A Bureau of Reclamation official's claim that the Jordanelle Dam will enhance Provo River flow left a few doubters in its wake Thursday during a symposium on the Central Utah Project.
The sparsely attended symposium, organized by the Utah County Commission, was held to promote increased interest in and understanding of the CUP and its possible impact on Provo River and Utah Lake. Three hours and nine speakers later, however, the Jordanelle Dam's future impact was no clearer than Utah Lake.While David Frandsen of the BOR said that the Jordanelle eventually will improve fishing on the Provo River, biologist Sam Rushforth warned that the huge reservoir instead portends ecological and geological disaster.
Frandsen said it could take several years to fill the Jordanelle, which is being constructed between Heber City and Park City. But once completed, he said, the reservoir virtually will guarantee flows no lower than 100 cubic feet per second in the lower Provo River, while enabling officials to better control and reduce extremely high flows typically experienced in the spring.
The ability to maintain minimum flows in the winter and reduce high flows in the spring means a better environment for fish, Frandsen said. He said the reservoir will be filled only with excess Provo River flow and that no downstream water rights will be threatened.
"Jordanelle Reservoir is a bit of a problem," Rushforth responded. Regarding projected improved river flow, he said, "We're not convinced of that. It worries us very much."
Rushforth called Utah Lake and the Provo River "rare jewels" that have been neglected, but now must be protected. He said the Jordanelle places them both in jeopardy.
"We're very concerned about where the water is going to come from to fill Jordanelle," he said, referring to local fears that officials will restrict river flow to fill the reservoir. He suggested that an environmental impact statement be done to examine the Jordanelle's affect on the river.
Carl Andreason, representing the Stone Fly Society, added: "Provo River, in effect is backed into a corner."
Other symposium speakers included County Commissioners Malcolm Beck and Brent Morris.
"I think there need to be some new players in the CUP," Morris said. He suggested the CUP board be elected rather that appointed.
"We need to operate under new assumptions," he said. "I think we need to evaluate the mentality of use it (water) or lose it."
Beck said many water concerns and problems could have been averted had symposiums like the one on Thursday been held 30 years ago.