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Show C M C M Y K Y K A2 Sanpete Messenger-Gunnison Valley Edition Narrows (Continued from A1) Narrows dam. About two years ago, after some talks, the Price Water Conservancy District suggested commissioning a study to see if there was any mechanism, other than the Narrows dam, that would enable Sanpete County to capture and use 5,400 acre-feet of water from the east side of the Wasatch Plateau that everyone acknowledges belongs to it. The Sanpete County Water Conservancy District agreed to the study. The two parties selected the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, based in Orem, as a neutral third party to direct the study. CUWCD contracted with CH2MHill for the research and analysis. “The truth of the matter is that (Sanpete County) does have valid water rights. But so do Carbon County water users,” says Carbon County Commissioner William Krompel, who at this writing had not yet seen the final copy of CH2M Hill’s report. “In my view, unfortunately, the state has over-allocated water rights on both sides of the mountain. So when you have Sanpete water spilling downstream, engineer says Noble also disputes Krompel’s figures on water spillage. “Our studies show (Scofield Reservoir) spills about every other year. If they’re releasing water through the spillways or the outlet works and there’s no way for them to use that water downstream because the canals and ditches are already full and running at capacity, we call that a spill.” According to Noble, that’s Sanpete’s water flowing downstream. Taking spillage into account, he believes, Carbon County would only be looking at a net loss of 600 to 800 acre-feet per year if the Narrows project were constructed. Narrows best way to As for Carbon County running short on water for its capture water right various fire departments, says In a nutshell, the CH2MNoble, “Typically, if there’s a Hill study found that the most shortage in the water supply, economical and efficient meththe farmers are the ones who od for enabling Sanpete to say, ‘We’ll take a shortage and receive its 5,400 acre-feet was rent our water to somebody to construct the Narrows dam else at a price that’s greater and reservoir. than what we would get for The study took up various alterour agricultural products.’ natives for providing northern Map shows location of proposed Narrows dam and reservoir And the municipal interests relative to Scofield Reservoir. Sanpete County with the water don’t go short. They [Carbon it needs—and dismissed each municipalities] would have drought cycles, which we have documentin turn. to manage their water supplies just like Both Carbon County and environ- ed here, there’s just not enough water.” everybody else does.” Environmental groups, including mental interests wanted the study to exSpeaking to the possible closure of amine whether northern Sanpete County Trout Unlimited, the Stonefly Society, the the Carbon Power Plant, Noble says, could meet its needs by conserving water Utah Rivers Council and the Utah Sierra “If they don’t have water rights for their Club, have long opposed the dam. it already has. power plant, they better get some. It’s not The Utah Rivers Council published Sanpete’s responsibility to provide water Conservation would not its own study in October of 2007. The exto that plant.” ecutive summary states, “The Gooseberry be sufficient Secretary David Cox is even more Narrows project is a remnant of that era The conclusion of the CH2MHill emphatic about the possible shut down, rewhen federal dollars funded costly projreport states, “A conservation plan is in sponding, “That’s a bunch of bull crap.” ects to develop water resources in the arid place that has conserved upwards of 8,000 Cox agrees with Noble’s estimate West where precipitation is an unreliable acre-feet, and future projects may save of a 600 to 800 acre-feet loss to Carbon source of irrigation water. an additional 10,000 acre-feet. However, County. “They could save that in a small “Today we recognize that society can there is still a significant water shortage conservation project,” he says. “A sprinno longer afford these projects…In this in northern Sanpete County, particularly kler system. What they’re not telling you new era of rethinking water development late in the irrigation season…” is that they haven’t done as many water in the West, it is critical that we consider Another potential alternative was develall available options before repeating the conservation projects as we have. The oping an aquifer recharge area—essenSanpete Water Conservancy District has mistakes of the past.” tially forcing water into an underground put in over $13 million worth of water reservoir and pumping it back out when Spillage minimal, conservation projects so we can stretch needed. our water a little further.” Carbon maintains But the CH2MHill study states, “Due In July of 2008, also before the reto the geologic formations of Sanpete ‘It’s Sanpete’s water’ County, ASR (aquifer storage and re- lease of the CH2M Hill report, Carbon covery) does not appear to be a feasible Commissioner Krompel prepared a writCox also addressed the Utah Rivers ten statement of his perspective on the option…” Council report, which concluded that Narrows controversy for review by Gov. Sanpete could recoup water through conSmaller reservoir couldn’t Jon Huntsman’s rural affairs advisor, servation, rehabilitation of its “delivery, Gayle McKeachnie. satisfy water rights distribution and application systems” and “The reason I did that report,” says Carbon County water officials had alternative water projects. Krompel, “was that I heard a rumor also asked if Sanpete County’s needs and “Let’s keep this in perspective,” there had been some lobbying on [Utah] water rights couldn’t be satisfied by creatsays Cox, “This is Sanpete’s water. It’s Sanpete’s part to ask the Legislature ing a smaller reservoir, one perhaps half not Carbon County’s. It’s not the River and the governor to support a resolution the size of the one currently planned. Council’s. It’s not anybody else’s. It’s [to build the dam]. Somebody had said, “The DEIS (draft environmental ours. All we want is fairness. We want our ‘Most of the time, the water [in Scofield impact statement) identifies a 17,000 water. Carbon County has been stealing Reservoir] just spills over the runway on acre-foot Narrows Reservoir to meet the it all these years. And adverse possession Scofield Dam.’ I wanted the factual data purpose and need...,” the conclusion to doesn’t make a water right.” to be presented.” the CH2MHill study says. “An option to One possible solution hasn’t gotten According to Krompel’s report, “His[legal and political resistance by Carbon much discussion, except in the Rivers torically, Scofield Reservoir only spilled County and other groups] might be a Council report: Carbon could buy out 33 percent of the time or 21 years of the smaller [8,000 acre-foot] version of the Sanpete’s water rights. last 63…Had the Gooseberry Narrows Narrows Reservoir. However, during dry Reservoir been in place (in the drought years, a smaller Narrows Reservoir may of the early ‘90s), Scofield Reservoir Is cash settlement possible? not be able to deliver the full 5,400- acrewould have been completely out of usable foot water right…” “We’re willing to pay in cash,” says water at least one or two years before the “That’s a big problem,” says Sanpete Krompel, “At least that’s my position, drought finally ended, and 20,000 citizen Water Conservancy District Secretary and it’s been the other commissioner’s lives and property [in Carbon County] David Cox, “That’s the whole reason for positions in the past. We’re willing to do would have been put in jeopardy.” the reservoir in the first place. In Sanpete’s whatever we can to negotiate something Furthermore, according to Krompel’s way of thinking, the smaller reservoir that’s acceptable to Carbon and Sanpete paper, “Diverting additional large quantidoesn’t meet its requirements.” Counties. Cash is on the table…Someties of fresh water away from Carbon, Farmers in north Sanpete County curtimes it seems like it would be beneficial which the Narrows project would do, rently produce one to two alfalfa crops in if the two parties could sit down—those could lead to possible shut-downs of an average year. The additional water from who have the authority to negotiate—and the Carbon Power plant during drought the Narrows dam, according to Sanpete see if something could be done.” cycles.” County Commissioner Claudia Jarrett, Cox and Noble deny ever hearing a Fire chiefs in Helper, Price and Welwould allow them to harvest one to two serious offer from Carbon County. lington, wrote Krompel, reported that their additional crops. “The idea was floated once or twice storage tanks were so low during drought “Because we’re under streamflow and but they didn’t ever make any kind of ofconditions, “that if a major fire had develsnowmelt conditions,” says Cox, “in the fer,” says Cox. oped there would not have been sufficient spring, we’ve got water coming out our “It’s been mentioned by groups and water to protect our communities.” ears. In July and August we can’t find a individuals other than Carbon County, but And, according to Krompel, the drop.” we’ve never seen anything formal (from project would cost in excess of $50 milCarbon County),” says Noble. lion dollars—numbers supported by the No assurance Carbon won’t Time will tell if, in light of the recent CH2M Hill report. (Richard Noble, who keep fighting studies, Sanpete is two steps closer to has been project engineer for the Narrows Yet representatives of Carbon County for more than 20 years, puts the total costs construction of the dam, or to ultimate have not provided any assurance that they for the dam and reservoir at closer to $32 compromise, or to another bureaucratic or legal morass. However the story breaks, will not pursue further legal or political million.) there’s sure to be plenty of controversy. action to block the Narrows Project. Centerfield (Continued from A1) Mile water, Jensen reversed his position on the issue of moving forward with the second phase. While the second phase essentially follows the same plan outlined by Centerfield a year ago, one other significant change has been made. Last year, the city pursued the idea of a reverseosmosis water filtration system. Now, the council is “looking more seriously” at a surface water micro filtration system. “We’re doing a study on which type of system we want to use,” Mayor Jensen said. “It looks like we’ll go with the surface water system. We’ll probably use Six-Mile water, but we’re studying now where to build the (surface water) plant.” While nothing concerning the second phase is certain yet, Mayor Jensen said the city would likely go with the surface water system because it should yield higher benefits. “Over a 20-year lifespan, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 the projected cost of the surface water system is a little cheaper,” Mayor Jensen said. He added that the latter option would require less man-hours to operate. “All things considered, it looks like the better option,” Mayor Jensen said. Mayor Jensen said work on the second phase could begin as soon as spring and will be funded in part by a $1 million grant from the EPA and $500,000 left over from the first phase of the project. To cover the remaining costs, about $1 million, Centerfield plans to apply for additional funding from the CIB and other agencies, which would come partially as a grant and partially as a low- or no-interest loan. Mayor Jensen said the city has raised water rates high enough that they should cover any unforeseen costs. “Our first priority is to get this grant money,” Jensen said. “If it doesn’t come through, we’ll have to look to other sources.” Gunnison Good News By Karen Prisbrey 528-7710 GUNNISON—The thrill and excitement of the holiday season have passed, and its back to the old grindstone we go. Trees and decorations have been taken down and stored for another year, but outside Christmas lighting may have to wait for several weeks if we keep getting these wonderful snowfalls. It’s delightful to go out and push snow in the evening when the lights from the prison cast a beautiful, soft red glow about the city. Even my grandsons Wyatt, 12, and Kyler, 6, enjoy getting out and pushing the snow. Kim Pickett is gathering discarded Christmas trees for the 13th annual community Christmas tree burn, which will be held either Jan. 17 or 31. The event will be potluck, so plan to bring something warm to eat. If you have a Christmas tree you want to be rid of, drop it off at the back southeast corner of the Dr. Jackson’s lot, or give Kim or Kaye a call for more information at 528-7610, or call Kim at Gunnison Implement at 528-7271. Debbie and Merrill Hunt of Centerfield enjoyed two weeks in Hawaii basking in tropical sunshine and celebrating the wedding of their daughter Jamie Hunt to Yhosten Galindo on Dec. 12 at the Church of the Holy Innocent in Lahina, Maui, Hawaii. The couple’s 9-year-old daughter Kiana accompanied them. The young couple enjoyed having a number of family members and friends join in the festivities: The bride’s brother Chris, his wife Mary and the little son Taylor, along with aunt Kimberly Chaviera, her son T.J. and wife Daviana Chavirea, and her mother Gloria Martin all of Phoenix, Ariz. The groom’s parents Wendy and Gary Neff and Ervin Galindo of West Valley City were also there. We extend our congratulations to the special couple. Debbie and Merrill had a cottage on the beach and enjoyed watching the ocean and a pod of whales cavorting close enough that they could watch them through field glasses. They even took a tour on the ocean to see the whales up close. Debbie says they left Hawaii in 87-degree weather under beautiful blue skies and warm sunshine, and arrived home early Friday morning to frigid temperatures and snow blowing in their faces. John and Cassidy Stevens were blessed with the birth of another son on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Gunnison Valley Hospital. Little Jackson John Stevens weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces. His big brother Bridger, 4, and sister Anniston, 17 months, were anxious for him to get here. Grandparents include Natalie and John Ross of Lindon, Van Peterson of Mayfield, and Jeff and Della Stevens of Oakley. Great-grandparents include Jack and LuAnn Peterson of Centerfield, Evan and Grace Peterson of Mayfield. Congratulations to the Stevens. Visiting with the Gerald and Janelle Nay family were their children Rachael and Brandt Miller and son Gage of Eagle Mountain; Camron of Logan; Sherry and Henry-Scott Simkins of Liberty Lake, Wash.; and Scott and Gentry Nay and son Jacob of Cedar City. Arriving at the home of Jed and Michelle Hill, just in time to be part of this year’s Christmas celebration was Bridger Donald Hill, who was born on Dec. 12, weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Jaxon, 6, Carter, 4, and Sarah, 2, were anxious to have their baby brother come home before Santa Claus arrived. Grandparents of the young man include Pam and Kent Larsen, and Donald and Denise Hill. Great-grandparents include Leslie and Jean Larsen, Lester and Helen Hill, all of Gunnison, and Elwood and Julia Sorenson of Axtell. Congratulations to the Hills. Along with all the changes in ward boundaries announced in sacrament meetings on Sunday, Dec. 28, a new bishopric was announced for the Centerfield Second Ward: Bishop Mark Christenson, First Counselor Lynn McAfee and Second Counselor Kurtley Peterson. Vaughn Barrus will be the ward clerk, with Russell Thompsen and Craig Childs serving as assistant ward clerks. Visiting with their parents Mike and Mary Jensen during the Christmas holidays were Adam and Rachel Jensen with sons Kyler and Hayden, Jesse and Jennifer Jensen and son Cayson, Virginia and Andy Olson and daughter Atley, and Marissa and Chris McQuivey and their sons Devin and Bryson. Mike and Mary said they felt blessed to have their children all together again at this special time of year. Jessica and Chris de la Houssaye and sons Easton and Conner of Kirksville, Mo. were here visiting with her parents Hal and Robin Hendrickson and extended family members. JoAnn and Ron Rich of Bountiful, and their daughter Amy were here to visit with her parents Melroy and Elma Peterson. Melroy was recently moved to the Community Care Center in Centerfield. We send congratulations and best wishes to Elma and Melroy, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 10 with a family dinner and at the Gunnison Stake Center. Also celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary are LeEarl and Nola Mae Nay of Gunnison. Family and friends will honor them with a small family gathering on Monday, Jan. 12. Congratulations to LeEarl and Nola Mae. Condolences are extended to Mary Louise Sorensen and extended family members at the passing of her dear husband Neil Sorensen on Dec. 29 at their home in Mayfield. Services for Neil were conducted on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Mayfield Chapel with burial at the Mayfield Cemetery with military honors by the OliverRussell American Legion Post No. 105. Condolences are also extended to the family of former Mayfield resident Brent Covington who passed away on Dec. 31. Services for Brent were conducted on Monday, Jan. 5 at the Murray 29th Ward, with burial at the Murray City Cemetery. Sanpete News Company, Inc., publishing the Gunnison Valley Edition Deadlines, Post Office & Contact Information UPS# 232-020 Copyright, Sanpete News Company, Inc.©2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction, re-use, or transmittal of all matter herein is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. Published each Wednesday for 75¢ each, $26.00 inside Sanpete County, $33.00 outside Sanpete County, by Sanpete News Company, Inc., 35 S. Main, Manti, Utah 84642 Phone 435-835-4241, fax 435-835-1493 E-mail publisher at: . ............................suzanne@sanpetemessenger.com E-mail news to: ......................................... news@sanpetemessenger.com E-mail ads to: ..............................................ads@sanpetemessenger.com Deadline: Thursday, 5 p.m. Manti: 35 S. Main, Hours: Mon., 9 am -2 pm, Tue.-Fri. 9 am-6 pm Periodicals Postage Paid at Manti, Utah 84642. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Sanpete Messenger, 35 S. Main, Manti, Utah 84642 C M C M Y K Y K |