CT2015-101 Feasibility Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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LOAN FEASIBILITY STUDY 1 BACKGROUND 1.1 Purpose There are two projects proposed by the Upper Platte and Beaver Canal Company(UP&B)to improve the ability to provide water to the shareholders. A recharge pond is needed at a greater distance from the river than those currently used and the diversion dam bridge deck needs enlargement to facilitate haulage of earth, rocks and other material. UP&B operates an irrigation canal and associated recharge project in the South Platte Basin (Division 1,District 1). Along with supplying irrigation water to shareholders,UP&B operates a recharge plan that generates recharge credits to replace out-of-priority depletions attributable to well pumping. This enables pumping of wells for irrigation by the UP&B shareholders. UP&B has a decreed recharge plan involving recharge ponds, reaches, and augmentation wells. Currently,the operation of the recharge plan results in restrictions on well pumping due to the lack of recharge credits and requires the use of augmentation wells. UP&B needs an additional recharge pond and especially needs a pond at a greater distance to the South Platte River. The three recharge sites that account for more than 85%of the water that UP&B recharges(Kemble Reach, Clark Pond and Kroskob Pond) are all located within one mile of the South Platte River. This proximity results in 62%of the accretions reaching the river within 5 months and consequently the recharge water is not sufficiently retimed. Construction of an additional recharge pond at a greater distance from the river is important for generating recharge credits of a sufficient volume and proper timing to allow well pumping to provide a full water supply. UP&B has been given the opportunity to purchase a parcel of land currently under development that would provide a recharge site two miles from the South Platte River and thus provide the required lagging of recharge accretions. UP&B has a purchase and excavation agreement for the parcel of land. Additionally,UP&B is seeking to improve the bridge infrastructure at the headgate structure at the South Platte River. This would give improved access for operation and maintenance. 1.2 Study Area Description UP&B serves land in Morgan County near the City of Brush and the City of Fort Morgan. The service area is composed of irrigated alluvial land situated between the South Platte River and Beaver Creek. The elevation ranges from 4,300 feet above sea level to 4,200 feet above sea level. A map of the study area, including locations of existing and proposed facilities is included as Figure 1. 1.3 Previous Studies TZA reviewed the following study: • Feasibility of Construction of the Upper Platte and Beaver Canal Company Badger Creek Augmentation Project,prepared by Nation Engineering in 2003.