Environmental

1. Where are the wildlife crossing and controls?

Answer: The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) identified the area near Red Rock Canyon Open Space as the portion of the study area where wildlife crosses US 24 most frequently. We are considering design options and other corridor elements that would accommodate wildlife crossings. For example, we are evaluating an overpass and an interchange at Ridge Road that would separate highway and local traffic and would reduce the risk of wildlife-related accidents; we also will evaluate using shoulder and median barriers that allow wildlife to cross more easily, such as guard rails or cables rather than concrete “Jersey barriers.”

CDOW also noted that wildlife-related accidents appear to be fewer in number since Red Rock Canyon Open Space was opened to the public in 2005. They speculate that deer and other wildlife have responded to increased human presence by moving farther south and west into Section 16 and the Pike National Forest and thus spend less time moving between the Open Space, Fountain Creek, and Garden of the Gods.

2. In the environmental assessment, have you addressed the air pollution effect on the highway’s neighbors, the people, within 15 to 300 yards of the highway?

Answer: We will evaluate air quality effects of the proposed improvements for the environmental assessment. The air quality analysis will describe potential changes in regional air quality and will include more detailed “hot spot analysis” of carbon monoxide concentrations at specific locations.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Highway Administration are engaged in ongoing discussions regarding methods for evaluating pollutants known as mobile source air toxics; we will use the state-of-the-are air quality analysis in the Environmental Assessment.

3. All Options! Do you know or realize that the Fountain Creek watercourse is a habitat for a bird called the Water Ouzel. The banks provide nesting area for this bird. The bird is close to being a threatened creature. Any disruption of the banks will impact this creature.

Answer: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The water ouzel, also called the American dipper, is a fascinating bird that resides in mountain streams. The water ouzel does not receive protection from federal or Colorado wildlife agencies at this time, and was not identified by the state as a species of concern. We will investigate further with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the conservation status and potential presence of the water ouzel.

4. I’m concerned about possible health impacts of construction due to the disruption and dispersal of harmful chemicals. How will the soil be tested? Who will test it? How the dispersal of chemicals be mitigated?

Answer: The investigation of potential presence of harmful chemicals and other hazardous materials is conducted in several steps. We begin by checking records kept by state and local agencies of previously reported contamination — including land uses and business activity that could generate harmful chemicals — making site visits, and interviewing property owners.

If this first step indicates potential problems exist in areas that would either disrupt or disperse hazardous materials, tests would be conducted on soil and groundwater samples to characterize the potential problem. CDOT requires these tests be conducted by qualified firms and certified laboratories.

If this second step confirms that a potential problem exists, an action plan to limit exposure or reduce the presence of hazardous materials, also called “remediation,” would be developed by the project team, CDOT and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Specifics of any remediation plan would depend on the type, concentration and location of harmful chemicals.

5. Channelization of creek – same width at segment north of Garner/west of 8th Street?

Answer: Much of the US 24 corridor is within the 100-year floodplain of Fountain Creek. We currently are evaluating options to improve this condition through actions such as raising bridges over Fountain Creek, raising the roadbed of US 24, and improving the creek channel to convey water more efficiently. We expect our recommendation will include some combination of these options, and will reflect those results in our recommended improvements.

6. Will there be noise barriers included in any of the options for the Ridge Road Intersection? Comment: The noise levels now are getting worse especially at night! Truckers, shifting gears, heading up hill between 31st and Ridge Road.

Answer: We will evaluate noise effects of the proposed improvements for the environmental assessment, when a preferred alternative is determined. The analysis will identify noise sources such as cars and trucks and noise receptors such as homes, schools and businesses. In locations where noise levels exceed the national standards noise barriers and other strategies to reduce potential impacts from noise along the corridor will be evaluated for effectiveness.

7. Noise walls/traffic barriers are not addressed in the designs. In all designs, my backyard is 50 feet or less from the roadway. When will this be addressed?

Answer: We will evaluate noise effects of the proposed improvements for the environmental assessment, when a preferred alternative is determined. The analysis will identify noise sources such as cars and trucks and noise receptors such as homes, schools and businesses. In locations where noise levels exceed the national standards noise barriers and other strategies to reduce potential impacts from noise along the corridor will be evaluated for effectiveness.

8. Where are the noise walls going? Won’t we get more noise when you elevate US 24?

Answer: We will evaluate noise effects of the proposed improvements for the environmental assessment, when a preferred alternative is determined. The analysis will identify noise sources such as cars and trucks and noise receptors such as homes, schools and businesses. In locations where noise levels exceed the national standards noise barriers and other strategies to reduce potential impacts from noise along the corridor will be evaluated for effectiveness.