The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1904-02-20

Boise, Idaho, Feb IS, 1904.
10 the Hossoradle Board Of DireetorS Of the PiOm-
eer irrigation District, CakdSOeA, Idaho.
DEAR SIRs:-
At a meeting of the stockholders of the Pio-
neer Irrigation District held in Caldwell on the 9th
day OF the present month, I was employed to
make an examination of the condition of the dis
trlct and was instructed to report the to your
selves as the Board of Directors of the district.
This action was taken, as was informed
because OF general feeling that as new issue
of bonds was needed to complete the work, it
would be in order to have the engineer who
made the original estimate explain 70 the district
the reason why this was necessary. Also that
there were rumors in circulation that the extra
cost was due to the over classification of certain
parts OF the work. I was also asked to report
particularly as to the condition of the work, as
to whether 1t was being done in accordance with
the original plans and in conformity to the con-
tracts. was asked further to report specially
as to the prospects of the completion of the work
In time for its proper use during the approaching
irrigation season.
was directed to cooperate with Mr.. He'd
den' the Chief Engineer of the District, and with
Messrs Boyd and Weymouth, who were appoint
ed by the chairman for that purpose.
Together with these gentlemen have made
careful examination of every part of the work,
and have also examined the notes and estimates
OF the Chief Engineer, and the accounts of the
Secretary of the District. The fullest facilities
were given to me and my associates, and every
possible assistance has been given by the Chief
Engineer and the Secretary of the District.
The subject will be considered in the follow
ing order:
Hst. Has the work been done in conformity
with the original plans?
2nd Is the classification of the work in
accordance with the contract?
3rd. Why it is necessary to issue more
ponds Tor the completion Of the work?
4th. What is the present condition of the
construction work and what are the prospects
for its completion
1st' The work generally has been carried
out as set forth in the official plan of operations,
out certain changes have been made. On the
Phyllis the grade Of the side hill section has been
reduced by lowering the floor of the headgates
three and quarter feet below the present level
This reduces the velocity and the tendency TO
scour on the side hill section where securing is
very liable to cause leaks and it also lowers the
e1eVation OF the canal at the head to a point
"nlcn WILL probably do away with the necessity
OF permanent dam for diverting the water of
the river into the canal. The lowering of the
bottom of the canals has, however, increased the
excavation on the level section near the head
gates and has also increased the cost of the head
gates.
The slope of the cut on the side hill section
OF the Phyllis has been reduced from zone and
quarter to one" to lone to one" This keeps the
water section of the canal farther in the ground
and Is tritie safer, but will cause little more
work in cleaning out the gravel which will fall
more readily from the sleeper slopes.
On the Caldwell canal it has been decided 70
stop the canal at Indian creek using the old canal
oeyono that point A few changes have been
made IN the location of this canal causing heavier
work in order to avoid right of way damages.
The original plan contemplated the use of wooden
culVerts' but the District is using vitri6ed CLAW
sewer pipe with cement joints. This is far bet
'et' ana much cheaper in the end, though con-
'lueraoly more expensive in first cost. 1 strongly
recommend that the original plan of a puddle
french on the side hill section of the PHYLLIS
'nouio De carried out, but do not think it essen.
nal 10 make 1t cover SO long a stretch as was at
lIst intended, although it would be money vva11
spent to carry this trench over the whole side
nl section If there is time to complete it before
me canal is needed In any case would urqe
nat all that section where breaks have ever m.
;urred should be trenched thoroughly. The