Abstract

GIS Analysis for Multicriteria Reservoir Site Selection: NISP Project, Colorado
Track: Water Resources
Authors: Johan van Zyl, John Labadie

Development and siting of new water resources projects has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to intense scrutiny of stakeholders and special interest groups mobilizing resistance through the internet and social networking. Although public engagement in the decision making process is crucial, GIS combined with multicriteria decision analysis tools can provide a means of enhancing knowledge and information on impacts of the project for promoting compromise and reducing conflict. In response to the increased demand for water supplies in northern Colorado, the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD) has initiated the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) on behalf of 15 Front Range water providers. Several alternatives for proposed water storage projects are analyzed using GIS spatial analysis combined with several multicriteria decision analysis tools to consider impacts on endangered species migration routes, geologic hazard, land ownership costs, site development costs, storage capacity, highway relocation, pipeline costs, and evaporation/seepage losses.