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c:..., (:;:J (0 -..l Page 46, the following sentence is inserted at the end of the first complete paragraph: "The Bureau of Reclamation and the 208 agency should coordinate and consult with each other on the studies and investigations of the Lower Virgin River as part of the public involvement process." California Farm Bureau Federation The spokesman for the Federation endorsed, in general, the proposed revision. The Federation in no way wishes to interfere with the other basin states' right to develop their compact-apportioned waters, however, the Federation is con- cerned with the provision of the plan which allows for tempo- rary increases in salinity above 1972 levels should water development projects be completed before control measures are brought on line. The Federation recommends that off- setting salinity control units be completed within 30 days of water development projects. The Forum believes the Federation recommendation is unrealistic. The federal regulations of December 18, 1974, under which the original salinity standards were prepared stated in part: "(iv) Salinity levels in the lower main stem may temporarily increase above the 1972 levels if control measures to offset the increases are included in the control plan. However, compliance with 1972 levels shall be a primary consideration." The plan of implementation includes sufficient salinity control measures to offset the salinity increases caused by the 1990 level of development. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California MWD fully supports the recommended numeric criteria and the revised plan of implementation. The District is concerned about the delays that have occurred in the sched- uled completion dates for the salinity control projects and urges the Bureau to expedite its program. The District made no recommendations for changes in the report. John E. Hiatt, Las Vegas The statement recommended that the Bureau concern itself with the salinity impact of reservoir evaporation. He urged the Bureau to re-evaluate its program for river operation and storage, to either minimize reservoir evapora- tion or eliminate it. No recommendations were made for changes in the Forum report. 3 j, "'~. iL..v;