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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRWSA Water Supply ReportRevised Draft Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Recommended A 1 t e r n a t i v e s Prepared by ~/Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, thC, O'8den & Gem Engineers, lnc, Ellis & Thorp, LLC May, 2001 Vanasse Hangen Brusffm, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Table of Contents List of Figures ...................................................................................................................... 111 Recommended Alternatives ............. ~ ................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................. ,.; ........................................................... Alternatives Recommended for immediate Implementation ...................................................... 1 1. Alternate Release at S. Fork Rivanna Reservoir ................................... 2 2. Water Conservation .............................................................................. 4 3. Drought Management ............................................................................ 5 4. Reduce Sediment Load into S. Fork Rivanna Reservoir ....................... 6 5. Four-foot Crest Controls ...................................................................... 10 Alternatives for Possible Future Implementation ..................................................................... 12 A. Improvements to Efficiency of Existing Water Resoumes .................................. 13 1. Dredging .............................................................................................. 13 2. Eight-foot Crest Controls ..................................................................... 16 3. Use SFRR as a Pumped Storage Reservoir ....................................... 17 4. Chris Greene Lake Drawdowns ........................................................... 17 5. Use Chris Greene Lake as a Pumped Storage Reservoir ................... 21 6. Use Beaver Creek to Supplement Flows in Mechums R ..................... 21 7. Dredge Sugar Hollow Reservoir .......................................................... 22 8. Conversion of Ragged Mountain to Pumped Storage ......................... 23 9. Indirect Reuse ..................................................................................... 24 10. Growth Management ......................................................................... 26 11. Leak Detection and Control ............................................................... 27 B. Physical 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Additions to the Existing Water Supply System ................................... 28 Groundwater ................................................................... ~ .................... 28 Reservoirs ........................................................................................... 29 James River W'~drawal at Scottsville ................... ~ ............................. 30 Rivanna River Withdrawal .................................... ~ .............................. 31 Mechums River Withdrawal ................................................................. 32 Regional Cooperation ........................................................................ 32 No-Action ............................................................................................. 33 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 34 Table of Contents \~.V awil~p roject.~3OS0~R~ mmended Alternatives 4.doc Vanass¢ Hangen Bmstlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Figures figure No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Description Follows Page Water Supply and'Demand .......................... : ............................................ 2 Summary of Water Needs ......................................................................... 2 Exceedance Curve for SFRR with Alt. Release ....................................... 3 Exceedance Curve for SFRR with Crest Control .................................... 12 Chris Greene Lake 5' Drawdown ............................................................ 20 Chris Greene Lake 10' Drawdown .......................................................... 20 Chris Greene Lake 15' Drawdown .......................................................... 20 Chris Greene Lake 20' Drawdown .......................................................... 20 Exceedance Curve for James R. Withdrawal ......................................... 30 Exceedance Curve for J. R. W.draw. plus Power Plant .......................... 30 Rivanna R. Schematic without Withdrawal ............................................. 31 Rivanna R. Schematic with Withdrawal .................................................. 31 Exceedance Curve for 4' Crest Control at Various Releases ............. :...35 Safe Yield for 4' Crest Control at Various Releases ............................... 35 Table of Contents \\Vawill~j~rojectsk3~02~Wl~lREPOR~ _lm,c~n,3~___ AJlematives 4.do~ iii Vanasse F~gen Brusfli~ Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Recommended AlternatiVes Introduction The following recommendations result from analysis of raw water supply and demand in the Urban Service Area, along with the investigation of possible alternatives to address the identified water supply deficit. In keeping with federal and state regulatory requirements, the strategy proposed in this chapter attempts to meet the short and long-term water demand in the least environmentally intrusive manner, taking into account overall environmental effects, costs, logistics, technical feasibility, and overall project purposes. In some cases, these interests can be best served by implementing partial solutions over time, delaying environmental disturbance and maintaining the maximum amount of flexibility to deal with changing conditions. The recommended strategy involves improvements to the efficiency of existing water resources - no wholly new physical additions to the system are being proposed. Each of the alternatives discussed below is described in detail earher in Analysis of Alternatives (Feb. 2000).. An executive summary of that document, as well as summaries of the Supply Report and the Demand Report ~ooth Oct. 1997) are included in the appendices. The following sections provide supplemental information and propose an implementation strategy. Alternatives Recommended for Immediate Implementation The short-term need for additional raw water in the Urban Service area is acute. The Summary of Water Needs presented in the Analysis of Alternatives indicates that demand now exceeds safe yield in the Urban Service Area. This means that during the next severe drought the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority will have insufficient water supplies to meet demand. Furthermore, the demand and supply projections are currently diverging at a rate of 3 million gallons per day. (mgd) per decade, so that by 2010 the safe yield deficit will be approximately 3 mgd (see Figure 1). Furthermore, diminishing supply is Recommended Alternatives 1 ~,Wawimp~O~'~.WtMIEl'Og~mm~ae~ .~enmiv~ 4.d~c Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 an equal contr~utor to increasing demand in causing this divergence. As such, even if demand were not to increase through 2050, the area would face a water supply deficit of roughly 7 mgd (see Figure 2). Accordingly, it is necessary to identify an alternative or alternatives capable of meeting the current deficit, and' also able to provide adequate supply throughout the 2050 planning period. We recommend that the RWSA proceed to implement the following alternatives to address the immediate and mid-term water deficit. In the next section of this report, we will discuss other alternatives that may be considered further and implemented, as needed, at some point in the middle or later portions of the planning period. 1. Alternate Release Scenario at S. Fork Rivanna Reservoir Description of Alternative When this study was begun, the study team was informed and understood that SFRR was required as a regulatory matter to release at least 8 mgd at all times. The safe yield of the reservoir was accordingly calculated on that basis. Subsequent investigation has failed to identify any such regulatory requirement, however. Accordingly, the current yield of the reservoir is actually greater than that assumed in the supply study. The difference amounts to 1.6 mgd, if the reservoir is assumed to release at a rate of 8 mgd or at the rate of natural inflow to the reservoir, whichever is less. In other words, when water flowing into SFRR exceeds 8 mgd, a minimum of 8 mgd would be released; if inflow fails to 8 mgd or below, then the release would equal inflow. Correcting the reservoir's stated yield in this way indicates that the immediate, apparent water deficit identified by the Demand Analysis and Supply Analysis can be satisfied in the very short term by the SFRR. Furthermore, there would likely be no practical consequence to restating the reservoir's yield in this way. The scenario would occur only on those rare occasions when the water level falls below the top of the dam. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this has happened only 2 or 3 times since the dam was constructed in 1966. Furthermore, once a source of additional supply is obtained, the RWSA could of course adopt or accept a prescribed minimum release. Even if a severe drought should occur before a new water source is brought on-line, the natural river flow would simply be passed downstream without augmentation. Recommended Alternatives \\V aw~,o.a=c~O$ 02~.WI~POR~ mmead~ Alt.~'~a~ves &doc 22 2O Water Supply and Demand 18 ,-. 16 0 ~ 14 V ~- 12 6 4 2 0 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2O50 Year Figure 1 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1970 198O 1990 Summary of Water Needs - 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 Year Figure 2 ' '~ vanasse Haag~n Bras*lin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Effectiveness The revised release would provide 1.6 mgd in additional safe yield. It could thus meet the needs of the Urban Service Area over the next 1-2 years, until a longer-term solution is available. Practicability/Cost The cost for this alternative is quite low at $386,000, for a unit cost of $0.24/gallon. This accounts for installation of necessary gauges as well as valving and controls at the SFRR dam. It may be possible to utilize existing gauges, thereby lowering the total cost slightly - this potential should be investigated. Environmental The revised release would actually be implemented only when a severe drought occurs. At such times, the release from the reservoir would equal the inflow to the reservoir. In other words, strearnflows would be at their natural levels during such droughts, rather than being augmented from reservoir storage. The temporary nature of the revised release, combined with the infrequency of its use (only during rare and severe droughts), minimizes the impact to downstream flow. Figure 3 shows the flow exceedance curves for the South Fork Rivarma River downstream of the dam, with and without this alternative. The curves demonstrate the percentage of the time that flows exceed a given level. As shown, the "w/o Project" line ends at 8 mgd, reflecting the previously assumed required release, while the "w/ Alternate Reservoir Release" line drops below 8 mgd. Except for the very highest percentages, the flows are similar; for instance, river flows without the project exceed 20 mgd roughly 93% of the time. With the project, river flows exceed 20 mgd roughly 91% of the time. Furthermore, with the project, flows drop below 8 mgd less than 1% of the time. During design of the valving system, the potential for mixing surface and bottom water, to optimize temperature and oxygen levels, should be investigated. Recommendation Although designated as an "alternative" in this report,'restating the yield of SFRR really amounts to correcting the yield stated in our original Supply Analysis to reflect the absence of the previously-assumed 8 mgd constant release, and an assumption that RWSA nevertheless would voluntarily commit to release either 8 mgd or natural inflow, whichever is less. We recommend this alternative be selected at least as a temporary measure, until another alternative is available to meet longer-term demand. It is one of the very few measures that could be implemented and meet system demand if a drought were to occur in the immediate Reconunended Alternatives '~VawiL~project.~0502'~RTS'~Re~mnw. nded AJtemafives 4.doc Flow Exceedance Curve for South Fork Rivanna Reservoir Downstream of Dam Downstream Flow (mgd) Period of Record: Oct. 1,1929-Sept.30, 1999 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Exceedance Percentage + w/o Projects (Existing Conditions) -+- w/ Alternate Reservoir Release Figure 3 Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 short-term. Furthermore, the only environmental effect would-be a temporary return to natural streamflow conditions downstream from the dam during severe droughts. 2. Water Conservation Description of Alternative This alternative consists of immediate development and implementation of a water conservation plan for the Urban Service Area. The resulting water conservation can be monitored, and its effectiveness documented and assessed over time. The safe yield benefit suggested herein is based on evidence from other programs, but it is possible that greater savings (or lesser) could be achieved, thereby postponing (or hastening) the need for longer-term measures outlined below. Implementation of this alternative would consist of developing a plan to take advantage of water savings resulting from a variety of measures, including plumbing fixture changeout, public education, industrial conservation, and conservation pricing. Effectiveness The Analysis of Alternatives concludes that voluntary conservation measures can reduce demand in 2050 by approximately 1.7 mgd (8% of 2050 total demand). Because a variety of-factors will affect the program's success, an exact figure cannot be calculated. The effectiveness of this alternative should be monitored over time, so that the long-term benefit can be estimated. It is important to realize that the 1.7 mgd is based on 2050 water demand; benefits will be proportionately less in the short term. Since publication of the Analysis of Alternatives,'additional case studies of conservation have been analyzed. The results highlight the variable results of different programs, and underscore the need to implement and monitor conservation over time. According to the Water Resources Department in Asheville, North Carolina, the drought in 1998-1999 resulted in a phased plan' that included voluntary conservation as well as mandatory restrictions (treated as Drought Management in this report). The cumulative impact of those conservation and drought management efforts was a 25% short-term reduction in commercial/industrial/institutional usage and a 14% short-term reduction in residential usage (City of Asheville web page, 8/23/00). The Analysis of Alternatives treats voluntary conservation and mandatory restrictions as distinct alternatives, and suggests that their cumulative impact is 4.1 mgd (1.7 from conservation and 2.4 from drought management), or roughly 21% of total 2050 demand. Recommended Alternatives ~Vawill~pr ojects~ 0502~Wi~REPORTS~--o mmended. Al~.na~ive~ &doc Vanasse Hangen Bmst~ Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 The City of GreenSboro, North Carolina, implemented a voluntary drought management program in 1994. In 1998-1999, in response to drought conditions, the City used increased publicity and other elements to encourage additional short-term reductions in demand. The City used 20% less water in December 1998 than December 1997 (City of Greensboro web page 8/23/00). In 1991, the Irvine Ranch Water District in southern California implemented a conservation program that includes water budgeting (with price incentives), education, and installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures. Between 1991 and 1998, residential water use dropped by 13% (New Mexico Water Conservation Alliance, spring 1999). PracticabilitylCost The cost for this alternative is estimated to be $2.5 million, excluding any potential reduction in revenues due to lower sales. This amounts to an overall unit cost of $19.23/gallon. However, the cost is attributable to the public education component, while most of the yield is attributable to plumbing changeout. This suggests the public education component may not be cost-effective. Environmental No negative environmental effects of water conservation were identified. Recommendation Water conservation measures can reduce demand and some measures can be cost-effective. Accordingly, we recommend immediate development and implementation of a water conservation plan and efforts to monitor its effectiveness over time. If measures should prove more successful than our investigation has assumed, that would make it possible to delay implementation of other, longer-term alternatives. Conversely, if water conservation techniques are less effective than our projections, subsequent components of a long-term water supply solution could be accelerated. This eventuality may also necessitate reevaluation and.modification of the conservation program. 3. Drought Management Description of Alternative Drought management techniques consist .of various voluntary, and mandatory measures to reduce water use during drought conditions. Recommended Alternatives 5 ~Vawillkpro~C~OS02~Wl~KE PORT~XReco mmended Allernattves &doc '~ Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 These techniques 'are explained in greater detail in the Analysis of Alternatives. The City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County both adopted drought management ordinances during the summer of 2000. Effectiveness It is estimated that these measures could provide the equivalent of 2.4 mgd of supply during a drought in 2050. As with conservation, the short-term benefit would be less, and the effectiveness of the program should be monitored over time. Practicability/Cost This alternative is actually comprised of two measures - demand side and supply side management. The cost for demand side drought management is $250,000, for a unit. cost of $0.18/gallon - very low. Supply side measures involve modifications to system operations and procedures and the related costs would be difficult or impossible to quantify. However, any such costs are assumed to be reasonable. Environmental No negative environmental effects of drought management were identified, apart from loss of vegetation that may result from restrictions on outdoor water use (lawn watering) during droughts. Recommendation Drought management techniques provide a practicable, cost-effective and environmentally sound means of extending existing water supplies. Accordingly, we recommend immediate development and implementation of a drought management plan, including means to assess its effectiveness over time. 4. Reduce Sediment Load into S. Fork'Rivanna Reservoir Description of Alternative To date, Albemarle County has utilized an array of techniques to reduce sedimentation in the SFRR watershed. These include: zoning regulations, construction of stormwater best management practices (BMPs), riparian buffer requirements, erosion and sediment control regulations, voluntary agricultural cost share programs, and forestry BMPs. It is possible that these efforts have prevented the rate of Recommended Alternatives 6 \\Vawill~ro~-IS~05OLW~¥PkREPOR~o nmaandmt Al~-natave~ &doc - ~ Yanassc I-inagen Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 sedimentation ~rom increasing over time (the actual rate has been less than originally predicted prior to construction of the reservoir). Their actual effect is impossible to quantify at present. The Analysis of Alternatives provides a timeline of watershed management initiatives: The County's current program results from the 1998 enactment of the Water Protection Ordinance. According to the Albemarle County Departa~ent of Engineering & Public Works, the methods used to control sedimentation in the County are as follows: "Upland BMPs Stormwater treatment via BMP is required for ail new development; BMPs are discussed in the Interim Design Manual. Though the County's keystone pollutant is phosphorus, BMPs normally capture sediment in an effort to remove bound phosphate. Multipliers in the procedure .for calculating the phosphorus removal requirement lead to higher 'removal requirements in the water supply watersheds than in other areas. Stream Buffers Stream buffers are a special case of BMP. Stream buffers are required in Albemarle County Code using the Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act as the enabling legislation. In the SFRR watershed, buffers are required around both perennial and intermittent streams (as delineated by County stafj9 on all development sites. This program is most forcefully applied to new development. Buffers on previously developed sites are addressed through education and enforcement of violations. Twenty five feet buffers and conservation plans are required on cropland bordering perennial streams. For pasture land, County and Soil and Water Conservation District staff feel that the Agricultural Stewardship Act is a more effective way to correct "bad actor" situations. For forestry practices, the County's ordinance exempts silvicultural operations as long as forestry BMPs are followed. There is also a state law, administered by the Department of Forestzy, which addresses "bad actor" cases. Erosion and Sediment Control The County's Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) program regulates active development sites. This program is required by state law and overseen by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The E&S program is staffed by three field inspectors, two plan reviewers, and one supervising engineer. The program is applied to the entire County. Because the SFRR watershed is roughly one-third of the County and there are six staff members in the program, the equivalent of two staffers are available for SFRR E&S review and enforcement.' (Quoted from memo of May 15, 2000) This comprehensive approach to sediment control, the high percentage of forest cover in the watershed (73%), and the continuing rate of sedimentation raise the possibility that the SFRR is receiving natural Recommended Alternatives 7 \'~Vawill~ro~-Is~0502~Wl~REPORTS~Recommead~d A.ltmnati~ 4.doc Vanasse I-Iangen Brusflin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 amounts of sedimentation from its large watershed. Furthermore, it is possible that most of the sediment delivery to the SFRR occurs during rare large storms. Given these factors, significant reductions in sediment input to the reservoir could prove extremely difficult. As originally described, this alternative consisted of constructing additional regional stormwater management ponds (similar to the Lickinghole Creek BMP) and modification to the County's riparian buffer policy. A number of factors have resulted in changes to this strategy. First, the regulatory agencies have made it clear that in-stream stormwater management ponds have significant negative environmental effects and are not a preferred alternative. The BMP focus has therefore shifted to forebays at the headwaters of the SFRR. Forebays are similar to stormwater ponds, but they would be constructed munediately upstream of the reservoir. Forebays are generally shallow, wide, and naturally vegetated; they would trap sediment at the head of the reservoir, concentrating the material in a contained area from where it could be p~riodically dredged. Like other BMPs, they can only remove a certain percentage of sediment, and they require periodic mainten__ance in the form o~ dredging. Second, the prevalence of forested buffers throughout the watershed and the County s active buffer program have mdtcated that overland flow m one contributor (but not the major contributor) to reservoir sedimentation. It appears possible that stream bank erosion is a more ennant~actor, and this alternative therefore indudes~est~gation'Of oten.ti~l for targeted stream,r_estoration. However, itmay also prove possible to enhance Albemarle s buffer program, and this alternative retains the need to investigate this possibility. Because the potential effectiveness of reducing sediment inputs to the S. f0~'~ebay construction, Effectiveness The dynamics of sediment transport and capture make the effectiveness of these measures impossible to quantify at present. Nevertheless, it appears plausible that past efforts have prevented an increase in the rate of sedimentation over time, and that future efforts could accomplish a similar objective. Forebays Construction of forebays has the potential to reduce, but. not eliminate, sedimentation into the SFRR. Like upstream stormwater management ponds, ind~viduaI forebays are estimated to have a 40% sediment removal efficiency. It is important to emphasize, however, that it would Recommended Alternatives \\Vawil~proje~s~3OS02~WP~gEl~RTSW. eco mmended Alternatives 4.doc ~ Yanasse Hangen Brustr~ Inc. Re~,ised Draft May 16' 2001 prove impossible to treat the entire volume of water entering the reservoir, and that the bulk of sedimentation may well occur during dramatic storm events. The above efficiency, therefore does not imply that forebays could reduce the total sediment load into the reservoir by 40%. Furthermore, the large size of the watershed is a contributing factor, and could diminish the overall effectiveness of forebays. Stream Restoration It is possible that identifiable segments of eroding stream banks are contributing a significant portion of the sediment 10ad, particularly during large storm events. Restoration of erosion' hot spots has the potential to reduce the overall loading into the reservoir. Natural erosion is one issue that warrants careful analysis here; based on hydrologic and geologic conditions, streams will carry a certain amount of sediment. Stream bank restoration in one area could possibly result in creation of an erosion problem downstream, as the stream attempts to pick up its natural sediment load. Practicability/Cost Forebays The cost of forebay construction would depend on the actual locations -and sizes of the facilities, and a detailed analysis would be necessary to determine the most cost-effective approach to construction. This discussion assumes construction of 2 forebays - one at the head of the reservoir below the confluence of the Mechums, Moorman'~, and Buck Mountain Creek, and one where Ivy Creek enters the reservoir. The total estimated cost to design and construct the forebays, is $232,000. Clean out maintenance could occur periodically, every 2-3 years; costs for these activities equates to an annual cost of roughly $46,000, Because no safe yield can be assigned reliably to this alternative, no unit cost can be calculated. Stream Restoration Given the number of possible locations and various scales of possible restoration sites, as well as the inability to quantify their potential effectiveness, no costs were assigned to this option. Environmental Forebays. The impact of constructing sediment forebays would depend on the exact location, size, and design of the facilities. Possible effects include the loss of wetlands, but the extent of that impact would depend on the variable factors described above. No cost for wetland mitigation was included; however, depending on specific location, mitigation may be required. Recommended AlternatiVes 9 \\Vawil.hprolects~30502~WP'dl.EPOR~ mmcnded Almmatives 4.doc ~ Vanasse Hangcn Brustli~ Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Stream Restoration As part of a stream classification effort, restoration could have a positive impact, by addressing erosion hotspots. Recommendation All practical efforts to-reduce sediment inputs to S. Fork Rivanna Reservoir should continue, as they might prolong the useful life of the reservoir and obviate future dredging. Accordingly, we recommend this alternative be pursued immediately as a supportive measure, and that its effects be monitored. We also recommend that additional measures, such as stream bank restoration, construction of reservoir forebays, and an enhanced riparian buffer program should be investigated further, even though their effectiveness cannot be quantified at this time. Additional studies (for instance to assess the potential for stream bank restoration) and periodic bathymetric surveys would help to determine whether the strong sediment control program currently in place could effectively be enhanced. 5. Four-foot Crest Controls Description of Alternative This alternative would involve installation of an inflatable bta~ider on the SFRR dam, in order to increase the reservoir pool height by 4', thereby adding storage capacity to the reservoir. A similar bladder was recently installed on the Sugar Hollow dam. Previous dam stability analyses indicated that the SFRR dam with 4' crest controls would comply with Virginia dam safety regulations. This alternative will likely require some land acquisition, although the exact amount is uncertain and will require additional investigation. For the purposes of this analysis, it is assumed that up to 100 acres would .be required. Also, replacement of the Route 676 bridge over Ivy Creek may be required. We have consulted with VDOT but do' not yet have definitive information as to whether the bridge must be replaced or how the associated costs might be allocated. The raised pool level would impaq the location of any proposed sediment forebays, and their exact location would require site specific analysis. Eflec~venes$ This alternative is estimated to provide approximately 35 years of additional supply, based on current demand projections and sedimentation rates. The crest controls would provide 7 mgd additional safe yield in 2050. This safe yield figure accounts' for additional sedimentation over time. The immediate increase in safe yield upon completion would be approximately 11 mgd. If the rate of sedimentation Recommended Alternatives 10 \\Vawill~projecc~3OSO2~Wl~.EPORTh3R~o~ Alumu~v~ 4.doc ~ Vanasse Hangen Bnm~ Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 decreases, or if water conservation or drought management techniques should prove more effective than we have estimated, then this alternative may meet future water needs of the Urban Service Area for an even longer period. Practicability/Cost This alternative has a relatively low base cost of $2.26 million, for a unit cost of $0.32/gallon. It makes use of existing water treatment and transmission facilities and extends the useful life of the existing S. Fork Rivanna Reservoir. These cost figures assume no land purchase or bridge replacement. During the initial investigations into this alternative, it was assumed that the City of Charlottesville owned property to an elevation of 387' - adequate for the proposed 386' pool level. It now appears that this may not be the case in all sections of the reservoir, particularly in the upper reaches of the SFRIC Given the uncertainty of the extent of City ownership, it appears likely that some property acquisition will be required. Although the exact amount could only be determined by extensive field surveys, we estimate the amount to be approximately 100 acres. This estimate is based on examination of topographic maps, as well as anecdotal evidence. The number is subject to the limitations of the topographic maps and their associated scale and topographic interval. Nevertheless, we believe this to be a reasonable estimate of the order of magnitude of the likely acreage. Using a land value of $13,000 per acre, this would increase the cost of the alternative by roughly $1.3 million. This per aCre figure is somewhat higher than the average land value used for other alternatives, reflecting the potentially higher value of property fronting on the reserVoir. Additional purchases of land for flood easements would not in general be required, since the bladder allows for control of the water, level, and would be deflated accordingly in the event of a flood. Should replacement of the Ivy Creek bridge be required, the cost of the alternative would increase by approximately $2 million. The estimated land purchase and the bridge replacement would therefore increase total cost to roughly $5.6 million, for a unit cost of $0.80/gallon. These costs are still relatively low in comparison to other alternatives. This cost assumes mitigation for 5 acres of wetlands impacts, as described below. However, it is possible that no mitigation or mitigation for an additional 13 acres of reservoir perimeter wetlands could be required. Accordingly, the cost of this alternative could vary from just over $5 million to almost $7 million (including land and bridge costs). Initial investigations into this alternative identified 2 potential residential displacements, based on mapping analysis. Preliminary field investigations have failed to identify these structures, and costs are not included for their purchase. Furthermore, such structures would not be expected significantlY to impact the total cost. Mapping analysis also identified potential archaeological resource impacts that would require Recommended Alternatives 11 \\Vawil i~mo~cU.k30502~,WiARE POR~ o mm~nd~ Alte~n~.ives 4.doc ~]~ vanassc Haa~¢n Brust~ Inc. lt~ised Draft May 16, 2001 further investigation. Again, this is not expected significantly to impact total cost or feasibility. Environmental The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries conducted an intensive mussel survey in the vicinity of and upstream of the proposed pool level. Their written' analysis concludes that 4' crest controls would have no impact on the James spinymussel. Increasing the pool elevation of the reservoir by 4' would inundate approximately 18 acres of wetlands. Approximately 13 acres of these are wetlands that have developed spontaneously around the perimeter of the existing reservoir; following establishment of the new pool elevation, wetlands similar in nature and greater in extent (due to the larger perimeter) would likely develop. Accordingly, this alternative would have long-term impacts to approximately 5 acres of wetlands. These impacts could be offset through appropriate mitigation. If the regulatory process should require mitigation for the full 18 acres, the cost of this alternative would increase, as discussed above. Alternatively, it is possible that this alternative will not require a permit and associated regulatory oversight, thereby lowering the mitigation cost. Figure 4 shows the flow exceedance curves with and without the project. As can be seen, river flows without the project exceed 20 mgd roughly 93% of the time. With the project, river flows exceed 20 mgd roughly 89% of the time. With the project, flows do not fall below 8 mgd, reflecting the proposed establishment of an 8 mgd constant minimum release from SFRR. Recommendation We recommend that RWSA immediately pursue design and preparation for installation of 4' crest controls. This alternative would provide significant water supply into the middle of the planning period, is cost- effective, and has limited environmental impacts that may be effectively offset. Alternatives for Possible Future Implementation The above alternatives would provide sufficient water supply to meet immediate and mid-term needs. Nevertheless, demand through the 2050 planning period is expected to exceed the safe yield of the improvements discussed above, necessitating additional supply. Recommended Alternatives \\Vawill~ol~ct~30502~Wl~REl~R~mmm~d~l Alletnalives 4.doc 12 Flow Exceedance Curve for South Fork Rivanna Reservoir Downstream of Dam Downstream100 Flow (mgd) Period of Record: Oct.* ~pt.30 1999 9O 8O 7O 6O 5O 4o 3O 2O 10 0 Exceedance Percentage ~I-~*~- w/W/°crestPr°jeCtScontrol(EXisting Conditionsl Figure 4 ' ~ Ya~e Han~n Brustl~ ~c. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Two alternatives - using Chris Greene Lake for water supply purposes and dredging of SFRR - appear to offer the most promise, while others appear not to be part of a practicable solution based on analysis to date of effectiveness, costs, and environmental impacts. The following sections assess and offer recommendations with respect to each of these remaining alternatives. A. Improvements to Efficiency of Existing. Water Resources 1. Dredging Description of Alternative The dredging alternative consists of removing and disposing of some or all of the accumulated sediment in the upper and middle reaches of the SFRtL The reservoir is currently losing storage capacity due to siltation at a rate of approximately 13 million gallons per year, and this alternative includes two options for addressing this issue and increasing the long-term safe yield of the reservoir. The first option involves a one-time dredging event sometime prior to 2050. This action would return the reservoir to roughly its original storage capacity; thereafter sedimentation would continue and yield would diminish. The second option involves annual maintenance dredging to maintain the current yield of the SFRR. Both options would result in similar safe yield increases in 2050. Effectiveness In theory, dredging could be an effective means of restoring water storage capacity and therefore yield to the SFRR. Dredging could be structured to provide various safe yield increases (based on the volume of material removed from the reservoir). As currently described, this alternative would return or maintain the current safe yield of 7.2 mgd. Practicability/Cost Additional research performed concerning this alternative subsequent to our prior evaluation has included contacting several additional dredging contractors to solicit cost estimates. This investigation uncovered a wide range of possible costs; the original estimate in the Alternatives Evaluation is within that range. Recommended Alternatives \\V a~lg pro~.~OSO2~WP~w_.PORT ~R~:o m m~nd~d ~ 4.~3c 13 ~ Vanasse Hangen Bmstlim Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 To demonstrate the wide range of possible costs, two scenarios are outlined here- both assume pumping dredged material to a site in the immediate vicinity of the reservoir (approximately the same distance in both cases). If the pumping distance were increased to the extent that an intermediate pump station were required, the cost of both scenarios would increase by $1.5 million. The first scenario assumes a one time dredging event, around year 2020, with permanent disposal at an upland site that requires a degree of construction to contain and dewater the sediment. In order to achieve 7.2 mgd in safe yield, 3.07 million cubic yards of sediment would need to be dredged (assuming siltation rates remain constant). The total cost for such an event is approximately $40 million, as detailed below; amounting to a unit cost of $5.56/gallon. The percentage costs £or fees and contingencies are included in the cost of all alternatives - they are shown here as line items for clarity. · Land purchase ......................................... $2 million · Earthen dams .......................................... $2 million · Dredging ~$7 per cubic yard ...................... $21.5 million · Wetland mitigation .................................. $800,000 · Improvements to WTP .............................. $3 million · SUBTOTAL ............................................ $29.3 million · Eng., legal, admin, fees 15% ........................ $4.4 million · Contingencies 20 Yo ................................... $5.9 m~lhon · TOTAL .................................................. $39.6 million This scenario uses an average value for dredging cost per cubic yard, and assumes that a single upland site could be purchased and developed for this purpose. As such, this represents the low end of the possible cost range. The appropriate site would consist of roughly 180 acres, and contain ravine topography with limited wetlands. Construction would be limited to earthen dams at the head and foot of the spoil site, utili~.iug steep slopes to contain the bulk of the material. Given the topography in the vicinity of the reservoir, several such sites could be available. A second scenario assumes that disposal options prove more restricted, and that spoil material has to be dewatered at a temporary site and then hauled to a permanent location. The following figures assume a 25-acre drying site, on which 8' high earthen dikes are constructed to contain sediment at a depth of 6'. Such a site would be capable of containing approximately 240,000 cubic yards of sediment. Assuming 13 dredge events over 8 years (allowing roughly six months dewatering time for each event), the full 3 million cubic yards could be handled. The total cost under these conditions is approximately $75 million, as detailed below, for a unit cost of $10.42 / gallon. · Land purchase ....................................... $275,000 · Dredge/dry/haul @ $17 per cubic yard ....... $52.2 million · Improvements to WTP ............................. $3 million · SUBTOTAL ........................................... $55.5 million · Eng., legal, admin, fees 15% ...................... $8.3 million · Contingencies 20% .......... ~ ....................... $11.1 million · TOTAL ................................................. $74.9 million Recommended Alternatives \Wawill~pro~ts~3OSO2~Wl~REPOR~ommen~d Alta-naives &doc 14 ~ Vanasse Hang~n Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 This estimate is closer to the original amount detailed in the Alternatives Analysis, and represents the upper end of the possible range. It should be noted that the time factor associated with this option could significantly increase its cost. In particular, if dredging equipment and piping could not be stored on-site during drying periods, mobili~.ation and start up costs could be prohibitive. Site characteristics in this option include a relatively flat, upland site, requiring significant construction in the form of earthen dikes. Although the land surrounding the reservoir generally consists of rolling topography, several relatively level areas along ridgetops could be available to meet the requirements of this option. Annual maintenance dredging, as described in the Alternatives Evaluation, remains a possible solution. This option includes land purchase of approximately $2.2 million, infrastructure costs of approximately $5 million, and annual dredging, dewatering, and disposal costs of $800,000. The total cost through 2050 would therefore be roughly $47 million, or $6.53/gallon. Each of these scenarios assumes that the spoil material must be disposed of. If a beneficial use could be found for some or all of the material, costs could be reduced accordingly. In fact, depending on the use, grant handing may be available to assist with total cost. The amount of grant. funding available could be very limited, however, and account for only a small portion of total project cost. Furthermore, given the large amount of material in question, finding beneficial uses for a substantial portion could prove difficult. Environmental The dredging activity itself, including equipment access and staging, would temporarily impact wetlands and shallow water h.abitat. In addition, additional impacts to shallow water habitat are expected in areas where accumulated sediment is removed. The first disposal scenario is also likely to involve permanent wetland impacts, and mitigation costs are factored in for impacts to approximately 9 acres; Dredging would also temporarily resuspend bottom sediments and organic detritus. Costs are included for temporary increases in water treab,nent resulting from this disturbance. Loss of upland farm land or wooded habitat would also result from this alternative. Recommendation For now, we recommend that RWSA make every reasonable effort to control sedimentation to the reservoir and conduct bathymetric surveys every 5 years to monitor sedimentation rates over time. Actual rates of siltation will help determine the need for, the scale of, and the timing of Recommended Alternatives 15 \\¥awill~-ol~.c~30502~WP~01EPORT~R~ommende~. Allematn~ 4.d~c ~' ~ Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 dredging. This alternative offers the potential to increase safe yield over the longer-term, but has a higher unit cost and greater environmental impacts than the alternatives recommended herein for immediate implementation. 2. Eight-foot Crest Controls Description of Alternative This alternative is similar to the 4' crest controls discussed above, but would raise the reservoir pool level by 8'. This action would require more extensive land purchases and would definitely require bridge replacement. Effectiveness The 8' crest controls would provide 11 mgd in additional safe yield in 2050. Practicability/Cost At $18.3 million ($1.66/gallon), the cost for this alternative is moderate, although it is significantly higher than the 4' option due in part to land purchase and other costs associated with the higher water level. Environmental This alternative would impact approximately 39 acres of wetlands, of which 13 have developed around the reservoir perimeter and' could be expected to be replaced by wetlands forming at the new pool level. Accordingly, the 8' crest controls involve permanent impacts to 26 acres of wetlands. The cost analysis presumes that mitigation, would be provided for these impacts. Additional investigation would be necessary to assess the potential impacts to the James spinymussel in Ivy Creek based on the higher pool elevation. Recommendation This alternative provides significant safe yield to meet the water supply needs of the Urban Service Area. However, it has a higher unit cost and greater wetland impacts than the 4' version, as well as potential impacts to the James spinymusseL Accordingly, this alternative is not recommended as a component of the water supply solution at this time. Recommended Alternatives ~VawilI~oroj=ctsk30502kWl~Rl~POR~omm~d~l AlI~nativ~ 4.doc 16 ~ Vat. se Hang~n Bn~din, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Use SFRR as a Pumped Storage Reservoir Description of Alternative This alternative consists of withdrawing water from the Rivanna River and pumping it to the SFRR. It includes construction of an intake and pump station on the Rivanna River just downstream of the confluence of the North and South Forks. Effectiveness Using SFRR as a pumped storage reservoir is not practical due to lack of storage capacity in the lake during non-drought conditions and lack of sufficient flow in the Rivanna River during those times when storage is available. It would therefore provide no increase in safe yield. Practicability/Cost No costs were developed due to the impracticability of this alternative. Environmental This alternative would have minimal environmental impacts. Recommendation This alternative would provide no safe yield, and we do not recommend that it be included as part of a practicable solution at this time.' 4. Chris Greene Lake Drawdowns Description of Alternative This alternative involves use of water in Chris Greene Lake to supplement the water supply system during periods of drought.- The Analysis of Alternatives described two versions of this measure - a drawdown of up to 5' and a drawdown of 20'. Supplemental investigations have detailed the safe yield of 10' and 15' drawdowns, and have identified the frequency at which each of these events would occur. For all of these versions, water would be piped directly from the lake to the North Fork water t:reatment plant in order to prevent pump damage and maintenance problems that presently result from the intake Recommended Alternatives 17 \~ Vawil hproj~cls'~0~Y2n, WI:'~EPOR~o mm~ d~d .4,11~ma~v~s 4.doc -- V~ Vanasse Hangcn Brustlin, ~n¢. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 of suspended sediments in the North Fork Rivanna River at higher pumping rates. In addition, in order to describe an alternative that would take advantage of the existing 2 mgd treatment capacity of the North Fork Treatment Plant, to the extent that it is practicable to do so, while avoiding major infrastructure costs associated with other variations of this alternative, a drawdown of 0.5' u~li~ing a direct stream release was analyzed. This represents the maximum use of the existing North Fork facilities that is feasible given existing constraints on pump usage and maintenance. However, there is insufficient water demand presently for use of this Water in the northern segment of the Urban Service Area, and infrastructure does not currently exist for distributing this water to the main portion of the service area to the south. Effectiveness The various drawdowns provide additional safe yield as follows: · 0.5' - 0.7 mgd · 5'-2.9mgd · 10'- 4 mgd · 15' - 4.8 mgd · 20' - 5.5 mgd Practical difficulties assodated with capturing the released water and limited demand in the northern portion of the Urban Service Area at present minimize the overall effectiveness of the 0.5' option. Specifically, drawing higher volumes of water through the North Fork intake results in damage to the pumps, because rocks and other debris are drawn in along with the water. The estimated 0.7 mgd increase in safe yield results from an estimate of the upper end of the range of water that can effectively be withdrawn. However, there is no need for this water at present in the northern portion of the Urban Service Area and it would have to be transmitted south, involving additional infrastructure expense, to be beneficial to the system. Practicability/Cost . The total costs for 0.5' option is-low, while the other variations are moderate to relatively high in comparison to other alternatives: · 0.5' - $500,000 · .5' - $12.8 million · - 10' - $15.5 million · 15' - $17.8 roi11ion · 20' - $20.1 million As stated above, the 0.5' option would utilize existing treatment capacity, and would require limited infrastructure improvements to serve the North Fork service area. The $500,000 estimate covers the cost Recommended Alternatives 18 \\Vawill~rojec~k30~O2~WP~,EPOR~mm~a~a Ai~rn~iv~ 4.doc ~ Vana.~e Hangen Brustlin. Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 for control and gauging improvements at the dam, as well as valving improvements in the North Fork distribution system. Costs for the other options include the additional infrastructure necessary to transport the water from Chris Greene Lake south to the primary portion of the Urban Service Area, where the vast majority of the water demand is located. These improvements would consist of roughly 6 miles of 24" water main from the North Fork water treatment plant to the vicinity of the South Fork water treatment plant, at an estimated cost of $5.4 million. For the 5' drawdown, this increases the total project cost by 73%, and for the 20' option by 37%. This additional cost was not included in the original estimate, and is not reflected in the Alternatives Matrix. It is_ possible' that a portion of these costs could be borne by the Virginia Depa~Lment of Transportation, as part of the Route 29 improvement project. It is possible that long-term growth could increase demand in the North Fork service area. If this proves to be the case, use of Chris Greene Lake for water supply purposes could become more cost-effective as it would ' not be necessary to transfer this water further south. As drawdown levels increase above the 0.5' option, the unit cost and total project cost increases substantially, because of the improvements necessary to treat the additional volume of water at the North Fork plant, which currently has only 2 mgd of treatment capacity. For the 20' option, these improvements would cost $13.25 million (66% of the 20.1 million total). In contrast, the 4' crest control alternative would utilize existing capacity at the South Fork treatment plant. Although using Chris Greene Lake for water supply may not be cost-effective at this time, some version of this alternative may become attractive in the future, depending upon whether and to what extent demand in the northern portion of the Urban Service Area increases in the future. The total cost of this alternative could increase further if Albemarle County were required to replace any impacted recreational facilities, which were constructed at Chris Greene Lake using Land and Water Conservation FundS. If recreation of any kind were eliminated or suspended, Albemarle County would have to develop a replacement facility of equal recreational usefulness as determined by the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Although the value of the recreational facilities at the lake is uncertain, recent recreational improvements made by the County at Walnut Creek and Darden Towe Memorial Park suggest that replacement could cost approximately $4 nl~ion. Environmental One of the primary issues with the drawdown alternatives is the impact to recreation (fishing, swimming, and boating) and fish stocks at Chris Greene Lake. AccOrding to the Virginia Departatent of Game and Inland Fisheries, paid attendance at the lake is approximately 20,000 people per year. This figure does not account for full attendance, because the fees are only in effect for a certain part of the year, and then only during Recommended Alternatives 19 \~Vawill~p~oje~s~0S02~Wl~Rl~PORTS'~R~-ommended AJlm-a~v~ &doc ~ Varmasc Hangcn Bru~flin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16,"2001 certain hours of the day. DGIF has further indicated that drawdowns in excess of' 5'-7' could result in severe predation of that year's fish fry, resulting in significant decline of the year's stock. The frequency of these events would be roughly once per decade. The durations of the drawdowns are shown in Figures 5-8. The Virginia DepaxLment of Health has raised concerns about allowing of primary contact recreation (swimming) should the lake be utilized for water supply purposes via the direct pipeline method described in the Alternatives Evaluation. Given the practical difficulty of capturing the water in the stream release option and existing pump damage and maintenance issues at higher pumping rates, the direct pipeline represents the only way to assure access to the safe yield provided by the drawdown. In a written response, the VDH has raised the possibility that use of the lake for water supply could result in prohibition of all · primary contact recreation. This would represent the loss of a significant community amenity, and. could also have cost implications, as discussed above. Finally, lowered pool levels would temporarily impact wetlands and submerged vegetation, but are not anticipated to have long-term impacts. Pipeline construction could result in impacts to less than 1 acre of wetlands. Recommendation .- Drawdowns at Chris Greene Lake offer a potentially viable future alternative, especially if and when demand should increase in the northern end of the service area. Currently, little demand exists in the -northern area (less than 0.3 mgd), and the cost for treating and transporting water from Chris Greene Lake to the south makes this alternative less attractive in the short term. Utilization of the 0.5' drawdown should be seen as a potential emergency measure during severe drought periods. The difficulties associated with withdrawal using the direct stream release and the lack of demand for the resulting yield in the northern portion of the service area make full time use of this option impracticable at present. Significant impacts to recreation and fish stocks would also accompany the versions of this alternative with higher drawdowns and yields. Given the higher costs, smaller yield, and negative impacts to fish stocks and recreational amenities associated with higher drawdowns and yields, implementation of 4' crest controls is a better candidate for immediate implementation than using Chris Greene Lake. Immediate implementation of the 5' drawdown version of this alternative would involve much greater costs and provide only about 15 years of additional supply. That is insufficient t/me to fully assess reservoir sedimentation rates and controls, and the alternative would do nothing to extend the Recommended Alternatives ~Vaw ~.lect sL.,*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.~0~c2X.~TSLReco mmended Alzgt'natives 4.do~ 20 Chris Greene Lake Water Levels Based on Drawdown Up To 5 Feet Water Stage(ft) (Record Period: 10/01/1929-12/31/1989) 423.5 422.5 422.0 ~ ~- 35 Days below 423 Feet - 421.5- , __ Minimum 1 Day Level of 421.80 Feet 420.5 -- 420.0 65 Days below 423 ~:eet '164 Days below 423 Feet -- 18 Days below 420 Feet 419.5 - 56 Days below 420 Feet Minimum I Day Level of 418.20 Feet 419.0 Minimum I Day Level of 418.80 Feet 418.5 418.0 423.5 423,0 422.5 422,0 421,5 421.0 - 420.5 420.0 · 419.5- 419.0- 418.5- 418.0 -~J59 Days below 423 Feet Minimum I Day Level of, 422,20 Feet 1/1/60 1/1/65 1/1/70 1/1/75 1/1/80 1/1/85 Figure 5 Water Stage(fi) 423.5 ~ , , 422.5 ~ ~--'~t - - ---- 4215 L--L __~J__~J95 Days below 423 Ft 'I I ]J--~]39 Days below 420 Ft 420,5 1---~, --~-~1Minimum 1 Day Level of 417,6 Et "' b-tl 416.5 --~. 1 la Days below 423 Ft 4155 ~ Minimum 1 Day Level of 420.2 Ft [_ 414.5 --'~1 1242 Days below 423 Ft Ii 413.5 ------~1190 Days below 420 Et 412 5 lMinimum 1 Day Level of 41&0 Ft ~.~ , Chris Greene Lake Water Levels Based on Drawdown Up To 10 Feet (Period of Record: Oct. 1, 1929-Dec.31 ~ 1989) 10/1/29 10/1/34 J75 Days below 423 Ft -136 Days below 420 Ft lMinimum 1 Day Level of 413.0 Ft .t38 Days below 423 Ft J---- ~Minimum 1 Day Level Jof 422.0 Ft 10/1/39 10/1/44 10/1/49 10/1/54 10/1/59 423.5 422.5 421.5- 420.5 419.5 418.5 - 417.5- 416.5 1/1/60 --147 Days below 423 Ft i Minimum 1 Day Level of 422.20 Ft I 63 Days below 423 Ft | 24 Days below 420 Ft Minimum 1 Day Level of 417.3 Ft 1/1/65 1/1/70 1/1/75 1/1/80 1/1/85 Figure 6 Chris Greene Lake Water Levels Based on Drawdown Up To 15 Feet water Stage(ft) (Period of Record: Oct. 1, 1929-Dec.31, 1989) 422.5 1 ! : hl-t- / 416.5 - 412.5 , I J Minimum 1 Day Level of 415.2 Ft 408.5 t--~-j~20 Days below 423 Ft 4~5 ~1187 Days below 420 Ft / ' Da~s below 410 Ft / I53 Days below 420 Feet ! 8 Days below 410 Feet JMinimum I Day Level of 408.3 Feet 10/1/29 10/1/34 10/1/39 10/1/44 10/1/49 10/1/54 10/1/59 424.5 422.5 420.5 418.5 416.5 414.5, 412.5 - 410.5 - 408.5 1/1/60 · '11 --~76 Days below 423 Ft 433 Days below 420 Ft JMinimum I Day Level of 413.8 Ft 1/1/65 1/1/70 1/1/75 1/1/80 1/1/85 Figure 7 Water Stage(fi) 422.5 Chris Greene Lake Water Levels Based on Drawdown Up To 20 Feet (Period of Record: Oct. 1, 1929-Dec.31, 1989) ~~L .t79 Days below 423 Ft i ,ow j .-- -~-IMinimum I Da}, Level of 411.6 Ft ----~-~229 Days below 423 Ft ____[JJ212 Days below 420 Ft 1105 Days below 410 Et ----~Minimum 1 Day Level of 403.3 Ft 420.5 418.5 416.5 414.5 412.5 410.5 · 408.5 - 406.5 - 404.5 - 402.5 10/1/29 10/1/34 10/1/39 180 Days below 423 Feet 61 Days below 420 Feet 20 Days below 410 Feet Minimum 1 Day Level of 1403.9 Feet 44 Days Below 423 Ft 11 Days Below 420 Ft Minimum 1 Day Level of 203.90 Ft 10/1/44 10/1/49 10/1/54 10/1/59 424.5 _~90 Days below 423 Ff J Minimum 1 Day Level of 420.0 Ft__ 5090 DaysDays belowbel°w 420423 FtFt , Minimum 1 Day Level of 410.6 Ft 422.5 420.5 418.5 416.5 414.5 412.5 410,5 408.5 111160 I/1/65 1/1/70 1/1/75 111180 1/1/85 Figure 8 Vanasse Hangen Brusflin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 use~d lde of the SFRR. Accordingly, we recommend reserving this alternative for possible future implementation after 4' crest controls. 5. Use Chris Greene Lake as a Pumped Storage Reservoir Description of Alternative This alternative consists of withdrawing water from the North Fork Rivanna River and pumping it to Chris Greene Lake. Effectiveness This alternative would provide no increase in safe yield due to lack of storage capacity in the lake during non-drought conditions and lack of sufficient flow in the North Fork Rivanna River during those times when storage is available. Practicability/Cost No costs were developed, due to unfeasibility. Environmental This alternative would have minimal environmental impacts. Recommendation Because it would provide no safe yield, we recommend that this alternative not be included as part of a practicable solution. 6. Use Beaver Creek Reservoir to Supplement Flows in Mechums River Description of Alternative This alternative involves conveying water from Beaver Creek Reservoir to the Mechurns River to supplement flows to the SFRR during severe drought conditions. Recommended Alternatives \~Vawill~rojeczsk3OSO2~Wl~REPORTS'd~co~ A]tenudves 4,doc 21 * ~ Vana~se Han~,¢n ltnr~rlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Effectiveness This alternative is not effective, because water demand in the Crozet area is expected to utilize the entire safe yield of Beaver Creek by 2050. Furthermore, the ability to capture a significant portion of any in-stream release is uncertain, and would depend on stream characteristics. Specifically, during drought conditions, when this alternative would be needed, the receiving streams could be-sufficiently dry that a significant portion of the release would be lost to infiltration. The only method of documenting this possibility is field-testing during such drought conditions. Practicability/Cost A cost of $500,000 is included for necessary flow measuring equipment downstream of the reservoir. Environmental Minimal environmental impacts would result from implementation of this alternative. Recommendation Because it would provide no safe yield, we recommend that this alternative is not part of a practicable long-term solution. However, in the short-term, before demand in Crozet reaches the 2 mgd level, Beaver Creek could offer some additional yield. We therefore recommend that necessary evaluations take place during the next severe dr6ught. 7. Dredge Sugar Hollow Reservoir Description of Alternative Dredging of Sugar Hollow would consist of a one-time dredge event to remove landslide debris and bottom sediment, returning the reservoir to its original capacity. Given the slow rate of sedimentation in Sugar Hollow, annual maintenance dredging is unnecessary. Effectiveness This alternative would provide only 0.1 mgd in additional safe yield as of 2050. Recommended Alternatives \\Vawill~.~0502~Wl~REPOR~ommende. d Altm'nalives 4.doc 22 Yaaa~e I~g~ Br~. Inc. Revised Dm~ May 16, 2001 Practicabili~lCost ~g ~e rese~o~ wo~d be accomp~hed at a cost of ~.9 millio~ Environmental The one-time dredging event described herein would impact approximately 2 acres of wetlands, as well as limited areas of shallow water habitat. Furthermore, temporary water quality impacts could be expected, as described in the SFRR dredging section. Recommendation Despite limited environmental impacts, the high unit cost and minimal yield of this alternative lead us to recommend that it is not part of a practicable solution at this time. 8. Conversion of Ragged Mountain to Pumped Storage Reservoir Description of Alternative This alternative involves withdrawing water from the Mechums Rive~ and pumping it to Ragged Mountain Reservoirs by rehabilitating and expanding an existing abandoned intake and pump station. The dam at Lower Ragged Mountain Reservoir would be raised by 50' and the dam between the two reservoirs would be inundated. Furthermore, the alternative includes new infrastructure and expansion of the Observatory water treatment plant. Effectiveness This alternative would provide 10 mgd in additional safe yield. Practicability/Cost Ragged Mountain conversion has a relatively high cost of $47 million. Environmental The new pool level would inundate approximately 5 acres of wetlands. As is the case with SFRR, these wetlands would be replaced by new wetlands colonizing the new pool fringe. Furthermore, the Virginia Depath~Lent of Game and Inland Fisheries has expressed concern that Recommended Alternatives 23 \Wawfll~pmjects~0502~WP~EPORTS~Recommende~, Alten~ives 4.doc Vana~e Haagcn Bru~fli~ Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 withdrawals could impact the fishery in the Mechums River. The presence of the James spinymussel in the Mechums also raises the prospect of negative impacts to a rare and endangered species. Recommendation Although this alternative would provide significant safe yield, it appears that other, more cost-effective alternatives are available. It is possible that there are impacts to the fishery in the Mechums River, and to rare and endangered species; such potential impacts should be investigated if this alternative is further pursued. We therefore recommend that conversion of Ragged Mountain is not part of a practicable solution at this time. 9. Indirect Reuse Description of Alternative Indirect reuse involves treating sewage at the Moore's Creek advanced wastewater treatment plant to a higher purity, and pumping the treated effluent to either the Mechums or the Moorman's River. The effluent would then flow downstream into the SFRR, thereby augmenting available water supply. The alternative includes enhanced wastewater treatment, pumping/pipeline infrastructure, and expanded drinking water treatment capacity. EffectiveneSs Indirect reuse represents a highly reliable source of water supply that can meet demand even'during the most severe drought. This would occur because as demand increases, water treated at Moore's Creek would increase, proportionately increasing the amount available to pump back to the system. For purposes of evaluation, the alternative has been analyzed at 15 mgd, an amount adequate to meet water supply needs throughout the planning period. Practicability/Cost Refining the cost estimate for this alternative is complicated by the fact that the state has no guidance in place for the level of water treatment and quality that Would be required; reuse permits are analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Based on the best available information, the Alternatives Analysis assigns to the Mechums River option a cost of $56 million and an annual operating cost of $150,000, which includes energy. costs (it should be noted that potential energy costs were considered for all alternatives). Applicable figures for the Moorman's option are $69 million and $280,000 annual operating. Recommended Alternatives 24 \\vawill~projecc~..~0502~WP~REPORTS~R~o mmende~ Allm'na~v,~ 4.doc ' ~ Vanasse l-lang-~n Bmstlin~ Inc. Revi~ed Draft May 16, 2001 At the request of the Virginia Depa~h~tent of Health 'Cv'DH), the study team Performed a review of the treatment approach used by the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority (UOSA), as a point of reference for "indirect reuse" in Virginia. The memorandum included in Appendix D documents our findings. While the findings are interesting, evolution of water and wastewater treatment technology would probably lead to a different approach for RWSA. For example, ultraviolet disinfection is now recognized as an effective technique for disinfection of cryptosporidium, giardia and many other organisms, and would likely be preferred over high lime (pH) treatment for disinfection. Pinpointing the cost for enhanced treatment by RWSA's water and wastewater treatment plants is not possible because VDH does not yet have dear water quality objectives that apply to indirect reuse. Therefore, the indirect reuse alternative should anticipate a wide range of costs for additional wastewater or water treatment processes, ranging up to roughly $3/gpd (at 15 mgd this equates to $45,000,000). Most likely, the cost would range from $7 - $30 million. It Should also be recognized that some or all of these same upgrades may become future requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act or Clean Water Act, whether or not indirect reuse is implemented. Finally, it is not dear that the virgim Depa~h~tent of Health would allow indirect reuse in this case. The Depa,'La'tent's regulations require selection of the most pure source. Because other, more pure sources are available, the Department may simply not allow this alternative as is reflected in its comments to-date. The VDH has stated that this alternative does "not reflect prudent public health and source water quality considerations" (letter to Mr. Arthur Petrird of January 10, 2001). Environmental Neither of the indirect reuse options would adversely affect streamflows, either in the Rivanna River or the receiving river. During drought conditions, indirect reuse would reduce augmentation of flow in the Rivanna resulting from the discharge at Moore's Creek, and would augment flows in the receiving river. During severe droughts, flow in each river approaches 0 mgd. Under this alternative, gradual activation of the pumpback, commensurate with the severity of the drought, would result in maintenance of normal flow levels. This would be a substantial benefit to many species that cannot migrate to other habitats during such stressful events. The pipeline for the Mechums option would impact approximately 2 acres of wetlands, while the Moorman's pipeline would impact approximately 5 acres. The James Spinymussel has been identified in the Mechums River in the- vicinity of the proposed project. Because this alternative would be utilized only during, severe droughts, and would maintain normal Recommended Alternatives V~V aw/ll~pro~m'tak3OS02~Wt~R.~ORTS~:o mm~ded ARemative~ &doc 25 ° ~ Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 stxeamflows, it is unclear whether effects on the James spinymussel would be positive, negative, or neutral Recommendation Indirect reuse would provide substantial and reliable safe yield adequate to meet long term demand. Its costs, however, are high and also uncertain, and the alternative involves potential impacts to endangered species. Furthermore, the option may not be allowed at all by the Virginia DepaxbaLent of Health. We recommend that indirect reuse not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. 10. Growth Management Description of Alternative The growth management alternative involves modification of Albemarle County's current growth management policies, which have been shown effective in meeting their goal of directing the majority of new resiElential development into the Urban Service Area. Changes to these policies would likely displace growth into the surrounding rural areas, given the limited growth management authority granted to local governments, in addition to property rights issues and political/economic realities. Effectiveness Assuming. a reduction in the proportion of growth in the Albemarle County portion of the Urban Service Area to 50% (the Demand Analysis assumed this proportion to be 66%), the Urban Service Area would have a 2050 population of approximately 93,000 persons rather than the ll0,000 persons as projected in the Demand Analysis. This would represent a decrease in the projected 2050 water, demand of approximately 1.7 mgd. It is possible that a range of growth management strategies could be employed to reduce demand; this alternative represents the highest likely reduction that can reasonably be expected from growth management. Practicability/Cost Reversal of current growth management policies could have significant logistical impacts on future development and ultimate costs, but these are not quantifiable. Politically, reversal of growth management policies may not be feasible or practicable. Albemarle County currently implements an effective growth management plan designed to concentrate growth in the Urban Service Area. It may prove impossible simultaneously to prevent this growth from occurring within the Urban Service Area while preventing it from moving elsewhere in the County. Recommended Alternatives 26 \~VawilEpm~'~0502~ORTSkReco mmenO~ Alummuv~ 4.doc Vanasse Hangen Bmsflin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 In any event, there are no data or proposed policies now in existence that wold demonstrate the practicability and costs of this alternative. Environmental If development were dispersed into the rural areas of the-County by policies restricting growth within the Urban Service Area, that displaced development would utilize private wells and septic systems. Futherrnore, secondary-impacts would include construction and maintenance of infrastructure improvements to roads and utilities. Transportation and safety impacts would include longer trips for school buses and commuters, as well as increased time for dehvery of emergency services and public transportation. Recommendation The potential reduction in the future water deficit attributable to this alternative would not be realized for many years and is' not sufficiently great to obviate the need for an interim solution such as 4' crest controls at SFRI~ Furthermore, the growth management alternative 'would reverse an effective existing policy that enjoys public and political support at present. The resulting consequences and costs of this alternative are difficult to predict but may be significant. We recommend that this alternative should continue to be considered and, if growth restricting policies are adOpted in the future, their effectiveness can be assessed and factored into any decision to pursue additional alternatives in the middle and later portions of the study period. However, this alternative should not be considered part of a' practicable solution at this time. 11. Leak Detection and Control Description of Alternative This alternative consists of accounting for and correcting sources of system water loss. ACSA and the City currently implement leak detection and meter calibration programs to respond to and correct water loss. Effectiveness Overall documented system losses indicate that the entire system is operating within accepted limits. It does not appear that additional measures would be effective in reducing water demand beyond the impact of ongoing efforts. Recommended Alternatives 27 \~V awillkpro.~ts~O~O~RT~omln~ld~[ .Alternatives 4.doc ~r~ Vanasae Hangcn Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Practicability/Cost Since additional measures would not be effective, no additional costs have been calculated. Environmental Current efforts appear to have no negative environmental impacts. Recommendation Because ACSA and the City currently have effective leak detection programs, additional measures would not be effective. We therefore recommend that this alternative is not part of a practicable solution. B. Physical Additions to the Existing Water Supply System 1. Groundwater Description of Alternative The Alternatives Analysis investigated two options for utilizing groundwater resources. The first, aquifer storage and recovery, involves seasonal underground storage of treated drinking water and subsequent withdrawal to meet demand during shortages. The second, conventional withdrawal of groundwater, includes installation of shallow wells and piping to the South Fork and North Fork water treatment plants. Effectiveness Because of geological conditions, aquifer storage and recovery appears to be technically unfeasible in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. Conventional withdrawal of groundwater from 15 wells would provide 0.1 mgd in additional safe yield. Recommended Alternatives '~\VawOl~.lects'c3OSO2~WPd~aPORTS~.ecotnm~ _.3~_~_ Altemat2wes 4.doc 28 ~r~ Waas~e Hangen Bru~din~ Inc. Revved Draft May 16, 2001 Practicability/Cost Given the unfeasibility of aquifer storage and recovery, no costs were calculated. Installation of 15 wells conveys a cost of $1.2 million, at a very high unit cost of $12/gallon. Environmental Due to unfeasibility, environmental review of aquifer storage and recovery was not necessary. The impacts of conventional withdrawal would be minimal. Recommendation Groundwater options do not represent part of a practicable solution. 2. Reservoirs Description of Alternative The Analysis of Alternatives investigated 7 options for new water supply impoundments, including a reservoir on Buck Mountain Creek ufili~ng land currently owned by RWSA. Effectiveness All of the reservoir alternatives provide additional safe yield, ranging from 5.6 to 16.4. Certain of the reservoirs would cover the full 15 mgd safe yield deficit for 2050. Practicability/Cost The reservoirs range in cost from $26 million to $118 million. They have relatively high unit costs ranging from $3.96/gallon to $14.22/gallon. Environmental All of the reservoir options involve residential displacements, impacts to cultural resources, and wetland impacts ranging from 52 acres to 144 acres. In addition, several reservoir options involve impacts to the James spinymussel. Recommended Alternatives ~\VawilI~pr oJec~0/$O2~WP~REPORTS~Rc~omm~n~mi Ad~m~ives &doc 29 Vanassc Hangcn Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Recommendation Although the reservoir alternatives would provide significant safe yield, they all involve residential displacements, impacts to cultural resources, and wetland impacts. Also, they have relatively high to very high unit costs. Accordingly, we recommend that these alternatives not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. 3. James River Withdrawal at Sco~ville Description of Alternative The James River withdrawal includes construction of an intake, pump station, and 29 mile pipeline to withdraw water from the James and pump it.to the South Fork water treatment plant (which would require expansion). Effectiveness This alternative would provide 15 mgd in additional safe yield as of 2050. Practicability/Cost The James River withdrawal would cost approximately $72 million. The unit cost for this alternative is $4.80/gallon, relatively high compared to the other alternatives. Environmental Implementation of the withdrawal would impact approximately 5 acres of wetlands - mitigation would be provided. The alternative also involves potential impacts to cultural and historic resources that would require additional investigation. A withdrawal of this scale 'would have minimal impacts to flows in the James River, even if other withdrawals occurred in the vicinity. Figure 9 shows flow exceedance curves with and without the project, while Figure 10 compares flow exceedance curves with no withdrawal versus with RWSA withdrawal plus a proposed power plant withdrawal in the same vicinity. Recommendation This alternative offers a practical source of water sufficient to meet' long term demand in the Urban Service Area. Furthermore, the associated Recommended Alternatives 30 \~Vawill~proleClSk30~02!.~TSXRecomm~ded Al~mafive~ 4.doc Flow (mgd) 1400 1200 Flow Exceedance Curve for James River at Scottsville (RWSA Withdrawal 15 mgd) Period of Record: Oct. 1, 1924-Sept.30, 1999 1000 800 600 400 200 d --e-- RWSA Withdrawal l'~ No RWSA Withdrawal_J Exceedance Percentage Figure 9 Flow (mgd) 1400 Flow Exceedance Curve for James River at Scottsville (RWSA Withdrawal 15 MGD and Power Plant Withdrawal 8 MGD) Period of Record: Oct. 1, 1924-Sept.30, 1999 1200 1000 8OO 6OO 400 200 Exceedance Percentage --e-- RWSA and Power Plant Withdrawal ~-~--No Withdrawal Figure 10 Vanasse I-Iangeu BrusOin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 environmental impacts are relatively minor. The unit cost, howeveL~ is relatively high, and we recommend that the 'alternative not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. 4. Rivanna River Withdrawal Description of Alternative To withdraw surface water from the Rivarma River, this alternative includes construction of an intake[ pump station, treatment plant, and pipeline. It also utilizes the existing water main along Route 250 serving the Village of Rivanna. Effectiveness This alternative would provide additional safe yield of 4.7 mgd in 2050. Practicability/Cost This alternative would cost approximately $18 million. The unit cost is $3.83/gallon. Environmental Pipeline construction would impact approximately 2 acres of wetlands, for which mitigation would be included. Figures 11 and 12 demonstrate the minimal impact of the withdrawal, which amounts to an indirect reuse of water through the system- The Virginia Departaient of Health has expressed water quality concerns about this alternative, which is similar to indirect reuse. Recommendation The Rivanna River withdrawal has a relatively high unit cost, and raises public health' concerns (as expressed by the VDH). We recommend that it not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. Recommended Alternatives ~,~V awiH~j~tsk30502~R'FS'~R~ omme~de~ Altermitives 4.¢1oc 31 Year 2050 Flow Schematic for Rivanna River Alternative (without Gienmore withdrawal) File No, 5036.002 Date: November 29, 2000 Figure 11 ENGINEERS, ~[~ Rivanna River Flow (+7 MGD) Year 2050 Flow Schematic for Rivanna River Alternative (with Glenmore withdrawal) File No, 5036.002 Date: November 29, 2000 Figure 12 ~ -- ENE~INEEF~S, INC ~t'lv[~ Vanasse Hangen Brustam Inc. Re~,ised Draft May 16, 2001 5. Mechums River Withdrawal Description of Alternative Withdrawal from the Mechums involves rehabilitation of the abandoned intake and pump station near Lake Albemarle. Water would be pumped to the Ragged Mountain Reservoirs. Effectiveness This alternative would provide limited safe yield of 0.2 mgd, and only when droughts occur in successive years. Practicability/Cost The total cost for this alternative is approximately $850,000. withdrawal has a relatively high unit cost of $4.25/gallon. The Environmental Information from the Virginia Department of Conservation and R_~eation and the Virgirda Depmhatent of Game and Inland Fisheries indicated that the James spinymussel has previously been identified upstream and downstream of the prOposed withdrawal location, Additional investigations would be necessary to determine potential impacts. Recommendation This alternative provides extremely limited yield, has a high unit cost, and involves potential impacts to the James spinymussel. Accordingly, We recommend that it not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. 6. Regional Cooperation Description of Alternative Regional cooperation involves a joint proiect to meet the needs of the Urban Service Area and the needs of nearby water suppliers. Based on investigations described in the Analysis of Alternatives, the best prospect appears to the Rapidan Service Authority. To cooperate with that agency, a water main would be constructed along U.S. Route 29 to Greene County. Recommended Alternatives 32 ~\Vawil~0mle~s~OSO2~R~mme-n~d Alte~ratives 4.doc ]/']~ Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Effectiveness This alternative actually results in a demand increase of 3 mgd through 2050, thereby exacerbating the projected water deficit. Practicability/Cost The cost of the water main is estimated at $3.1 million. Environmental Construction of the pipeline would impact less than I acre of wetlands. In addition, there could be environmental impacts associated with development of the additional 3 mgd of water supply. Recommendation Because this alternative increases demand and exacerbates the projected water supply deficit, we recommend that it not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. o 7. No-Action Description of Alternative No-Actic~n means that nothing would be done to address the projected water supply deficit for the Urban Service Area. Effectiveness The No-Action alternative would result in failure of the public water system to meet either existing or future water demand. Safe yield would fall to 4.6 mgd in 2050, while demand increased to approximately 20 mgd. Practicability/Cost The No-Action alternative is considered impracticable owing to the socioeconomic impacts, public health and safety implications, and legal and political responsibilities of local governments. Recommended Alternatives \\VawilI~proIecmk30502~WI~REPOR'I'SXRa~°~ Alternatives 4.doc 33 ~ ~ Vanasse l-langen Bmstlin, lac. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Recommendation We recommend that this alternative not be considered part of a practicable solution at this time. ConcluSions The evidence and recommendations presented above point to a strategy that will provide needed water supply, both immediately and into the future, while allowing RWSA to maintain maximum flexibility in implementing long-term improvements.' The focus on demand management, sedimentation control, enhancement of existing water resource development, and reliance on existing treatment capacity offer an envirorLmentally sensitive; cost-effective approach. Several of the alternatives analyzed would meet the entire projected water deficit in 2050. Nevertheless, many of these involve high cost and/or significant environmental impacts. Furthermore, because the long-term effects of sediment reduction and water conservation are uncertain, a phased implementation strategy allows opportunity to monitor these alternatives. The 4' crest controls are one of the few improvements that would provide sufficient time (until approximately 2035) to do so. The only negative environmental effects associated with raising the pool elevation (wetlands inundation) can be effectively mitigated. Use of Chris Greene Lake for water supply would not provide sufficient safe yield to allow the time necessary for monitoring of sedimentation and conservation. It would require plarmmg for implementation of other alternatives within about 10 years. Second, its costs are order-of- magnitude greater than the costs of crest controls, in part because of the logistical difficulties and additional infras~c~e improvements required to treat and transport the water. Third, use of Chris Greene Lake for any substantial yield would have significant negative effects on a regional recreational resource that may be difficult to offset. In order to determine the appropriate release from the SFRR that could be implemented in conjunction with the 4' crest controls, additional analysis of flow levels and safe yield impacts has been performed since publication of the Analysis of Alternatives. The results are shown in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows the flow exceedance curves for the South Fork Rivanna River downstream of the dam with releases including the proposed 8 mgd minimum and also ranging from 8 mgd or inflow to 32 mgd or inflow. These data represent variations of the revised release scenario, uHl~zing a release trigger level, at which point the release volume would equal inflow to the reservoir. As can be seen, except at very high percentage frequencies, the various scenarios are not significantly different in terms of downstream flow. The various releases would result in similar downstream flows roughly 83% of the time. The Recommended Alternatives 34 \\Vawil.~rojec~k30502XWP'~-~PORTS~R~ro~d~d ~v*s 4.doc ~ Vanaas,' Hangcn Bmstlin. Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 horizontal sections of the alternate release lines show the brief periods of time during which .constant "trigger" releases would be maintained, before releases equaled inflow. The proposed scenario is the only case in which flows do not drop below 8 mgd. Figure 14 compares the effect of the various release scenarios on safe yield provided by the crest controls. As the graph demonstrates, yield drops precipitously as release thresholds increase. In order to balance the usefulness of the crest controls in providing safe yield, while providing environmental benefit in the form of increased downstream flow, we suggest that a constant 8 mgd minimum release regime might be implemented. This is the scenario outlined in the Analysis of Alternatives as well as earlier in this document. This would provide additional safe yield of 7 mgd in 2050, and would actually augment flows in the river during severe droughts. This strategy would follow the temporary use of the revised release of 8 mgd or in/iow recommended herein for the short-term. Temporary use of the revised release, implementation and monitoring of sediment control, drought management, voluntary conservation, and pursuance of 4' crest controls with an 8 mgd constant release represent a package of viable alternatives that appear best to satisfy applicable considerations. This combination would meet the needs of the Urban Service Area through approximately 2035, allowing adequate time to monitor and select future, longer-term measures as necessary. The combination is cost-effective, incurs minimal environmental impacts, benefits flow in the Rivanna River below the dam, and prolongs the useful life of SFRR- Recommended Alternatives \~V awill~projec~L~0502~WPkREPOR'l'SXRtco~e~l AltemaUVeZ &doc 35 F~ow E×ceedance Curve for South Fork Rivanna Reservoir Downstream of Dam Downstream Flow (mgd) Period of Record: Oct~ 1,1929-Sept.30, 1999 t00 '~ 9O 8O 7o! 5O 4O 3O --~--Crest Control w~ 8 mgd Constant Release ® Crest Control w/8 mgd Alternate Release +-.,-Crest Control w/12 mgd AItemate Release Control w/16 mgd Alternate Release -a~--Crest Control w/32 mgd Alternate Release E×ceedance Percentage Figure 13 Safe Yield of South Fork Rivanna Reservoirw/4' Crest Control and Alternate Releases Safe Yield (mgd) 6 5 4 2 5 10 15 20 25 30 Alternate Release (mgd) 35 Figure 14 ~ '~]r] Vanasse l-lan~ Brasttin. Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Appendices Appendix A: Supply Analysis Executive Summary Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) has been authorized by the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) to prepare a raw water supply study to evaluate the future water needs of the RWSA's Urban Service Area which includes the City of Charlottesville and surrounding areas. O'13rien & Gere Engineers, Inc. serves as a subcontractor to VHB on various aspects of the raw water supply study. Among the initial efforts as part of this study are tasks to: (l) estimate the current and future safe yield of the existing raw water supply system and, (2) project future water demand through the year 2050. A comparison of safe yield and demand projections will enable the RWSA to better understand whether'and when it may face a water deficit, and the magnitude of any such deficit. Subsequent studies will include an analysis of alternatives to address any water deficit. Alternatives to be evaluated will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, new sources of supply, water conservation programs, demand control measures, and options to restore or increase the safe yield of existing souTces. This report summarizes the results of a raw water safe yield review of the existing RWSA Urban Service Area system as it has historically operated. This system includes the (1) Rivanna Reservoir, (2) Sugar Hollow/Ragged Mountain Reservoir system, and (3) North Fork Rivanna River Intake. For purposes of this analysis, ".safe yield" is defined as the maximum raw water yield that can be supplied consistently over the long term. It is estimated by examining hydrologic data for as long a time period as possible and then calculating the probable maximum yield of the raw water supply resource during the most severe drought, also referred to as the "critical period". Previous safe yield estimates conducted for the same water supplies used differing techniques and drought periods to estimate safe yield. For example, the recent Urban Area Raw Water Management Plan (Black & Veatch, 1995) used synthesized flow records simulating the period 1942 - 1991, and particularly the drought of 1954 to estimate the yield of the Rivanna Reservoir. The Report on Water Works System Charlottesville, Virginia (Polglaze & Basenberg, 1959) used the 1930 drought to predict the safe yield for the Rivanna Reservoir. The Safe Yield of Municipal Surface Water Supply Systems in Virginia Planning Bulletin g335 (Virginia State Water Control Board, March 1985) used the Appendices 36 \XVawil~proje~s'GOSO.~WIa~EI~RTS'uRt~ mmead~d Aiaean~iv~s 4.doc ~ ~ Vana~e I-laagen Brustli~ Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 1953-54 critical 'period to estimate safe yield of the Sugar Hollow/Ragged Mountain system. Methods employed for this analysis included a review of United States Geological Survev (USGS) stream gage data for numerous gauging stations in the region. This data was used to select representative hydrologic data and to identify the critical periods for all three water supply sources noted above. System-wide safe yield evaluations were performed for the RWSA Urban Service Area system based 'on the 1930 drought, which was found to be the critical period for each o.f the water supply systems (the Rivanna Reservoir, Sugar Hollow/Ragged Mountain Reservoir system, and the North Fork Rivanna River). The system-wide safe yield was estimated by adding the safe yield estimates for each component of the system. As no data exist to directly evaluate the effect of the 1930 drought on the Sugar Hollow/Ragged Mountain reservoir system, estimates of safe yield based on two surrogate watersheds were used. The estimated safe yield of the water supply system is currently 11.9 to 12.6 mgd. This range in safe yield results from uncertainty regarding the 1930 safe yield of the Sugar Hollow/Ragged Mountain system. As siltation reduces storage volume in the reservoirs, this safe yield will decrease over time. Safe yield for the system in Year 2050 is estimated to be 4.5 mgd to 4.8 mgd. Current and future safe yield estimates for the existing raw water supply system and for each component of the system are summarized below. RWSA Current And Future System-Wide Safe Yield Estimates Source Current Safe Year 2050 Safe Yield Yield Rivanna Reservoir Sugar Hollow/Ragged Mtn. North Rivanna River Intake Total System 7.2 mgd 0 mgd 4.1 to 4.8 mgd (~) 3.9 to 4.2 mgd o) 0.6 mgd 0.6 mgd 11.9 to 12.6 mgd 4.5 to 4.8 mgd (1) Range corresponds to uncertainty regarding the 1930 drought event. Appendices \\V awiU~orojects~3OS02~R'l'~R~ommend~ Alternatives 4.doc 37 ' ~ 'Vana~ Han~n Brusdin. Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Appendix B: Demand Analysis Executive Summary Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) was retained by the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority to assist with evaluating their need for future additional raw water supply sources in order to satisfy the needs of its customers. As part of this process, VHB is assisting the Authority with evaluating their existing water supplies, projecting future water demand, evaluating alternative approaches to address any shortages identified, and if required, permitting the construction of any new water sources found to be required. This Water Demand study is the first step in assisting the Authority to better understand its long term demand as it carries out its mission of providing adequate, safe and dependable water supply to its customers. As the permitting process moves forward, this report will become an important component of the documentation that will be required to support the Authority in its efforts to secure adequate raw water supply for its customers. As such, this report will be subject to detailed review by individuals, state and federal agencies, and other concerned parties. As this process moves forward, this study may be revised to respond to comments and concerns that are raised. This report presents a comprehensive review of long term water demand in the region, and is based on the best available data. A design year for the study has been established as the year 2050. This study presents four separate approaches to projecting raw water demand. The first approach looks at historic trends in raw water volumes and projects these trends into the future. The other three approaches break down total demand into a series of distinct components, and project demand for each component into the future. Total demand is the sum of the individual components of demand. One of these techniques is based on population trends and per capita water consumption, the second is based on build out under the comprehensive plans for each of the jurisdictions, and the third is based on historic trends in each of the components of demand. The details of all four approaches are presented in the study report. This study concludes, using all four approaches and the best available data, that demand can be expected to continue to rise from its current level to the design year 2050. In addition, it was found that each of the approaches results in total demand estimates that correlate well with the other approaches used. Total demand estimates fall within a range of approximately 20 percent. While these demand estimates result in a range of values, the study does not conclude that any one approach results in a better projection than any other approach. As a result, the study comes to the overall conclusion that total 'water demand in the year 2050 Will range between 18MGD and 21MGD. Appendices \~Vawiil~wjectsL~0502~Wl~,EPOR'I'g~mmeaded Alternat/,,ms 4.doc 38 ~r~ Vanasse Hangen Brustrm. Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Appendix C: Analysis of Alternatives. Executive Summary In our efforts to recommend to RWSA a strategy to meet the long-term water supply needs of its customers, the study team performed a thorough analysis of alternatives. This process involved first identifying all potential reasonable measures to bring supply and demand into balance through 2050. We then evaluated each of those alternatives against the criteria of effectiveness, practicability/.cost, and environmental impact. The purpose was to identify the least environmentally damaging, practicable alternative capable of meeting projected demand. The alternatives evaluated included improvements to existing supply sources as well as development of wholly new sources. Since sedimentation in the SFRR is the primary factor in dimims' hing water supplies, efforts to stem siltation were investigated. Also, conservation and drought management policies were reviewed for their potential to manage demand. Other efforts to prolong the useful life of SFRR, such as adding crest controls, were also investigated. Although the SFRR currently provides the bulk of the raw water for the region, other existing impoundments at Chris. Greene Lake and Beaver Creek were analyzed for their water supply potential. Finally, new sources such as tapping groundwater and constructing new water impoundments were investigated based on the same criteria. The result of this analysis was a balanced comparison of possible improvements, summarized in the matrix on the following pages. This format allows easy review of key projects benefits and impacts. The results of the evaluation process, supplemented by follow-up investigations based on consultation with regulatory agencies and input from the public, formed the basis for the recommendations included herein. To summarize that recommendation, we recommend temporary use of the revised release, implementation and monitoring of sediment control, drought management, and voluntary conservation, along with pursuance of 4' crest controls with an 8 mgd constant release. These measures represent a package of viable alternatives that appear best to satisfy applicable considerations. This combination would meet the needs of the Urban Service Area through approximately 2030, allowing adequate time to monitor and select future, longer-term measures. Furthermore, the combination is cost-effective, incurs minimal environmental impacts, benefits flow in the Rivanna below the dam, and prolongs the useful life of SFRR. Appendices \~V awill'~pr o j~Ofi02~~ mm~ ~l Altm~v~ 4.doc 39 RIVANNA WATER SEWER AUTHORITY WATER SUPPLY ALTERNATIVES MATRIX INCREASE IN ESTIMATED ANNUAL UNIT COST POTENTIAL # OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO PREVIOUSLY PREVIOUSLY APPROXIMATE AI,TERNATIVE 2uso SAFE YIELD COST ($) O&M COST ($) (S/g)* RESIDENTIAL IDENTIFIED CULTURAl, RE.~.OURCE~ IDENTIFIED T & E WETLAND IMPACT8 (m~d) ,DISPLACEMENTS STRUCTUEI~ ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIES in vicinity (Acres) Dredge South Fork Rivanna Reservoir --Single Event ?.2 $ ? I ,o(x),(ggi nla $9.86 1! 0 0 0 --Annual Dredl~in~ 7.2 $ 7,200,01g) $ 800,000 $1.00 0 0 0 0 5 Reduce Sediment Load into South Fork Rivanna Reservoir --BMPs 2 $ ~,g{XI,IRR! nla $4,40 0 U 0 0 --Land Use Controls 2 $ 16,000,000 nla $11.00, , t) 0 0 0 0 Alternate Release Scenarios at South Fork Rivanna Reservoir ].6 $ 386,ti(R) n/a $0.24 O 0 0 0 minimal. Add 4 fi, Crest Controls on Soulh Fork Rivanna Dam ? $ 2,260,1X10 nl~ $0.32 O I I James s[flnymusscl Add 8 fl. Crest Conlrols on South Fork Rivanua Dam i I $ 18,300,000 n/a $1.66 2 I I James spin,/mussel 39 Use South Fork Rivanna Reservoir as a Pumped Storal~e Reservoir u nla nla n/a O 0 0 0 minimal ..... Up lo :5 fl. Drawdown of Chris Greene Lake 2.9 $ 7,400,000 not significant $2.55 0 0 11 U minimal 20 fl. Draw Down of Chris Greene Lake S.5 $ 14,700,000 not significant $2.67 0 0 0 Il minimal/leml~orap~t Usc of Chris Greene Lake ~s a Pumped Storage Reservoir o nla nla n/a o 0 , 0 0 0 minimal Use Beaver Creek Reservoir to Supplement I Flows in Mechums River o $ Stxt,ooo nnt significant , nla 0 u ti i) minimal Dredge Sugar Hollow ConversionReserv°ir of Ragged Mtn. U'l $ 4,900,0~R1 nnl si[lnificant ' $49 0 0 0 0 2 . to Pumped Storage Reservoir 10 $ 47,(RE),000 not significant $4.70 I 0 0 0 5 'umpback to Mechums River IS $ 56,0(gt,0~g! $ 15u,tg}O $3.73 0 unknown unknown Iamm spin~/mussal Pumpback to Moormnns ~River 15 $ 69,000,1100 $ 280,000 $4.60 0 unknnwn unknown James s[~inl,,mussel 5 'Unit cost based only on capital cost per gallon, Does not Include effecls of annual operations and maintenance costs, ~WILLVA~ROJECTS~3OS02\SHEETS~,3AIternmaIrlx~Sheell RIVANNA WATER SEWER AUTHORITY WATER SUPPLY ALTERNATIVES MATRIX REDUCTION ESTIMATED ANNUAl, UNIT COST POTENTIAL # OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO PREVIOUSLY PREVIOUSLY APPROXIMATE ALTERNATIVE IN COST ($) O&M COST (S/g)* RESIDENTIAl, IDENTIFIED CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTWIED T & E WETLAND IMPACTS DEMAND'(mgd) DISPLACEMENTS STRUCTURES ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIES in vicinity (Aere~) Water Conservation --Plumbing Changeout I. 13 o n/a 0 o 0 0 0 0 -.Pricing Structu re o. 13 unknown n/a n/a 0 0 0 0 ' 0 --Comm.flndustrial o.2~ o n/a 0 0 0 0 o - o -.Landscaping/Xeriscaplng o n/a n/a n/a o 0 o 0 0 -.Education o. 13 $ 2.500.000 n/a $19.23 0 0 0 0 0 --System Pressure Reduction, o ~a n/a n~a 0 0 0 0 o Growth ManaRement 1.7 unknown n/a n/a 0 0 0 0 0 Drought Management Demand Side 1.4 . $ 250,000 n/a S0.18 0 0 0 0 0 Drought Management Supply Side I unknown n/n n/a 0 0 0 0 Leak Detection and Meter Calibration o ' n/a n/a n/a 0 o 0 0 o *Unit cost based only on capital cost per gallon. Does not include effects of annual operations and maintenance costs. \\WILLVA\P ROJ ECTS\3OS02~SH E ETS~3Allemmatrtx~Sh eel I ~2~ RIVANNA WATER SEWER AUTllORITY WATER SUPPI~Y AI.TERNATIVE$ MATRIX INCREASE IN ESTIMATED ANNUAL UNIT COST POTENTIAL # OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO PREVIOUSLY PREVIOUSLY APPROXIMATE ALTERNATIVE 2uso SAFE YIELD COST ($) O&M CO.qT ($) (S/gallon)* REXIDENTIAL IDENTIFIED CULTURAL RF~qOURCIF.8 IDENTIFIED T & E WETLAND IMPACTS (m~d) DISPLACEMENTS STRUCTURF~ ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIES tn vlcinlt~t , (Acr~) Aquifer Storage & Recovery o .la n/a n/a n/I n/a n/a n/i als Conventional Withdrawal of Groundwater o.I $ 1,2oo,ooo n~a $ t2 0 0 0 0 0 Construct Darn on Buck Mountain Creek 14.4 $ J7,000,000 nol sl[lniflc~mt $3,96 t 6 0 James s~in]/mussel 59 , , Collstruct Dam on Preddy Creek 6.4 $ 91.000,000 not sl~lnlflcant $14.22 6 7 0 0 77 Conslruct Dam on Moormans River 11.6 $ 106,000,000 not sll~nlflcant $9.14 22 14 I 0 Conslruct Dam on ~lorth Fork Rivanna River i5.4 $ 79~000.000 not ~lliMflcant $5.13 2 3 4 Jamet spin,mumm/ 72 Construct Dam on Mechums River Near Lake Albemarle I;!,3 $ 68,000.000 not $1(Inll'icant $5. [ I 21 lJ 2 James s~fl~,mulsel 144 Construct Dam on Mechums River ~lear Midway 5.6 $ 26,000,000 not si[Inlficant S4.64 § 6 0 Jame~ splat'mussel 52 ~'.onstruct Dam on Buck Island Creek 15 $ I IS,OOO,OOO not sl~nillcnnl $7.S7 14 6 0 0 lames River Withdrawal it Scotlsville 15 $ 72,~00,000 $ I?0,000 $4.80 0 unknown I unknown Rivanna River Withdrawal 4.7 $ 18,0~0,000 not sl~lniflcanl $3,83 0 unknown unknown 0 2 Mechums River Withdrawal 0.2 $ 850.000 not sl~nificant $4.25 0 unknown unknown Jlm~ spln~trnusmi minimal INCREASE F~'TIMATED ANNUAl. UNIT COST POTENTIAl. # OF POTENTIAl. IMPACTS TO PREVIOUSLY PREVIOUSLY APPROXIMATE ALTERNATIVE IN COST ($) O&M COST ($) ($/1)* RESIDENTIAl. IDENTIFIED CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED T & E [ WETLAND IMPACTS DEMAND (mild) DISPLACEMENTS STRUCTURES ] ARCHAEOLOOICAL SPECIES in vlchUt~tt[ (Acres) Regional I C,ooperation :~ $ 3,1UU,O00 n/a nfs 0 unknown ] unknown 0 minimal REDUCTION ESTIMATED ANNUAl. UNIT COST POTENTIAl. # OF POTENTIAl. IMPACTS TO PREVIOUSLY PREVIOUSLY APPROXIMATE ALTERNATIVE IN COST ($) O&M COST ($) ($11)* RESIDENTIAL IDENTIFIED CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED T & E WETLAND IMPACTS SAFE YIELD (m~d) DISPLACEMENTS STRUCTURES I ARCIIAEOLOGICAL SPECIES in vicinity, (Acres) No-Action 7.7 n/a n/a n/a 0 0I 0 0 0 *Unit cost based only on capital cost per gallon. Does not Include effects of annual operations and maintenance costs. ~Wl LL v A\P R[~I ECTR~.'10.~O~RH F FT .e;Lq AIt~ m m at d~g ht~t '1 ~ Vat. se Han~en B~, inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Appendix D: UOSA Analysis From: Plato Chen cc: TE Durum Re: UOSA Reclamation Plant information GB Rest File: 5036.022 #3 Date: May 16, 2001 This memorandum is written to document information collected regarding the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority (UOSA) Reclamation Plant which may be applicable to the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority's current planning study. The information was provided by Glen Palen of CH2M' Hill, which has been involved in a number of the plant expansions including the current one. Glen provided the following information: 1. The plant has been built and expanded in a number of different construction projects. The projects have included Project 15, Project 27, Project 32, and Project 54 (on-going). The number for each project represents the capacity of the plant after completion of the project. 2. Since the initial construction of the plant, the treatment process has basically been unchanged with the exception of modifications for biological nutrient removal (BNR). The treatment process consists of primary treatment, secondary treatment, high lime (pH) treatment (for disinfection), recarbonation, media filtration, GAC adsorption, media filtration (for removal of GAC fines), chlorination, and dechlorination. Modifications for BNR were made in one'of the more recent projects. 3. The selection of this treatment process was based on the objective of meeting the initial discharge permit requirements (established in the 1970s), which include the following limits: TSS < 1 mg/L; COD < 10 mg/L; MBAS < 0.1 mg/L; turbidity < 0.5 NTU; and coliform < 2/100 ml. These limits have not been changed since inception of the plant. There axe also two nutrient level limits: TKN < 1 mg/L; phosphorus < 0.1 mg/L. 4. The current project (Project 54) ii an expansion of the plant from 32 MGD to 54 MGD, and it consists primly of the addition of "mirror-image" process units to provide increased capacity (no significant modifications are being made to existing units). The estimated construction cost of this project is somewhere in the range of $200 to $250 million, or roughly on the order of $10/gpd capacity. This cost includes all of the treatment processes in both the liquid and solids trains. Information was not collected to indicate how this cost breaks down between the different process units. However, based on our experience for this size plant, a figure of somewhere in the range of $1/glxl to $3/gpd would probably be consistent with the current UOSA project costs for the addition of unit processes which are not currently part of the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority's WWTP (i.e., tertiary processes such as high lime treatment, recarbonation, media filtration, and GAC adsorption). 5. It should be noted that the original permit for the UOSA facility was established under then prevailing water quality criteria, and it has not been changed because of statutory provisions. Significant changes in drinking water regulations (particularly related to concerns over pathogenic protozoans such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium) since that time could influence the Virginia Department of Health' s opinion of the appropriateness of a similar permit for the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority. Appendices \\V awill~r o]ect ~O~¢Y~,WI~R~ PORTS~Reco mmend~ A.It~aafives 4.doc 40 Vanas.~ Hartgen Brostlin, Inc. Revised Draft May 16, 2001 Bibliography Note: A thorough bibliography for the Analysis of Alternatives is included in that document. ~ section cites, the supplemental documents referenced herein. City of Asheville, NC, Water Resources Department web page. Regional Water Authority "Drought Performance." http: //www .ci_ a ~heville .nc .us / water ! annual.btm City of Greensboro, NC, Water Conservation Program- "City of Greensboro Water Fact Sheet." January 13, 1999. http:/[www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/wateres/H2Oconserv/waterfaq.htm Letter of January 10, 2001, from Ronald E. Conner, P.E., Virginia Department of Health, to Mr. Arthur Petrird, RWSA. Memorandum of May 15, 2000, from Stephen Bowler and David Hirschman, Albemarle County, to Karin Ertl, VHB. New Mexico Water Conservation Alliance. Conservation Current. Spring 1999. "Water Budgeting Achieves Results:" http: //wrri.nmsu.edu/wrdis/conserve/news/.s-pring99/current.html Bibliography ~,Wawilhpmjec~..~50~ ~WP~REPOR'I'S~ o mmended Altem~ve~ 4.doc 41