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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 May 2024 packet Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change Agenda | May 16, 2024 River Park Center Second Floor Conference Room 123 Emma Road, Basalt CO 81621 TIME ITEM 4:00 pm Administrative Items Board Comment Public Comment Additions/Deletions to Agenda Approval of Minutes Infrastructure 4:10 pm Whitewater Park Site Design Update - Sam Baucum, Bluegreen 4:45 pm Modifications to the USFS Collection Agreement - Beaver Project and Monitoring Outreach/Education/Grants 5:15 pm Sponsorship - Study of trace metals and rare earth elements in water, streambed sediment and biota in Lincoln Creek and associated water bodies – Roaring Fork Conservancy and Diane McKnight Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research University of Colorado-Boulder 5:45 pm Lincoln Creek/Grizzly Reservoir Water Sampling 2024 Proposal and update – Kurt Dahl Pitkin Co Environmental Health Manager and Chad Rudow, RFC Staff Reports 6:15 pm monthly staff report Policy Items 6:30 pm Open Discussion Executive Session 6:45 pm Adjourn 1 Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change 2 1 HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD Regular Meeting April 18, 2024 4:00 PM Wilderness Workshop Conference Room 520 S. 3rd Street Carbondale, CO 81623 River Board members present: Chris Wheatley, Andre Wille, Bill Jochems, Kirstin Neff, Wendy Huber, Maciej Mrotek Chris Lemons – via Zoom River Board members absent: Andre Wille Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Lisa Tasker, Tim Braun Media Present: Heather Sackett via zoom _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Board Comment: Chair Huber stated several board members enjoyed the time at Marble Charter School earlier in the day. Public Comment: None Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: none Grant and Sponsorship Requests 1. Town of Basalt, Old Pond Water System Improvements – Catherine Christoff, Town of Basalt Mr. Jochems moved to authorize the $5,000 grant request for the Old Pond Water Systems Improvements Grant. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. 2. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Lincoln Creek Watershed Water Quality Monitoring – Ashley Rust, Mindi May, Megan McConville and Kendall Bakich Mr. Wheatley moved to authorize the $6252 CPW Lincoln Creek Watershed Water Quality Monitoring Project. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. 3. Online Comprehensive Repository of Organizations Agencies, etc. with a role in Water Management, Water Education and Water Conservation – Gwen Garcelon – Regenerative Strategies Consultant Mr. Mrotek moved to table the grant request to a future meeting. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Ms. Garcelon will bring more information and clarification back to the Board with research on who will use the repository. Provide a demonstration of others who have used a similar repository and benefits. Also provifde feedback from target audience if useful and include how the project meets the goals of the river board. 4. Water Education Colorado (WECo) 2024 Sponsorship; Water Leaders Program, Water Fluency Program and Headwaters Magazine – Jayla Poppleton Ex. Director Ms. Neff moved to authorize the WECO sponsorship for $5000. Mr. Wheatley seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. 5. Roaring Fork Conservancy for Water Education Programs – Megan Dean Director of Education Mr. Wheatley move to recommend the $37,000 grant request for the Water Education Programs. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. 3 2 6. Wilderness Workshop – Crystal River Wild and Scenic Campaign – Michael Gorman and Will Roush Staff noted after conferring with the County Attorney there was not a conflict of interest in holding the meeting in Wilderness’ conference room. Ms. Neff moved to recommend funding $35,000 for continued Crystal River Wild and Scenic designation campaign. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. 7. Hydrologic Analysis to Inform Infrastructure Improvements for the 3-Mile MHP Property – Sydney Schalit, Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation Mr. Jochems moved to recommend funding $30,000 for the Hydrologic Analysis to Inform Infrastructure Improvements for the 3-Mile MHP Property for the study only and not related to any future funding. Mr. Mrotek seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Mr. Lemons left the meeting at approximately 6:10 pm Monthly Staff Report Staff provided an update on projects and work as contained in the report in the Board’s packet. Staff also noted a request was received for a permit by Confluence River Instructors for a 2 day swift water rescue training program at the Whitewater Park in June. Open Discussion – Dredge and Fill Bills Scholarship awards USFS Beaver Project collection agreement amendment to include Lincoln Creek Monitoring. USFS cannot apply for grants. Mr. Mrotek moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0. The meeting adjourned at approx. 7:13 pm. Approved: Attest: ______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Wendy Huber – Chair Lisa Tasker 4 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Staff SUBJECT: Whitewater Park Site Design Update DATE: May 16, 2024 Presentation of the Whitewater Park Site Design update from Blue Green Budgetary Impact: TBD Requested Board Action: None, informational only. 5 healthy rivers whitewater park site design update 16 may 2024 bluegreen � 6 © c o p y r i g h t b l u e g r e e n 2 0 0 4 22 may 2018bluegreen 300 south spring street I suite 202 I aspen, colorado 81611 I t 970 429 7499 I f 970 429 9499 www.bluegreenaspen.com prRMHFW statement healthy rivers whitewater park pitkin county I colorado 7 8 9 10 100 year flood line --- www.bluegreenaspen.com section - previous design bluegreen 300 south spring street I suite 202 I aspen, colorado 81611 I t 970 429 7499 I f 970 429 9499 02 february 2024 healthy rivers white water park basalt I colorado 11 100 year flood line www.bluegreenaspen.com section proposed design bluegreen 300 south spring street I suite 202 I aspen, colorado 81611 I t 970 429 7499 I f 970 429 9499 02 february 2024 healthy rivers white water park basalt I colorado 12 13 14 15 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Healthy Rivers Regular Meeting TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Staff SUBJECT: White River National Forest Collection Agreement Modifications DATE: May 16, 2024 Background: In 2023, the County entered into a Collection Agreement (“CA”) with the USFS as a means to distribute funding for the Beaver Inventory Project recommended by the River Board and authorized by the Board of County Commissioners via Resolution # 113-2023. This allowed for the investigation and/or implementation of actions to promote beaver utilization of headwater streams on the forest to promote watershed health and occupation by native aquatic species. The CA allows for amendments until 2027, the current BOCC Resolution is approved for a one-year term. The River Board has recommended further work with the USFS and funds are allocated in the 2024 budget to continue collaboration and funding with the USFS. The CA has been modified as noted in the attached draft agreement. Along with the $50,000 funding for the beaver work, the USFS is seeking an additional $10,000.00 of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers funds to contribute to the collection of water quantity and quality data in the vicinity of Lincoln Creek, a Roaring Fork River tributary, related to recent declines in water quality. These funds will purchase equipment needed for quantification of water quantity and quality parameters and could include processing for sediment, macroinvertebrates, or other related samples in coordination with the Healthy Rivers Program. This work is being planned and coordinated primarily with the White River National Forest Hydrologist and is to support a larger effort including multiple partners in assessing conditions in Lincoln Creek and the upper Roaring Fork River. The USFS is unable to apply for grant funding. Budgetary Impact: $60,000 - $50,000 appropriated in the 2024 river budget. $10,000 additional funding for the Lincoln Creek monitoring. Requested Board Action: Move to recommend an additional $10,000 for water sampling in the vicinity of Lincoln Creek and recommend extending the terms of the BOCC Resolution to 2027 provided funding appropriations are available. 16 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Collec�on Agreement with WRNF Watershed Health and Monitoring plan of work expansion proposal items: Lincoln Creek watershed monitoring and improvement Cole Green-Smith cole.green-smith@usda.gov 970-46-6300 Clay Ramey robert.ramey@usda.gov 540-325-2327 Flow measurements: Collec�ng addi�onal flow measurements in Lincoln Creek will aid in ensuring accurate flow data needed to best understand the amount of metals contamina�on in the watershed. USFS intends to install pressure transducers at two loca�ons along Lincoln Creek, one loca�on will be above the Grizzly Reservoir inlet and the other loca�on will be on Lincoln Creek near the confluence with the Roaring Fork River (Figure 1). Figure 1. Aerial view of Lincoln Creek watershed, Grizzly inlet and Lincoln Creek above Roaring fork measurement sites denoted in white boxes The pressure transducers measure the weight of water (gauge height) from a given reference point and when coupled with periodic flow measurements over a changing hydrograph, the two data sets can be combined to es�mate high temporal resolu�on discharge. Generally, the more flow measurements collected create a more robust discharge rela�onship with the gauge height data. The discharge 17 measurement loca�ons will be collocated with specific conductance (SC) loggers, temperature loggers and designated surface water sampling points. Combined, these data will inform the metals loading into Grizzly Reservoir and the metals loading into the Upper Roaring Fork from Lincoln Creek. The addi�onal pressure transducers would be purchased from Onset and cost approximately $600 each (data logger link). The USFS currently has two transducers which will be installed in the stream; however, two addi�onal pressure transducers are required to measure barometric pressure to calibrate the gauge height for accuracy. A flow tracking device will also be required to measure water flow and velocity. These measurement devices typically cost upwards of $3000. One that could be used in Lincoln creek can be viewed here. The cost of ensuring accurate Lincoln Creek flow data collected at Grizzly Reservoir inlet and above the Roaring Fork confluence would be an addi�onal $5,000. Sediment sampling and lab analysis: Collec�ng sediment samples and processing them to determine metals concentra�ons along Lincoln Creek would provide addi�onal data to beter characterize the deposi�on and loading of metals through the watershed. The cost of lab analysis for a suite of 13 metals typically runs near $400-$500 per sample. USFS would work with a laboratory like ACZ in Steamboat Springs who is cer�fied for processing sediment and soil samples for specific chemistry and metals. Considering the analytes of primary concern are known (copper and aluminum), the analyte suite may be reduced which would also reduce sample processing cost. A profile of sediment samples along deposi�onal stretches of Lincoln Creek (Figure 2) would show a spa�al representa�on of metals distribu�on along the stream corridor. Coupled with flow and current loading es�mates (described in the first sec�on of this briefing paper), inferences can be made about historical loading and general trends in the sediment contamina�on and distribu�on from upper Lincoln Creek. If sediment within the Grizzly Reservoir basin is not able to be sampled, then these sediment samples along deposi�onal sites may inform possible metals loading in sediment within the reservoir. Approximately ten samples along Lincoln Creek would cost around $5,000. If less analytes were needed in the analyses, the funding would cover a higher number of samples to get a beter spa�al representa�on of metals within stream sediment. Deliverables and data sharing: The results and data collected from the flow measurements and sediment sampling would be shared with the larger Lincoln Creek working group (including, but not limited to CPW, RFC, Pitkin County). The compiled results and data would be presented in spring of 2025 a�er incorpora�ng with other data sets from the other stakeholders. These data will help inform next steps and contamina�on trends in the Lincoln Creek watershed and will help inform possible mi�ga�on in the future. 18 Figure 2. Map showing approximate locations of sediment samples (denoted with white triangles) along the Lincoln Creek corridor 19 USDA Forest Service OMB 0596-0217 FS-1500-19 11. SIGNATURES AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: BY SIGNATURE BELOW, THE SIGNING PARTIES CERTIFY THAT THEY ARE THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PARTIES AND AUTHORIZED TO ACT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS FOR MATTERS RELATED TO THE ABOVE- REFERENCED GRANT/AGREEMENT. 11.A. COOPERATOR SIGNATURE 11.B. DATE SIGNED 11.C. U.S. FOREST SERVICE SIGNATURE 11.D. DATE SIGNED (Signature of Signatory Official) (Signature of Signatory Official) 11.E. NAME (type or print): FRANCIE JACOBER 11.F. NAME (type or print): HEATHER NOEL 11.G. TITLE (type or print): Board of County Commissioners, Pitkin County 11.H. TITLE (type or print): Acting Forest Supervisor, White River National Forest MODIFICATION OF GRANT OR AGREEMENT PAGE OF PAGES 1 6 1. U.S. FOREST SERVICE GRANT/AGREEMENT NUMBER: 23-CO-11021500-018 2. RECIPIENT/COOPERATOR GRANT or AGREEMENT NUMBER, IF ANY: 3. MODIFICATION NUMBER: 1 4. NAME/ADDRESS OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE UNIT ADMINISTERING GRANT/AGREEMENT (unit name, street, city, state, and zip + 4): White River National Forest 900 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 5. NAME/ADDRESS OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE UNIT ADMINISTERING PROJECT/ACTIVITY (unit name, street, city, state, and zip + 4): White River National Forest 900 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 6. NAME/ADDRESS OF RECIPIENT/COOPERATOR (street, city, state, and zip + 4, county): Pitkin County 530 E. Main St., Aspen, Colorado 81611-2939 7. RECIPIENT/COOPERATOR’S HHS SUB ACCOUNT NUMBER (For HHS payment use only): 8. PURPOSE OF MODIFICATION CHECK ALL THAT APPLY: This modification is issued pursuant to the modification provision in the agreement referenced in item no. 1, above. CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE PERIOD: CHANGE IN FUNDING: Adds additional County funds in the amount of $60,000.00. ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES: OTHER (Specify type of modification): Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the Grant/Agreement referenced in 1, above, remain unchanged and in full force and effect. 9. ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR DESCRIPTION OF MODIFICATION (add additional pages as needed) The purpose of Modification No. 1 is to add additional funding from the Cooperator in the amount of $60,000.00 outlined in the Scope of Work and Financial Plan for activities and projects within the original scope of the original agreement. 10. ATTACHED DOCUMENTATION (Check all that apply): Operating Plan – Plan of Work Collection Financial Plan Other: 20 USDA Forest Service OMB 0596-0217 FS-1500-19 12. G&A REVIEW 12.A. The authority and format of this modification have been reviewed and approved for signature by: ______________________________________ ALEX SPECHT U.S. Forest Service, Grants & Agreements Specialist Region 2, Rocky Mountain Region 12.B. DATE SIGNED Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0217. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 21 USDA Forest Service OMB 0596-0217 FS-1500-19 THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE SHALL ADVANCE BILLING. The maximum total cost liability to the County for this modification is $60,000.00. The U.S. Forest Service shall bill the County prior to commencement of work for deposits sufficient to cover the estimated costs (including overhead) for the specific payment period. Overhead is assessed at the rate of 0.00 percent. This project is considered to be mutually beneficial to the Cooperator and the U.S. Forest Service. As such, the U.S. Forest Service agrees to waive recovery of indirect costs. Funds provided to the U.S. Forest Service are available for the period of performance of this Agreement. Billing Method: Lump sum payment Billing must be sent to: Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Program Att.: Lisa Tasker 530 East Main Street, STE 301 Aspen, CO 81611 Email: lisa.tasker@pitkincounty.com 22 USDA Forest Service OMB 0596-0217 FS-1500-19 Modification No. 1: 23-CO-11021500-018 Plan of Work Beaver Inventory and Project Planning in the Thompson and Fourmile Subwatersheds, Lincoln Creek Water Quality Quantification, 2024 Field Season U.S. Forest Service will utilize $50,000.00 of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Program funding to continue with pro- beaver work on the Forest. An inventory focused on beaver and beaver habitat as defined by our prior work will continue, focused on the Thompson and Fourmile subwatersheds above Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, Colorado. In addition to habitat surveys, work and funds will also be utilized in planning and/or implementing low tech processed based treatments in those target subwatersheds. A portion of funds may be utilized to help quantify the status quo of the flow regime and effects of subsequent treatments or other materials or information ultimately related and complementary to project development, execution, and monitoring in the target subwatersheds. The empirical data collected and analyzed will help inform the Aspen-Sopris District Fisheries program as to the spatial distribution of beaver and the extent and suitability of the available habitat. This information is crucial in monitoring and evaluating current Forest management practices with regard to beavers and watershed health, and in planning future pro-beaver management actions if they are determined to be warranted. This funding will cover costs associated with fielding two Biological Technicians (Fisheries and Wildlife) for the summer/fall field season to include a vehicle, a small amount of personal equipment necessary for each seasonal to perform their work and could include assistance with housing costs/stipend. Direction and guidance will be provided by the Aspen-Sopris District Fisheries Biologist. Expectations of seasonal employees are that they bring an accumulation of fisheries- and related experience sufficient to conduct this inventory at a professional level of quality and to do so largely independently, seeking guidance as necessary. They will collect data using a standardized protocol, store the acquired data in an appropriate manner, and may assist in developing and executing spatial, statistical, and other summaries and analyses. They will produce a written report of their inventory efforts and findings by the end of their field season. This report will be provided to Pitkin County Healthy Rivers by December 31, 2024. An additional $10,000.00 of Pitkin County Healthy Rivers funds will contribute to the collection of water quantity- and quality data in the vicinity of Lincoln Creek, a Roaring Fork River tributary, related to recent declines in water quality. These funds will purchase equipment needed for quantification of water quantity and quality parameters and could include processing for sediment, macroinvertebrates, or other related samples in coordination with the Healthy Rivers Program. This work is being planned and coordinated primarily with the White River National Forest Hydrologist and is to support a larger effort including multiple partners in assessing conditions in Lincoln Creek and the upper Roaring Fork River. 23 U.S. Forest Service OMB 0596-0217FS-1500-18 Forest Service Agreement # Subtotal Subtotal Combined Subtotals # of Days $/Day 100.00 $173.00 $17,300.00 $17,300.00 80.00 $173.00 $13,840.00 $13,840.00 20.00 $334.00 $6,680.00 $6,680.00 $13,360.00 200.00 $37,820.00 $6,680.00 $44,500.00 Vehicle Mileage Cost or Airfare Cost # of Trips / Months PerDiem and Lodging $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Unit Cost Quantity$9,000.00 1 $9,000.00 $9,000.00 $0.00 $9,000.00 1 $9,000.00 $0.00 $9,000.00 Unit Cost Quantity $1,000.00 1 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $10,000 1 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $11,000.00 2 $11,000.00 $0.00 $11,000.00 Name and Type of Supplies: Supplies: waders, clino, camera, tape measure, etc. Subtotal, Supplies: Seasonal Employee (Est. GS-6 Level) Explanation of trips: From Where/To Where/For Whom TRAVEL Subtotal, Personnel: Subtotal, Travel: Subtotal, Equipment: Name and Type of Equipment: GOV(s): Full size 4x4 pickup 23-CO-11021500-018 Cooperator Agreement # Collection Agreement Financial Plan (MOD001) Cooperator and FS Contributions Cooperator Contribution FS Non-Cash Contribution Line Item Cost Subtotals COST ELEMENTS and related data Forest Fisheries Biologist Resource Specialists (List all personnel): Collection of water quantity & quality data (Lincoln Creek) Seasonal Employee (Est. GS-6 Level) PERSONNEL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES 24 U.S. Forest Service OMB 0596-0217FS-1500-18 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,180.00 $2,180.00 $0.00 $2,180.00 $0.00 $2,180.00 $60,000.00 $6,680.00 $66,680.00 Insert Rate Here:0.0%$0.00 $0.00 $60,000.00 $6,680.00 $66,680.00 $66,680.00 CONTRACTUAL Subtotal, Contractual: TOTAL PROJECT COSTS OTHER Describe Other Costs of the Project: Other: potentially applied towards Thompson/Fourmile Project OVERHEAD ASSESSMENT (if applicable, see FSH 1909.13) TOTAL DIRECT CHARGES Subtotal, Other: Total Party Costs Burden Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0217. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Describe Contracts that will most likely result from this project: 25 Proposal to the Healthy Rivers Board Study of trace metals and rare earth elements in water, streambed sediment and biota in Lincoln Creek and associated water bodies Submitted by Profs. Diane McKnight and Tom Marchitto INSTAAR, University of Colorado-Boulder Overview Previous study of the Lincoln Creek system has found that high dissolved metal concentrations, especially for zinc, have occurred in Lincoln Creek, particularly in early fall. In addition, a fish kill has occurred in the Grizzly Reservoir which receives inflow from Lincoln Creek. A spike in metal concentrations is suspected of being a factor in the fish kill. A tributary to the Lincoln Creek system has its headwaters near the abandoned Ruby Mine, but it is unclear if drainage associated with the mine workings contributes to the trace metal load in Lincoln Creek. To investigate the conditions in the summer that may have led to the fish kill, a team of staff members from several state and county agencies along with the Roaring Fork Conservancy is planning to collect samples for trace metals, other water quality parameters and benthic macroinvertebrates on a monthly basis during the summer of 2024, from May through September. There is also a plan to drain the reservoir during the summer of 2024 for an infrastructure upgrade. This event may provide an opportunity to collect samples of sediment from the drained reservoir. Recent research evaluating water quality data from headwater streams in mineralized mountain watersheds in the Colorado Mineral Belt has shown that over the past 30 years the summertime concentrations of trace metals of concern for aquatic ecosystems, specifically Zn and Cu, have increased 2-fold or more. Analysis of climate and hydrologic data has been interpreted as indicating that this trend is likely due to warmer summer temperatures accelerating the weathering of pyrite. In addition to the typical elevated concentrations of trace metals in acid mine drainage streams, rare earth elements (REEs) can have much higher concentration compared to expected background concentrations. Increases in REE concentrations associated with climate change are also a potential concern in the Colorado Mineral Belt. For example, for the Snake River watershed in Summit County, analysis of rare earth elements in archived samples revealed that the REE concentrations have increased by an order of magnitude over the past 25 years. Furthermore, analysis of the trace metal and REE content of benthic macroinvertebrates from these streams showed that the contents of some REEs, such as neodymium, were as high as the contents of lead and cadmium, which are known toxicants for benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. 26 Given these observed increasing concentrations of REEs and their bioaccumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates, we propose to contribute to the planned study of the Lincoln Creek system during summer 2024 by collecting water, stream sediment and benthic macroinvertebrate samples for analysis of REEs. The results of these analyses will complement the planned study by state and local agencies. Two master’s degree students in the Environmental Engineering Program at CU will participate in the sampling efforts, and will also analyze the samples and work with others involved in the study to interpret the results. These students will work with Profs. Diane McKnight and Tom Marchitto with the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at CU. These samples for REEs will be analyzed by the ICP-MS laboratory at INSTAAR, which has developed methods for these analyses of REEs in previous studies. The students will be trained in the sampling protocols by the staff of the Roaring Fork Conservancy. Approach and budget: The sampling locations will be selected by the state and local agency staff with a total of 6-7 sites planned for water quality analysis. Given the monthly sampling from May through September, we anticipate a total of approximately 40 samples each for measurement of dissolved REEs to allow for duplicates and addition of sites. During low flow, likely July and August, we plan to analyze samples for total concentrations of REEs to discern the presence of REEs associated with particulate iron and aluminum oxides in suspension in the water column. In addition to the water quality measurements, in July and August, when water levels in the stream have decreased sufficiently, flocculant iron and aluminum oxides in the streambed sediments will be sampled. These sediment samples will be analyzed following acid digestion to determine the REE content. This low flow sampling to evaluate the REE concentrations in particulates and sediment would result in approximately another 30 samples. The macroinvertebrate samples will be collected at 5-6 sites and the EPT organisms will be separated from other macroinvertebrates depending on which organisms are present at the sites. The macroinvertebrate biomass will be processed for determination of trace metal and REE content as described by Watson and McKnight (2023). We anticipate that at most 15 REE samples will be analyzed. The anticipated total number of REE analyses to complement the planned study would be approximately 85 samples. The cost of the REE analysis by the ICP-MS laboratory at INSTAAR is $820 per batch of 24 samples, which includes the cleaned bottles for collection of the samples and filters and other supplies for processing the samples with the laboratory overhead included. This analysis will provide data for all the REEs (Y plus all lanthanides( except Pm), as well as major cations (Na, Mg, K, Ca) and important trace metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Al, Mn, and Fe) for a total of 28 REEs, major cations and trace metals. The lanthanides are listed in a table below. The results for the major cations and trace metals will provide ancillary data for the analyses that will be conducted as part of the main study. 27 We plan to analyze 4 batches of samples for a total of 96 samples for a total cost of $3680. The remaining samples that could be analyzed to complete a batch will be allocated for analysis of water quality samples collected upstream in the tributaries in the Ruby Mine area during July and August or during additional trips the Lincoln Creek site. The students will also coordinate with the study leaders to develop a plan to collect sediment samples from the drained Grizzly Reservoir. Depending on the schedule and feasibility, the students will collect the sediment samples for subsequent characterization and analysis. The additional expense for this proposed study ($1200) will be for travel expenses from Boulder and other on-site expenses incurred by the students for the field work. Budget total: $3680 + $1200= $4880 Table 1. The Lanthanides REE Name Symbol atomic number Lanthanum Ln 57 Cerium Ce 58 Praseodymium Pr 59 Neodymium Nd 60 Promethium Pm 61 Samarium Sm 62 Europium Eu 63 Gadolinium Gd 64 Terbium Tb 65 Dysprosium Dy 66 Holmium Ho 67 Erbium Er 68 Thulium Tm 69 Ytterbium Yb 70 Lutetium Lu 71 28 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY BOARD MEETING DATE: May 16, 2024 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Lincoln Creek/Grizzly Reservoir Water Sampling 2024 Proposal and update STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Kurt Dahl, Pitkin County Environmental Health Manager Chad Rudow, Roaring Fork Conservancy ISSUE STATEMENT: In partnership with the Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC), Pitkin County Environmental Health Department (PCEHD) is looking for funding to support water quality sampling for 2024 in Lincoln Creek below the Grizzly Reservoir. Grizzly Reservoir was scheduled to go under construction to replace the dam liner during the summer of 2023, but in May of 2023 a decision was made to wait until the summer of 2024. This allows water quality samples to be taken during the construction to determine if there are any adverse impacts on water quality. PCEHD and RFC presented to the Health Rivers Board in 2023 a general plan seeking funding for the proposed testing which was granted with the condition that a detailed plan was presented at a later date. This is the follow up to that presentation outlining the testing plan for 2024. Water quality testing data is important for the Healthy Rivers program, PCEHD and RFC to help inform how construction and maintenance of the reservoir may impact water quality, aquatic life, and human health in the lower portions of Lincoln Creek and the Roaring Fork River. Previous water quality results indicate that Lincoln Creek has high levels of copper and aluminum, along with other heavy metals, and impacts have been seen in the Roaring Fork River from changes in flow rates of Lincoln Creek. Recent results from the released EPA study show elevated copper and aluminum levels in Lincoln Creek. In addition, the reservoir appears to be acting as a “sink” for some of the metals. The dam construction will require Grizzly Reservoir to be drained and flows from Lincoln Creek will be diverted towards Twin Lakes until a senior water rights “call” from downstream requires water from the creek. Lincoln Creek will be released to the Roaring Fork River during these “calls”. It is not clear at this time if the creek will be diverted through the bottom of the drained reservoir or if will be routed around it. Given the combination of factors we believe it is important to take water samples at different phases of the construction to determine if there may be a possibility of impacts to the creek and river. This will help us to understand how future dam construction/maintenance might impact the creek and river and influence future planning for how to minimize possible impacts. BUDGETARY IMPACT: $15,000 to support testing efforts at the Grizzly Reservoir for the summer of 2024. Funds have been appropriated into the 2024 river’s budget. 29 In September of 2022, PCEHD contracted with a private entity to sample Lincoln Creek below Grizzly Reservoir as a way to compare/confirm the results of the EPA study being conducted at the same time. Samples were taken in 3 locations with a cost of $5,000. The basic framework of the 2024 project would be to take water samples at similar locations but during different phases of the construction through the summer. The Roaring Fork Conservancy will take the lead on sampling and the Pitkin EH Department will provide staffing support. Based on the 2022 sampling, we are asking for $15,000 to support lab testing costs for 3-4 sites, with 4 different sampling times (pre-draining, during reservoir draining, during a change in creek diversion, and post construction completion). The sampling times will be determined once we receive the construction outline from Twin Lakes Canal Company. The number of sample sites and timing may change as more information is gathered and an update to the HR Board will be provided if this occurs. REQUESTED BOARD ACTION: Approval of the draft sampling plan and the $15,000 budget. ATTACHMENTS/LINKS: Attachment A: Grizzly Creek Sampling Plan Attachment B: Grizzly Creek Sampling Plan Budget 30 Attachment A: Grizzly Creek Sampling Plan 31 Attachment A: Grizzly Reservoir Sampling Plan (continued) 32 Attachment B: Grizzly Creek Sampling Plan 33 MEETING DATE: May 16, 2023 TO: Healthy Rivers Board FROM: Lisa Tasker and Lisa Macdonald CC: John Ely and Laura Makar AGENDA ITEM: Monthly Staff Report Administrative: Wild and Scenic Update to the BOCC May 7th per Commissioner McNicholas-Kury’s request. June 4th Budget Supplemental to the BOCC to replenish grant line item after East Mesa approval. Draft Contracts for grant awardees. Develop a permitting system for use at the Whitewater Park. Drafted Outstanding Waters Letter of Support and brought to BOCC for approval Draft updated resolution for continued work with USFS Projects and Infrastructure: Beaver Project with the USFS Continue to work with USFS on projects and intern schedules for 2024. USFS seeking housing again for interns if anyone has any ideas. USFS modified collection agreement to River Board tonight and to BOCC for approval May 28 with formal acceptance via resolutions in June. Meetings ongoing. Sam Caudill State Wildlife Area Engineering plans are ongoing. USACE permit application submitted 5/9/24. Continued communication and planning with CPW engineer team. Engineers continue work on plans to bring to construction documents and bid documents. Wild and Scenic Efforts Crystal Wild and Scenic and Other Alternatives Steering Committee last met February 29th, the last contracted meeting for the current facilitators. Smaller sub committees continue to meet. Please use the Crystal Valley Echo’s website link to stay up-to-date on the Steering Committee activities and watch past recorded Zoom programs: https://thecrystalvalleyecho.com/wild-scenic-stakeholder Presented update to BOCC May 7th. Crystal River Restoration Project – Town of Carbondale Partnership on Project On-going team meetings continue. Construction/ landscape work is complete. Irrigation testing week of May 6th. Plan is to keep park closed thru final construction due to risk and liability factor. The Town is contemplating open dates of the park if any. Lincoln Creek/Ruby Mine The new local Lincoln Creek Working Group, organized by Kurt Dahl and Lisa Tasker consisting of Pitkin Co, CPW, RFC, RWPA, City of Aspen, USFS, TU, Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Co, ACES, Independence Pass Foundation, Wilderness Workshop, and some individual citizens continues to meet. Whitewater/ Fish Park Streamside Amenities Continued meetings with civil & landscape engineers and Town of Basalt staff regarding park plans and construction in 2024. Working with Ting, to move fiber optic cable to allow for more room on the river side of Two Rivers Road. Ting’s construction contractor under contract with Pitkin County for move. Construction anticipated mid-May 34 pending right of way permits with the Town. Town of Basalt has road realignment and fiber optic plans for review. Presentation to the Town of Basalt Town Council at their May 28th work session. Received building permit to install handrails on boardwalk. Railings shipped from WI and received but due to contractor emergency new contractor hired. Install to occur Mid May. Marble Charter School May 22nd Crystal Day in Redstone Outreach/Education/Grants  Ads are running on KDNK and KMTS and APR. Added the Mountain stations May 1st . Content suggestions are always welcome.  Comms Team and staff developed Aspen 82 (LOCAL) ad materials. Successful seven on mountain interviews!  Beaver Education Campaign details are ongoing. Social media and other avenues are moving forward. Beaver booklet drafted and will be ready by June 1st.  Wild and Scenic Rivers local FAQ handout in final development stage. Executive summary in review process  2024 Scholarship information provided to the schools. Kirstin and Andre volunteered to be on committee again and currently reviewing applications. 1 from Aspen, 3 from Basalt and 4 from the Watershed (Yampa and Glenwood). Successful applicants have been notified.  EPA publicly presented their water quality testing results from Grizzly and Lincoln Creek efforts on February 1st at the Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center from 6-7:30PM.  Crystal Valley Echo February 2024 edition had front page coverage of the Marble Charter School river related efforts in conjunction with the Healthy Rivers Program  USFS Beaver Project and RFC Ag Efficiency Study articles in Aspen Times.  Six Spring Grant applications received. One Sponsorship request.  Education and Training 2024:  Colorado Water Congress Winter Conference Denver January 31- Feb 2 - Neff in person and Tasker virtual  Training: Translating SB23-270, Projects to Restore Natural Stream Systems, January 11- Tasker  Naturalist Night – Carbondale Jan 24th 6:00 pm Wilderness Workshop hosted Jennifer Back to speak about Wild and Scenic rivers Tasker/MacDonald  EPA Lincoln Creek Meeting – Tasker/MacDonald, Huber, Wheatley and BOCC member Francie Jacober Feb 1 6-8 pm Basalt  CWCB Instream Flow Workshop Webinar on-line, 4-6:00 pm Tasker  Wild and Scenic Stakeholders webinar with Jennifer Beck and Roy Smith to explore additional questions about Wild and Scenic designation Feb 8th 6:00 pm zoom Tasker/MacDonald  Wild and Scenic stakeholders webinar on the Niobrara National Scenic River - February 26, 2024 6:00 pm Tasker/MacDonald  Rivers Edge West biannual river restoration conference, March 5-7th Tasker  Just Trust Me: Exploring and understanding the Role of Trust in Collaborative Efforts, Rivers Edge West, CMU, 8:30-11:30am March 7th Tasker  QQ meeting March 21st Tasker, MacDonald, McNichols-Kury, Makar  Hanging in the Balance: Competing Needs for Water in the West – April 9th TACAW – Basalt 6:15 pm  Tasker, MacDonald, Wheatley, Mrotek, Neff attended  River Rally – May 13-16 – Tasker 35  ONGOING- Staff continues to participate and/or collaborate with the following groups:  Colorado Water Congress State Affairs Committee meetings Mondays 8:00 am when in session  Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative the first Thursday of every month  Watershed Collaborative Meetings, Board is on listserv and receives updates  Colorado Basin Roundtable half day meetings every 2 months  Crystal River Wild and Scenic Core Group, Collaborative, Coalition/Advocacy, Stakeholder meetings  Stakeholder meeting 12/14/23, 5 – 8 pm. Last stakeholder meeting February 29th 5 -8 in Marble  Zoom with Roy Smith and Jennifer Back Crystal River Wild and Scenic and Other Alternatives Feasibility Collaborative Steering Committee for a Zoom meeting on Thursday, February 8 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.  Wild and Scenic Stakeholder’s webinar on the Niobrara National Scenic River - February 26, 2024 6:00 to 7:30 pm Tasker/MacDonald  Stakeholder meeting February 29th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm Marble Tasker/MacDonald. Three committees formed to continue work on three protections: Intergovernmental Agreement, Peaking In-Stream Flows, and Wild and Scenic. These committees will meet monthly and reconvene with the steering committee this summer. Tasker, McNicholas-Kury  Local Beaver group including CPW, USFS, BLM, RFC, Sierra Club, EcoFlight, The Roaring Fork Biodiversity Initiative, National Forest Foundation and others - no scheduled meetings  Lincoln Creek/Grizzly/Ruby Mine stream impact discussions via Zoom with Pitkin, EPA, CPW, USFS, DNR, RFC, Trout Unlimited, Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canal Co.  EPA meeting 2/1/24 6-8 pm  Local working group meetings started 2/9/24  Three teams have been formed; Public Comms, Short Term Water Quality Monitoring, Long Term Sampling and Mitigation  Full working group meetings, all teams, continue monthly or more as needed  National Wild and Scenic Coalition Zoom every two months  National W&S Rivers Virtual Hill Week 2/13-2/15 as applicable. Tasker  Meetings the first Friday every two months starting in February  Riverscape Restoration Network Meetings with American Rivers –  January 24th meeting Dr. Michael Pollock, NOAA Research Scientist, discussed his research on the multiple benefits of hydrologically connected floodplains for salmonids and other species and how beaver improve the quality and accessibility of floodplain habitat.  Low Tech Processed Based Restoration state of the science report - Jackie Corday  April 11th 2:00-3:30 A Most Excellent River Science Research Journey with Dr. Ellen Wolh 36 and Dr. Julianne Scamardo on recent research and contributions to understanding the functions/values of floodplains, the wood regime, beaver, and process-based restoration. Tasker  Process-based Stream Restoration Workshop June 17 & 18 CMC Spring Valley Campus Glenwood Springs  Beaver Working Group for the state of ColoradoCo Beaver Working Group Virtual meeting on May 3rd Montana Beaver Action Plan - Shelby Weigand, National Wildlife Federation, will talk about the stakeholder process of developing Montana's Beaver Action Plan (attached) and cover the highlights of the plan strategies. Updates from Jackie, NWF & TRCP on work to support CPW developing a statewide beaver mgt plan and other beaver related work and Nichole Fox's Give a Dam beaver related work updates. Tasker & MacDonald 37