Feasibility of Incorporating Aquaculture, Solar Pond Energy, and Mineral Extraction Technologies to Control Localized Sources of Salinity in River Systems

Salinity poses a serious and continuing problem to the full utilization of water resources in many river basins of western U.S. A variety of management measures have been employed to mitigate the damaging effects of salinity on agricultural crops as well as on municipal and industrial uses of water. The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act illustrates the logic of addressing the problem on a basin wide basis under a strategy that give priority to those localized sources of salinity that contribute disproportionately large amounts of salt to the system. It remains then to devise control measures specific to each site which are the most cost effective in arresting or revising the progressive degradation of water quality. It is within the above conceptual framework that this study seeks to evaluate the feasibility of combining a particular set of technologies whose joint operation might accomplish the salt reduction while converting certain liabilities into assets and introducing new benefit streams so as to increase the net benefits accruing from the management measures. Specifically, it is the objective of this study to evaluate the feasibility of removing salt from a hydrologic system by using mineral extraction ponds that double as sources of salt gradient solar energy and are also managed to provide habitat for fish or shell fish that grow in marine environments. The solar energy would be used to maintain proper year round water temperatures for aquaculture as well as for enhancement of the mineral extraction process. The approach would be to design a combination aquaculture-energy-mineral extraction system for a specific location near Sigurd, Utah, where the hydrogeochemistry dynamics of the Sevier River and a high salt contributing section have been recently studied by Sepehr (1984) and for which a validated and high resolution computer model is available. Ambient site conditions, actual hydro-salinity information, and current economic and marketing information will be used in determining the feasibility of the joint technologies. If the integrated use of these technologies appears feasible, it can be adapted to other “hot spots” of the Sevier River or other western U.S. rivers where such problems exist. The results of this study are of particular interest to state agencies responsible for water resources planning and management, those concerned with energy use, and those interested in economic development. The study is also of interest to the federal SCS, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Those living in proximity to these salt producing reaches have a keen interest in management options that they might be profitably exploited under private initiatives

Computer Simulation of Water Resource Systems at Utah State University

Introduction: The problems of managing water-resource systems are basically those of decision making based upon a consideration of the physical, economic, and sociological processes involved. These processes are strongly interrelated and constitute a dynamic and continuous system. Any combination of these interrelated and numerous system variables yields a management solution. At Utah State University the problem of investigating system response to various possible management alternatives is being approached by hybrid computer simulation. The concept of simulation is fundamentally simple. Basically, it is a technique of analysis whereby a model is developed for investigating the behavior or performance of a dynamic prototype system subject to particular constraints and input functions. The model behaves like the prototype system with regard to certain selected variables and can be used to predict probable resopnses when some of the system parameters or input functions are altered. The model represents the interrelated processes of the system by arithmetic and algebraic functions, and by non-mathematical logic processes. Simulation is a useful tool for the creative manipulation of highly complex systems and thus can greatly facilitate appraisals of proposed changes within the corresponding prototypes. In a computer model the various functions and operations of the different parts of the system are interrelated by the concepts of continuity of mass and momentum. These concepts are applied over the particular increments of time and space adopted for the model. It should, therefore, be emphasized that the adquacy of a simulation model is dependent upon the theory and the field data upon which the model is based. Consequently, both the mathematical relationships and the physical input data constitute major contraints in a simulation analysis. In addition, simulation alone does not readily provide optimal solutions. However, each computer run for a set of model parameters and inputs yields and estimate of the probable response of the prototype under the particular conditions established. Thus, through numerous and repetitive computer runs, it is possible to investiage many combinations of system variables and thereby to evolve optimal or near-optimal system design and operation procedures

Systems Analysis of Hydrologic Problems

Introduction: Increasing national and international interest in water resources in recent years has stimulated much new activity and progress in hydrology. It is now generally recognized that the science of hydrology is basic to an understanding of water resources problems and to planning for water resources development. Accompanying this demand upon the science of hydrology is an urgent need for improved education at the university level. In resopnse to this need for improved education, the First International Seminar for Hydrology Professors was held at Urbana, Illinois, in July 1969. The Second International Seminar was held at Logan, Utah, during August 2-14, 1970, and was a continuation of the program to acquaint hydrology professors with modern concepts and technologies. The major overall objective of the second seminar was to emphasize the systems approach as applied to hydrology, in which the various fundamental hydrologic processes and their interrelationships were studied and examined. Because of the need to apply new concepts and technologies to the development and utilization of the limited supply of water resources throughout the world, hydrologic programs in our colleges and universities generally require much improvement, particularly with reference to the application of systems concepts and methods. Accordingly, the specific objectives of the Seminar were as follows: 1. To impress upon hydrology professors the improtance of the systems approach to the science of hydrology, and to acquaint them with the fundamental and basic concepts of the the hydrologic system. 2. To present concepts for defining or describing the hydrologic system in terms of particular management objectives. 3. To examine various techniques for monitoring the hydrologic system, including the design of monitoring networks in terms of particular objectives. 4. To acquaint the participants with several methods of modeling hydrologic systems, and to provide them with experiences which demonstrate the utility of modeling for (a) examining various system interrelationships and sensitivies; and (b) maximizing particular objective functions subject to given external contraints and production functions

Application of an Electronic Analog Computer for the Simulation of Hydrologic Events on a Southwest Watershed

The hydrologic characteristics of watersheds in semiarid regions are dependent upon many variable and often interrelated factors. A quantitative knowledge of these factors and of their relative influence upon the system as a whole is needed in order to improve the efficiency of watershed management in these areas. In an attempt to develop a comprehensive simulation model of a semiarid watershed, research workers in the Agricultural Research Service considered the electronic quently signed with Utah State University. Analog modeling concepts are based upon the development of basic relationships which describe the various processes which occur within the surface hydrologic system of a semiarid watershed. Once established, the model is applicable to any particular geographic unit by determining the appropriate constants of the hydrologic equations. The analog computer is ideally suited to the many time-dependent differential equations which are encountered in hydrologic systems. To test individual equations and to verify the model, a subbasin of Walnut Gulch watershed in southern Arizona was simulated. In preliminary tests, close agreement was achieved between the observed and computed runoff hydrographs for a single storm. Some progress is also reported in the development of an analog technique to plot isohyetal lines corresponding to selected time intervals during the course of a storm

Application of an Electronic Analog Computer to the Problems of River Basin Hydrology

As demands upon available water supplies increase, there is an accompanying increase in the need to assess the downstream consequences resulting from chances at specific locations within a hydrologic system. This problem was approached by electronic analog simulation of the hydrologic system. The complexity of a hydrologic model depends to a large extent upon the magnitude of the time and spatial increments utilized in the model. The increment size selected depends upon the types of problems to be solved. Three models are described, and in each succeeding model the definition in terms of time and/or space is improved. While the problems as its predecessor, it is also capable of solving many additional problems which require a higher degree of definition. Preliminary verification studies for both the second and third models have shown close agreement between observed and computed discharge hydrographs from prototype basins

Hydrologic Model Studies of the Mt. Olympus Cove Area of Salt Lake County

Urban development on any natural drainage basin causes marked changes in the runoff characteristics of the basin. Urbanization alters natural drainage channels and reduces average infiltration rates. Thus, flood conditions are enhanced both within the urbanizing area itself and at downstream locations, where existing channels might not be able to cope with the increased rates of water flow. The Olympus Cove area in Salt Lake County is undergoing rapid urban development, and potential flood hazards within the area and at downstream locations are thereby increasing. Recognizing this situation, officials of the Sale Lake County took the initiative in organizing an ‘ad hoc’ interagency technical team to study and evaluate the problem. The particular responsibilities which were undertaken by the representatives of the Utah Water Research Laboratory on this study team were to synthesize all existing information, and what which might be developed during the study period, and on this basis to formulate computer models to represent the hydrology of the area. The report describes the model development process and discusses the application of the models to the three source areas being considered, namely: (1) the Neff’s Canyon drainage; (2) the northern slopes of Mt. Olympus; and (3) the urbanizing area of Olympus Cove. Runoff from the short-term, high-intensity, convective storms is emphasized. Hydrologic response was found to be particularl

Mathematical Modeling of a Sociological and Hydrologic Decision System

The general goal of this study was to develop a functional model of the sociological and related hydrologic elements in flood control decision-making. Conceptual system models were developed for the hydrologic system and for the sociological system. The sociological variables were identified as they related to the steps in the process of the model. Following the conceptual decision process model the social elements of the model were calibrated from data obtained from field studies and mathematical equations were developed and tested. Finally simulations of the process were run. After adjustments were made the model was found to function. Several methodological factors were devised to make the model more realistic and operable. These were: 1) Distortion Factors, which are differences that exists between various actual situations and perception of these situations; 2)Importance Factors, which are measures of the relative degrees of importance of each of the major characteristics of a proposal such as economic, aesthetic, effectiveness, etc,; 3) Acceptance Functions, defined as a combination of the perceived value of a characteristic and the Importance Factors; 4) Expansion Effect, which provides for changes in behavior related to values that are in a latent state of unimportance to a state of high importance stimulating high level action; 5) Threshold Levels, that determine the point between no activity and public action. These concepts permit the model to adjust to changes in social behavior related to the social structure of the decision process. The system provides for the function of social values as they relate to the social structures and the hydrologic components

Some Lake Level Control Alternatives for the Great Salt Lake

Fluctuations of the level of the Great Salt Lake cause large changes in both surface area and shoreline. Developments adjacent to the lake have been damaged by both high and low lake levels; and unless measures are implemented to regulate lake level fluctuations or otherwise to protect these developments, damages will continue. Various possible managment alternatives for mitigating potential damages from lake level fluctuations need to be examined and evaluated. In this study, three possible techniques are examined for reducing damages from fluctuating water levels at the lake, namely: 1. Consumptively using an increased proportion of the inflowing fresh waters on irrigated crop lands during periods of high lake inflow. 2. Protecting important properties and facilities around the lake through the construction of a system of dikes. 3. Removing lake water through pumping into the West Dester for evaporation. The above three alternatives are evaluated only for economic feasibility, with physical, legal, and institutional constraints being neglected. The philosophy behind this approach was that if economic feasibility could be demonstrated, other investigations could follow. With reference to the first alternative, the additional irrigation is assumed to occur within the Bear River Basin. The Bear River, which contributes approximately 56 percent of the total inflow to the Great Salt Lake, drains the only tributary basin which contains significant areas of irrigable but not yet irrigated lands. A reconnaissance level economic analysis of each of the above management alternatives is presented. Bapital and annual costs are estimated and compared with estimates of the flood control venefits generated. The overall feasibility, the optimum design, and the optimum time of construction are thus determined for each alternative. From the results of the study, it is concluded that irrigation in the Bear River Basin, except perhaps as part of a multiple purpose project, and the West Desert pumping alternatives are not economically feasible. Particular configurations of the dike alternatives are economically attracive if construction is commenced when lake levels rise to elevations exceeding 4202 feet