The typical Level II study consists of two phases. During Phase 1 project feasibility is addressed. If the project is determined feasible the proposal is advanced to Phase 2, where it is refined to the status necessary for a Level III funding request.
The typical Level II, Phase I investigations should include the following activities:
a. A qualification of the amount of water that can physically and legally be developed.
b. A determination of the water needs that could be served by the project.
c. A determination of the technical feasibility including a safety analysis.
d. The development of a general configuration depicting preliminary physical characteristics of the project.
e. The development of a preliminary project operation plan.
f. An estimation of costs for construction, consultant services, and operation and maintenance.
g. An identification of direct benefits that could result from project implementation.
h. An identification of costs and benefits that would result by incorporating recreation, fish and wildlife, hydropower, and flood control functions into the project.
i. A definition of economic, legal, environmental, and administrative problems and the identification of alternate solutions to those problems.
j. The development of an ownership map of lands that may be affected by the project.
k. The collection of data to identify environmental impacts and potential mitigation and enhancement opportunities.
l. The inclusion an analysis of the project sponsors ability to pay.
After the above information has been provided and reviewed, the technical, economic, and legal feasibility will be considered by the Commission.
This consideration, coupled with the sponsors need for the project, interest in the project, and willingness and ability to financially participate, will be the factor used to determine if the project should proceed to Level II, Phase II.
The typical Level II, Phase II investigations should include the following activities:
a. Technical design which includes:
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i. Hydrologic investigations,
ii. An operating plan which addresses water management during and after construction, and
iii. A conceptual design of the general project configuration.
b. The identification of state and federal permits and clearances necessary to construct the project.
c. Performance of an environmental analysis of the proposed operation and configuration. On the more complex projects the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department assists the WWDC in these analyses. The WWDC contracts with the Game and Fish Department on an as needed basis to provide
environmental baseline data, evaluate project impacts, and recommend mitigation measures.
d. Performance of a cultural resource survey of the general project area, as applicable.
e. Determination of lands that must be acquired to implement the project. Including applications to purchase or obtain easements on public
lands, and appraisals of lands that must be acquired.
f. The development of a detailed schedule of the activities necessary to complete the project.
g. Preparation of an itemized project budget, including costs for design engineering, permitting, land acquisition, environmental mitigation, construction, construction engineering, operation, maintenance and replacement.
h. Performance of an economic analysis comparing the allocated costs with project primary and secondary benefits. For the more complex projects an analysis of indirect benefits may be appropriate.
