WSP12263

• File Number: 8272.500
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control - Colo Dept of Public Health - WQCC and WQCD
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 10/1/1990
• Author: WQCD
• Title: Colorado Nonpoint Source Management Program - Prepared to Fulfill the Requirements of Section 319 of the Clean Water Act
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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One of the requirements of Section 319 is that each state should review
relevant federal financial assistance programs and projects which may affect
water quality through nonpoint sources. A comprehensive list has been'
developed and included in this management program.

. Chapter IV
AGRICULTURE/SILVICULTURE NONPOINT SOURCE PROGRAM

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Agriculture/silviculture includes the cultivation of cropland, the raising of
livestock and the harvesting of forest products. This broad definition
includes nonpoint source generating activities such as irrigated and dryland
farming, grazing activities, feedlots, tree harvesting and road construction
on public lands. The assessment report delineates 2;200 miles of stream
affected by agriculture/silviculture activities as well as 16,000 surface
acres of water bodies. Also underground water supplies .are impacted in some
areas. Sediment, salinity and nutrients are the primary pollutants.

streambank erosion is attributed to a vast majority'of the sedimerit problems
in the state. Thsrefore, both site specific demonstration projects and
statewide programs have been deyeloped to control this source.

Sedimentation from forestlands is mainly caused by road construction and/or
maintenance. Other timber harvesting practices produce erosion and sediment,
but since 80-90% of the sediment involved roads, the Task Force felt that it
would primarily concentrate on activities involving roads at this time.

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A list of projects has been included in the management program. These l~sted
watersheds are recommend for implementation of BMP's to improve water qua~ity
currently impacted by agriculture/silvlcultu~e nonpoint source activities. .

Chapter V
URBAN AND CONSTRUCTION RUNOFF IN COLORADO

Uncontrolled runoff from construction sites pose a threat. to Colorado's
waters. Runoff can contain nutrients, metals, organic materials and suspended
sediments. These pollutants have the potential of adversely impacting.
beneficial uses of the receiving waters. Most of the urban and construction
problems have been identified as being of medium severity.

In addressing urban and construction runoff priorities, the regulatory program
which the EPA has proposed for stormwater discharges also must be considered.
Implementation of these regulations in the 1990s will move some urban runoff
sites from a nonpoint source to a point source concern.

The Best Management Practices (BMP's) suggested in this management program
fall into two categories. First of all, erosion control BMP's .which are
intended to provide improved water quality from construction areas. Second,
long term or urban BMP's which are intended to reduce elements such as
phosphorus and nitrate which stimulate aquatic weeds and algae and, which
serve as long term treatment devices.

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