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'1 ." ,'-', --I '-'1 , ~) '1 ':.1 ':," ""1 "j ~. ' "0"0' ~~;. I ?~ , ~~~ ,.' 'c. .,. 1998 report to the RIo Grande Compact Commission Bureau of Reclamation Data Automation and Instrumentation and Flow Monitoring System In 1998, Reclamation continued converting Rio Grande Project historical hydrologic data to a digitized format compatible with a spreadsheet application. The data conversion is-approximately 80% complete. Conversion of the remaining historical data will continue in 1999. Also in 1999, all new hydrologic (real-time) data will be stored on the computer network, and eventually downloaded for permanent storage in the new database residing in Reclamation's EI Paso Field Division. The instrumentation and flow monitoring system will continue to be upgraded over the next 2 years. Data Collection Platforms (DCP's) at five river gaging stations (Caballo, Leasburg, Mesilla, American Canal, and Fort Quitman) were replaced with newer DCP models from December 1997 to January 1999. A new water quality multi-probe was also added to the Caballo gaging station in December 1997 and the Leasburg gaging station in January 1999. Water quality probes for the remaining gaging stations (Mesilla, American Canal, and Fort Quitman) will be installed later in 1999. Once telephone lines or cell phone connections are established at all of these gaging stations, new computer software at the EI Paso Field Division office will provide the capability to poll the stations anytime, access near real-time data, and download the real-time data to Reclamation's computer in EI Paso, TX. This data will eventually be made available on Reclamation's home page on the Internet and permanently housed in the EI Paso Field Division's Rio Grande Project water operations database. Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs Resource Management Plan The Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs was initiated in late 1995 and is presently in its final stage of development. The intent of the RMP is to produce a guide for Reclamation and other relevant agencies for use in the management of Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs' land associated resources. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is scheduled for public distribution and review in May of 1999, with the writing of the final RMP anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. Among the primary issues being discussed and evaluated are grazing management practices, lease lot ownership and management, threatened and endangered species, water quality, and recreation development. The public and related agencies are kept informed throughout the planning process by way of newsletters, planning workgroup meetings, periodic public workshops, and informational open houses. Review of Operations and Maintenance (RO&M) Program During May 1997 site visit to Caballo Dam, the spillway was inspected. The cracking in the spillway center pier is of concern. An exploration core drilling program for the spillway center pier at Caballo Dam was completed in 1998 to help determine possible causes of the cracks and the condition of the concrete. Petrographic examination is being performed to check for the presence of alkali aggregate and sulfate reaction etc and the cracks will be examined for corrosion products that assist in the evaluation. -20-