PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Wheatland Irrigation District serves approximately 55,284 acres and
911 water users. The Wheatland Irrigation District assesses $9.50/acre.
The irrigators have an estimated ability to pay of $18.00 - $20.00/acre.
The operation of the Wheatland Tunnel Diversion from the Laramie River
into Bluegrass Creek has resulted in fish kills in the Laramie River at
least twice in the last 10 years. The fish kills occur when diversions
from the Laramie River into Bluegrass Creek are stopped at the end of
the irrigation season and the tunnel is shut down for the winter. Water
and sediment impounded behind the diversion dam is sluiced into the
Laramie River resulting in draining of the impoundment and water quality
standards violations. The study investigated structural and management
alternatives to prevent these events from occurring in the future.
The Gunbarrel Lateral Ditch is served by the Wheatland Irrigation
District and provides water to 15 users irrigating approximately 2,500
acres.
Some sections of the Gunbarrel Lateral Ditch are located in the rights-
of-way of county roads and are severely eroded causing public safety
concerns. In the past, motorists have accidently driven into the
ditch. Much of the ditch was concrete lined over 25 years ago. Some of
this lining has deteriorated and will need to be replaced in the next 2
- 10 years. The sponsor is interested in replacing open channels with
buried pipe.
The Level II study is underway and will be completed in early 1996.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is needed on this project.
