OCR Text |
Show Treatment Plant. The present pipeline has a capacity of 90 c. f. s. from the creek to the treatment plant. The plant has a capacity of 155 c. f. s., and by providing a new 65 c. f. s. capacity pipeline for a total capacity of 155 c. f. s. j an average of about U, U00 acre- feet of additional water could be used each year from direct flow without storage. This would require a diversion structure on Little Cottonwood Creek and about 2,500 feet of ^ 2- inch pipeline. Present Environment Extensive ski- related developments have been constructed in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in recent years. Snowbird, a multimillion- dollar ski lodge with several lifts extending up the mountain side, along with the Alta lodge about a mile further up Little Cottonwood Canyon, presently create heavy winter traffic. A similar situation exists in Big Cottonwood Canyon where Solitude Lodge and Brighton ski resorts are located. Dam and reservoir sites are almost nonexistent in the glacier- formed Little Cottonwood Canyon because of the steep stream gradient and private developments. The Argenta Dam and Reservoir site in Big Cottonwood Canyon, located about 6 miles downstream from Brighton, and the Little Dell site upstream from Mountain Dell Reservoir in Parleys Canyon, have the best potential for storage dams. Environmental Impacts of the Alternative A reservoir on Big Cottonwood Creek at the Argenta site would necessitate an unsightly road cut for about 2.5 miles, extending from about a mile below the dam to and along the reservoir high water elevation. A l. U- mile reach of Big Cottonwood Creek stream channel which has been classified by the Utah State Department of Natural Resources as a Class II fishery would be inundated by the reservoir. Flows in approximately J. 6 miles of the stream would be reduced. This reach of the stream has been classified as Class III, with a 0.5- mile reach of Class VI. About 230 acres of the canyon bottom and sidehill covered by quaking aspen, pine trees, oak brush, and other native vegetation would be inundated. Twelve summer homes would require relocation. The Spruces Campground, a U. S. Forest Service facility now operated by Salt Lake County, would be inundated. This facility covers 25 acres and has 123 combination units and seven multifamily units. Argenta Reservoir would be beneficial for flood control purposes and to some extent for fishing and recreation. The treatment plant and pipeline would also scar the canyon and reduce the esthetic appeal of the area. 505 |