ENHANCING PLATTE RIVER FLOW IN NEBRASKA THROUGH INTENTIONAL RECHARGE

摘要

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (“Platte River Program” or “Program”) seeks to increase streamflows in the central Platte River for threatened and endangered species by an average of 130,000 to 150,000 acre-feet peryear. One approach being considered for helping to achieve this goal is the development of intentional recharge of excessflows, with the intent of enhancing beneficial return flows back to the river at times of shortage. The Platte River Program isadvancing toward the design phase on one such project – the Phelps County Canal Intentional Recharge Project. Intentionalgroundwater recharge to enhance stream flows has been successfully applied in many areas, including locations along thelower South Platte River in Colorado. However, these methods have not been attempted in Nebraska, where they will faceseveral unique technical and legal/administrative challenges. KEY TERMS: Platte River, recovery program, groundwater,recharge, return flow.