C153792 Feasibility Study

• Contract/PO #: C153792
• Contractor Name: Weldon Valley Ditch Company
• Contract Type: Loan
• Water District: 1
• County: Weld
• Bill Number: SB 97-008
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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Alternatives Evaluated

A range of alternatives were considered including 1) don't build
the project, 2) rebuild the diversion, using stop-logs for river
control, and 3) rebuild the diversion, using pneumatic gates for
river control.

A subjective evaluation of the alternatives follows:

1. Don't build the project:

If the diversion dam fails, the shareholders would be unable
divert approximately 45,000 acre feet per year of irrigation.
This alternative is not acceptable to the Company.

2. Rebuild the diversion, using stop-logs for river control:

This alternative would restore the structural integrity of the
diversion dam, as currently configured. The diversion would
function as it always has, with the requirement to manually
adjust stop-logs in the :r:iver dam to get water to the
headgates. This alternative would be less expensive to
construct, but more difficult and more expensive to operate.
Although feasible, this is not the preferred alternative. .

3. Rebuild the diversion, using pneumatic gates for river
control:

This alternative is similar to alternative #2, except that
pneumatic gates would be installed for river control, similar
to the South Platte Ditch Project completed spring 1996.
These gates can be operated safely and easily from a control
house on the bank of the river, even during high water. This
alternative would be more e~pensive to construct, but easier
and less expensive to operate. This alternative is feasible,
and is the preferred alternative.

The Selected Project

The WVDC plans to construct alternative #3. A new line of steel
sheet piling will be installed upstream of the existing sheet
piling, and support columns will be driven into the river sand.
The sheet piling and columns will form the foundation for a new
concrete structure consisting of a slab and wall with separate bays
for a pneumatic spillway gate and a radial gate.

Feasibility Study
Weldon Valley Ditch Diversion Structure
July 1997 (Page revised 9/]5197)

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