PROJ00538

• Contract/PO #: C153581
• Contractor Name: Minnesota Canal and Reservoir Company
• Water District: 0
• County: Gunnison
• Bill Number: XB 99-999
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

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1.0 INTRODUeTION

The Minnesota eanal and Reservoir eompany (MeRe) was established as a non-profit
organization on March 28, 1927. As an irrigation water supplier to Colorado's Western Slope,
MCRC owns and operates dams, reservoirs, canals, irrigation ditches, and other water diversion
facilities. The MeRe services approximately 2,300 acres oC agricultural land in Delta County.

MeRC's decreed water rights on the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek date back to 1887. MCRC's
water rights account for nearly one-half of the company's water diversion rights.
Approximately 100 years ago, Minnesota Dam and Reservoir (aka: Monument Reservoir) was
constructed to divert creek flows along the Dry Fork of Minnesota ereek. The dam was
enlarged during the years 1901 through 1908. More recently the Minnesota Dam was inspected
under the National Dam Safety Program. The inspection of the dam identified sloughs, surface
slides, seepage along the downstream embankment face, and an inadequately sized spillway to
accommodate storm flows. The State Engineers' Office imposed a storage restriction on the
dam, requiring MCRe to restrict operational water levels lO-feet below the dam crest.

MeRe is considering alternatives to storage in the existing Minnesota Dam and Reservoir. This
action is contemplated due to potential slope stability problems along the left abutment, which
could impact the existing spillway and the structural integrity of the existing embankment.
MeRe is proposing to develop a replacement dam and reservoir upstream of the existing
facilities. The objectives of the feasibility study are to investigate/evaluate the technical,
financial and institutional aspects/merits of the proposed project and project sponsor. The
feasibility study described in this report is the first step in the design and permitting process
which could lead to the financing and construction of the replacement facilities.

2.0 SeOPE OF STUDY

This report on the New Minnesota Dam Feasibility Study presents a systematic approach to the
evaluation of a dam and 500 acre-ft water storage reservoir along the Dry Fork of Minnesota
ereek. The proposed scope of this feasibility study includes the following subjects:

· Description of sponsoring entity, delineation and classification of project lands, and
evaluation of project water resources;

· eollection and evaluation of existing site specific and regional information relevant to the
design, operation, and permitting requirements for the project;

· Perform a site selection study to characterize, evaluate, and identify the most favorable
site for the location of the dam and reservoir;

· Discuss and evaluate classification and regulatory design requirements for the proposed
project;

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