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<br />001718 <br /> <br />Long Hollow Dam and Reservoir Summary Report-Preliminary Draft <br /> <br />9.0 SUMMARY OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FINDINGS <br /> <br />Key findings of this feasibility study include: <br /> <br />1. The geologic conditions at the proposed LHR site are acceptable for design and <br />construction. H-P's feasibility-level engineering/geology study at the site reported that, <br />the site was technically feasible for a dam and reservoir. <br /> <br />2. A Section 404 (Y/etlands) permit likely can be obtained with a reasonable amount of <br />additional study. Threshold issues, such as minimization of impacts to waters of the <br />U.S., an acceptable mitigation plan, and a non-jeopardy finding for T &E species <br />protected by the ESA appear possible and the issues of concern te-be resolvable. Based <br />on discussions and technical data evaluation with CDOW, the native fishery in the lower <br />La Plata River can be protected without jeopardizing LHR purposes. U.S. Environmental <br />Protection Agency (USEPA) acceptance of the permit conditions is critical. <br /> <br />3. Based on a water allocation model that simulated water supply and distribution for the <br />l4-year study period, there is adequate water available in-priority for storage in LHR to <br />meet the purposes of the project. On average, an estimated 3,540 AF/yr can be stored in <br />LHR to help meet Compact demands at the state line gauge, while allowing Colorado <br />ditches to divert supplemental irrigation water by exchange. An LHR operation plan <br />study indicates that both Colorado and New Mexico irrigators will benefit from LHR and <br />that Colorado's ability to meet its Compact delivery obligation will be improved, <br />especially during split river administration conditions. <br /> <br />4. The LHR project appears to be financially feasible if the money ($16 million now) <br />escrowed for La Plata River irrigation projects in the Authority's Future Projects Escrow <br />Agreement is allocated to the project. WWE's project reconnaissance-level (+/-50 %) <br />opinion of LHR cost is $19.7 million. No engineering or geotechnical data were <br />available in the development of this opinion of cost. The size of the reservoir could be <br />reduced to fit available funding, if necessary. (Would a smaller reservoir still meet the <br />purpose and need? If not. this could be fatal flaw. ) (How much refinement in cost is <br /> <br />991-077.115 <br />May 2004 <br /> <br />Wright Water Engineers, Inc. <br /> <br />Page 19 <br />