WSP11564

• File Number: 8281.970
• Description: Colorado River Studies and Investigations -- Great Basin Comprehensive Framework Study
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 6/1/1971
• Title: Appendix XV - Water Quality - Pollution Control and Health Factors -- Great Basin Region Comprehensive Framework Study
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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The present knowledge of ground water quality is not sufficient
to fully evaluate the presence or extent of ground water pollution. ,
An expanded monitoring program is needed to better define the present
water quality and the subsurface travel and fate of pollutants.
Mansgement' programs should be implemented to protect the quality
of ground water.

More knowledge is needed to evaluate long-term exposure of
pesticides on biological forms and to develop criteria for control-
ling pesticides. Further research into the development of effective,
short-life pesticides or suitable substitutes is needed.

With the tre~endous thermal pollution potential of,the pro-
jected 36-fold increase in electric power production, it is exceed-
ingly fortunate that waste heat from power generation is amenable
to treatment or control at a reasonable cost. Information presented
in the Electric Power Appendix indicates that use of cooling ponds
or towers is planned for future power generating works.

The selection of appropriate sites for locating power plants so
as to minimize environmental damage poses a significant challenge to
both the industry and government. Environmental concerns will neces-
sitate the consideration of many more factors in the planning of
power, production facilities than has been the practice in the past.
In addition to thermal pollution control, a number of other selection
factors make siting very complicated--aesthetic impact, availability
of water supply, safety,' air pollution control, access to transpor-
tation and others. Installation of facilities, such as cooling towers
to control :thermal pollution will affect cost factors and require more
space for ~he plant and may make it more difficult to meet aesthetic
goals. Sit,ing is likely to become an increasingly difficult and con-
troversislfactor in the continued growth of power production. Plan-
ning for electric power plant siting should be expanded with the ulti-
mate objective of developing a long~range siting plan.

Data on morbidity and mortality indicate that the incidence
of potential water and vector-borne disease in the Region is suf-
ficient to emphasize the need for increased water hygiene and vec-
tor control activities at the present time.

Comprehensive programs for protection of the public health must
be developed as water and related land resources development proceeds.
Moreover, present programs need to be expanded to Provide better pro-
tection of the public health. There is a need for continuous and
close liaison and cooperation between the public health agencies and
those concerned with the development and use of land and water re-
sources from the early planning stages through construction and
operation of projects.

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The problem of mosquito control along with that of various
other disease vectors has always been of considerable magnitude
in certain areas of the Great Basin Region. This problem has
existed not only from the standpoint of annoyance associated with