Xcel Energy intends to replace a leaky pipeline that takes water out of Cascade Creek and sends it to the Tacoma Generating Station, a project that could take up to two years.
Michelle Aguayo, a spokeswoman for Xcel Energy, said the 1.37-mile steel pipeline was installed in the 1950s and has deteriorated to the point where maintenance can no longer prevent water leakage.
The pipeline is part of the Tacoma Generating Station system, a 4.6-megawatt hydroelectric plant built in 1905 that is located in an isolated part of the Animas River Canyon, north of Rockwood.
The plant is accessible only by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad track, and Xcel Energy has its own track cars and travel times on the railroad schedule.
The plant originally provided power for Durango and Silverton’s mining operations, but now, Aguayo said the plant generates electricity that is fed into La Plata Electric Association lines.
Water for the plant comes from 18 miles upstream on Cascade Creek, passing through a 4,400-foot open wooden flume, then into a 3-mile steel pipe, ultimately ending up in Electra Lake, a 22,364-acre-foot holding basin for year-round operations.
The project – mostly located in San Juan County, with about 60 feet located in La Plata County – will be broken into two phases. The applicant is listed as Public Service Co. of Colorado, doing business as Xcel Energy.
In 2020, the southern half of the pipeline will be replaced. Aguayo said depending on weather, crews will begin preparations in April, with construction expected to start in May. She said Xcel Energy hopes to have the first phase completed in November.
Then, in 2021, Xcel Energy will focus on the northern half of the pipeline, with an expected completion date in November of that year.
Aguayo said the pipeline crosses 10 different properties.
“We do not expect any impacts to the nearby neighbors,” she said. “However, we have been working directly with the Cascade Village HOA for more than a year on planning.”
In an emailed statement, the Board of Directors at Cascade Village said it has been “working closely with Xcel Energy to minimize any adverse impact in the community. The board appreciates Xcel’s efforts to maintain the existing system and their efforts to provide green energy to the area.”
The board declined further comment.
Most of the construction will take place within the easement of the existing pipeline, Aguayo said. And, construction traffic will be planned to continue to allow residents a way in and out of the Cascade Village and Twilight Meadows subdivisions.
Aguayo pointed out the pipeline was put in place before Cascade Village and Twilight Meadows were built, and over time, landscaping was planted within Xcel Energy’s easement. As a result, the company has no legal obligation to replace the trees.
But, she said, Xcel Energy has worked with nearby residents to develop a plan to replace landscaping where possible.
“As with any Xcel Energy project, safety is a priority and there are times when landscaping needs to be removed in order to safely complete those projects,” she said.
Willy Tookey, administrator for San Juan County, said the San Juan County Planning Commission approved the project Dec 10. The San Juan County Board of Commissioners is expected to make a final vote on the project Jan.8, which will include the chance for public comment.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
