Sept. 14, 2021

Western Area Power Administration Moves Transmission Lines at Chimney Hollow

Earlier this year, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) crews moved 3.5 miles of transmission lines in the Chimney Hollow valley to make way for construction  of Chimney Hollow Reservoir, which began in August. The lines were moved to above high-water line on the west side of the valley.   

The new lines feature bird diverters that resemble corkscrews to help protect birds as they fly by, as well as discourage them from sitting or roosting on the lines. The diverters were installed by helicopter crews in approximately 25-foot increments along the top line. Cones were also installed at the top of each pole to keep birds from building nests.  

WAPA is a power marketing administration within the Department of Energy that markets and transmits wholesale electrical power across 15 states. WAPA owns the transmission lines in the valley. 

The Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project is a collaboration between 12 Northeastern Colorado water providers to improve the reliability of, or make firm, water supplies from the Windy Gap Project. Chimney Hollow Reservoir will be located just west of Carter Lake in Larimer County to provide dedicated storage to supply a reliable 30,000 acre-feet of water each year. Construction started in August of this year.