November 28, 2007
Careful planning will lead to little impact on water resources
At a recent public meeting in Milbank sponsored by the Western Area Power Administration, several people raised concerns about the impact of Big Stone II on area water resources. I'd like to explain our plans and assure everyone that meeting our water needs will not significantly impact other users.
First, a bit of background. When the Big Stone Plant was built in the mid-1970s, the water intake facilities were sized for a future second generating station on the Big Stone site. The Big Stone Plant is permitted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (SDDENR) to take up to 8,000 acre-feet from Big Stone Lake each year. The water is stored in ponds on the Big Stone site.
On July 12, 2006, the SDDENR issued a water appropriation permit to Big Stone II. The permit allows the existing Big Stone Plant and Big Stone II to take an additional 10,000 acre-feet from the lake each year.
When the surface elevation of Big Stone Lake falls below 967 feet, only limited pumping can occur. This restriction has been in place for more than 30 years and will not change with Big Stone II.
Our initial plans called for the construction of a second water storage pond on the Big Stone site. However, a detailed hydrological study showed we could avoid constructing the pond by using groundwater during times when withdrawal from Big Stone Lake is prohibited.
On March 28, 2007, we applied to the SDDENR for a permit to use up to 10,000 acre-feet of groundwater a year from the Veblen Aquifer. The SDDENR has since issued a permit.
Our hydrological study showed that using groundwater from the Veblen Aquifer would not adversely impact the rights of other water users. In fact, we expect that in the average year we will only use slightly more than one-third of our permitted groundwater withdrawal. By using groundwater to supplement its water supply, Big Stone will draw down the lake level by an average of about 1¾ inches and will not noticeably change the flow rate of the Minnesota River .
In planning the Big Stone II Project, we have taken the needs and rights of other water users very seriously. As our studies and permits indicate, the area's water resources are sufficient and will allow us to use water resources to generate power from the Big Stone site in the same responsible manner as area residents have experienced for the past 30 years.
Sincerely,
Mark Rolfes,
Manager
Big Stone II Project
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