WSP10985

• File Number: 8240.300.10
• Description: San Juan River Recovery Program - Program Organization and Mission
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 2/1/1995
• Author: SJRRIP
• Title: San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

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the aquatic community.

3.4.2 Course of Aotion

3.4.2.1 Research

a. Historic water quality information on the San Juan
River will be compiled, evaluated, and synthesized.
Because of the potential to impact the contribution of
the flows of the Animas River through development of
the Animas-La Plata Project, particular emphasis will
be given to the Animas River and other tributaries and
their contributions to the water quality of the
mainstem San Juan River.

b. Types and sources of contaminants will be identified
and characterized.

c. Research will be initiated to determine and quantify
the biological effects of various forms of selenium and
other contaminants, such as pOlycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PABs), on survival, growth, and
reproduction of endangered fishes and other native fish
species.

d. Changes in water chemistry will be investigated and
compared to the hydrologic cycle as well as to identify
changes caused by inflows and discharges.

e. A monitoring program will be instituted at a series of
sites to systematically characterize the water quality
of used and potential habitats of the endangered fish
species in addition to sampling the problem areas.
This program will also be used to evaluate the
effectiveness of any recovery action initiated as a
result of this research.

3.4.2.2 Recovery

a. Numerous studies and monitoring programs have produced
data on different aspects of water quality in the San
Juan River basin. A data base, utilizing existing
information, will be developed. This information will
form the basis upon which to evaluate and characterize
current conditions and to determine courses of action
for remedying any identified problems. Expansion of
environmental monitoring, in concert with specific
investigations on both acute and chronic biOlogical
responses of the native community to contaminants, will
be implemented to increase and improve the data base
for consideration of water quality issues in recovery