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