Dillon completes wetland study on potential workforce housing site – SummitDaily.com

Report on Workforce Housing Development and Wetlands Study in Dillon

Introduction

On December 2, Dillon town staff presented findings from an environmental consulting firm’s wetlands study to the Dillon Town Council. The study focused on two town-owned lots recommended for a workforce housing project, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Background of the Land

1. The town acquired two lots north of Walgreens on Little Beaver Drive near Interstate 70 in 2004.
2. Originally intended for water wells, the site was found to have insufficient water flow after initial drilling.
3. The water department sealed the well, and the property has remained under town ownership.

Proposal for Workforce Housing

• Town staff now recommend repurposing the land for workforce housing, supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing affordable housing options for workers.
• Transferring the land from the water fund to the housing fund aims to alleviate financial pressure on the water fund, which faces major capital projects in upcoming years.
• To ensure environmental compliance, the town commissioned Pinyon Environmental to conduct a wetland delineation study.

Wetlands Delineation and Environmental Considerations

1. The delineation identified wetlands on the site, enabling the creation of development concepts that preserve most wetlands while allowing approximately one acre of developable land.
2. National permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allow removal of up to half an acre of wetlands with simplified procedures, facilitating responsible development under SDG 15.
3. Pinyon Environmental submitted the study results to the Corps to initiate the permit application process.
4. The Corps will determine if the wetlands qualify as Waters of the United States, which would regulate the development at the federal level; otherwise, state-level processes will apply.

Further Assessments and Budget

• Additional analyses, including threatened species and archaeological assessments, are planned to ensure comprehensive environmental stewardship.
• Pinyon Environmental is expected to conduct these assessments, with funding allocated in the 2026 housing budget.

Council Feedback and Next Steps

1. Council members expressed mixed opinions:
   • Support for the location’s potential from Council Member Oliver Luck, emphasizing SDG 11.
   • Concerns from Council Member Kyle Hendricks regarding the wetlands permitting process and proximity to Interstate 70.
   • Mayor Carolyn Skowyra highlighted the opportunity presented by town ownership but noted walkability concerns, an important factor in sustainable urban development.
2. Plans to improve walkability include adding sidewalks to the area, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11.
3. Staff acknowledged multiple steps remain before the workforce housing project can proceed.

Conclusion

The proposed workforce housing project on town-owned land in Dillon represents a strategic effort to address affordable housing needs while balancing environmental protection and sustainable urban planning. The project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1, SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 11, and SDG 15, demonstrating the town’s commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses workforce housing development in Dillon, focusing on land use, urban planning, and infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, which relate to creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The town’s initial intention to use the land for water wells and concerns about water flow and water fund stress relate to sustainable management of water resources.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article highlights wetland delineation, environmental assessments, and regulations related to wetlands protection, which connect to the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including wetlands.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (implied by workforce housing development).
   • Access to public transport and pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalk plans mentioned).
2. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Water use efficiency measured by volume of water withdrawn per sector (implied by water well flow and water fund stress).
   • Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality (implied by wetland protection and delineation).
3. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas (implied by wetland delineation and regulatory permits).
   • Trends in extent, condition and risk of loss of natural habitats (implied by wetland removal limits and environmental assessments).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: summitdaily.com