DEVELOPMENT

W&M

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

TC SOU TH PACIFIC DIVI SI O N 423 • A15 1977 Utah 1977 M ■ - z//>A ;^7 /WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ec by THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS in UTAH

JANUARY 1977

ADDRESS INQUIRIES TO

DIVISION ENGINEER U.S. Army Engineer Division South Pacific Corps of Engineers 630 Sansome Street San Fransisco, California 94111

DISTRICT ENGINEER DISTRICT ENGINEER U.S. Army Engineer District U.S. Army Engineer District Los Angeles Corps of Engineers Sacramento Federal Building Corps of Engineers 300 North Los Angeles Street Federal and Courts Building Los Angeles, California 90012 (P.O. Box 2711 650 Capitol Mall Los Angeles, California 90053) Sacramento, California 95814 TO OUR READERS: Throughout history, water has played a dominant role in shaping the destinies of nations and entire civilizations. The early settlement and development of our country occurred along our coasts and water courses. The management of our land and water resources was the catalyst which enabled us to progress from a basically rural and agrarian economy to the urban and industrialized nation we are today. Since the General Survey Act of 1824, the US Army Corps of Engineers has played a vital role in the development and management of our national water resources. At the direction of Presidents and with Congressional authorization and funding, the Corps of Engineers has planned and executed major national programs for navigation, flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power, recreation and water conservation which have been responsive to the changing needs and demands of the American people for 152 years. These programs have contributed significantly to the economic growth of our country and to the well-being of the American people. Today, the activities of the Corps of Engineers in water resources management, under the direction of the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal government, continue to support national goals and objectives. These include conservation of our water resources, protection of our wetlands, non-structural solutions to flood-damage control problems, total water management in metropolitan areas, flood plain management, and the preservation and enhancement of the quality of our environment for future generations. This booklet describes the past, current, and proposed activities of the Corps of Engineers in your state. I trust that you will find it informative, interesting, and useful.

/Lieutenant General, USA / Chief of Engineers

BUILDING TOMORROW TODAY FOREWORD

The Corps of Engineers has been engaged in water resources development activities in Utah since well before the turn of the 20th Century. This booklet has been prepared to provide information on the scope and progress of current programs. It contains information on Corps of Engineers authorities for participating in water resources development; on the role of the Corps in planning, constructing, and operating water resources development projects; on active investigations; and on projects that are completed, under construc­ tion, or in the planning stage. Data on investigations and projects are grouped by basins, which have been selected on the basis of major drainage patterns.

Additional information on Corps of Engineers projects, programs, and activities may be obtained from the offices named on the title sheet. CONTENTS

FOREWORD

CHAPTER I WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT BY THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS IN UTAH Introduction ...... 1 Basins of Utah ...... 7 History of Corps of Engineers Activities in U t a h ...... 7 Navigation P ro g ram ...... 8 Flood Control Program ...... 8 Status of Projects ...... 8 Water Pollution and Water Quality C o n tro l...... 9 Flood Plain Management Services P ro g ra m ...... 9 Investigations and Reports Program...... 9 Maintenance and Operation of Completed P ro jects...... 10 Emergency Work ...... 10

CHAPTER II GREAT SALT LAKE BASIN Description...... 13 Multiple Purpose P ro je c ts...... 14 Little Dell L a k e ...... 14 Flood Control Projects...... 14 Jordan River at Salt Lake City ...... 14 Small Flood-Control Projects...... 17 Kays Creek at La yto n ...... 17 Section 7 P ro jects...... 17 Flood Control S tu d ie s...... 17 Jordan River B a s in ...... 17 Emergency Work ...... 18 Flood Plain Management Services ...... 20

CHAPTER III SEVIER LAKE BASIN Description...... 21 Flood Control Projects...... 22 Redmond Channel Improvement ...... 22 Small Flood-Control Projects...... : ...... 23 Big Wash Diversion Dam and C hannel...... 23 Emergency W o r k ...... 23

CHAPTER IV GREEN RIVER BASIN Description...... 25 Section 7 P ro jects...... 26 Flood Control S tu d ie s...... 26 Colorado River and Tributaries above Lees F e r r y ...... 26 Emergency Work ...... 26

i CONTENTS (Continued)

CHAPTER V COLORADO-SAN JUAN BASIN Description...... 27 Flood Control Studies...... 28 Colorado River and Tributaries above Lees F e rry ...... 28 Navajo Indian Reservation...... 28 Emergency W ork...... 29 Flood Plain Management Services...... 29

CHAPTER VI CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL WORKS PROGRAM (Authorities, Procedures, Funding) General ...... 31 Authority for Corps of Engineers Participation in Civil Works...... 31 Navigation Projects...... 32 Flood Control Projects...... 32 Projects Approved by the Public Works Committees...... 33 Recreation...... 33 Water Pollution and Water Quality Control...... 34 Development of Water Supplies...... 34 Flood Plain Management Services Program...... 34 Flood Plain Information Reports...... 35 Technical Assistance and Guidance...... 35 Guidance Materials and Research ...... 35 Flood Plain Management Planning...... 35 Special Authorities...... 35 Small Projects...... 35 Emergency Flood Control W ork...... 36 Emergency Navigation W o rk...... 36 Emergency Rehabilitation Work under Public Law 93-288...... 36 Réévaluation of Completed Projects...... 37 Cooperation in Projects of Other Agencies...... 37 Regulatory Functions...... 37 W etlands...... 37 How Corps of Engineers Projects are Initiated, Authorized, and Constructed...... 37 How Local Interests Share in Federal Projects...... 39

INDEX...... 40

MAPS Basins of U ta h ...... n Corps of Engineers Projects in Utah At end of booklet

ii CHAPTER I WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT BY THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS IN UTAH

INTRODUCTION Utah, the "Beehive State” , is a beautiful land about midway along its southern boundary. This of contrast and color that reflects eons of is a region of massive mountains and irregular erosion by wind and water, volcanic activity, plateaus deeply cut by the Colorado River and and geologic faulting. The State includes an the streams of its tributary systems. The Uinta array of physiographic features and is divided Mountains, the largest in North America having into eastern and western sectors by a chain of their longest axis latitudinal, are situated just mountains and high plateaus (principally the inside the northern border of the State. They Wasatch Range and Wasatch Plateau), which rise to a crest of about 13,500 feet at Kings Peak, extends generally south-southwesterly across the highest point in Utah, and include six other the State. peaks rising to more than 13,000 feet. Rugged, The western sector is a vast area of desert uninhabitable plateaus stretch southward lowlands interspersed by numerous mountain where rivers have entrenched themselves in ranges that trend generally north to south and winding canyons as deep as V a mile. In general, rise 3,000-5,000 feet above the surrounding the eastern part of Utah is a province of desert lowlands. It contains the drainage system spectacular color and variety of landform. of prehistoric Lake Bonneville and has no outlet Landscapes vary from bare, windblown red cliffs to the sea except for a small area in the to forested vistas including placid mountain northwest corner of the State that drains to the lakes, and fantastic arrays of phenomenal, wind- Pacific Ocean by way of the Snake and carved shapes and natural rock arches. A series Columbia Rivers. With the foregoing exception, of photographs showing the variety of land- streams in the western sector flow into Great forms in Utah begins on page 2. Salt Lake, Utah Lake, Sevier Lake, or terminate Utah encompasses about 85,000 square miles in other separate closed basins. Great Salt Lake, including 2,000 square miles of saline lakes and the largest inland body of saline water in the 700 square miles of fresh water lakes. As noted western hemisphere, has reached a concentra­ earlier, the highest point in Utah is Kings Peak tion of mineral salts several times that of the (13,528 feet) in the Uinta Mountains. The lowest ocean due to evaporation. Most of the western elevations, about 2,500 feet, are in desert areas sector is extremely arid and inhospitable. in the southwest corner of the State. Climate1 is However, there are extensive areas of fertile dry and desertlike even though the average arable lands in a region of terraces or benches elevation of the State is above 6,000 feet. Most left by the recession of Lake Bonneville along moisture comes into Utah from the Pacific the western toe of the mountain-plateau chain Ocean although some storms that reach the dividing Utah from east to west. This region, State originate over the Gulf of Mexico. which is crossed by numerous rivers and smaller Seasonal influences include arctic air that streams, is the center of life in Utah and occasionally extends into the State in winter. includes all the major cities. Low valley and closed basin floor areas receive The eastern sector of Utah is drained by the from 4-10 inches of precipitation annually. Colorado River, which enters the State about Consistent with increases in elevations, moun­ midway along its eastern boundary and leaves tainous regions receive more precipitation,

1 Climatological narrative adapted from "Outdoor Recreation for Utah — An Initial Plan — 1965-1975", Utah Department of Fish and Game and Park and Recreation Commission.

1 Arches National Park. Colorado-San luan Basin. (Photo courtesy of the Utah Travel Council)

2 Goblin Valley. Colorado-San juan Basin. (Photo courtesy of the Utah Travel Council)

3 Bryce Canyon. Sevier Lake and Colorado-San )uan Basins. (Photo courtesy of the Utah Travel Council)

4 The Wasatch Escarpment. Great Salt Lake Basin.

Bonneville Salt Flats. Great Salt Lake Basin. (Photo courtesy of the Utah Travel Council)

5 The High Uintas. Green River Basin. (Photo courtesy of the Utah Travel Council)

6 usually at the rate of an additional inch for each Major floods in Utah are almost always the 160-200 foot rise in elevation. However, average result of rapidly melting snow in late spring and annual precipitation for the State is only 111/2 early summer and such floods are often inches. This low volume is highly seasonal in intensified by general rain. Intense summer distribution. In the south, there are two periods thunderstorms that result in cloudburst rainfall of deficiency — late spring-early summer and have caused heavy damage in localized areas. late fall — and two periods of maxima — late Unless flood damage reduction programs, summer and late winter. There is a single including multiple purpose storage, other flood seasonal cycle in the north, with the minimum control structures, non-structural flood plain in midsummer and the maximum in early management measures, and watershed treat­ spring. Temperature is also variable and there ment are undertaken, recurring floods and are wide ranges in daily highs and lows. substantial flood damage can be expected in Maximum summer temperatures may be as the future. There is also a need to conserve much as 100° higher than wintertime máxi­ flood runoff for beneficial uses as well as a need mums. Extremes of 116° and -50° have been to develop new dependable supplies for recorded. The higher averages occur at low agricultural, municipal, and industrial uses. To elevations in the southern part of the State. provide more people the opportunity to enjoy Utah is rich in mineral resources and is a Utah, additional recreation facilities and sup­ leading producer of copper, gold, silver, porting services should be made available. molybdenum, lead and vanadium. Also, there Because there is probably no other region in are vast reserves of oil shale and important the conterminous 48 states where environmen­ deposits of coal. The extraction of minerals was tal quality remains as uncontaminated as that in important in the developmental period of the which Utah is located, every consideration State and mining and smelting copper is still should be given to the type and manner of significant. Manufacturing is now the most development that will keep it that way. important economic activity. Food processing based on production of lamb and beef, turkeys, BASINS OF UTAH a variety of fruits, and sugar beets is the most To facilitate the presentation of information important manufacturing activity. Petroleum on Corps of Engineers projects and activities in refining; steel production; and production of a State with such wide variations in physio­ missiles, rocket engines and propellants, and graphy as Utah, the State has been divided into other defense material are other major manu­ the following basins: facturing activities. Many aerospace firms have Great Salt Lake plants in Utah. Sevier River With many national parks, monuments, and Green River recreation areas, excellent hunting and fishing, Colorado-San Juan and developed areas for varied all-year recrea­ A chapter is devoted to each basin, the tional activities, Utah has an exceptional base boundaries of which coincide generally with for tourism. Consequently, service industries major hydrographic (drainage) areas that have meeting the needs of recreationists and vaca­ been used in other Statewide studies. Each tionists throughout the year are becoming more basin represents relatively homogeneous char­ and more significant in the economy of the acteristics of streamflow, existing and potential State. water resources development, and topographic The 1970 population of Utah, slightly more and economic independence. A map showing than 1,000,000, is expected to increase to about the basins used in this booklet appears on page 1,800,000 by the year 2000. The State has a well 11. developed surface transportation system and is served by Interstate and U.S. Highways, net­ works of state and secondary roads, and major railroads. Several major airlines maintain flights HISTORY OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS to Salt Lake City. A few other large communities ACTIVITIES IN UTAH are served by local airlines or by single daily The earliest activities in Utah attributable to flights maintained by major airlines. the Corps of Engineers trace back to the 1804-06

7 explorations of Capt. Merriwether Lewis and Lt. existence. In addition to most of Utah, the Salt William Clark, who were carrying out a Lake District included parts of Nevada, Idaho, directive from President Jefferson to the Corps Wyoming, and Colorado. In 1943, the Salt Lake of Engineers to conduct surveying and mapping District was abolished and the State was divided in the west. The initial surveys for the transcon­ about equally between the Sacramento and Los tinental railroad during the 1850s were also Angeles Districts. In 1968, the entire State conducted by Corps of Engineers officers. In except for the northwest and southwest corners 1869, the Corps of Engineers began work on a became the repsponsibility of the Sacramento series of topographical and geographical sur­ District. veys and explorations of the area west of the 100th meridian, which of course, included the NAVIGATION PROGRAM State of Utah. The objective of these surveys was The navigation program of the Corps of — that the physical structures of the waste Engineers in Utah has primarily been concerned and unknown lands along the untenanted with issuing permits for structures in the mountain frontiers shall be brought to navigable waters of the State. Permits have been light and made known not only for the issued for structures on Bear Lake, Flaming uses of the Government, but for all of the Gorge Reservoir, Lake Powell, and along the people for all time. navigable portions of Colorado River. Other Work on these surveys continued for 10 years permits are under consideration. No navigation and brought to use a wealth of previously projects have been built and no emergency unknown data about Utah and the remainder of work in the interest of navigation has been the intermountain frontier. The series of maps accomplished in Utah. prepared became the road maps that led to the west of today. FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM The first Corps of Engineers civil works The flood control program of the Corps of activities in Utah comprised investigations of Engineers in Utah has been directed primarily navigation on the Green River.1 These studies toward meeting the most urgent needs of urban were accomplished in the late 1880s and and suburban areas. Flood control works that resulted in negative recommendations. The have been provided have functioned effectively basis of the now ongoing civil works program to protect the project areas. It is estimated that was the 1938 Flood Control Act, which con­ the total flood damage prevented throughout tained authority for the Corps of Engineers to Utah by Corps of Engineers projects presently make flood control investigations on streams completed and in operation is about $2,130,000. draining into Great Salt Lake and the Great Many streams remain uncontrolled or only Basin. Preliminary studies resulted in recom­ partly controlled and many areas are entirely mendations for detailed investigations of unprotected. Comprehensive programs must streams in Davis County and the Bear, Weber, be continued in order to check periodic floods, Jordan, and Sevier River Basins. Subsequently, which not only cause destruction and danger to authority for other studies was provided and life, but also waste large amounts of water that flood control projects were authorized and could be conserved for the benefit of the constructed. people, agriculture, and industry of Utah. In the 1930s, Corps of Engineers activities in Utah were under the jurisdiction of the Los STATUS OF PROJECTS Angeles District. A suboffice of the district was For convenience in designating the status of established in Salt Lake City in 1940 and for a Corps of Engineers projects in Utah, they are short time, April 1942 to October 1943, a classified as completed, under construction, or separate Corps of Engineers District was in authorized but not started. A summary of

7 The Corps of Engineers participates in water resources development at the direction of Congress. Over the years, a large body of legislation that forms the basic authorities for civil works has been developed. A detailed discussion of the principal authorities is contained in Chapter VI, which also covers the relationship of the Corps of Engineers and the Secretary of the Army; the method by which Corps projects are initiated, authorized, and completed; and how projects are funded.

8 projects according to these classifications is sented in subsequent chapters. Detailed infor­ shown below, their locations are shown on the mation on individual projects may be found in map bound at the end of the booklet, and brief the Chief of Engineers7 annual report on civil descriptions of individual projects are pre- works activities.

Single-purpose Multiple-purpose flood control Project Status storage projects projects Total Completed ...... 0 4 4 Under construction . . 0 0 0 Authorized but not started 1 0 1 Total ...... 1 4 5

WATER POLLUTION AND WATER QUALITY CONTROL Congress has assigned to the U.S. Army ity of restoring and maintaining the water Corps of Engineers such non-military missions quality of the nation's waterways by regulating as flood control, hydropower production, the disposal of dredged and fill material into navigation, water supply storage, and recrea­ such waters. Further, under Section 402 of the tion. Under Section 404 of the Federal Water Act, the Corps performs a review function for Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, the applications received by the Environmental Corps has been given the additional reponsibil- Protection Agency.

FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES PROGRAM A statewide flood plain information study completed one flood insurance rate study, program is underway in Utah. To date, 15 covering the unincorporated areas of Utah studies have been completed. Additional County, for the Federal Insurance Administra­ information on flood plain information studies tion, Department of Housing and Urban in Utah is given in subsequent chapters. As of 30 Development. It is nearing completion of September 1976, the Corps of Engineers had another on Bountiful, Davis County.

INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS PROGRAM Detailed investigation of potential water have been completed and* reports thereon resources development projects is an essential submitted to Congress. Others are in progress part of their authorization for construction. and, as funds are made available, the remainder Congress has directed that the Corps of will be completed and submitted to Congress Engineers make investigations and prepare for its decision on authorization. A summary of reports on a number of proposed improve­ preauthorization investigations and reports in ments in Utah. Some of these investigations Utah follows.

Flood Status Navigation Control Total In progress ...... 0 2 2 Active - not started...... 0 1 1 TOTAL ...... 0 3 3

9 Each investigation currently assigned is briefly Cumulative cost described in succeeding chapters. Comprehen­ through sive framework studies for Utah were com­ Basin 30 June 1976 pleted in 1971. Great Salt Lake ...... $ 749,000 Sevier R iv e r ...... 240,000 MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION Green R iv e r ...... 319,000 OF COMPLETED PROJECTS Colorado-San J u a n ...... 159,000 The operation and maintenance of com­ TOTAL $1,467,000 pleted Corps of Engineers water resources development projects may be accomplished by A special application of emergency work the Corps of Engineers or the local interests authorities occurred during the snowmelt flood directly concerned. Local interests generally season of 1969. Early in that year, Utah was one assume responsibility for levees and channel of 26 states where near-record snowmelt improvement projects, and the Corps of flooding was expected. In a letter dated 1 Engineers is responsible for operating and March 1969, the Director of the Office of maintaining storage projects and navigation Emergency Preparedness (now superseded by projects. All projects completed to date in Utah the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration) are levee and channel improvement projects notified the Secretary of the Army that "the that are maintained and operated by local President has directed that all feasible steps interests. within the authorities of the Federal agencies be taken to prepare for floods which threaten to EMERGENCY WORK occur in various parts of the country because of Utah has a long history of floods and its the unusual snowpack conditions which now inhabitants have been repeatedly exposed to exist/' Special reference was made to the the perils of snowmelt and cloudburst flooding. continuing authorities of the Corps of Engineers Individuals have suffered severe flood losses, under Public Law 84-99,1 which previously had and flood fighting and recovery from floods been utilized primarily during and after flood have imposed significant financial burdens at all emergencies. The President urged "aggressive levels of government. Existing flood control use of these authorities under present condi­ facilities are effective, but flooding and flood tions." Work under the program, which the damage continue to occur because many areas Office of Emergency Preparedness named do not have protective works, it is not economi­ "Operation Foresight," was undertaken at cally feasible to provide flood control works to seven locations in Utah. Work consisted mainly protect against extremely rare floods, and non- of channel rectification, and clearing and structural measures to reduce flood damage snagging. It is estimated that advance prepara­ have not been widely implemented. Conse­ tion under Operation Foresight reduced poten­ quently, the continuing authority for the Corps tial snowmelt flood damage by about $240,000. of Engineers to participate in emergency repair Cost of the work was slightly more than and restoration of facilities damaged during $100,000. floods have been used whenever required. The Emergency work in the interest of navigation principal types of work accomplished on has not been required in the navigable waters emergency bases consist of snagging and of Utah, and the Corps of Engineers has not clearing stream channels, bank protection, been called upon by the Federal Disaster repair and restoration of levees, and flood Assistance Administration to participate in fighting. Costs of emergency work in Utah are emergency work under the authority of Public summarized by basin as follows: Law 93-288 and its antecedent authorities.

1 See “Emergency Flood Control Work," page 36. BASINS

GL GREAT SALT-LAKE

SL SEVIER LAKE

Bear Lak GR GREEN RIVER

CS COLORADO-SAN JUAN f L ogan

Crea t

ngden Salt iOgden s. We ber

\ Flaming Gorge ------1 Rese rvo .SALT LAKH CIT* I^Wendov e r \ \>

R j 1 GL Tooe 1 e* V vVernal# V«

i Provo Utah Lake) -¿ÍÍ& igerry W*V GR k# Neph i

> 7 D el ti / Sevier Bridge \ \ Reservoi rN SÌ 7

S evier Lake)

Rich field* SL LMoa b vyer_ -fi/' emojT/ i?i vci—

/ Qi] \m / *y \o \® CS Mon t ice 1 lo# \ f f ^ r r j s J / - > B 1 an d i n g w / L

Vi f j j n

f t . Geor ge /Lake Powell 11

CHAPTER II GREAT SALT LAKE BASIN

|GL GREAT SALT LAKE SL SEVIER LAKE

The Great Salt Lake Basin consists of the remnants. The Wasatch Mountains formed its drainage areas tributary to Great Salt Lake, a easterly shore. Elevations range from about number of closed drainages along the Utah- 4,200 feet in the Great Salt Lake and Great Salt Nevada boundary, and a small portion of the Desert areas to more than 12,000 feet in the high Snake River system in the nortwestern part of headwater areas of the Bear River in the eastern the State. With this latter exception, the basin is portion of the basin. a closed area that has no outlet to the sea. Climate ranges from extremely arid in the Principal streams are the Jordan, Provo, Weber, western part to subalpine in the eastern part, and Bear Rivers. The Bear River rises on the with annual precipitation over the higher northern slope of the Uinta Mountains in Utah. westerly exposures in the Wasatch Mountains It flows in a 500-mile horseshoe-shaped course nearly 10 times that in the desert areas west of northward through Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho Great Salt Lake. Most winter moisture occurs in and then southward back through Utah to the form of snow, which ranges up to several Great Salt Lake. It is the longest river in the hundred inches per year in the Wasatch western hemisphere that does not reach an Mountains. Seasonal influences include ocean. Provo and Weber Rivers rise at high summer thunderstorms that characteristically elevations in the Wasatch Range and flow occur from June to September. Average annual generally westerly to empty into Utah Lake and temperatures vary from about 50° in the low Great Salt Lake, respectively. Jordan River flows elevations of the western portion of the basin to from Utah Lake to Great Salt Lake. Other about 30° in the high mountain areas in the principal streams in the basin are Logan and eastern portion. Characteristically, summers are Ogden Rivers. hot and dry in the Great Salt Lake and Great Salt Desert areas and moderate to cool in the The basin encompasses a land area of about Wasatch Mountains. Winters are moderately 28,000 square miles including a water area of 1,800 square miles. It includes much of prehis­ severe throughout the basin. toric Lake Bonneville, of which Great Salt Lake, Surface transportation in the basin is pro­ Utah Lake, and the Great Salt Desert are vided by two interstate highways, several U.S.

13 Creai Salt Lake Basin

Highways, a network of State and county roads, water supply, general recreation, and fish and and four major railroads. Several major airlines wildlife enhancement. The project, which will maintain scheduled flights to Salt Lake City. The be located about 8 miles east of Salt Lake City basin is the most densely populated in Utah. Its on Dell Creek (a tributary to Parleys Creek), will 1977 population of 1,035,000 is projected to consist of construction of a dam 253 feet high, increase to about 1,630,000 by the year 2000. creating a lake with a gross capacity of 30,000 Principal metropolitan centers are Salt Lake acre-feet for flood control, municipal and City, Provo, Ogden, and Logan. Numerous industrial water supply, recreation, and fish and other towns are located along the western base wildlife. The plan includes facilities for the of the Wasatch Mountains. diversion of water from Emigration Creek The economy of the basin is based primarily (concrete dam 7 feet high with a crest of 40 feet on manufacturing and extraction of minerals. and 7'0" circular tunnel 1.03 miles long); and Agricultural activities consisting primarily of from Parleys Creek (concrete dam 8V2 feet high production of wheat, barley, table vegetables, with a crest of 50 feet and 3.1 miles of 4-foot beef, lamb, and poultry are highly important in concrete pipe) to Little Dell Lake. The lake the basin, but do not dominate the economy. would be operated in conjunction with the The most important mineral being mined is existing Mountain Dell Reservoir (capacity 3,200 copper with one open pit in the Bingham area acre-feet) on Parleys Creek for flood control producing about 1/5 of the nation's supply. and water supply. Local interests will provide Major manufacturing activities are petroleum necessary associated water distribution facili­ refining and processing, steel production, ties. Project costs, based on preliminary design, electronic equipment fabrication, missile fabri­ are estimated at $52,800,000, of which the local cation and other defense related activities, interests' ultimate share will be $8,400,000. apparel making, and food processing. Service The project will prevent snowmelt flood industries meeting the needs of year-round damages along Parleys Creek and in the 13th recreationists, especially winter sports enthusi­ South Street area of Salt Lake City, and will asts, are important in the Salt Lake City area, reduce flood damages along Emigration Creek which is also the most important wholesaling below the diversion point and along Jordan center in the inter-mountain region. The U.S. River through Salt Lake City and downstream to Steel plant at Geneva is a major supplier of steel Great Salt Lake. Operation of Little Dell Lake in the western United States. and the existing Mountain Dell Reservoir will Floods in the Great Salt Lake Basin result increase the water supply available to the Salt primarily from rapidly melting snow during late Lake City metropolitan area. The lake will spring and early summer and from cloudburst provide additional recreational and fish and storms during late summer and early fall. wildlife benefits. The final Environmental Flooding from general rain is possible but rarely Impact Statement was submitted in 1975. occurs. The most critical flood problem area is Preconstruction planning is scheduled for metropolitan Salt Lake City. Other urban areas completion in 1977. along the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains are expanding rapidly and intensifying flood problems. Substantial flood damage can be FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS expected in the future unless structural and JORDAN RIVER AT SALT LAKE CITY nonstructural flood damage reduction pro­ (Sacramento District) grams are undertaken. Extensive areas require A project for flood control on the Jordan watershed treatment to protect the soil and River in western Salt Lake City was authorized in vegetative cover, thus contributing to increas­ 1946 and completed in 1960. The improvements ing water holding capacity and reducing peak consist of enlarging 8,000 feet of Jordan River floodflows. Additional water supply is needed from Mill Creek to the head of Surplus Canal by for agricultural and industrial uses. channel excavation and construction of levees; increasing the channel capacity of 35,000 feet of MULTIPLE PURPOSE PROJECTS Surplus Canal from Jordan River to Goggin LITTLE DELL LAKE (Sacramento District) Drain by channel excavation and levee con­ The Little Dell Lake Project was authorized in struction; modifying the existing structure at 1960 and in 1968 for flood control, municipal the head of Surplus Canal; and reconstructing

14 Great Salt Lake Basin

Point of departure where Jordan River flows enter Surplus Canal. Drop-structure entrance to canal is at center, and inlet to Jordan River is at right center. Gate structures limit flow down Jordan River to 500 cubic feet per second, permitting improved river channel to accommodate floodflows from downstream tributaries.

Closeup view of drop-structure entrance to Surplus Canal. Tbe canal diverts excess water (including floodwater) of Jordan River away from Salt Lake City.

15 Great Salt Lake Basin

View of Surplus Canal looking upstream at reach of canal just north of 21st South Street.

Surplus Canal carrying jordan River water downstream and away from Salt Lake City in reach just north of 21st South Street. The canal was built by local interests and improved by the Corps of Engineers.

16 Great Salt Lake Basin or modifying railroad bridges, street bridges, would cover flood control and conservation of and irrigation facilities. water for irrigation, municipal, industrial, Federal cost of the project was $1,227,600 and recreation, and fish and wildlife uses. Two non-Federal cost was $463,000. Local interests interim studies completed within the frame­ maintain the improvements. The project pro­ work of the comprehensive authority have vides protection to about 5,800 acres in the resulted in the authorization and construction western Salt Lake City area and has prevented of the Jordan River at Salt Lake City Project, and an estimated $1,700,000 in flood damages. in the authorization of Little Dell Lake. A fourth interim study is currently in progress after being SMALL FLOOD-CONTROL PROJECTS substantially completed in 1970 but held in KAYS CREEK AT LAYTON (Sacramento District) abeyance until 1972 pending changes in local plans for development of drainage plans. These A small flood-control project consisting of changes include detention basins in lieu of 4.5 miles of channel enlargement along Kays additional storm drains and more extensive Creek at Layton, Davis County, was authorized park and recreation facilities in conjunction in 1965 and completed in 1972. The project, with the detention basins. which extends from Fort Lane Street in Layton downstream to Great Salt Lake, provides flood The most critical need for flood control in protection to the city of Layton and vicinity. the basin is along Jordan River through Salt Lake Federal and non-Federal costs of the project City. Rapid urbanization in the basin, particu­ were equally divided at about $420,000 each. larly in Salt Lake County, has produced an The project is maintained by local interests. urgent need for additional water supply and water-oriented recreation opportunities. Flood SECTION 7 PROJECTS problems are intensifying because much devel­ opment has and continues to take place on the Six storage projects in the Great Salt Lake bench lands which drain naturally to down­ Basin are operated by the Bureau of Reclama­ stream flood plain areas. The Central Utah tion and local sponsoring districts for flood Project, authorized for construction by the control under interim rules and regulations Bureau of Reclamation, and Little Dell Lake, prescribed by the Corps of Engineers. Five of authorized for construction by the Corps of the storage projects — Rockport, Lost Creek, Engineers, will alleviate present municipal and East Canyon, Causey, and Pineview Reservoirs industrial water supply needs, but additional — comprise the Bureau of Reclamation's Weber water developments will be needed by the year Basin Project. Echo Reservoir is also a Bureau of 2000. Reclamation facility constructed in the 1930s as a feature of the Weber River Project. In total, Local interests want to preserve the natural these projects provide about 320,000 acre-feet beauty of the streams and oppose channel of storage for flood control purposes. In improvement work on streams tributary to addition, they provide water for agricultural, Jordan River. To minimize the need for channel municipal, and industrial uses; water to benefit improvement work, a flood retention basin has stream fishery and waterfowl refuges; and water been constructed by local interests on Big surface area for water-oriented recreational Cottonwood Creek and another is planned for activities. Little Cottonwood Creek. Flood control operation regulations are An interim feasibility report and revised under study for Hayes Reservoir on the Environmental Impact Statement for Lower Diamond Fork tributary of Spanish Fork River Jordan River, proposing a floodway-parkway and Jordanelle Reservoir on Provo River. These plan, have been completed. The natural stream projects are elements of the Central Utah meander and low flow channel will be pre­ Project. served and adjacent lands will be cleared, reshaped, and reseeded to form a greenbelt FLOOD CONTROL STUDIES strip paralleling the river. Plan includes a series JORDAN RIVER BASIN (Sacramento District) of parks connected by a recreation trail system. A comprehensive investigation of Jordan A study is being considered for initiation in River and tributaries was authorized in 1938. It Fiscal Year 1977 of Upper Jordan River area

17 Great Salt Lake Basin

Costs thru consisting of flood problems in Salt Lake County, including the Surplus Canal below Stream 30 June 1976 North Temple Street; City Creek; and Mill, Big Weber and Ogden River . . . $107,800 and Little Cottonwood Creeks; as well as Upper American Fork R iv e r ...... 65,000 Jordan River from 2100 South Street extending Elobble C r e e k ...... 83,400 upstream to Utah Lake in Utah County. Provo R i v e r ...... 124,500 Spanish Fork R iv e r ...... 64,400 EMERGENCY WORK Salt C r e e k ...... 43,600 Emergency flood control work (including Tributaries to Jordan River . . 8,700 bank protection, snagging and clearing, flood Jordan R iv e r ...... 104,400 fighting, and repair and restoration) performed Big and Little Cottonwood under continuing authorities available to the C re e k s ...... 17,200 Corps of Engineers has totaled about $750,000 in Logan R iv e r ...... 52,000 the Great Salt Lake Basin. These costs are Peteetneet Creek ...... 78,000 summarized as follows: Total $749,000

Floodwaters inundated homes and commercial buildings at 13th South Street between 1st West Street and West Temple Street in Salt Lake City — 30 April 7952. (Deseret News Photo)

18 Great Salt Lake Basin

Scenes along the Ogden River during the 1952 spring flood.

19 Great Salt Lake Basin

Floodwaters from the South Fork Provo River 3 February 1963. (Provo Daily Herald Photo)

FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES The following flood plain information studies FHobble Creek — Springville have been completed in the Great Salt Lake Jordan River Complex — Salt Lake City Basin: Jordan River Complex II — Midvale-Draper American Fork River and Dry Creek Logan River — Logan American Fork and Lehi Ogden River — Ogden Barton, Mill, and Stone Creeks — Bountiful, West Bountiful, and Woods Cross Provo River and Rock Canyon Creek — Provo Box Elder Creek — Brigham City Provo River and Slate Canyon Creek — Provo Burch Creek — Ogden Spring Creek and Blacksmith Fork — Millville Farmington Bay Tributaries — Farmington- Centerville Weber River — Ogden

20 CHAPTER III SEVIER LAKE BASIN

GL GREAT SALT LAKE [SL SEVIER LAKE I r GR GREEN RIVER CS COLORADO-SAN JUAN

The Sevier Lake Basin comprises the drainage as snow, which may accumulate into a pack areas of Sevier River, Beaver River, numerous several feet deep in the mountains. Low independent streams, and small closed drain­ intensity rainfall occurs in spring and fall, and ages; and the Escalante Desert. Sevier River rises violent thunderstorms producing high intensity in a complex of high plateaus in southwestern but short duration rainfall occur in the summer. Utah. The stream meanders northerly about 240 Normal temperature varies with altitude and miles, thence southwesterly about 85 miles to latitude. At any particular location, however, terminate in Sevier Lake, a saline body of water temperature depends on local exposure charac­ that is the drainage center of the basin. The teristics. At the 5,000 foot level, the normal principal tributaries to Sevier River are the San range is from about 100° above to 20° below Pitch and East Fork Sevier Rivers, and Salina and zero. Characteristically, winters are moderately Otter Creeks. Beaver River rises on the west severe throughout the basin and summers are slopes of the Tushar Mountains, flows westerly hot and dry in the western portion and to the north end of Escalante Valley, thence moderate in the higher eastern portion. northerly to join the drainage of Sevier River Surface transportation in the basin is pro­ northeast of Sevier Lake. The basin is a closed vided by U.S. Highways 6-50, 89, and 91 and the area with no outlet to the sea. It encompasses completed portions of Interstate 15. Interstate an area of about 16,000 square miles, including 70 will traverse the basin when completed. A about 60 square miles of water area. Elevations network of State highways and secondary roads range from about 4,200 feet in the western provide access to points in the basin and desert areas to 10,000-11,000 feet in the head­ surrounding areas. The Union Pacific Railroad water regions of Sevier River and 12,000 feet in crosses the western part of the basin and a the Tushar Mountains. branch line of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad passes through the Sevier Climate varies from extremely arid in the River and San Pitch River Valleys. The basin is western portion of the basin to subalpine in not densely populated and its 1976 population, headwater areas to the east. Average annual about 58,000, is projected to increase only to precipitation varies from 3-5 inches in desert about 100,000 by the year 2000. The principal areas to about 30 inches in the mountains and urban centers are Cedar City (8,000 people) and high plateaus. Most wintertime moisture occurs Richfield (5,000 people).

21 Sevier Lake Basin

Range livestock production is the dominant events. Flood damage will become more serious element of the economy of the basin. Livestock with continued deterioration of the uplands, are wintered in the lower valleys; moved to and with increasing development in flood foothill areas in spring; and, as the season plains. Flood damage reduction programs advances, to successively higher elevations. By principally comprising nonstructural flood plain midsummer, the herds are occupying summit management measures and watershed treat­ regions. Ranches not producing livestock ment should be undertaken. Additional water directly are devoted to producing feed for supply would be required to bring new lands winter maintenance or fattening. under irrigation. The basin includes Cedar Breaks National Monument, part of Bryce Canyon National FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS Park, large parts of four national forests, many REDMOND CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT high mountain and foothill lakes, and some of (Sacramento District) the most spectacular scenery in the intermoun­ The Redmond Channel Improvement Project tain region. Consequently, it offers many and varied opportunities for recreational activities. on Sevier River near Redmond was authorized Big game hunting is also important and there is in 1944 and completed in 1951. an influx of thousands of in-state and out-of- Project work consisted of 14 miles of channel state hunters each fall. Service industries improvement work along Sevier River down­ meeting the needs of transient visitors are stream from the mouth of Salma Creek, growing in significance in the economy of the construction of levees from Westview diversion basin. dam to Redmond Lake Dam, and installation of gated structures in place of two obstructive Floods in the Sevier Lake Basin result diversion dams to improve the carrying capacity primarily from rapidly melting snow during late spring and early summer, or from cloudburst of the river. The project affords protection to storms during the summer and early fall. the community of Redmond and about 3,000 acres of adjacent farmland, improves subsurface Flooding from general rain is possible, but would rarely occur. FHundreds of summer floods drainage in the same area, and provides have occurred in the basin. Those confined to additional water for irrigation by reducing losses. Project design capacity is 2,600 cubic feet small side canyons caused minor damage. Others have been raging torrents of water per second. carrying heavy loads of mud and rock that Federal cost of the project was $919,000 and damaged urban and well developed agricultural non-Federal cost $118,000. The project has areas. Deterioration of headwater areas by prevented an estimated $400,000 in flood grazing has increased the number of flood damages.

View of Sevier River above the Westview diversion structure.

22 Sevier Lake Basin

View showing radial gates at the Westview diversion dam on Sevier River near Redmond. The dam is at the upstream end of 14 miles of channel improvements that protect Redmond and adjacent agricultural areas from floods.

SMALL FLOOD-CONTROL PROJECTS BIG WASH DIVERSION DAM AND CHANNEL (Sacramento District) A small flood-control project for Big Wash One of the largest floods known occurred in near Milford, in Beaver County, was authorized 1921 and caused about $218,000 damage. One of in 1959 and completed in 1961. The project the most costly floods occurred in 1973 when consists of a diversion dam 34 feet, high and snowmelt floodwater inundated more than 2,400 feet long and a 325 acre-foot detention 5,000 acres and caused about $593,000 damage. basin on Big Wash, and a 4,500 foot long A variety of emergency work, including snag­ channel (leveed only on its east side) to divert ging, clearing, flood fighting, bank protection, floodflows up to 15,500 cubic feet per second and repair and restoration has been performed from Big Wash to Hickory Wash. The project in the basin. The work is summarized as follows: protects Milford and adjacent agricultural areas. Costs thru Stream 30 June 1976 Federal cost of the project was $218,000, and it is operated and maintained by local interests. Sevier River and The project has prevented an estimated Chicken Creek ...... $ 51,000 $125,000 in flood damages. Shoal C r e e k ...... 40,400 Pinto C r e e k ...... 40,900 EMERGENCY WORK Coal Creek ...... 39,800 . . . 67,100 Summer cloudburst-type floods occur almost Corn C r e e k ...... Red Creek ...... 8,300 every year someplace in the Sevier Lake Basin, Salina C r e e k ...... 30,000 but flood damage has been minimal due to sparse population and lack of development. Total $277,500

23

CHAPTER IV GREEN RIVER BASIN

GL GREAT SALT LAKE SL SEVIER LAKE

The Green River Basin comprises the area occasionally extends into the basin during the drained by the Green River and tributaries in winter. Most precipitation occurs as snow Utah. It encompasses an area of about 17,000 during the winter and early spring. Average square miles. Green River, which also drains annual temperatures vary from less than 30° portions of Wyoming and Colorado, is the above 10,000 feet to about 50° in the river largest single tributary to Colorado River, valleys below 5,000 feet. In general, the basin is joining that stream from the north in southeast­ characterized by short, warm summers and ern Utah. The principal tributaries to Green long, cold winters. River in Utah are the Price, Duchesne, and San Surface transportation in the basin is pro­ Rafael Rivers. White River, another major vided by U.S. Highways 6-50 and 40, completed tributary, joins Green River in Utah, but most of portions of Interstate 70, and the Denver and its drainage area is in northwestern Colorado. Rio Grande Western Railroad. A network of Elevations range from about 4,000 feet in the State highways and secondary roads provides lowest river valley areas to more than 13,000 feet access to points within the basin and surround­ in the highest headwater areas. ing areas. The basin is not densely populated and its 1977 population, about 44,000, is The climate of the basin is arid to semiarid projected to increase to about 90,000 by the except in the higher elevations where precipita­ year 2000. The principal urban centers are Price tion is moderately heavy. Wide ranges in and Vernal. precipitation, temperature, and wind move­ ment are caused by differences in elevation, The economy of the Green River Basin rests latitude, and topography. The basin is isolated primarily on production of range cattle. Irri­ from major sources of moisture, and, in general, gated and dry-farmed cropland is devoted climate of the basin is associated with Pacific mostly to production of hay and grain for winter Ocean air masses that must cross high mountain maintenance or fattening. Mineral production ranges and travel great distances. Thus, precipi­ is not of particular importance in the basin. tation is sparse except in the mountains. However, vast resources of oil shale are present Seasonal influences include arctic air that and offer potentiality for future exploitation.

25 Creen River Basin

The basin includes parts of the Flaming Gorge Flood control and associated water resources and Canyonlands National Parks, part of the development problems in the study area have Dinosaur National Monument, the High Uintas not been evaluated on a comprehensive basis Primitive Area, large areas of national forest, for many years. Considerable economic devel­ and much varied and spectacular scenery. opment has taken place in recent years and a Consequently, it offers many and diverse number of multiple purpose reservoirs have opportunities for recreational activities, and been built by the Bureau of Reclamation. service type enterprises meeting the needs of During the feasibility studies for these projects, vacationists and recreationists are growing in flood control evaluations were made by the importance in the economic base of the basin. Corps of Engineers usually on a single stream or Flooding in the basin is almost always the single project basis. The operational interrela­ result of rapidly melting snow in late spring and tionships of these projects should be deter­ early summer, often intensified by rain. Intense mined, giving consideration to existing condi­ summer thunderstorms frequently occur and tions of development. Framework study reports may cause heavy damage in localized areas. completed jointly in 1971 by the Federal Because the basin is sparsely populated and agencies, states, and local agencies concerned development is limited, flood damage in the provide a broad guide to the best use or past has not been extensive and has most combination of uses of water and related land frequently affected agricultural improvements resources to meet foreseeable short and long only. However, flood damage reduction pro­ term needs in the basin. The Colorado River grams should be undertaken. Storage for flood and Tributaries study will allow fomulation of control, flood plain management measures, and specific projects to meet needs identified under watershed treatment to protect soil and vegeta­ the framework studies. Hydrologic, economic, tive cover are needed. Future development in and environmental impact studies, and studies the basin will require additional water supply of critical flood areas are continuing. It is primarily for irrigation and municipal uses. expected that the comprehensive study will be completed by 1981. SECTION 7 PROJECTS EMERGENCY WORK In the Green River Basin, flood control Flooding in the sparsely populated Green operation regulations for three Bureau of River Basin has caused only minor damage. The Reclamation storage projects are currently most severe flood of record occurred in the under study by the Corps of Engineers. These basin in 1917 when floods on Price River caused projects are Starvation Reservoir on Strawberry about $380,000 damage to croplands. In 1966, River, Taskeech Reservoir on Lake Fork River, floods on White River caused about $88,000 in and Tyzack Reservoir on Brush Creek. damage. Federal expenditures under Public Law 99 for flood emergency work have been minimal. In FLOOD CONTROL STUDIES early 1969, $88,400 was spent under the author­ COLORADO RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES ity of Operation Foresight along the White- ABOVE LEES FERRY (Sacramento District) rocks, Uinta, and Duchesne Rivers and Ashley Comprehensive study of Colorado River and Creek to prevent expected damage from Tributary area upstream from Lees Ferry (Ari­ snowmelt floods. The cost of emergency work, zona) was authorized in 1938 to investigate including flood fighting, snagging and clearing, overall flood control and related water re­ bank protection, and repair and restoration in sources development problems, and to develop the Green River Basin under continuing Con­ a plan to solve these problems on local and gressional authorities including Operation comprehensive bases. Water resources devel­ Foresight are summarized in the following opment problems involve flood control, water table: conservation, water importation, recreation, Costs thru and salinity control. Snagging and clearing, Stream 30 June 1976 channel rectification, levees, and multiple purpose storage will be considered. The Green Duchesne R i v e r ...... $ 72,000 River Basin comprises a portion of the area White R i v e r ...... 48,000 under study, which also includes other parts of Ashley Creek ...... 186,000 Utah and parts of Wyoming, Colorado, New Uinta and Whiterocks Rivers 13,000 Mexico, and Arizona. Total $319,000

26 CHAPTER V COLORADO-SAN JUAN BASIN

GL GREAT SALT LAKE SL SEVIER LAKE

The Colorado-San Juan Basin comprises the include arctic air that occasionally extends into area drained by the main stem Colorado River the basin in winter, and thunderstorms that in Utah, excluding the Green River Basin. It sweep in from the Gulf of Mexico in the encompasses an area of about 24,000 square summer. Most precipitation occurs as snow miles. Numerous tributaries join Colorado River during the winter and early spring. Average in Utah. The largest of these are San Juan River annual temperatures vary from less than 30° (the second largest tributary in the Colorado above 10,000 feet to about 50° in valley areas River system) and Dolores River, both of which below 5,000 feet. Characteristically, summers enter from the east, and the Dirty Devil, are hot and dry, and winters are moderately Escalante, and Paria Rivers, which drain the east severe. side of the Wasatch and Aquarius Plateaus and join Colorado River from the west. Elevations in Surface transportation routes are well deve­ the basin range from about 2,500 feet in the far loped in the basin. Interstate 70 and the main western sector to more than 11,000 feet in the line of the Denver and Rio Grande Western high headwater areas of the Dirty Devil and Railroad cross its northern sector and Interstate Escalante Rivers. 15 crosses the western sector. U.S. EHighways 89, 91, and 163 and a network of State highways and Climate of the basin is arid to semiarid except secondary roads provide access to points in the in the higher elevations where precipitation is basin and surrounding areas. The basin is moderately heavy. Wide ranges in precipitation, sparsely populated. Its 1977 population, 43,000, temperature, and wind movement are caused is projected to increase to 91,000 by the year by differences in elevation, latitude, and 2000. Principal urban centers are St. George, topography. The area is isolated from major Monticello, and Blanding. sources of moisture, and, in general, climate of the basin is associated with Pacific Ocean air Livestock production (mainly sheep), extrac­ masses that eventually reach the basin after tion of coal and metallic minerals, and tourism crossing high mountain ranges and traveling form the economic base of the basin. Cropland great distances. Thus, precipitation is sparse is devoted mainly to production of livestock except in the mountains. Seasonal influences feed to complement large areas of rangeland.

27 Colorado-San Juan Basin

The basin is rich in recreational opportunities purpose reservoirs have been built by the and providing for the needs of recreationists Bureau of Reclamation. During the feasibility and vacationists is by far the most important studies for these projects, flood control evalua­ economic activity. The basin includes Canyon- tions were made by the Corps of Engineers lands and Zion National Parks; part of Bryce usually on a single stream or single project basis. Canyon National Park; Capitol Reef, Natural The operational interrelationships of these Bridges, Arches, and Hovenweep National projects should be determined, giving consid­ Monuments; a portion of the Glen Canyon eration to existing conditions of development. National Recreation Area; and parts of or all of Framework study reports completed jointly in several national forests. 1971 by the Federal agencies, states and local Flooding along the major streams is almost agencies concerned provide a broad guide to the best use or combination of uses of water always the result of rapid snowmelt in late spring and early summer. These floods are often and related land resources to meet foreseeable intensified by rain on the snowpack. Intense short and long term needs in the basin. The summer thunderstorms that result in cloudburst Colorado River and Tributaries study will allow rainfall are a frequent occurrence and often formulation of specific projects to meet needs cause severe damage in localized areas. identified under the framework studies. At present, there are no existing, under An interim report on a partnership project construction, or authorized Corps of Engineers on Mill Creek near Moab was initiated in Fiscal projects in the Colorado-San Juan Basin and Year 1975. Adoption of a plan of improvement activity therein has comprised study of water by local interests is being held in abeyance resources development and related problems pending more detailed study of a floodway­ and engaging in emergency flood control work. parkway plan in lieu of a reservoir plan. Facilities are needed for flood control, water Flydrologic, economic, and environmental supply, and watershed protection. impact studies, and studies of critical flood areas are continuing under the comprehensive study. It is expected that the comprehensive study will be completed in about 1981. FLOOD CONTROL STUDIES COLORADO RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES ABOVE LEES FERRY (Sacramento District) NAVAJO INDIAN RESERVATION, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah Comprehensive study of Colorado River and (Los Angeles District) tributary area upstream from Lees Ferry (Ari­ zona) was authorized in 1938 to investigate the A survey investigation at the Navajo Indian overall flood control and related water re­ Reservation was authorized for flood control sources development problems in the study and allied purposes by section 176 of the 1976 area and to develop a plan to solve these Water Resources Development Act (Public Law problems on local and comprehensive bases. 94-587). Water resources development problems The Navajo Indian Reservation, with a 1976 involve flood control, water conservation, water population of 149,000, encompasses 26,000 importation, recreation, and salinity control. miles in the States of Arizona, New Mexico, and Snagging and clearing, channel rectification, Utah. The northern part of the reservation levees, and multiple-purpose storage will be drains into the San Juan River, which is major considered. The Colorado-San Juan Basin tributary of the Colorado River above Lees comprises a portion of the study area, which Ferry. The southern part drains into the Little also includes other parts of Utah and parts of Colorado River. Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Ari­ The investigation will assist the Navajo zona. Indians in developing a comprehensive plan for Flood control and associated water resources water resources development in an extremely development problems have not been evalu­ arid region. The Corps will provide information ated in comprehensive bases for many years. on flood control and related problems, and will Considerable economic development has taken recommend construction of specific projects place in recent years and a number of multiple where justified. During the flood of October

28 Colorado-San Juan Basin

1972, several small dams constructed jointly by areas, utilities, and croplands suffered moderate the Soil Conservation Service and the Bureau of flood damage. Two persons lost their lives, and Indian Affairs failed. Also, severe damage damages exceeded $717,000. Emergency flood occurred in Chinle, Kayenta, Red Lake, Tuba fighting and repair work under continuing City, Leupp, Tolani Lake, Greasewood, and authorities available to the Corps of Engineers Ganado — all in Arizona. totaled about $46,000. The investigation will begin when funds are Costs for emergency work during other flood made available. emergencies have totaled about $113,000.

EMERGENCY WORK FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT SERVICES The largest known flood in the Colorado-San A flood plain information study for Virgin Juan Basin occurred in September 1970 when River and Fort Pierce Wash in the vicinity of St. heavy rains caused severe flooding on the lower George has been completed. No additional reaches of McElmo Creek, on Montezuma studies are in progress or scheduled for the near Creek, and on the San Juan River. Industrial future.

Utah 262 Bridge over McElmo Creek at Aneth following the Septem ber 1970 floods. (Deseret News Photo — Reed Madsen)

29

CHAPTER VI CORPS OF ENGINEERS CIVIL WORKS PROGRAM (Authorities, Procedures, Funding)

GENERAL The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tration as an engineering and construction the principal water resources development agency in the restoration of essential public agency of the Federal Government since 1824. facilities that have been damaged or destroyed. Through its Civil Works Program, the Corps carries out a comprehensive nationwide effort in water resources planning, construction, and AUTHORITY FOR CORPS OF ENGINEERS operation. These activities are carried out in PARTICIPATION IN CIVIL WORKS accordance with directives from Congress, and are supervised by the Chief of Engineers under The basic authority of Corps of Engineers' the direction of the Secretary of the Army. participation in the development of water Work is accomplished in close cooperation with resources lies in the commerce clause of the other Federal agencies concerned, and with Constitution, which gave Congress the power interested state and local authorities and "to regulate commerce with foreign nations, organizations, to provide beneficial improve­ and among the several states, and with the ments desired by the citizens of the communi­ Indian tribes." Under this authority, during the ties and areas most affected. 1820s, Congress assigned the Corps of Engineers the responsibility for projects dealing with The Civil Works Program is directed toward navigation on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. the development of water resources in a way This basic authority, which pertained solely to that will lead to the satisfaction of all water navigation, was subsequently expanded by related requirements — both immediate and Congress to include the many related aspects of long-range. Among other needs, these include comprehensive water resources development. improvements for navigation, flood control, major drainage, water supply for irrigation and The National Environmental Policy Act of municipal-industrial uses, water quality control 1969 established a policy that will encourage and waste water disposal, hydropower, water productive and enjoyable harmony between oriented recreation, enhancement of fish and man and his environment, promote efforts to wildlife resources, and the preservation of prevent or eliminate damage to the environ­ esthetic and ecological values. Special emphasis ment, stimulate the health and welfare of man, is being placed on flood plain management in and enrich the understanding of ecological support of a national effort to reduce flood systems and natural resources important to the losses through appropriate state and local Nation. Under Section 102 of that act, all Federal regulation of the use of flood prone areas. agencies must, among other requirements, include in every recommendation a detailed Under continuing Congressional authorities, statement on: the Corps of Engineers engages in a variety of emergency activities in the interest of naviga­ • The environmental impact of the pro­ tion and flood control, in the repair and posed action. restoration of flood damaged facilities, and in • Adverse environmental effects that can­ supplementing the resources of local interests not be avoided should the proposal be in coping with floods. It also provides engineer­ implemented. ing assistance to localities affected by major natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, • Alternatives to the proposed action. earthquakes, and wildfires, and serves at the • The relationship between local, short­ request of Federal Disaster Assistance Adminis­ term use of the environment and the

31 maintenance and enhancement of long­ NAVIGATION PROJECTS term productivity. Navigation improvements are directed by • Any irreversible and irretrievable com­ Congress primarily to assist in the development mitments of resources that would be and conduct of waterborne commerce. In involved in the proposed action should it general, improvements for navigation may be be implemented. divided into two types, coastal harbors and • The coordination of the proposal with inland waterways. The former comprise chan­ interested Federal, state, and local agen­ nels and anchorages to accommodate both cies. deep-draft and shallow-draft shipping, harbors to provide refuge for small craft, and breakwat­ Considering the complexities associated with ers and jetties to provide protection against water as a natural resource and its essentiality to wave action. Shallow-draft navigation includes all living things, the Corps of Engineers has commercial fishing, recreation boating, and recognized the necessity of instituting environ­ barge traffic. Improvements of inland water­ mental analysis and planning as an integral ways consist essentially of deepening and factor in water resources studies and project widening the waterways to facilitate the eco­ formulation. The Corps of Engineers worked as nomical transportation of bulk commodities by a representative member of the Special Task boat or barge. Integrated with railroads and Force of the President's Water Resources highways, improved waterways help to meet Council in developing the role of environmen­ increasing transportation needs. tal considerations in solutions to water prob­ lems. On the individual District level, the Corps Beginning with an act approved 24 May 1824, has established environmental elements staffed investigations and improvements for navigation with biologists, ecologists, oceanographers, and related purposes have been authorized by a foresters, sanitary and civil engineers, recrea­ series of River and Harbor Acts, and basic tion specialists, and others who contributed the policies and procedures have been established expertise of their educational disciplines to by these laws. The 1920 River and Harbor Act environmental considerations. expanded the Federal policy regarding naviga­ tional improvements and established general Section 122 of the 1970 Flood Control Act requirements for local cooperation where the provides that the Corps of Engineers assure that benefits from such improvements are mainly possible adverse economic, social, and environ­ local in nature. Subsequent acts have further mental effects relating to any proposed project clarified and expanded the Federal policy, and have been fully considered, and that final have authorized many specific navigation decisions on the project are made in the best projects. Any special conditions and require­ overall public interest, taking into account the ments pertaining to a specific project are need for flood control, navigation, and asso­ included in the authorizing act. Section 117 of ciated facilities, the cost of eliminating or the 1968 River and Harbor Act permits the minimizing such adverse effects, and: Corps of Engineers to maintain navigation • Air, noise, and water pollution. channels in excess of authorized project depths • Destruction or disruption of man-made when such depths were provided for defense and natural resources, esthetic values, purposes and also serve essential needs of community cohesion and the availability general commerce. Section 6 of the Water of public facilities and services. Resources Development Act of 1974 provides that the cost of operation and maintenance of • Adverse employment effects and tax and the general navigation features of certain small property value losses. boat harbors (recreational boating) shall be • Injurious displacement of people, busi­ borne by the Federal Government. nesses, and farms. • Disruption of desirable community and FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS regional growth. The purpose of flood control projects is to Further information on basic authorities of regulate floodflows and thus prevent flood the Corps of Engineers is contained in the damages. This is accomplished with flood following paragraphs. control storage or levee and channel improve-

32 ment works, separately or in combination. In a PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE flood control storage project, floodwaters are PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEES stored and later released at non-damaging Section 201 of the 1965 Flood Control Act, as rates. The majority of storage projects are amended by the 1976 Water Resources Devel­ authorized for multiple purposes, i.e., flood opment Act, authorizes the Secretary of the control and other purposes such as hydroelec­ Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to tric power, irrigation, navigation, municipal and construct, operate, and maintain single- and industrial water supplies, water quality control, multiple-purpose water resources development recreation, and enhancement of fish and projects involving, but not limited to, naviga­ wildlife resources. Some storage projects au­ tion and flood control if the Federal cost is less thorized primarily for flood control may also be than $15,000,000. Such projects must be used incidentally for other purposes such as approved by resolutions adopted by the Public recreation or fish and wildlife enhancement. In Works Committees of the Senate and House of levee and channel improvement projects, Representatives, and are subject to the same sufficient channel capacity to carry peak flows is requirements of local cooperation as projects provided by dredging, clearing, and straighten­ costing $15,000,000 or more. ing the waterway; by constructing levees; by building a channel with smooth surfaces to improve flow characteristics; by providing RECREATION bypasses; or by some combination of these methods. Recreation facilities may be included Outdoor recreation is recognized by the in levee and channel improvement projects. Corps of Engineers as a tangible and important function of water resources development, and In 1917, the Corps of Engineers was assigned it is given the same consideration as other needs the responsibility for flood control work on the and potentialities in the planning of water Sacramento and Mississippi Rivers and since resources development projects. Authority to 1936 has been responsible for the general flood participate in recreational developments was control program throughout the United States. Section 1 of the 1936 Flood Control Act, which provided by Section 4 of the 1944 Flood Control established Federal policy on flood control Act as amended by the 1946, 1954, 1960, and works, reads in pertinent part: 1962 Flood Control Acts. Under these continu­ ing authorities, the Corps of Engineers con­ ". . . that it is the sense of Congress that structs, operates, and maintains public park and flood control on navigable waters or their recreational facilities at water resources devel­ tributaries is a proper activity of the opment projects under its control, and may Federal Government in cooperation with permit construction, operation, and mainte­ States, their political subdivisions, and nance of such facilities by local interests. localities thereof . . .” Recreation facilities for public use are Each Federal flood control project, except generally provided through cooperative efforts certain small improvements and emergency of the Corps of Engineers and a non-Federal work, must be specifically authorized by agency, and, when appropriate, by private Congress. The procedures for obtaining author­ interests on a concessionaire basis. The 1965 ization and construction of a project are Federal Water Project Recreation Act, as covered in subsequent paragraphs. Since au­ amended by the Water Resources Development thorizing acts generally do not carry appropria­ Act of 1974, authorized the Corps of Engineers tions for undertaking projects, funds for design to participate and cooperate with States and and construction must be provided by subse­ local interests in developing the recreational quent appropriation acts. potential of any Federal water project. Under Upon completion, levee and channel these authorities the Federal Government improvement projects usually are transferred to assumes responsibility for major recreational local authorities for operation and mainte­ development provided that non-Federal public nance. Flood control storage projects are bodies agree in advance to administer project operated and maintained by the Corps of land and water areas for recreation or fish and Engineers unless the protection provided is wildlife enhancement, and to bear not less than essentially local in nature. one-half the separable project costs allocated to

33 recreation and one-quarter of the costs allo­ navigable waters.1 Decisions of the Supreme cated to fish and wildlife enhancement. Court now construe that Act as being directed Public use of land and water areas at Corps of at pollution as well as obstructions to naviga­ Engineers storage projects in the past decade tion. To make the most effective use of existing has more than tripled. Facilities provided for legislation to achieve compliance with water public use include access roads, boat launching quality standards and abate pollution, a permit ramps, parking areas, observation points, picnic program under the 1899 Act was initiated areas, campgrounds, and water supply and pursuant to Executive Order 11574, which was sanitation systems. Provisions are also made for issued on 23 December 1970. Under this the preservation and enhancement of fish and program, permits will be required for all wildlife resources in accordance with the Fish present and future discharges into navigable and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958. Facilities waters or their tributaries. From 23 December and services such as motels, boatels, restaurants, 1970 to 18 October 1972, the program was marina installations, and sporting goods stores administered by the Corps of Engineers in are generally provided on adjacent private cooperation with the various States and the lands, although such facilities are sometimes Environmental Protection Agency. On 18 located on Federal lands on a concessionaire October 1972, passage of the Federal Water basis. Some flood detention basins, which Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1972 generally do not have permanent recreation lodged the entire responsibility for the program pools, have recreational facilities comprising with the Environmental Protection Agency. As bridle paths, hiking trails, golf courses, archery provided in the 1972 amendment, the program ranges, playgrounds, day-camping and picnick­ in Utah will eventually become the responsibil­ ing facilities, water supply and sanitation ity of the State with review of applications by systems, and parking areas and access roads. the Corps of Engineers and veto power by the Similar facilities, as appropriate, may be pro­ Environmental Protection Agency. vided in conjunction with levee and channel improvement projects. Information folders on DEVELOPMENT OF WATER SUPPLIES recreational facilities at most Corps projects are The 1958 Water Supply Act, as amended, available on request from the Public Affairs permits the Corps of Engineers to participate Office of the District having jurisdiction. and cooperate with States and local interests in developing domestic, municipal, and industrial WATER POLLUTION AND water supplies in connection with the construc­ WATER QUALITY CONTROL tion, maintenance, and operation of Federal Under the 1948 Water Pollution Control Act, navigation, flood control, irrigation, and as amended; other related legislation; and multiple-purpose projects. Space for storage of certain Executive Orders, water quality and municipal and industrial water supplies may be pollution control are given full consideration in included in the Corps of Engineers storage the planning and construction of Federal water projects if local interests agree to pay the resources development projects. In water percentage of project cost allocated to that storage projects, adequate capacity may be function. included for regulation of streamflow to maintain high water quality, but not as a FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT substitute for treatment or other methods of SERVICES PROGRAM controlling waste at the source. In recognition of the increasing use and Under longstanding procedures evolving development of flood plain areas and the need from the River and Harbor Act of 1899, the for flood hazard information to guide such Corps of Engineers has administered a permit development in a way that would minimize program for structures and operations in future flood damage, but permit optimum use

7 In Utah, Great Salt Lake, Bear Lake, Lake Powell, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and segments of the Colorado and Green Rivers are navigable waters under Federal criteria.

34 and development of flood-prone lands, Section Flood Plain Management Planning. To 206 of the 1960 Flood Control Act (as amended achieve the basic objective of the Flood Plain by the 1966 Flood Control Act) and Executive Management Services Program, the Corps of Order 11296, 10 August 1966, authorized the Engineers works with and through the proper Corps of Engineers to establish and carry out a state agency, and provides the guidance, flood plain management services program. Its engineering services, and other technical objective is comprehensive flood damage assistance necessary for sound management of prevention planning that, at all levels of flood plain areas. State and local officials are government, encourages and guides wise use of brought fully into planning actions and consid­ flood plains. Under the program, the Corps of eration is given to alternative or supplementary Engineers prepares flood plain information measures. Thus, planning considers flood reports, provides technical assistance and control works, flood proofing of buildings, guidance, conducts related research on various flood forecasting, zoning subdivision regula­ phases of flood plain management, and plans tions, building codes, city policies, and other long-range flood plain management activities. elements to find the combination that gives the In compliance with Executive Order 11296, the best solution. A recent addition to flood plain Corps of Engineers prepares specific flood management is the Corps of Engineers' contrac­ hazard reports wherever buildings, roads, and tual role in the National Flood Insurance other facilities are either federally owned, Program. This includes making hydrologic federally financed, or involved in federally studies for the Federal Insurance Administra­ administered programs, and wherever disposal tion, Department of Flousing and Urban of Federal land and property is involved. Development. Flood Plain Information Reports. Flood plain information reports are prepared at the request SPECIAL AUTHORITIES of local interests to delineate flood problems in In addition to water resources development specific communities or along specific stream projects that must be authorized by Congress, reaches in suburban and rural areas. the Corps of Engineers may undertake certain Technical Assistance and Guidance. The small projects and varied emergency work Corps of Engineers stands ready to provide under continuing authorities. Also, the Corps of technical assistance and guidance to Federal, Engineers reevaluates completed projects on state, and local agencies in the interpretation operational and environmental considerations, and application of data in flood plain informa­ when changed conditions so warrant; and tion reports. This includes providing additional cooperates in the projects of other agencies. data pertinent to but not published in the Certain laws enacted to preserve and protect report, assisting in the preparation of flood navigable waters are adminstered by the Corps plain regulations, and suggesting floodway of Engineers. areas and evaluating the effects of such Small Projects Under continuing authorities floodways. Technical assistance and guidance and when approved by the Chief of Engineers, also includes furnishing generalized informa­ small navigation and small flood control proj­ tion on flood damage reduction by corrective ects may be undertaken by the Corps of or preventive measures. Engineers without the specific authorization of Guidance Materials and Research. The Flood Congress. Works constructed under small Plain Management Services Program includes project authorities must be complete in them­ studies to improve methods and procedures for selves, constitute a complete solution to the flood damage prevention and abatement, and problem, and not commit the Federal Govern­ the preparation of guides and pamphlets on ment to additional improvements to insure various approaches to flood damage preven­ effective operation. Small projects are subject tion. The research effort under the program is to the same requirements of feasibility, eco­ conducted under the direction of the Chief of nomic justification, and cost sharing as projects Engineers and is closely coordinated with that require the specific authorization of related research programs of other Federal Congress and must be coordinated with the agencies and the various states. State or other local interest concerned. They are

35 based upon favorable reconnaissance-type endangered by bank erosion. Public works investigations and subsequent detailed project within the meaning of the authorization are reports, which serve as bases for authorization Federal, state and local facilities, or those of of projects and preparation of plans and non-profit organizations serving the general specifications. The allotments for small projects, public. which are made annually by Congress on a b. Snagging and clearing (Section 208, 1954 lump-sum, country-wide basis, cannot exceed Flood Control Act, as amended). Within the $30,000,000 for small flood-control projects or limit of available funds, the Corps of Engineers $25,000,000 for small navigation projects for any is authorized to spend up to $250,000 annually one year, and usually not more than $2,000,000 on any one single tributary for removal of (Federal cost) can be allowed for construction accumulated snags and other debris, and for the of any single project. clearing and straightening of channels in Small navigation projects are undertaken navigable streams and tributaries thereof when, under the provisions of section 107 of the 1960 in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers, such River and Harbor Act (Public Law 86-645), as work is advisable in the interest of flood amended by section 310 of the 1965 River and control. Harbor Act (Public Law 89-298), sections 103 and c. Flood fighting, rescue, and repair work 112 of the 1970 River and Harbor Act (Public (Public Law 84-99 and antecedent legislation). Law 91-611), section 6 of the 1974 Water Within the limit of available funds, the Corps of Resources Development Act (Public Law 93- Engineers is authorized to engage in flood­ 251), and section 133 of the 1976 Water fighting and rescue operations, and to repair or Resources Development Act (Public Law 94- restore flood control works threatened or 587). destroyed by floods. Repairs or restoration of Authority to investigate and construct small flood control works includes strengthening or flood-control projects is contained in Section otherwise modifying damaged or threatened 205 of the 1948 Flood Control Act (as amended flood control structures to insure adequate by the 1950, 1952, and 1970 Flood Control Acts functioning. and the Water Resources Development Act of Emergency Navigation Work. Emergency 1974). The 1974 amendment increases the navigation work under general Congressional project allowance to $3,000,000 if a project will authorization falls into two general categories: protect an area that has been declared a major a. Removal of wrecks and obstructions (1899 disaster area in the 5-year period preceding the River and Harbor Act). Under this authority, the date of project approval. Corps of Engineers is authorized (within the Emergency Flood Control Work. Emergency limit of available funds) to investigate wrecked work in the interest of flood control is ordinarily vessels and other obstructions to navigation, undertaken under three general Congressional and to insure removal at the expense of the authorizations with funds appropriated annu­ owner or, under certain specific conditions, at ally. Although emergency projects to which the expense of the Federal Government. these general authorizations apply need not be b. Snagging and clearing (Section 3, 1945 specifically authorized by Congress, they are River and Harbor Act). Within the limit of subject to the same principles of economic available funds, the Corps of Engineers is feasibility that pertain to authorized projects. authorized to remove accumulated snags and Emergency flood control work falls into three other debris, and to protect, clear, and general categories: straighten channels in navigable harbors and a. Emergency bank protection (Section 14, navigable streams and tributaries thereof when, 1946 Flood Control Act, as amended). Within in the opinion of the Chief of Engineers, such the limit of available funds, the Corps of work is advisable in the interest of navigation or Engineers is authorized to spend up to $250,000 flood control. annually in a single locality for the construction Emergency Rehabilitation Work Under Pub­ of emergency bank protection works to prevent lic Law 93-288. Under authority provided by flood damages along shorelines or to highways, Public Law 93-288 (Disaster Relief Act of 1974) bridge approaches, and other public works and antecedent authorities — Public Laws 81-

36 875, 89-769, 91-79 and 91-606, and Executive built under the foregoing arrangement are Order 10427 — the Federal Disaster Assistance known as "Partnership Projects'" and must be Administration (FDAA) coordinates the relief operated for flood control according to regula­ and recovery activities of all Federal agencies tions established by the Corps of Engineers. during major disasters. During such periods, the REGULATORY FUNCTIONS FDAA may request the Corps of Engineers to act as an engineering and construction agency to In addition to other civil works activities, the rehabilitate or restore damaged or destroyed Corps of Engineers is responsible for adminis­ facilities, prepare evaluation reports on tering certain laws enacted for the preservation requests to the FDAA for repayment of local and protection of navigable waters. Among costs for repair and restoration work, inspect other things, these laws pertain to: such work on its completion, or perform other • Approval of sites and plans for dams and disaster recovery and relief activities. dikes. Réévaluation of Completed Projects. Section • Permits for structures or operations in 216 of the 1970 Flood Control Act authorized navigable waters. the Corps of Engineers to review completed • Removal of sunken vessels or other navigation and flood control projects when obstructions endangering navigation. found advisable due to significantly changed physical and economic conditions. The findings • Establishment of danger zones, dumping of such review investigations would be reported grounds, restricted areas, fishing areas, to Congress with recommendations for modify­ and harbor lines. ing the structures or their operation, and for • Discharge of any kind of refuse matter improving the quality of the environment in the into navigable waters. overall public interest. Cooperation in Projects of Other Agencies. WETLANDS Section 7 of the 1944 Flood Control Act assigned Section 150 of the 1976 Water Resources the Secretary of the Army the responsibility for Development Act (Public Law 94-587) author­ prescribing regulations for the use of storage izes the Corps to plan and establish wetland space reserved for flood control or navigation areas as part of an authorized water resources in all reservoirs constructed wholly or in part development project under its jurisdiction. with Federal funds. In carrying out that respon­ Establishment of any wetland area in connec­ sibility, operating regulations for flood control tion with the dredging required for such a water space have been developed cooperatively with resources development project may be under­ the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The Corps of taken in any case where (1) the environmental, Engineers also cooperates in the Watershed economic, and social benefits of the wetland Studies Program of the Soil Conservation area justify the increased cost above the cost Service and the Small Reclamation Project required for alternative methods of disposing of Program of the Bureau of Reclamation. dredged material for such a project; (2) the When authorized by Congress in recognition increased cost of such wetland area will not of a potential flood control accomplishment, exceed $400,000; and (3) reasonable evidence the Federal Government may contribute part of exists that the wetland area to be established the construction cost of water resources will not be substantially altered or destroyed by development projects built by local interests. natural or man-made causes. All reports submit­ Such contribution, the amount of which is ted to Congress will include, where appropri­ determined by detailed cost allocation studies ate, consideration of the establishment of to reflect the specific flood control accomplish­ wetland areas. ment to be realized, relates to actual construc­ tion costs, exclusive of costs for other functions HOW CORPS OF ENGINEERS PROJECTS of the project such as recreation, irrigation, or ARE INITIATED, AUTHORIZED, hydroelectric power, and exclusive of an AND CONSTRUCTED additional Federal expenditure for studies and The Corps of Engineers never initiates an administration of funds. Dams and reservoirs investigation or a project. Actually, local

37 interests initiate; Congress authorizes; and the selected, a second public meeting is held to Corps of Engineers studies, plans, and con­ assure that all interested parties understand structs Federal water resources development how their interests are affected by the problems projects. The major steps in initiating and and proposals under consideration; to present processing such projects are briefly outlined as expected environmental impacts of alternative follows: plans; to reveal situations of dissent, contro­ a. Local interests inform their Senator or versy, or support; and delineate areas of Representative of a navigation, flood control, or conflict or misunderstanding that need to be related water resource improvement they resolved. As the study nears completion, an desire, and request that Federal provision of the environmental impact statement draft is pre­ desired improvement be investigated. Local pared and coordinated. When a plan is interests may also consult with representatives selected, local interests must indicate their of the Corps of Engineers on appropriate support of the proposal and their intent to meet procedures, particularly on whether a study and the requirements of local cooperation. These project may be accomplished under one of the data and the recommendations of the District continuing authorities for small projects. (See Engineer are included in the report. A favorable "SMALL PROJECTS/' page 35.) recommendation by the District Engineer is largely dependent upon local acceptance of the Two courses of action are open to the proposed project and its economic justification. Member of Congress. He may request the A third public meeting is held prior to Senate or House Committee on Public Works to completion of the report and its submittal to the authorize a review of any previous reports on Division Engineer. investigations of the area to determine whether c. The Division Engineer reviews the report, modification of such reports would be advis­ adds his recommendations, and transmits it to able. If a review report is appropriate, the the Chief of Engineers for consideration and Committee will adopt a resolution authorizing subsequent referral to the Board of Engineers the Corps of Engineers to make the review. If no for Rivers and Harbors for review. All interested previous report has been made, the Member of parties receive a public notice that summarizes Congress may request the Committee to the findings and recommendations of the include authorization of a study in either an District and Division Engineers, and informs omnibus river and harbor and flood control bill them that they may present their views on the or in a separate bill. When passed, the bill matter to the Board of Engineers for Rivers and becomes authorization for the study. Harbors. At this time, the field report is b. When the investigation is authorized, the considered complete, and it may be purchased Chief of Engineers assigns it to the appropriate at the cost of reproduction. Another public Division Engineer, who usually refers it to a meeting may be held if requested by non- District Engineer for accomplishment. Follow­ Federal interests and deemed advisable by the ing the receipt of the directive and funds for the Board. study (which must be appropriated by Con­ d. The Board of Engineers for Rivers and gress), the District Engineer, in close coopera­ Harbors reviews the reports of the District and tion with local authorities and other Federal Division Engineers, and carefully considers any agencies, begins the necessary engineering, additional information received from interested economic, and environmental investigations. parties. The Board prepares its report, including An initial public meeting is held to advise recommendations, and transmits it to the Chief local people on the nature and scope of the of Engineers, who prepares the report for investigation and to ascertain their views on submittal to Congress. Interested Federal problems, needs, and the type of improvement agencies and Governors of affected states are desired. After careful consideration of this given opportunity to comment on the recom­ information, and study of data obtained mended improvements. The environmental through field and office investigations, the impact statement is also circulated for comment District Engineer develops alternative plans of at this time. After full consideration of all improvement believed suitable to the problem comments, the Chief of Engineers submits the under consideration. Before a plan is tentatively report to the Secretary of the Army, who

38 obtains the views of the Office of Management necessarily the same for every project because and Budget before transmitting the report to each project is separately and specifically the Congress. These steps complete the action authorized. Such requirements may include required by the Chief of Engineers and Secre­ several of the following items: tary of the Army in complying with the a. Providing lands, easements, rights-of-way, resolution or act authorizing the study. The final utility relocations, disposal areas, royalty free environmental impact statement is filed with rock, miscellaneous harbor and related the Council on Environmental Quality at this improvements, supplemental dredging and time and becomes available to the public. jettywork, and cash contributions toward new e. The House and Senate Committees on work. Public Works may hold hearings on the report b. Operating and maintaining the com­ with a view toward formulating a bill including pleted improvements, maintaining and preserv­ authorization of the recommended project. If ing certain channel capacities, and preventing the project is included in an authorization bill, any future encroachments on project channels. its enactment constitutes authorization of the project. c. Adjusting all water rights claims resulting from operation of the improvements. Funds for constructing authorized projects are not provided by the authorizing act, but are d. Holding and saving the United States free supplied under subsequent appropriation acts. from damages resulting from construction and After authorization, projects are designed and operation of the improvements. built in accordance with the authorizing acts e. Contracting to repay all or a portion of the and such other general laws as may be costs allocated to irrigation, municipal and applicable at a rate determined by appropria­ industrial water supplies, recreation, fish and tion of funds. After funds are made available, wildlife enhancement, and any other project construction will require 3 to 4 more years facilities especially beneficial to local interests. depending on the size and complexity of the The best method for meeting the require­ project. Section 12 of the Water Resources ments of local cooperation in any water Development Act of 1974 provides that water resources project is for local interests to be resources development improvements author­ represented by a legal sponsoring agency. Such ized for construction, but for which appropria­ an agency should be a local governmental unit tions have not been provided for a period of 8 or some type of special district with the years, may be deauthorized. Project deauthori­ necessary legal authority and financial ability to zations would be coordinated with interested meet the local cooperation requirements Federal agencies and the Governor of the state specified in the authorizing act. in which the project is located. Whenever a project requiring local coopera­ tion is authorized by Congress, and preferably before the project is authorized, local interests HOW LOCAL INTERESTS should examine State, county, and local laws to SHARE IN FEDERAL PROJECTS determine whether such a sponsoring agency The cost of a Federal water resources project exists or can be legally formed. If the necessary is usually divided between the Federal Govern­ legal authority does not exist, local interests ment and the local interests directly benefited. should take action to obtain the necessary The local interests' share of the cost is deter­ enabling legislation, and to organize the mined by the requirements included in the sponsoring agency in accordance with the authorizing act. These requirements are not enabling legislation.

39 INDEX

American Fork River and Dry Creek . . . 20 Development of Water Supplies . . . 34 Ashley Creek . . . 26 Duchesne River . . . 26 Authorities: Emergency Work: Civil Works . .. 31 (Also see specific basins) Development of Water Supplies . . . 34 Authority for . . . 35 Environmental Protection . . . 31 Costs of . . . 10 Flood Control Projects . . . 32 Flood Control . . . 36 Flood Plain Management Services . . . 34 General Information . . . 10 Navigation Projects . . . 32 Navigation . . . 10, 36 Projects Approved by the Public Works Committees . . . 33 Under Public Law 93-288 . . . 10, 36 Recreation . . . 33 Farmington Bay Tributaries . . . 20 Regulatory Functions . . . 37 Federal Disaster Assistance Administration . . . 10 Special . . . 35 Federal Participation in Flood Control Cooperation in Projects of Other Agencies . . . 37 Projects, Authority for . . . 32 Emergency Flood Control Work . . . 36 Financing Federal Navigation and Flood Emergency Navigation Work . . . 36 Control Projects . . . 39 Emergency Rehabilitation Work under Flood Control: Public Law 93-288 . . . 36 Emergency . . . 36 Réévaluation of Completed Projects . . . 37 Program in Utah . . . 8 Small Projects . . . 35 Flood Control Projects: Bank Protection, Emergency . . . 36 Authority for . . . 32 Barton, Mill, and Stone Creeks . . . 20 Big Wash Diversion Dam and Channel . . . 23 Basins: Jordan River at Salt Lake . . . 14 Colorado-San Juan . . . 27 Kays Creek at Layton . . . 17 Great Salt Lake . . . 13 Little Dell Lake . . . 14 Green River . . . 25 Redmond Channel Improvement . . . 22 Sevier Lake . . . 21 Small Flood-Control Projects . . . 17, 23 Big Wash Diversion Dam and Channel . . . 23 Flood Control Studies: Blacksmith Fork . . . 20 Colorado River and Tributaries above Lees Ferry . . . 26,28 Burch Creek . . . 20 Jordan River Basin . . . 17 Chicken Creek . . . 23 Flood Fighting, Rescue, and Coal Creek . . . 23 Repair, Emergency . . . 36 Colorado River and Tributaries above Lees Ferry . . . 26, 28 Flood Plain Information Reports: Colorado-San Juan Basin: Completed . . . 9 Description . . . 27 Future . . . 9 Emergency Work . . . 29 In Progress . . . 9 Flood Control Studies . . . 28 Flood Plain Management Planning . . . 35 Flood Plain Management Services . . . 29 Flood Plain Management Services Program: Cooperation in Projects of Other Agencies . . . 37 Flood Plain Information Reports . . . 35 Coordination with Other Agencies . . . 37 Flood Plain Management Planning . . . 35 Corn Creek . . . 23 General . . . 9, 35 Corps of Engineers: Guidance Materials and Research . . . 35 Authority for Participation in Civil Works . . . 31 Technical Assistance and Guidance . . . 35 Cooperation in Projects of Other Agencies . . . 37 Great Salt Lake Basin: Emergency Flood Control Work . . . 36 Description . . . 13 Emergency Navigation Work . . . 36 Emergency Work . . . 18 Flood Control Projects . . . 32 Flood Control Projects . . . 14 Flood Plain Management Services Program . . . 9, 34 Flood Control Studies . . . 17 General Information . . . 31 Flood Plain Management Services . . . 20 History of Activities in Utah . . . 7 Multiple Purpose Projects . . . 14 Initiation, Authorization, and Construction of Projects . . . 37 Section 7 Projects . . . 17 Local Participation in Projects . . . 39 Small Flood-Control Projects . . . 17 Navigation Projects . . . 32 Green River Basin: Projects Approved by Public Works Committees . . . 33 Description . . . 25 Recreation . . . 33 Emergency Work . . . 26 Réévaluation of Completed Projects . . . 37 Flood Control Studies . . . 26 Regulatory Functions . . . 37 Flood Plain Management Services . . . 26 Small Projects . . . 35 Section 7 Projects . . . 26 Special Authorities . . . 35 Guidance Materials and Research Dry Creek . . . 20 (Flood Plain Management Program) . . . 35

40 INDEX (Continued)

History of Corps of Engineers Activities in Utah . . . 7 Sevier Lake Basin: Hobble Creek . . . 20 Description . . . 21 Industrial Water Supplies . . . 34 Emergency Work . . . 23 Initiation, Authorization, and Construction of Corps Flood Control Projects . . . 22 Projects . . . 37 Small Flood-Control Projects . . . 23 Investigations and Reports: Sevier River . . . 23 Flood Control (See Flood Control Studies) Sharing in Federal Projects by Local Interests . . . 39 Navigation (See Navigation Studies) Shoal Creek . . . 23 Program . . . 9 Small Flood-Control Projects: jordan River: Authority . . . 35 Flood Control Projects . . . 14 Big Wash Diversion Dam and Channel . . . 23 Flood Control Studies . . . 17 Kays Creek at Layton . . . 17 Flood Plain Information Report . . . 20 Small Navigation Projects . . . 35 Interim Flood Control Study . . . 17 Small Projects, General . . . 35 jordan River at Salt Lake City . . . 14 Snagging and Clearing, Emergency: jordan River Basin . . . 17 Flood Control . . . 36 jordan River Complex . . . 20 Navigation . . . 36 Kays Creek at Layton . . . 17 Spanish Fork River . . . 20 Little Dell Lake . . . 14 Special Authorities (See Authorities) Local Cooperation . . . 39 Status of Investigations and Reports . . . 9 Logan River . . . 20 Status of Projects . . . 8 Maintenance and Operation of Completed Projects . . . 10 Stone Creek . . . 20 Mill Creek . . . 20 Summit Creek . . . 20 Multiple Purpose Projects: Surplus Canal . . . 14 Little Dell Lake . . . 14 Technical Assistance and Guidance (Flood Municipal Water Supply . . . 34 Plain Management Program) . . . 35 National Environmental Policy Act . . . 31 Uinta River . . . 26 Navajo Indian Reservation . . . 28 Utah: Navigation Program in Utah . . . 8 Basins . . . 7 Navigation Projects: Climate ... 1 Authority for . . . 32 Economy . . . 7 Ogden River . . . 20 Emergency Work . . . 10 Operation Foresight . . . 10, 26 Flood Control Program . . . 8 Operation of Completed Projects . . . 10 Flood Plain Management Services Program . . . 9 Partnership Projects (See Cooperation) Floods and Water Resources Development Problems . . . 7 in Projects of other Agencies) . . . 37 General Description . . . 1 Peteetneet Creek . . . 20 History of Corps of Engineers Activities . . . 7 Pinto Creek . . . 23 Investigations and Reports Program . . . 9 Pollution Control . . . 34 Maintenance and Operation of Completed Projects . . . 10 Price River . . . 26 Navigation Program . . . 8 Processing Corps of Engineers Projects . . . 37 Status, of Projects . . . 8 Projects Approved by Public Works Committees . . . 33 Water Pollution and Water Quality Control . . . 9 Provo River and Rock Canyon Creek . . . 20 Virgin River: Provo River and Slate Canyon Creek . . . 20 Flood Plain Information Report . . . 29 Public Law 84-99 . . . 10, 36 Water Pollution and Water Quality Control . . . 34 Public Law 93-288 . . . 10, 36 Water Pollution Control Act . . . 34 Redmond Channel Improvement . . . 22 Water Resources Development Program in Utah . . . 1 Réévaluation of Completed Projects . . . 37 Water Supply . . . 34 Regulatory Functions of the Corps of Engineers . . . 37 Wetlands . . . 38 Removal of Wrecks and Obstructions . . . 36 White River . . . 26 Section 7 Projects . . . 17, 37 Whiterocks River . . . 26

41 ^U. S'. GPO: 1 9 7 7 -7 9 2- 1 6 1 WALLA WALLA

LEGEND Completed Not Started WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT Lake H z ' by the U.S. ARMY CORPS OE ENGINEERS

Congressional D i s t r i c t 1 m ENLARGED AREA Basin Boundary UTAH SCALE IN MILES GL Great S a l t Lake ¡0 0______10 2 0 SL Sevier Lake GR Green River LOCATION AND STATUS OF PROJECTS CS C o lo rado - San JANUARY 19» 3023300339584

o 0033958 4 U S- ARMY C0RpS OF ENGINEERS ^