Laserfiche WebLink
<br />1871 <br /> <br />CHAPTER 8 <br />CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF FORT LYON WATER BANK <br /> <br />8.1 Introduction <br /> <br />Phase 1 of this study described the Fort Lyon Canal Company (FLCC) System and characterized the <br />surrounding area. The system is a dominant feature of the lower Arkansas River Valley, <br />hydrologically and economically. Phase 1 also identified certain alternatives available to the FLCC <br />shareholders for additional uses of their water. The alternative selected for further study was: <br /> <br />TRANSFERS TO NEW USES IN THE VALLEY: <br />WATER BANKING <br /> <br />The purpose of this chapter is to describe the elements of a Fort Lyon Water Bank. The <br />operational, legal, administrative and financial aspects of such an organization are addressed. <br />The FLCC, at its sole discretion, may implement such a proposal, for participation by its <br />shareholders on a voluntary basis, for their sole benefit. Additionally, it is probable that benefits <br />will accrue to the surrounding region such as increased economic and social stability. Economic <br />development opportunities may result from Fort Lyon water being available for alternative use. <br /> <br />In the following sections, general concepts, operating principles and potential benefits are <br />presented first. Then, details of delivery, legal requirements and storage follow. Operations <br />analysis and return flow analysis are developed. A financial analysis addresses cash flow, costs, <br />and start-up. Draft Operations presents management and proposed rules and regulations. <br /> <br />8.2 Summa" Operatinl! Scheme <br /> <br />Before developing the details of the proposed Fort Lyon Water Bank (FLWB), the following <br />summary is presented to highlight the key operational elements. Participation is completely <br />voluntary. The proposal is only one way such an enterprise could be operated, but in the opinion <br />of the study team, represents the most logical and feasible way to begin. <br /> <br />The FLCC shareholders will offer their water for lease by "renters" through a bid/offer process, <br />Water will be delivered as usual to non-participating shareholders from the main headgate and <br />from Adobe Creek Reservoir storage. Water will be delivered to renters above the FLCC main <br />headgate from a water bank account in Pueblo Reservoir. Water will be delivered to renters <br />below the FLCC main headgate from water left in the river, herein called "deferred diversions", <br />or by releases from the water bank storage account in Pueblo Reservoir. Deferred diversions <br />consist of the headgate diversions which would normally be allotted to participating shares and is <br />accounted for separately and used to satisfY delivery contracts, return flow obligations or credited <br />to a water bank account in Adobe Creek Reservoir. Figure 8.1 shows the key operational <br /> <br />8-1 <br />