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Intensive sampling missions -depending on locale, 4 to 6 per year for 3 years Analytical tests- about 400 samples, depending on locale the suite of constituents would vary - In the upper Basin likely would sample 6 sites 4 times per year for select metals, nutrients and organic carbon - Between Canon City and Pueblo Reservoir, likely sample 7 sites 6x/yr for nutrients and organic carbon, possibly selenium and manganese - In the lower Basin (below Pueblo), about 45 - 55 sites would be sampled 5x/yr, tributaries would be sampled near the mouth and near the upstream edge of the irrigated areas. Multiple samples would be collected at selected sites during 4 of the intensive sampling events. Constituents would include dissolved solids, selenium, uranium, nutrients, and some pesticides at selected sampling events. Man-hours analysis -about 1,600 man hours per year Statewide Interest The issue of potential stateline water quality standards, as has been introduced by the State of Kansas, should be a matter of statewide concern. While water quality guaranties are not provided for in the Arkansas River Compact the 20 plus years of litigation in Colorado ~~ Kansas does illustrate that proactive, preventive solutions to sources of controversy are beneficial to all interests. Data that enables a better analysis of water quality issues in the Arkansas Basin will be useful to water project developers that must answer questions about such impacts both under federal environmental requirements and Colorado's new legislation allowing water quality impairment to be raised in water court cases. Irrigation interests will also benefit from having better information about the impacts of their water use as the regulatory climate tightens and perhaps removes some of the agricultural exemptions currently provided under Clean Water Act. These issues were discussed at the August meeting of the SB 181 Water Quality /Water Quantity Coordination Team and the Water Quality Control Division is supportive of the proposal and will be looking for ways to provide both technical and perhaps financial assistance. In addition, staff from the WQCD has informed the CWCB that Governor Ritter has made resolution water quality issues on Fountain Creek in particular, and the Arkansas in general, one of his administrations highest public health and natural resource priorities. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends the Board request that the General Assembly authorize $100,000 from the Construction Fund to be appropriated to the CWCB for the Arkansas River Basin Water Quality Baseline Study. CWCB staff will be available to answer questions about this proposal.