The Strontia Springs Reservoir Pressure Reducing Valve Station (PRV Station) located at the west end of Waterton Canyon is a critical facility for Aurora Water which operationally receives raw water from Strontia Springs Reservoir via Tunnel No. 1. The 1984 Construction of the PRV Station site required cutting into surrounding rock, resulting in exposed, steep, and highly fractured rock faces both around the Station and along the access road leading to the Station. The level and inclination of fracturing makes them prone to rockfalls, the rate and severity of which is exacerbated by winter freeze-thaw cycles. The slope on the southwest side of the PRV Station is of particular concern due to its proximity to the PRV Station & Tunnel No. 1 east portal, and unfavorable foliation orientation. As time has progressed, larger and larger rocks have come loose from the slope with the potential for loss of life as well as causing an interruption of delivery of Aurora’s Mountain Water supply. The proposed work, would include tree removal, construction safety measures to protect the PRV Station and downslope Denver Water Facilities, hand & mechanical rock scaling, access road widening, accumulated debris removal & installation of “K”- Rail barriers along the road cut to the PRV Station.
