WSP00427

• File Number: 8549
• Description: Misc. Small Projects and Project Studies
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 6/24/1970
• Title: Summary of the Norton Drain Project - Prepared for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

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attached plastic sheets should be used at the ends of the
corrugated metal pipe. Compaction should be closely regulated;
however, it is vory doubtful if compaction a lone can prevent
seepage under the pipe because the concrete supports prevent
. settlement of the pipe concllrrently wi th settlement of the
ndjacon t dirt,

2. A wider right of way should be ob~'ined in the nature of a
temporary construction easement. The width of the pormanent right
of "ay should be dependont upon tho use of the land on which it
is located and the drainage of the surroilllding area.

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 mroer will be Imown to the engineer and, conversely, problems
which developed in this project eRn be discussed wi th the land
owners. Changes in route and structure location could be avoided
to a large extent if better conllllllnieations wi th the land owners
'1ere possible prior to preparation of final plans.

4. Scheduling should be wod<ed out to permit construction wi th the
minimulll alllount of interference to irriga tion 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 case of this project there was little choice in this matter,
but the "ork might be scheduled better for future projectso

5. To Borne extent, water users in the area of the drain have continued
to use the water as in the past "ithout regard to its effect on the
drain. Tbis has caused considerable trouble, but it is hoped that
wi th experience land O'Imers will develop more regard for the effects
of their irrigation practice on the drain. In this respect, par-
tieularly, the design of the system is deficient. Huch more thonght
should be given to this consideration in the design of future
drain or channelization projects.

6. The qllestion of inadequate berm widths has been brought up as the
berms do not meet Soil Conservation Service "peeifieations. The
problem w!ls resolved when Conejos COlmty agreed to remove the spoil
piles as required wi thin a reasonAble time. If funds permit for
future projects i,t is suggested that Soil Conservation Service
berm specifications be lIlet regardless of the final di5posi Hon of
the excavated material.