News Items
Media Release: By Dick Betting, People To Save The Sheyenne, February 7, 2012
Valley City groups wants state to slow down on Devils Lake outlet
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Dakota State Water Commission should delay operation this spring of the Devils Lake East End outlet until they more thoroughly examine erosion issues, two Valley City, N.D., groups said recently.
Could water from one of the Devils Lake outlets increase
erosion from another outlet in the Tolna Coulee? Hydrologists say yes.
The two Devils Lake outlet projects being built right now
don't appear to be connected. The North Dakota State Water Commission
East End Outlet is several miles east of the Corps Tolna Coulee
Advanced Measures Control Structure project. The East End outlet will
remove water from Devils Lake. The Tolna Coulee project will allow
water to flow from Stump Lake into the Sheyenne River.
Both are scheduled to be operational by this summer. The East End
project will pump 350 cubic feet per second into the lower Tolna
Coulee where it will travel south and east into the Sheyenne River.
The Corps Tolna Coulee project will not operate until
Devils Lake/Stump Lake begins to overflow into the upper Tolna Coulee.
Then its flow will be limited to 3,000 cubic feet per second into the
coulee, where erosion could occur. The two plans meet where the water
from the East End project dumps into the Tolna Coulee.
Could water from the East End outlet erode the Tolna
Coulee and exacerbate downstream erosion to the river?
In response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers request
for comments on its Tolna Coulee outlet plan, local groups enlisted
the help of hydrological engineers to determine how the plan might
affect the Sheyenne River. Hydrologic analysts raised concerns that
the erosion caused by the East End Outlet will cause erosion of the
downstream high point of the Tolna Coulee, several hundred feet below
the Tolna Coulee Control Structure.
Once erosion begins in the coulee, however, it will tend
to increase erosion from flows from above it in the Tolna Coulee. The
more erosion occurs, the more likely that the Tolna Coulee will erode
back to the Control Structure, where it could cut a channel as deep as
1446 feet above msl, an elevation twelve feet below the historical
overflow elevation of 1458 feet msl.
The long-term result of such erosion will be that water
from Devils Lake will flow out of the lake at at a lower elevation
than before, adding all 3810 square miles of the upper basin
watershed to that of the Sheyenne River.
Corps analysis of the Tolna Coulee plan did not include
effects of the East End outlet. Unless the Corps addresses this issue,
it is possible that the state of North Dakota will produce an event
that will cause flooding, erosion and water quality problems for the
Sheyenne.
Two Valley City groups--the Ad Hoc Downstream Group and
People to Save the Sheyenne--believe Answers to these questions should
be addressed before these projects are operated.
Barnes County, Valley City to N.D.: Do not rush Devils Lake flood solution push
By: Kevin Bonham, Grand Forks Herald
Published January 25 2011
While Gov. Jack Dalrymple is pressing the accelerator on plans to build a water control structure on Devils Lake, some officials downstream of the flooded basin are calling for the state to slow down.
The Barnes County Commission will consider a resolution next week to place a moratorium on any new or expanded Devils Lake outlets or other flood-control measures until comprehensive studies are completed to show the potential impacts of increased water flow to the Sheyenne River.
The North Dakota State Water Commission plans this year to expand the capacity of the existing west-end outlet from 250 cubic feet per second to 350 cfs, to build a new 250-cfs outlet somewhere along East Devils Lake, and to construct a control structure to manage flows from Devils Lake to the Sheyenne River.
“What we need here is for people to stand up for what is right. We need to discuss the long-term situation of Devils Lake and the total cost to all affected communities,” said Barnes County Commissioner Phil Leitner, who, along with fellow Commissioner John Froelich, wrote the draft resolution
The County Commission presented the draft resolution to the Valley City City Commission during a special meeting Monday. The Valley City commission took no action on the resolution.
The governor this week ordered an emergency waiver to allow immediate design and construction of a water control structure at Tolna Coulee on Devils Lake. That could shorten by about two months the State Water Commission’s timetable in selecting a design and contractor to build the structure that Dalrymple calls “critical” in alleviating flooding in the Devils Lake Basin and protecting downstream communities.
Tolna Coulee is a natural outlet into the Sheyenne River, which joins the Red River near Fargo. The Sheyenne runs through the cities of Valley City, Lisbon and Fort Ransom before emptying into the Red River just north of Fargo.
Devils Lake has risen by about 30 feet and quadrupled in size since 1993, and reached a record elevation of 1,451.1 feet in 2010, is projected to rise another 2 to 3 feet this year, based on an early outlook by the National Weather Service. The lake fell to a low elevation of 1,451.24 feet in November, but the ice-covered lake has risen almost a half-foot since then, to 1,451.71 feet Sunday. It was at 1,451.68 feet Tuesday.
It is projected that the lake will spill naturally from Stump Lake to the Tolna Coulee at an elevation of about 1,458 feet.
At 250 cfs, the existing west-end outlet can release about 100,000 acre-feet of water in its seven months of operation annually, while average inflows to Devils Lake total about 240,000 acre-feet.
Leitner noted that about $1 billion has been spent on flood protection measures in the Devils Lake Basin in the past 18 years.
“What we don’t know is how much this will cost downstream,” he said. “Until we identify that cost, I’m not in favor of this proposal.”
Any discharges from Devils Lake to the Sheyenne River could affect roads, bridges and other infrastructure in Barnes County and other downstream areas, he said.
Leitner lived in Devils Lake part-time in 2008 and 2009 while teaching on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation, which has lost houses, roads and thousands of acres to the rising lake.
“I feel I was part of the community,” he said. “I’d like to say I’m not against Devils Lake. I’m for Barnes County.”
Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven said the city stands by its previous position on Devils Lake, which both acknowledges the threat of a Devils Lake overflow and supports actions to prevent catastrophic downstream flooding while preserving water quality standards at Valley City and in other downstream communities.
“Things are moving pretty fast on the Devils Lake issue,” he said. “But as far as the resolution is concerned, we sure don’t want that water going through the Tolna Coulee without some controls.
“With all the snow we’ve had this winter and with the flood forecasts, our top priority is working about the Sheyenne River this spring, excluding anything that might come from Devils Lake.”
While Leitner would not predict whether the full Barnes County Commission will approve the resolution, he said, if passed, it would be sent to the governor’s office, the State Water Commission, the state’s congressional delegation, state legislators and to upstream and downstream communities.
Barnes County resolution text regarding Devils Lake water issues
By: Herald Staff Report, Grand Forks Herald
Published January 25 2011
Here is the text of the draft resolution, written by Barnes County Commissioners Phil Leitner and John Froelich:
WHEREAS, public safety for all affected communities is the top priority to any solution for Devils Lake water issues;
WHEREAS, public safety should not be used as a bargaining chip to promote outlets;
WHEREAS, the true cost of any proposed outlet(s) is unknown because there has not been sufficient impact studies that would determine costs for downstream damages;
WHEREAS, the impact on every community asked to make sacrifices should be considered;
WHEREAS, the current proposed outlet(s) will not provide a permanent solution to the flooding around Devil's Lake and downstream communities;
WHEREAS, the Barnes County Commission believes that a comprehensive, long-term solution to the water problems in the Devils Lake Basin and downstream communities should be proposed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Barnes County Commission supports the following actions in the solution to water issues in the Devils Lake Basin.
1. Armor the Tolna Coulee at 1,458 feet above msl to protect downstream interests from a catastrophic flood; this should be built without a control structure which would allow Stump Lake water to flow into the Sheyenne at a level under the natural overflow level.
2. A moratorium on further drainage in the Devils Lake Basin, until it can be determined to what extent the rising of Devils Lake is contributed to draining practices.
3. Significant progress made on developing storage in the upper basin coulees and sufficient restoration of upper basin wetlands to prevent further lake expansion.
4. Serious consideration given to the location of where Devils Lake Basin discharges should occur and alternative options for such discharges to flow into considering the total impact on all affected communities.
5. Fair financial relief to those affected by the water in the Devils Lake Basin including, but not limited to flood protection, home buyouts, loss of farm income from flooded fields and financial incentives to those whose land is used for upper basin water retention.
6. The development and funding of a comprehensive mitigation plan for affected downstream communities because of any additional outlets including, but not limited to damages to roads and bridges or any other infrastructure in place, river bank erosion, decreased water quality, negative economic effects or any other adverse conditions cause by increased water flows from Devils Lake. Such a mitigation plan should be developed in consultation with downstream communities and is the financial responsibility of the State of North Dakota
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Barnes County Commission does not support any additional outlets until the preceding conditions have been sufficiently addressed or planned for.
City of Valley City position on Devils Lake water
By: Herald Staff Report, Grand Forks Herald
Published January 25 2011
Here's the City of Valley City, N.D., official position on Devils Lake water:
General Statement
The City of Valley City recognizes the seriousness of the water elevation problem in Devils Lake, with an understanding there is a significant risk that Devils Lake will continue to rise and ultimately exceed the natural spill elevation of 1458’.
We are prepared to continue to be an active partner in the development of strategies and solutions to respond to this critical situation. Valley City recognizes that there are varying opinions, positions and options, and each community has specific ideas regarding the ultimate solution – from those communities in and around the Devils Lake Basin to the downstream communities of Valley City, Lisbon, Fort Ransom and to the Red River Valley.
Understanding that Valley City is ultimately concerned about the welfare of our citizens and community, we clearly recognize that the final solution will involve compromise and some sacrifice for everyone in order to solve this regional problem.
As part of the comprehensive solution, direct flooding impacts on downstream communities and rural residents must be addressed and permanent flood protection for those downstream communities must be a priority.
Specific Concerns/Positions for Valley City
Water Quality: Valley City is interested in a solution that results in the best possible water quality in the Sheyenne River. However, we do understand that water may have to be released from Devils Lake into the Sheyenne River as one aspect of the solution and further understand that water quality standards on the Sheyenne River below the Bald Hill Dam may need to be adjusted to allow managed discharges of water from Devils Lake.
We support a solution that results in water with the best quality possible being released into the Sheyenne River and ultimately through Valley City, Barnes County and the communities beyond, given the overall scope of the problem.
Overflow of Stump Lake: There have been reports regarding the unstable soil quality in the Tolna Coulee which could result in catastrophic flooding should Stump Lake overflow, washing out the Coulee. The City Commission of Valley City recently adopted a resolution supporting the armoring of the Tolna Coulee at the natural overflow level to prevent a catastrophic failure and resultant flooding.
None of the downstream communities could handle the amount of water and devastation caused by such a calamity. However, please understand that the intent of the resolution urging the armoring of the Tolna Coulee should not be interpreted to mean that Valley City considers this armoring to be a permanent solution, but that the armoring should immediately commence while additional release structures are being designed and constructed. In the resolution, the intent is that the armoring would serve as an “insurance policy” for downstream communities until such time as the permanent solution(s) are in place.
We understand that there may be some potential legal issues to overcome with this temporary solution, but as any permanent solution may be years away, this temporary armoring is needed to prevent the blow out of the coulee.
Additional Controlled-Release Structure(s): The average annual in-flows into Devils Lake of 240,000 acre feet are not matched by a combination of the out-flows from the current outlet at the west end of Devils Lake and annual evaporation.
With the outlet running at its full capacity of 250 cfs, we have been advised that 100,000 acre feet can be released during seven (7) months of operation per year and annual evaporation can remove an additional 100,000 acre feet. Valley City supports control release structure(s) to release additional water, with a clear understanding of the channel capacity of the Sheyenne River.
The support of Valley City for the additional release structure(s) is contingent on the release structure(s) being developed in areas with highest water quality found in Devils Lake.
Upper Basin Storage:
Valley City supports exploring options for the restoration of drained wetlands in the upper basin storage to reduce the in-flows to Devils Lake.
We fully understand that wetlands in the upper basin have been legally drained and that state law prohibits landowners in the upper basin from being forced to accept water, thus reducing usable agricultural land. Sufficient financial incentives would be necessary to adequately compensate these land owners to offset the annual loss of income as a result of the restoration of wetlands.
Action Triggers: As part of the City of Valley City Flood Emergency Plan, we have identified action triggers.
We encourage a similar approach to the Devils Lake solution so that agreed upon action triggers are in place that results in a pre-determined course of action when the triggers are met or exceeded.
All impacted communities should be included in the development of this plan and a mechanism for informing each community of the status of the triggers should be developed.
Erosion Control: The increased flows in the Sheyenne River as a result of multiple release structures will have an impact on river bank erosion through the City of Valley City.
Over the years, we have experienced significant erosion of the river bank, including areas along and near Main Street which will have an impact on city infrastructure, including water and the main sanitary sewer line which runs along the Sheyenne River under Main Street.
The main sanitary sewer line failed during the 2009 flood event and was recently replaced through the assistance of the USACE Section 594 Program. We seek guidance and assistance in identifying federal programs and funding to mitigate the existing erosion problem with a permanent solution to protecting this vital infrastructure.
Drinking Water Quality & Treatment: The City of Valley City is the only community that uses the Sheyenne River as a primary source for drinking water. Due to the increased sulfate levels of water, the City is in the process of converting our 38 year old lime softening treatment plant into a reverse osmosis or membrane treatment plant.
The conversion/upgrade is being financed with Federal STAG monies ($800,000), $4.6 Million in ARRA Loans ($2.6 Million of that forgivable) and a $9.2 Million grant from the North Dakota State Water Commission. However, due to EPA and North Dakota Department of Health Regulations, the City will need to construct a large storage cell to retain reject water for up to 180 days at an additional cost of $5.2 Million.
We are requesting assistance in funding this additional part of the project. The position of the City of Valley City is that our citizens should not be burdened with this additional cost when the need for the plant and storage lagoon were the direct result of the flooding issues and sulfate levels in Devils Lake which will now be flowing through Valley City.
Permanent Flood Protection in Valley City: Valley City has long had the need for comprehensive, permanent flood protection. The 2009 flood event is a good indicator of this need.
In order to mitigate the increased risk of flooding due to the anticipated increases to the flow of the Sheyenne River through Valley City, this issue should be revisited and expedited.
A flood protection study and cost-benefit analysis should be conducted with the component of additional flooding potential from Devils Lake being factored into the equation.
Any design for permanent flood protection in Valley City must take into consideration the topography of the region and look at a new definition for such protection.
Situated in the Sheyenne River Valley, the definition of protection would need to be revised so that the City would not lose all properties in the city contiguous to the river.
FEMA Policy on Usage of Buy-out Properties: The current FEMA policy prohibits permanent structures on FEMA buy-out properties. Unfortunately, FEMA defines a flood control structure as a “permanent structure” under this policy.
We urge FEMA to revisit this policy and make the necessary revision so that communities like Valley City are able to construct flood control structures on the very properties that would result in the most benefit to the City.
January 24, 2011, North Dakota Govenor's website.
Tolna Coulee to be armored.
Dalrymple Moves Up Devils Lake Flood Control Timetable
BISMARCK, ND – Gov. Jack Dalrymple today ordered an emergency waiver that allows for the immediate design and construction of a water control structure at Devils Lakes’ Tolna Coulee.
Dalrymple’s order shortens by about two months the State Water Commission’s prescribed timetable in selecting a design and contractor to build a control structure at Tolna Coulee. State law holds that the governor has authority to waive certain agency procedures when necessary to minimize or avert the effects of a disaster or emergency.
“Building a control structure at Tolna Coulee is a critical element in our strategy to alleviate flooding at Devils Lake and protect downstream communities,” Dalrymple said. “We will proceed expeditiously at Tolna Coulee and with plans for additional outlet capacity.”
State officials plan to expand the lake’s west-end outlet to increase water discharges from 250 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 350 cfs; build an east-end outlet with a discharge capacity of 250 cfs; and build a control structure at Tolna Coulee.
According to the National Weather Service, water levels in the Devils Lake region are currently at 1451.6, with a 90 percent chance they will rise to 1453.5 and a 50 percent chance they will rise to 1454.6. Greater than average precipitation and heavy snowpack suggest Devils Lake and Stump Lake will rise to record levels this spring and summer.