Members Present:
Rep. Evan L. Olsen, Cochair
Sen. Leonard M. Blackham, Cochair
Sen. Mike Dmitrich
Sen. Joseph L. Hull
Sen. Peter C. Knudson
Rep. James R. Gowans
Rep. Wayne A. Harper
Rep. Bradley T. Johnson
Rep. Brad King
Mr. Larry Andher
Mr. Van Burgess, representing
Cary Peterson
Mr. Tom Christensen
Mr. Don Christiansen
Ms. Kathleen Clarke
Ms. Natalie Gochnour
Mr. Dale Pierson
Mr. Jay Pitkin, representing
Dianne Nielson
Mr. Paul Riley
Mr. Ron Thompson
Mr. Thorpe Waddingham
Members Excused:
Mr. Ivan Flint
Mr. Irvin Haws
Mr. Dallin Jensen
Staff Present:
Ms. Constance C. Steffen,
Research Analyst
Ms. Joy L. Miller,
Secretary
1. Committee Business - Rep. Olsen called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. Members of the committee introduced themselves and indicated the area they represent.
MOTION: Mr. Christensen moved to approve the minutes of April 21, 1998. The motion passed unanimously. Sen. Knudson and Rep. King were absent during the vote.
Rep. Olsen discussed the recent canal break and the damage caused to Riverdale residents. He expressed concern about who is liable when disasters like these occur.
Mr. Thompson commented on the actions taken when the Quail Creek Dam failed and caused approximately $5 million worth of damage to private property. He said that after the failure, the Washington County Water Conservancy District offered to settle any claim for damage caused by the dam break. All claims were settled and no lawsuits resulted. The damages exceeded the liability limits of the district's insurance policy, and an interest-free loan was obtained from the state to pay those damages.
MOTION: Sen. Dmitrich moved to not recommend at this time any legislation to place the state in an oversight role over canal systems. The motion passed unanimously. Sen. Hull and Rep. King were absent during the vote.
2. River Basin Reports - Mr. Thompson remarked on the lower Colorado Basin and the Virgin River area. Currently the Washington County Water Conservancy District is finishing up financing for the Sand Hollow project and expects to break ground in the spring of 2000. The project will cost approximately $30 million and will store 50,000 acre feet of water.
Mr. Christiansen made a report on activities within the Provo River district. The Provo River experienced the fourth consecutive year of above average spring runoff. All reservoirs within the basin filled except Jordanelle. The Central Utah Water Conservancy District is building a project in the Heber Valley that will eliminate diversions from the upper Strawberry River by the Daniels Irrigation Company. The district recently signed a memorandum of understanding to protect an endangered fish, the June sucker. The memorandum of understanding allows the district to continue to operate existing water facilities on the Provo River and to provide for future water development. Mr. Christiansen stated they are very close to a record of decision on the Diamond Fork System. He noted that in the Uinta Basin the Ute Indian tribe has decided not to move forward with projects proposed for that area.
Mr. Christiansen briefly discussed the audit recently completed by the Legislative Auditor General on the Central Utah Water Conservancy District. Proposed water distribution was one of the issues raised in the report. He said the federal project authorized by Congress makes $125 million available to those lands with drainage to Utah Lake. There are many who think the water should be diverted north. If the water came north, it could make it the most expensive water in the state.
Mr. Larry Andher discussed issues that face Cache County. In February, a vote to create a water conservancy district failed. The possibility of a reservoir at the Barrons site continues to generate a great deal of interest in the area.
Mr. Waddingham stated the Sevier River District is not experiencing a population increase and other types of pressures being encountered by other areas. He commented that the commission should support the Central Utah Water Conservancy District and Mr. Christiansen in their efforts.
Mr. Christensen discussed the upper Sevier River system. He stated Otter Creek Reservoir will be drained this year and repairs made to the emergency spillway. Next year Piute Reservoir will be drained and repaired according to dam safety requirements.
Mr. Pierson reviewed the Upper Colorado Basin area. The southeastern area of the state is experiencing tourist and retirement-oriented growth which is putting pressure on the drinking water systems. Loan and grant programs are critical to cities and towns to stay in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Mr. Dave Ovard, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, indicated the district's main focus is on facilities, treatment, conservation, and aqueduct capacity to meet demands. He said they are continuing their efforts to acquire rights-of-way for future Bear River projects. The year 2015 is still being looked at for a state project to divert water to Willard Bay. He said the district has two injection wells. With the Central Utah Water Conservancy District's help they will be expanding that to 18 wells. These wells will take winter and spring runoff water out of the Provo/Weber systems. The water will then be treated and injected into the ground. The water will be withdrawn during the summer to help meet peak demands.
Mr. Ovard discussed the Weber Basin area. He indicated that Mr. Flint informed him that the water supply is adequate for the year. The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District is working with Park City and Summit County to supply water to those areas.
3. Great Salt Lake Management Plan - Ms. Kathleen Clarke distributed a list of the proposed goals of the Department of Natural Resources. The first goal listed is to finalize and implement the Great Salt Lake Plan. A statement of current conditions and trends was developed and sent out for public comment. In order to provide assurance to the public that they were objective, it has also been sent out for peer review to a panel of experts from universities within the state. They are waiting for a report back from the panel. Ms. Clarke said they are currently in the process of doing an economic analysis of the plan. She noted they recognize the need for greater education and outreach. Two of the most significant issues associated with the lake are pumping and salinity. She asked for an opportunity to make a report later in the year prior to finalizing the plan.
4. Water Conservation - Mr. Paul Gillette, Division of Water Resources, explained that all state agencies providing water loans require loan applicants to have a water conservation plan. He noted that Rep. Buffmire sponsored legislation that requires each water supplier in the state with more than 500 connections to prepare a water conservation plan and submit it to the division. Letters have been sent to the water agencies informing them of their responsibility to submit a water conservation plan. The law requires that the Board of Water Resources report to the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee at the end of the year and make future recommendations.
Mr. Lyle Summers, Division of Water Resources, distributed information showing that 56% of water suppliers have submitted water conservation plans to the division.
Mr. Ovard distributed a copy of the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Water Conservation Program. More than 1 percent of their operation and maintenance budget is for conservation activities. They have also launched a fairly extensive water education program Mr. Ovard said with more expensive projects, the cost of water will increase which will result in price pressures on users to conserve water. He said their program is designed to reduce outside watering by 20-25 percent in their service area over the next 20 years.
Mr. Tage Flint, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, stated that even with conservation measures, the projected demand for water continues to grow. He played the two radio ads and one television spot they have developed for their conservation education program. He stated that residents can call a hotline number and have students affiliated with Utah State University extension services do a free assessment of water usage in their yard. Mr. Flint pointed out that at least 50 percent of water deliveries go to lawns, gardens, and other outdoor uses. The district is drafting a model landscaping ordinance that cities can adopt. The ordinance would promote attractive yards using drought-resistant plants and offers conservation incentives.
5. Other Business - Members identified the following topics and issues they would like the commission to address in future meetings: 1) adequacy of water distribution systems; 2) subsurface water rights and abandonment of wells; 3) transfer of water rights into wells; 4) the Hatch Town and Fremont Dams; 5) actions the commission could take to be more aggressive in promoting water development; 6) key individuals in the development of water; 7) treatment and reuse of ground water created by coal bed and methane drilling; 8) new population projections; and 9) ways the commission can work with the Quality Growth Commission on water issues.
Mr. Thompson requested that the commission meet in St George later in the year to discuss water issues related to southern Utah. The chairmen indicated they would put together a meeting later in the year.
MOTION: Sen. Knudson moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.