Elm Creek Watershed Project
Summary of Project Response to Questions about the Proposed Elm Creek Project
12/16/07
There
were approximately 125 in attendance at a public meeting for the proposed Elm
Creek Watershed Flood Control Project on Nov.7. Dick
Mercer, chairman of the Western Projects Committee, reported that Olsson
Associates did an excellent job conducting the public meeting.
Directors who were in attendance felt that the residents of Elm Creek
were not represented and that the NRD would proceed with an information program.
Snagging and clearing will continue on Elm & Turkey creeks, however
flooding near Hwy 30 will continue to be a problem until a drainage project is
implemented.
Staff will also seek support from the Department of Natural Resources,
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, Nebraska Public Power District, and the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
9/17/07
The
board will seek input from area residents on the Elm Creek Watershed Flood
Control Project; which involves the development of a 975-acre reservoir near the
City of Elm Creek.
Directors plan to meet with residents in early November while staff seeks
funding sources.
Benefits of the project will include much needed flood control,
recreation, and water releases back to the Platte River for threatened and
endangered species habitat.
8/24/07
Chairman
Dick Mercer reported that Kevin Prior, Olsson Associates, presented conclusions
from the preliminary study for the proposed Elm Creek Watershed Project. The
committee decided to delay action until the September board meeting.
6/29/07
Karen
Griffin and Kevin Prior, Olsson Associates, presented some conclusions from the
study for the proposed Elm Creek Watershed Project.
Initial conclusions are favorable for a project, however,
the committee instructed OA to conduct more surveys in the area for more
definitive answers before scheduling a public hearing.
12/21/06
In order to gather specific scientific data about the
leaching possibilities of the proposed Elm Creek Watershed Project, the board
approved a study in the amount of $42,000 for drilling and modeling.
Several of the holes will be drilled down to the bedrock (80 ft) to get
depths of the sands and gravels. Board
members said although they have approved this study, it does not indicate that
they have signed off on the project. Olsson Associates will oversee the drilling of about 30 holes
in and around the proposed reservoir area.
Kevin Prior, OA, said results should be available in March 2007. See
map of study area below.
9/15/06
The board approved the recommendation to proceed with the
funding request from the Natural Resources Development Fund and to proceed with
core drilling to evaluate concerns about seepage on the proposed Elm Creek
Watershed. In July a petition was
received from area landowners about their concerns with the project.
The committee strongly recommends that all seepage concerns be dealt with
prior to any plans for a project. Jim
Cook, Department of Natural Resources, addressed the committee saying that the
proposed alternative would have the potential to fit into the Water Action Plan
for the proposed Platte River Recovery Implementation Plan.
7/3/06
Mark Meier and other interested landowners presented a
petition that objects to the building of the alternative E, large Elm Creek
Structure an Dry Creek Structure. There
were 158 signatures on the petition. The
petition also stated: "Make bigger bridges under Highway 30 and the
railroad tracks for better drainage."
Landowners are concerned with seepage and the potential for water to
flood their basements. The Western
Projects Committee will consult with Olsson Associates.
6/22/06
There were 135 people in attendance at the Information
Meeting held June 19, 2006, in Elm Creek. Kevin Prior, Olsson Associates,
said the biggest concern among the landowners was seepage and relocation.
Directors who attended said the meeting was very positive and that the majority
of the people in attendance were in favor of the project. Comment requests
were distributed at the meeting for the participants to take home and fill out.
In May the Board of Directors voted to proceed with a community meeting regarding the feasibility study for the Elm Creek Watershed Flood Control Project. The Plan, developed by Olsson Associates, consists of a 975-acre flood control and re-regulating reservoir located north of the Village of Elm Creek, and two dry flood control structures located on Turkey Creek. The reservoir would provide both traditional flood reduction benefits to the Village of Elm Creek, as well as non-traditional environmental benefits. The Turkey Creek structures would serve to reduce current peak flows to downstream areas. Together, the flood control structures would provide flood protection to the Village of Elm Creek and downstream cropland. The preliminary cost of the project is $22.8 million. The directors voted to proceed with feasibility study and approved a resolution to request financial assistance for 75% of the project costs from the Nebraska Resources Development Fund.
