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 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
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 are ongoing. No fatal flaws have been
identified to date. This study should be complete by mid 1999.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required.
