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1*'\. (Jtj !'-',,' >: J ~ . .:/J lv~ . 'tf/ 8.d~1'7/ ;rf~ ~ ~RE 0, UNITED STATES 1m Ir ' CEIVED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR p.7tL DEe 09 BUREAU OF RECLANATION ./ l- fl 1976 UPPER COLORADO REGION COLa WAr CONSERVA'T!ON ER NOTICE OF INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION BOARD / >'.b Name of Investigation: Lower Gunnison Basin Unit, Water Systems Improvement, Colorado River Hater Qual~ity Improvement Program Location of Investigation: Lower Gunnison Basin, Colorado Date Investigation Initiated: Data collection began Feasibility analysis is scheduled for FY 1977. is scheduled for completion in Septenlber 1978. during FY 1976. The feasibility report 1. Scope of Investigation: The primary pnrpose of this investigation is to determine the salt loading to the Colorado Ri"er System which results from canal seepage and develop feasibility level proposals to control this salt contribution. The effects of irrigation management practices on salt loading will also be considered. Authority for this investigation is found in Public Law 93-320 approved June.24, 1974 which states in part that the Secretary of Interior shall implement the salinity control policy adopted at the EPA enforcement conference held in April 1972. One of the recommendations from the April 1972 conference was to implement a salinity policy for the Colorado River System which would maintain lower basin water salinity at or below present levels while the upper basin continues to develop its compact - apportioned waters. 2. Problems: Increased salinity concentrations in the lower reaches of the Colorado River will adversely affect municipal, industrial and agricultural uses. Present salinity concentrations in the Colorado River range from SO mg/l at the head waters to average concentrations of about 850 mg/l at Imperial Dam. The projected concentration of total dissolved solids at Imperial Dam for the year 2000 is estimated to be 1300 mg/l if no salinity reduction measures are instituted. The Lower Gunnison Basin contributes about 1,100,000 tons of salt annually to the Colorado River System. The systems improvement and irrigation management programs could reduce the salt load by an estimated 300,000 tons annually which would result in a reduction of 27 mg/l in salinity concentration at Imperial Dam. Reduction in canal seepage and excess runoff from irrigation will cause a reduction in wet lands and phreatophyte growth which provides wildlife habitat. 3. Prospective Solutions: The investigations are intended to be carried out under Multiple Objective Planning to deternline the most feasible means to accomplish a reduction in salt loading from the Lower Gunnison Basin due to reduction of canal seepage and improved irrigation practices. Meetings will be held with Federal, State, and local interests to discuss and determine the problems and needs of the area affected by this program. The enhancement and protection of environmental quality will be investigated.