Laserfiche WebLink
<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />D. Water Qualitv. The water quality in the Poudre River system is of concern to the <br />Company. Specific concerns are related to increased levels of nitrate loading in the water. <br />The Company has actively addressed this issue by implementing a program for monitoring and <br />managing water quality throughout the system. As a result of this program, the Company <br />prepared a preliminary report on the subject titled An Irrigation Comoanv Water Qualitv <br />Monitoring And Management Prol!ram bv the New Cache La Poudre Irrigating Comoanv and <br />the Northern Colorado Water Conservancv District. The study developed methods for setting <br />up monitoring stations throughout the system to measure flow and provide sampling. <br />Although some testing was conducted as part of the initial study, it is was detennined that <br />additional infonnation would be needed for several years to provide reliable baseline data. <br /> <br />The Company is also involved in the Hydrologic Modification Non-point Source Management <br />Program conducted by the Colorado Non-point Source Task Force. This task force is <br />supported by the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of Health. The <br />purpose of the program is to develop "Best Management Practices" (BMP) for operation of <br />structures that modify the flow in natural drainage. These include reservoirs, releases from <br />reservoirs, and diversions. These modified flows are known to create changes to the water <br />quality characteristics. The NCLPIC has implemented the program to develop BMP's for <br />their irrigation system. <br /> <br />No major pollution sources are upstream of the canal other than some cattle feed lots. These <br />are relatively small and scattered, however; and most of the runoff is from agricultural lands. <br />Some silt load is present, but it does not appear to be severe. <br /> <br />The prospect of using the water for municipal potable water is somewhat less appealing due to <br />the expected turbidity and silt load, as is typical of water from the plains canals. For cities <br />such as Fort Collins and Greeley to use the water, it would be preferable to exchange the <br />water higher up in the basin such that it could be treated at their treatment plants located on <br />the Poudre River. <br /> <br />PAGE. 6 . ChaplCr IV <br />