Preliminary study of the diversion of 283 m3 s−1 (10,000 cfs) from Lake Superior to the Missouri River basin

Abstract

Bulkley, J.W Wright, S.J. and Wright, D., 1984. Preliminary study of the diversion of 283 m 3 s -~ (10,000 cfs) from Lake Superior to the Missouri River basin. In: G.E. Stout and G,H. Davis (Editors), Global Water: Science and Engineering -- The Ven Te Chow Memorial Volume. J. Hydrol., 68 : 461--472. Trans-basin diversion is an established practice in this country. The High Plains Study authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1976 examined large-scale intra-basin diversion to replenish the depleted groundwater resources of the Ogallala aquifer. A portion of this intra-basin diversion could come from the Missouri River basin. This study presents the preliminary engineering associated with a large-scale diversion of Lake Superior water out of the Great Lakes and into the Missouri River basin in order to replace intra-basin water diverted for recharge of the Ogallala aquifer. The magnitude of the diversion is 283 m 3 s -1 (10,000 cfs). The first cost of the conveyance structure is estimated at US $19.6 billion. The total length is estimated at 984 km and the total static lift including friction losses, static head, and pumping plant losses is 1130 m. It is estimated that eighteen pumping plants will be required to lift the water from Lake Superior and transport it to the Missouri Basin. This study estimated an energy requirement to move this water equivalent to the annual energy production from seven 1000-MW plants. Initial costs of these power plants is estimated at $ 7 billion.