Englewood consultant reveals critical issues with Slaughterhouse Gulch and Beagle flumes

Littleton City Council is facing critical decisions regarding the future of two aging flume structures, following a comprehensive assessment by consultant Benish. The evaluation revealed significant deterioration in both the Beagle and Slaughterhouse Gulch flumes, with findings indicating corroded decks, leaking joints, and compromised steel supports. The assessment highlighted that both structures are at risk, with Slaughterhouse Gulch showing alarming signs of undermining, leaving only 10% of the soil supporting its foundation intact.

The council discussed three potential courses of action: repairing the existing structures, maintaining them in their current state, or removing and relocating parts of the flumes. Repairing both structures is estimated to cost around $300,000, while annual maintenance could range from $20,000 to $30,000 over the next decade. The relocation options present a more complex financial picture, with costs varying significantly based on the extent of the work. Moving just the truss of the Slaughterhouse Gulch flume could cost approximately $300,000, while relocating all nine spans could exceed $630,000, with total relocation costs potentially surpassing $1 million.

Inquiries during the session clarified that the City of Englewood has been responsible for the maintenance of these flumes since 1970, raising questions about accountability and future funding. The council is now tasked with weighing the financial implications of each option against the necessity of maintaining these historical structures, which may ultimately serve more as monuments than functional components of the city’s infrastructure.

As discussions continue, the council aims to determine the best path forward that balances fiscal responsibility with community heritage, ensuring that any decision made will serve the interests of Littleton residents effectively.