Public Meeting #1 Summary DATE/TIME/LOCATION Wednesday May 14, 2014/4:00 7:00pm/Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth Street, Estes Park, CO TAC AND PROJECT TEAM MEETING ATTENDEES Larimer County: Kyle Arend Town of Estes Park: Scott Zurn, Kate Rusch, Reuben Bergsten Estes Valley Recreation and Park District: Skyler Rorabaugh Upper Thompson Sanitation District: Chris Bieker, Todd, Matt HDR: Gina McAfee, Chau Nguyen, Sarah Clark, Sandy Beazley, Sarah Craig, Matt McFadden, Stephanie White, Kathryn Weismiller, Tory Jackson THK: Kevin Shanks Matrix: Robert Krehbiel, Graham Thompson PURPOSE OF THE MEETING The purpose of the meeting was to do the following: Explain the scope of the Fish Creek Public Infrastructure Project. Provide updates on the work progress to date and future work planned, including the schedule. Solicit ideas and concerns about the project from the general public. The study team was available to answer any questions and address concerns from community members. Information provided by the team and on the graphics at the meeting included: Background information on the project Present the purpose for the project and critical issues Explain the design and construction process Obtain input from members of the public Answer questions about the project Listen to suggestions and concerns Identify how the public can get involved in the process Present what s next 1 of 6
Fish Creek Corridor Road, Trail, and Utilities Repair/Reconstruction Public Meeting #1 Summary May 14, 2014 Comment sheets were available for attendees. See Attachment A for a sample of the comment sheet. MEETING FORMAT This was an open house format meeting, so there was no formal presentation. Presentation boards were displayed to provide an overview of the project and allow the public to familiarize themselves with project details. An aerial plot of the entire study corridor was displayed for reference and to allow the public to add comments directly to the graphic, indicating specific locations tied to specific concerns. Study team members were available to answer questions during this time. The presentation boards were as follows: Welcome: explained the context of the project, including project location and the flood damage experienced in September 2013. Purpose: explained the scope of the project, updates on work progress to date and future projects, and a call for input and ideas from the public. What Happened: provided an overview of the damage caused by the September 2013 storm event, which had three unique elements, intensity, duration, and coverage. Intergovernmental Collaboration: included the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between project members and project funders (FHWA and FEMA). Progress to Date on Other Projects: included discussion of projects that have already occurred or are ongoing in the corridor, including information about the damage assessment done last fall, the temporary repairs completed last fall, the development of the IGA, the work being done in April and May to prepare for spring runoff, and the Fish Creek Master Plan Project. Progress to Date Infrastructure Project: explained the work that has been completed as of May 2014, which includes preliminary environmental and floodplain analysis. Next Step Utilities and Next Steps Road and Trails: these two boards identified some of the improvements that would be made, as well as a project schedule. Feedback and Input: explained the Context Sensitive Solution process and how the public could provide input to aid in project development. The presentation boards are included as Attachment B. NUMBER OF ATTENDEES Approximately 137 people attended the meeting, representing government agencies, homeowners, businesses, and other interest groups in the study area. This differs from the 91 entries on the sign in sheets, as not all attendees signed in. COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS There were 5 comment sheets filled in and left by attendees. The following questions and concerns were stated on the comment sheet: Will environmental interest groups be involved in solution development? 2 of 6
Fish Creek Corridor Road, Trail, and Utilities Repair/Reconstruction Public Meeting #1 Summary May 14, 2014 Concern over Little Valley Road and Fish Creek Road intersection it should stay the same. Concern over Little Valley Road and Fish Creek Road intersection it should change. In favor of Fish Creek returning to its natural path. Extend the foot trail all the way to US 36 or widen Fish Creek Road to accommodate the heavy foot and bicyclist traffic. In addition, 14 comments were made on the study corridor aerials. These comments included the following: The confluence with Dollar Creek, the existing utilities in this location and a concern hat a flooding event will wash out these utilities, as well as a sewer smell in this location. General comments about debris removal. Questions regarding funding of improvements. Requests for safety improvements, such as reflective delineators, while waiting for permanent repairs to be completed. There were several questions and concerns raised during the meeting that were not captured on the comment sheets or aerials, but brought up during discussions between the public and study team members. These questions and comments include: Where will the new floodplain be located? Where is the sediment removal happening? When is it happening? What is the schedule for the utility repairs? What is the schedule for the roadway repairs? Where will the sewer pipes be located? Will they still follow the creek? Is stream restoration part of the project? Will there be plantings? Or is bankside restoration the responsibility of private landowners? This is a concern shared by many, in particular those residents looking to sell their property in the near future. Will there be any effect to the beavers? Birds? Or other wildlife? The beaver ponds blew out and caused flood damage. The public wants the town to repair the lake by Lakeside Drive, which experienced a dam failure. Some are supportive of better land use planning and creek planning in a more ecosystem friendly manner, i.e. the creek should be restored to its natural way If the reconstruction of the road and trail won t happen until late next year, will there be any improvements or maintenance to the current condition? Kudos to all the work that has been done to date there has been a tremendous amount done. When will the debris removal be complete? Who is responsible for debris removal? Maintain consistent and up to date communication with residents in the corridor. 3 of 6
Fish Creek Corridor Road, Trail, and Utilities Repair/Reconstruction Public Meeting #1 Summary May 14, 2014 What if we have a similar event coupled with a dam failure? Use biomimicry techniques. Consider early warning and active communication instead of extreme infrastructure hardening. Glad to see the trail reconstruction is funded. Glad to see all the agencies working together to provide funding. Great banners; please place them on the project Web site. Will Fish Creek infrastructure information be sent out using the Town's Fish Creek coalition list. Include trail pullouts in areas of beaver activity. Concerns about the temporary sewer line and spring runoff. An attendee noted that the area just south of her property was identified as an exigent site, but hers was not. She is worried that the mitigation efforts upstream will direct the creek into her property during the next big storm. She said that sediment had been placed in the creek (by others), but it will not last during a big event. Concerns regarding the emergency repair work. For example smaller culverts were installed inside of the existing culverts and those are now clogged. Where will the creek be? In some cases backyards have gotten larger or smaller depending on creek behavior. Will home construction near the creek be allowed? How about decks that overhang the creek? 4 of 6
Fish Creek Corridor Road, Trail, and Utilities Repair/Reconstruction Public Meeting #1 Summary May 14, 2014 Attachment A. Comment Sheet 5 of 6
Fish Creek Public Meeting How Do I Submit Comments? Written Comments: Complete and submit this form at the open house or follow the directions on the reverse side of this sheet to mail your comments. Electronic Comments: Submit comments to sandy.beazley@hdrinc.com Comments: Date: Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: Email: Contact Preference: Direct Mail Email Do Not Contact
Please fold, fasten with tape and mail. No envelope necessary. Do not staple. Place Stamp Here Fish Creek Corridor Project c/o Kathryn Weismiller 1670 Broadway #3400 Denver, CO 80202
Fish Creek Corridor Road, Trail, and Utilities Repair/Reconstruction Public Meeting #1 Summary May 14, 2014 Attachment B. Public Open House Presentation Boards 6 of 6
WELCOME The Fish Creek Corridor is a major roadway, collector, creek and trail corridor, with significant utilities that provides access and utility services to residential neighborhoods, recreational destinations, and several businesses, including the Cheley Camp and schools. Located in southeast Estes Park, the corridor is an important link for the community. The road and multi-purpose trail parallels Fish Creek from Lake Estes upstream to State Highway 7, and provides spectacular views to Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker, and Twin Sisters. Significant wildlife habitat exists adjacent to the corridor providing tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities. The corridor also provides access to USFS trailheads. Flooding in September of 2013 caused significant roadway, trail, utility, infrastructure and creek damage to this major corridor. Fish Creek is a unique mountain stream with a sand and small cobble bed that is susceptible to major alterations during flood events. Repairs to this corridor must restore all functions of the corridor while re-establishing scenic quality and providing resiliency to future flooding.
PURPOSE OF THE MEETING Today s meeting serves three purposes: Explain the scope of the Fish Creek Corridor Repair Project. Provide updates on the work progress to date and future work planned. Solicit your ideas and concerns about the project. CHAU NGUYEN SARAH CLARK GINA MCAFEE SANDY BEAZLEY HDR PROJECT MANAGER HDR UTILITIES LEAD HDR ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD HDR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT LIAISON 17 YEARS ENGINEER EXPERIENCE 30 YEARS UTILITY DESIGN EXPERIENCE 36 YEARS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 7 YEARS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS PROJECT TEAM KEVIN SHANKS ROBERT KREHBIEL 30 YEARS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE EXPERIENCE 25 YEARS FLOODPLAIN EXPERIENCE
WHAT HAPPENED The infrastructure in the Fish Creek Corridor was not designed to withstand the scale of flood that occurred in September 2013. The storm event had three elements that made it unique: Intensity Duration Coverage The utilities, roads, bridges, and trails in the corridor were built many years ago and were not resilient enough to withstand a storm of this magnitude. The flood scoured out material under the road and trail, exposing the power conduits, the wastewater lines, and water lines. PREFLOOD POSTFLOOD
COLLABORATING FOR BETTER SOLUTIONS Seven entities are working together to plan, design, and build permanent repairs. An intergovernmental agreement has been established among the groups below to provide leadership and funding for repairs: Upper Thompson Sanitation District Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District Larimer County Town of Estes Park SCOPE: The scope of this project is to repair and improve the: Fish Creek Road and crossings Utilities Wastewater Water Power Bike/pedestrian trail PROCESS: To determine the repairs to roads, trails, and utilities we need to better understand the Creek. This includes: 1. Evaluation Evaluating the watershed, topography, and other environmental elements of the corridor. Evaluating opportunities to repair and improve utilities. Evaluating alternatives for road and trail improvements. 2. Prioritize which repairs are most urgent and how they can best be implemented. Use a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders called Context Sensitive Solutions. 3. Leverage funding sources Current funding covers repairs to roads, trails, and utilities.
PROGRESS TO DATE OTHER PROJECTS PROGRESS TO DATE 1. Damage Assessment - September/October 2013 for FEMA support 2. Temporary Emergency Repairs - October 2013 - Spring 2014 Temporary sewer Temporary water Riverbank stabilization 3. Permanent Needs Assessment - December 2013 Utilities Fish Creek Road Cross-streets Trail 4. Funding Commitment Finalized - January 2014 Roads and Trails Utilities 5. Spring 2014 - Runoff damage mitigation to be completed by end of May FEMA sediment removal NRCS exigent work Private repair work Volunteer effort to stabilize riverbank 6. Fish Creek Stream Corridor Master Plan, Walsh Environmental Guide prioritization and implementation of projects that protect life and property from flood hazard Enhance riparian ecosystems for wildlife and recreation Collaboration with the community and parallel project 7. Continue to pursue additional funding for: Stream restoration Lake/detention pond repairs
PROGRESS TO DATE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT Understanding the Creek Because the flood changed Fish Creek substantially, new information is needed to re-establish the utilities, roads, and trail. Define stream flow anticipated for large storm events Define the stream characteristics needed to carry the flood waters Define the extent of the floodplain Determine the size and location of culverts needed to carry the design flow Environmental Resources in the Corridor Environmental resources in the corridor that will be identified and recorded in the environmental documentation include: Water quality Air quality Wildlife, including fish and birds Historic properties Archaeological properties Recreational resources Social and economic resources Floodplains and wetlands Because this project uses Federal funds, compliance with applicable Federal laws is required. This includes: National Environmental Policy Act Clean Water Act Endangered Species Act Clean Air Act Migratory Bird Treaty Act National Historic Preservation Act
NEXT STEPS UTILITIES APPROACH TO PLANNED REPAIRS Restore permanent service as soon as possible Piping alignments must connect to undisturbed infrastructure Improve resiliency WATER Replace approximately 1,500 linear feet of water line including damaged stream crossings at Brodie Avenue, Country Club Drive, and Brook Drive «7 POWER Install concrete encased conduits for power lines at stream crossings at Brodie Avenue, Powerly Lane, Brook Drive, and Scott Avenue WASTEWATER Replace or relocate approximately 23 manholes Replace approximately 6,000 linear feet of sewer line with concrete encasement where needed Legend! Wastewater Collection System (Manhole) Wastewater Collection System Wastewater Site! Elec. Poles Overhead Electrical Power Site! 5 Elec. Junction Box Elec. Primary Underground Conductor Water Site!? Water Valves Water Mains R Hydrants Water Laterals Estes Park Fish Creek Utilities SCHEDULE 2014* April Begin survey and data collection May Survey soil investigation Begin 30% design First Public Meeting June/July Finalize preliminary utilities design Submit 30% design to FEMA Evaluate opportunities to coordinate utilities repairs with Fish Creek Stream Corridor Master Plan August/Sept. Second Public Meeting Finalize utility design Prepare bid documents for utilities and issue bid Late Fall Begin utility construction!!!!!! 0 Vicinity Map May 2014 Post-flood imagery 2014 Google 300 600 900 1,200 Feet Pre-flood imagery 2014 Microsoft Corporation * Based on Best Case Assumptions (e.g., Expedited Federal Approval, No Right-of-Way needed, etc.)
NEXT STEPS ROADS AND TRAILS PLANNED REPAIRS 1. FISH CREEK ROAD Repair pavement damaged in floods Evaluate a higher road profile for future resiliency 2. ACCESS ROADS Upgrade to county standards Add larger culverts Evaluate reconfiguration of intersection with Little Valley Drive 3. TRAIL Evaluate placing it in a location to armor Fish Creek Road Repair bridges Use retaining walls on trails as a protective tool against future floods 4. WHAT WILL NOT BE REPAIRED? Private roads Private driveways SCHEDULE* April May Begin survey and data collection First Public Meeting Begin floodplain evaluation June/July Begin design for roads and trail Alternative development August/Sept. Second Public Meeting Determine preferred alternatives for roads and trails Meet with property owners and businesses Late Fall Submit 30% design Finalize funding Finalize design for roads and trail Third Public Meeting Evaluate opportunities to coordinate roads and trails repairs with Fish Creek Stream Corridor Master Plan Finalize design for roads and trail 2015 Spring Finalize road and trail design 2015 Late Fall Begin repairs of roadway and trail * Based on Best Case Assumptions (e.g., Expedited Federal Approval, No Right-of-Way needed, etc.)
FEEDBACK AND INPUT WHAT ARE CONTEXT SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS? A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves all stakeholders to preserve and enhance scenic, aesthetic, historic, community, and environmental resources, while improving or maintaining safety, mobility, and infrastructure conditions. HOW CAN YOU HELP? Help inform us about the parts of the Fish Creek Corridor that matter to you by providing comments. Identify your priorities for permanent repairs. Learn about the decision-making process. SAFETY Emergency Response Safety to Traveling Public ACCESS/SERVICE Restore Permanent Roadway Restore Permanent Utility Service Reconnect the Trail Restore Access to Private Property Provide Access to Recreational Opportunities RESILIENCY Mitigate Flood Risk Provide better Infrastructure Solutions CORE VALUES SCHEDULE Minimize Additional Risk to Current Interim Infrastructure Start Final Restoration Work ASAP Stakeholder Concerns About Restoration Work Duration CONSTRUCTABILITY Fiscally Responsible Costs Meet FEMA and FHWA Eligibility Requirements Minimize Adverse Impacts to the Environment and Community COMMUNITY Recreation Access/parking Tourism and Economy Local Access Livability Aesthetics ENVIRONMENT Water Quality/Sediment and Pollution Restore Wildlife Habitat Natural Channel Restoration Migratory Birds Opportunities for Additional Funding SUSTAINABILITY Minimize Maintenance Requirements Work with Natural Systems