WSP12152

• File Number: 8273.800.10
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Federal Agencies - Joint Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 12/1/1989
• Title: 1989 Joint Evaluation of Salinity Control Programs in the Colorado River Basin
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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improved as part of Phase I construction in
the GVIC service area, locating individual
deliveries and establishing lateral
alignments, and rights-of-way activities.

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Through a cooperative agreement with
Palisade Irrigation District (PID) and Mesa
County Irrigation District (MCID), more
than $47,000 was paid from October 1988 to
August 1989, Work performed included
design data collection for the first phase of
construction in the Stubb Ditch Laterals
area, negotiations for an operation and
maintenance contract, and public
involvement activities.

Concern has been expressed over the
impacts to wetland and riparian habitats
associated with construction and
implementation of the salinity control
features. The Bureau of Reclamation
purchased more than 500 acres of river
bottom lands and is seeking transfer of
more than 500 acres of adjacent BLM lands
to develop a wildlife management area in
Grand Valley. A contract providing for the
management of wildlife lands along the
Colorado River downstream of Fruita was
executed between Reclamation and the
Colorado Division of Wildlife.

USDA

Implementation continued through the year
with both CRSC and Agricultural
Conservation Program (ACP) salinity funds.
During the year, 57 CRSC contracts were
signed with participants, obligating approxi-
mately $1.5 million. Also during the year,
104 long-term agreements were signed with
participants, obligating $360,000 in ACP
salinity funds. As of September 30, 1989, a
total of 115 CRSC contracts are in effect
which obligated over $3 million. All CRSC
and ACP funds were obligated during the
year and 19 plans requiring $610,000
(CRSC funds) have been prepared and are
awaiting funding in fiscal year 1990.

Interest in the program among individuals
remains strong, with many applications on
file,

The installation of salinity reduction
practices continues at an accelerated pace.
During the year, 31.9 miles of pipeline and
concrete-lined ditches were installed. In
addition, 439 acres ofland were leveled and
other salinity reduction practices installed,
such as surge and cablegation systems to
improve 138 surface irrigation systems. In
addition, technical assistance was provided
to participants on irrigation water
management. The annual salt load
reduction achieved to date is 36,360 tons.
During the year $630,000 CRSC and
$710,000 ACP cost-share funds were paid
out to participants for the IDstallation of
salinity reduction and wildlife practices,

Increased emphasis is being placed on the
replacement of wildlife values. In fiscal
year 1989, 19 percent of the new parti-
cipants volunteered to include upland and
wetland habitat improvement practices in
their contracts. Practices include ponds,
fencing, shallow water areas and habitat
plantings, To further support the voluntary
wildlife habitat program, SCS recently
located a wildlife biologist in the Grand
Junction field office, This biologist provides
full-time assistance on the wildlife habitat
replacement program, including
coordination with other agencies.

An Extension Agent (Irrigation) is located in
the Grand Valley and provides assistance on
the CRSC program. During the year, a
monthly newsletter (The Waterline) was
sent to more than 4,000 recipients. A
computer spreadsheet for evaluation of
surge irrigation systems was developed and
slide/tape presentations were prepared for
surge and cablegation systems. Field visits
were made to assist water users with
irrigation water management and to
encourage the adoption of salinity reduction
practices.

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