Auraria Campus Infrastructure Master Plan

Near and long-term capacity issues for storm, sanitary and water infrastructure were analyzed as part of this master plan.

The AHEC Campus Infrastructure Master Plan investigated and reviewed the system infrastructure to analyze capacity and to determine if infrastructure might need relocation to accommodate future building sites as shown in the Campus Building Layout Master Plan.  

STORM: The existing storm sewer network of 6.5 miles of underground pipe infrastructure is extensive within the AHEC campus. There are at least 21 stormwater detention/water quality ponds throughout the campus. There are three main flood hazard sources affecting the AHEC campus: South Platte River, Cherry Creek, and the tributary basin itself. A large portion of the campus is currently within the mapped South Platte River 100-year floodplain. However, the South Platte River floodplain will be confined to the channel corridor after completion of the South Platte River Zuni/Sun Valley Restoration project designed by Matrix, which will remove Auraria from the regulatory floodplain. Regional solutions were explored for the campus area, and stormwater was recommended to be managed in ways that are sustainable and will not create large unusable areas.
 
SANITARY: The Sanitary Sewer System was analyzed using a GIS-based program developed by Matrix for the City & County of Denver. It identifies existing sanitary sewer line capacity, condition and performance within the campus; assesses the future sewer line capacity needs; identifies missing segments within the existing sewer system that will be required for future development; and addresses capacity upgrades necessary to allow for future development. The study recommends multiple sanitary sewer projects aimed at alleviating possible capacity limitations, structural failings, or existing sanitary sewer location conflicts with proposed buildings.

WATER: The campus contains approximately 5.2 miles of water mains. The public water system infrastructure was evaluated based upon four criteria: near-term capacity, long-term capacity, as well as condition and relocation assessments that might be necessary to accommodate future building sites. Approximately 54% (14,716 lineal feet) of these pipes are proposed to be improved over the next 20 years at a cost of approximately $5.1 million.