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<br />00il3J6 <br /> <br />Implement a monitoring system and advanced research program in the Cienega. <br /> <br />Identify and implement other programs that are not directly related to the bypass <br />flows which will reduce the risk that a Lower Basin shortage will be declared as a <br />result of the recent extraordinary drought. <br /> <br />. Adopt a long-term plan involving a combination of components that can be phased <br />in over several years. <br /> <br />Continue to implement advanced water conservation practices in the WMIDD in <br />order to reduce its need for drainage pumpage. <br /> <br />Investigate and develop an adjustment to the Salinity Control Act that would <br />modify the terms and conditions defining when there would be a national <br />obligation to offset the bypass flow. The obligation could be deferred when <br />mainstream reservoirs are high and hydrologic conditions are such that bypass <br />flow replacement would not result in meaningful improvements to long-term <br />system storage. <br /> <br />Continue, and permanently establish, the shortage alleviation contingency fund <br />described in the short-term plan. <br /> <br />Continue the voluntary consumptive use and forbearance program based on the <br />results of the pilot program. <br /> <br />Water inflow to the Cienega should be continued at the appropriate quantity and <br />quality levels to maintain, or when feasible improve, its value as a wildlife and <br />ecological reserve. Water supply should be provided from the WMIDD bypass <br />flow or from other sources as appropriate. Adaptive management ofthe <br />Cienega's environmental values should be based on the findings of the monitoring <br />and research programs. <br /> <br />A program to reduce Colorado River water lost due to changed water orders or <br />storm water inflows should be implemented. The United States should be given <br />proportional credit for its investments in extraordinary water salvage as a <br />substitute supply to offset the national obligation to replace the bypass flow. <br /> <br />The remaining component ofthe bypass flow replacement should be achieved <br />through the development of additional excess groundwater in the Yuma area. <br /> <br />To the extent that the YDP is needed to desalinate Yuma area groundwater, the <br />Plant's product water should be used for municipal and industrial (M&I) purposes <br />in the United States and Mexico. Operation and maintenance ofthe YDP would <br />need to be adjusted to conform to an M&I demand schedule. <br /> <br />Executive Summary <br />Recommendations of the YDP/Cienega Workgroup <br /> <br />III <br />