Fesability Study

• Contractor Name: Pine River Irrigation District
• Contract Type: Loan
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

SELECTED PROJECT
The development plan for the initial service area is to construct a treatment plant near Bayfield,
using water from the Pine River, and construct pipelines southwest to Oxford and west parallel to
US Highway 160 to Grandview and the northern Florida Mesa. The $8 million of Rural
Development funds, combined with tap fees, are adequate to construct pipelines to serve much of
the initial area, which is about one third of the ultimate service area. There are not adequate funds
to serve every home in the initial service area, so pipelines will be constructed to serve the most
homes for the funds available.
As of the date of this report there are about 700 tap sign ups in the initial area. The commitment of
920 taps is the last hurdle in order to begin designs, right-of-way acquisition and construction.
VWC has hired a person to contact individuals and groups of homeowners in the area to purchase
taps. There are approximately 1400 to 1500 improved properties in the initial area. Even if only
70% of the homes eventually connect to the water system there will be nearly 1000 homes on the
system; however, probably 80% to 90% of the homes will connect by the time construction is
completed. Discussion are also being conducted with potential large water users such as: the
Southern Ute Tribe to serve Tribally owned land adjacent to the proposed pipeline routes; the
Durango/LaPlata Airport and possible industrial park near the airport; and existing water systems
in the area, such as Rancho Florida, who might like to join a large system in order to get out of the
"water business".
The following summarize the descriptions of the facilities included in the initial service area.
Hydraulic analysis has been performed to size the pipelines greater than 8 inch diameter, which is
the minimum size.
Raw Water Facilities
The treatment plant would be near Bayfield and is generally planned to be immediately south of
US Highway 160 and east of the Pine River. Water would be diverted indirectly from the Pine
River through alluvial wells or a collection gallery on the east side of the river. Water would be
pumped into the treatment plant.
PRID would obtain a new water right for the diversions which would divert when in priority
during the winter and the spring runoff. The Pine River is generally on call during July through
October. The diversions would be augmented with PRID Vallecito Reservoir water rights when
not in priority. The PRID shareholders have agreed to provide the domestic augmentation water
before irrigation water is available making the domestic water a 100% firm supply.
Treatment Plant Description
The water treatment plant will produce up to one million gallons per day utilizing microfiltration
technology. The treatment process is the same as was installed at Fort Lupton. The
microfiltration treatment equipment has been bid and will generally include:
Two (2) modular membrane microfiltration units, rated at 0.5 mgd each,
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