Halligan-Seaman comment period ends March 17

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

Those interested in the proposed expansions of Halligan and Seaman reservoirs can send in their comments through March 17.

The Army Corps of Engineers, permitting agency for the joint project, held meetings in late February in Livermore, Fort Collins and Greeley to gather input from the public.

Halligan Reservoir is owned by Fort Collins, and Greeley owns Seaman. Both reservoirs are located on the North Fork of the Poudre River. The two cities, along with other partners, want to significantly expand the two reservoirs, mostly for drought protection.

If the project is approved, Fort Collins hopes to have the Halligan portion completed by 2010, while Greeley would wait another five to 10 years to enlarge Seaman. North Poudre Irrigation Co., which owned Halligan until late 2003, is a partner with Fort Collins and would have additional storage under the proposed plan.

Since the primary purpose is storage for times of drought, city engineers say the two reservoirs would stay full most of the time, rather than being drawn down each year.

The cities are proposing a Halligan expansion from 6,400 acre-feet to 40,000, and a Seaman enlargement from 5,000 acre-feet to 60,000 acre-feet. However, the final decision on size will be made by the Army Corps. It's possible, said Fort Collins project manager Cliff Hoelscher, that the Army Corps will not approve a reservoir expansion at all. The partners hope to have a decision from the Army Corps by August 2008.

The cities have hired WEST Inc. of Cheyenne to do the studies necessary for an environmental impact statement, which is required by the Corps. WEST, along with several other consultants, will look at all the alternatives as well as various issues surrounding the project. Potential issues include effects on streamflow and aquatic life, the drying up of more agricultural land, impact on the Preble's meadow jumping mouse and impacts on wildlife and recreation.

When a draft EIS is ready, there will be more opportunities for public comment.

In late February, a consortium of local conservation groups went public with their concerns about the Halligan-Seaman project, noting their preference for conservation measures and efficient use of water over new construction.