Small Water System Being Considered on West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: January 25, 2010
Contact: Kyle Patterson, 970-586-1363

The National Park Service (NPS) is considering the construction of a new small water system at the Green Mountain Housing Area, just west of Trail Ridge Road on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), approximately 2.2 miles from the west entrance to the park. The purpose of this action is to comply with Colorado State Department of Public Health and Environment potable water regulations which are not being met with the current outdated water system. The project is also necessary to comply with national fire safety codes which require a fire suppression sprinkler system in the newly rehabilitated Onahu Lodge dormitory. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

In order to provide the required water pressure, the system will require a water storage tank that is approximately 10 feet in diameter and 25 feet high. The proposed water storage tank would be located on a moraine approximately 300 feet west of Trail Ridge Road. The proposed water tank location is in a forested area outside designated wilderness.

RMNP has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential impacts of this project. We welcome your comments on this EA. Your comments must be received in writing by close of business on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. If you have Internet access, the preferred method for reviewing the EA and submitting comments is to use the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/romo. From this site, select the Green Mountain Water System Replacement Environmental Assessment. Review comments can be submitted online.

If you do not have Internet access, you can request a printed copy of the EA by calling [phone], and you can submit your comments to us in the following ways:

• By Mail: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
• By Fax: [phone]
• By Express Delivery: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
• Hand Delivery: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado or to Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, 16018 Highway 34, Grand Lake, Colorado .

For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park’s information office at [phone].