4000

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 4000
• Author: U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Title: Report on Water For Energy in the Upper Colorado River Basin.
• USFW Year: 1974.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

Most of this increase would be needed to meet projected increases
in recreation use and livestock production. Minor increases would
be needed for fisheries, timber production, and domestic purposes.

Effect of Salinity Control Measures - Subsequent energy development
in the basin is expected to directly affect water quality. Salt
loading due to energy development will be insignificant in compari-
son to the concentrating effects of the consumptive use projected
for these developments with the possible exception of salt leaching
from spent disposal piles. The relative impact of each development
is dependent upon (1) its location (i.e., the quality of water
withdrawn) and (2) the method of disposal of the diverted salt
load. Therefore, the determination of the effects of energy
development on the salinity of the Colorado River involves an
analysis of the quantity and quality of both diversions to and
return flows from the development. Comprehensive studies of these
impacts have not been made to date. However, as an example, it
has been estimated that an oil shale production of 1 million
barrels per day would result in an increased salinity concentration
of 9 mg/l at Imperial Dam if surface water were the sole source ,and
there are no return flows, if no other changes from present conditions
occurred.

The Bureau of Reclamation has projected that with forseeable develop-
ment and without a control program salinity levels at Imperial Dam
will increase from the present modified value of 865 mg/l to 1,160 mg/l
by the year 2000. In recognition of such effects from proposed
developments, the Secretary of Interior has been directed to make
water quality studies and to devise plans for salinity improvements.
The Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program (CRWQIP) is a
10-year salinity control investigation aimed at maintaining salinity
levels at or near their present levels in the lower main stem.
Recent legislation,"The Colorado River Salinity Control Act of
1974," authorized construction of four elements, three of which
are located in the Upper Basin - the Paradox Valley Unit, the
Grand Valley Unit, and the Crystal Geyser Unit. Investigations
will continue on the following units in the Upper Basin:

(1) Irrigation Source Control
(a) Lower Gunnison Basin
(b) Uinta Basin

(2) Point Source Control
(a) Glenwood - Dotsero Springs

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