12-40-20 ADDITIONAL CRITERIA APPLICABLE TO MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL WATER PROJECTS
In addition to the general criteria set forth in Section 12.40.10, the following additional criteria apply to municipal and industrial water projects:
The Project shall emphasize the most efficient utilization of water by incorporating the best recycling, reuse and conservation of water practices; employing the most efficient utilization of facilities, diversion structures, pipes, conduits, ditches, reservoirs or other storage facilities; reducing water loss (including seepage and evaporation and evapotranspiration); and using the most recent and advanced technologies.
The Project will not result in excess capacity in existing water or wastewater treatment services or create duplicate services.
The Project shall be necessary to meet community development and population demands.
Urban development, population densities, and site layout and design of storm water and sanitation systems shall be accomplished in a manner that will prevent the pollution of aquifer recharge areas.
The Project does not adversely affect either surface or subsurface water rights of upstream or downstream users.
Adequate water supplies, as determined by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, are available for efficient operational needs.
Existing domestic water treatment systems must be at or near operational capacity.
Age of existing water systems, operational efficiency, state of repair or level of treatment is such that replacement, if applicable, is warranted.
The Project will not decrease the quality of peripheral or downstream surface or subsurface water resources below that most recently designated by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission for those waters.
The Project or its associated collector or distribution system or new service areas will not violate federal or state air quality standards.
The Project or its associated collector or distribution system will not significantly deteriorate aquatic habitats, marshlands and wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, steeply sloping or unstable terrain, forests and woodlands, critical wildlife habitat or other wildlife protection areas, big game migratory routes, calving grounds, migratory ponds, nesting areas and the habitats of rare and endangered species, public outdoor recreation areas, and unique areas of geologic, historic, or archaeological importance.
The Project or its associated collector or distribution system will not significantly degrade existing natural scenic characteristics, create blight, nor cause other nuisance factors such as excessive noise or noxious odors.
The Project or its associated collector or distribution system will not create an undue financial burden on existing or future residents within the development area and source area. The cost of securing an adequate supply of water for existing and future needs of the residents of this County shall be considered in determining whether an "undue financial burden" will result.
The Project complies with the County’s Scientific/Social Framework for Managing Impacts of Trans-Basin Water Diversions to Protect Stream Health in Pitkin County, Colorado, in accordance with the guidelines described therein.