CWCB Construction Fund and Severance Tax Trust Fund Annual Report 1998

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1 5.2 Satellite Monitorin g System stem Maintenance Continuation The Board recommended up to $120,000 be appropriated to the State Engineer to continue 1 systematic renovation of stream gaging stations and replace "data collection platforms" in the statewide satellite monitoring system. This system gathers streamflow data from selected gaging stations and makes it available to water supply managers and other interested parties. This request is for the fifth year of a ten year replacement program. 1 5.3 Arkansas River Well Measurement Program Continuation As a result of the litigation with Kansas in the Arkansas River basin, a controversy has arisen g y between the states concerning the proper technique to measure well pumping. Kansas' position is that only "totalizing flow meters" are appropriate. Colorado's position is that the "power 111 consumption coefficient(PCC)method" is appropriate in certain situations and should be used since it is more efficient and less costly. The State Engineer,the Division Engineer and most well owners prefer the PCC method. In order to provide information to the Special Master in Kansas v. Colorado on which to base this recommendation,Colorado offered to have the USGS evaluate both methods in the Arkansas River basin and report on the suitability of the PCC method for determining pumping taking into consideration how the pumping is assigned to user groups within the Hydrologic-Institutional Model. The study is being done through the USGS Cooperative Program, and is expected to take at least two years to complete. $50,000 was appropriated last year which I included $25,000 for our share of the first year study costs and $25,000 to purchase and install meters on randomly selected wells. The CWCB recommended an additional $75,000 be appropriated this year to complete the study. I 5.4 Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Feasibility Study Increase In 1997, the Board was authorized to expend up to $300,000 from the Construction Fund to participate with the Army Corps of Engineers and other water user entities in a reconnaissance study to be conducted in 1997 for the potential reallocation of flood control storage space to municipal water supply storage in Chatfield Reservoir. Since then,the Corps has streamlined its requirements, and the reconnaissance study is no longer.necessary. The feasibility investigation will require about $500,000 from the state. This section of the bill changes the amount from$300,000 to$500,000 and eliminates language that referred to a reconnaissance study and other contingencies which are no longer appropriate. The investigation will examine the feasibility of reallocating storage in the flood control pool of Chatfield reservoir to the conservation pool for water supply purposes, either permanently or on a seasonal basis. Existing and alternative operations of the Chatfield, Cherry Creek and Bear Creek reservoirs will be analyzed. Potential changes to downstream flows and to reservoir pool elevations as well as the potential consequences to water supplies, flood damages, recreation opportunities, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat,and other resources will be evaluated. Expenditure of the funds will still be contingent upon the board negotiating a formal cost share agreement for the CWCB FY98 Annual Report,page 36 1