WSP12337

• File Number: 8272.300.50
• Description: Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 12/31/1998
• Author: CRBSC Advisory Counc
• Title: 1998 Annual Report on the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

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1998 ANNUAL REPORT

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..... portion of the salinity control efforts in FY 98 and FY 99. The $12 million level was identified in
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the 1997 Advisory Council report and is again recommended in this 1998 report. This funding
recommendation is necessary to move forward with the agreed to plan of implementation contained
in the 1996 Review. Water Quality Standards for Salinity. Colorado River System. June 1996. The
Review's conclusions, recommendations and the plan of implementation contained therein, required
by the Clean Water Act, were formally supported by the USDA testimony at public hearings as the
Review was offered to the public for comment. The Forum formally adopted the Review after
significant consultation with federal agencies, including representatives of the USDA. It has been
formally adopted by each of the Basin states and sent to the USEP A for approval. The plan of
implementation cannot be fully carried out without the anticipated support of the USDA. The
USDA's on-farm program offers some of the most cost effective opportunities for salinity control
found to be available during the many years that the salinity control program has been ongoing.
Further, the Congress has mandated that federal agencies implement the most cost effective options.

The Council believes that the designation of the special interest area can lead to additional and very

important coordination and analysis that will improve the program. The Council requests that the

USDA designate an individual to coordinate the implementation of the USDA's salinity control

efforts in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. The Council recognizes that these three states are

administered from two NRCS regions, but the Basin states have been assured in the past that

coordination can be effectuated without regard to regional boundaries. The Council made this

recommendation in its 1997 report. Oral commitments have been made by high-ranking USDA

officials but to date no action implementing this commitment has occurred. The Council observes

that the USDA program is not as effective as it might be and asks that prompt action be taken to

improve needed coordination.

COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL

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