WSP09821

• File Number: 8276.200
• Description: Paradox Valley Unit - Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 9/7/1978
• Title: General News Articles/Press Releases: Sept 1978 - Nov 1981
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: News Article/Press Release

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UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR
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* * * * * * * * * * * mf'*'~r-.J *l.-,*'*'.Jrt * *news release
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 'l: SEP 13 1978 . Rusho-80l/524-5403
Upper Colorado Region ~L:",_'_H .
Salt Lake City, Utah COLu.
CONSERV 1>1 _' _ ,,,.;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 7, 1978

PARADOX VALLEY TESTING PROGRAM BEGINS

A two-year testing program has been initiated as part of investiga-

tions for the Paradox Valley Unit (located in Montrose and San Miguel counties in

southwest Colorado) of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project. Bureau

of Reclamation Regional Director N. W. Plummer reported that a pipeline system is

being installed to convey the concentrated salt present in the groundwater system

from a series of wells on both sides of the Dolores River to a temporary disposal

pond on the north end of the valley. Removal of the salty groundwater from the

well field should prevent it from surfacing in the Dolores River and subsequently

entering the Colorado River system.

The Bureau presented its Paradox Salinity Control plan to the public
in the Paradox Valley Unit draft environmental impact statement. This statement
was filed May 11, 1978, with the Environmental Protection Agency and was made
available to the public on that date. The environmental impact statement detailed
the proposed plan to construct facilities in Paradox Valley to reduce the inflow
of salt to the Dolores River. A hearing was held June 17 in Nucla, Colorado, at
which comments were received on the environmental impacts of the proposed project.
The final environmental impact statement, to be completed this fall, will respond
to the concerns and views received on the draft statement and will reflect results
of preliminary tests already performed and now underway. Preliminary information
and cumulative impacts for the Paradox Valley Unit and other salinity control units
have been presented in a final environmental statement dated May 19, 1977, on the
Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program.

The two-year testing program will consist of two phases. In the first
phase the well yielding the most salt will be tested independently beginning in
October after the pipeline section from the temporary pond to the test well has
been completed. A pilot plant, located in the well field, will be tested to

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