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,0 ~ .-l o c:--) .~ CHAPTER II DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES Reclamation is charged through the Salinity Control Act to combine irrigation systems into more efficient systems. Combining of the MelD and prD service areas south of the East End Government Highline Canal created the greatest opportunity to accomplish this goal. With this combination, the Price Ditch would be eliminated and the water that historically dropped through the PricejStubb pumping plant would remain in the East End Government Highline Canal. The new systems would be tied to existing improvements where possible. Removal of the Price Ditch would enhance the design efficiency as well as remove the salinity contributed by the ditch. It would also eliminate an O&M cost to the water users. However, removal of the ditch would require a new electric pump to replace the hydraulic pump for the Stubb Ditch. The Stubb Ditch would also be placed in pipe to further reduce seepage. This alternative would also require replacement of nearly all of the existing laterals within the irrigation districts service area south of the East End Government Highline Canal due to new hydraulic conditions. Piping the Stubb Ditch is not only cost effective from a salinity control perspective, but it would reduce MCID's historical O&M expense. Plan Features During plan formulation in the early 1980's, the water user organizations were opposed to combining irrigation systems. In 1987 and 1988 the irrigation districts had a better understanding of the salinity program and the benefits of combining systems. Consequently, the boards felt the opportunities to form a more efficient system to operate and maintain, along with the removal of the Price Ditch and its associated O&M costs, and the ability to deliver water on a more uniform basis justified a more thorough examination of the alternatives. Combination options analyzed: 1. Combining the MCID and prD service area south of the East End Government Highline Canal and eliminating the Price Ditch but not lining the Stubb Ditch. 2. Combining the MCID and PID service area south of the East End Government Highline Canal and eliminating the Price Ditch and lining the Stubb Ditch. After reviewing these alternatives, the boards felt that there may be some water user opposition concerning the removal of the Price Ditch. Combining the systems also presented water right problems in that in a dry year it would be difficult to administer a priority system when water for both Districts is in the same lateral. The basic water allotment for each District is also slightly different which would also be difficult to administer. Consequently, the Boards passed a resolution to abandon any combination alternative and replace the individual ditches. Therefore, the combination alternative was considered non-viable. Stubb Ditch Improvements.--The stubb Ditch improvements would consist of replacing the open channel with pipe where hydraulic conditions permit. If hydraulic conditions prevent the use of pipe, the ditch would be concrete lined. Discussions about the type of improvement for the stubb Ditch assume that hydraulic conditions will permit pipe replacement. Major existing structures along the canal, including siphons, flumes, check structures, and bridges, would be evaluated as to their structural and hydraulic soundness and would be replaced if necessary. All turnout structures would be replaced, and new centerline check structures may be 12