CONSTRUCTION FAQS
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions related to construction of the proposed project. See the Wild Horse Reservoir Project FAQs webpage for other FAQs.
A. The project is currently in the planning and pre-permitting phase. Aurora Water is working with federal, state, and local government officials to determine the best path forward for the environmental reviews and permit processes. We expect that the review and permitting processes will take at least two more years. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Learn more about the project review and permitting process.
Q. What is the timeline for completion? When would the reservoir open?
A. If all required permits, authorizations, and approvals are secured, Aurora Water anticipates initiating construction in the late 2020s or early 2030s. Due to weather conditions at the project site, major construction activities would occur primarily during the warmer months for six to seven years. After construction is complete, it will likely take more than five years to fill up. To stay up to date with the latest information, please sign up for Aurora Water’s Wild Horse Reservoir Project eNewsletter.
Q. How would the construction of Wild Horse Reservoir Project impact those living and working in the area?
A. If the project is approved, Aurora Water is committed to working closely with Park County, local residents, and businesses to minimize and address potential construction impacts. As with any large infrastructure project, Aurora Water would anticipate increased truck and vehicle traffic, noise, dust, and some road detours. These impacts would be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
As part of the environmental review and permitting processes, potential impacts will be evaluated along with considerations of how potential environmental and social impacts could be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated. To stay up to date with the latest information, please sign up for Aurora Water’s Wild Horse Reservoir Project eNewsletter.
Q. Who would be doing the construction?
A. Aurora Water has selected Colorado-based Flatiron and joint-venture partners Dragados USA and Sukut Construction (FDS JV) to provide Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) services for the proposed Wild Horse Reservoir Project. FDS JV would hire subcontractors as needed to complete the construction.
Q. How many workers would be at the construction site?
A. Approximately 600 temporary jobs at the peak of construction.
Q. Where would all those workers live/stay?
A. To the extent practical, FDS JV would hire as many local employees as possible. Additional construction staffing options are being explored, including using RVs and/or constructing temporary workforce housing.
Q. How long would it take to build?
A. Construction would occur seasonally during the warmer months over approximately six to seven years. To stay up to date with the latest information, please sign up for Aurora Water’s Wild Horse Reservoir Project eNewsletter.
Q. I have seen crews, equipment, or vehicles at one of the locations for the Wild Horse Reservoir Project. Who is working at the possible Wild Horse Reservoir Project sites?
A. No work on the reservoir project is being performed at this time as we are still in the pre-permitting and planning phase. There will periodically be workers at some of the sites conducting field work surveys and geotechnical work with the approval of local landowners. Periodically, there is also maintenance work performed on the Otero pipeline that runs from west to east near the proposed project locations.
Q. What is geotechnical work?
A. Geotechnical work is used to determine what type of soils, rocks, and subsurface geology exists at the site. This involves geological exploration and mapping, including drilling and trenching work. The geotechnical work is performed on Aurora-owned property and some private properties with the landowner’s permission. The data collected through this work is required for the design environmental reviews. Crews and equipment may be seen in various locations.
Q. What will predesign and preconstruction services entail and will there be impacts to local residents?
A. During the preconstruction design phase, engineers and contractors will collaborate with Aurora Water to analyze constructability and optimal design options, identify potential risks, and determine potential cost-saving opportunities. Other priorities include building department reviews and required permitting, developing work package specifications and associated cost estimates, and establishing an overall project schedule.
A. If the project is approved, a portion of County Road (CR) 53 would be realigned to the east side of the Wild Horse South Reservoir site. The date of such work would be identified following the the completion of environmental reviews and obtaining all required permits, authorizations, and approvals. Aurora Water would work closely with Park County regarding the timing of the road realignment and communicate work impacts to area residents in advance.
Q. If several county roads will be impacted, how would I get access to my private property?
A. Aurora would work with Park County on any road realignments, detours, and temporary access roads, including CR 53. Some roads may be detoured or closed for short periods; however, access to properties in the area would be maintained. Aurora Water is working on a more detailed road plan that would ensure that all property owners are able to maintain access to their property.
To stay up to date on the latest news and information, subscribe to the Wild Horse Reservoir Project newsletter.
