Gunnison - Paonia Reservoir Sedimentation Study Application

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. . . build additional storage projects in the same drainage basin at a much higher cost. Therefore, there is a compelling need to evaluate a range of sedimentation mitigation options and identify the best and most cost effective methodes) for insuring reservoir sustainability and a continued full supply of water from the Paonia Reservoir project. The North Fork Water Conservancy District has been moving forward with relatively limited incremental tasks including preliminary studies of dredging feasibility, evaluation of historic sediment accumulation data and preliminary analysis of sedimentation mitigation options. However, with the potential availability of additional funding, there is a desire to take a much more substantial step toward identifying possible solutions so as to enable implementation of mitigation measures as early as possible. The objective of this study is to investigate sediment management options for Paonia Reservoir with the intent of identifying means to accomplish one or all of the following goals: 1. Remove a portion of the historically accumulated sediment. 2. Reduce the rate of future sediment accumulation. 3. Identify operational and management practices which will extend the life of the reservoir, preferab 1 y indefinitely. The study will assess the technical feasibility of alternative sediment management techniques and identify the most economical and practical technique(s) for long-term sediment management. The intent is to establish a solid technical and regulatory basis on which to make decisions regarding future goals such as construction of sedimentation control features, removal of existing sediment, improvements in the drainage basin, operation and maintenance protocols and future sedimentation monitoring. Maps are included in Appendix A which depict the location of the reservoir, the boundary of the North Fork Water Conservancy District and the Paonia Reservoir service area. Addressing Paonia Reservoir sedimentation is included specifically as an item (Category II, item No. 14) in the Gunnison Basin Round Table (GBRT) needs assessment memorandum. The need for reservoir rehabilitation and maintenance is recognized as a water management objective in the Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI). Sediment mitigation is considered a rehabilitative effort. Specific SWSI objectives are addressed by this project as follows: 1. Long term sustainability of the existing Paonia Reservoir storage volume is the ultimate intent of the project. The proposed project is a major step toward implementing capital and operational measures which will partially or fully mitigate the sedimentation problem. 2. The project is intended to develop measures which will offset, abate or eliminate the inevitable loss of irrigation water storage volume if no action is taken. 3. Optimization of existing and future water supplies includes sustaining existing storage 2