Study effects on Castle Creek

Dear Editor:

I have owned property on Sneaky Lane for more than 25 years. We have so many wonderful memories of the beautiful Castle Creek, and all of the nature surrounding it.

We are saddened and angered about the prospect of this beautiful asset being ruined because of a severely decreased flow of water due to a hydroelectric plant whose benefit is very questionable. To my knowledge there has been no study done that definitively determines the results of such a decrease in the flow. There is the distinct possibility that the flora and fauna will be forever altered, if not destroyed completely. This is totally unacceptable, especially for something whose overall benefits are unknown.

If the Castle Creek/Maroon Creek areas are adversely affected by the decreased flow of water, it will directly affect property values all along the creeks. This will be devastating to the homeowners in the area, as well as businesses that are affected.

I request that Aspen’s City Council delay a decision on this rezoning application and subdivision, PUD and growth management reviews, and request that the city undertake either a comprehensive environmental impact study or environmental assessment to determine the ramifications of removing 25 cubic feet per second from Castle Creek and 27 cfs from Maroon Creek.

Thank you very much.

Kit Goldsbury

Aspen