WSPC02008

• File Number: 8530.300
• Description: Rio Grande Basin-Water User Groups and Conservancy Districts-Rio Grande Water Conservation District
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 7/1/1970
• Title: WCD-Rio Grande Water Conservation District-Corres Reports etc-1967-82-Summary Report of the Norton Drain Project for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

I

8

I

I

I

attached plastic eheete should be used at the ends of the
corrugated metal pipe. Compaction ehould be closely regulated;
however, it is very doubtful if compaction alone can prevent
sespage under the pipe because the concrete supports prevent
settlement of the pipe concurrently with settlement of the
adjacent dirt.

I

I

2. A wider right of way should be obtained in the nature of a
temporary construction easement. The width of the permanent right
of way ahould be dependent upon the use of tlle land on which it
ia located and the drainage of the surrounding area.

I

I

3. The design engineer should meet with each individual land owner
and go over the route of the drain so all problems known to the
land owner will be knawn to the engineer and, conversely, problems
which developed in this project can be discussed with the land
owners. Changes in route and structure location could be avoided
to a large extent if better communications with the land owners
were possible prior to preparation of final plans.

I

I

4. Scheduling should be worked out to permit construction with the
minimum amount of interference to irrigation and problems to the
contractor. Actually, the Norton Drain could have been constructed
from September through December better than during any other period.
In the ease of thie project there was little choice in this matter,
but the work might be scheduled better for future projectso

5. To some extent, water users in the area of the drain have continued
to use the water as in the past without regard to its effect on the
drain. This has eaused considerable trouble, but it is hoped that
with experience land owners will develop more regard for the effects
of their irrigation practice on the drain. In this respect, par-
ticularly, the design of the system is deficient. Much more thought
should be given to this consideration in the design of future
drain or channelization projects.

6. The question of inadequate berm widths has been brought up as the
berms do not meet Soil Conservation Service specifications. The
problsm was resolved when Conejos County agreed to remove the spoil
piles ae required within a reasonable time. If funds permit for
future projecte it is suggested thst Soil Conservation Service
berm specifications be met regardless of the final disposition of
the excavated material.

0564