Gilpin observer., 1899-03-23
BIG POWER PLANT
ON CLEAR CREEK,

date gave the following outline of Il
scheme for big electric power plant
in Clear Greek county:
For several years there has been a
demand for a cheaper plan for Operat-
Ing machinery and the treatment Of the
ores so that Il greater saving could be
made. This was partly overcome by
the adoption of plan of concentration
which has proved successful for the re-
covery of values from the ores of both
Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. The
cost has been reduced more than one
half, yet the large expense of operating
the machinery has tended to discourage
the working of the mines on heavy
scale.
Strange to say, no one seemed to
think of a cheaper and better plan un-
til eastern parties began the installa-
tion of Il central power plant where
electricity could be gathered and sup
piled to the mines for the operation of
hoists, pumps and drills.
From actual measurement it was
found that enough of the waters passed
down the canon of Clear Creek to
furnish power for almost every steam
plant working in either of the two coun-
ties. The mines of both counties being
cOmpactly situated could be supplied
with electricity and Il complete revolu-
ton made in the style of power used.
y central station could be erected and
wires run from this to the different
mines This distance would not exceed
ten miles from central location to
either Idaho Springs, Georgetown or
Central City.
In Gilpin county the cost of fuel is
the heaviest expense on account of the
depth to which many of the mines have
reached.
In Clear Creek county the situation
is about the same, with the exception
that the mines have not reached that
great depth. and consequently the cost
of mining is not as great. One other
thing not taken into consideration is the
fact that power will be required for the
tunnels now being driven in the sec
ton tributary to Idaho Springs. There
are fully dozen working tunnels. while
in the county there are twenty-five tun-
nels that need power of n cheaper kind.
An instance which might be cited is
the Newhouse tunnel. The cost of
driving it in the past has been over $50
per foot. the great expense being in the
furnishing of steam for power purposes.
With air compressors. blowers and air
drills in use Il great amount of energy
has been demanded. Much of this
would be overcome by the use of cleo
tricity supplied from central station.
Other tunnels in the district are just
as anxious as the Newhouse manage
ment for using power derived from the
creek. but they have been unable to
acquire the water right near the town.
The company will rent or sell the
electric power at not exceeding 500 per
horse power. Where mines We're work
ing but one shift Il day they can add a
night shift at no greater cost.
The fact that the power company is
now ready to commence the work of
installing Its central power plant
arouses considerable interest in the
project. The reduction in the cost of
working machinery at the mines will
cause other work to be prosecuted. and
the two counties must naturally be con-
sidered as one when the plans of the
company are carried out. The mills
which are now operating steam will
put in motors and operate at a great re-
duction in cost. which would naturally
reduce the cost in the treatment of low
grade ores.
The contract has been let for the con-
Struction of the central plant, which is
TO have a developed 2,OOO-horse power
There Is enough water coming down
the creek to operate the machinery for
this, by taking 1t out of the creek and
carrying it down in pipes. thus secur
ing great head. An ideal spot has
been selected and the wires can he run
to every part of the mining belt ut Il
minimum cost.
The company has raised the SSOO, ,OO0
which will be the actual cost of con-
structlng the plant and running wires.
including the purchase of real estate
and water rights. fully 100000 of
which has already been spent in the
purchase sDf nine miles of water rights
along Clear Creek canon and for $50
acres of ground above Empire for the
reservoir. From this reservoir there
will also be a pipe line which will give
4 much greater head for power without
the use of any great flow of water. The
watershed which will supply the power
plants to be erected cover over 100
square miles. and with the storage res
ervoirs there is not the least doubt in
the world but what the company will
have ample water for all seasons of the
year. The storage of the water from
the spring floods and its use later will
help the ranchers below the mouth OF
the canon. for they can then have
plenty of water for irrigation through
out the year. The outlook Is most en-
couraging.
In addition to the mining features OF
the power plant. it is the intention OF
the company to sell and rent electricity
10 the town and private individuals for
heat and power purposes.
II is argued that n central power
plant. or several of them. could use coal
on the line of the rnllroad and furnish
the power at about the same cost and
fn1ty IN tlp lnynSt-
ment. In the winter months II might
hncnmn necnsSnrY to mt In M auxiliary