Title:
Using existing natural resources conservation service flood control structures for potential water supply in Georgia
Using existing natural resources conservation service flood control structures for potential water supply in Georgia
Author(s)
Fulmer, William R.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Carroll, G. Denise
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Abstract
The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation
Commission (GSWCC) is charged with coordinating the
operation and maintenance of 357 USDA/Soil and Water
Conservation District sponsored watershed dams in
Georgia. A majority of these dams were built during a
program that began in 1957 that encouraged the
construction of watershed dams designed to serve as
sediment traps and to provide flood protection for
agricultural lands in what was once considered to be rural
Georgia. Most of these watershed dams are maintained
and operated by soil and water conservation districts. In
a few cases, cities or counties have the responsibility to
operate and maintain the structures. GSWCC, in
coordination with the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS), completed a study by a
private engineering firm to assemble data that established
viability for municipal and industrial (M&I) water supply
for an abbreviated list of 166 of the 357 watershed
structures. This data included a preliminary analysis of
yield potential of the watershed structures and associated
stream, and dam proximity to existing surface water
intake. Environmental issues included trout water,
threatened and endangered species, wetlands impacted,
streams impacted, and potential impacts to cultural
resources. Ultimately 20 dams were selected for detailed
water supply assessments. Each assessment included a
detailed analysis of yield potential for the structures to
include use as pump storage facility, an estimate of
current and future water demand based on population
projections, and the identity and quantity of
environmental issues. Detailed cost estimates addressed
construction costs, costs associated with the mitigation of
environmental impacts and costs for land rights required
to secure ownership of these dams.
Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute
The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date Issued
2009-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings