City of Great Falls

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Montana Water Court PO Box 1389 Bozeman MT 59771-1389 HPT f) ^ 9fl1R (406)586-4364 UU <J D LUIU 1-800-624-3270 (IN-STATE) FAX: (406) 522-4131 Montana Water Court IN THE WATER COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA UPPER MISSOURI DIVISION MISSOURI RIVER - FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER - BASIN 41QJ ********************* 41QJ 123408-00 CLAIMANT: City of Great Falls 41QJ 123411-00 NOTICE OF FILING MASTER'S REPORT This Master's Report was filed with the Clerk of the Montana Water Court on the above stamped date. Please read this Report carefully. If you disagree with the Master's Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, or Recommendations; or if there are errors in the Report, you may file a written objection to the Report within 10 days from the above stamped date. (Rule 23, Water Right Adjudication Rules.) If you file an objection, you must also mail a copy of the objection to all parties on the Service List found at the end of the Master's Report. The original objection and a certificate of mailing to all parties on the Service List must be filed with the Water Court. If you do not file a timely obiection. the Water Court will conclude that you agree with the content of this Master's Report. MASTER'S REPORT The city of Great Falls water right claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41 QJ 123411-00 appeared in the Temporary Preliminary Decree for this Basin with a Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) issue remark indicating that no volume was claimed. The issue remark on the abstract of claims 41 QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 was not addressed and resolved during the objection process. The Montana Legislature enacted section 85-2-248, MCA, and requires the Water Court to resolve all issue remarks that were not resolved through the objection process. Under section 85-2-248(2), MCA, information in the claim file or other information obtained by the Court can be reviewed to determine if it provides a sufficient basis to resolve the issues raised by a remark. In this instance, the information in the claim files was not sufficient to resolve issue remarks, but additional information that addresses and resolves the issue remarks has been obtained by the Court. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. Claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 appeared in the Temporary Preliminary Decree for this Basin with a remark noting potential volume issue. Notice of the remark was provided through the Basin Objection List. 2. The record for claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 is confusing. Claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 are supplemental with claim 41QJ 12341000 (not in front of the Court). Claims 41QJ 123408-00, 41QJ 123410-00, and 41QJ 123411-00 share the same point of diversion, storage, and distribution system. According to Amendments filed for claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 in 2006, the total combined volume shared between all three claims is 20,104.00 acre feet per year. In 2006, the City of Great Falls amended the volume of claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 to 0.00 acre feet - resulting in the DNRC issue remark indicating that no volume was claimed. 3. On June 22, 2010, the City of Great Falls submitted additional Amendments for claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00. The June 22, 2010 Amendments change the volume for claim 41QJ 123408-00 to 15,105.00 acre feet and the volume for claim 41QJ 123411-00 to 5,035.00 acre feet. On July 30, 2010 an Order Setting Filing Deadline was issued as the total volume for claims 41QJ 123408-00, 41QJ 123410-00 and 41 QJ 123411-00 appeared to now be 40,244.00 acre feet - while information in the claim file indicates the total volume for the claims should be 20,140.00 acre feet. Information provided by the claimant, its consultant, and the DNRC explains that the volumes for claims 41QJ 123408-00, 41QJ 123410-00, and 41QJ 123411-00 are not additive; the total combined appropriation between all three City of Great Falls claims -2- should be limited to a cumulative volume of 20,140.00 acre feet. It is appropriate to add the amended volumes to claims 41QJ 123408-00 and 41QJ 123411-00 and an information remark to claims 41QJ 123408-00, 41QJ 123410-00, and 41QJ 123411-00 stating that the combined volumes for all three claims is limited to 20,140 acre feet. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 1. The Montana Water Court has exclusive jurisdiction over this matter. Section 3-7-224, MCA. 2. The Basin Objection List has provided basin wide notice of potential changes to these claims. Rules 9 and 27, W.R.Adj.R. Proposed amendments to claim elements that did not appear on the Basin Objection List have no adverse affect on other water users and therefore do not require further notice. Section 85-2 233(6), MCA. 3. A properly filed Statement of Claim for an existing water right is prima facie proof of its content. Section 85-2-227, MCA. Any assertion that a claim is incorrect must overcome this prima facie validity by a preponderance of the evidence. Rule 9, W.R.Adj.R. Information resulting in DNRC issue remarks and the issue remarks themselves must be weighed against a claimed water right, and must be resolved as part of the adjudication. Section 85-2-248(2), MCA. RECOMMENDATIONS Based upon the above Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, this Master recommends that the Court make the changes specified in the Findings of Fact to correct the Temporary Preliminary Decree for this Basin. Post Decree Abstracts of Water Right Claim are served with this Report to confirm the recommended changes have been made in the state's centralized water right record system. DATED this $" daY of (P-cX©-£i£^ , 2010. Anika M. Stern Water Master -3- CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Susan E. Hammell, Deputy Clerk of Court of the Montana Water Court, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the above NOTICE OF FILING MASTER'S REPORT and MASTER'S REPORT was duly served upon the persons listed below by depositing the same, postage prepaid, in the United States mail. City of Great Falls PO Box 5021 Great Falls, MT 59403 Helena DNRC Adjudication Office Team A PO Box 201602 Helena, MT 59620-1602 DATED this 5*3u day of &}Z&&£A^ ,2010. Susan E. Hammell Deputy Clerk of Court S:\ShartiWC-BASIN FOLDERS\41QJ\Claims\123408,123411\123408-0<> and 123411-00 MR.wpd -4^ Page 1 of 3 September8, 2010 Post Decree Abstract 41QJ 123408-00 POST DECREE ABSTRACT OF WATER RIGHT CLAIM MISSOURI RIVER, FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER BASIN 41QJ IMPORTANT NOTICE AN ASTERISK (*) HAS BEEN PLACED NEXT TO EACH ITEM CHANGED BY ORDER OF THE MONTANA WATER COURT AFTER ISSUANCE OF THE PREVIOUS DECREE. Water Right Number: 41QJ 123408-00 Version: STATEMENT OF CLAIM 2 - POST DECREE Status: ACTIVE GREAT FALLS, CITY OF Owners: PO BOX 5021 GREAT FALLS, MT 59403 Priority Date: JUNE 23, 1971 Type of Historical Right: FILED Purpose (use): MUNICIPAL Flow Rate: 60.00 CFS 15,105.00 AC-FT *Volume: THE COMBINED VOLUME FOR CLAIMS 123408-00, 123410-00, AND 123411-00 SHALL NOT EXCEED 20,140 ACRE FEET. MISSOURI RIVER Source Name: SURFACE WATER Source Type: Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion: ID Govt Lot Govt Lot Qtr Sec Sec Twp SENWNE 1 14 20N Rge County 3E CASCADE Period of Diversion: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Diversion Means: HEADGATE Period of Use: JANUARY 11OL IBbK i I Place of Use: ID Acres Govt Lot Qtr Sec Sec Twp Rge County 1 1 20N 3E CASCADE 2 2 20N 3E CASCADE 3 20N 3E CASCADE 3E CASCADE 3 NE 4 S2 3 20N 5 E2SESE 4 20N 3E CASCADE 6 S2SE 8 20N 3E CASCADE 7 NE 9 20N 3E CASCADE 8 N2NENW 9 20N 3E CASCADE 9 10 20N 3E CASCADE 10 11 20N 3E CASCADE 11 12 20N 3E CASCADE 13 20N 3E CASCADE 12 N2 Page 2 of 3 Septembers, 2010 Post Decree Abstract 41QJ 123408-00 Place of Use: Rge County Qtr Sec Sec Twp 13 SE 13 20N 3E CASCADE 14 E2NESW 13 20N 3E CASCADE 14 20N 3E CASCADE ID Acres GovtLot 15 16 E2 15 20N 3E CASCADE 17 SWNW 15 20N 3E CASCADE 16 20N 3E CASCADE 3E CASCADE 18 19 E2 17 20N 20 E2SW 17 20N 3E CASCADE 21 SE 19 20N 3E CASCADE 20 20N 3E CASCADE 22 23 NWNE 21 20N 3E CASCADE 24 W2 21 20N 3E CASCADE 25 N2 22 20N 3E CASCADE 26 NENENE 23 20N 3E CASCADE 27 1 20N 4E CASCADE 28 2 20N 4E CASCADE 29 3 20N 4E CASCADE 4 20N 4E CASCADE 5 20N 4E CASCADE 32 6 20N 4E CASCADE 33 7 20N 4E CASCADE 34 8 20N 4E CASCADE 35 9 20N 4E CASCADE 36 10 20N 4E CASCADE 37 11 20N 4E CASCADE 38 12 20N 4E CASCADE NW 13 20N 4E CASCADE 40 N2 14 20N 4E CASCADE 41 NE 15 20N 4E CASCADE 42 N2N2 16 20N 4E CASCADE 30 S2 31 39 43 SWNW 16 20N 4E CASCADE 44 NWSW 16 20N 4E CASCADE 45 E2 17 20N 4E CASCADE 46 NW 17 20N 4E CASCADE 47 NE 18 20N 4E CASCADE 48 W2 18 20N 4E CASCADE 49 W2SW 6 20N 5E CASCADE 5E CASCADE 50 W2NW 7 20N 51 E2E2SE 34 21N 3E CASCADE 52 NE 35 21N 3E CASCADE 53 S2SWNW 35 21N 3E CASCADE 35 21N 3E CASCADE 3E CASCADE 54 S2 55 NWSE 36 21N 56 W2 36 21N 3E CASCADE 57 S2S2N2 31 21N 4E CASCADE 58 S2 31 21N 4E CASCADE 59 S2N2 32 21N 4E CASCADE 60 S2 32 21N 4E CASCADE September8,2010 '^_JW 41QJ 123408-00 \.__JW Page 3 of 3 Post Decree Abstract Remarks: THE WATER RIGHTS FOLLOWING THIS STATEMENT ARE SUPPLEMENTAL WHICH MEANS THE RIGHTS HAVE OVERLAPPING PLACES OF USE. THE RIGHTS CAN BE COMBINED TO IRRIGATE ONLY OVERLAPPING PARCELS. EACH RIGHT IS LIMITED TO THE FLOW RATE AND PLACE OF USE OF THAT INDIVIDUAL RIGHT. THE SUM TOTAL VOLUME OF THESE WATER RIGHTS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PUT TO HISTORICAL AND BENEFICIAL USE. 123408-00 123410-00 123411-00 THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS WERE AMENDED BY THE CLAIMANT ON 07/10/2006: FLOW RATE, VOLUME AND PLACE OF USE. STARTING IN 2008, PERIOD OF DIVERSION WAS ADDED TO MOST CLAIM ABSTRACTS, INCLUDING THIS ONE. THIS APPROPRIATION OF WATER TAKES WATER FROM THE MISSOURI RIVER, FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER DRAINAGE (BASIN 41QJ ) AND USES IT IN THE MISSOURI RIVER, FROM SUN TO MARIAS RIVERS DRAINAGE (BASIN 41Q ) AND THE SUN RIVER DRAINAGE (BASIN 41K ). ANY OBJECTION TO THIS RIGHT MAY BE FILED DURING THE OBJECTION PERIODS FOR EITHER THE POINT OF DIVERSION OR PLACE OF USE BASIN. Page 1 of 3 September 9, 2010 Post Decree Abstract 41QJ 123410-00 POST DECREE ABSTRACT OF WATER RIGHT CLAIM MISSOURI RIVER, FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER BASIN 41QJ IMPORTANT NOTICE AN ASTERISK (*) HAS BEEN PLACED NEXT TO EACH ITEM CHANGED BY ORDER OF THE MONTANA WATER COURT AFTER ISSUANCE OF THE PREVIOUS DECREE. Water Right Number: 41QJ 123410-00 Version: STATEMENT OF CLAIM 2 - POST DECREE Status: ACTIVE GREAT FALLS, CITY OF Owners: PO BOX 5021 GREAT FALLS, MT 59403 Priority Date: AUGUST 30, 1889 Type of Historical Right: FILED Purpose (use): MUNICIPAL Flow Rate: 74.00 CFS 20,140.00 AC-FT Volume: THE COMBINED VOLUME FOR CLAIMS 123408-00, 123410-00, AND 123411-00 SHALL NOT EXCEED 20,140 ACRE FEET. MISSOURI RIVER Source Name: SURFACE WATER Source Type: Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion: Govt Lot 1 Qtr Sec Sec Twp SENWNE ID 14 Rge 20N County 3E CASCADE Period of Diversion: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Diversion Means: HEADGATE Period of Use: JAPMUAKY 1 IULJtUfcIV i Place of Use: Rge County Sec Twp 1 1 20N 3E CASCADE 2 2 20N 3E CASCADE 3 NE 3 20N 3E CASCADE 4 S2 3 20N 3E CASCADE 5 E2SESE 4 20N 3E CASCADE 6 S2SE 8 20N 3E CASCADE 7 NE 9 20N 3E CASCADE 9 20N 3E CASCADE ID 8 Acres Govt Lot Qtr Sec N2NENW 9 10 20N 3E CASCADE 10 11 20N 3E CASCADE 11 12 20N 3E CASCADE 13 20N 3E CASCADE 12 N2 Page 2 of 3 September 9, 2010 Post Decree Abstract 41QJ 123410-00 Place of Use: Rge County Qtr Sec Sec Twp 13 SE 13 20N 3E CASCADE 14 E2NESW 13 20N 3E CASCADE 14 20N 3E CASCADE 16 E2 15 20N 3E CASCADE 17 SWNW 15 20N 3E CASCADE ID Acres Govt Lot 15 16 20N 3E CASCADE 19 E2 17 20N 3E CASCADE 20 E2SW 17 20N 3E CASCADE 21 SE 19 20N 3E CASCADE 18 20 20N 3E CASCADE 23 NWNE 21 20N 3E CASCADE 24 W2 21 20N 3E CASCADE 3E CASCADE 22 25 N2 22 20N 26 NENENE 23 20N 3E CASCADE 27 1 20N 4E CASCADE 28 2 20N 4E CASCADE 29 3 20N 4E CASCADE 4 20N 4E CASCADE 31 5 20N 4E CASCADE 32 6 20N 4E CASCADE 33 7 20N 4E CASCADE 34 8 20N 4E CASCADE 35 9 20N 4E CASCADE 36 10 20N 4E CASCADE 37 11 20N 4E CASCADE 12 20N 4E CASCADE 30 S2 38 39 NW 13 20N 4E CASCADE 40 N2 14 20N 4E CASCADE 41 NE 15 20N 4E CASCADE 42 N2N2 16 20N 4E CASCADE 43 SWNW 16 20N 4E CASCADE 44 NWSW 16 20N 4E CASCADE 45 E2 17 20N 4E CASCADE 46 NW 17 20N 4E CASCADE 47 NE 18 20N 4E CASCADE 4E CASCADE 48 W2 18 20N 49 W2SW 6 20N 5E CASCADE 50 W2NW 7 20N 5E CASCADE 51 E2E2SE 34 21N 3E CASCADE 52 NE 35 21N 3E CASCADE 53 S2SWNW 35 21N 3E CASCADE 54 S2 35 21N 3E CASCADE 55 NWSE 36 21N 3E CASCADE 56 W2 36 21N 3E CASCADE 57 S2S2N2 31 21N 4E CASCADE 58 S2 31 21N 4E CASCADE 59 S2N2 32 21N 4E CASCADE 60 S2 32 21N 4E CASCADE September 9,2010 W 41QJ 123410-00 W Pa9e3of3 Post Decree Abstract Remarks: THE WATER RIGHTS FOLLOWING THIS STATEMENT ARE SUPPLEMENTAL WHICH MEANS THE RIGHTS HAVE OVERLAPPING PLACES OF USE. THE RIGHTS CAN BE COMBINED TO IRRIGATE ONLY OVERLAPPING PARCELS. EACH RIGHT IS LIMITED TO THE FLOW RATE AND PLACE OF USE OF THAT INDIVIDUAL RIGHT. THE SUM TOTAL VOLUME OF THESE WATER RIGHTS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PUT TO HISTORICAL AND BENEFICIAL USE. 123408-00 123410-00 123411-00 THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS WERE AMENDED BY THE CLAIMANT ON 07/10/2006: VOLUME AND PLACE OF USE. STARTING IN 2008, PERIOD OF DIVERSION WAS ADDED TO MOST CLAIM ABSTRACTS, INCLUDING THIS ONE. THIS APPROPRIATION OF WATER TAKES WATER FROM THE MISSOURI RIVER, FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER DRAINAGE (BASIN 41QJ ) AND USES IT IN THE MISSOURI RIVER, FROM SUN TO MARIAS RIVERS DRAINAGE (BASIN 41Q ) AND THE SUN RIVER DRAINAGE (BASIN 41K ). ANY OBJECTION TO THIS RIGHT MAY BE FILED DURING THE OBJECTION PERIODS FOR EITHER THE POINT OF DIVERSION OR PLACE OF USE BASIN. Page 1 of 3 September 9, 2010 Post Decree Abstract 41QJ 123411-00 POST DECREE ABSTRACT OF WATER RIGHT CLAIM MISSOURI RIVER, FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER BASIN 41QJ IMPORTANT NOTICE AN ASTERISK (*) HAS BEEN PLACED NEXT TO EACH ITEM CHANGED BY ORDER OF THE MONTANA WATER COURT AFTER ISSUANCE OF THE PREVIOUS DECREE. Water Right Number: 41QJ 123411-00 Version: STATEMENT OF CLAIM 2 - POST DECREE Status: ACTIVE GREAT FALLS, CITY OF Owners: PO BOX 5021 GREAT FALLS, MT 59403 Priority Date: JANUARY 19, 1966 Type of Historical Right: FILED Purpose (use): MUNICIPAL Flow Rate: 20.00 CFS 5,035.00 AC-FT * Volume: THE COMBINED VOLUME FOR CLAIMS 123408-00, 123410-00, AND 123411-00 SHALL NOT EXCEED 20,140 ACRE FEET. MISSOURI RIVER Source Name: SURFACE WATER Source Type: Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion: Qtr Sec Govt Lot 1 Sec Twp SENWNE ID 14 20N Rge County 3E CASCADE Period of Diversion: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Diversion Means: HEADGATE Period of Use: JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Place of Use: ID Rge Acres Govt Lot County 1 3E CASCADE 2 3E CASCADE 3 3E CASCADE 4 3E CASCADE 5 3E CASCADE 6 3E CASCADE 7 3E CASCADE 8 3E CASCADE 9 3E CASCADE 10 3E CASCADE 11 3E CASCADE 12 N2 3E CASCADE Page 2 of 3 September 9, 2010 Post Decree Abstract 41QJ 123411-00 Place of Use: ID Acres Govt Lot Qtr Sec Sec Twp Rge County 13 SE 13 20N 3E CASCADE 14 E2NESW 13 20N 3E CASCADE 14 20N 3E CASCADE 15 20N 3E CASCADE 15 20N 3E CASCADE 15 16 17 E2 SWNW 16 20N 3E CASCADE 19 E2 17 20N 3E CASCADE 20 E2SW 17 20N 3E CASCADE 21 SE 19 20N 3E CASCADE 20 20N 3E CASCADE 18 22 23 NWNE 21 20N 3E CASCADE 24 W2 21 20N 3E CASCADE 25 N2 22 20N 3E CASCADE 23 20N 3E CASCADE 27 1 20N 4E CASCADE 28 2 20N 4E CASCADE 29 3 20N 4E CASCADE 4 20N 4E CASCADE 31 5 20N 4E CASCADE 32 6 20N 4E CASCADE 33 7 20N 4E CASCADE 34 8 20N 4E CASCADE 35 9 20N 4E CASCADE 36 10 20N 4E CASCADE 37 11 20N 4E CASCADE 38 12 20N 4E CASCADE 39 NW 13 20N 4E CASCADE 40 N2 14 20N 4E CASCADE 41 NE 15 20N 4E CASCADE 42 N2N2 16 20N 4E CASCADE 43 SWNW 16 20N 4E CASCADE 4E CASCADE 26 30 NENENE S2 44 NWSW 16 20N 45 E2 17 20N 4E CASCADE 46 NW 17 20N 4E CASCADE 47 NE 18 20N 4E CASCADE 48 W2 18 20N 4E CASCADE 49 W2SW 6 20N 5E CASCADE 5E CASCADE 50 W2NW 7 20N 51 E2E2SE 34 21N 3E CASCADE 52 NE 35 21N 3E CASCADE 53 S2SWNW 35 21N 3E CASCADE 54 S2 35 21N 3E CASCADE 55 NWSE 36 21N 3E CASCADE 56 W2 36 21N 3E CASCADE 57 S2S2N2 31 21N 4E CASCADE 58 S2 31 21N 4E CASCADE 59 S2N2 32 21N 4E CASCADE 60 S2 32 21N 4E CASCADE September 9,2010 « » 41QJ 123411-00 - -w- Page 3 of 3 Post Decree Abstract Remarks: THE WATER RIGHTS FOLLOWING THIS STATEMENT ARE SUPPLEMENTAL WHICH MEANS THE RIGHTS HAVE OVERLAPPING PLACES OF USE. THE RIGHTS CAN BE COMBINED TO IRRIGATE ONLY OVERLAPPING PARCELS. EACH RIGHT IS LIMITED TO THE FLOW RATE AND PLACE OF USE OF THAT INDIVIDUAL RIGHT. THE SUM TOTAL VOLUME OF THESE WATER RIGHTS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT PUT TO HISTORICAL AND BENEFICIAL USE. 123408-00 123410-00 123411-00 THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS WERE AMENDED BY THE CLAIMANT ON 07/10/2006: VOLUME AND PLACE OF USE. STARTING IN 2008, PERIOD OF DIVERSION WAS ADDED TO MOST CLAIM ABSTRACTS, INCLUDING THIS ONE. THIS APPROPRIATION OF WATER TAKES WATER FROM THE MISSOURI RIVER, FROM HOLTER DAM TO SUN RIVER DRAINAGE (BASIN 41 QJ ) AND USES IT IN THE MISSOURI RIVER, FROM SUN TO MARIAS RIVERS DRAINAGE (BASIN 41Q ) AND THE SUN RIVER DRAINAGE (BASIN 41K ). ANY OBJECTION TO THIS RIGHT MAY BE FILED DURING THE OBJECTION PERIODS FOR EITHER THE POINT OF DIVERSION OR PLACE OF USE BASIN.

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