PRF/PAP Activities
Pollutant Reduction Facilities (PRFs) and Pollution Abatement Projects (PAPs) are structural measures and pollution reducing activities (projects) that include but are not limited to, stream reclamation, detention/water quality pond and retrofits, wetlands, filtration, infiltration, and other technologies with the primary purpose of reducing pollutant concentrations entering the Reservoir and protecting the beneficial uses of the Reservoir. Like an MS4-required stormwater control measure, a PRF reduces pollutants in stormwater runoff; however, the term PRF is used because a PRF does not discriminate as to the source of the stormwater. PRFs remove pollutants from all upstream stormwater, whether regulated by an MS4 or not. In-Channel PRFs effectively treat runoff from recent as well as past development.
Stormwater Controls
PRFs are stormwater controls constructed by CCBWQA. CCBWQA's PRFs include stream reclamation, shoreline stabilization, detention, wetlands, and other activities that provide water quality benefits for the Reservoir by reducing pollutants carried by stormwater from existing and future land disturbances. Similar projects constructed by local governments are also stormwater controls.
Funding of PRFs
The costs and benefits of all potential PRFs are evaluated at the conceptual level prior to design and construction. If costs and benefits appear to be reasonable, the PRF is added to the master list of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) planned by CCBWQA. Each year CCBWQA updates its 10-year CIP plan to identify projects to fund in the coming years. Annually, the Board selects projects from the 10-year CIP for implementation, based on recommendations from the TAC and subject to available funds.
Below is an example of a project comparison graph showing the cost benefit analysis ($/Lb of Phosphorus Immobilization) of CIP projects for future year funding (2025). The project cost is based on an annualized project cost over 35 years at a 4% interest rate.
CCBWQA also works with Cherry Creek State Park to maintain PRFs in the park. As part of this effort, CCBWQA staff conduct an annual inspection of PRFs to identify routine maintenance requirements (e.g., mowing, weed control), as well as repairs and anticipated rehabilitation needs.
Useful Links
2024 Active Projects Extents
CIP Identification and Prioritization
Beginning in June of 2024 and with input from the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority (CCBWQA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Subcommittee future guidance has been developed for identification and prioritization of potential CIP projects and future CIP projects. It's the goal of the process that future CIP projects will be evaluated by the proponent with assistance from the CCBWQA and prioritized by the CCBWQA with the help of the TAC CIP Subcommittee. The basis of prioritization has focused on four (4) key categories which have been identified by members of the subcommittee and CCBWQA contractors. The prioritization categories are outlined in more detail below and were selected to align with CCBWQA’s mission to improve, protect and preserve water quality in Cherry Creek and Cherry Creek Reservoir.
Summary of Progress and Looking Forward
The TAC CIP subcommittee met in June, August and December of 2024. A draft of the CIP Prioritization was presented in the December 2024 subcommittee meeting and comments were requested by January 17, 2025. Upon receipt of comments provided the CIP prioritization draft will be revised for the next meeting in Q1 of 2025 with the goal to have a process in place by 2026.