Engineering and Policymaking: The Platte River in Nebraska

by Martha W. Gilliland, Univ of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha, NE, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Forum '86: World Water Issues in Evolution

Abstract:

Substantial conflict exists over proposed water projects in the Platte River Basin of Nebraska. A computer simulation model, representing the engineering and environmental dimensions of the conflict, was developed. Model development was aimed as much at promoting a common understanding among parties-at-interest as it was at analyzing alternatives. It reflected the theory that water project implementation requires a consensus among these parties as well as good engineering information. Simulation results for a base case and two scenarios are compared. One scenario favors protection of instream flow and the other favors diversions for agriculture. Impacts of the instream flow scenario did not differ greatly from those of the base case, but impacts of the diversion scenario were substantial.

Subject Headings: Rivers and streams | Computer models | Streamflow | Project management | Water resources | Simulation models | Water policy | Nebraska | United States

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