LAWA’s Preferred Alternative
With a definite need identified, LAWA members looked forward to creating’a plan that would provide a reliable supply of quality drinking water for the Red River Valley.
After considering seven action alternatives, LAWA selected its preferred alternative, the GDU Import to the Sheyenne River, on October 4, 2005. A main benefit of the GDU Import to the Sheyenne River Alternative is its ability to meet the water needs of the Red River Valley now and in the future. This option also provides the core infrastructure for all water systems in the Valley, therefore offering the flexiblity of future expansion. Of all the alternatives, the preferred alternative provides the most positive benefits to the environment. In fact, it harbors no significant negative envrionmental impacts.
The GDU Import to the Sheyenne River Alternative would divert treated Missouri River water eastward from the McClusky Canal via a buried pipeline to Lake Ashtabula, which would act as a regulating reservoir. From there, water would be released into the Sheyenne River and flow into the Red River, supplying water systems in the Valley with a reliable supply of drinking water. The alternative includes a water treatment plant at the McClusky Canal.