Download Aspen Falls Reservoir

INTRODUCTION
The Aspen Falls Planning Board is planning a 40-million gallon reservoir called Aspen
Falls Lake located on the wetlands near the north end of town spanning approximately 35,700
surface acres and affecting 50 acres of wetlands. However, in order to proceed with the Aspen
Falls Lake, a permit from The Army Corps of Engineers1 will be obtained before any construction
can begin.2 “The basic premise of the program is that no discharge of dredged or fill material
may be permitted if: (1) a practicable alternative exists that is less damaging to the aquatic
environment or (2) the nation’s waters would be significantly degraded. In other words, when
you apply for a permit, you must show that you have, to the extent practicable taken steps to
avoid wetland impacts; minimized potential impacts on wetlands; provided compensation for
any remaining unavoidable impacts.” (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency n.d.)
According to the EPA, an area that has environmental characteristics and meets the
criteria of three categories: soils, vegetation, and hydrology” is considered a wetland. (U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency n.d.) .3 The following photo a view of what a wetland looks
like. (Drainage Services Department n.d.)
OBJECTIVE
The reservoirs main objective is to increase the quality of life within Aspen Falls. Due to
the recent population growth, it has become evident that there is a need to secure additional
clean water supply in order to provide ample water supply for the residents of Aspen Falls as
well as to support the forecasted future growth. “The basic demands for quality of life include
The nation’s chief wetlands regulatory agency
1
Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972
2
The proposed area is considered a wetland according to the Environmental protection agency
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers definition.
3
(i) protection from floods and drought; (ii) protection from water-based and waterborne
diseases; (iii) clean water; and (iv) protection of food (protein) in lakes and reservoirs.”
(Jorgensen 2005, 4) This newly established water supply and the protected wetlands will “play a
key role in maintaining water quality, as they filter out agricultural nutrients and absorb
sediments so that municipal water supplies don’t have to.”
Additionally, the reservoir will serve as a source of beauty and recreation for the
communities within Aspen Falls however, not at the expense of the wetlands. “Wetlands have
been severely damaged over the years due to human interaction such as construction,
damming and water contamination.” (Douglas 2008) As a result, certain steps will be
implemented in order to decrease the human impact on the wetlands.
WETLAND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
As previously mentioned the city will take several steps to help preserve the natural
ecological system that is currently contained within the wetland areas and reduce the overall
impact to the area. The Aspen Falls Lake will be a source of enjoyment however, through
certain design elements the lake will be a source that adds to the environment as opposed to
taking away from resources both within, and surrounding, the reservoir area.
Wildlife preservation will be a main objective in the construction of, and ongoing
existence of the reservoir. Observatory lookouts will be established that allows individuals to
enjoy the natural beauty without impacting the environment.4
DESIGN
Aspen Falls Lake will consist of approximately 35,700 surface acres providing 100 miles
of shore line. The majority, or 70%, will be available for human use while 30% will be allocated
for wildlife and ecological preservation.
4
Specific areas will be deemed off limits in order to provide protection for the habitats of
existing wildlife in the wetland area.
Bibliography
Douglas, Barney. "The Human Impact on Wetlands." Journal of the Environment and Human Interaction,
February 1, 2008: 25-38.
Drainage Services Department. Flood Prevention.
http://www.dsd.gov.hk/flood_prevention/long_term_improvement_measures/ecological_enha
ncement/ecological_enhancement_work_of_yl/index.htm (accessed December 20, 2008).
Jorgensen, S.E. Lake and Reservoir Management, Volume 54 (Developments in Water Science). United
Kingdom: Elsevier, 2005, 4.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Wetland Regulatory Authority.
<http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/pdf/reg_authority_pr.pdf> accessed December 20, 2008.