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The following briefly presents descriptions of selected typical projects which represent work of Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. or personnel now with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. while employed with other consulting firms. Individual experience (IE) with other firms is shown only where a current Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. professional had a key technical role in the accomplishment of the project. The selected individual experience is included to illustrate the full capabilities of the staff.
Throughout the West, water is a resource generally out of place with respect to time--water is plentiful during winter and early spring, yet unavailable during the summer months when required by irrigators and municipalities. The appropriation doctrine in general use throughout most of the western states is, "first in time, first in right". Consequently, early settlers appropriated most of the water for agriculture. As the cities began to grow and the streams became fully appropriated, agricultural rights were acquired to meet municipal, commercial, and industrial needs. Such a change in use of the water requires water rights changes. Plans for augmentation are needed to allow year-round use of a water right historically used only during a few months in the summer. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provides public and private sector clients with comprehensive services for the valuation of water requirements, and planning to provide water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural supply. Nearly every facet of a water rights study involves a close working relationship with water attorneys and presentation of expert testimony in court. Personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. are qualified expert witnesses throughout Colorado. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Colorado Department of Corrections, Rifle Correctional Facility BBA was retained by the Colorado Department of Corrections to assist them securing a final decree for a water supply from District Court of Water Division 5. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation was a co-applicant. This effort required detailed analysis of several water rights owned by the State and potential objectors, the determination of the historic depletion patterns, and the development of a water plan that provides a firm water supply to the facility and to nearby Park facilities. Ultimately, the plan will allow for expansion of the facility and the delivery of water to a multiple of uses within and adjacent to the facility. Well permitting issues were resolved and new well sites were staked. Probable yields from new wells drilled into the alluvium of streams were projected and included in the water plan. Mount Carbon Metropolitan District Mt Carbon Metropolitan District requested that BBA implement a decreed water plan that ultimately will serve several thousand housing units or their equivalents. This project is located on the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area on Bear Creek, a stream system that has little surface water supplies and is heavily over-appropriated. BBA personnel reviewed existing decrees owned by the District and because of changes in the stream system since the awarding of the decrees, built a spreadsheet model of Bear Creek to confirm the yield of the existing plans and the availability of water for a new water right. The use of an on-site reservoir to augment the existing plans was investigated. As part of BBA's service to the district, water rights available for purchase were identified and appraised, as part of the effort to develop additional water supplies. American Soda Mining Effort American Soda retained BBA to prepare a water plan for their mine operations in the Piceance Basin in northwestern Colorado. American Soda plans to mine soda ash by injection and extraction. The process requires relatively large amounts of water and all of it is consumptively used. To determine stream depletions by the source wells and to identify streams and water rights that require protection, BBA built a MODFLOW model of the entire Piceance Basin. The model was operated and the stream depletions from tens of wells operating at different times was predicted. Water rights available for sale to American Soda were studied and analyzed to determine whether or not they are adequate to mitigate depletions. Reservoir sites were identified that can be used to store new water rights and release water to prevent injury. The plan is pending in Water Court. El Paso County Parks Department BBA has been providing continuous water rights and ground water consulting services to the El Paso County Parks Department for a number of years. The Department is developing a series of regional parks that require water supplies for irrigation, domestic and wildlife uses. BBA identifies the water requirements, determines the consumptive uses and recommends a water plan to replace the depletions. In the situation in which there is not enough physical or legal water, BBA provides recommendations to obtain the necessary water or to adjust the water plan to reflect the amount of replacement water actually available. Services have included analysis of historic uses of senior water rights, development of water plans, design of deep and shallow wells and negotiating settlements with objectors. BBA is currently assisting the Department in securing a decreed augmentation plan for the Fountain Creek Regional Park. Transit Mix Concrete, Inc. BBA has provided water rights engineering services to Transit Mix for a number of years, assisting to water rights evaluations, water need assessments, and water acquisitions for a number of quarry sites located along the Arkansas River and its tributaries. BBA assisted Transit Mix in obtaining court approved plans for augmentation and substitute water supply plans. A two sites, recharge ponds were constructed and used in conjunction with historic irrigation water right credits to optimize the yield of new and historic water rights. At another site, gravel pits are being lined to allow storage and maximize use of historic irrigation water rights. BBA has assisted Transit Mix in discussions with various other agencies regarding future uses of mined sites and water rights implications of those uses. City of Fort Collins, Departments of Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation BBA is working as the water rights/water resources sub-consultant on a team of consultants hired by the City to complete a study of uses for retired gravel quarry lands along the Cache la Poudre River corridor. The first phase of the study, which has been completed, involved analysis of augmentation requirements for the quarry sites, based upon future uses which would incorporate the sites into the City's overall Cache la Poudre River recreation plan. This phase involved determination of water requirements, analysis of sources of augmentation water and estimates of costs to purchase the augmentation water. A side task included applications for substitute water supply plans for certain sites. The second, ongoing phase, involves implementation of the Phase 1 recommendations. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge BBA has provided water rights engineering services to the RMA for a number of years. Work has included analysis of historic use of the Highline Canal water rights at the RMA and engineering support for obtaining new water rights for several storage reservoirs which have been incorporated into the new refuge. More recently, BBA has assisted in determining short term and long term water requirements for the remediation project at the RMA and for the National Wildlife Refuge once remediation is complete. BBA assisted the RMA in evaluating numerous options for short term and long term water supply and played a key role in negotiating an agreement between the RMA, Denver Water Board, and the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District which secures a water supply for the RMA in the future. BBA has also assisted in substitute water supply plan applications for alluvial wells located on the RMA. North Platte Valley Water Coalition BBA was employed by the Coalition to develop a model of the North Platte River and its irrigation districts from Whelan Dam in Wyoming to Lake McConehey in Nebraska. The model is to be used for analyzing impacts of reallocation or conservation projects in the basin which may come about due to endangered species issues and the Cooperative Agreement signed by Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. BBA configured the RIBSIM model for the North Platte River Basin in order to complete this project. The model is capable of analyzing impacts to water rights and streamflows due to changed conditions in the irrigation districts. As part of this effort, the Coalition received funding assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation, and Nebraska Department of Wildlife. Anderson Ditch Company Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the Anderson Ditch Company, a mutual ditch company which diverts water from Boulder Creek, to investigate the carrying capacity of the ditch. The Ditch Company, which also serves as a filler ditch for Base Line Reservoir, was involved in litigation with Base Line Land and Reservoir Company regarding the safe carrying capacity and contractual requirements to maintain certain capacities. BBA conducted various analyses utilizing flow measurements and hydraulic calculations to determine the safe carrying capacity of the ditch. BBA also analyzed the water rights implications to Base Line and whether operating at or below the safe carrying capacity would affect the yield of the diversions to Base Line. BBA staff provided expert witness testimony for a four week trial in support of the Ditch Company. Mobil Oil Corporation BBA has provided various consulting services to Mobil in the past. Most recently, BBA has assisted Mobil with diligence work on its Colorado River and Main Elk Creek water rights in support of the Parachute Block Oil Shale Project. As part of this effort BBA prepared reconnaissance level design and cost estimates for Mobil's Mahaffey Ranch facilities including diversion structures, pipelines and terminal reservoir. BBA has also provided support services to Mobil as part of the CORSIM II modeling effort; Mr. David Fleming, who prepared the previous yield analysis of Mobil's water rights merged with BBA shortly thereafter. Union Oil Company BBA provides continuous consulting services to Union Oil Company of California (Unocal) for its oil shale water rights in the Colorado River Basin. As part of these continuing services, BBA has assisted Unocal in analyzing water availability and water rights yield for Unocal's oil shale water supply. This was completed by applying CORSIM and a surface water model of Parachute Creek to specific development scenarios. More recently, specific studies utilizing CORSIM have been completed to analyze the affect on Unocal's water rights of important issues on the Colorado River such as operation of the Orchard Mesa "Check", improved efficiencies in the Grand Valley irrigation systems, impact of in-stream flow issues on Unocal's water rights, and impacts of increased development in the Colorado River Basin. In addition, BBA regularly analyzes other water plans in the Colorado River Basin to assess their impact on Unocal's water rights and has provided water rights analyses and support in Water Court to secure transfers of senior water rights. Tosco Corporation BBA has assisted Tosco in performing various tasks as part of its diligence effort for oil shale water rights in the White River Basin and on Piceance Creek. For several years now, BBA has worked with Tosco in a stream gaging program in the upper reaches of the basin which is intended to provide additional data to supplement existing streamflow data in the basin and improve the accuracy of yield analyses for Tosco's water rights. BBA has also assisted Tosco in reconnaissance studies of its conditional water rights on Piceance Creek including the Hunter Creek Reservoir, Story Gulch Reservoir, Ohio-Ertl Pipeline, and Story Gulch-Parachute Creek Pipeline. Rio Blanco Oil Shale Company BBA has assisted Rio Blanco in analyzing its water rights in the Elk Creek and Piceance Creek Basins of Colorado River. BBA's efforts have involved assisting Rio Blanco with diligence work for their water rights including analysis of several previous yield estimates for the water rights, evaluation of which analyses were most accurate, and analysis of the value of Rio Blanco's based upon the most reasonable yield analysis. BBA assisted Rio Blanco with updating previous cost estimates for its project and provided comments on the feasibility of various aspects of the proposed water supply projects. Cordillera BBA has provided ongoing services to the Cordillera subdivision near Edwards, Colorado including water supply planning and acquisition, water rights engineering and water rights yield analyses. BBA has assisted Cordillera in purchasing water rights used historically for irrigation, and in changing those water rights in water court to other uses. As part of the process, BBA has assisted Cordillera in analyzing the yield of various historic water rights; in addition, BBA has assisted Cordillera in determining the impact of water rights changes on in-stream flow water rights on the Eagle River. City of Aurora - Cherry Creek Surface/Ground Water Model Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the City of Aurora to develop a computer model of part of Cherry Creek, a major tributary to the South Platte River. The model was used to predict the impacts of well pumpage on surface water availability and adjacent ground water users. The model incorporated available data on aquifer characteristics and well pumping. Fluctuating streamflows in Cherry Creek were simulated. The model was used to determine the probable pumpage of Aurora's well field, limited by impacts on adjacent wells and water rights replacement capabilities. Operation of the model required an understanding of ground and surface water relationships, stream flows, water rights administration, and existing decrees on Cherry Creek. The Agricultural Ditch and Reservoir Company For over twenty years, personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. have represented water related concerns of The Agricultural Ditch and Reservoir Company of Lakewood, Colorado. The work has involved the preparing of changes of water rights, analyzing protests of changes of water rights by others that may have an adverse affect on rights of the company, working with the company's water attorney to prepare and analyze augmentation plans, and testifying as an expert witness in the Water Court. Through this effort, the Agricultural Ditch Company has been able to protect its water rights from injury and is assured of a continuing supply to meet its needs. Keystone Resorts Management, Inc. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provides continuing consulting services to Keystone, a ski and resort area in western Colorado. Working with Keystone's attorney, a water supply was provided for a new 18-hole golf course for summer recreation, and for snowmaking during the winter. In addition, water rights changes of others have been analyzed for their effect on rights belonging to Keystone. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has represented Keystone in water rights negotiations with other individuals, corporations, and state and federal agencies. Summit County Exchange Plan A sewage treatment plant owned by Summit County, Colorado, discharges effluent into Dillon Reservoir contributing to an undesirable buildup of phosphorus in the reservoir. To avoid costly improvements to the treatment process, a plan was developed to use the sewage effluent for irrigation on a nearby golf course. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained to develop an exchange plan whereby water rights for golf course irrigation would be exchanged for effluent from the sewage treatment plant. The water rights exchange plan protected downstream water users from injury, allowed the golf course to use water containing higher nutrients thus reducing the amount of fertilizers needed for the grass, and reduced the amount of phosphorus going into the reservoir. Snake River Water District Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has been retained by the Snake River Water District of Keystone, Colorado, to represent the District in water rights matters on a continuing basis. The work involves transfer of the various water rights owned by the District to the District's point of diversion, and water resource development work to ensure the newly formed District has a reliable water supply. Cherry Creek Augmentation Plan Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. conducted an analysis of surface and ground water flows in the Cherry Creek basin of Denver, Colorado, as part of a water right augmentation plan study to ensure an adequate water supply to a major industry. The project included measurement of irrigation water application as well as identification of deep and shallow ground water resources. Also, an investigation was made into historic irrigation practices in the area prior to the establishment of the industry. Evans Ranch Water Rights Valuation Water rights appurtenant to the Evans Ranch in the upper watershed of Bear Creek west of Denver, Colorado, were examined by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to estimate their value. The appraisal was complicated by the lack of data available on historic use of the rights, and the absence of a well-defined market for water in the vicinity. As a result of the work, the owner of the ranch was able to determine the total appraised value of the property for an estate settlement. Grand Lake Recreation District Water Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the Grand Lake Recreation District of Grand Lake, Colorado, to assist the District in developing a secure water supply for golf course irrigation. Working with the District and its water attorney, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. prepared engineering studies to document the need for filing for a new, junior water diversion right, a plan for augmentation using reservoir storage to provide for irrigation water to the golf course, and a change in point of diversion of an irrigation water right acquired by the District to supplement its water supply. The District was thus assured of a reliable water supply. Warrior Ditch Company An irrigation ditch company in southwest Denver, Colorado, is in an area of urban development. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. serves the company on a continuing basis analyzing the impact of water rights changes out of the ditch as well as changes by others that could affect the yield of the ditch. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. personnel have testified as expert witnesses in both District and Water Court in matters related to ditch water supply and right-of-way. The services performed by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., working in conjunction with the company's water attorney, protect the users of the ditch system from injury. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers A detailed water rights evaluation was made as part of the acquisition program of the Corps for land in the dam and reservoir site in the Bear Creek Lake project in the southwestern Denver metropolitan area. This project involved assigning a dollar value to each of four decrees belonging to the Warrior Ditch, as well as an assessment of the various issues which could be raised in transferring the Warrior Ditch headgate to another location upstream of the reservoir site. The water right was successfully transferred to the new location. (IE) Water Rights for Mining and Industry In addition to the specific examples given above, similar studies have been made for various clients including:
Nearly every facet of water right studies involves appearances as an expert witness. Testimony has been given in various water courts throughout the State in addition to District Courts for water rights matters relating to both surface and ground water as well as other expert testimony related to water and water projects. Every water resource project poses unique conceptual planning, design, construction, and operation problems which must be solved through an integrated application of many disciplines. Bishop- Brogden Associates, Inc. is a specialized professional consulting firm organized to provide the particular expertise required by water resource projects. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. staff has accumulated over 75 years experience in water resources engineering covering all phases of water projects from conception to facility operation. The firm recognizes that skilled planning and careful management are essential to achieve the level of efficiency in water use which will be needed in the future. Ground water is an important aspect of nearly any water development project. In addition to its surface water capabilities, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has substantial experience in evaluating ground water resources on both a site-specific and regional basis. Because of the interrelationship between surface and ground water, the development of ground water supplies requires an integrated knowledge of geology as well as surface and ground water. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Rangeview Metropolitan District Water Master Plan Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the Rangeview Metropolitan District to develop for them a Master Plan that identified water demands for a planned development on about 10,000 acres, project peak-day demands and in-house and outside consumptive uses of water, and determine the optimum reservoir storage size and well production combination to meet this projected demand. The goal of the project was to develop a tool by which the District could move forward to plan its future development potential. Included in this analysis was a review of probable deep and shallow well production capabilities, analysis of water right decrees to identify limitations and terms and conditions on the use of the water, reservoir sizing through mass diagram approach, runoff projections utilizing U.S. Geological Survey gage data and Soil Conservation Service curve-fitting techniques, and review of available water quality data. The final product included a detailed report describing the investigation and presenting our opinions and conclusions regarding an optimum water supply plan. Gilpin County Justice Center Gilpin County selected Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to develop water supplies and water rights for its new Justice Center to be constructed in the vicinity of Black Hawk, Colorado. Wells were identified as the probable best source of water and well sites were selected based on an analysis of geology and geologic structure. Test wells were constructed and as a result of the effort, two high producing wells were located and selected to serve as the Countys principal water source. Water rights issues are being addressed and area complicated by the fact that the Justice Center lies on the drainage divide between Ralston and North Clear Creeks. Diversions from each basin were calculated and a replacement plan for both basins was developed. An engineering report will be prepared describing the investigation and the water plan. Keystone As part of the expansion of a recreational community at Keystone, Colorado, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assisted in providing a firm, reliable, physical, and legal water supply for the area. In addition to meeting the growing municipal requirements, a water supply was provided for an 18-hole championship golf course and for artificial snow for the ski area. A portion of the municipal system was turned over to the Snake River Water District and Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. continues to provide water resource consulting services to both the District and remaining Keystone area. Colowyo Coal Company A coal mining company in western Colorado required a water supply for domestic, commercial, dust control, and washing uses. Working in cooperation with the company's water attorney, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. developed a legal water supply for the mine. Ditch irrigation and storage rights were analyzed to determine historic use and dry year yields. Other water rights and proposed water projects, including Yellow Jacket and Juniper-Cross Mountain, were reviewed to analyze the impact on rights belonging to the coal company. An overall water supply and management plan was then developed and filed with the Water Court. Municipal Water Supply Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. is assisting in preparing a water supply plan for a private water company in a metropolitan area. Working with the company's water attorney, a water supply plan will be developed that will ensure a dependable, legal and physical supply. The services have included continuing consulting in the analysis and review of water rights plans and changes prepared by others which could affect the water rights of the client, and operational studies of integrated surface direct flow, storage, and ground water of water supply options. Fraser Valley Water Study The upper Fraser River Valley near Winter Park, Colorado, was reaching a level of development where the various water and sanitation districts serving the area became concerned about future water supplies and water quality. As part of a study investigating the feasibility of forming a single water management entity responsible for eventual preparation of a service plan for the entire area, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. investigated streamflows and water rights of the area, existing water uses and diversions, and helped develop a water supply requirement necessary to meet the total needs of the area. This study enabled the Upper Fraser Valley to identify total water resources and requirements for future development planning. Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Water Supply Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provided services to Engineering-Science of Arcadia, California, in ground water irrigation and agricultural engineering for a water resource study of the Jaffna Peninsula area of Sri Lanka. The project included geophysical studies, an extensive test drilling program, installation and operation of an observation well and meteorologic network recharge and consumptive use studies, and a model study leading to an evaluation of the total water resources of the area. Also included was the source development, design and construction of municipal water supplies for two large towns and an evaluation of the potential for importing surface water or ground water for further municipal and irrigation use. Successful completion of the project provided a water supply to an underdeveloped area. Hydrology is the study of the occurrence and distribution of the natural waters of the earth, and includes water which flows on the surface of the land as well as ground water. Hydrology is one of the primary services offered by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. and may be a part of many of the other specialty fields of services offered by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Trinidad Sandhill Hydrology A 500-year recurrence interval flood washed out a railway bridge near Trinidad, Colorado resulting in the derailment of a train and death of two train crew. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the railway to make a hydrologic analysis of the storm, determine the hydraulic capacity of the bridge and channel, and give expert testimony. The testimony given in a jury trial in Federal Court was a contributing factor in a verdict favorable to the railway. Nebraska Sandhill Hydrology Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by Union Insurance Co. to evaluate the probable impact of lowering and draining lakes on down-gradient subirrigated hay fields. Union insures a rancher in the Nebraska sandhills who has drained a lake and reclaimed the lake bottom for hay meadow. A neighboring rancher protested the draining of the lake and claimed the action injured him by changing ground water conditions on his ranch. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. analyzed aerial photographs of the properties, constructed a regional water table map, interpreted the direction of ground water flow, analyzed precipitation records at four nearby weather stations, calculated the evapotranspiration of pasture grass, and examined the potential impacts on the nearby ranch as a result of draining the lake. Spillway Hydrology Studies For various clients, the inflow design flood has been estimated for spillway design. This work involved determination of the Corps of Engineers Standard Project Flood as well as the Probable Maximum Precipitation flood analysis. Reservoir routing utilizing computer modelling methods has been made to size the spillway to pass the inflow design flood. Floodplain Master Plan Studies Determination of flood flows for the 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100-year recurrence interval storm using the Colorado Unit Hydrograph Procedure as well as standard unit hydrograph analysis with Snyder coefficients have been made as part of drainage basin master planning. This work involved computer modelling and climatological analysis of potential storm events. The 100-year floodplain was shown on topographic mapping to provide proper floodplain management. Lake Development Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained to investigate the hydrology of a large irrigation reservoir in Denver, Colorado to learn the history of water level fluctuations and its rate of depletion during the irrigation season. A developer who purchased the lake and surrounding property plans to develop the property and use the lake as a key feature in the land use plan. By identifying the water level fluctuations and the rate of depletion, replacement water requirements can be identified and purchased. Koppers Land Exchange As part of a land exchange between Koppers Co., Inc., and the U.S. Forest Service in the Arapaho National Forest near Denver, Colorado, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained to evaluate the character and extent of floodplains and wetlands. The field survey included an application of Forest Service methodology to evaluate wetlands and floodplains to comply with the executive orders. The evaluation also included stream classification according to the Forest Service System and explicit descriptions of the aerial extent, vegetation, fluvial geomorphology, soils, as well as general drainage basin characteristics of the floodplains and wetlands involved in the exchange. MolyCorp Inc. Personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. consulted with MolyCorp in the Red River basin in northern New Mexico to evaluate the impact of a minimum streamflow application by the Bureau of Land Management below their operations. To complete this investigation, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. statistically analyzed the streamflow records from several USGS gages on the river, studied the regional geology and hydrogeology, performed seepage runs, and prepared a series of engineering reports describing the investigation. Of particular importance to the study was the documentation of the phenomena of naturally declining streamflows, while rainfall remained essentially constant. The project included attending and giving depositions and preparation for courtroom testimony. Summit County Minimum Streamflows The Blue River basin in Summit County, Colorado, contains three of the State's most popular ski and summer recreation areas. Working with the consultants of the various ski areas and the State, minimum streamflow agreements between the ski areas and State were negotiated which provided for snowmaking water in the winter for skiing and streamflows in the summer for fishing. Also, working with Summit County representatives, water in the streams was reserved to provide for the County's future development. Green Mountain Water Marketing Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was selected as a subcontractor in a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation study of the effects of marketing storage water from Green Mountain Reservoir. A government owned facility on the Blue River, an upper basin tributary of the Colorado River in western Colorado. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. analyzed the river hydrology above Green Mountain Reservoir under various development alternatives which included the use of water by ski areas for snowmaking, preserving minimum streamflows for fish preservation, and continued development of the upper basin for both summer and winter recreational and municipal uses. Hydrology associated with mining operations is an important specialty service provided by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. Mine hydrology includes analysis of both surface and ground water flows, geology, and mine drainage. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Hesperus Coal Mine Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assisted a small mining company in the Four Corners area of Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico to evaluate the ground water resources on the mine property and implement a ground water monitoring program. In addition, data were collected that described the geology and ground water resources on the mine property and used to prepare the ground water part of the mine permit submittal to the state regulatory authorities. This work effort required meeting with coal company personnel, reviewing available geologic and geophysical data, and determining the zones or aquifers on the property that may contain ground water. Core and test holes were drilled on the property in an attempt to determine the presence of the resource and to construct ground water observation wells. In addition, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. personnel evaluated the impact of water rights system in the area of the mine property. Alluvial Valley Floor - W.R. Grace, Inc. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assisted W.R. Grace, Inc. in complying with the requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board to determine the impacts of coal mining on an alluvial valley floor. The problem was to determine if either of two stream valleys on or adjacent to the H-G Mine property near Hayden, Colorado should be designated as an alluvial valley floor, that is containing unconsolidated stream deposits and with a flow of surface or shallow subsurface water sufficient to support irrigated agriculture. Topographic, geologic and soil maps, and aerial photographs were examined for indications of alluvial fill. Land forms were checked by field geologic investigations. Field investigations also included vegetation studies, stream measurements and sampling, supplemented by published and unpublished data to evaluate the available water supply. A report was prepared that documented the evidence regarding the potential alluvial valley floors and that will be responsive to the concerns of the Board. Newmont Mining Services Personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assisted Newmont Mining Services to evaluate the impact of the mining operation near Telluride, Colorado on the quality of ground water beneath and downslope from the tailings pond. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. personnel designed and inspected construction of multiple test wells within as well as downslope from the tailings pond. The test wells were used to collect water level and quality data to determine the extent of trace metal migration. Data were presented to the mining company in a report which was forwarded to State regulatory agencies for review. On the basis of the conclusions presented in the report, the State determined that any adverse impact was declining and the mining company only had to continue a monitoring program. Empire Energy Mine Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assisted the Empire Energy Mine in complying with new State and OSM mining regulations. This required a considerable work effort within a short period of time to meet the regulatory agency's imposed deadline. Existing data on ground and surface water and water quality were assimilated and evaluated. These data were presented in a document that clearly described the ground water characteristics, anticipated flow patterns, and permeabilities. The surface water part of the submittal included a review of available surface water supplies, range of flows, and the quality of the resource. Mine inflows were estimated using data available from historic mining records. As part of a follow-up to this mine permit submittal, a ground water hydrology monitoring program was proposed, designed, and implemented. Energy Fuels Corporation Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. personnel have worked on a continuous consulting basis with Energy Fuels Corporation in an effort to determine the extent and value of the company's water rights and water resource needs, and assisted in preparing the surface and ground water portions of mine permit submittals. This effort involved the establishment of stream gaging sites, installation of lysimeters to measure the amount of water consumed by crops, testing of existing and new wells to determine permeabilities, and collection of water samples from aquifers beneath the company's property. As part of the work for the mine company, personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. prepared reports describing the resources and attended meetings with the State Engineers on behalf of the company. WELL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND TESTING Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has considerable experience in the design, inspection of construction, and testing of shallow and deep wells. This experience has ranged from consultation with municipalities for development of ground water supplies to working with coal and mineral companies and other industrial clients to develop water supplies and/or to evaluate impacts of mining on ground water resources. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has also worked with private developers and ranches in efforts to analyze the availability, chemical quality, and long-term yields of ground water supplies. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District For a number of years, BBA has assisted Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District's civil engineer in expanding and maintaining the District's ground water supplies. BBA has designed, inspected construction, and tested as many as six high capacity wells. In addition, BBA inspected the testing and rehabilitation of a number of the District's existing wells and evaluated the production potential of their shall alluvial aquifer system. BBA routinely offers advice to the District on water rights, well yields, water quality, and other issues that arise on behalf of the District. El Paso County Parks Department Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. is providing on-going assistance to El Paso County Parks department with the development of deep Denver Basin and shallow alluvial ground water supplies at two Parks Department facilities in El Paso County. The ground water supplies are for irrigation and other uses at the Park facilities. These efforts include the preparation of well permit applications, preparation of well designs and contract documents, solicitation of bids from well drilling contractors, inspection of well construction and testing, analysis of geophysical logs, and analysis of aquifer pumping test data. RTC Radioactive Ground Water Investigation (development name confidential) The Resolution Trust Corporation requested Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assist them in evaluating the occurrence and movement of radioactive water in the Denver Basin ground water system, high alpha and gamma readings were observed on a well constructed on the development; these readings were in excess of the Colorado Department of Health drinking water standard. To evaluate the occurrence of this radiation source, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. mapped the probable occurrence of elevated gamma readings in the Denver Basin system within a 10-mile radius of the property, collected and evaluated water quality data from other nearby high-capacity Denver Basin wells, and examined the geophysical logs of other wells on the property. Based on this analysis, conclusions and opinions were developed and presented to RTC that describe the probability of encountering that material on other parts of the property and the probable size of the source. Stonegate Metropolitan District (Mobil Land Development Corporation) Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has consulted with Stonegate and Mobil for several years and has provided expertise in surface and ground water studies and development. Stonegate is one of several properties in Colorado that Mobil is in the process of developing for residential and commercial use. The water for these properties is nontributary ground water developed from the deep bedrock aquifers of the Denver Basin. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has designed and inspected construction on over 16,000 feet of Denver Basin drilling and has designed and tested, on behalf of Mobil, 15 deep wells. Included in the effort were the preparation of contract documents, solicitation of bids from qualified drilling contractors, inspection of construction, and administration of the contracts. The project included analysis of geophysical logs, interpretation of pumping test data, and presentation of expert testimony in Water Court to secure rights to the deep resource. Castle Meadows Development Castle Meadows Development retained Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to develop ground water resources beneath a 3,600-acre development south of Denver. The water supply for the proposed residential and commercial development is entirely from wells constructed into the bedrock aquifers of the Denver Basin. To quantify this resource, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has inspected construction and testing on over 15,000 feet of drilling into the Denver Basin aquifers. The programs have included application of special geophysical logging techniques and aquifer testing procedures. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. personnel developed the design specifications, selected qualified contractors, negotiated agreements with the drilling contractors, inspected the design of the deep wells, and administered the contract between Castle Meadows and the drilling contractor. City of Sidney, Nebraska In 1991, BBA completed a test drilling, well design, well construction, and aquifer testing project for the City of Sidney, Nebraska, located in the west-central part of Nebraska. To develop a new source of water for the City's municipal supply, the aquifer north of town was investigated by completing a test drilling and logging program. These data were utilized to identify potential production well locations for the new wellfield. Three production wells were successfully designed, constructed, and tested. The long-term aquifer test data were analyzed to determine aquifer characteristics and boundary conditions, which were then utilized in a computer model of the wellfield. Simulations of wellfield pumping were completed to determine optimum wellfield operation and impacts of pumping at various rates and pumping periods. Farson, Wyoming In 1990, BBA completed an extensive aquifer testing and water quality evaluation program in Farson, Wyoming. The program included the testing of five flowing and non-flowing wells in the Farson and Eden area to determine the potential for long-term ground water supplies and possible impacts on surface sources. The data from the aquifer testing were analyzed to determine aquifer characteristics, which were then utilized in a computer model to determine future impacts on surface sources and the extent of drawdown impacts. Rock Springs Ground Water Modelling Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was a subcontractor on a project to test the potential for a ground water supply for the City of Rock Springs, Wyoming. Eight sets of pump test data were analyzed mathematically by simulation in a computer model by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to determine aquifer characteristics. A well field to produce 600 gallons per minute was designed by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., and drawdown and recharge conditions in the well field were simulated for various periods of operation in order to determine the practicability of the proposed water supply. This project is the basis of the City's current planning for ground water development. Julesburg, Colorado In 1990, BBA completed a test drilling, well construction, and aquifer testing project for the town of Julesburg, Colorado. The project required extensive planning and on-site supervision, and was completed in order to determine the potential for a new water supply source in the aquifer located north of the town. Test drilling and logging were completed and a production well location identified. Following the well construction, extensive testing was completed and the test data were analyzed. The results were utilized to determine potential wellfield yields. Cities of Lakewood and Westminster The cities of Lakewood and Westminster, Colorado retained Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to investigate the feasibility of rehabilitating or redrilling existing wells that, in the past, provided water supplies for the two municipalities. To complete this investigation, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. selected drilling contractors and tested the physical capacities of six Denver Basin wells and reviewed T.V. surveys of the wells. Reports were prepared to the cities that provided recommendations for redrilling of most of the wells and rehabilitation of a few of the wells. For both projects, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. inspected construction of approximately 7,000 feet of drilling in the Denver Basin. Assistance was provided to both cities in preparation of contract documents, solicitation of bids from qualified well drilling contractors, inspection of construction of the deep wells and administration of the contracts. In the case of the City of Westminster, special drilling techniques had to be considered because of space limitations. Typically, Denver Basin wells are constructed by rotary drilling techniques, but for the City of Westminster, cable tool drilling was required. For both cities, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. interpreted geophysical logs and test data and provided expert testimony in Water Court to secure rights to the changed or new water supplies. Kota Balud Test Well Program A well-water supply was proposed for the Town of Kota Balud, Malaysia. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provided test well design, training of counterpart Malaysian engineering staff in drilling and testing procedures, and construction advice and supervision for drilling and testing of the first test well. A plan for further aquifer testing and preliminary designs for production wells that would be suitable for the anticipated aquifer conditions were prepared. The project required close coordination between Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., a Malaysian engineering company, and a Malaysian drilling contractor; both of the latter parties being novices in water-well design, construction, and testing. The transfer of technological knowledge was a prime accomplishment of the project. Chaparral Metropolitan District Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. designed, inspected construction, and tested two 1,800-foot wells into the Arapahoe Formation and one 600-foot Dawson aquifer well for the District. The wells will serve the municipal needs of a residential development in the southeast part of the Denver metropolitan area. To design the wells, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. evaluated the geophysical logs of nearby wells and projected the depth to the base of the aquifer, sand thicknesses and water level of the Arapahoe and Dawson aquifers beneath the District's property. Local well drilling firms drilled and constructed the wells, and Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provided an experienced ground water geologist to assist the contractor in completing the wells. Pumping test data were analyzed to determine aquifer characteristics and estimate pump settings and well yields. Expert testimony was provided in Water Court to support the water rights application for the deep well and to protest the improper development of other deep ground water rights. Lima, Peru, Municipal Wells The City of Lima is dependent on wells for municipal water supply. A major expansion of the ground water supply is under way. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. personnel visited Lima to determine the availability of drilling equipment and well construction supplies, the capability of local drilling contractors in various drilling techniques, and the hydrogeologic conditions in the area. In Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc.'s Denver office, contract specifications and designs were prepared for the construction of three 300-meter deep test-cum-production wells and 15 production wells. Columbine Country Club Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assisted Columbine Country Club of Denver, Colorado in developing a firm legal and physical supply of water and evaluated, designed, inspected construction, and tested the yields of two deep wells. To complete this investigation for the club, it was necessary to locate and evaluate surrounding wells completed in the same aquifers. Data collected for this investigation were used to design wells completed in the Arapahoe and Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers. On-site inspection was made during the construction of both wells, and assistance was provided to the well driller in interpreting the contract and the collected geologic and hydrologic data. As a result of this effort, the club now has two high production deep water wells by which they can meet their legal and physical water requirements. Lazy EH Ranch The Lazy EH Ranch retained Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to design and inspect construction of a replacement well for a 2,525-foot deep flowing artesian well in the Yampa River basin of Colorado. The well was completed into the Morrison and Curtis Formations and had a surface shut-in pressure of 200 pounds per square inch and a measured, natural flow of 3,000 gallons per minute to the land surface. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. interviewed well drilling contractors and selected a contractor who had experience in drilling high pressure, high flowing, deep wells. The contractor offset from the existing well and used a blowout preventer and heavy drilling to complete the wells. An engineering report was submitted to the Lazy EH Ranch describing the construction of the well and providing opinions as to the source of water and high pressure causing the flow. WELL EVALUATION, REHABILITATION, AND TESTING BBA has extensive experience working on existing wells and water supply systems. These efforts typically involve evaluating the existing well condition, recommending appropriate rehabilitation procedures, supervising the rehabilitation, and testing the well to confirm the success of the rehabilitation effort. The well evaluation may indicate that the existing structure is no longer adequate to produce the desired water supplies, which leads to the design and construction of a new well. BBA has worked with a variety of contractors using standard well rehabilitation techniques and equipment, and the most up-to-date well construction design and materials. Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District For several years, BBA has worked with the District on evaluating older wells in the system that have experienced reduced yields and increased sand pumping problems. The evaluations have included pump tests, video surveys, reviews of well production and water quality records, and review of well construction and pump equipment information. Rehabilitation efforts have included sonar jetting, acid cleaning, and brushing. The wells were tested following the rehabilitation and the test data were analyzed to determine sand production and aquifer characteristics, and to estimate well yields and pump settings. The wells are currently on-line and producing water for the District. Stonegate Metropolitan District BBA has worked with Stonegate to bring back on-line two older wells that were out of service for years and had experienced sand pumping problems. The wells were video surveyed and tested, and then rehabilitated using cleaning and developing techniques. The wells have been put back on-line and are supplying water to the District's system. The well rehabilitation has effectively delayed the expensive alternative of redrilling the deep aquifer wells, and assisted with preserving the valuable water rights associated with the old wells. IRRIGATION, CANALS AND APPURTENANT STRUCTURES The following is a summary of representative experience of Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. in the field of irrigation, including the design and operation of canals and canal structures. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY The Agricultural Ditch and Reservoir Company - Engineering Since 1971, personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. have provided consulting engineering services to The Agricultural Ditch and Reservoir Company and its subsidiary, the Golden Canal and Reservoir Company. The work has involved water rights review and analysis, operation studies, design and construction supervision of ditch structures, dam rehabilitation, and flow measurements. One of the major Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. assignments is analysis of drainage flows along the ditch and the impact of urban development on ditch capacity. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. has provided a number of drainage release structures to allow floodwaters to safely flow out of the ditch. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. is continuing to provide consulting services to the Company. The Agricultural Ditch and Reservoir Company - Management From 1986 to 1996, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. served as Engineer-Manager of the Agricultural Ditch and Reservoir Company and The Golden Canal and Reservoir Company. In addition to performing engineering services, this work involved day-to-day supervision of operations, maintenance and improvements to an irrigation system consisting of over 50 miles of canal through the authorized areas of Lakewood, Colorado west of Denver, Colorado and 12 dams and reservoirs belonging to the companies. Rocky Mountain Water Company Services provided by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to the Rocky Mountain Water Company of Denver, Colorado, owner of the Rocky Mountain Ditch and the Wannamaker Ditch, include review of plans for construction affecting the ditch, such as culverts, bridges, ditch relocations, and the impact of additional drainage flows due to urbanization on the ditch system. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers As part of the Bear Creek Lake project in the southwest area of Denver, Colorado, a member of Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc.'s staff was principal-in-charge of a project to estimate the cost of rehabilitating the Harriman Canal to carry the additional flow of the Warrior Ditch. The project involved the preliminary design of the ditch to carry the additional flow, design of structures along the ditch, and the design of a structure to settle out and dispose of sediment in the ditch water. A letter of commendation was received for this project. (IE) O'Kane Park Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was part of a professional team selected by the City of Lakewood to assist in developing a new city park. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc.'s responsibility was to design a diversion structure from a nearby irrigation ditch to allow both irrigation water to be diverted from the ditch, as well as excess flood water carried by the ditch to be used for a park water supply. This benefits the city's park, reducing the dependence on municipal water for irrigation, as well as providing for a means to release unwanted drainage water from the ditch. Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysia, Irrigation Project Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., in conjunction with a local contractor, performed hydrologic studies for water source evaluation, determined water requirements for wet rice in the area, and laid out a gravity and pumped irrigation system encompassing nearly 4,000 acres in the Tambunan Valley. Final design and construction supervision is expected. Tucker Lake Emergency Plan Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., working with the Denver View Reservoir & Irrigation Company of Arvada, Colorado, completed an emergency action plan for the company's Tucker Lake. The action plan identifies responsibilities to be taken by various individuals and agencies in the event of an emergency involving potential failure or release of an unusual amount of water from the reservoir. The emergency action plan will allow the company, as well as local and state disaster officials, to be better prepared to meet any problems involving the dam and coordinate their emergency efforts. Fort Logan Lateral Ditch Company Urban encroachment development in the southwestern Denver, Colorado area through which the Fort Logan Lateral Ditch passes caused increased problems of maintenance and operation. A feasibility study, prepared for the ditch company by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., recommended enclosing the ditch in a pipeline through the existing developed areas and required future development to also enclose the ditch. Plans and specifications were prepared, bids taken, and personnel from Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. supervised construction of the pipeline. Northglenn Water Management Plan Review As part of an overall review for funding a wastewater treatment plant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the City of Northglenn, Colorado, an analysis of the effects of the plan on irrigated agriculture and water rights was made by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. The work included studies of cropping patterns, irrigation practices, ditch operation studies, and crop water requirements. Jamaica Pre-feasibility studies for irrigation of several small areas in Jamaica were done by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. The studies include all basic information needed to estimate type, size, and installation costs for an irrigation system, and plans for designing, contracting, training, scheduling, and overall supervision for water management. The projects are planned as turn-key operations. Denver Water Department A member of Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc.'s staff served as consultant to the Denver Water Department in the design of a diversion dam on Bear Creek for the Harriman Canal. He has also worked with the department on various projects involving ditch systems in which the Denver Water Department is involved. (IE) Link Canal Project, Pakistan Between 1963 and 1970, a principal of Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. served in various engineering capacities including design engineer, office engineer, and assistant project engineer. Approximately four years were spent in the design office in Lahore, Pakistan, on field design of seven canal systems with capacities of 5,000 cfs to 22,000 cfs. The last four years were on the construction of a 50 million dollar canal project involving a canal 380 feet wide with a capacity of 22,000 cfs. In addition to the design and construction of the main canal, the work involved design of smaller irrigation ditches crossing the canal. (IE) Bayou Ditch Company Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the Bayou Ditch Company to review various plans for enclosing and relocating the ditch by developers to ensure the interests of the Ditch Company were protected. DRAINAGE, FLOOD CONTROL, AND MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES The following is a representative summary of the experience of personnel with Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. in the area of drainage and flood control. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Trinidad Bridge Washout A 500-year recurrence interval flood washed out a railway bridge near Trinidad, Colorado, resulting in the derailment of a train and death of two train crew. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the railway to make a hydrologic analysis of the storm, determine the hydraulic capacity of the bridge and channel, and give expert testimony. The testimony given in a jury trial in Federal Court was a contributing factor in a verdict favorable to the railway. Fort Logan Lateral Ditch Company On behalf of the Fort Logan Lateral Ditch Company, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. reviewed the Major Drainageway Planning report for the Marston Lake North basin in the southwestern part of Denver, Colorado, prepared by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. This review identified a number of potential adverse impacts that implementation of the recommended construction program would have on ditch facilities. Identification of the potential problems allowed the ditch company to work with the Drainage District to resolve the conflicts. Michas-Pappas Drainage Because of construction of a subdivision in Westminster, Colorado, there was an increase in the quantity of runoff reaching farmland in the drainage basin below the development. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the owners of the farmland to determine the increased quantity of flow and water quality effects, and present expert testimony in court action against the developers. Prior to the trial, a negotiated settlement was reached whereby the developer of the subdivision agreed to convey runoff in a buried pipeline through the farmland to a drainage outfall. This work involved definition of runoff from the 5 and 100-year storms, hydraulic analysis to determine the extent of flooding, and alternative means of disposing of the floodwaters. Gravel Quarry Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provided engineering services to the Cooley Gravel Company's Morrison Quarry near Morrison, Colorado. In addition to updating hydrologic data for storm runoff, a drainage plan for safely passing floodwaters through the pit was prepared. This plan took into account the varying stages of quarry operation and the continually changing pattern of runoff within the quarry area as mining progressed. This work enabled the Cooley Gravel Company to obtain a permit to extend its quarry operation. Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was selected by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District of Denver, Colorado, to provide engineering services to the District's 1988-1989 and 1989-1990 annual maintenance program and South Platte River restoration program. Services are provided on an on-call basis, generally relating to design of small drainage structures, hydrology and hydraulic studies, assisting the District in obtaining 404 permits from the Corps of Engineers, and observation of construction projects. Also, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. performed numerous individual and separate projects including an improvement plan to the South Jefferson County District drainage basin. General Industry For various industries throughout the intermountain region, services have been provided for site drainage, flood control, and flood hydrology. Services have been provided to various sand and gravel companies to obtain permits for gravel mining in highly environmentally sensitive areas. Such work has included the design of both flood control and site drainage features, and other water resource related subjects, with the requirement to protect the environment and to restore the mined areas in an acceptable fashion to varying factions in the community. Site drainage design and design of facilities have also been made for mining companies as part of the OSM requirements for mine drainage. Lily Lake Dam Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the owners of Lily Lake Dam and Reservoir, located south of the Town of Estes Park, to assist in repairs of the dam structure to meet requirements of the State Engineer's Office to discuss alternative remedial measures required, and prepared plans and specifications for approval by the State Engineer's Office. The work involved modifications to the outlet works, preparation of a spillway capable of meeting current criteria for moderate hazard dam, raising the dam to meet freeboard requirements, and repairs to the principal spillway. Successful completion of this work will enable the owner of the dam to fully utilize the reservoir for an augmentation plan in connection with his development. Protex Industries Consulting services have been provided to Protex Industries in the fields of drainage, water rights, and ground water seepage. Work has involved court testimony as an expert witness, and reviewing plans for work proposed by others that could affect properties belonging to Protex Industries. Colorado Water Conservation Board As part of a state-funded program, the 100-year floodplain was defined through the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado. This involved the meteorological determination of the design flood in a mountain area characterized by short duration, high intensity thundershowers in a basin surrounded by mountains, and definition of the area that would be inundated along the Blue River. Also included in the studies were tributaries which are subject to intense development pressures around the Town of Breckenridge. This project involved the use of the Corps of Engineers HEC II model for water surface profiles. (IE) Simms Dropout Alternatives for disposing of drainage water from a planned shopping center complex in Lakewood, Colorado, included construction of an expensive storm sewer system, or a more economical solution involving utilization of unused capacity in an irrigation ditch. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc., working with the city and ditch company, assisted in the development of a plan to convey drainage runoff from the shopping center, through a sedimentation-detention pond, along the ditch and discharge into a designated drainage way. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. designed a spill structure that allowed automatic release of flows in excess of ditch capacity as well as manual release of the entire flow of the ditch. During floods, following construction of the spill structure, floodwaters were released from the ditch saving considerable damages. Evergreen Drainage First Federal Savings of Evergreen, Colorado, was experiencing damage from runoff waters from adjacent lands. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the bank to advise interim measures to protect the bank until an overall solution could be determined. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. met with the bank, other landowners in the area, and the County to negotiate a drainage solution. Environmental assessments and impact statements combine a number of water resource and hydrological fields. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. and personnel with the firm have participated in numerous environmental studies both in a lead capacity as well as part of an environmental study team. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Little King Ranch, Colorado As required by Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, and Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. evaluated and analyzed floodplains and wetlands on private property involved in a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service. The evaluation and analysis included a determination of the precise areas and locations of the floodplains and wetlands, and a detailed description of the channel characteristics according to the Forest Service's stream classification system. In addition, vegetation and fluvial geomorphic and drainage basin characteristics were studied. Denver EIS Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was a subcontractor with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Systemwide Environmental Impact Statement of expansion of the Denver metropolitan water supply. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc.'s responsibilities included an analysis of the computer model used by the Denver Water Board to estimate the existing Denver system yield, an analysis of the suitability, quantity of ground water for a municipal supply, and hydrologic analysis of various other alternative sources for a future supply to the Denver area. The project involved working closely with representatives of the Denver Water Board and other metropolitan water providers. Clear Creek Environmental Assessment Review On behalf of the Clear Creek Water Users Alliance of Denver, Colorado, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. reviewed the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Assessment for Construction of the Clear Creek interceptor sewer line. Construction of the interceptor increases the probability of wastewater treatment plants, currently discharging to Clear Creek, to close and discharge to the interceptor. The amount of flow in the lower reaches of Clear Creek is reduced by this change with direct adverse impact on water rights. Northglenn Water Management Plan The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was charged with an environmental review of a unique water management plan prior to its approval of funding. The plan involved borrowing water from a local irrigation company for municipal use and returning treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. analyzed the water rights implications of the plan, including expert testimony, and the overall effect of the plan on agriculture. Keystone Ski Expansion As part of a proposed expansion of its ski trail system, Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by Keystone Resorts Management, Inc. to work with Sno-Engineering and the U.S. Forest Service in Frisco, Colorado, to prepare an environmental assessment of the proposed expansion. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc.'s responsibilities included surface hydrology, including water rights and water resources, water quality, and minimum streamflows. The expansion project was complicated by a pending application by another party for a small hydro-electric plant in the vicinity which would require most of the available water. An overall settlement is under negotiation which would meet the needs of both the ski area and hydro plant. Hazardous waste investigation of surface and ground water sources is a growing specialty service provided by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. The following projects summarize the experience of the firm in this important field. EXPERIENCE SUMMARY Colorado Organic Chemicals Colorado Organic Chemical Company, Inc. and ChemReal Investment Corp., were cited by EPA under RCRA and CERCLA regulations to conduct certain cleanup operations of the area formerly used for manufacture of fertilizer and pesticides. Additional studies were required to determine the magnitude of the necessary cleanup. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained to review existing data of soil and ground water contaminant levels, to collect soil and water samples for analyses for organic and inorganic contaminants, and to act as liaison with EPA officials. Excessive levels of contaminants were discovered in localized soil samples and a cleanup program was negotiated between the EPA and Colorado Organic Chemical Company. Advanced Micro Devices, San Jose, California Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. completed an extensive test drilling program at Advanced Micro Devices' offices in the Silicone Valley area to identify the occurrence of aquifers and ground water and to locate plumes of ground water contaminated with TCE and TCB. Numerous observation wells were constructed in the shallow aquifer, and the aquifer characteristics and directions of ground water flow were mapped. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provided interpretations of data, which provided the basis for a cleanup program. McClelland and Edwards Air Force Bases, California Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. worked in conjunction with Engineering-Science of Berkeley, California, to determine the extent of ground water contamination from TCE and jet fuel at two California Air Force bases. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. provided assistance in well design and in construction supervision and testing and analysis of data. The geologic environment included interbedded lake and stream deposits which resulted in an extremely stratified aquifer system. Hydrogeologic interpretations were provided by Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. to Engineering-Science who conducted the monitoring and sampling program. CF&I Steel Corporation, Colorado Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. designed and inspected the installation of observation wells at the CF&I Steel Plant at Pueblo, Colorado. The objective of the investigation was to fulfill RCRA requirements related to industrial waste sites and to identify the occurrence of aquifers and ground water and the extent of contamination. Data were collected from the completed wells and a report prepared. Union Carbide, Uravan, Colorado Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by Union Carbide Corporation to evaluate the occurrence and value of ground water in the Uravan, Colorado vicinity, and to represent Carbide in its CERCLA lawsuit with the State of Colorado. Union Carbide and others operated a uranium mill in this location and waste from the mill has seeped into the underlying ground water system. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. identified aquifers in the Uravan area, described the occurrence and characteristics of ground water in the aquifers, and identified the extent of contamination and loss of resource value. To complete this effort a complete and thorough literature search was completed for the project, all available geologic and hydrologic data were collected and analyzed, and a drilling program was designed and implemented. Data available in the public record and collected from the drilling program were used to model contaminant transport in the aquifers and to examine cleanup alternatives. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. participated in negotiations with the State of Colorado and contributed to the Final Remedial Action Plan report and consent decree. Union Carbide, East Bench Facility - Uravan, Colorado Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by Union Carbide Corporation to characterize site specific geologic and hydrologic conditions at a proposed low-level radioactive disposal facility near Uravan, Colorado. To complete this project, an extensive field mapping effort was undertaken and completed to identify regional stratigraphy, structure and probable ground water conditions beneath the site. A drilling program was implemented that resulted in the construction of seven test holes and five observation wells. Test holes were cored and packer tested to identify and better describe the lithology, the presence or absence of fracturing and to calculate hydraulic conductivities. Core data were submitted to a commercial laboratory for studies of porosity, cation exchange potential, horizontal and vertical conductivities and densities. These data were analyzed and used in the computer model HELP to study the movement of contaminants from the proposed disposal facility into the underlying materials. Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. participated in public hearings that were held to gain public input into the proposal. Newmont Mining Service, Ltd., Telluride, Colorado To identify the extent of ground water contamination at Telluride, Colorado observation wells were constructed in the tailings pond and the alluvial aquifer, sediment and water samples were collected, and water levels measured. One-inch PVC pipe was installed into the test holes and perforated at different depths to measure the vertical flow component of ground water in the aquifer and in the tailings pond. Sediment and water quality samples were analyzed for total and hexavalent chromium and the data were analyzed to determine the occurrence of chromium and the extent of its migration into the alluvial aquifer. Ground water flow direction was also determined and included in the analysis. A report was presented to the client describing the investigation and presenting opinions as to the occurrence and mobility of chromium in the alluvial aquifer. Additional reports were prepared that suggested alternatives for cleaning up the contaminated ground water system. The reports and letters were submitted to the Colorado Department of Health, Enforcement Division for review and action. Idarado Mining Company - Telluride, Colorado Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by Idarado Mining Company to examine questions of resource damage resulting from the movement of contaminants from tailings ponds into the surface and ground water system in the vicinity of Telluride, Colorado. Studies were made of available data including surface and ground water connection, surface and ground water quality, well production, and a capability of developing additional contaminant-free water supplies elsewhere in the valley. Test drilling, well design, and pump testing will be undertaken to better quantify the potential for resource drainages. Lowry Landfill - Denver, Colorado Bishop-Brogden Associates, Inc. was retained by the City and County of Denver, Chemical Waste Management, Inc. and Lowry Landfill, Inc. to evaluate the potential for resource damage to nearby landowners as a result of the presence of a landfill. The available resources were quantified and their usability and therefore values were examined under current state statutes concerning the development of the resource and nearby city and county rules and regulations that affect the use of the resource. A letter report was submitted that presents opinions and conclusions regarding the usability of the resource and the impact of the landfill on that resource. |