WSP12679 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Canal ufldcrgrounding operation in process 10 THE SALTON SEA RESOURCE CHALLENGES The District is not single. focused on the Salton Sea as the drainage reservoir for pro. ductive agriculture in Imperial Valley, 110 has taken an active role to preserve this resource that has developed over the years. Many variables affect the sea including drain water quality. Mexican inflows, crop rotations and weather, During 1993, heavy rains in the winter months raised the level of the sea almost a foot above the previous year, which threatened some of the fields and structures around the sea. In 1994 the 110 Board of Directors unanimously approved an emergency program to alleviate potential flooding around the sea, The three-year program will raise the ele- vation of Salton Sea dikes and drain banks as well as pump some drainS. To lund the estimated $6.8 million program. the Board also approved a $.50 per acre. loot increase in the water rate to begin in ]995, This increase is earmarked lor the Salton Sea emergency program, which will be reviewed al the end of the third year. Aside from flooding issues the District has also been an active participant in the Salton Sea Authority. The authority was formed by the District, Imperial County. Riverside County and (oachella Valley Water District to seek solutions to the problems of increased salinity of the sea and stabilizing ]evels, The authority's first action was to host a symposium in January of 1994. The first Salton Sea Symposium gathered many experts in various aspects that affei:! the sea. Historical. biological, recreational and commercial impacts and uses were addressed by the presenters and the audience. Over 200 participants gave high marks to the symposium. For the Salton Sea, ]994 was a dynamic year. Renewed efforts were focused through the emergency program to control the flooding threat and to look lor the best manage. ment of the Salton Sea resource area,