves at the lake and people to help register participants…

The event also will let participants get in touch with a worldwide community concerned about the increased accumulation of trash in waterways. Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) is a 20-year-old effort by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors to conserve underwater environments. Worldwide, participants in more than 175 countries will participate in this year’s International Cleanup Day. For information about the event, call 543-3483.