Pueblo, Springs talk water
Council members detail sewage plans
PUEBLO - An hourlong explanation of how Colorado Springs Utilities is spending millions of dollars to prevent sewage spills into Fountain Creek was warmly received Monday in Pueblo.
The Pueblo City Council expressed appreciation, even astonishment, at the Springs’ efforts to block spills and better regulate the flow of stormwater.
“You all coming here shows you’re committed to do the right fix for Fountain Creek,” said Pueblo Councilman Larry Atencio, noting all nine Springs council members attended, along with several high-ranking city staffers.
Council member Randy Thurston called the Springs’ achievements “unbelievable” and said he hopes Pueblo residents understand what Colorado Springs has done.
“We all have the responsibility of honestly informing the public on what’s taking place,” he said, a reference to The Pueblo Chieftain’s criticism of Colorado Springs’ management of Fountain Creek and its plan to pipe water from Pueblo Reservoir.
Regional cooperation is key for Colorado Springs to gain federal approval to take water it already owns from the reservoir. The Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing seven alternative routes under the National Environmental Policy Act. A decision is due in 2008.
Thurston noted Pueblo residents should note that one plan calls for the Springs to pull water from the Arkansas River in Fremont County above the dam.
“Forget about expansion of the reservoir when you have all that water diverted upstream,” he said, referring to a proposal to enlarge the reservoir for the benefit of various water users. “There’s so many negatives if that would happen. I want the community of Pueblo to know that.”
Opposition to the pipeline focuses on putting more water in Fountain Creek, which has become eroded and polluted as Colorado Springs has grown. Springs officials fear that issue may lead Pueblo County commissioners to impose stringent requirements to build the pipeline that are almost impossible to meet.
“Pueblo City Council has been very understanding of what we were doing,” Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera said.
