Flaming Gorge Reservoir/Green River Water Quality

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STATES WEST WATER RESOURCES CORPORATION 1904 East 15� Street P. O. Box 2029 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003 (307) 634 -7848 www.stateswest.com Fax: (307) 634 -7851 August 23, 2006 Flaming Gorge Reservoir /Green River Water Quality Introduction The purpose of this report is to provide a concise summary of the available water quality information of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and proximal monitor stations on the Green River. Relevant data includes several years of information from USGS and Storet water quality monitor sites, and US Department of Reclamation profile analyses of Flaming Gorge Reservoir. An exhaustive search has been conducted, but should additional information come to light, we will revise and update this report as necessary. Background Jerry Miller of the US Dept. of Reclamation has been actively involved in studies of the reservoir for approximately 25 years. Upon learning of the possibility of transporting Flaming Gorge water eastward for municipal purposes, he took some interest in the project, and offered a number of insights and recommendations. Of particular significance are his plans to team with Sharon Campbell of the USGS (Ft. Collins) to revise the water quality model of the reservoir. They expect a report on their project by the end of 2007. Mr. Miller further explained that pre -1982 data would not be truly representative of the present water quality because reservoir operations were altered in 1982 in response to development of a "chemocline" (very salty plume) in the lower depths of the reservoir. The operational change served to enhance mixing and ameliorate the plume. Mr. Miller recommended that the outlet from the reservoir (for purposes of a pipeline) must be below the Blacks Fork confluence because of algal blooms in the northern reaches. More specifically, he suggested that it should be located somewhere between Upper Marsh Creek and the State Line. This portion of the reservoir is very pristine with little algae and no major contaminant inflows of concern. A conceptual design conducted by States West Water Resources Corporation places the pipeline outlet approximately 2 1 /2 miles north of the Wyoming /Colorado State Line within a narrow stretch of the reservoir immediately below the Upper Marsh Creek confluence. This narrow portion of the reservoir would likely enable greater flexibility of outlet placement at an optimal depth(s) for the purpose of assuring consistent water quality and uninterrupted supply. Page 1 of 3