Denver Water’s Reservoir Expansion Halted by Federal Judge’s Ruling

DENVER, Colo. — A federal judge has issued a permanent injunction against the expansion of Denver Water‘s Gross Reservoir, citing significant potential harm to the environment. The ruling was made on Thursday, and it halts the project until the Army Corps of Engineers completes a thorough reassessment of environmental risks.

The decision reflects concerns over the reservoir’s expansion’s impacts, particularly regarding climate change and demand forecasts that lacked sufficient conservation measures. Judge Aguello emphasized the difficulty of reversing environmental damage, stating that once disrupted, such ecosystems may never return to their original state.

“Environmental damage cannot be easily reversed, if ever,” Judge Aguello remarked, drawing an analogy to a sandstone arch in Utah that becomes irreparably damaged once it collapses. “Denver Water’s premature actions in this project, especially in cutting down approximately 500,000 trees, cannot proceed without a revised assessment of future water needs and ecological impacts.”

The ruling indicates that until the Army Corps conducts a diligent review of alternatives to the expansion and considers climate factors, further construction will remain paused. Currently, there is no timeline provided for when the reassessment might be completed.

Critics of the ruling argue that the lengthy permitting processes hinder efficiency in expanding energy infrastructure. They note that it typically takes an average of seven years to gain construction permissions for electricity transmission lines connecting renewable energy sources to the grid.

“It is ridiculous how some agencies can’t conduct timely reviews without causing excessive delays,” commented a source familiar with the permitting challenges surrounding renewable energy projects. “If we don’t address these bureaucratic hurdles, it will stymie our ability to meet growing demand for water and energy as Denver’s population continues to rise.”

On the other hand, environmental advocates praise the ruling as a necessary measure to prioritize ecological integrity over development plans. They maintain that any expansion should be carefully scrutinized to protect vital resources like water.

“We need to fundamentally recognize that the earth’s resources are finite,” said an environmental advocate who wished to remain anonymous. “Unchecked development without responsible water management places our future in jeopardy.”

With the ruling now in place, Denver Water awaits the outcome of potential appeals and the Army Corps’ next steps, which will determine the future of the Gross Reservoir expansion project.