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<br />a[)12~9 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />CHAPTER IV <br /> <br />IMPROVEMENT AND EXTIlRSION <br /> <br />It is estimated that approxieately 10 small diversion structures, <br />1,400 measuring devices, and 1,000 turnouts would require replacement <br />as part of the improvement plan. <br /> <br />Land Drains <br />The existing drains are generally functioning satisfactorily <br />but, being open channels, require considerable maintenance including <br />phreatophyte control and silt removal. Installation of buried ~ipe <br />in the drains would reduce maintenance costs and result in more <br />efficient land use; however, it is not considered pra~tical to install <br />pipe in the drains that carry significant quantities of surface runoff. <br />These larger drains also provide a valuable habitat for small game and <br />other wildlife. It is estimated that 30 miles of the present open <br />drains should be converted to closed drains as a part of the improve- <br />ment program. Minor improvements to portions of the remaining open <br />drains would also be included as part of the improvement program. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Montrose Flood Protection <br />Montrose Arroyo drains about 18 square miles of foothills and <br />valley lands southeast of the City of Montrose before passing through <br />the City near its junction with Cedar Creek. A reach of South Canal <br />about 4 miles in length crosses the upper portion of the drainage <br />basin of the arroyo. <br /> <br />The improvement plan would include the construction of a channel <br />about 0.8 mUe in length from Montrose Arroyo to Dry Cedar Creek. <br />Flood flows of the arroyo resulting from precipitation within its <br />basin or possible failures of South Canal would be intercepted about <br />2 miles northeast of Montrose and routed through the channel to Dry <br />Cedar Creek and the Uncompahgre River. The planned location of the <br />flood protection channel is shown by the map on page 47. <br /> <br />Modifications of O&K Practices <br />The present progressive management practices of the Uncompahgre <br />Valley Water Users Association have resulted in increasing the <br />efficiency of operation and maintenance of the project and the <br />upgrading of project facilities. The improvement program as described <br />in this report would provide for further increases in the efficiency <br />of project operation with an accompanying reduction of operation and <br />maintenance costs. It is estimated that resulting decreases in <br />requirements for personnel, equipment, and materials would reduce <br />operation and maintenance costs by $100,000 annually based on current <br />prices and wage rates. <br /> <br />It is expected that completion and operation of the pipe systems <br />now being developed for supplying domestic water for the rural areas <br />will eliminate the necessity for winter operation of project canals <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />52 <br />