Movement of the Games to another United States site would mean the transfer of many environmental impacts. If existing facilities could be utilized at a different site, site impacts would be minimized. This alternative amounts to a recycling of Olympic sites. The environmental impacts of this alternative would appear to be less than other alternatives because only areas already impacted would be used. This alternative is not considered possible under the regulations of the DOC. Under those regulations, only cities may bid to host Olympic Games. No other American city was included in the final bidding for the 1976 Games; no other city worldwide has evidenced recent interest in hosting the Games if Denver cannot fulfill its commitments as host. Thus, it is again likely that this alternative, in effect, is similar to the "no action" alternative. The following are technical alternatives for each of the five proposed facility complexes. 6. Biathlon Any biathlon site must not exceed an elevation of 7,800 feet above mean sea level according to regulations of the International Ski Foundation. With this in mind, the following sites on the East Slope were quickly reviewed and rejected by DOC because of inadequate snow conditions, insufficient slope, or poor exposure: (a) Bergen Park, (b) Crescent, (c) Black Forest, (d) Pine, (e) Bailey, (f) Upper Bear Creek, (g) Evergreen, (h) Stransky Ranch, (i) Homewood Ranch, (j) Buffalo Creek, and (k) Indian Park. No West Slope sites other than Steamboat Springs were specifically considered in depth for this event. That city was chosen because of almost 100 percent probability of adequate snow conditions and because of adequate housing and related accommodations already being available. No other city on the West Slope has this combination of snow, accessibility, housing and related accommodations. The environmental impact of alternatives to Steamboat Springs is likely to be no less than the impact of the biathlon events on Steamboat Springs and in most cases likely would be more because of the need to produce artificial snow if an East Slope site were chosen and/or to construct new additional athletic and spectator facilities. 7. Bobsled and Luge This event essentially is artificially produced and, as such, the course and related appurtenances might be located at almost any location west of Denver with sufficient slope for the 5,000-foot run. Doublehead Mountain was chosen because it follows the commuting distance criteria, may have sufficient water for the refrigerated run, and has ready access to principal transportation routes. Many other suitable areas for a bobsled and luge run probably exist in the foothills and throughout the entire Olympic influence zone. These sites, for the most part, likely would have similar terrain, soils, vegetation, waterflow conditions and development characteristics. Thus, if alternative site characteristics are approximately the same and because the bobsled and luge facility design is the same irrespective of location, then it is believed that the environmental impacts for alternative sites for this event also would be approximately the same. This would not be true if an alternative site was found to contain truly unique natural features or wildlife species. However, no such area has been considered. 8. Nordic As planned, the Nordic events would be held in Steamboat Springs along with the biathlon events. Because both sports require for the most part similar terrain and snow conditions, the alternative site selection of DOC was carried on simultaneously for both at each area examined. Therefore, the alternative discussion in Item 6, Biathlon, applies also in this case. 9. Ski Jumping As in the case of the bobsled and luge, the DOC choose Doublehead Mountain because it is technically feasible to use snowmaking machines for this event and thereby to hold the ski jumping on the East Slope. A ski jumping complex requires a slope of 33 to 35 percent average grade with a level overrun and protection from sun and wind. Available water is also required for the snowmaking machines. The following East Slope alternative sites were examined and rejected by DOC for the following reasons: (a) Pence Park, Indian Hills-terrain too flat; (b) Berrain Mountain, Evergreen-too flat; (c) Bergen Mountain, Bergen Park-slope too exposed; (d) Genesee Mountain-part of proposed subdivision; (e) Stapleton Drive-too flat, no overrun; (f) South Table Mountain, Goldentoo exposed; (g) Legault Mountain, Conifer-too flat, no overrun; (h) Soda Creek, Bergen Park-Interstate 70 cuts across; (i) Shaffer Hill-too flat, houses nearby; and (j) Empire-too windy. It is considered likely that any other ski jumping site similar to Doublehead Mountain would have similar environmental impacts, as described under Section 7, bobsled and luge. As previously mentioned, sites may exist further from Denver on the West Slope. One, in particular, at Steamboat Springs likely would have less environmental impacts. 10. Speed Skating DOC chose the present proposed site because it is within Denver and located on publicly owned, vacant land not now dedicated for any particular public purpose. Similar alternative sites may exist throughout the city. Numerable other alternative sites could be chosen if no considerations were given to relocation of land uses and people or to the expense involved. It is thought likely that any similar facility located in any other area of the city would have similar or possibly more significant environmental impacts arising from such items as increased congestion, construction and demands on city services. D. Differing Design Criteria for the Sports Facilities and Appurtenances Two facility design alternatives are considered: (1) no or considerably reduced numbers of spectators and (2) no afteruse. 1. No or Few Spectators Each facility complex must contain certain physical structures to meet international regulations for that particular event. Beyond the basic necessities for the sport, however, most additional structures planned as part of the proposed projects would provide for the spectator and for his comfort. Therefore, the alternative exists at every site of eliminating all or most sport structures other than those absolutely necessary for the events, athletes, and judges. This alternatively likely would substantially reduce specific environmental impacts at each site and in the vicinity of the site by reducing disturbances of soils, vegetation and elements of the natural environment. The degree of reduction likely would be different for each of four complexes, the ski jump, Nordic, Biathlon, and bobsled and luge. For example, the elimination at the ski jumping facility of the 35,000 to 50,000 planned spectators and elimination of all structures and areas needed to accommodate them would substantially and significantly reduce site impacts of that event. This alternative might permit the media to continue to cover the Games. In this manner, the same numbers of people might be able to view the events, but none at the sites. From an environmental viewpoint, a substantial reduction in spectators might significantly reduce environmental site impacts arising from construction. 2. No Afteruse This alternative consists of planning all or most facilities on a temporary basis and after the events removing any structures and restoring the site as best as possible to its original condition. Under this alternative, afteruse potential would no longer be a major consideration in Olympic planning. The environmental impact of this alternative would be to reduce or eliminate most site impacts from facility development. For the most part, only the Olympic period use impacts (11 days) of people, cars, congestion and public services would remain. A variation of this alternative would be to plan on a temporary basis those facilities with the most substantial impacts, the bobsled and luge and ski jumping facilities. This would eliminate a major portion of the total sum of the five site impacts. This alternative would appear to be immediately more expensive than the proposed project because of the cost of demolition of the facilities and restoration. However, operation and management costs would not be incurred in the future and, therefore, in the longrun this alternative might be less expensive. IX. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHERS A. Consultation and Coordination in the Development of the Proposal and Preparation of the Draft Environmental Statement The project proposal to fund a major portion of the 1976 Winter Olympic effort by Congressional appropriations was developed by the Denver Organizing Committee for the 1976 Winter Olympics Incorporated in consultation with (1) the Colorado Congressional delegation, (2) the Office of Management and Budget, and (3) the Department of the Interior. Materials concerning the present Olympic planning effort were received from DOC public records and were incorporated as appropriate into the project descriptions. Numerous individual expressions of private views and newspaper articles were considered as background material in the preparation of this draft. The present Olympic effort has generated considerable controversy in the Denver region and State of Colorado. Those aspects of the controversy which involve environmental matters also were considered as background material in the preparation of the document. B. Coordination in the Review of the Draft Environmental Statement Comments have been requested from: Department of Agriculture Department of Transportation Department of Housing and Urban Development State Clearinghouse Denver Regional Council of Governments Routt County Regional Planning Commission Additional informational copies have been provided to : Routt, Eagle, and Jefferson Counties City and County of Denver City of Steamboat Springs Metropolitan Sewage District Denver Organizing Committee for the 1976 Olympics, Inc. Colorado Olympic Committee DOC Planning Board Colorado Open Space Council Rocky Mountain Center on the Environment Regional Transportation District The final statement shall include in this section a summary of views received on the draft statement, a summary of public responses, and a description of any unresolved conflicts. SENATE BILL No. 91 (Land use legislation as adopted by the 1971 Colorado General Assembly) AN ACT-CONCERNING LAND USE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO, AND PROVIDING FOR THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COLORADO LAND USE COMMISSION AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION THEREFORE Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado: Section 1. Chapter 106, Colorado Revised Statutes 1963, as amended by article 4 as amended by the 1971 legislature: 106-4-1. Legislative declaration-short title. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that the rapid growth and development of the state and the resulting demands on its land resources make new and innovative measures necessary to encourage planned and orderly land use development; to provide for the needs of agriculture, forestry, industry, business, residential communities, and recreation in future growth; to encourage uses of land and other natural resources which are in accordance with their character and adaptability; to conserve soil, water, and forest resources; to protect the beauty of the landscape; and to promote the efficient and economical use of public resources. The general assembly further finds and declares that there is an increasing mutuality of interest and responsibility between the various levels of government in the state which calls for coordinate and unified policies in planning for growth and development in the interests of order and economy, and that the most effective means of attaining the objects set forth in this article is the adoption of the statewide system of land use. (2) In order to provide the leadership necessary to meet the objectives of this article, the general assembly authorizes the Colorado land use commission to develop and hold hearings upon state land use plans and maps and related implementation techniques. It is the intent of the general assembly that land use, land use planning, and quality of development are matters in which the state has responsibility for the health, welfare, and safety of the people of the state and for the protection of the environment of the state. (3) This article may be cited as the "Colorado Land Use Act". 1064-2. Establishment of commission. (1)(a) There is hereby established, within the office of the governor, the Colorado land use commission, hereinafter called the "commission". The commission shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed in the manner and shall serve for terms as set forth in this section. The commission shall assume its duties June 1, 1970, and all terms of commission members shall commence on that date. (b) Five members shall be appointed by the governor, including one each from the present area of the first, second, and third congressional districts and two from the fourth congressional district, one of which shall reside east of the continental divide and one west of the divide, no more than three members shall be from any one major political party. The term of office of the members appointed under this paragraph (b) shall be five years, except that of the members appointed to take office on June 1, 1970, one shall be appointed for a one-year term, one shall be appointed for a two-year term, one shall be appointed for a three-year term, one shall be appointed for a four-year term, and one shall be appointed for a five-year term. Any vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the governor for the unexpired term. (c) The governor shall also appoint four members who shall serve at his pleasure, one of whom shall reside in southwest Colorado and one in northwest Colorado. (2) The commission shall elect a chairman from among its members. The members shall receive no compensation for their service on the commission but shall be reibursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. (3) The commission is authorized to utilize its own staff or to contract for services in the performance of its duties. The departments and agencies of state and local government shall make available to the commission such data and information as are necessary for it to perform its duties. The commission may receive and utilize funds from federal or other governmental agencies and grants and gifts from any other sources. It shall adopt rules for its conduct and maintain a public record of its activities, accomplishments, and recommendations. 106-4-3. Duties of the commission-temporary emergency power. (1) (a) In order to carry out the purposes of this article, the commission is authorized and directed to develop, hold hearings upon, and submit to the general assembly a progress report by February 1, 1972, an interim plan by September 1, 1972, and a final land use planning program by December 1, 1973. All such submittals shall relate to a total land use planning program for the state of Colorado and shall include related implementation techniques, which may include but need not be limited to an environmental matrix, management matrix. growth monitoring systems, and impact model. In developing the land use planning program, the commission shall utilize and recognize to the fullest extent possible, all existing uses, plans, policies, standards, and procedures affecting land use at the local, state, and federal levels and particularly note where, in its opinion, deficiencies exist. The land use planning program shall also specify development policy and procedures for the future. (b) In developing its land use planning program, the commission shall recognize that the decision-making authority as to the character and use of land shall be at the lowest level of government possible, consistent with the purposes of this article. In this regard, the commission may establish criteria by which land use management problems will be classified as matters of state concern, matters of regional concern, matters of local concern, or such other classification as the commission may deem necessary and proper. Furthermore, the commission shall specifically include in its land use planning program the roles, responsibilties, and authority of the various levels and agencies of government. (c) The commission shall appoint, with approval of the governor, and consult with an advisory committee in the preparation of the land use planning program. Such advisory committee shall exist until January 10, 1974, and shall include, but need not be limited to, one representative of each of the following interests: Utilities, communication, transportation, petroleum, municipal government, county government, regional planning commissions, conservation, livestock, construction, Negro community, Mexican American commuity, mining, industrial, agriculture, land development, recreation, timber, real estate, and water, but at least one member of the advisory committee shall be appointed from each planning region of the state designated by the state planning office. (d) Four members of the general assembly shall also be appointed to the advisory committee to the commission to serve to January 10, 1974. Two members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one member from each of the two major political parties; and two members shall be appointed by the president of the senate, one member from each of the two major political parties. (e) In the preparation of the land use planning program, the commission shall hold such public hearings as it deems necessary, but in any event at least one meeting shall be held in each planning region of the state designated by the state planning office. (f) (i) In order that environmental and ecological factors may be given equal consideration to technical factors in the site selection of athletic events for the winter olympic games of 1976, the commission is empowered to: (ii) Cooperate with the Denver organizing committee for the 1976 olympics, incorporated, the United States olympic committee, and the international olympic committee in the site selection for the olympic events; (iii) Cooperate and contract with any other state agency created by law to participate in planning the olympics; (iv) Accept, on behalf and in the name of the state, gifts, donations, and grants, including grants of federal funds, for any purpose connected with the goals of this section. The commission shall have the power to direct the disposition of any such gift, donation, and grant so accepted for any purpose consistent with the terms and conditions under which given: (v) The basic duties and responsibilities of the commission regarding the 1976 winter olympics shall be: Evaluation of community impacts and other considerations related thereto; potential land consumption rates; and public investment programming and planning; and the commission shall designate to the governor the general and specific information necessary for the commission to perform its duties, and the governor shall require the Denver organizing committee or any state or other agency to furnish or agree to furnish such information before the governor approves the payment of any state moneys to such committee or agency; (vi) Specific recommendations and implementation measures developed by the commission shall be transmitted with adequate supporting materials to the governor and the general assembly for their action; (vii) Cooperate and consult with local officials in communities in which the olympic events are to be located to develop land use controls and insure that they are adequate to protect the environment; (viii) In the event local municipalities or counties in which the olympic events are to be located fail to provide land use controls with adequate environmental safeguards, the land use commission, upon the recommendation of the governor, is empowered to take steps to establish adequate land use regulations. (2) (a) Whenever in the normal course of its duties as set forth in this article the land use commission determines that there is in progress or proposed a land development activity which constitutes a danger of irreparable injury, loss, or damage of serious and major proportions to the public health, welfare, or safety. the commission shall immediately give written notice to the board of county |