CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR REQUESTS ARMY CORPS REVIEW OF WOLF CREEK DEVELOPMENT

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) today formally requested the Army Corps of Engineers to review the impact of the proposed Village at Wolf Creek development. As a Member of the House Water and Resources Subcommittee, Salazar has direct jurisdiction over the Army Corps of Engineers and water quality protection.

“As I have said before, a project of this scope and size simply cannot continue,” said Salazar. “The project will severely hurt downstream water uses and could jeopardize the future of the Wolf Creek Ski Area and the surrounding environment.  The Army Corps has an important role in protecting our water resources and I expect to work with them closely in the upcoming weeks to guarantee the safety and well being of our communities.”

The following is the complete text of Salazar’s request to the Army Corps of Engineers:

LTC Todd Wang, P.E.
District Engineer
Army Corps of Engineers

Dear Lt. Col. Wang:

I write to ask for clarification on the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) jurisdiction over the Wolf Creek Development project. 

As you know, this project has become controversial and is largely opposed by the local community.  I believe the project will severely harm downstream water uses and could potentially jeopardize the future of the Wolf Creek Ski Area and the surrounding environment.  It would be negligent on our part if we did not question whether the area has the natural resources in place to sustain a project and ready-made community of this magnitude over time.

Given your agencies role in protecting our nation’s water resources, I ask that you answer the following questions as they relate to the Wolf Creek Development Project:

 1. In your opinion, will the current scope and size of the project impact the adjoining wetlands?  With that  in mind, is the development of this project subject to the issuance of a permit under Section 404 of the   Clean Water Act?
 
 2. What is the Corps doing to monitor the situation and to ensure that the developer has applied for proper   permitting?  Or is the Corps currently reviewing a petition by the developer for a Section 404 permit?
 
 3. If the developer has not yet applied for a 404 permit but the Corps reasonably believes one will be    required, what authority does the Corps have to request a permit application before any development begins?
 
 4. Are there any other permitting processes that the developer may be subject to under the Clean Water Act   or the jurisdiction of the ACOE?

 5. What role has the EPA had in the process for wetland issues at the project site? It is my
 understanding they have offered their expertise and could help assist in a complete 
 delineation and analysis of possible impact to the wetlands and the watershed.

I would appreciate a prompt and thorough response to each of these questions as they pertain to the Wolf Creek Development project.  I am concerned that if these questions are not addressed immediately we will find ourselves in an even worse situation.

Again, my main concern is the impact this project will have on water resources for the region.  The Corps should play a critical role in ensuring that this project does not jeopardize the adjoining wetland and future water resources.

I know that you take your mission seriously and ask for your agency to exercise its oversight authority on this particular project.  Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

/s

John T. Salazar
Member of Congress