1. Why did NPPD run more than 4 or 5 wells during 2005 for cooling?
2. Why are the outlet gates on Sutherland Reservoir open when running more than a few wells?
3. Is any of the pumped water released from the Sutherland Reservoir?
4. How is NPPD keeping the landowner committee informed of any developments regarding the well field?
5. Have all of the landowner agreements been signed?
6. What is NPPD’s process for tracking water pumped into the reservoir?
7. Since pumping has begun, what has NPPD seen as impacts in the ground water monitoring wells?
8. At what level have the GGS wells been producing?
9. What is the status of NPPD’s temperature compliance?
10. What if people are concerned with their domestic or livestock wells, how can they communicate with NPPD?
    

Q: Why did NPPD run more than 4 or 5 wells during 2005 for cooling?
A: NPPD projected that the Lake McConaughy level would be slightly higher in 2005 than it was in the same time period in 2004. As such, it was concluded that the lake water temperature in 2005 would be similar to, or possibly even lower than, the temperature experienced in 2004. On this basis, it was projected that a small number of wells (up to five) might be required to be operated for temperature control in 2005.

The projections held true through most of June, with Lake McConaughy water temperature running slightly lower than during the same period in 2004. In the last few days of June, through the month of July and into August, however, the lake water temperature increased markedly – on the order of 3 – 4 degrees F warmer than it was during the similar period in 2004. Because Lake McConaughy release temperatures were higher than 2004, along with additional heating in the supply canal, significantly warmer supply canal temperatures occurred in 2005 than in 2004.

These conditions have required greater numbers of wells to be operated for temperature control. Four wells were initially operated on July 13, 2005. As more wells became operational over the ensuing weeks, they were intermittently placed in service as conditions dictated. In the first week of August, all 24 wells were in operation the first four days during a heat wave; none of the wells were in operation the last three days as a cool front moved into the area. Even though greater numbers of wells on average have been operated since mid-July 2005 than were originally anticipated, GGS has been challenged during this period to maintain the outlet temperature to Sutherland Reservoir within its compliance limit. NPPD has seen the same situations occurring in 2006.

Q: Why are the outlet gates on Sutherland Reservoir open when running more than a few wells?
A: Operating separately from the well field’s temperature mitigation, water is being released from Lake McConaughy for irrigation downstream of GGS and Sutherland Reservoir. This water passes through Sutherland Reservoir, which makes it necessary for the reservoir’s downstream gates to be open. If the well field were being used to raise or maintain water levels in Sutherland Reservoir, those gates would be closed.

Q: Is any of the pumped water released from the Sutherland Reservoir ?
A: Water being pumped into the Sutherland Reservoir, to date, has been solely for cooling Gerald Gentleman Station. This water has not been pumped for any downstream use, although it may be leaving the reservoir.

Q: How is NPPD keeping the landowner committee informed of any developments regarding the well field?
A: NPPD and the landowner committee have met on a periodic basis. At a landowner committee meeting an NPPD representative informed the committee about the test pumping related to the installation of the well field. The Twin Platte NRD, a member of the landowner committee, has been directly involved in independent monitoring. The landowner committee can meet if deemed necessary. NPPD has also prepared this website for information dissemination and will update it periodically.

Q: Have all of the landowner agreements been signed?
A: By the end of 2005, 102 irrigation agreements were signed. Also, an additional 53 domestic/livestock agreements had been signed. NPPD would like to thank the landowners and tenants around GGS for their cooperation and taking time from their busy schedules to sit down and sign the agreements.

Q: What is NPPD’s process for tracking water pumped into the reservoir?
A: NPPD is monitoring water being pumped from the wells as well as Sutherland Reservoir inflows and outflows. The wells are a small component of Sutherland Reservoirs water resources, which include releases from Lake McConaughy, diversions from the North and South Platte rivers.

Q: Since pumping has begun, what has NPPD seen as impacts in the ground water monitoring wells?
A: NPPD continues to collect groundwater level data for evaluation. Twin Platte NRD is doing independent level monitoring as well. Area groundwater levels showed a drop during the summer of 2005 and 2006. But by November of each year, monitoring wells showed levels had returned to near pre-pumping levels. Spring 2006 levels recovered to within one or two feet lower than Spring 2005. This is not unexpected based upon groundwater modeling. The levels can also be affected by neighboring irrigation wells, ongoing drought, etc.

Q: At what level have the GGS wells been producing?
A: Average capacity for individual wells has been calculated to be 2,200 gpm.

Q: What is the status of NPPD’s temperature compliance?
A: NPPD has been above its discharge temperature limit for periods of short duration. NPPD will continue to evaluate the impact of the GGS Well Field on discharge water temperatures and whether additional wells would be an appropriate next step. The 24 wells currently installed have had a positive effect on lowering discharge water temperatures.

Q: What if people are concerned with their domestic or livestock wells, how can they communicate with NPPD?
A: If any problems should develop with domestic or livestock wells, immediately contact Todd Klein. Todd will work with you quickly to resolve well problems and maintain the wells in an operational mode. Feel free to contact him at his office (308) 535-5323 or on his cell phone (308) 660-1627.