Fort Collins Raises Questions About Planned Reservoirs

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — The Fort Collins Natural Resources Department is recommending that the City Council oppose a big Northern Colorado water project on the Cache la Poudre River unless the plans are modified.

The City Council could vote on the recommendation Tuesday.

The proposed Northern Integrated Supply Project would divert water from the Poudre into two new reservoirs, one north of Fort Collins and one north of Greeley. The reservoirs would provide storage for Northern Water, which supplies cities and irrigators in eight counties.

In a 153-page report, the Natural Resources Department raised concerns about harm to habitat, water quality and recreation along the river, which runs through the city.

The department also said a draft environmental impact statement was skewed to favor building the project.

Northern Water defended the impact statement.