PROJECT INFORMATION:
The sponsor requests that WWDC conduct a study of the rehabilitation or
relocation of Driskill No.1 Reservoir. This reservoir is located on
state land, with the water right and easement held by Ogden Driskill.
The reservoir is currently utilized solely by Mr. Driskill, a board
member of the irrigation district, but he expressed a willingness to
transfer ownership to the irrigation district. He indicated that the
reservoir could benefit approximately 1800 acres under the irrigation
district on the Belle Fourche River.
The reservoir currently stores 100 acre-feet, but is reportedly
permitted at a total of 1000 acre-feet. The outlet works suffered
damage 2 years ago, so the emergency spillway was lowered to prevent any
further damage until repairs could be made. Mr. Driskill indicated the
reservoir is used extensively for recreation, and that an alternate dam
site approximately mile below the current site would provide a deeper
reservoir with additional capacity. The sponsor feels an enlarged
reservoir at this location would provide them with improved management
flexibility because they could make releases from a source that is much
closer to their irrigators. While the sponsor is desirous of repairing
the reservoir for irrigation use, they are also interested in providing
an improved flatwater recreation site for the region.
In order to prepare for the permitting process required for a reservoir
project such as this, it is appropriate to begin at Level I with a
review of the alternatives, as well as appropriate hydrologic and
geotechnical analyses. This will promote a more efficient permitting
process, and will provide the sponsor with preliminary financial and
technical feasibility information prior to the necessity of a transfer
of ownership of the reservoir.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the project be incorporated into the New
Development Program at Level I with an appropriation of $100,000.