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000323 2. Brine stream disposal alternatives ~ The current plan for the disposal of the YDP brine stream is to discharge it through the MODE to the Cienega. The high concentration of salts in the brine stream could do damage to the ecosystem ofthe Cienega. In order to avoid this impact, a new brine pipeline may be needed which terminates somewhere other than the Cienega or at least at the southern end of the Cienega near the Gulf of California. Other options include blending the brine stream with better quality water or disposal to a new location where it may provide an environmental benefit. 3. Yuma area drainage collection pipelines ~ Proposals that envision increased drainage pumping may require additional plumbing features. New wells may need to be drilled and new collection canals and pipelines may be needed. If the salinity of the drainage water is such that it cannot be discharged into the Colorado River above Morelos Dam, it may need to be transported to the YDP for treatment prior to use to meet Treaty obligations or as a municipal water supply. 4. Mexican drainage collection infrastructure ~ Proposals that envision increased drainage pumping or construction of tile drains in Mexico may require expanded or new infrastructure. If the intention is to capture the drainage water and use it for environmental purposes, then the drain water must be delivered to the Cienega or some other desirable end use point. 5. Potable water delivery pipelines ~ Proposals that envision use of treated water from the YDP to be used for direct delivery for M&I purposes will require new delivery infrastructure. The pipelines could be constructed on a bi- national basis with the U.S. bearing the costs associated with U.S. deliveries and Mexico bearing the cost associated with Mexican deliveries. V. Considerations in Developing a Preferred Solution In consideration of the wide array of available solution components, the Workgroup believes that it is important to recognize factors that make some alternatives preferable to others. No attempt has been made to formally rank alternatives, but the Workgroup informally used these factors to develop its recommendations. These factors include the following: A. Complexity ~ Complex solutions that will require multiple layers of approvals, funding, or implementation are less likely to be implemented. While complex problems often result in complex solutions, the Workgroup favored simpler plans that would be more likely to be implemented. B. Cost and the ability to obtain funding ~ It is likely that all plans will be expensive. Less costly plans are more likely to be funded and therefore implemented. If feasible, cost sharing by identified beneficiaries would also improve the chances of obtaining funding. C. Timing ~ The Workgroup believes that timing is critical and that a dual track approach regarding the timing of implementation is necessary. A short-term solution is one that can be initiated quickly and may provide partial or full relief Recommendations of the YDP/Cienega Workgroup 16