Purpose
The purpose of this potential project is to aid in providing technical assistance to gather baseline river sediment and morphology data. This data will potentially feed into a future feasibility study and project addressing the water quality of the city of Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
Location
The city of Thief River Falls water treatment intake is currently located on the east bank of the Red Lake River, and the raw water pump station is located adjacent to the plant. The city of Thief River Falls is looking at the potential to install a new water intake in an area upstream of the confluence of the Thief and Red Lake rivers, to possibly minimize seasonal water quality issues.
Description
A request has been received from the city of Thief River Falls for technical assistance to address safe drinking water concerns. The city of Thief River Falls has a water treatment plant and associated water intake located on the Red Lake River, which has seen seasonally reduced water quality and quantity issues. The city is looking at relocating the raw water intake further upstream and is seeking technical assistance to assess the channel sediment depth and composition.
Status
In May 2022, the city of Thief River Falls and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began to collaboratively scope the potential for technical assistance. A follow-up meeting in June 2022 was held to further discuss the geographic extent, sampling design and details, and steps involved in a formal cost share agreement. An agreement was executed through the Planning Assistance to States program in December 2023.
River bathymetry work was completed in May 2024. Sediment core sampling was completed in June 2024, and environmental testing was completed in July 2024. A final report on the bathymetry, soil borings, and environmental testing results was presented to the nonfederal sponsor in January 2025.
Authority
This study is authorized by Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-251), as amended.
Funding
The study follows the 50/50 cost-share formula with the nonfederal sponsor.
Federal funding $91,105
Sponsor work-in-kind services $91,105
Total study cost $182,210