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future or potentially existing downstream users if they are not protected through the water <br />rights administration process. Storage releases and return flows from reservoir seepage <br />will also alter the quantity and timing of water available to downstream users. Reservoir <br />seepage is a particular concern due to existing seepage problems in the Plum Creek <br />drainage for example. Additional seepage may increase groundwater levels in the <br />vicinity, which could have both positive and negative third party impacts. Increased <br />groundwater levels could reduce pumping costs for nearby groundwater irrigators. <br />Alternatively, increased groundwater levels could result in waterlogging of nearby <br />irrigated lands causing decreased productivity and yields. <br />A re- regulating reservoir could generate employment opportunities on a short-term basis <br />during construction, which is a third party economic benefit. A re- regulating reservoir <br />should not impact crop patterns or crop production, in which case regional changes in <br />income, sales, or tax revenues are not likely. <br />A CNPPID re- regulating reservoir could provide an increase in recreational <br />opportunities, which is a third party benefit. Recreational opportunities may include <br />swimming, picnicking, fishing, nature study, sightseeing, hiking, and boating. The extent <br />to which recreational opportunities are enhanced depends on how the reservoir is <br />operated and whether the other reservoirs in the vicinity, including Johnson Lake and <br />Elwood Reservoir, already provide similar recreational opportunities. <br />Third party environmental impacts associated with this project can be both positive and <br />negative. There could be negative impacts to wetlands from reservoir impoundment and <br />positive impacts resulting from the creation of additional wildlife habitat. Reservoir <br />projects could also have both negative and positive impacts on water quality and <br />downstream aquatic habitat. Water quality could improve during the summer months <br />when additional flows are added to the river. However, water quality could be degraded <br />and fish and aquatic habitat negatively impacted during the winter months when river <br />flows are reduced. This possibility might be minimized if water is only pumped when <br />target flows are being met. <br />2. WATER LEASING IN NEBRASKA <br />0 Location: <br />Nebraska has not yet identified specific irrigation districts or individual farmers that are <br />willing to participate in a leasing program in conjunction with the Program. The <br />willingness to participate is also unknown at this time. 'Due to these conditions, a leasing <br />program was evaluated for Reaches 10 (Julesburg, CO gage to South Platte at North <br />Platte, NE gage) and 14 through 19 (Keystone Diversion gage to Grand Island, NE gage). <br />It was assumed that representative leasing projects are located at the mid point of each <br />reach because specific irrigation districts and lands willing to participate in the <br />Program are not yet known. The reaches are defined as follows: <br />Reach 10: Julesburg, CO gage to South Platte at North Platte, NE gage <br />Reach 14: Keystone Diversion gage to North Platte at North Platte, NE gage <br />Reach 15: North Platte at North Platte, NE, gage to Brady, NE gage <br />Reach 16: Brady, NE gage to Cozad, NE gage <br />Reach 17: Cozad, NE gage to Overton, NE gage <br />Reach 18: Overton, NE gage to Odessa, NE gage <br />\ \DN00 \E- DRIVE\ PROJECTS\ Platte \Work Products\Task 9 \wapc report (Version 7).doc - 15 <br />