Board approves permanent water-line easement at DuPont Open Space for Laveres Water and Sanitation

The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on June 24 approved a permanent underground utility easement and a temporary restoration license at DuPont Open Space to allow Laveres Water and Sanitation to reroute a community water line and improve water quality and delivery to the La Beers area.

Open Space staff said the project was funded with ARPA-directed dollars, approved by the Open Space Advisory Committee and reviewed by the county’s conservation easement holder, Douglas Land Conservancy. The proposed permanent easement crosses open-space land adjacent to DuPont Park; a temporary license area will allow grading and restoration work on sloped ground. Staff said all disturbed areas will be re-seeded and returned to their natural state, and that the easement documents and the license agreement incorporate restoration language consistent with the county’s conservation-easement requirements and the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Sales Tax Resolution.

Dan Dierks of Open Space and Natural Resources introduced Ranger crew member Chase Eberly, who presented project details including the location adjacent to DuPont Park, the permanent easement area and the temporary restoration license. Chase Eberly said staff recommends approval and confirmed the project meets objectives of the 2030 Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan.

No public comment was received at the hearing. A commissioner moved to approve the easement; another seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Staff indicated the easement will allow construction of a rerouted water line, require post-construction restoration and conform to the county’s conservation-easement and open-space policies. The county will execute a permanent underground water-line easement with Laveres Water and Sanitation and a temporary license for restoration work as described in the staff presentation.