Irrigation Leader Washington Edition July/August 2017

Volume 8 Issue 7 Washington State Edition

Remembering Ron Van Gundy

July/August 2017

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Canal Breach Coverage for Washington Landowners Canal breach coverage now available.

PayneWest has you covered.

Landowners who farm property served by irrigation canals face a unique peril—flood damage due to an irrigation district canal breach. This can damage farm buildings, equipment and growing crops, but most landowners do not have flood coverage.

The PayneWest Agribusiness team has worked with CHUBB Agribusiness to find a solution to this problem. CHUBB now offers an endorsement to the farm policy which provides up to $50,000 of flood coverage for canal breach damage. The landowner is paid directly

by CHUBB for damage covered by this endorsement without having to wait for the legally liability of the irrigation district to be determined.

Although the landowner may feel the irrigation district is responsible, the district’s insurance company will investigate to determine if Chubb is one of the the district is legally liable premier agribusiness for the damage. Depending AVAILABLE markets available with on the circumstances, the broad coverage and very IN claim may or may not be paid competitive rates. and there is always a delay WASHINGTON before the claim is finalized.

PayneWest is happy to At times, this can result in partner with Chubb to frustration and animosity provide a solution to a between the district and the problem facing landowners landowner. and irrigation districts. If you need additional information on the coverage endorsement, have questions about how to notify your landowners, or would simply like to discuss this new coverage in more detail, PayneWest can help you wade through PayneWest Insurance these waters successfully.

1430 North 16th Avenue, Building H Yakima, Washington 98902 (509) 248-7460 PayneWest.com/Yakima

All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. CHUBB is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of CHUBB Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit www.CHUBB.com.

PayneWest.com

CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2017 Volume 8, Issue 7

Irrigation Leader is published 10 times a year with combined issues for July/August and November/December by Water Strategies LLC 4 E Street SE Washington, DC 20003 STAFF: Kris Polly, Editor-in-Chief John Crotty, Senior Writer Matthew Dermody, Writer Julia Terbrock, Graphic Designer Capital Copyediting LLC, Copyeditor SUBMISSIONS: Irrigation Leader welcomes manuscript, photography, and art submissions. However, the right to edit or deny publishing submissions is reserved. Submissions are returned only upon request. For more information, please contact John Crotty at (202) 698-0690 or John.Crotty@waterstrategies.com.

ADVERTISING: Irrigation Leader accepts one-quarter, halfpage, and full-page ads. For more information on rates and placement, please contact Kris Polly at (703) 517-3962 or Irrigation.Leader@waterstrategies.com.

6

REMEMBERING RON VAN GUNDY

Washington State Edition 5 Irrigation Leader, Washington Edition

by Kris Polly

26 Aiding Agriculture on the Airwaves: Adam Smith of KRVN 880 Radio

6 Remembering Ron Van Gundy

30 Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers on the Columbia River Treaty

12 Reflecting on Leadership, Education, and Safety With Kevin Adams of Farmers Irrigation District 18 A Word on Water

by United States Senator Deb Fischer 20 Upgrading and Automating at the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District

by Brad Edgerton

4

33 Spreading the Word About the Milk River Project: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director John Tubbs 36 New Water Storage Project Moves Forward in Northern California

by Erin Curtis and Todd Plain

CIRCULATION: Irrigation Leader is distributed to irrigation district managers and boards of directors in the 17 western states, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials, members of Congress and committee staff, and advertising sponsors. For address corrections or additions, please contact our office at Irrigation.Leader@waterstrategies.com.

Copyright Š 2017 Water Strategies LLC. Irrigation Leader relies on the excellent contributions of a variety of natural resources professionals who provide content for the magazine. However, the views and opinions expressed by these contributors are solely those of the original contributor and do not necessarily represent or reflect the policies or positions of Irrigation Leader magazine, its editors, or Water Strategies LLC. The acceptance and use of advertisements in Irrigation Leader do not constitute a representation or warranty by Water Strategies LLC or Irrigation Leader magazine regarding the products, services, claims, or companies advertised. /IrrigationLeader

@IrrigationLeadr

COVER PHOTO: Ron Van Gundy June 12, 1944–July 6, 2017

IRRIGATION LEADER

Irrigation Leader, Washington Edition

By Kris Polly

T

his is the first state-specific issue of Irrigation Leader magazine, with additional pages added for our readers in Washington. Most appropriately, Washington is our first state to receive this service, as it was Richard Lemargie, counsel to the Columbia Basin Project, who in 2009 suggested I create a “newsletter” to provide information to the irrigation districts. Since publishing our first issue of Irrigation Leader in October 2010, we have visited irrigation districts in Washington many times. Now, our expanded service will allow us to do even more for Washington.

Sadly, the irrigation community recently lost a highly respected and influential leader in Ron Van Gundy. We are honored to have Mr. Van Gundy on our cover and to help tell his great story. He was a champion for Roza Irrigation District water users and an architect of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. We hope the testimonials provide our readers with an understanding of his tremendous stature within the Washington State Water Resources Association and government leadership, and among those who knew and worked with Ron for many years.

Additionally, in this issue of Irrigation Leader we speak with Kevin Adams of Farmers Irrigation District in western Nebraska about integrating education and leadership into his management of the district. His approach is about the prioritization of knowledge. “I have learned that it is most important to understand and manage myself, then understand the individuals working for me.” Mr. Adams applies that philosophy to his management of all the elements of the district.

Brad Edgerton of the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District discusses his district’s efforts to stretch its water. The district has moved toward total canal control with the aid of Rubicon gates and pumps from Watertronics. Based on his experience, he advises other managers, “Automation and efficiency improvement are investments that all irrigation districts should look into, especially if they are in a water-short basin where the value of water is high.”

We also hear from Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers, who shares her thoughts on the importance of modernizing the Columbia River Treaty between the United States and Canada. In discussing the Canadian Entitlement of the treaty, Congresswoman McMorris Rogers says, “Some have estimated the Canadian Entitlement to be worth $335 million annually. . . . We need to reevaluate and rebalance this financial commitment.”

We hope you enjoy these and the other articles within this issue of Irrigation Leader magazine and can find information that is helpful to your irrigation district. Please keep sharing your thoughts and ideas for future articles. Thank you for your continued support. IL Kris Polly is editor-in-chief of Irrigation Leader magazine and president of Water Strategies LLC, a government relations firm he began in February 2009 for the purpose of representing and guiding water, power, and agricultural entities in their dealings with Congress, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and other federal government agencies. He may be contacted at Kris.Polly@waterstrategies.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY.

BACK TO AUSTRALIA Our International Irrigation Education tours have become very popular. Our first tour was in Australia last year, and our second tour was in New Zealand earlier this year. For those who missed our first Australia experience, we are going back February 17–26, 2018.

Rubicon Water, Irrigation Leader magazine, and others will cosponsor the Australia education tour.

This tour will be larger than previous tours with more

IRRIGATION LEADER

opportunities for participation. Additionally, Irrigation Leader magazine will be offering five prizes worth $1,000 each for irrigation district employees or board members toward their tour expenses.

For more information about the tour and rules for our prizes, please see our website at WaterStrategies.com.

5

RON VAN GUNDY June 12, 1944–July 6, 2017

Portrait of Ron Van Gundy, taken in 2000. Ron is one of only four managers in Roza Irrigation District’s history.

6

IRRIGATION LEADER

REMEMBERING RON VAN GUNDY just now approaching its end. He was very proud that Roza Ron Van Gundy was born in a small town in Nebraska, only a few miles from where Johnny Carson grew up. was the only major claimant not forced to give up water in When Ron was in the third grade, his father quit farming the process. and the family moved to Valentine, Nebraska, where he The 1,600 acre-foot, $31 million Wasteway 5 attended school until the family again moved to Sunnyside, reregulation reservoir north of Sunnyside was a project Washington. Ron graduated from Sunnyside High School Ron led for more than 30 years. He scouted the site, in 1962. completed the initial design, and obtained grant funding. It After graduating, Ron went to work for the wholesale is complete and will come online in a few weeks. distributing company Western States Distributors of Ron was proud of the strong relationship that he helped Spokane. He became an area manager after his first year to establish between Roza and the Yakama Indian Nation with the company, and he also owned on water and fisheries issues. and operated a small grocery store Ron served on the board of during that time. In 1965, Ron began directors of the Washington State working for an independent food chain Water Resources Association in the Seattle area.

(WSWRA) for more than 20 years.

In 1968, Ron returned to Sunnyside He served as president of the to work for the 72,000-acre Roza association in 1986–1987. Ron was Irrigation District for $1.97 an hour. the 2001 recipient of the WSWRA Ron’s predecessor was looking for a Water Resources Leadership Award young manager to replace him when for excellence in water resources he retired. Ron began working with management and the WSWRA the district’s engineer and assistant distinguished service award in 2016. manager at that time. He started He was honored by the Northwest taking a 2–year extension course on Irrigation Operators with the civil engineering, which he completed Headgate Award in 1996. Ron’s quickly.

WASHINGTON lasting effect on water resources in Ron took over the assistant manager position in 1971. When his the Yakima Valley and across the predecessor put off retirement beyond state may initially be measured by his the expected date, the Roza board drive to innovate water management, increased Ron’s salary to the level of but it may be best measured by other irrigation district managers in his unwavering desire to improve Roza Irrigation District the state in anticipation of his eventual relationships across boundaries within succession to manager. Ron was the industry. appointed to the position of district manager in 1982 and Under his leadership, Roza’s water conservation program served until his retirement in 2002, which was due to health was recognized by the commissioner of Reclamation in issues. He was Roza’s longest-serving manager.

2001 and the director of the Washington Department Ron managed Roza with a steady hand through brutal of Ecology in 2004. Roza’s water quality program was droughts in 1973, 1977, 1992–1994, 2001, and 2005, and he recognized by the Ecology director through an award for earned the respect of water managers across the West and excellence in 1998. of Roza’s growers.

Ron was asked to apply for the position of commissioner In 1983, Ron spearheaded Roza’s award-winning water of Reclamation in the 1980s; he chose not to because of the conservation program, which resulted in the piping of effects it would have had on his family, who would have had over 300 miles of canals. He partnered on an innovative water quality program with the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation to move from Sunnyside.

At the request of the board of directors, Ron remained District, which resulted in dramatic water quality with the district part time, dealing with legislative and improvements in the lower Yakima River over the past water policy issues facing Roza and other districts in the 20 years.

Yakima Valley. He liked to say that he was 14 years into a He hired the first fisheries biologist to work for an 3-year stint as policy director. irrigation district in the area and supported fish passage Washington Governor Jay Inslee wrote a letter to the and screening improvements at irrigation facilities. He also Van Gundy family, expressing his condolences and praising fostered working relationships with several environmental Ron’s leadership and vision. and conservation groups.

He was deeply involved in protecting Roza’s water rights He is survived by his wife, three grown children, and six for nearly 40 years through an adjudication process that is grandchildren. IL IRRIGATION LEADER

7

RIGHT: Dave Murillo, Chuck Garner, Tom Myrum, and Ron Van Gundy play golf at the annual Roza Scramble tournament on June 26, 2002.

BELOW: Ron Van Gundy and Maia Bellon, director of the Washington Department of Ecology, visit Roza Dam on the Yakima River in September 2013.

BOTTOM: Ron Van Gundy at a Yakima Basin Integrated Plan meeting.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Young Ron Van Gundy.

PAGE 9: Letter from Washington Governor Jay Inslee to friends and family of Ron Van Gundy.

8

IRRIGATION LEADER

“Ron Van Gundy was fun to be around, whether driving down the freeway or driving down the fairway. Ron was focused and serious when it came to water resources.”

—Tom Myrum Ron Van Gundy was a tireless advocate for development of secure water supplies for the Yakima River basin. Although he recognized that additional water supplies were essential for the continued success of the Yakima Valley’s agricultural industry, he had the foresight to recognize that in addition to meeting agricultural needs, the needs of other stakeholders must be met as well. Thus, he pressed hard for an integrated approach to addressing the basin’s water resource and aquatic resource problems. I was privileged to have had the pleasure of working with Ron to that end. It is important that we redouble our efforts now to achieve Ron’s dream of water supply security for the Yakima River basin.

—DEREK SANDISON director, washington state department of agriculture

Ron Van Gundy was fun to be around, whether driving down the freeway or driving down the fairway. Ron was focused and serious when it came to water resources. He was the president of the Washington State Water Resources Association (WSWRA) during the earliest years of the association. He brought a high degree of intelligence and vision to our industry. Faced with the vagaries of drought’s effect on junior appropriators such as the Roza Irrigation District, he put his talents to work on an enduring solution. Ron guided his district through conservation, an adjudication, and the search for new water supply.

The Yakima Basin Integrated Plan has Ron’s indelible fingerprints throughout it. One day, upon the realization of new water storage in the basin, that too should share his name as it will be the physical embodiment of his dream. Perhaps Ron’s greatest achievement will be his role in the construction of an enduring structure for success among the numerous and varied water interests in the Yakima basin. WSWRA is proud to call him one of ours.

—TOM MYRUM executive director, washington state water resources association

Ron understood the value of relationships to get things done.

He was able to see the point of view of people with whom he sometimes had strong disagreements and was able to work with them without being disagreeable. Ron thrived on the intrigue in water politics. He loved the game within the game. He’d get a gleam in his eye when he knew he was three steps ahead of the people on the other side of the debate. His lasting legacy will be not only the long-term relationships, but also the next generation of water policy leaders in state and federal agencies, environmental groups, and the irrigation community whom he influenced.

10

During Ron Van Gundy’s successful career at the Roza Irrigation District, he was always known as an expert at identifying problems and coming up with solutions for the complex water issues in the Yakima River basin. Those solutions came from his working together with others and finding the common ground that resulted in mutually beneficial pathways forward. Through these collaborative processes, he was able to identify, single out, and mentor individuals who could help with achieving the solutions. He would make sure that everyone had enough information to make good decisions. He was continually working toward the goal of providing a consistent and adequate supply of water for everyone in the Yakima River basin. Ron was a tremendous resource for anyone with a complex question about the Yakima River. The entire Yakima River basin is on the pathway to having the future water supply that is needed for all because of Ron Van Gundy’s forward thinking. His many successes include the passage through Congress of the 1994 Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Phase II legislation and the creation of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resources Management Plan. The plan has brought former adversaries together to achieve the common goal of providing enough water for everyone into the next century.

Ron is dearly missed by all of us.

—URBAN EBERHART secretary manager, kittitas reclamation district

I had the privilege of knowing Ron for over 30 years. After I became the manager of the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District in 1997, Ron was always vital resource of information and wisdom that I could rely on. I served with Ron on numerous boards and advisory groups at the local and state level. He impressed me with how well he represented the Roza water users. He worked for many years to improve and develop a more secure water supply for the Yakima basin. He was available to me to discuss ideas and concerns. His memory for details and lessons learned always amazed me, and he could be relied on to move things forward in a positive direction.

The example of working together to solve problems and issues that he and Jim Trull modeled over the last few years is something that many of us will need to continue to carry on. Innovation, seeking and finding the common ground, and providing practical ways to bring irrigation and agricultural interests and needs to the same table as all the other stakeholders is something Ron accomplished. The Yakima Basin Integrated Plan exemplifies this.

We still have a lot of work to do to achieve the goals Ron helped set for us. Like the many times we golfed together, things did not always go as we thought they should, but that did not stop us from coming back and trying again. There was always something positive to take home from even a tough outing. Ron set that example for me and for so many more who knew him.

—SCOTT REVELL

—RICK DIEKER

district manager, roza irrigation district

manager, yakima tieton irrigation district

IRRIGATION LEADER

ADVERTISEMENT

IRRIGATION LEADER

11

Kevin Adams at the Farmers Irrigation District headquarters in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Reflecting on Leadership, Education, and Safety With Kevin Adams of Farmers Irrigation District

12

manager in 1995, he has undertaken efforts to improve all aspects of the district’s operations. Mr. Adams sat down with Irrigation Leader’s editor-in-chief, Kris Polly, to discuss how the district is using water more effectively, the importance of forward-thinking management techniques to hire and retain good workers, and how focusing on safety benefits both the district and the community at large.

Kris Polly: Please provide a brief history of the district.

Kevin Adams: The district was formed in Scottsbluff County in 1887 and applied for a water appropriation for natural flow with the state of Nebraska.

Construction began in 1889, and the first 10 miles were complete by 1891. We relied primarily on natural flow irrigation until the Pathfinder Reservoir was IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FARMERS IRRIGATION DISTRICT.

No business entity remains viable for over a century without remaining at the forefront of innovation and adaptation. Throughout its history, the Farmers Irrigation District (FID) has worked to improve its delivery systems and infrastructure, take advantage of new technology, and improve worker and public safety.

FID delivers to water to more than 63,700 acres in Scottsbluff and Morrill Counties in western Nebraska via a 75-mile main canal, 80 miles of laterals, and 127 miles of underground pipeline. FID also maintains 90 miles of creeks, streams, and drains—many under contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation or other irrigation districts.

That infrastructure has enabled its farmers to grow irrigated corn, alf-alfa, wheat, and peas.

Kevin Adams has continued this tradition during his more than 30 years at FID. Since becoming general

Farmers Irrigation District

Riverscreen. We do an annual silt run, which involves draining mud and silt out of the bottom of Guernsey Reservoir for 2 weeks. The silt seals up all the sandy ditches, which is a big benefit for us.

Kris Polly: Do you have a program to pipe your laterals?

Kevin Adams: Yes. We have an existing program that has changed over the years. Initially, the district paid for everything. Then the landowner covered 50 percent of the cost of the PVC pipe. Now the landowner covers 100 percent of the cost of the PVC pipe, and the district does the work. I am in the application process with Reclamation to obtain a $100,000 grant to install the pipe. We operate entirely from the operations and maintenance money we charge the farmers by the acre.

Kevin Adams at the North Platte River in Henry, Nebraska.

Kris Polly: What is the range for water allocations in the district?

built. In 1912, we contracted with the Reclamation for a supplemental water storage right in Pathfinder Reservoir known as the Warren Act. That agreement was amended in 1915 to reflect a 250-feet-per-second delivery to the North Port Irrigation District, which is a Reclamation project. With storage water, we could grow sugar beets, hay, potatoes, and corn.

Canals have supplied the underground water here for 100 years. Our system loses 33 percent annually, which can mean up to 1,000 acre-feet a day. That water serves the towns and the wells. With wells and pivots, we are not seeing as much return flows to the system into Lake McConaughy as there used to be.

Kevin Adams: That depends on the snowpack each year. Although we did not have a large snowpack this year, we did have a lot of capacity carried over from the previous year, so all our farmers will get full allocations.

We started water deliveries in May and June, and they will run until approximately September 20. We are using a lot of water due to the high heat, but we still expect a large carryover for next year. The allocation is usually 3 acre-feet per acre for each farmer.

Kevin Adams: That is a big issue. The pumps have rotating screens on them, like those made by

Kevin Adams: We did not have any automation when I became general manager. In 1998, we automated

Kris Polly: How many employees does FID have?

Kevin Adams: We currently have 20 employees. Other than me, we have an office manager, a finance manager, 3 supervisors, and 15 ditch riders and crewmen. We Kris Polly: Is the irrigation in the district primarily had 31 people working here when I began my career pivot irrigation or gravity? in the early 1980s, but that has changed due to more underground pipe, increased automation, and fewer Kevin Adams: We use pivot systems predominately. open laterals to care for. After I became general Over 70 percent of our infrastructure is pivot, with manager in 1995, we began retaining the ditch riders the rest being gravity fed. At nearly all our pivots, the water is put into holding ponds and pumped out of the year round, which allows us to function with fewer ponds. Some of them run through a bubble screen and crew members in the summertime. pump directly through the pivot.

Kris Polly: How much automation have you implemented over the years, and what effect has that Kris Polly: Do you have problems with the screens had on the district’s operations? becoming plugged?

IRRIGATION LEADER

13

FID Employee Benefits One way FID strives to recruit quality employees is by offering a highly competitive benefits package.

Mr. Adams noted that such benefits are particularly attractive to younger employees who either have or are starting families. Some of the benefits offered to FID employees include the following: • One day of sick leave per month after 6 months of employment that can be accumulated up to 960 hours.

• One day of vacation time per month that is available immediately after an employee begins work. After 6 years of service, another day per month is offered, up to 21 total days per year. FID also gives its employees 4 paid days off between Christmas and New Year’s.

• A retirement savings plan that allows contributions from both employees and the district. FID automatically contributes an amount equal to 2 percent of an employee’s salary and matches employee contributions up to 3 percent.

• A payment of $600 per month toward the cost of the district’s health insurance plan.

• Free housing year-round to ditch riders, regardless of the size of home needed to accommodate an employee’s family.

14

Kris Polly: What have been your biggest challenges as general manager?

Kevin Adams: Keeping up with and upgrading all the new technology and working to simplify the processes are constant challenges for me. Managing personnel is another big issue, as is ensuring that maintenance is always done properly in the summertime.

It has become more difficult to find and retain quality employees over the years. But we offer an excellent benefits package to help retain workers, along with a good sick leave policy, wage increases for employees whenever I see fit instead of once per year, and good management training for our supervisors to help them learn how to motivate and lead workers. Every employee is different—they cannot all be managed the same way—and each generation of workers is also different.

Ensuring the safety of employees and the public is another critical responsibility of a manager. We just finished a campaign of handing

out wristbands to children between the ages of 4 and 12, telling them to stay out of irrigation canals.

Now we are going on the radio to encourage people to be safe around water systems. The public needs to understand what the irrigation systems are, what they do, and how dangerous they can be if they enter them. All our checks have floatation devices, and I also carry one in my vehicle.

I first learned about many of these procedures from the Irrigation Leader Operations and Management Workshop in Phoenix last year. All that effort has paid off, and we now have the best safety record in our history.

IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FARMERS IRRIGATION DISTRICT.

• A stipend of $40 per month to compensate employees for the use of their cell phones for work purposes; the amount per month for office managers and supervisors is $55.

our river and canal gates. Since then, we have changed those and put in a ramped flume, which is even more efficient. All our gates work in conjunction to keep the canal level. We have automated our main spillway at Red Willow going into Northport. It opens and closes as the canal level goes up and down. Four more regulation sites were automated in the 2000s, and we manage all this through LoggerLink on our cell phones and tablets. All the gauge, lateral, and transfer readings can now be put on a spreadsheet and quickly sent directly to me. It allows us to instantly know the status of our systems 24 hours a day.

“When we can teach people about what goes on in the agricultural world and that one size does not fit all, it can improve our ability to do our jobs.”

—KEVIN ADAMS

Laying twin 24-inch PVC pipe manufactured by Diamond Plastic in Grand Island, Nebraska.

We have not had a major accident in over 15 years because of new procedures and new ways of laying pipeline, and by using different chemicals.

Kris Polly: What has been the most important thing you have learned as a manager?

Kevin Adams: I have learned that it is most important to first understand and manage myself, then understand the individuals working for me. Another lesson was how to do all the things necessary for an irrigation district to function. The learning process never stops, both for new IRRIGATION LEADER

technology and new management techniques.

Kris Polly: What is your message for Congress and the administration about water policy, water infrastructure, and how they relate to you in Nebraska?

Kevin Adams: Members of Congress need to listen and educate themselves about water issues, and there are many good state and local groups that can help them with that, including the Family Farm Alliance. Our leaders need to understand what it takes to feed the country and the world, and that includes water. When we

can teach people about what goes on in the agricultural world and that one size does not fit all, it can improve our ability to do our jobs.

It is good that they are looking to pull back some of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, such as the Waters of the United States rule, that have gone too far, and it would be good to examine other rules for similar issues as well.

Kris Polly: What advice would you give to someone just starting his or her career as a general manager?

Kevin Adams: I would advise them to listen to their long-term employees and landowners, who often know parts of the district that the manager does not.

Managers should not be afraid to ask questions and learn about the district as much as possible.

Managers have to both learn and teach at the same time, and doing so requires a lot of commitment and effort. IL

15

ADVERTISEMENT

No Lead No Iron No Baggies No Linings No Coatings No Composites No Cathodic Protection No Special Tools aves No k leCorrosion a e r b n i a water m e e p ithout o c w i s h e C s s e n i and bus s e et m No o h StreProblem 0 t t e 10 s n a m i es Will water, clos

PVC has over 50 years of proven performance in the U.S and Canada.

Studies show it has the lowest break rates of all water pipe products in these markets. It has pressure ratings to 305 psi and Diamond Plastics keeps inventory on hand through 60” diameter.

Say yes to a safe sustainable solution, PVC. Proud Members of the PVC Pipe Association

800-PVC-Pipe

•

WWW.DPCPIPE.COM

Visit our page dpcpipe.com to view highly informative plant tour videos along with our 2017 Open House promo.

ADVERTISEMENT

RIVERSCREEN

Built for shallow water pumping A rotating self-cleaning screen that dependably delivers good water from as little as 4 inches depth!

Riverscreen is the ideal solution for operations that depend upon surface water for irrigation purposes. They have also been used in other scenarios such as food processing, power plants wet yards, pipeline testing, and many more.

The Riverscreen was designed for shallow water pumping, to help prevent pumping sand and other debris. Our gravity fed Riverscreen is designed to work on floating or submersible pumps and wet wells. Low maintenance operation. Lightweight aluminum design. Standard on all Riverscreen’s is #8 304 stainless steel mesh. Other sizes available upon request.

Works great in livestock lagoons.

See it in action at www.riverscreen.com!

Contact us

with the specifics of your operation…

We’ll help you get more dependable water from your source.

1919 Kiowa Road | Clay Center, KS 67432 Office: 785-632-5452 | Fax: 785-632-6141 Sales: jessica@riverscreen.com Sales: joe@riverscreen.com Service: bob@riverscreen.com

A WORD ON

WATER

By United States Senator Deb Fischer

N

18

United States Senator Deb Fischer.

any body of water, from county road ditches to golf courses and crop fields.

Nebraskans would have shouldered the cost.

I have long been concerned about the harm the WOTUS rule would inflict on Nebraska. In March 2015, I hosted a field hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in Lincoln. We listened to Nebraskans discuss the unintended consequences of WOTUS. Most significantly, we heard from a home builder who cited the potential for dramatic increases in the cost of building homes if the rule were applied. The American dream of home ownership, he said, would have been placed beyond the reach of many families.

Taxpayers also would have incurred additional costs for road maintenance and construction as a result of WOTUS compliance. Further, agriculture producers would have faced expensive, confusing permitting requirements while working to provide for their families by feeding the world.

For these reasons, I joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing a Sense of the Senate resolution that expressed the need to vacate the Obama IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SENATOR DEB FISCHER, FLICKR/KEN LUND.

ebraska was once called the Great American Desert. Such a vast plain of unending prairie led Major Stephen Harriman Long, a 19th-century explorer, to note that the region “is almost wholly unfit for cultivation, and of course uninhabitable by a people depending upon agriculture for their subsistence.”

It is remarkable that this quote was applied to what is today one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. One in four Nebraska jobs is tied to agriculture. We are known as the Cornhusker State and the Beef State.

Major Long missed something important—water.

Miles of rivers crisscross the state of Nebraska, flowing with a resource that fuels our industries and agricultural development. Nebraska has more miles of river and underground water reserves than any other state in the nation.

Nebraskans own the water in our state, and we are good stewards of this precious natural resource. There are 23 natural resource districts in Nebraska, charged with helping local communities to manage our state’s water supply. This is a unique system. Nebraskans have shown they know how to administer our water resources. We should be allowed to do so without federal interference.

Everyone wants clean and safe water. Unfortunately, the federal government’s harmful Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule would have jeopardized this goal.

WOTUS would have expanded the Clean Water Act definition of navigable waterways and broadened the federal government’s regulatory reach over almost

Scotts Bluff behind the North Platte River near Gering, Nebraska.

administration’s WOTUS rule. at the EPA, however.

“I’m confident that by waterways The resolution signified our I have been in discussions with intent to work with the Trump EPA Administrator Pruitt about working together, we administration to scrap the a responsible path forward. I’m can restore the proper harmful rule altogether. confident that by working together, In February, the president we can restore the proper balance balance between the showed he understood the issue, between the federal government federal government and I was proud to stand beside and state authority. him as he signed an executive It’s up to all of us to promote and state authority.” order to start rolling back sound water management so that WOTUS. I’m pleased to say that —DEB FISCHER future generations can use our process is well underway. On June natural resources and prosper.

27, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) We can best do that by protecting local control and and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a enacting smart conservation policies. IL proposed rule that removes the 2015 WOTUS rule from the Code of Federal Regulations.

Senator Deb Fischer is Nebraska’s senior United States The administration still needs to lay out a plan senator, serving since 2013. She is a member of the Senate to provide a science-based definition for navigable Committee on Environment and Public Works.

IRRIGATION LEADER

19

Overhead view of Cambridge Canal Diversion Dam; pump station manufactured by Watertronics.

Upgrading and Automating at the FrenchmanCambridge Irrigation District

The people of southwestern Nebraska depend on irrigation for their livelihood, and the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District’s (FCID) mission is to provide that water. Our natural flowing irrigation system delivers water to over 45,600 acres via four canal systems totaling 156 miles. The Cambridge Canal, which is our largest canal, was built in the early 1950s.

Our infrastructure has proven to be effective, but it needs modernization and maintenance in order to adapt to the needs of our users.

Early Efficiency Efforts

20

IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRENCHMAN-CAMBRIDGE IRRIGATION DISTRICT.

Increased efficiency has been one of FCID’s goals for many years. Beginning in the late 1970s, all our open-ditch laterals were

By Brad Edgerton converted to buried pipes, which saved a large amount of water and allowed us to better endure the droughts of the 1980s and 1990s. With water becoming even scarcer in recent years, we have had to find ways to effectively use every drop that we put in the canal. Automated gates and pumps are some of the most effective ways to accomplish that goal. Our farmers irrigate most of their land with center-pivot systems. A lot of the waste was due to excess diversions, which existed to ensure we were moving enough water to the lower end of the canal system so that the center-pivot pumps could maintain pressure. The goal of our automation program is to retain as much water in the reservoirs as possible for Frenchman-Cambridge future management decisions and to keep the bottom end of the Irrigation District canal full at all times with the least amount of spill.

“The automated gates and pumping station ensure that we are only pumping and moving as much water as needed, when it is needed.”

—BRAD EDGERTON Large and Small Automation Projects

Our automation efforts began in 2012. Our board first saw the automated gates made by Rubicon Water at the Four States Water Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado. The next day, the board was invited to Rubicon’s warehouse facility and saw the gates in person. After agreeing to move forward with the project, we identified some structures that were well suited for the new gates—structures in places where it was difficult for the ditch riders to log. The water was deep, and we had to overcome a lot of downward pressure to remove logs and other debris. Rubicon examined our canals at the beginning of the process and built gates that fit our existing structures. FCID modified the existing structures so that the gate frames could be bolted in place. After the frames were installed, the gates were lowered into place and secured.

We have also automated the head gates and 7 miles of the Cambridge Canal with the help of a WaterSMART grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Before we made this upgrade, water released from our upstream reservoir in the afternoon would arrive at the diversion dam early the next morning. The water would spill over the diversion dam until we opened the gate and diverted the water into the canal. We installed automated gates so the water would automatically enter the canal once it reached a specified level. Safety limits were built in to the system to avoid diverting floodwater. The Rubicon gates automatically log the water down the first 7 miles of the canal, after which point the ditch rider monitors and makes sure the water reaches the correct turnouts.

Another project involved a smaller canal located in an area into which it is difficult to move water.

We built a pumping station to supplement the canal by bringing water from the Cambridge diversion.

Rubicon helped us to automate everything below where the pipeline discharges into the canal, which saves us money by pumping enough water but not more than needed. When the pumps are running, no water spills back into the river. Watertronics built the pump station and also worked with Rubicon and FCID to customize the controls and programming adjustments to our specific application. We currently are in the process of upgrading our Watertronics IRRIGATION LEADER

pump station with Electronic Butterfly Valves. This upgrade should reduce the pressure surge that occurs when pump 2 and pump 3 engage.

Saving Water and Time

All the gates are now installed, and Rubicon is in the process of tuning them. Overall, the new gates are efficient and low maintenance. The sensors that monitor the water level are among the few components that need maintenance. The batteries are charged by solar panels and have a lifespan of more than 6 years; we have not had to replace them yet.

The automated gates and pumping station ensure that we are only pumping and moving as much water as needed, when it is needed. Eliminating excess spill has improved our efficiency. By reducing the spills at the diversion dam and end of the canal, we can retain storage water in our reservoir for the next year.

In addition to saving water, the automated gates and pumping station have reduced the demands on our employees. FCID staff used to spend 2–3 hours per day moving the water through the system to where it was needed. There was always concern about whether enough water had been moved for the lower areas, but the new system’s automation has freed up time. The automation did not reduce the demand for workers, but it allows workers to focus on other tasks.

Automation and efficiency improvement are investments that all irrigation districts should look into, especially if they are in a water-short basin where the value of water is high. Upgrades like the ones we have made can help stretch water supplies. FCID will continue to aggressively search for solutions that will allow us to use our important water resources as efficiently as possible while meeting the demands of our users. IL

Brad Edgerton is the general manager of the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District.

You can reach him at bradley.edgerton@gmail.com.

21

ADVERTISEMENT

Rubicon Water.

Over 20,000 gates and meters sold in 10 countries.

Over the past 20 years Rubicon software, gates and meters have helped irrigation districts in the US and around the world better manage and control their water, increasing availability so users have more water when they need it most. Contact us to discover how we can do the same for you and your customers.

Call 1877-440-6080 email inquiry@rubiconwater.com or visit www.rubiconwater.com 22

California contractor’s license number 984209

Oakdale Irrigation District, California

IRRIGATION LEADER

ADVERTISEMENT

WATER MANAGEMENT. SMARTER. Watertronics™ custom pump systems integrated with FieldNET™ remote management puts you in total control. Gain fast, easy access to your entire irrigation operation.

AT-A-GLANCE OVERVIEW

USER-FRIENDLY DASHBOARD

USAGE REPORTING

• INSTANT CONTROL

• ON-THE-SPOT POWER USAGE

• SECURE CLOUD STORAGE

• DETAILED POWER & WATER REPORTING

• REAL TIME WIRE-TO-WATER TRENDS

• LABOR, ENERGY & WATER SAVINGS

For more information on FieldNET telemetry and Watertronics pump solutions, call 1-800-356-6686 or visit www.watertronics.com.

© 2017 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Watertronics and FieldNET are trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

AIDING AGRICULTURE ON THE AIRWAVES: Adam Smith of KRVN 880 Radio

KRVN’s first day on the air, February 1, 1951.

26

IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRVN.

Kris Polly: Please give us some of the Given the prevalence of modern history of KRVN. communication, nearly everyone has unlimited amounts of information Adam Smith: KRVN dates back to instantly available. But that has not the late 1940s, when a devastating always been the case, particularly for blizzard harmed Nebraska farmers and farmers in rural areas of Nebraska. When ranchers. From November 1948 to the state’s agricultural community needed March 1949, 571 storm-related deaths a source to send and receive important occurred throughout the Great Plains, information on emergencies, weather, 76 of which were in Nebraska. In and agricultural markets, a group of addition, 65,000 livestock were lost in farmers set out to create a radio station Nebraska alone. At that point, a group that could reach them where they lived.

KRVN Operations Manager That station would become KRVN 880 Adam Smith. of people in the agriculture business decided they needed a radio station for Radio, which advocates for and focuses on emergency weather information and to generally serve agricultural issues in Nebraska. the interests of the agriculture industry. Leaders from Adam Smith is the operations manager of four farm groups across the state came together with KRVN. Mr. Smith spoke with Irrigation Leader’s the purpose of creating what became KRVN. Those editor-in-chief, Kris Polly, about the history of KRVN, groups are the Nebraska Cooperative Council, the how the station’s programming serves the needs of Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Nebraska State Grange, Nebraska’s agricultural community, and how KRVN is partnering to help groom and train the next generation of and the Nebraska Farmer’s Union. When the founders were starting to raise funds for the station, they sold agricultural leaders.

membership certificates to farmers and ranchers for $10 each.

Kris Polly: When did KRVN first go on the air and how is it organized?

Kris Polly: How many people work at KRVN? Adam Smith: The Lexington location is home to KRVN’s AM and FM stations as well as KAMIAM. Approximately 40 people work in Lexington, including sales staff. The company as a whole has around 100 employees. We have purchased stations over the years, so KRVN is just one of them.

Adam Smith: February 1, 1951, was the first day on the airwaves. Our ownership is unique. As far as we know, we are the only radio station owned by farmers and ranchers. To this day, “Irrigation is we are still owned by a group of over the lifeblood of 4,000 farmers and ranchers statewide.

Our leadership consists of a board of Nebraska corn directors with nine members. The board and soybean elects a chairman and other officers, and farmers, and we we also have a separate Nebraska Rural understand how Radio Association general manager who oversees the radio operations. important water Craig Larson currently serves in is to them. We that role; he is only the third general share a lot of manager in the 65-year history of the association. Funds from advertising information on are put directly back into the radio the air related to station to improve infrastructure conservation and and programming, to hire staff and management of announcers, and to sponsor college scholarships for students majoring in water resources.” agriculture-related fields.

—ADAM SMITH Kris Polly: Can you describe your job at KRVN and how the radio station serves agriculture?

Adam Smith: As operations manager, I oversee everything that goes over the airwaves of KRVN. We employ a team of farm broadcasters who cover agricultural meetings, conventions, and other events across the state. We also provide market updates twice per hour during the trading day, and we bring analysts on the air to discuss the market. We also have begun branching out into new and digital media as well, including podcasts and video.

Kris Polly: Do the podcasts focus on a wide range of agriculture issues?

Adam Smith: Yes, they do. The idea was to repurpose the on-air programs. We realize that many people cannot listen to the shows at their original broadcast times. They can go to KRVN.com, the KRVN app, or Amazon Alexa and listen to those programs or content at their leisure.

IRRIGATION LEADER

Kris Polly: What is the coverage area for KRVN? Adam Smith: KRVN generally covers most of Nebraska and Kansas, with some overlap into Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

At night, we can be heard across most of the western United States.

Kris Polly: What kind of relationship does KRVN have with irrigated agriculture?

Adam Smith: Irrigation is the lifeblood of Nebraska corn and soybean farmers, and we understand how important water is to them. We share a lot of information on the air related to conservation and management of water resources. We also work with public power districts and send out alerts related to load control in the summer, when irrigators have to shut off in order to preserve electricity that runs the pumps.

Kris Polly: How is KRVN involved in the Nebraska Leadership Education Action Development (LEAD) program?

Adam Smith: We are proud to be a large supporter of that program. I am a member of LEAD 36, and I have coworkers who have also gone through the program. It operates as an extension of the University of Nebraska to provide people in agriculture with training in leadership so they can better serve the agriculture community and the state as a whole. KRVN’s mission is to serve agriculture, and we need good leaders to do that, so we see a lot of benefit in supporting the program.

Kris Polly: As a participant in the LEAD program, what are your impressions of it?

27

Adam Smith: The LEAD program opens doors to places that I would not normally be exposed to. It has also allowed me to meet people in a wide variety of positions in agriculture, government, and industry. But the biggest benefit may be the networking and connections that I made with my fellow LEAD classmates. We share ideas and learn from each other.

The program lasts for 2 years and consists of seminars across the state. We also have our national study travel seminar, which takes us to Chicago, Kansas City, and Washington, DC. In year 2, we will travel abroad for our international studies seminar. The destination will be revealed in September.

Kris Polly: Is there an age limit or requirement for LEAD program participants?

Adam Smith: Typically the age range of participants is 25–55 years old. Participants need to have been a Nebraska resident for at least 3 years and be actively involved in farming, ranching, or a business closely related to agriculture.

TOP: KRVN Farm Broadcaster Susan Littlefield interviews Dave Warner from Albion, Nebraska.

ABOVE: KRVN Farm Broadcaster Jesse Harding reports from Kingsley Dam during the recent University of Nebraska Water Tour.

RIGHT: Historical photograph of the Chipley family, who provided live studio entertainment on KRVN in the early 1950s.

Adam Smith: The most important thing for them to understand is that we are here to be a voice for them and to serve the agricultural community in rural Nebraska. The only thing that has changed over the years is how we have carried out that mission. Technology and our affiliate stations have allowed us to reach more people and do so on a variety of communications platforms, but we never lose sight of our goal, which is to serve Nebraska’s agricultural community.

IL

IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRVN.

28

Kris Polly: What should farmers and irrigators in Nebraska know about KRVN that they may not already know?

IRRIGATION LEADER

29

CONGRESSWOMAN CATHY MCMORRIS ROGERS

ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY

30

IRRIGATION LEADER

TOP PHOTO BY DAVID WALSH, U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF REP. CATHY MCMORRIS ROGERS.

The Columbia River Treaty is a Kris Polly: What are the main historic transboundary agreement purposes of the Columbia River between Canada and the United that Treaty? has provided hydropower generation, flood control, and economic growth Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: to the residents of the Columbia The Columbia River Treaty is River basin for more than 50 years. integral in providing low-cost The treaty is set to expire in 2024, energy to Pacific Northwest. and the parties have yet to begin This international agreement formal negotiations to modernize the between the United States and treaties’ provisions. Last year, the Canada establishes the cooperative U.S. Department of State finalized development and operation of the guidance authorizing negotiations. water resources throughout the Canada has not yet taken equivalent Columbia River basin. It also seeks steps. to provide for flood control and Leading the push to get Canada power to our region. to the table is Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of eastern Kris Polly: Why is the Columbia Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers. River Treaty important to the Washington State. Congresswoman McMorris Rogers is the chair of Pacific Northwest as well as the the House Republican Conference and the longestnation? serving woman in Republican leadership. A strong supporter of hydropower, she is the cochair of the House Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: The Columbia Northwest Energy Caucus and the founder of the House River Treaty is foundational to providing our Hydropower Caucus. region with incredible economic benefit through Irrigation Leader’s editor-in-chief, Kris Polly, spoke the production of low-cost hydropower and muchwith the congresswoman about the treaty, the issues at the needed flood control. This treaty was the result of heart of upcoming negotiations, and the next steps for the more than 20 years of negotiations between us and United States in the negotiation process.

Canada to provide for the construction and operation

Winter weather moves into the Columbia River corridor near Chelan, Washington.

of three dams in Canada (Mica, Duncan, and Hugh Keenleyside, otherwise known as Arrow) and one dam in the United States (Libby) whose reservoir extends into Canada. Together, these dams more than doubled the amount of reservoir storage available in the basin and provided significant flood protection benefits.

In exchange for these benefits, the United States agreed to provide Canada with lump-sum cash payments and a portion of the downstream hydropower benefits that are attributable to Canadian operations, known as the Canadian Entitlement. Some have estimated the Canadian Entitlement to be worth as much as $335 million annually. Protecting our energy infrastructure and ensuring that our Columbia River system can continue to power the Pacific Northwest is crucial to our community.

Kris Polly: What are your concerns about the Canadian Entitlement?

Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: I believe it’s time to update the terms of the Canadian Entitlement.

When the treaty was previously negotiated, the negotiators didn’t foresee the huge role hydropower would play in our region. After all, hydropower provides enough clean, renewable energy for roughly 70 percent of our state’s energy needs. As other energy sources replaced hydropower, the entitlement was structured to decrease. But hydropower’s continued IRRIGATION LEADER

importance in our state’s energy portfolio has resulted in continued payments—60 percent of which are made

by Washingtonians. The payments were estimated to decrease, and they haven’t. We need to reevaluate and rebalance this financial commitment.

Kris Polly: Why should the Canadian Entitlement be of interest to the average U.S. citizen?

Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: The Canadian Entitlement should be of interest to the average U.S. citizen because we are all paying for it. The Columbia River Treaty has a direct effect on flood control; energy rates; and access to clean, reliable, and renewable energy; as such, we all have a vested interest in ensuring that this treaty is beneficial for those in the Pacific Northwest.

Kris Polly: The flood control provision of the Columbia River Treaty is scheduled to change in 2024. The Obama administration’s efforts to begin negotiations with Canada for the Columbia River Treaty modernization were not successful. What leverage or tools does the Trump administration have to bring Canada to the negotiating table?

Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: It’s a new administration, and the nature of the negotiation has changed. We’re focused on increasing awareness—on

31

discussing with the administration why these issues are so important to people in eastern Washington and the Pacific Northwest. I’m hopeful that once we are able to communicate the depth of this issue to the administration, it will work with us to find an effective solution. Ultimately, the United States can notice termination, which may force Canada to the negotiating table.

Kris Polly: What does termination of the Columbia River Treaty mean? Does it mean the whole treaty is terminated or only portions of the treaty?

Kris Polly: As chair of the Hydropower Caucus, cochair of the Energy Caucus, and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, what is your message to your congressional colleagues about the Columbia River Treaty?

32

Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: As cochairs of the Northwest Energy Caucus, Representative Peter DeFazio and I have met regularly with the negotiators and have impressed upon them the importance of hydropower and flood mitigation. We have also clearly communicated the importance of fish policy being determined domestically. One of my top priorities has been promoting hydropower—clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable energy. These priorities in the Columbia River Treaty are critical to maintaining affordable energy and helping everyone create a competitive advantage to grow our economy. Access to affordable energy helps to grow our economy and improve our infrastructure.

Our region is united on this matter, as seen by Congress’s continued bipartisan discussions with the administration to encourage renegotiation of the treaty.

Kris Polly: How will you work with the Trump administration to modernize the Columbia River

Treaty for the benefit of Pacific Northwestern ratepayers and our country?

Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: I will continue to advocate for the regional recommendations developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration in their joint role as the U.S. Entity overseeing the treaty, which undertook a review of the Columbia River Treaty from 2009 to 2013.

Their recommendations included rebalancing the treaty’s hydropower provisions, further clarifying flood control operations, and incorporating provisions to benefit Columbia River fisheries. The State Department currently is leading a federal interagency review process to determine the U.S. approach to reviewing the treaty. I look forward to working with both the State Department and the Trump administration to find the most effective methods of addressing the Columbia River Treaty while advocating for the interests of the people of eastern Washington. IL IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION.

Congresswoman McMorris Rogers: Unfortunately, notice of termination may be the only way to get Canada to the table. To date, we have very little to show for our efforts to start negotiating.

Termination could mean that the whole treaty or portions of the treaty are terminated. I am advocating that we reevaluate the whole treaty. We must maintain hydropower production, robust flood mitigation policies, and navigation—key prongs of the treaty. In June, I joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress from our region in writing a letter to the White House urging President Trump to begin these renegotiations so we can make sure this treaty is fair and continues to benefit eastern Washington for years to come.

The draft tubes from Grand Coulee Dam’s Pump Generation Plant are visible in the foreground. The plant pumps water from the reservoir uphill into Banks Lake. The water is used to irrigate farmland in the Columbia Basin Project.

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE MILK RIVER PROJECT: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director John Tubbs

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES & CONSERVATION.

Looking downstream of the left barrel of the St. Mary River siphon.

The 90-plus-year-old siphon consists of two 90-inch riveted steel barrels that run 3,600 feet.

The infrastructure of the Milk River Project in northern Montana helps fuel local economies by bringing water to communities and farmers. Although the Milk River Project has served northern Montana well, it is more than 100 years old and will need to be upgraded and modernized in order to continue fulfilling its mission.

No one knows this better than John Tubbs, the director of Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Mr. Tubbs has worked for DNRC for over 27 years, beginning as a water resources economist and later as administrator for the Water Resources Division. Before assuming his current position as director of DNRC, Mr. Tubbs served for 3 years as deputy assistant secretary for water and science with the U.S. Department of the Interior. Mr. Tubbs recently spoke with Irrigation Leader’s editor-in-chief, Kris Polly, about the importance of the Milk River Project to Montana’s economy and environment, the need to invest in the project to keep it viable for the future, and the efforts the state of Montana IRRIGATION LEADER

is undertaking to educate decisionmakers and convince them to make the Milk River Project a high priority.

Kris Polly: Can you describe the state of Montana’s historic involvement and support of the Milk River Project?

John Tubbs: The Milk River Project is a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation project built at the turn of the 20th century. It was one of the first Reclamation projects ever to be authorized. The DNRC had been funding Milk River grants in the 1990s for rehabilitation within the project lands. During that time, the irrigation project made three emergency requests to the department to repurpose the funds to repair the St. Mary Diversion siphon. When Governor Martz was elected, her administration took on this challenge because of the disrepair of the facilities. So we formed this partnership with the St. Mary’s Rehabilitation Working Group, the

33

irrigation districts, the stakeholders in the Milk River, and the Blackfeet Nation.

Kris Polly: How important is the Milk River Project to the state’s economy?

John Tubbs: The Milk River Project provides 70 percent of the water supply to the Milk River and over 90 percent in drought years. Without water from the project, the Milk River would not be an irrigated valley. The Milk River Project provides water to more than 100,000 acres, making it vital for both the local and state economies.

Kris Polly: Can you explain the $10 million commitment made by Montana for the rehabilitation of the project?

John Tubbs: The $10 million is one part of the larger overall commitment we have made to the Milk River Project. The money was authorized for the sale of state bonds paid back by the general taxes of the state of Montana. The funds were meant to serve as a cost share for a federal investment in rehabilitation of over 35 miles of facilities. The authority has existed for over a decade, and it now awaits a federal package that we can provide a cost-share match toward. In addition to the $10 million, we have provided $3.5 million in grants for engineering studies and the operations of the working group. Our employees help staff the effort to make sure the state is fully engaged with the working group.

John Tubbs: This actually goes beyond the Milk River Project. Our country has a fundamental problem investing in infrastructure owned by the federal government, particularly by Reclamation. We need a financing package to allow capital investment by the states to assist Reclamation in getting projects done.

There are also districts that generate enough revenue from the use of the water that they do not need grant money or loan authorities, but are in need of more expeditious approvals for investments. There are also those that just need to borrow money and can easily pay it back.

The Milk River actually falls into a different category because it needs federal appropriations larger than the current benefits analysis would

34

suggest if the project is going to proceed. We cannot rebuild the 120-year-old project with funds based on the assessments of irrigated lands. We need federal investment. There is a national interest in the St. Mary’s Transbasin Diversion, which is American water by right that will otherwise go to Canada. The diversion has accomplished its goal of supporting the economy of arid northern Montana. We need a federal partner that is going to provide both grant funding and direct appropriations. The reestablishment of some kind of federal loan program at Reclamation would also be beneficial.

Kris Polly: Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney is organizing a tour of the Milk River Project and the St. Mary River Irrigation District in Canada for August 14–15. What do you hope participants will see and learn?

John Tubbs: This is the fourth or fifth iteration of teaching the history of the Milk River Project to a new administration. People cannot understand the remote nature of the project or the quality of the turnof-the-century engineering that went into it unless IRRIGATION LEADER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES & CONSERVATION.

Kris Polly: What would the state of Montana like to see in a federal package for the Milk River Project?

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director John Tubbs.

they see it firsthand. The experience of Diversion and the Milk River Project.

ABOVE: The Halls Coulee siphon crosses a broad seeing the age and decay of siphons at Interior Secretary Zinke has discussed valley approximately 8 miles the headwaters is visceral for visitors. plans to move more U.S. Department downstream of the St. Mary River siphon. It has two riveted We also want to contrast that with of the Interior personnel and resources steel barrels, 6.5 feet in diameter the investment Canada has made in from headquarters in Washington, DC, and 1,405 feet in length. the project on its side of the border to regional offices in the West. Do you in Alberta. The goal is to show the believe that such a reorganization could challenges we face, as well as the benefits of proper benefit your educational efforts? investment.

John Tubbs: I do believe that the area offices have Kris Polly: What is your message to Congress and the lost resources over the last several decades, so an private sector about the Milk River Project? investment in field personnel would certainly improve the offices’ ability to address the massive infrastructure John Tubbs: Our forebears who began this work on deficit they face. On the other hand, the Washington, the Milk River had a vision of how to build a strong DC, staffers are the ones we really need to educate, economy and use a renewable water resource to build not the regional office personnel. The local office communities. The challenge now falls knows what the challenges are, but to us to continue that vision and ensure “The current state those at the Office of Management a future for the Milk River Project, and Budget, the commissioner of of the project is and investment in water resources is Reclamation’s office, and the secretary representative of a crucial step. The current state of the of the Interior’s office need to help us project is representative of the larger the larger need to prioritize this project within a budget. need to take care of and improve water The absence of congressional earmarks take care of and infrastructure. only underscores the need for the improve water offices of the commissioner and the Kris Polly: You mentioned the secretary to make this a priority in the infrastructure.” challenge of educating new budget requests. If they do not, we will —JOHN TUBBS continue to struggle. IL administrations about the St. Mary IRRIGATION LEADER

35

New Water Storage Project Moves Forward in Northern California By Erin Curtis and Todd Plain

36

As of March 2017, 30 water agencies in California have been authorized to participate in the reservoir project.

2000b). Preliminary studies in support of the CALFED PEIS/ EIR considered over 50 surface water storage sites throughout California and recommended more detailed study of five locations, one of which was north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River delta.

SITES PROJECT AUTHORITY The Sites Project Authority was formally established August 26, 2010, by a group of local water agencies that formed a joint powers authority, motivated to build local

water sustainability in a way that helps California meet its overall water system needs. Many of the authority members are also CVP water contractors.

Currently, the 12 members of the Sites Project Authority are Colusa County, Colusa County Water District, Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District (GCID), Glenn County, Maxwell Irrigation District, Orland-Artois Water District, Placer County Water Agency/ City of Roseville, Proberta Water District, Reclamation District 108, Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, IRRIGATION LEADER

MAP COURTESY OF SITES PROJECT AUTHORITY. PHOTOS COURTESY OF U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Sites Project Authority are continuing to investigate a new 1.8 million acre-foot above-ground water storage facility that would increase water supply reliability in California. It is offstream of the Sacramento River near the Northern California farming community of Maxwell in Colusa County.

In August, the investigation takes another step forward with the release of two draft documents for public review on whether the project is economically and environmentally feasible.

The project goes by two names, NODOS and Sites. Currently, the investigation is referred to as the North-of-the-Delta Offstream Storage (or NODOS) Investigation; if or when the project is built, it will be called Sites Reservoir.

“New offstream storage offers the potential to improve the flexibility of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP) systems and contribute to the water supply, water quality, and environmental needs of California and the nation,” said Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Director David Murillo.

The NODOS Investigation is one of five surface water storage studies recommended in the CALFED Bay-Delta Program Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (CALFED PEIS/EIR) and the CALFED Bay-Delta Programmatic Record of Decision of August 2000 (CALFED 2000a,

Western Canal Water District, and Westside Water District.

CURRENT NODOS INVESTIGATION The NODOS Investigation is evaluating potential offstream surface water storage projects in the upper Sacramento River basin that could increase surface water storage capacity in the Sacramento River basin as one of several actions to improve water supply reliability, renewable power integration, Sacramento-San Joaquin River delta water quality, and critical fish populations within the Bay-Delta watersheds.

A draft environmental impact report/environmental impact statement and draft feasibility report are being made available for public review, and two public meetings will be held in late September to provide information and gather comments due by mid-October.

On July 14, 2015, Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority signed a memorandum of understanding to cost-share the completion of feasibility studies and related environmental documents to support state and federal decisionmaking.

OWNERSHIP If built, the Sites Project Authority would own and operate Sites Reservoir, its regulating reservoirs and pipelines, and any new pumping/generating plants.

Operation of Sites Reservoir would require the use of the T-C Canal and Funks Reservoir, which are owned by Reclamation, for diverting water into Sites Reservoir and releasing water for deliveries. The proposed operations would similarly require the use of the GCID Main Canal, owned

by GCID, for diversions into IRRIGATION LEADER

Sites Reservoir and deliveries to downstream GCID customers.

Deliveries to south-of-the-delta wildlife refuges would require the use of CVP and SWP pumping and conveyance facilities. Deliveries to south-of-the-delta water customers (agriculture or municipal and industrial) would also require the use of CVP and SWP pumping and conveyance.

BENEFITS Agricultural and M&I Water Quality—Improved water quality in the delta would benefit delta export water quality. Exporters using water for municipal and industrial purposes would experience a reduction in water treatment costs. Agricultural users, particularly in the San Joaquin River basin, would benefit from reduced salt loads.

Incremental Level 4 Refuge Water Supply—The project would provide an alternate source for incremental level 4 refuge water supply for wildlife refuges. Refuges in the Central Valley support the federally endangered California tiger salamander, the long-horned fairy shrimp, and the San Joaquin kit fox and the federally threatened giant garter snake. The project would also support millions of birds using the Pacific Flyway.

Populations of Anadromous Fish and Other Aquatic Species—The project would provide additional flexibility to support CVP and SWP operations to provide flows of suitable quality, quantity, and timing to protect all life stages of anadromous fish, consistent with the CVP Improvement Act, including endangered winter-run Chinook salmon. IL

About the Project The primary objectives of the NODOS feasibility studies are as follows:

• Improve water supply and water supply reliability.

• Provide incremental level 4 water supply for wildlife refuges.

• Improve the survival of anadromous fish and other aquatic species.

• Improve water quality in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River delta environment and for delta export.

The secondary objectives are as follows: • Provide sustainable hydropower generation.

• Provide opportunities for recreation.

• Provide flood-damage reduction.

Erin Curtis is the public affairs officer for Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region.

Todd Plain is a public affairs specialist for Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region.

37

ADVERTISEMENT

Bridging the gap between idea + achievement

Offices worldwide

hdrinc.com

ADVERTISEMENT

We use what we sell, every day.

Gene Power

ration | Pulp

, Paper & Steel Mills | Munic ipal W ater I nt

Rugged trash racks and rakers keep water intakes free from debris and hassle.

Our innovative debris capture solutions were developed at our own hydroelectric facilities. So, we mean it when we say... �we use what we sell, everyday�. Our trash racks and trash rakes are easy to install, operate and maintain.

Our HDPE trash racks are practically maintenance free, designed to resist rust, corrosion, mussels and other marine life. Our patented electro-mechanical rakers have no hydraulics to maintain so they provide years of flawless performance. *Electro-mechanical Trash Raker U.S. Patent No. 7,815,811 & 9,539,528

akes | Wastew at e

r Treatment Plants | Flood Control Pump Sta

ti o ns

HYDRO Component SYSTEMS, LLC

We use what we sell, every day. www.hydrocomponentsystems.com | 920.261.2139 For inquiries in the Western U.S., call 360.601.2391

ADVERTISEMENT

6th Annual Operations & Management Workshop January 31–February 1, 2018 • Phoenix, Arizona Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport Hotel Our theme this year is “Leadership, Efficiency, and Safety.” The purpose of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for general managers and directors of irrigation districts and water agencies to discuss ideas and exchange information on a variety of district operational and management-related issues, to build out-of-state working relationships, and to learn from their peers.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: You can register for the Operations and Management Workshop at WaterStrategies.com.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: To make or confirm your reservations at the special Irrigation Leader rate, please call (855) 586-8475 or 1-888-233-9527 and identify yourself with the Irrigation Leader group.

AUSTRALIA TOUR 2018 Irrigation Leader magazine will be offering five prizes worth $1,000 each for irrigation district employees or board members toward their tour expenses. For more information about the tour and rules for our prizes, please see our website at WaterStrategies.com.

YOOIL RUBBERDAM ENGINEERING CO,LTD.

-EFFECTIVELY AND PRECIOUSLY MANAGE YOUR WATER RESOURCE BY CONTROL OF HEAD POND LEVEL BY STATE OF ART TECHNOLOGY ECONOMICALLY -MOST INNOVATED, UPDATED AND RELIABLE RUBBERDAM SOLUTION - INDUSTRY LEADER IN INFLATABLE SPILLWAY GATE SYSTEM. -CE CERTIFICATED, ACCORDANCE OF ISO 9001, 14001 AND OHSAS 18001.

-FACTORIES AND HEAD OFFICE IN KOREA— SALES AGENCIES IN NORTH AMERICA ; REGISTERED VENDOR OF LOS ANGELES CITY AND STATE OF MONTANA

OFFICE : +8231-903-2394 (Korea) FAX: +8231-902-2396 (Korea) WEB: WWW.YOOILENG.CO.KR/ENG E-MAIL: YOOIL@YOOILENG.CO.KR

ADVERTISEMENT

Alligare.com

From Canal Bottoms to Fence Rows, Alligare Is the Leader In Advanced Herbicide Solutions. ®

(888) 255-4427

Alligare’s Line of Aquatic and Terrestrial Use Herbicides Are Industry Leaders for a Reason.

When it comes to assuring free-flowing water in irrigation canals, nothing is more effective than MAGNACIDE™ H Herbicide from Alligare. It quickly and effectively controls all submersed weeds and algae, returning irrigation flow to normal in as little as 24 hours! Application is easy using your own state certified applicator or Alligare’s Custom Application Service (in select areas).

Argos’ 9% chelated copper complexes deliver a rapid acting, hard water stable contact algaecide for control of a broad range of algae without any irrigation restrictions. This affordable solution is available in 2.5 gallon jugs and 250 gallon totes.

Alligare’s Fluridone will control many troublesome aquatic weeds for up to a year or longer. This systemic aquatic herbicide is applied both as an in-water application or as a pre-emergent on canal bottoms and sides.

Treated water can be used immediately for swimming, drinking and fishing, making them both ideal for use in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, potable waters and irrigation and drainage canals.

Alligare’s comprehensive portfolio of terrestrial weed control products offer irrigation managers tools for selective weed control on ditch banks, fence rows and road sides, as well as complete bare ground inside canal bottoms.

To discuss a herbicide treatment solution that’s right for you, contact an Alligare technical representative in your area today!

Dave Blodget

Tony Marlow

Wes Croxen

Fred Raish

Western US Aquatics Manager

Northwest Aquatics Specialist

Irrigation Technical Specialist

Western Regional Manager

(559) 706-2460

(970) 630-8525

(661) 599-3231

dave.blodget@alligare.com

(509) 378-0752

tmarlow@alligare.com

wcroxen@alligare.com

fraish@alligare.com

The Leader In Advanced Herbicide Solutions

π SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING

OVER 2,850 POLY BAG ITEMS IN STOCK

lts

Bo

COMPLETE CATALOG |

1-800-295-5510

SM

ADVERTISEMENT

Over 22 million feet of USA canal successfully repaired for the long haul.

AquaLastic® is a tried and tested brand. It’s safe and effective and it does the job right for a lasting repair.

Our new successful program equips irrigation districts and companies with high pressure application equipment as well as the necessary training to use it efficiently.

Ask about our different AquaLastic® versions for different field conditions. It just keeps getting better!

USA Technology and USA made.

AquaLastic® is a product of Hydro Consulting LLC.

www.fixcanal.com

Tel 509-467-8487 E Mail customerservice@fixcanal.com

Online quote tool available for an effective, quick reply. Or ask for an informational webinar for your team.

Call us for a free demonstration to see what WaterMaster can do for you!

Irrigation Water Management Software

800-798-2919 mywatermaster.com

Billing • Account Management • Water Orders Account & Transaction Management • Secure Web Access / Multiple Simultaneous Users • Archive/Retrieve all Transactions & Records • Print PDF Invoices in Minutes with Choice of Template Options • Detailed PDF Payment Receipts • Generate “Past Due Billings” • Assess Interest on Overdue Invoices • Aged Trial Balance Reports & Pending Credit Balances • Property Transfer Wizard

FEATURES AND BENEFITS: DitchRider:

RideKick:

• Input and Track Customer Water Orders • Track Water Usage and Available Balances Per Account • Water Usage is Automatically Calculated by Gate, Time and CFS • Forecast Water Consumption

• Cloud Based iOS Application • Streamline Data input Through Drop-Down Menus • Link to Network through Mobile or Local Wireless Device • Live Information Keeps Office and Management Current • Conserve Water with “Real Time” Water Status

Give us a call for more Information about our Services and products.

WaterMaster 10400 W. Overland Rd, #396 Boise, ID 83709

42

John Nichols (800) 798-2919 (208) 362-5858

sales@mywatermaster.com

mywatermaster.com IRRIGATION LEADER

ADVERTISEMENT

The Easy Solution for Irrigation Management

Battery Powered Mag Meter

DURA MAGâ„¢ No Cables. No AC Power. No Hassle.

Learn More or Request a Quote: www.mccrometer.com

McCrometer Headquarters: 3255 W. Stetson Ave., Hemet, CA 92545, (800) 220-2279

Automated, Accurate Remote Data Collection Learn More or Request a Quote: www.mccrometer.com/flowconnect McCrometer Headquarters: 3255 W. Stetson Ave., Hemet, CA 92545, (800) 220 - 2279

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Bridging the gap between idea + achievement

Upcoming Events

Offices worldwide

hdrinc.com

July 23–29

Association of California Water Agencies, 11th Annual International Water Association Conference, Long Beach, CA

July 24

National Hydropower Association, 2017 Northeast Regional Meeting, Portland, ME

July 26–28

Nebraska Association of Natural Resource Districts, Annual Forestry and Recreation Management Workshop, Chadron, NE

July 27–28 August 2

Kansas Water Congress, Summer Conference, Garden City, KS

August 8

Association of California Water Agencies, Region 1 Marin MWD Mount Tam Watershed Tour, Larkspur, CA

August 8–10 August 16–17

National Water Resources Association, Western Water Seminar, Santa Fe, NM

August 16–18

Association of California Water Agencies, Urban Water Institute’s 24th Annual Conference, San Diego, CA

August 22–24

Colorado Water Congress, 2017 Summer Conference and Membership Meeting, Steamboat, CO

August 24–25

CLE International, Arizona Water Law Conference, Scottsdale, AZ

August 29–30

National Hydropower Association, 2017 Midwest Regional Meeting, Des Moines, IA

August 29–31

Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, Texas Groundwater Summit, Austin, TX

September 6–8

United States Society on Dams, ICOLD Benchmark Workshop 2017, Stockholm, Sweden

September 11–12

CLE International, New Mexico Water Law Conference, Santa Fe, NM

September 25–26

CLE International, Endangered Species Act Conference, San Francisco, CA

September 27–28 September 29

Nevada Water Resources Association, 2017 Fall Water Event, Reno, NV

Mountain County Water Resources Association, Regional Meeting, Folsom, CA

Four States Irrigation Council, Nebraska Summer Tour, Grand Island, NE

Nevada Water Resources Association, Independence Lake and Perazzo Meadows Tour, Reno, NV

Past issues of Irrigation Leader are archived at

waterstrategies.com/irrigation-leader /IrrigationLeader

@IrrigationLeadr