History
The formation of the Alamosa River Foundation was initiated by the settlement of a lawsuit brought by the United States of America and the State of Colorado against Robert M. Friedland, et al., under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 for response costs relating to the release of hazardous substances at the Summitville Mine Superfund Site. The Alamosa River watershed was adversely impacted by this mining pollution.
As part of the $28.5 million settlement of the lawsuit, $5 million was designated in addressing "Natural Resource Damages." The State and Federal Natural Resource Trustees entered into two memoranda of understanding ("MOUs") pursuant to which they will act together to develop a comprehensive plan for restoring, replacing or acquiring equivalent resources in the Alamosa River.
In 2005, the Alamosa River Watershed Restoration Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (Master Plan) was completed under the guidance of the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
The Master Plan summarizes current environmental conditions and develops solutions for identified problems that will lead to a healthier watershed. The scope of the Master Plan includes the entire watershed and covers a broad array of natural resources and watershed functions and values. A result is a multi-disciplinary approach to watershed assessment that has produced a prioritized plan for watershed restoration and enhancement.
As part of the $28.5 million settlement of the lawsuit, $5 million was designated in addressing "Natural Resource Damages." The State and Federal Natural Resource Trustees entered into two memoranda of understanding ("MOUs") pursuant to which they will act together to develop a comprehensive plan for restoring, replacing or acquiring equivalent resources in the Alamosa River.
In 2005, the Alamosa River Watershed Restoration Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (Master Plan) was completed under the guidance of the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
The Master Plan summarizes current environmental conditions and develops solutions for identified problems that will lead to a healthier watershed. The scope of the Master Plan includes the entire watershed and covers a broad array of natural resources and watershed functions and values. A result is a multi-disciplinary approach to watershed assessment that has produced a prioritized plan for watershed restoration and enhancement.