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 for irrigation 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 several 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 1/8 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.
Preliminary geotechnical work is complete, and hydrologic analyses and other planning and
pre-permitting efforts have been completed. No fatal flaws have been identified to date. The study was
completed in 1999.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.