Minutes
Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council
Friday, April 30, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
USGS Building #3
2255 N Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Flagstaff, Arizona
Water Advisory Council Members Present
Joelynn Roberson, CPWAC Vice-Chairman, Hopi Tribe
Carl Taylor, Coconino County
Brad Hill, City of Flagstaff
Cliff Hamilton, City of Sedona
John Kocjan, City of Page
Robert Kirk, Navajo Nation
Tom Whitmer, Arizona Department of Water Resources
Ron Sieg, Arizona Game and Fish
Bob Michaels, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Brenda Smith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Michael Macauley, NRCD
1. Welcome and Introductions
Joelynn Roberson, Vice-Chairman, called the meeting to order at 10:05 and asked for introductions by those in attendance.
- Approval of Minutes
Brenda Smith noted a correction for the December 16, 2009 minutes to the reference of Stoneman Lake which should be Stillman Lake. On a motion by Tom Whitmer, seconded by Bob Michaels the minutes from the December 16, 2009, and February 26 and March 25, 2010 WAC meetings were unanimously approved with the one correction as noted.
- An Assessment of Wind-powered Desalination Opportunities in Arizona
James Androwski NAU
James Andrwoski introduced himself, stating that he is a graduate student in the NAU School of Earth Science and Environmental Sustainability. He said that he has been involved with the assessment of wind powered desalination opportunities project in relation to his Masters’ Thesis. He said that there are two parts to the project, national and Arizona assessments. . The presentation will be available on the CPWAC website at www.cpwac.org
James stated that the purpose of the study is to apply GIS-mapping techniques to assess brackish groundwater resources and wind-powered desalination opportunities in the United States, and more specific to Arizona, to create maps that display the potential for wind-powered desalination, estimate the costs of desalination in AZ using an economic model, and identify areas/communities with potentially suitable resources.
He gave an overview of the mapping that has been done relative to brackish groundwater locations (1,000-10,000 ppm TDS) in relation to 20km of wind resources. He provided some background on the hydrology and the reverse osmosis process for desalination. He explained the methodology related to aquifer modeling, economic modeling, and capital costs.
Joelynn Roberson asked how much land was needed for the sites. James said that wasn’t addressed, and the cost of land wasn’t considered in the current study.
Brad Hill noted that there would need to be a backup generator where a constant supply of electricity is needed. James said others are looking into that, one possibility is to use solar for backup. He noted that Tom Acker from NAU will be further developing that portion of the study.
There was discussion of some of the items that the project doesn’t address including land needs for evaporation ponds, reuse of mineral waste, and cost of transporting water.
James concluded the discussion by noting that it is an ongoing project with more information to be provided in the future. The WAC thanked James for his presentation.
4. CAP ADD-Water Update; Brad Hill, City of Flagstaff
Brad Hill apprised the WAC of the latest discussions in the CAP ADD-Water process. He said for long-term future options they are looking into the desalination plant in Puerto Penasco, Mexico for. He said there is also discussion about getting Denver off of the Colorado River and start utilizing water from the Mississippi River. Carol Erwin noted that there is a CAP promise to augment the Colorado River and they are looking at different ideas.
5. Blue Ribbon Panel on Water Sustainability; Brad Hill, City of Flagstaff
Brad said that there is no update this month. The next full committee meeting is May 7 and there is a goal to have something in full draft form at that time.
- Committee Reports
WAC Executive Committee; Joelynn Roberson, Vice-Chairman
Joelynn reported that the Executive Committee met on Thursday, April 29 and are talking about a possible strategic planning retreat for the CPWAC in August, but they haven’t identified a date. They also discussed the application process to pursue feasibility authority under the Rural Water Supply program. She also mentioned HB2661 which calls for the formation of a statewide water commission. She noted that the Executive Committee discussed having the WAC forward names for the Commission.
Technical Advisory Committee; Leslie Meyers, Chair
Leslie reported that the TAC is currently looking for funding for Natalie Coston, an NAU student, to work on the Sustainable Water Budget over the summer. She said the TAC has developed a plan of study and just need to get her funded so she can start work.
Leslie reported that the TAC is also starting to work on the application for feasibility authority under the Rural Water Supply Program. She noted that a Statement of interest is due May 28 and the deadline for the full proposal is July 13.
Kevin Burke, City of Flagstaff, asked what the full amount for the study is currently projected to be. Tom Whitmer said that $14million is the current projected cost, but noted that there is not a lot of funding associated with the program and the WAC is primarily interested in getting the authority to pursue the feasibility study. Kevin said that there is $2.6 million in the President’s budget for this program. There was further discussion of what to include in the letter of interest.
Government Affairs Committee
Joelynn Roberson noted that the GAC did not meet this month and did not have a report.
Public Outreach Committee; Patricia Cox, Chair
Patricia reported that the Water Ethic subcommittee will have some work for the Public Outreach Committee. She also stated that it would be helpful if more WAC member agencies participated on the POC.
7. Legislative Update-Statewide Water Issues; Tom Whitmer, ADWR
Tom reported that the Governor has signed HB 2661 which calls for the Director of ADWR to appoint a 15-member Statewide Water Commission which is charged with completing a statewide water study by October 2011. He said that the Director is looking for recommendations for members who have water, political, and policy background, and can make the necessary time commitment. Tom suggested that the WAC make a recommendation to the Director, noting that WAC Chairman Liz Archuleta had expressed an interest in serving on the Commission and that her current time commitments will be lightened by the time the Commission convenes in August.
Kevin Burke said he would like an opportunity to talk with Liz before the WAC submits names. Brad Hill noted that NAMWUA was meeting next week to make their recommendation for a primary and alternate member. Tom said that CAP, SRP, Phoenix, Tucson, seven or eight special interests, and a tribal representative are anticipated to be included on the Commission.
8. Wrap-up and set agenda for next meeting; Friday, June 25, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Joelynn noted that the WAC will not meet in May and the next meeting will be Friday, June 25.