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Department of Agriculture (USDA) eolorado River Salinity Control program, and in 1987 Congress appropriated the initial funds for im- plementation. Under this program, farmers within designated salinity control areas agree, by means of long-term contracts, to install salinity reduction practices. The USDA program is underway in the Grand Valley, Lower Gunnison and McElmo Creek areas in eolorado, and in the Uintah Basin area of Utah and the Big Sandy River area in Wyoming. 1. PARADOX VALLEY UNIT The Paradox brine collection system, treatment facility and disposal well have been completed and testing will start in the spring of 1991. In the fall of1990, some equipment testing took place to insure that pumps and other such equipment were working properly. Pre-flooding of the receiving aquifer with fresh water will begin in preparation for a two-year test injection. The two-year testing program consists of verification and refinement of wel1 field, controlling brine inflow to the river, design data collection, verification of techniques to control chemical precipitation, and testing of the injection well and receiving aquifer properties. This data will be used to supplement the definite plan report and final environ- mental statement. 2. GRAND VALLEY UNIT Reclamation's canal and lateral lining program will continue in 1991. Construction on the West End Canal and Laterals will be completed this year, reducing salinity by additional 20,000 tons per year. eonstruction on the private system is scheduled to commence this year under construc- tion cooperative agreements with the Palisade and Mesa County Irriga- tion Districts. In 1991, over 1,000 acres ofland will be in development as wildlife habitat replacement. Salinity control actions were initiated in the Grand Valley in 1979 under existing USDA authorities. In 1987 funding became available for im- plementation under the USDA Colorado River Salinity Control program. As of September 30, 1990, 367 miles of underground pipelines, gated pipe, and concrete-lined ditch have been installed. In addition, 4,000 acres of land have been leveled and other salinity reduction practices in- stalled such as surge, drip and cablegation irrigation systems. In addition, wildlife habitat practices are being applied. Technical assistance is provided to all participants on irrigation water management. The annual salt-load reduction achieved is 39,000 tons. 67