Water and Sewer

Project Map (view full size PDF)

The City of Greeley Water and Sewer Department works hard to strengthen its infrastructure to keep Greeley’s Water supply secure.

After more than 60 years of continuous use, the hydraulic equipment that controls the outlet gates on the Milton Seaman Reservoir must be replaced. In order to do that, the Greeley Water and Sewer Department will begin work on a significant maintenance project beginning in mid-September 2011.

As of November 2011, the project is progressing nicely. The City of Greeley and its contractors have avoided the biggest concerns. There has been no fish kill or appreciable drop in water quality as a result of lowering the reservoir levels. The construction crew was able to avoid biodegradable oil leakage entirely as they removed the hydraulic lines. Work on the headwall and trash racks has begun.

Project Specifics

• The $1.6 million project will replace the 1940s hydraulic and mechanical systems on all five gates that control water levels in the Seaman Reservoir and flows to the North Fork and Poudre main stem.
  
  
• New hydraulic gate actuators will be installed at a level to make future repairs easier with less impact to the environment.
  
  
• The existing trash rack will be extended to keep debris from impeding flows out of the reservoir through the gates.
  
  
• Aslan Construction was awarded the job after a competitive bid process.

Project Timing

Work at the reservoir and outlet tunnel will start in mid-September. Individuals using the North Fork, portions of the Poudre River, as well as Gateway Park, may see impacts as early as September 12. Construction is slated to be completed no later than April 1, 2012.

Project Impacts and Mitigations

• Increased sediment
  Decreased water levels in the reservoir and minimal reservoir releases will darken the water due to increased sediment loads to the river.
  
  
• Biodegradable oil leakage
  Construction of the 1940s gate actuators placed them underwater. Removal of these actuators must occur underwater and may cause leakage of biodegradable oil into the water. Construction teams will place oil absorbent booms in the reservoir, outlet tunnel, and in two locations on the North Fork to absorb and contain any oil leakage that may occur.
  
  
• Potential fish kill
  Increased sediment loads have the potential to kill fish. City staff will implement strategies suggested by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife to help reduce that potential. Additionally, Greeley Water and Sewer consulted with the DPW and will participate in a reservoir restocking program.