[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: RE: Question re: agenda item #6B/Thunderbird Lake Pilot

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Kincannon, Kirk

In response to Suzy Ageton and Matt Appelbaum questions regarding Thunderbird Lake (June 19 item 6b). I am providing the following:

Thunderbird Lake Council Questions
June 19, 2012

Council Member Ageton


1)       The recommended motion is to continue the Thunderbird Lake Pilot project through the 2013 season but comments in the executive summary state that the planning work and development of a sustainable model would be completed in the spring of 2013.  What is the time period for which the extension is being requested?



The extension to Council was requested through 2013. The intent was to allow for additional time for a studio project in the spring of 2013 to finalize the ecological and educational components based on the research from environmental studies and the community outreach  in the fall of 2012. Based on new information received at the end of last week, the development of a sustainable model could be achieved at the end of 2012.  Work with CU and the community could continue in 2013 with a focus on outdoor education.



2)      What are the goals for the extension period?  How do they align with or differ from the original goals for this project?



The overall goal of the extension period is to create a sustainable body of water without the use of potable water and to create an enhanced educational component at the park, as an outcome of the work with the community, the Horizon school and the University of Colorado. The original goal 1 (maintain a target water elevation of 5,315 feet) will not be a goal in the extension.  Original Goal 2 (improve water quality) will remain a goal.  Original Goal 3 (minimize changes to wetland and aquatic habitat) is modified to allow the creation of greater plant and bio-diversity in the wetland and lake interface. Original Goal 4 (provide opportunities for education and outreach) will remain and a greater emphasis will be placed on the goal as work will continue with the Horizon K- 8 Charter School and the surrounding neighborhood.



3)      If Council votes to approve the extension of the pilot project through the remainder of 2012 and for some period into 2013, will the lake continue to receive supplemental water additions throughout this period to maintain the original goal of a water elevation of approximately 5,315 ft.?



The overall extended pilot project goals are to achieve a sustainable design of the lake that does not require the addition of water at the current levels.  Based on new information received at the end of last week, a target lake elevation of 5,315 feet does not appear to be needed to achieve improved water quality. The 2012 goal is to reduce the overall surface level to meet the seasonal ground water fluctuations and continue to  maintain water quality and wetland functions.  The lake is currently going through natural succession changes with cattails and rushes along the shore. The current clear water area is approximately 1.3 acres and the new information received last week indicates that a sustainable lake surface area is estimated at 0.9 acres with an elevation of 5312 feet.



4)      To date, have any Plant Investment Fees (PIF) been charged to P&R for the increased water use for Thunderbird Lake?  If yes, what amount?  If no, is the statement on page 119 accurate, i.e., that P&R will be charged from 2012 forward a PIF fee of $215, 186 ( $2.47/square foot for two surface acres)?



No Plant Investment Fee (PIF) has been charged to date for Thunderbird Lake.  A PIF will only be assessed if the use of potable water continues as part of the final project design and implementation.



5)      The chart on page 2 of Agenda Item 6B shows the total project costs for each year from 2009-2011.  What are the costs to date for 2012?



The costs for 2012 are as follows:

Ottertail Environmental:   $1,913

BioHabitats, Inc.:              $5,562

Staff time:                         $200 (field time)

Water charges:                  None to date (within water budget for season)



6)      What is the status of the MOU authorizing discharges from Thunderbird Lake to the Storm Water Utility System (see pages 125-126)?


The MOU is still active and applies to any water discharges from June 2009 to June 2012.  The intent of the MOU was to assist in a water flow-through design for the lake that would have resulted in water discharges from the lake.   The only discharge to take place during the pilot project was in July of 2011.  The MOU expires at the end of June 2012.

Council Member/Mayor Appelbaum


 1.  Which, if any, city facilities currently pay for water usage?  What is Parks' share?  If any do pay, how is that calculated?

City owned and operated facilities do not currently pay for monthly water usage.     Leased facilities, such as the Tea House and hangers at the airport, do pay for water use calculated using the standard water budget rate structure.


 1.  Which, if any, city facilities have paid or will pay a PIF?  If any have or will, have is that calculated?

City facilities pay a onetime PIF calculated using the same methodology as private development.  The fee is applicable for new service and as well as expanded service to existing facilities.


 1.  How much total water do city facilities typically use each year?  How much does Parks use, in total?

In 2011, municipal accounts used approximately 222 million gallons (4% of total water consumption).  In 2011, Parks use accounted for approximately 152 million gallons (2.7% of total water consumption).  Total water consumption across all customers was approximately 5,562 million gallons.


Kirk W. Kincannon, CPRP
Director, Parks and Recreation
City of Boulder, Colorado
303-413-7200