Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Salinity Sources <br /> <br /> <br />47% Natural Sources <br />37% Irrigation <br />12% Reservoir <br />Evaporation <br />3% Exports <br />1% M&I <br /> <br />For each milligram per liter that salinity <br />increases at Imperial Dam, total <br />damages to crops and municipal water <br />users increase $450,000 annually. If the <br />concentrations reach 1200 mg/L or more <br />by year 2000, as some have predicted, <br />annual losses could amount to as much <br />as $165 million. WITHOUT any control <br />measures, mineral salts would continue <br />to concentrate and agriculture in the <br />Southwest could be drastically <br />impacted. <br /> <br />A question often asked is, "What steps <br />does a project go through before it can <br />be constructed?" Although there is no <br />"typical" project, this is generally how <br />the process works. <br /> <br />Two technical challenges complicate <br />the study and the implementation of <br />salinity control: (1) identification and <br />quantification of water and salt <br />movement processes and (2) brine <br />disposal. Water and Power is studying <br />ground water and salt movement and, <br />where possible, implementing on-site <br />verification programs to assure control <br />measures work as predicted. We are also <br />studying alternatives to current methods <br />of onsite brine disposal. One innovative <br /> <br />Total sequence, from the request for <br />appraisal study to start of construction, <br />will take about 7 years. Normally, the <br />appraisal report takes 1 to 2 years; it <br />takes 3 to 4 years to complete the <br /> <br />Appraisal Feasibility Investigation <br />Study & Report <br /> <br />The actual schedules for salinity control 1-2 years 3-4 years <br />units are shown on the bar chart on <br />pages 4 and 5 of the newsletter and will <br />be a regular feature. <br /> <br />option involves a pipeline collector <br />study to use saline water to support <br />energy development. These challenges <br />will be discussed in future issues. <br /> <br />The salinity problem has many complex <br />issues with no single, encompassing <br />solution. Man's future consumptive use <br />of water will have the most direct impact <br />on river salinity. Therefore, future <br />program efforts will emphasize early <br />completion of control units to maintain <br />salinity standards while consumptive <br />uses expand to meet evolving needs. <br />Water and Power is seeking cost- <br />effective solutions to increased salinity <br />in the Colorado River with the continued <br />support of the Colorado River Basin <br />States and other water users. With the <br />assistance of the affected publics, <br />industry, and other governmental <br />agencies, it is my hope that the problems <br />we face will be refocused as <br />opportunities. <br /> <br />~ ..,~tI.. <br /> <br />M.J. Clinton <br />Chief, Colorado River <br />Water Quality Office <br /> <br />feasibility investigations, report, and <br />environmental impact statement; and 1 <br />to 2 years to do the Definite Plan Report. <br />Local sponsorship and interest is <br />necessary throughout this entire <br />process. <br /> <br />Preconstruc - <br />tion Planning <br /> <br />1-2 <br />years <br /> <br />2 or <br />more <br />years <br /> <br />