08/09/2005 Resolutions 2005-223
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RES 0 L UTI 0 N 2005-223
WHEREAS, south of the City, at the municipal Well Field, the Platte River is
comprised of four separate channels over a mile and a half in total width; and
WHEREAS, the City Well Field is on the east end of Indian Island which is bordered
by the two northern most channels ofthe four; and
WHEREAS, maintenance of flows in the adj acent river channels is very important to
the maintenance of water quality in the aquifer waters underlying the Well Field; and
WHEREAS, previous computer hydraulic modeling shows that during periods of dry
river conditions, the continued operation ofthe Well Field can, after several months, begin to draw
adjacent groundwater, contaminated with nitrate levels well above drinking water standards, toward
the City's facilities; and
WHEREAS, the maintenance of flows in the north river channels is important to
protecting the Well Field, and
WHEREAS, the City Utilities Department has been working with the U.S. Geological
Survey Division (USGS) and the Central Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) to attempt to
develop a program to document the historical and current proportional channel flows in the reach of
the Platte River affecting the City Well Field; and
WHEREAS, in the past few years, Utility staffhas noted that the north channel does
not appear to be maintaining its proportional flow when compared to the other three; and
WHEREAS, it is important to obtain accurate historical data by which to judge
changes that have been made, and to document what modifications need to be made, to restore
historical balance; and
WHEREAS, USGS and Central Platte NRD have agreed to cost share the research
program; and
WHEREAS, the research program is proposed to be completed over a two year
period, with the City's share of such project is anticipated to be $17,500 from fiscal year 2005-2006,
and $52,150 from fiscal year 2006-2007; and
Approved as to Form l:l 0 " }
August 2, 2005 l:l City Attorney
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WHEREAS, as the Platte River becomes increasingly regulated and as the river
channels continue to be modified by private and public entities for specific beneficial purposes,
having sound, complete data on channel water distribution will be very important in maintaining the
river to the benefit of the City's Well Field.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the proposal ofthe U.S. Geological Survey for
Geomorphic Assessment of Selected Channels of the Platte River near Grand Island, Nebraska, is
hereby approved.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, August 9,2005.
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