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

.,

6. Demonstration Proiects

~.."
l:rA
\~
-

Part of the USDA response to the President's Water Quality Initiative is
to establish large scale demonstrations to encourage the accelerated
adoption of currently available and new technology for water quality
improvement. Cost share assistance is provided through the Agricultural
Conservation Program/ leadership for the projects is shared between the
Extension Service and Soil COnservation Service. A limited number of
projects will be funded ,throughout the country/ in 1990, 6 were funded and,
another 6 ,will be funded in 1991.

9. Hvdroloaic Unit Areas

Another part of the USDA response is the hydrologic unit area water
quality project. The purpose is to accelerate technical and cost share
assistance to landusers to address agricultural nonpoint sources of
pollution. Leadership is shared between the Soil Conservation service and
Extension Service, with cost share assistance available through ACP;' A
total of 275 'areas are expected to be funded in a five year period.

III. State Proarams 'and Aaencies Involved in Nonooint Source control

Several agencies of State government are involved in land management and
funding programs. These programs may be accessed to improve uponnonpoint
source problems in Colorado.

A. State Board of Land Commissioners

This Board, appointed by the Governor, oversees activities on all, state-owned
lands. Since' the Land Board administers 3,000,000 surface acres ~f land and
4,000,000 million acres of mineral rights, the potential for ,impact from these
lands is great. ~he Land Board leases state lands for a number of purposes
which produce revenues for the state school system. These lands are utilized
for' grazing and croplands, timber prOduction, and mineral production. Many of'
the watersheds identified as impacted by nonpoint sources in Colorado contain
state lands. In the future, an agreement between the Land Board and the Water
Quality'(WQCC and WQCD) agencies may be necessary to ensure protection of
water quality. The Land Board also,administers a Land and Wate~ Improvement
Fund. This fund established by state law provides up to $75,000.00 per year
to be used for improvements to soil and water resources located on state
lands. This fund may be used for water quality improvements including
nonpoint source programs.

B. Mined Land Reclamation Board and Division

The Mined Land Reclamation Board, appointed by the Governor, and its
administrative staff, the Mined Land Reclamation Division, are involved in
both the prevention of water quality problems from existing mining operations
and rehabilitation of old mining sites.

Page 26

"
,

J